Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"My primary title is attention whore. That is what drives me in every decision that I make. Really? Every action that I take-- You want the attention? It's just in-- it's in my DNA. It's at my core. It's all I care about is, look at me. Look at me." — Steve-O
"I don't want to fix any of those problems. But when people are engaged with my art, they're distracted from them. And that is a huge gift. That is a huge gift. And it is a noble effort on my part. So I'm not important. I am an asshole. But I'm noble. And I like to give myself the title of professional distraction therapist." — Steve-O
"YouTube is television now. Back the day when we grew up and we were watching Jack Assym before that, you just turned on the TV and whatever came on, you kind of watched that YouTube. They're still the page channels, still the HBO's in the streaming networks, the Netflix's et cetera. Those things still exist, just like they existed back then. We have very specific content that you'll tune in for. But in terms of just popping on the TV and leaving something out, that's YouTube. TV's fucking done." — Steve-O
The discussion centers on Steve-O's evolution from his early days with Jackass to his current career as a stand-up comedian and content creator. He attributes his drive to being an "attention whore" but frames his work as a "professional distraction therapist," providing an escape for audiences from their own life stresses. Steve-O elaborates on his creative process for his live shows, particularly his "Bucket List" and "Gone Too Far" tours, emphasizing the importance of narrative and personal experience in connecting with audiences. He highlights how the entertainment landscape has shifted, with YouTube and independent creation empowering artists to control their destinies and bypass traditional gatekeepers.
Steve-O reflects on the challenges of aging in the stunt and comedy world, acknowledging the physical toll and the need to adapt his material. He contrasts his current approach of building cohesive, narrative-driven shows with the more ad-hoc nature of early Jackass stunts. He also touches upon his journey to sobriety and the impact it has had on his creative choices and overall well-being. The conversation explores the increasing significance of digital platforms and creator-led content, suggesting that traditional television is becoming less relevant as YouTube and similar platforms gain prominence.
The episode delves into Steve-O's business acumen, particularly his proactive approach to content creation and audience engagement through his YouTube channel and podcast. He stresses the importance of earning respect through consistent effort and unique content, rather than relying on brand names or traditional media validation. The discussion also touches upon the nuances of the comedy scene in New York versus Los Angeles, and the evolving role of creators in the digital age, where personal authenticity and direct audience connection are paramount.