Summary
Overview
Steve-O joins Joe Rogan for a wide-ranging conversation covering his recent struggles with online criticism, his journey with sobriety, spiritual beliefs about reincarnation and consciousness, the challenges of modern media and social platforms, and his new animal sanctuary in Tennessee. The discussion touches on comedy, UFC, trans issues, immigration controversy, and Steve-O's ongoing efforts to be a better person while managing his mental health and public perception.
Post-Mr. Beast Backlash and Online Criticism
Steve-O discusses his emotional rollercoaster after winning Mr. Beast's competition, which he thought would change his life but barely made an impact. He opens up about struggling with negative online comments and criticism about over-promoting merchandise, and how he's spent years trying to address criticism he agrees with. The conversation reveals his tendency to dwell on negative feedback despite overall success.
- Steve-O won Mr. Beast's celebrity competition for charity but it didn't create the life-changing impact he expected
- After peak success in 2022, Steve-O felt the internet turned on him with criticism about over-promoting merchandise
- He spent 2024-2025 mindfully addressing criticisms he agreed with to repair his reputation
- Steve-O legitimately agrees with some negative comments, which bothers him more than baseless criticism
" my thing is when I see a negative comment about me, if I agree with it, then it really bothers me, you know, and I got to do something about it "
" The problem with the internet is this, it's overwhelming. It's too many, too many voices, too many different people. That's why I would never recommend for a person like you to even read the comments. "
Dangerous Stunts and Head Injuries
The conversation shifts to Steve-O's history of dangerous stunts, including being choked out by Gene LaBelle and Tim Kennedy, getting knocked unconscious on WWE Monday Night Raw by Umaga, and the treadmill incident from Jackass Forever. They discuss the potential long-term brain damage from repeated head trauma and compare it to football players and combat sports athletes.
- Gene LaBelle choked out the entire Jackass cast in 2002, footage deemed too dark for the show
- Ryan Dunn started choking out audience members after the Gene LaBelle experience, which made Steve-O uncomfortable
- Steve-O was choked out six times in one day by Ryan Dunn while on cocaine
- Steve-O got knocked unconscious on Monday Night Raw by Samoan wrestler Umaga
- The treadmill incident in Jackass Forever resulted in Steve-O's worst concussion
" I landed right on my face, dude. "
" Those dudes get concussions all the time. You don't think about it because you think, oh, it's wrestling. It's pro wrestling. But just the physical contact's unavoidable. "
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