Actor Alan Ritchson bravely discusses his battle with bipolarism and finding his true identity in Hollywood. Topics include being a better fit for Jack Reacher, hitting rock-bottom mentally, and the intense filming schedule of Amazon Prime Video's Reacher. They also discuss the challenges of balancing career success, marriage, and family responsibilities, as well as the impact of NSAIDs on testosterone levels and overcoming personal struggles. Additionally, they touch on the chemistry and comedy of Blue Mountain State and the importance of gratitude and living in the present moment.
Alan Ritchson discusses his battle with bipolarism and the struggle to find his true identity in Hollywood.
The challenging audition process for the role of Jack Reacher required perseverance and belief in oneself.
The physically demanding nature of the Jack Reacher shoot took a toll on Alan Ritchson's body, leading to injuries and physical problems.
Deep dives
Overcoming Depression and Finding Purpose
The podcast episode explores the host's personal journey of overcoming depression and finding purpose in life. He shares his experiences of hitting rock bottom, dealing with suicidal thoughts, and ultimately pulling himself out of that dark place. He discusses the importance of seeking therapy, taking medication, and finding rituals and routines that help manage his mental health. He also emphasizes the role of faith and giving back as crucial components of finding fulfillment and meaning in life.
The Challenging Process of Auditioning for Jack Reacher
The summary details the challenging audition process for the role of Jack Reacher in a blockbuster Amazon series. The host discusses the multiple rounds of auditions and meetings with producers and executives, as well as the pressure and expectations placed on him. He shares his initial rejection, the second chance he received, and the anxiety and apprehension he felt throughout the process. Despite the grueling process, he eventually landed the role and highlights the importance of perseverance and belief in oneself.
The Demanding Shoot and the Transformational Journey
The summary highlights the physically and mentally demanding nature of the Jack Reacher shoot. The host describes the long working hours, lack of breaks, and intense schedule that pushed his limits. He also emphasizes his commitment and dedication to the role, including physical training, rehearsing fighting scenes, and ensuring his performance lived up to fan expectations. The summary concludes by acknowledging the personal growth and transformation that occurred throughout the process.
The Physical Toll of Filming
During the podcast episode, the guest shares their experience of filming a physically demanding project, stating that the rigorous schedule and lack of sleep took a toll on their body. They mentioned experiencing injuries, major shoulder issues, and difficulty breathing during certain scenes. The guest attributes these physical problems to the combination of intense physicality, lack of rest, and powerful pain medications they were taking. They also discuss the negative impact of NSAIDs (ibuprofen) on testosterone levels, highlighting the importance of managing testosterone and seeking medical treatment if experiencing fatigue or other symptoms.
Maintaining a Positive Mindset and Finding Identity
The guest talks about how they manage to maintain a positive mindset in the unpredictable entertainment industry. They emphasize the importance of finding one's identity beyond their career and work, shifting their focus towards serving others and making a positive impact in people's lives. The guest also shares their personal goal of opening up the world for their children through travel and exploration. They consider this as the top priority on their bucket list. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the guest's early experiences in the industry, including being passed over for a role and learning to hold loosely to opportunities and remain grateful for the journey.
Jack Reacher himself, Alan Ritchson (Reacher, Blue Mountain State) joins me this week to bravely discuss his battle with bipolarism and the struggle in finding his true identity in Hollywood. Alan and I talk about being a better fit for Jack Reacher compared to past actors, hitting rock-bottom mentally, and the intense filming schedule of Amazon Prime Video’s Reacher.
