S15, Ep6 How To Fail: Jordan Stephens on male vulnerability, anger and getting naked
Oct 5, 2022
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Former member of the band Rizzle Kicks, Jordan Stephens, opens up about male vulnerability, sobriety, fame, competitiveness, and the dangers of reality TV. He also discusses the challenges of dating a celebrity and the phrase 'toxic masculinity.' Plus, he shares a unique failure of not getting naked. A thoughtful and entertaining conversation.
Expressing healthy anger and setting boundaries is crucial for personal growth.
Challenging unrealistic body standards for men is essential for mental health and well-being.
Being mindful of the potential negative effects of reality TV and questioning its portrayal of individuals is important.
Deep dives
Failure to confront anger with loved ones
Jordan Stevens discusses his failure to express anger towards the people he loves. He attributes this to his impulse to bottle up his emotions and take out his frustrations on himself. This pattern has led to self-destructive behaviors, such as addiction and self-harm, and has affected his relationships. He believes that learning to express healthy anger and set boundaries is crucial for personal growth.
Body image struggles and societal expectations
Jordan Stevens opens up about his battle with body dysmorphia and societal pressure regarding men's bodies. He highlights the unrealistic standards perpetuated in media and the impact they have on men's self-worth and mental health. Stevens is committed to challenging these expectations and creating a space for men to feel empowered and valued, free from body shaming.
The complexities of reality television
Jordan Stevens briefly mentions his experience participating in reality TV shows, specifically his time on 'The Island' with Bear Grylls. Although he doesn't delve into details, he hints at the negative impact reality TV can have on individuals, suggesting that it is best not to watch it. He touches on the potential psychological effects it can have and the importance of being mindful when consuming this type of media.
Failure to Prioritize Emotions over Competitiveness
Jordan reflects on the societal pressure to constantly be productive and competitive. He acknowledges that his own curiosity and drive often push him to constantly seek new experiences and accomplishments, leaving little time to appreciate what he has already achieved. Jordan shares his realization that true completion lies in accepting that life is inherently incomplete and imperfect. He advocates for finding joy in the journey instead of fixating on the destination.
Failure to Challenge Portrayal on Reality TV
Jordan recounts his experience on a reality TV show in which his character was edited to fit a specific storyline. He expresses disappointment in how he was portrayed, with footage manipulated to make him appear lazy and unreliable. Jordan highlights the fictional aspects of reality TV, including the strategic editing and the creation of false narratives. He reflects on the impact of media on perceptions of individuals and emphasizes the importance of questioning the representation and stereotypes perpetuated by the industry.
Jordan Stephens was formerly one-half of the band Rizzle Kicks, formed with his childhood friend while they were both at school. He is now an actor, a solo musician, a writer and - as if that weren't enough - a gifted artist too. He's also a super smart, funny and perceptive human. It's always a joy to talk to him and today's episode was no exception - we cover male vulnerability, sobriety, competitiveness, the challenges of fame (and dating a celebrity superstar but keeping it private), the dangers of reality TV and how the phrase 'toxic masculinity' has outlived its usefulness. Plus, his failure...to get naked. Not one we've ever had before on the pod, but well worth a listen!