Steve-O Opens Up: Addiction, Redemption, and The Power to Change with Carl Lentz..
Nov 13, 2024
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Steve-O, famous for his role in the Jackass franchise, shares his powerful journey of overcoming addiction and embracing purpose. He opens up about the highs and lows of fame, the complexities of food and substance addiction, and the importance of vulnerability in recovery. The conversation also touches on the legacy of Jackass, the quest for identity, and the balance between ambition and fulfillment. Together with Carl Lentz, they explore the significance of community and spirituality in the path to redemption and personal growth.
Steve-O reflects on his chaotic early career, revealing a struggle with commitment and emotional turmoil stemming from a troubled childhood.
Skateboarding emerged as a crucial outlet for Steve-O, allowing him to channel frustrations and cultivate his creative persona in the entertainment world.
He candidly discusses the impact of witnessing his mother's battle with alcoholism, which fueled his anger towards faith and prompted a spiritual re-evaluation.
Through sharing his recovery journey, Steve-O aims to inspire others by emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, community support, and personal growth.
Deep dives
Reflections on a Tumultuous Past
The guest reflects on a chaotic early career filled with frequent job dismissals, underscoring a persistent sense of inadequacy and misalignment. His experiences ranged from being fired on day one as a pizza delivery person to consistently struggling to keep other jobs, highlighting a deeper issue with commitment and independence. The connection to his turbulent childhood is prominent, revealing a pattern of self-sabotage rooted in a lack of guidance and emotional turmoil. Despite facing these challenges, he displayed a knack for performance and creativity that eventually led him to a more fulfilling artistic outlet.
The Role of Skateboarding in Self-Expression
Skateboarding served as a critical avenue for the guest, allowing him to channel his frustrations and insecurities into a tangible passion. He discovered the power of video editing at a young age, using it to curate a persona that masked his failures while showcasing his successes. This manipulation of perception became a coping mechanism, empowering him to control how others viewed him. Skateboarding not only provided an escape but laid the groundwork for his eventual entrance into a world of entertainment and stunts.
Facing Mortality Through Recklessness
The guest discusses the reckless stunts he performed, illustrating how they were often framed as a confrontation with mortality. Engaging in dangerous acts reflected a belief that he might not live to see old age, with each reckless choice serving as a challenge to death itself. This mindset inspired both fearlessness and a profound desire to be remembered for his daring exploits. Such acts became a way of mocking the inevitability of death while also highlighting his internal struggles with worth and identity.
Trauma and Spirituality
The guest opens up about the trauma of watching his mother suffer through chronic alcoholism and subsequent health crises, fueling resentment toward the concept of a benevolent higher power. Her suffering deeply affected his worldview, leading to anger and confusion regarding faith and divine justice. This period of turmoil catalyzed his journey into recovery and introspection, prompting a re-evaluation of his beliefs about God and spirituality. By grappling with these painful experiences, he began to explore more inclusive spiritual perspectives, embracing the idea of universalism.
Navigating the Path to Recovery
The guest highlights his path through the 12-step recovery framework, noting its reliance on personal accountability and the importance of a higher power. He speaks candidly about the struggle to surrender entirely, acknowledging his initial resistance to the spiritual aspects of recovery. Over time, he found solace in the principles outlined in recovery literature, which not only emphasized personal growth but also community support. The reflective journey allowed him to accept that true recovery involves embracing vulnerability and a willingness to change.
Examining Faith and Inclusivity
In discussing his spiritual evolution, the guest expresses a desire for inclusivity in faith communities, advocating for an acknowledgment of diverse beliefs. He rejects the notion of exclusivity in spiritual paths, arguing that many belief systems share common values of compassion and love. This perspective enables him to appreciate the diverse interpretations of spirituality without feeling the need to impose his views on others. Emphasizing respect for different beliefs, he finds common ground through conversations that prioritize understanding over judgment.
Finding Purpose in Healing
Lastly, the guest emphasizes the importance of sharing his journey and experiences to inspire others who may face similar struggles. By opening up about his pain and recovery, he hopes to provide comfort and hope to those who feel lost in their own lives. He recognizes that his story is not just about personal resilience but about creating a dialogue on mental health and the healing process. This sense of purpose fuels his continued growth, allowing him to contribute positively to the lives of others while navigating his own path.
Carl Lentz sits down with Steve-O for an unfiltered conversation about overcoming addiction and finding purpose. Steve-O dives deep into his journey from the highs and lows of fame to his battle with addiction, sharing the raw truth of what it took to rebuild his life.
Carl also opens up about his own past, offering insights into his journey toward personal growth and healing. Together, they explore what it means to seek redemption and the resilience needed to make a lasting change. Don’t miss this honest and inspiring conversation that’s equal parts vulnerable and uplifting.
