The Iced Coffee Hour: Steve-O on Leaving California, Getting Rich, and Going Broke
Release Date: September 30, 2024
In this compelling episode of The Iced Coffee Hour, hosts Graham Stephan and Jack Selby engage in an in-depth conversation with the notorious stuntman and Jackass star, Steve-O. The discussion navigates through Steve-O’s tumultuous journey from fame and fortune to financial struggles, his battles with addiction, and his path to recovery. The episode is rich with candid insights, personal reflections, and profound revelations, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the life of one of reality TV’s most infamous personalities.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Steve-O begins by recounting his unconventional entry into the entertainment industry. His passion for attention-seeking behavior and video editing led him to create outrageous stunts, dreams that materialized through his involvement with Jackass.
Steve-O [00:26]: "I just could not make it through a day without perpetrating some ghastly behavior... All my wildest dreams came true. Like, I'm famous."
The hosts reminisce about their early days as fans of Jackass, with Graham recalling attempts to imitate the show’s antics during his youth.
Graham [01:40]: "We were fans since growing up with you and Jackass... we loved it."
Steve-O’s initial compensation for Jackass was minimal, earning less than $1,500 for the first season. However, as the show gained popularity, his financial situation began to improve.
Steve-O [07:01]: "With Jackass, I just view it as I had to pay my dues. I was compensated in attention."
Financial Ups and Downs
The conversation delves into Steve-O’s financial trajectory, highlighting a significant turning point in 2001 when Jackass became a hit, leading to a substantial paycheck. This influx of money allowed him to move to Los Angeles and further his career.
Steve-O [08:12]: "After taxes, I got a check early in the filming process for seasons two and three. I got a check for $10,000."
Despite moments of financial prosperity, Steve-O faced severe downturns, most notably during the 2008 financial crisis, which adversely affected his net worth.
Steve-O [21:57]: "2008 financial crisis... half of my savings was obliterated."
Battles with Addiction and Path to Recovery
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Steve-O’s struggles with addiction. He candidly discusses his time in rehab, the challenges of maintaining sobriety, and the spiritual principles that guided his recovery.
Steve-O [29:04]: "I couldn't make it through a day without perpetrating some ghastly behavior... My behavior brought about shame and humiliation."
Steve-O emphasizes the importance of changing his environment to support his sobriety, highlighting the role of structured living conditions and accountability in his recovery process.
Steve-O [26:51]: "The most challenging part of sobriety is to completely disengage from the environment that you struggled in."
Philosophies, Beliefs, and Personal Growth
Steve-O shares his evolving worldview, touching on concepts such as free will, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all beings. He reflects on near-death experiences and the idea that the universe is a unified entity experiencing itself through countless individuals.
Steve-O [35:16]: "Conversations with God does a good job of conveying this notion of the universe being just one thing... we are all equally divine."
His discussions also cover the impact of his actions on others and the importance of leaving a positive legacy.
Steve-O [100:25]: "I believe that we should all strive to have a legacy of leaving the world somehow better than when we found it."
Insecurities and Self-Reflection
Despite his larger-than-life persona, Steve-O opens up about his personal insecurities, particularly regarding his distinct voice and the challenges of aging within the entertainment industry.
Steve-O [44:56]: "I have very similar fears to the average person... being broke is probably my biggest fear."
He also reflects on moments of embarrassment and the importance of transparency in overcoming personal challenges.
Steve-O [45:54]: "I have no issue with pilfering the archives of this humiliating footage and making it into retrospective storytelling YouTube videos and monetizing it because that's not me anymore."
Legacy and Future Aspirations
Towards the end of the episode, Steve-O contemplates how he wishes to be remembered and discusses his current projects, including an animal sanctuary aimed at promoting animal rights and inspiring others through positive experiences.
Steve-O [109:29]: "Everybody who comes out to see me on this tour is the Stevo Super Dummy Tour, that they're going to be wildly entertained."
He articulates a desire to leave a meaningful impact by contributing positively to the world, contrasting his earlier self-focused antics with his current philanthropic efforts.
Notable Quotes
- Steve-O [00:26]: "I just could not make it through a day without perpetrating some ghastly behavior... All my wildest dreams came true. Like, I'm famous."
- Steve-O [07:01]: "With Jackass, I just view it as I had to pay my dues. I was compensated in attention."
- Steve-O [26:51]: "The most challenging part of sobriety is to completely disengage from the environment that you struggled in."
- Steve-O [35:16]: "Conversations with God does a good job of conveying this notion of the universe being just one thing... we are all equally divine."
- Steve-O [44:56]: "I have very similar fears to the average person... being broke is probably my biggest fear."
- Steve-O [100:25]: "I believe that we should all strive to have a legacy of leaving the world somehow better than when we found it."
Conclusion
This episode of The Iced Coffee Hour offers a raw and unfiltered look into Steve-O’s life, revealing the complexities behind his public persona. From his meteoric rise with Jackass to his heartfelt discussions on addiction and recovery, Steve-O provides listeners with valuable lessons on resilience, self-improvement, and the pursuit of a meaningful legacy. His journey underscores the importance of personal growth and the continuous effort to overcome one’s demons, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the true story behind the stuntman’s fame.