Reaching Extremes: Fame, Collapse, and Recovery

David reflects on his descent—heart attack, collapsing, near-bottoms—and the pivot toward recovery and help.

Play episode from 01:49:12

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Episode notes

David Choe is a world-renowned artist, writer, podcaster and TV host. He tells how as a child, he was made to believe he was destined for greatness but also that he was a complete disgrace, leading him to channel his energy—including deep shame—into art that brought him global recognition. He shares about his addictions that put him on a decades-long cycle of extreme highs and lows and that forced him to eventually acknowledge and heal the childhood trauma he was battling inside. David shows up with raw, authentic presence to show us how we can transmute pain and shame into our best creative work and, more importantly, how complete vulnerability, especially about our hardest experiences, is the ultimate tool for forgiveness and self-acceptance. He also tells us the actual story about early Facebook, Pee-wee Herman and Santa Claus.

Note: This conversation includes topics and language that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

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Timestamps

00:00:00 David Choe

00:03:10 Drawing, Black & Colors, Death

00:12:54 Telepathy, South Bay