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Tony Hawk: The Man With The $1.4 Billion Name! Burnout, Obsession & Regrets
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Tony Hawk is an American professional skateboarder, he landed the first “900” trick and has a skateboarding video game series named after him which made $1.4 billion. Topics: 00:00 Intro 02:28 Becoming the person I am today 14:07 Where does your talent come from? 17:00 My skating career & the struggles along the way 31:45 What did burnout teach you? 43:23 What’s the secret to your success? 48:37 Twelve years to master your biggest trick 57:27 Your video game made $1.4 billion 01:03:11 Ads 01:04:11 What advice would you give your younger self? 01:07:48 Intimacy & fame 01:15:40 Entrepreneurship 01:17:24 The words you never said 01:22:02 Last guest’s question Tony Hawk: Instagram: http://bit.ly/3TRcn1V Website: http://bit.ly/3TQQYWM The conversation cards waitlist is now open, join now: http://bit.ly/3ZzQfKz Join this channel to get access to perks: https://bit.ly/3Dpmgx5 Listen on: Apple podcast - https://apple.co/3TTvxDf Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3VX3yEw Follow: Instagram - https://bit.ly/3CXkF0d Twitter - https://bit.ly/3wBA6bA Linkedin - https://bit.ly/3z3CSYM Telegram - https://g2ul0.app.link/SBExclusiveCommun Sponsors: Airbnb: https://bit.ly/3ZDyvPD Wework: https://we.co/ceo Huel: https://g2ul0.app.link/G4RjcdKNKsb
Segments Timeline
From Outcast to Icon
Tony Hawk shares his journey from being bullied as a child to becoming a world-renowned skateboarder. He reflects on how skateboarding provided him with a sense of identity and community, despite the challenges he faced in high school. Hawk discusses the unexpected fame that came with his success and the impact it had on his personal relationships.
"I'm either gonna make this or get taken away on a stretch it changed my life completely how could you prepare for anything like that Tony Hawk began riding a skateboard when he was nine years old and ..."
The Obsession That Drove Me
Hawk delves into his obsession with skateboarding, describing it as a form of medicine that helped him cope with bullying and a lack of success in team sports. He explains how this passion fueled his determination to improve and find a sense of purpose, ultimately shaping his identity and self-confidence.
"[Music] foreign [Music] not sure if you've ever listened to this podcast before but I'm quite predictable with how I start these conversations and I'll I'll be transparent in terms of my rationale um ..."
Finding My Place in Skateboarding
Tony Hawk discusses the pivotal moments in his early skateboarding career, including the support from his family and the sense of belonging he found within the skateboarding community. He reflects on how skateboarding became a refuge for him, allowing him to express himself creatively and connect with others.
"from skating even the top skaters so what was it it was just an obsession and um I wanted to do it as best I could always even even when I reached the top of the ranks of competition I still want to g..."
The Role of Family and Upbringing
Hawk opens up about his family dynamics, describing his parents as somewhat distant and his upbringing as functional but lacking warmth. He shares insights into how being the youngest child influenced his personality and determination, and how he navigated his childhood with a sense of independence.
"because it was expected of me and every time I skated I got better every time I would go to the park I would learn some little new technique that would lead me to something else what was that progress..."
The Gifted Skater
Tony Hawk reflects on his academic abilities and how they coexisted with his passion for skateboarding. He discusses his early success in school and how he balanced his intelligence with his dedication to skating, ultimately realizing that he had a unique path ahead of him.
"but it just felt like oh this is just a functional household that's not full of love necessarily I'm the youngest of four um I sometimes wonder whether sometimes the youngest child of the bunch becaus..."
Skateboarding's Evolution and Acceptance
Hawk recounts the challenges of skateboarding's acceptance during his youth, including hiding his skateboard at school to avoid bullying. He contrasts the perception of skateboarding then versus now, highlighting the cultural shift that has made it more mainstream and celebrated.
"like you had of not necessarily being the best academically or in terms of smarts especially if they're distracted or preoccupied with something like sports like skateboarding one would think that Aca..."
The Thrill of Progress
Tony Hawk discusses the psychological benefits of incremental progress in skateboarding. He explains how each small improvement fueled his motivation and provided an outlet for his energy and frustrations, ultimately leading to a deeper sense of purpose.
"that's the kind of dichotomy I was living you talked about how the progress was like a motivating a driving factor that you know getting incrementally better every time you did it outside of the techn..."
Becoming a Pro Skater
Hawk shares his journey to becoming a professional skateboarder at a young age. He reflects on the significance of being sponsored and the pressures that came with competing at a high level, as well as the realization of his talent and potential.
"my peers so you started you got your first hand-me-down board at eight years old uh yeah like nine or ten yeah from your brother from my brother yeah and by 12 your your sponsored um by a sponsored ye..."
The Rise and Fall of Fame
Tony Hawk discusses the rapid rise to fame and success in his teenage years, including owning a house while still in high school. He candidly reflects on the challenges he faced during the early 90s when his career took a downturn, highlighting the unpredictability of fame in the world of skateboarding.
"you were able to do that like why you were incrementally better or you know significantly better than your peer group have you ever figured out in terms of what they call Talent why that is is it smar..."
The Rise to the Top
In this segment, Tony Hawk shares his experience of rising to prominence in the skateboarding world by the age of 16. He recounts the pressures of competition and the skepticism he faced, ultimately proving his critics wrong through consistent performance and skill.
"in that first stage it's from 16 to uh about 20 23 23 yeah and at that point I read that by 16 years old you were the best in the world you were widely right uh I I had why I was ranked number one for..."
Navigating Career Peaks and Valleys
Tony Hawk reflects on the ups and downs of his skateboarding career, detailing how he achieved early success but faced a downturn in the early 90s. He discusses the challenges of sustaining a living in a fluctuating industry and how he adapted to changing circumstances.
"was skating some of the competitions and I was doing a lot of Tours and things and then at one point I was driving home from a tour um I had sprained one ankle almost to the point of breaking it but s..."
The Shift to Entrepreneurship
Tony Hawk reveals his transition from professional skater to entrepreneur with the founding of Birdhouse at age 24. He explains how this move was initially seen as stepping back from the spotlight, yet it ultimately led to a resurgence in his skating career.
"was my way of of sort of bowing out of the spotlight and not being a so-called professional skater because there was there were very there was very little opportunity for me as a half pipe or vert ska..."
The Impact of the X Games
In this segment, Tony Hawk discusses the significance of the X Games in revitalizing his career and the skateboarding industry. He shares how the event provided new opportunities for skaters and helped him regain his competitive edge.
"the business there was a few things I think that skating had gone through Cycles in the past in the late 70s skating was the new fad it was like the if for especially in the US was like the yo-yo and ..."
Family Ties and Industry Challenges
Tony Hawk opens up about the influence of his father in the skateboarding industry and the challenges he faced due to perceived nepotism. He reflects on how these experiences shaped his resilience and determination to succeed.
"he saw he saw me and and he saw how much I loved it and he saw a very a serious lack of organization um and he was always very supportive of his kids I mean my brother was a surfer he would drive him ..."
Isolation in Success
Tony Hawk shares his feelings of isolation despite his success in skateboarding. He discusses the pressures of being a top competitor and how it affected his relationships with peers, emphasizing the emotional toll of being seen as an outcast.
"that I didn't I didn't enjoy it but it definitely lit a fire it's interesting when when people attack you in such a way or they try and discredit you especially when you're of course only when you're ..."
The Burden of Expectations
In this segment, Tony Hawk reflects on the burden of expectations that came with his success. He discusses how the pressure to perform and the perception of being a top skater impacted his love for the sport and his relationships with fellow competitors.
"in real that's the word isolated but in real terms what does that look like for a young man who's doing something that he loved he's got really [ __ ] good at it so now there's they're pointing the ca..."
Understanding Burnout
Tony Hawk delves into the concept of burnout, sharing his personal experiences with it during his competitive years. He explains how the pressures of success can diminish enjoyment, and the importance of letting go to rediscover passion in skateboarding.
"to do with me but I did have my crew I mean it wasn't completely isolated it was I had a few friends that we all had the same sense of of values and the same sort of directives for skating so um I wou..."
The Paradox of Passion and Profit
Tony Hawk discusses the paradox of pursuing a passion that becomes a profession. He reflects on how the motivations of young skaters today differ from his own, emphasizing the importance of intrinsic motivation over external rewards.
"declines which I thought was really paradoxical I wouldn't expect when you get paid to do a hobby you'd expect motivation to increase I agree with that except that when I got into skateboarding no one..."
The Weight of Expectations
Tony Hawk reflects on the burnout he experienced during his competitive skating career. He discusses how the pressure of success and the expectations from judges and peers transformed his passion into a repetitive grind, leading to a loss of enjoyment in skating. This segment highlights the emotional toll of being seen as a 'machine' and the impact of competition on personal relationships.
"um only when I started getting burned out in competition um sometime around 1988 89 uh I was doing really well in the events and it started to become repetitive for me I would go to an event I'd have ..."
Lessons from Burnout
In this segment, Tony Hawk shares the valuable lessons he learned from his experience with burnout. He emphasizes that even when doing what you love, external pressures can diminish enjoyment. Hawk discusses the importance of letting go of perfectionism and how stepping back allowed him to rediscover creativity and passion in skating, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling approach to competition.
"the term burnout is used a lot these days um people use it in in their jobs in works and in hobbies and such what what um what did that experience teach you about what causes burnout um well it it tau..."
Decoupling Identity from Success
Tony Hawk explores the challenge of separating his identity from his success as a professional skateboarder. He discusses the difficulty of maintaining personal connections while being perceived as a top competitor. This segment delves into the emotional struggles of fame and the pressure to perform, illustrating how success can create barriers between oneself and others.
"that Within Myself on my own terms and then when I came back to competing I let go of the idea of perfection I let go of the idea that I had to do the best every single time and I took way more chance..."
Navigating Fame and Disconnection
In this candid discussion, Tony Hawk reflects on the disorienting effects of fame and how it can lead to disconnection from one's true self and relationships. He shares his experiences during the height of his celebrity status and the realization that the pursuit of fame often distracts from what truly matters, such as personal fulfillment and family connections.
"everyone expected me to do well to to win the event whatever it was and there was no celebration in that there was no there was nothing that that made me feel elated it was just it was I was a machine..."
Finding Fulfillment Beyond Fame
Tony Hawk discusses the emptiness that can accompany fame and the importance of prioritizing genuine connections over celebrity culture. He shares how his experiences in the spotlight led him to reassess his values, ultimately finding greater satisfaction in being present for his children and engaging in the joy of skating rather than seeking external validation.
"connected oh for sure and I saw I saw plenty of my peers I think one one thing that saved me is that I loved the skating so much that I saw my peers get distracted with partying with the excess and th..."
The Journey of Self-Discovery
In this segment, Tony Hawk reflects on his journey of self-discovery amidst the chaos of fame. He discusses how he learned to prioritize his emotional availability to his children over the distractions of celebrity life. Hawk emphasizes the importance of being present and engaged in meaningful relationships, showcasing the transformative power of self-awareness.
"I mean a lot of the people that I saw through those years especially at the big events and stuff they they all they really wanted was to be famous and at some point I I got famous by accident and it's..."
Reconnecting with Passion
Tony Hawk shares insights on how he managed to reconnect with his passion for skating after navigating the challenges of fame and burnout. He discusses the fulfillment he finds in skating for the joy of it, rather than for accolades, and how this shift in perspective has enriched his life and relationships.
"um I I pulled it around I mean I was able to get back get be more connected um just be part of what they were doing even on a more basic level and that to me is way more fulfilling it is I mean that's..."
Mastery and Evolution in Skating
In this segment, Tony Hawk reflects on his evolution as a skateboarder, discussing the balance between technical skill and personal style. He shares insights on how he has adapted his approach to skating over the years, focusing on technical moves that keep him healthy while still allowing for creativity and expression.
"because when you were when you were my when you were a kid skating in my era all the once you reach an age of responsibility you had to quit because no one could make it wasn't anyone's job right so t..."
The Art of Staying Relevant
Tony Hawk discusses the importance of staying relevant in the ever-evolving world of skateboarding. He emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation, encouraging young skaters to embrace new influences and styles while maintaining their unique flair. This segment highlights the dynamic nature of skateboarding and the value of collaboration and innovation.
"so I kind of had I had the the gamut of of of the skating in terms of being able to do the big stuff um the dangerous stuff and also the very the very technical stuff and so as I've moved into my Twil..."
Embracing Change and Growth
In this concluding segment, Tony Hawk reflects on his journey through the ups and downs of his career. He emphasizes the importance of embracing change and being open to new experiences, both in skating and in life. Hawk's insights serve as a reminder that growth often comes from stepping outside of one's comfort zone and being willing to learn from others.
"the like core components of that level of Mastery and success and like do that you must have sometimes think like like why me because you know living such an anomalous life and becoming number one in ..."
Embracing the Uncomfortable
Tony Hawk discusses the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone in skateboarding and life. He emphasizes the balance between mastering established techniques and infusing personal flair into one's style. Hawk highlights how subjective skating allows for individual expression, making it essential to learn the rules before breaking them.
"in terms of your chosen activity sport art whatever it is um and I I love that idea that I'm getting out of my comfort zone and trying something weird and it's probably not going to work right away an..."
Skating as a Metaphor for Life
In this segment, Tony Hawk reflects on how skateboarding can serve as a metaphor for life. He shares insights on perseverance, self-belief, and the value of taking risks, both in skating and business. Hawk illustrates how overcoming challenges in skating parallels broader life lessons.
"that's what it's about I it's it it's really hard to convey and some of that has to be like you know Talent I'm struggling with the word talent but some of it uh nature of a nurture yeah sure everyone..."
The 12-Year Journey to the 900
Tony Hawk recounts his arduous 12-year journey to master the 900 trick, detailing the physical and mental challenges he faced. He explains the complexities of the trick, including the difficulty of spotting the landing zone, and shares personal anecdotes about injuries and setbacks along the way.
"you know in the greater sense uh of becoming a businessman I wasn't afraid to take risk skating I'm not afraid to take risks in business the value of not giving up and taking risks I had you spent 12 ..."
The Epiphany of the 900
Hawk describes the pivotal moment when he finally landed the 900 trick at the X Games. He shares the relief and joy of achieving this milestone after years of attempts, emphasizing the significance of that moment in his skateboarding career and how it changed the trajectory of his life.
"1999 um they're having a best trick event at the X Games and halfway into the event I did my best trick which I had planned that I had only done once before and it was a variation of a 720 it was it w..."
The Video Game Connection
In this segment, Tony Hawk discusses the synergy between landing the 900 trick and the release of his video game, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. He shares how the timing of these events created a perfect storm for skateboarding's popularity and his personal brand, leading to a significant cultural impact.
"chasing it there were other skaters that were getting pretty close to it too um but no one had figured out how to ride away once you've done it once was it easy to repeat easier to repeat yeah it took..."
A Father's Pride
Tony Hawk reflects on his father's support throughout his career and how he would have felt about the evolution of skateboarding. Hawk expresses a deep appreciation for his father's role in keeping the sport alive during challenging times and the pride he would have felt witnessing its global success.
"and then they got it in I mean and the rest is history right I guess I hoped I like to think I'm still creating it you know your father Frank he'd been such an avid huge supporter of you up until that..."
The Game-Changing Deal
Hawk shares insights into the pivotal decision to partner with Activision for his video game. He discusses the close calls he faced with other potential deals and how his choice to pursue a more accessible gaming experience ultimately led to unprecedented success and financial freedom.
"that that video game deal we all get emails and these emails often contain opportunities and sometimes we look at these emails we're trying to figure out if it's an opportunity or not sometimes it loo..."
From Skater to Global Icon
In this concluding segment, Tony Hawk reflects on the massive success of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater franchise and how it transformed him into a global icon. He discusses the unexpected nature of this success and the lasting impact it has had on skateboarding and his life.
"of my life because that game was a success to say that one and then the ones after it and the ones after it yeah how does one that might not understand the scale of that success quantify in a in a dol..."
The Role of Therapy
Tony Hawk discusses the transformative role of therapy in his life. He reflects on how therapy helped him confront compulsive behaviors and fears of intimacy, allowing him to build healthier relationships. Hawk shares his journey towards self-discovery and the importance of seeking help to navigate personal challenges.
"to have that kind of success especially in video games is reserved for someone like Madden or Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto I mean it's you know to have it be your name was wild and and nowadays I ..."
Breaking Generational Cycles
In this segment, Tony Hawk explores the concept of generational cycles and the emotional expressions he learned from his parents. He candidly discusses his fears of replicating past patterns with his own children and the steps he has taken to foster a more open and loving environment. Hawk emphasizes the importance of breaking these cycles for the sake of future generations.
"sponsored by Airbnb I can't count how many times airbnbs have saved me when I'm traveling around the world whether it's you know recently when I went to the Jungle in Bali or whether it's when I'm sta..."
Finding Balance in Fame
Tony Hawk reflects on the balance between his professional success and personal life. He shares how his wife plays a crucial role in grounding him amidst the chaos of fame. Hawk discusses the importance of having a supportive partner and how their relationship helps him navigate the challenges of being a public figure.
"have a spare room in your house that friends stay from time to time you could Airbnb that space and make a significant amount of money instead of letting it stay empty that in-law that guest house tha..."
The Importance of Vulnerability
In this segment, Tony Hawk emphasizes the significance of vulnerability in relationships. He shares his journey towards being more open and expressive, particularly with his children. Hawk discusses how embracing vulnerability has strengthened his connections and improved his overall well-being.
"what would you what advice would you have given yourself if you could have to prepare yourself if you could just whisp it in your ear um I think I would have I would have told my younger self to work ..."
Embracing Change and Growth
Tony Hawk discusses the evolution of his priorities as he aged. He reflects on the changes he made to break free from compulsive behaviors and the importance of personal growth. Hawk shares how therapy and self-reflection have allowed him to align his actions with his values, leading to a more fulfilling life.
"getting better at my success in skating that um I didn't really work on my Humanity I mean in terms of my relationships and and being present and and maybe that's what it took to get that far but I th..."
Lessons from Failure
In this segment, Tony Hawk candidly shares his experiences with failure, both in business and personal relationships. He discusses the lessons learned from these setbacks and how they have contributed to his growth. Hawk emphasizes the importance of embracing mistakes as part of the journey towards success.
"through my um changes and through my through finding my priorities and I mean honestly like I'm in a incredible place I'm happier than I've ever been and I have much better relationships with my kids ..."
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
Tony Hawk outlines his current entrepreneurial ventures, including Hawk apparel and Birdhouse skateboards. He discusses the evolution of his business interests and the impact of his brand on the skateboarding community. Hawk shares insights into the challenges and successes of managing multiple business endeavors.
"relationships like what is skating for you so if you were to if I was to take a you can escape forever you can carry on doing your skating but I'm gonna take away the family and the meaningful relatio..."
The Legacy of Skateboarding
In this reflective segment, Tony Hawk discusses his legacy in skateboarding and the impact of his work on the sport's future. He shares his vision for promoting skateboarding and ensuring its growth in underserved communities. Hawk emphasizes the importance of giving back and supporting the next generation of skaters.
"that is compartmentalized and it's when I do it I'm all in on it and I'm doing it and then I leave it there I'm not just obsessing on it the rest of the day I am I've I was speaking to a I think a neu..."
Tony Hawk's Entrepreneurial Ventures
Tony Hawk discusses his diverse entrepreneurial ventures, including Hawk Apparel, Birdhouse Skateboards, and the Skatepark Project. He shares insights into his business trajectory and the surprising continued interest in his work, highlighting the importance of community and public skate parks in low-income areas.
"of your life currently what are your business ventures we have um Hawk apparel um which is Tony Hawk clothing um we have birdhouse skateboards birdhouse apparel is actually its own uh subsidiary uh wi..."
The Conversation Cards Tradition
In this segment, the host introduces a new tradition of using conversation cards based on questions from previous guests. This interactive element aims to deepen the podcast experience by encouraging vulnerability and connection among listeners and guests.
"mean honestly it's it's even surprising to me that that um people are still interested in what I do uh personally and also all the all the ventures that I'm involved with we um we have this new tradit..."
Words Left Unsaid
Tony Hawk reflects on the words he never expressed to his wife, revealing his fears about changing his life and priorities. He discusses the importance of vulnerability in relationships and how sharing his feelings could have strengthened their bond.
"all you've got to do is pick one card okay if you're willing to play and then answer that question okay do you get QR codes do I have to scan no it's okay the QR code just tells you who answered it le..."
The Power of Vulnerability
Hawk shares his journey towards embracing vulnerability, explaining how he initially viewed it as a weakness. He discusses the transformative realization that being open about struggles can create deeper connections with others, emphasizing the bravery in sharing one's feelings.
"was doing that but I don't think I let on how how scary that was for me why why didn't you tell her because I wanted her to think that I was so capable of it and so confident with it um but you know w..."
Creating Connection Through Vulnerability
The host elaborates on the podcast's goal of fostering connection through vulnerability, using the conversation cards as a tool. They discuss how sharing personal experiences can create a sense of affinity and understanding among guests and listeners.
"right in my diary the other day that I used to think vulnerability was um deep down inside me like tough guy who didn't really learn vulnerability from my parents or anything I used to think vulnerabi..."
Giving Back: Tony's Philanthropic Efforts
Tony Hawk shares his recent philanthropic efforts, including purchasing a hand-painted skateboard by Kurt Cobain and creating replicas to raise funds for mental health and skatepark projects. He emphasizes the importance of supporting those in need and creating safe spaces for skating.
"you can add your name to the waiting list to be the first in line to get your own set of conversation cards at the conversationcards.com the question that was actually left for you um what have you do..."
Legacy and Impact
In a heartfelt conclusion, the host expresses admiration for Tony Hawk's legacy and impact on skateboarding culture. They reflect on how Hawk's journey has inspired many, including the host, and acknowledge the importance of his humility and family support in his success.
"300 out of the 500. I'm going to buy one I would appreciate it yes I'm gonna buy one I'll buy one today what do I buy and then for you to answer then that would be your answer would I do help people s..."