#717 - Steve-O

Steve-O willingly chose to go to jail as part of his protest against SeaWorld, even though he could have avoided it by doing community service or other alternatives. He wanted the attention and headlines that came with going to jail, as he considered it a more impactful way to make a statement about captivity. This decision reflects his desire to go to extreme lengths for his cause, even if it meant putting himself in actual captivity. The conversation also highlights the risks and consequences of Steve-O's actions, as he has been to jail multiple times in different countries, including a scary encounter in Mexico where he was detained while under the influence of drugs. This serves as a reminder that not all instances of going to jail result in humorous or positive outcomes, as there are serious risks involved.

Steve-O had a wild experience in Sweden where he ended up in jail for international drug smuggling. He had swallowed a condom filled with weed in Norway and flew to Sweden, hoping to make it an international crime. He even documented the entire process on video. However, during interviews to promote his tour, he mentioned his situation to reporters, which led to his arrest. Steve-O spent five days in jail, shitting into plastic bags, while the authorities dug through his waste. Eventually, they found a foreign object in his body, possibly a sharp key, and released him after he paid a fine. This conversation highlights the consequences and risks involved in engaging in illegal activities, as well as the unjust stereotypes associated with drug use.

The actions taken by the bouncers towards the kid who ran across the stage were highly inappropriate and could have caused serious harm. Steve-O expresses his shock and concern for the kid's well-being, highlighting the potential legal and financial consequences of the incident. Joe Rogan acknowledges that such incidents occur when people are given a "green light" to act aggressively or violently. He draws a parallel to the behavior of some police officers when they believe they have the authority to do whatever they want. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for responsible and measured reactions, particularly in situations where people have the power to use force.

Steve-O had a run-in with the law that resulted in him facing multiple charges and a high bail amount. He shared that he was arrested for felony obscenity and second-degree battery, which led to a fugitive warrant out of Louisiana. Steve-O explained his experience in jail, including being in protective custody due to his high profile status. He also mentioned a previous jail stint in Orlando for drunk driving, where he chose to plead guilty and serve the full 10 days. The conversation highlights the differences between jail experiences in Mexico and Orlando, with Orlando being a more structured and potentially safer environment. Overall, Steve-O's encounters with the legal system provide insight into the consequences of his actions and the challenges he faced in navigating the justice system.

Steve-O shares his experience in jail and discusses the difference between jail and prison. He mentions that in prison, one can easily obtain drugs and get whatever they want. However, in jail, it is more difficult to do so. He also talks about his time in Orlando jail, highlighting the large number of tourists who end up in jail there. The conversation then shifts to the topic of SeaWorld, with Steve-O mentioning the banning of captive breeding in California. Joe Rogan acknowledges Steve-O's role in bringing attention to the issue, and they discuss the cruelty in captivity and the intelligence of dolphins and killer whales. They also mention how killer whales have never attacked humans in the wild, and they discuss the complex behaviors and characteristics of these marine animals. In summary, the conversation highlights the differences between jail and prison, the impact of captive breeding bans on SeaWorld, and the intelligence and behavior of marine animals.

The captivity and mistreatment of marine animals, such as dolphins and orcas, is a dark and unethical practice. The speakers discuss how SeaWorld and similar establishments falsely portray themselves as conserving injured animals when they have actually obtained these creatures through kidnapping and capturing them from the wild. They argue that these intelligent animals deserve better treatment and freedom, as they possess unique qualities, such as a larger cerebral cortex, and thrive in a three-dimensional aquatic environment. Moreover, the conversation touches upon how some animals, like dolphins, engage in dark behaviors like infanticide to ensure successful reproduction. Overall, the discussion highlights the need for more awareness and ethical considerations regarding animals in captivity.

Traveling internationally can come with unexpected challenges, especially when it involves legal issues. Steve-O shares his experiences of being arrested and detained in Canada due to an outstanding warrant. He highlights the strictness of Canadian immigration and their cautiousness towards potential fugitives. Similarly, Australia also has rigorous visa requirements, requiring individuals to submit their entire criminal record. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the legal implications of one's actions and the potential consequences when traveling abroad. Despite his past troubles, Steve-O reflects on his journey towards redemption and humorously names his upcoming comedy special "Steve O'Guilty as Charged," highlighting his personal growth and ability to find humor in his past mistakes.

Steve-O is excited about his upcoming tour in Texas, where he will perform a one-man show consisting of stand-up comedy and extreme stunts. He plans to start the show by smashing twelve soda cans on his head, creating a visually striking and entertaining opening. Despite the physical toll of his past stunts, Steve-O appears healthy and in good spirits. He also shares his comedic approach, including crowd work, which involves making jokes about receiving unsolicited explicit photos. Additionally, Steve-O discusses his show at the Paramount Theatre in Austin on November 21st, which he hopes will be a sold-out event. Both Steve-O and Joe Rogan express their support for the show and plan to promote it through social media platforms.

Steve-O is recounting some of his wild stunts and experiences, highlighting his ability to push boundaries and engage in dangerous activities. He talks about his college days, where he got in trouble, failed classes, and dropped out. Steve-O explains his fascination with extreme behaviors, such as drinking bong water and setting himself on fire. Despite the potential harm and injuries he suffered, he continued pursuing these actions as part of his comedy act. Joe Rogan cautions him about stealing jokes, emphasizing the importance of originality and respecting the audience's intelligence. Overall, the conversation highlights Steve-O's determination to create extreme and memorable moments, demonstrating his unique approach to entertainment.

Steve-O is determined to create a memorable impression through his extreme stunts, even if it means risking injury. Despite being sober, Steve-O's attention-seeking nature remains unchanged. He embraces his role as an attention whore and finds humor in it. Although being sober doesn't necessarily make hurting himself easier, it hasn't stopped him from continuing to perform dangerous acts. Joe Rogan raises concerns about Steve-O's well-being and the potential consequences of his stunts. Steve-O recounts a past incident where he threw himself off a balcony while under the influence, emphasizing his mindset of seeking attention and impressing others. Ultimately, Steve-O remains committed to his one-man show and his passion for stand-up comedy.

Steve-O went through a series of intense injuries and reckless behavior while grappling with addiction. Despite the severity of his situation, he initially resisted getting sober until he was truly ready. The realization came when Knoxville staged an intervention, highlighting the extent of Steve-O's problem. This intervention served as a wake-up call and pushed him to confront his destructive habits. Steve-O's story emphasizes the importance of reaching a personal breaking point to initiate positive change. It also shows that interventions, no matter how unconventional, can sometimes be the catalyst for transformation. Ultimately, this conversation highlights the journey from denial and resistance to self-awareness and recovery.

Steve-O's reckless and destructive behavior led to severe consequences. His drug abuse and constant disruption of his neighbor's peace resulted in multiple arrests and eviction. Steve-O's resentment towards his neighbor escalated to the point of vandalizing his property. In the midst of a chaotic situation, Steve-O missed a golden opportunity to dispose of the drugs and ended up getting rearrested at the jail. Despite renting four apartments in the building, Steve-O's actions caused the apartment management to turn against him. His attempt to apologize to his neighbor was met with rejection. This conversation highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and being accountable for the negative impact they may have on others.

Making amends and respecting boundaries is an essential part of personal growth and recovery. Steve-O shares his experience of understanding the importance of respecting someone's decision when they declined his offer for reconciliation. He acknowledges the concept of living amends and how it applies to not repeating past mistakes. Joe Rogan relates this to the rehabilitation process and mentions the 12 steps, emphasizing the significance of making amends whenever possible. The conversation also delves into the topic of ketamine and its effects. Through this conversation, we learn about the intense psychedelic experiences and the risks associated with drug addiction. In summary, the key takeaway is the importance of personal growth, respecting boundaries, and making amends throughout the recovery process.

Steve-O's reckless and dangerous behavior led to him being hospitalized in a psychiatric ward. He had planned dangerous stunts involving a hot tub, motorcycle, and jumping off buildings, which caused concern for his friends, including Joe Rogan. The situation escalated when Steve-O expressed a willingness to die and made threats towards himself. This led to him being placed under a 72-hour hold in the psych ward. While there, he experienced disturbing hallucinations and heard negative voices, which resulted from his extensive use of nitrous oxide and cocaine. It is clear that Steve-O's actions were a result of a deteriorating mental state and substance abuse, highlighting the importance of seeking help and addressing underlying issues.

Recovery from addiction often requires hitting rock bottom and admitting powerlessness over the substance. Steve-O shares his journey from being in a psych ward to finally getting clean and sober. He emphasizes the importance of fully embracing step one of recovery: admitting powerlessness over alcohol or drugs. Steve-O's realization that he couldn't manage his addiction on his own led him to seek help and listen to others' stories of recovery. He learned that the more hopeless and messed up he felt, the better his chances were for recovery. By committing to treatment, sober living, and following recovery strategies, Steve-O was able to maintain seven and a half years of sobriety.

Steve-O underwent a mid-level care rehabilitation program that was quite expensive. He financed the program with his own money, burning through his savings in the process. Steve-O also mentioned spending a significant amount on lawsuits, despite knowing he wouldn't gain anything from them. During his time in rehab, he did not work and focused solely on his recovery. The program involved structured activities and various therapy sessions aimed at teaching him how to stay sober. While the initial 30 days primarily focused on coping mechanisms and creating a safe environment, Steve-O found it beneficial to stay in this disciplined environment for 2 years to develop self-discipline and routine.

Structure and routine can be crucial for maintaining sobriety. Steve-O highlights how having a rigid schedule and living in a structured environment saved his life and aided in his recovery. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of avoiding relationships that may distract from sobriety, as they can often lead to relapse. Steve-O shares his experience of going through the process of inventorying his past and how it initially caused self-loathing and depression. This serves as a reminder to approach self-reflection with compassion and focus on discarding what is not helpful rather than judging oneself. Establishing routines and practicing self-compassion are key elements in successful recovery.

Staying sober is a continuous process that involves personal growth and helping others. Steve-O emphasizes that it is not about putting oneself on trial but rather figuring out what to stop doing. He shares how writing letters to those he hurt helped him turn his life around and feel grateful for the mistakes he made. He also explains the importance of being desperate to change and not wanting to be the "fucking piece of shit" he once was. Additionally, Steve-O highlights the significance of sober living and the need for support from others who understand the struggle. Ultimately, he stresses the importance of staying plugged in and helping others in their sobriety journey.

The journey to sobriety is not the same for everyone, and there are different approaches to maintaining a drug-free lifestyle. Steve-O believes that once someone becomes a "pickle" (meaning fully addicted), they can never go back to being a "cucumber" (being able to use substances casually without falling back into addiction). However, Joe Rogan presents examples of individuals who were able to overcome their addiction and still indulge in certain substances responsibly. Steve-O acknowledges that while some people can "get away with it," he believes it is dangerous for him personally due to his family history of alcoholism and addiction. This discussion highlights the importance of individualized experiences and the various paths to recovery.

Steve-O shares his tumultuous life journey, including struggles with homelessness and addiction, while also highlighting his career in comedy and writing a bestselling book. Despite facing numerous challenges, Steve-O's resilience and determination enabled him to overcome adversity. He emphasizes the importance of growth and evolving as a comedian, retiring old material and constantly creating new content that reflects his current self. His story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of perseverance, self-reflection, and reinvention. Additionally, Steve-O's collaborative approach to writing his book showcases his dedication and involvement in crafting his own narrative. Overall, this conversation highlights the transformative power of personal growth and the ability to overcome obstacles in pursuit of success.

Having a podcast can be a valuable platform for sharing stories and connecting with an audience. Joe Rogan suggests to Steve-O that he should start his own podcast, emphasizing the benefits of having a platform where he can talk for hours and engage with listeners. However, they also discuss the challenges and pitfalls of podcasting, such as the saturation of the market and the need to stand out. Steve-O mentions his experience with a streaming platform where users pay to ask questions, highlighting the discomfort he felt with this approach. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the importance of authenticity and genuine connection with an audience when it comes to podcasting.

Steve-O has found a smart and effective way to take photos with his fans during his shows. Instead of relying on cell phone pictures, which can take a long time, Steve-O takes the photos himself using a fast camera. This allows him to quickly show the pictures to his fans for quality control. By doing this, he ensures that his fans are happy with the photos and are more likely to share them on social media, which serves as a grassroots way of promoting his work. Additionally, Steve-O combines his photo opportunity with a merchandise line, offering fans the chance to buy his book or merchandise to get a photo with him. This strategy not only increases his merchandise sales but also makes fans feel like they are getting a valuable experience. Overall, Steve-O has found a successful way to connect with his fans, promote his work, and increase merchandise sales.

Steve-O has learned to prioritize his health and well-being through sobriety, veganism, and addressing his sex addiction. He discusses the importance of having a life partner and not treating women disrespectfully, realizing that his previous actions didn't align with his beliefs. Steve-O also mentions his commitment to self-improvement through meditation, specifically transcendental meditation. Additionally, the conversation highlights the potential dangers of pyrotechnics and the negative effects of secondhand smoke. Overall, the key takeaway emphasizes the importance of making positive changes and taking care of oneself physically and mentally.

Steve-O has realized the negative impact of his past behavior, particularly with regards to his treatment of women. He acknowledges that his previous mindset of using and discarding women ultimately led to his own unhappiness. As a result, Steve-O has made a conscious decision to prioritize healthy relationships and change his approach. While he initially struggled to break old patterns, he recognizes the importance of taking things one step at a time and seeking therapy to facilitate his growth. Additionally, the conversation touches on Steve-O's transition to a vegan lifestyle, which he adopted for ethical reasons. He acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a purely vegan diet while also acknowledging personal limitations and striving to do the best he can.

Both Joe Rogan and Steve-O have experienced sleep issues related to their throat and neck anatomy. They discuss how narrow air passages in the back of their throats can lead to sleep apnea and disrupted sleep. Joe Rogan mentions a potential solution involving a surgical procedure to remove adenoids and tonsils, which can improve breathing and sleep quality. They also discuss the importance of weight management in preventing and managing sleep apnea. The conversation highlights the significance of recognizing and addressing sleep apnea symptoms such as loud snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep. It emphasizes the need to seek medical advice and explore treatment options for better sleep health.

Sleep apnea can have serious consequences on one's health. Joe Rogan highlights the dangers of holding one's breath for a long time while sleeping, which can result in oxygen deprivation and disrupted sleep cycles. This can lead to constant exhaustion even after 8 hours of sleep. Joe suggests losing weight and using a CPAP machine, which has helped his friend Joey feel more energetic. The conversation then shifts to a discussion about Greg Fitzsimmons stealing Bill Cosby's material, which Joe considers misguided and ineffective. They also touch upon the allegations against Bill Cosby and the challenges victims faced in reporting the incidents. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of addressing sleep apnea and advocating for originality in comedy.

Bill Cosby's power and money allowed him to silence and manipulate his victims for years. The lack of internet and social media made it difficult for these women to share their experiences and seek justice. Cosby's wealth and legal team further protected him, allowing him to pay off and intimidate his accusers. The conversation highlights the fear and vulnerability these victims faced, as they were silenced by the fear of being blackballed or accused of lying. Despite the evidence and admissions from Cosby himself, the statue of limitations has limited the charges that can be brought against him. This conversation emphasizes the importance of speaking out against sexual assault and the need for change in the legal system to ensure justice for victims.

Steve-O has undergone a significant transformation, transitioning from a wild and reckless lifestyle to a more compassionate and kind-hearted person. Joe Rogan praises Steve-O's commitment to living a vegan lifestyle, caring for animals, and advocating against organizations like SeaWorld. However, they also discuss Steve-O's occasional need to engage in outrageous behavior to maintain a sense of self. They touch upon Steve-O's career plans, including his desire to develop his own movie, and briefly discuss injuries and health issues faced by both Steve-O and Johnny Knoxville. Overall, this conversation highlights the personal growth and challenges faced by Steve-O, as well as the enduring bond between him and Joe Rogan.

Stunt performers and action movie actors put their lives at risk for our entertainment. Joe Rogan and Steve-O discuss their experiences with stunts and the appreciation they gained for the physical risks involved. While Steve-O is known for his ability to fall without getting hurt, he acknowledges Knoxville's talent for taking falls in the worst possible way, making his stunts more impressive. Joe Rogan shares his own experience of accidentally doing stunts in a Kevin James movie and realizing the potential danger involved. The conversation highlights the importance of appreciating the physical health and bravery of stunt people in action movies and showcases the respect both individuals have gained for the difficult and dangerous nature of their work.