Wild Card with Rachel Martin
Jonathan Groff lost his faith while spelunking
May 15, 2025
Join Jonathan Groff, Broadway sensation and Tony nominee, as he shares his journey of self-discovery through music and theater. He candidly discusses losing faith at a Youth for Christ camp, where he confronted his sexuality and found refuge in performance art. Groff reflects on the importance of community support, the transforming nature of fame, and the deep connections forged through storytelling. With humor and heartfelt insights, he explores the balance between personal authenticity and professional success.
40:43
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Quick takeaways
- Jonathan Groff emphasizes the significance of embracing feedback for personal growth, reflecting on childhood defensiveness to criticism during artistic development.
- The podcast explores the transformative journey of coming out, highlighting the emotional liberation and authenticity gained through supportive environments and community acceptance.
Deep dives
Defensiveness in Learning
Learning something new can often trigger irrational defensiveness when faced with criticism. This is particularly evident when individuals are first starting out in a skill, such as playing an instrument, where they may feel fragile and overly sensitive to feedback. This defensiveness can stem from insecurities about their abilities, prompting feelings of rage or embarrassment when receiving critiques, even if the criticism is meant to help them improve. Over time, with experience and maturity, individuals may learn to embrace feedback as a tool for growth rather than a personal attack.
