Podcast Summary: The Viall Files – E1062: Going Deeper with Chris Appleton
Release Date: January 14, 2026
Episode Overview
In this "Going Deeper" episode, host Nick Viall, along with his co-hosts and the "Household," welcomes celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton for an honest, vulnerable, and deeply inspiring conversation. Appleton discusses his new memoir, Your Roots Don’t Define You, sharing the story behind the book’s creation and its message of overcoming adversity, self-acceptance, and redefining your past. The conversation encompasses Appleton's challenging childhood, coming out and its impact on his family, professional triumphs, battling imposter syndrome, relationship insights, and wisdom from collaborating with some of the world’s most famous women. The tone is warm, honest, and encouraging, filled with laughter, emotional candor, and moments of reflection.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Book: "Your Roots Don’t Define You"
Timestamps: 01:44–06:35
- Genesis of the Book: Appleton originally intended to write a more superficial, career-focused book but reworked it to reflect his deeper story.
- Title Inspiration: The idea that “roots”—both literal and metaphorical—don’t truly define someone.
“The roots don’t define you just came from the fact that it really does define so many people. … In my career, I’ve seen it define so many people. … I think we need to scratch the surface and take away this glamorous, polished image that people know and show a few kind of raw truths.” (Chris Appleton, 03:01)
- Writing Process: Cathartic but brutal, bringing up old traumas he thought were "dark secrets."
“It was pretty full circle. … It’s been a real healing process I didn’t know I needed.” (Chris Appleton, 03:43)
2. Childhood, Adversity, and Early Passion
Timestamps: 06:35–15:57
- Humble Beginnings: Grew up poor, with family trauma—including his mother's parents being murdered when she was young and his father placed in a home at age five.
- Dealing with Shame: Tried for years to “delete” his past after being bullied and shamed for being perceived as gay and for working in a salon.
“When I got in the hair salon, anyone that worked in a hair salon were gay… I was bullied really aggressively, you know, it was bad. I was spat on, beaten up… for anything other than people just assumed I was gay because I did hair.” (Chris Appleton, 12:30)
- Discovering Hair: Found satisfaction in making his mother feel beautiful from a young age; that skill became a purpose.
- Self-Abandonment and Proving Worth: A drive to prove others wrong led to personal emotional neglect.
3. Coming Out, Trauma, and Acceptance
Timestamps: 15:57–23:54
- Late Self-Realization: Came out at 26 after separating from the mother of his children.
- Deepest Struggles: Attempted suicide out of fear that being true to himself would be worse for his children than not being there.
“I just felt like I was bringing that pain to them… I genuinely believed it would be better if their dad was dead than if they had a gay dad.” (Chris Appleton, 18:52)
- Turning Point: Survived the attempt and decided to “surrender” and accept himself; found relief and a sense of beginning anew.
“Once I let go… I was still there… The world doesn’t have to end, and I can be resilient through this moment.” (Nick Viall, 21:19)
4. Healing, Self-Alignment, and Moving Forward
Timestamps: 23:54–30:08
- Impact of Alignment: Appleton links clouded self-identity to misalignment in all areas of life.
- Overcoming External Voices: Learned to use “envy” as motivation rather than toxic jealousy.
“Envy is a really powerful thing… But I try to flip the narrative into looking at that person as being an inspiration, as a role model.” (Chris Appleton, 27:08)
- Change & Breaking Patterns: The book offers techniques for recognizing inherited behaviors and moving forward.
5. Parenting, Family Patterns, and Boundaries
Timestamps: 30:08–36:07
- Lessons for His Own Children: With ex-partner Kate, Appleton focused on giving their kids strength to set boundaries and self-respect.
“People don’t realize they can set boundaries… that’s how you make a change… create that separation.” (Chris Appleton, 35:06)
- Cycle of Family Wounds: Acknowledges the importance of breaking generational patterns with conscious parenting.
- Notable Moment: Daughter standing up for herself after witnessing a difficult family interaction—Appleton’s pride in her healthy boundaries.
6. Gratitude, Presence, and Parenting as Children Grow
Timestamps: 37:27–41:04
- Cherishing Fleeting Moments: Recognizes the bittersweet nature of children growing up; finds gratitude in being present.
“Now I’ve really learned to be present and just be grateful… Those moments just feel so special because I know they’re really rare.” (Chris Appleton, 39:59)
7. Career Breakthroughs, Nerves, and Imposter Syndrome
Timestamps: 41:10–49:02
- American Dream and Breakout: Moved from the UK, landed first big US gig by doing Christina Aguilera’s hair for The Voice.
Iconic Story (44:01–48:02): “She calls me in… her hair is not done… there’s 20 minutes… only time this ever happened to me… But I just thought about my kids, and it put me back in my adult body… I buried her hair under this wig and she ran off on the stage… everyone likes your wig.” (Chris Appleton, 47:10)
- Imposter Syndrome: Admits to feeling like he doesn’t belong, even after major professional success.
“I made a career out of making people look and feel their best… but it doesn’t work like on your personal level. … It’s really sad that that guy didn’t feel like he deserved to be there in the room. And I think a lot of people feel like they don’t deserve to be in the room.” (Chris Appleton, 48:09)
- Advice on Self-Love: Had to heal his younger self and learn to protect his own emotional bubble.
8. Handling Internet Criticism & Public Perception
Timestamps: 52:32–56:15
- Thick Skin with Hints of Humor: Used to be triggered by online criticism—especially after sharing his coming out story—but has since learned to detach from those opinions.
“Ten years ago I would have [been affected]… But it didn’t last long… I know who I am as an adult… You always have that voice; I can just turn it down now.” (Chris Appleton, 52:51)
- Humor as a Shield: Finds humor in superficial criticisms; ultimately content as long as he’s happy in the mirror.
9. Relationships, Heartbreak, and Self-Growth
Timestamps: 57:32–64:22
- Navigating Divorce in the Public Eye: Relates heartbreak to the “breakup haircut”—taking control by changing something visible when something beneath hurts.
- Learning Through Pain: “Going right through it” instead of avoiding; realizes his vulnerabilities (addiction to making people feel good, wanting to fix people).
- Refining Relationship Standards: Compares finding a relationship to buying a house—requirements become more specific as you grow.
“Love isn’t enough. It’s about compatibility, honesty, loyalty, and putting in the work.” (Chris Appleton, 58:44)
- Self-Love is Key: Now more protective of himself and his close circle.
10. Celebrity Clients, Lessons, and Dream Collaborations
Timestamps: 64:22–75:47
- Learning from Icons: Shares lessons and advice from clients, especially Kim Kardashian.
- Perceptions vs. Reality: Reminds listeners that public images of celebrities rarely reflect who they are behind closed doors.
- Dream Client: Pamela Anderson—a childhood icon—had a “full circle” moment meeting her.
Notable Quotes & Moments
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On Self-Acceptance:
“When you’re not aligned like internally and externally, it’s just a really sad place to be. … Finding that real alignment is really your superpower.” (Chris Appleton, 14:53)
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On Healing:
"Once you've seen yourself and you know something's not aligned … you really have to go back to it." (Chris Appleton, 18:54)
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On Envy:
"Envy is a really powerful thing… I try and flip the narrative into more looking at that person as being an inspiration." (Chris Appleton, 27:08)
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On Setting Boundaries:
“It doesn’t mean you’re arrogant… it just means you have self-respect… That’s how you make a change.” (Chris Appleton, 35:06)
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On Imposter Syndrome:
"I made a career out of making people look and feel their best...but it doesn't work like on your personal level. ... It's really sad that that guy didn't feel like he deserved to be there in the room." (Chris Appleton, 48:09)
Timestamps of Key Segments
- 01:44 – Introduction and book title discussion
- 03:37 – Appleton on the cathartic process of writing his story
- 08:46 – Not erasing the past, using it for growth
- 13:57 – Coming out and running from his roots
- 18:52 – Suicide attempt and aftermath
- 23:54 – Accepting the child self and personal transformation
- 27:08 – Overcoming envy and using it for growth
- 35:06 – Healthy boundaries and parenting
- 41:10 – Moving to America, career breakthrough
- 47:10 – Christina Aguilera story
- 48:09 – Imposter syndrome and self-worth
- 52:51 – Dealing with internet criticism
- 58:44 – On love, relationships, and refining standards
- 64:22 – Learning from celebrity clients
- 74:01 – Dream of working with Pamela Anderson
Tone and Language
The episode is filled with empathy, humor, and encouragement. Appleton is candid, poignant, and unpretentious. The hosts create a conversational, supportive, and inquisitive environment, inviting laughter and moments of deep connection.
Final Thoughts
This episode delivers a moving, relatable exploration of identity, self-worth, and resilience. Appleton’s journey is remarkable—not just for his external success but for his internal growth. The discussion is loaded with actionable wisdom for anyone struggling with self-doubt, shame, or the courage to start over. It's a must-listen (or must-read) for those needing a spark of hope and authenticity in their own lives.