Podcast Summary: Let's Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa
Episode: Jeremy Renner: Living Life On His Own Terms
Release Date: May 21, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Let's Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa, host Kelly Ripa sits down with acclaimed actor Jeremy Renner to delve deep into his harrowing 2023 accident, the subsequent transformation in his life perspective, and his philanthropic endeavors. Renner, best known for his roles in The Hurt Locker, The Town, Mission Impossible, The Mayor of Kingstown, and as Hawkeye in the Avengers Universe, shares his extraordinary journey of survival and resilience.
The Accident: A Life-Altering Event (01:18 - 16:38)
Jeremy Renner recounts the events of New Year's Day 2023, when he undertook the responsibility of clearing heavy snowfall to enable his family and friends to enjoy skiing and sledding. Utilizing a snowcat—a large, tank-like machine used for moving snow—Renner describes how a series of mishaps led to a catastrophic accident involving his nephew, Alex.
Notable Quote:
"I see my eyeball, I'm like, that's going to hurt later. I see my legs twisted up in directions that they're not supposed to be going. Like, that's going to hurt later. But I can't worry about that right now. I gotta worry about blowing out air so I can suck air back in. Otherwise, this is. I'm gone."
— Jeremy Renner [01:18]
Renner vividly describes being crushed by the snowcat, detailing his conscious struggle to breathe and the intense physical and emotional challenges he faced during those critical moments.
Notable Quote:
"My body was not breathing. There's no breathing happening. It was impossible. My body was clapped on itself. From a rib cage and the skull down, every part of my body was questioned."
— Jeremy Renner [14:00]
Recovery and Near-Death Experience (16:38 - 31:44)
Surviving the accident, Jeremy shares his near-death experience (NDE), describing a profound sense of peace and detachment from his physical body. He reflects on the mental fortitude that kept him alive, emphasizing the importance of positivity and clarity gained from the ordeal.
Notable Quote:
"The peace that comes with it, you know, it's magnificent. So magical. And I didn't want to come back. I remember, and I was brought back and I was so pissed off, I came back."
— Jeremy Renner [25:21]
Renner discusses his interactions with fellow actors and friends during his recovery, highlighting the overwhelming support that played a crucial role in his healing process. He also touches upon his experiences with therapy and how writing his book, My Next Breath, served as a therapeutic outlet.
Changes in Perspective and Life (31:44 - 36:39)
The accident profoundly reshaped Renner's outlook on life. He emphasizes living authentically and prioritizing meaningful relationships over material gains. This newfound clarity led him to reassess his investments, focusing on love and relationships rather than traditional financial instruments.
Notable Quote:
"I repel the things I gave credence to. Can't stomach the idea. The things I gave credence to prior to the accident. So I invest into no stocks or bonds. I invest down to crypto or bitcoin I invest into love and my shared relationships that I experience love with. Because that is the only thing that you take with you."
— Jeremy Renner [26:18]
Camp Renovation and Philanthropy (48:31 - 53:14)
Jeremy Renner introduces Camp Renovation, an initiative aimed at supporting foster youth. Motivated by his personal experiences and the challenges faced by foster children, Renner explains how his foundation provides continuity, consistency, and opportunities that the foster care system often lacks. By leveraging his celebrity status, he seeks to make a tangible difference in the lives of these children.
Notable Quote:
"I don't worry about that problem. I just worry about my community and I'll. And I'll change the lives of these kids in my community at least one child at a time if I have to."
— Jeremy Renner [49:12]
Relationship with Marvel and Career Decisions (53:14 - 54:44)
Renner opens up about his professional relationship with Marvel post-accident. Feeling undervalued and reduced to a number, he chose to distance himself from the franchise, prioritizing his personal well-being and family over lucrative offers that didn't recognize his worth.
Notable Quote:
"I love Disney, and I love working with the Marvel. It was just the coldness of not being a person to them. I wasn't a person that went through a traumatic experience. I wasn't someone that I've helped them, made billions of dollars. It was just sort of discounted as a binary, a one or a zero thing."
— Jeremy Renner [51:28]
This decision underscores his commitment to living life on his own terms, free from the constraints of industry expectations.
Conclusion: Embracing Life’s Journey (54:44 - End)
As the conversation wraps up, Kelly Ripa and her co-hosts express profound admiration for Renner's resilience and transformation. Renner encourages listeners to embrace life's uncertainties, live authentically, and prioritize what truly matters.
Notable Quote:
"The fortitude is just all mental. And I spend most of it on mental. My recovery, it is. It. How I got through it physically was mental. Attitude, optimism, my perceptions."
— Jeremy Renner [31:45]
Renner's story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, showcasing how devastating experiences can lead to profound personal growth and purposeful living.
Key Takeaways
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Survival and Resilience: Jeremy Renner's survival of a life-threatening accident highlights his mental and physical strength.
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Perspective Shift: The accident led Renner to prioritize meaningful relationships and personal well-being over material success.
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Philanthropy: Through Camp Renovation, Renner is making significant contributions to support foster youth.
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Authentic Living: Renner emphasizes the importance of living life on one's own terms, free from external pressures and expectations.
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Mental Fortitude: Renner credits his positive attitude and mental resilience as crucial factors in his recovery and ongoing well-being.
Recommended for Listeners: To gain deeper insights into Jeremy Renner's journey, it is highly recommended to read his book, My Next Breath, available in both hardcover and audiobook formats.
End of Summary