Podcast Summary: Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky – Episode Featuring Tony Hawk
Podcast Information:
- Title: Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky
- Host: Monica Lewinsky
- Guest: Tony Hawk
- Release Date: April 8, 2025
- Platform: Wondery
Introduction and Meeting Tony Hawk
In this episode, Monica Lewinsky welcomes the legendary skateboarder and entrepreneur, Tony Hawk, to "Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky." Monica expresses her initial nervousness about interviewing Tony due to her limited knowledge of skateboarding and apprehension towards physically dangerous activities. However, her admiration for Tony's vulnerability and his efforts to reshape the narrative around men's emotions motivated her to engage in this in-depth conversation.
Notable Quote:
- Monica Lewinsky [00:00]: "I was kind of nervous to talk to him because I'm not very skateboard literate and I'm a big scaredy cat when it comes to anything physically dangerous."
Early Life and Beginning of Skateboarding Career
Tony Hawk delves into his early years, starting skateboarding at the age of nine. He shares how his initial confidence was somewhat naive, often leading to injuries that he viewed as mere hurdles rather than signs to quit. This resilience fueled his determination to master complex tricks, gradually building his trust in his body's capabilities.
Notable Quote:
- Tony Hawk [08:02]: "Injuries were just kind of roadblocks that I had to get through. It wasn't some sign from, like, oh, this is the end. I gotta quit doing this."
Challenges, Injuries, and Building Resilience
Tony recounts some of his most challenging moments, including a severe injury where he broke his femur during a skateboarding stunt. Despite the pain and setbacks, Tony's relentless spirit pushed him to recover and continue pursuing his passion. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Notable Quote:
- Tony Hawk [11:26]: "Honestly, three years ago, almost to the day, I broke my femur. It was really painful... I was fixing it. I just wanted it to look relatively normal."
Fame, Personal Struggles, and the Impact on Relationships
Achieving fame, especially with the introduction of the "900" trick at the X Games, thrust Tony into a new realm of recognition and expectations. This sudden surge in fame led to personal struggles, including strained relationships and a lack of intimacy with family members. Tony reflects on how his pursuit of success inadvertently led to neglecting personal connections, highlighting the complex interplay between professional achievements and personal well-being.
Notable Quote:
- Tony Hawk [23:02]: "I was caught up in the fame aspect... I was just chasing that and chasing it to a fault because I'm so caught up in it."
Family Life and Personal Growth
Tony shares insights into his family life, including his marriage to Kathy and their children. He discusses the profound impact his family has had on his journey towards reclaiming his emotional life. Therapy and setting boundaries played pivotal roles in rebuilding and strengthening his relationships, enabling him to find balance between his professional endeavors and personal life.
Notable Quote:
- Tony Hawk [36:01]: "I sought help and I got very lucky in that. My wife, Kathy, she was my beacon of hope the whole time."
Charity Work and Contribution to Skate Parks
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Tony's philanthropic efforts, particularly his contributions to developing public skate parks through his charity, the Skatepark Project. He highlights the cultural and community impact of skate parks, using Burnside in Portland as a prime example. Tony underscores the importance of providing safe spaces for young individuals to skate, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Notable Quote:
- Tony Hawk [51:59]: "We've helped to fund or develop over 800 skate parks in the US alone."
Current Endeavors and Legacy
Despite being in his 50s, Tony remains actively involved in skateboarding, treating it as a form of meditation and a way to stay connected with the sport he loves. He discusses the recent remastering of his iconic video game series, keeping his legacy alive for both old fans and a new generation. Tony's continued dedication to skateboarding and his community exemplifies his enduring passion and commitment.
Notable Quote:
- Tony Hawk [50:12]: "I am reclaiming our video game series in the form of three and four remaster."
Resilience and Advice for Building It
Tony offers valuable advice on building resilience, emphasizing self-belief and perseverance. He shares his personal mantra of "not giving up," encouraging listeners to remain steadfast in the face of challenges. His journey embodies the essence of resilience, showcasing how determination can lead to overcoming even the most daunting obstacles.
Notable Quote:
- Tony Hawk [47:49]: "My best answer is to convince yourself that you're capable of overcoming this challenge... Just keep getting up and trying till."
Conclusion
Monica and Tony wrap up their heartfelt conversation by reflecting on the themes of resilience, personal growth, and the importance of community. Tony's story serves as an inspiring testament to reclaiming one's life amidst challenges, emphasizing the significance of family, boundaries, and continuous self-improvement.
Notable Quote:
- Tony Hawk [54:19]: "I'm skating with 10 year olds that could do 9 hundreds. But I'm still in the mix like that. That's just some unreal time warp continuum."
Key Takeaways:
- Resilience: Overcoming physical injuries and personal setbacks through determination.
- Personal Growth: Balancing fame with personal relationships and emotional well-being.
- Community Contribution: Providing safe spaces for youth through skate parks.
- Legacy: Maintaining active involvement in skateboarding and inspiring new generations.
Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution and Timestamps:
- Monica Lewinsky [00:00]: "I was kind of nervous to talk to him because I'm not very skateboard literate and I'm a big scaredy cat when it comes to anything physically dangerous."
- Tony Hawk [08:02]: "Injuries were just kind of roadblocks that I had to get through. It wasn't some sign from, like, oh, this is the end. I gotta quit doing this."
- Tony Hawk [11:26]: "Honestly, three years ago, almost to the day, I broke my femur. It was really painful... I was fixing it. I just wanted it to look relatively normal."
- Tony Hawk [23:02]: "I was caught up in the fame aspect... I was just chasing that and chasing it to a fault because I'm so caught up in it."
- Tony Hawk [36:01]: "I sought help and I got very lucky in that. My wife, Kathy, she was my beacon of hope the whole time."
- Tony Hawk [51:59]: "We've helped to fund or develop over 800 skate parks in the US alone."
- Tony Hawk [50:12]: "I am reclaiming our video game series in the form of three and four remaster."
- Tony Hawk [47:49]: "My best answer is to convince yourself that you're capable of overcoming this challenge... Just keep getting up and trying till."
- Tony Hawk [54:19]: "I'm skating with 10 year olds that could do 9 hundreds. But I'm still in the mix like that. That's just some unreal time warp continuum."
Final Thoughts:
This episode of "Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky" offers a profound exploration of Tony Hawk's personal and professional journey. From his early days overcoming bullying and injuries to navigating the complexities of fame and family life, Tony's story is one of resilience, dedication, and continual growth. His contributions to the skateboarding community and his unwavering commitment to personal betterment provide valuable insights for listeners seeking inspiration and guidance in reclaiming their own lives.