About this episodeDax Shepard discusses his recent CPTSD diagnosis, the impact of rejection sensitivity on his relationships, an…AI summary
Dax Shepard discusses his recent CPTSD diagnosis, the impact of rejection sensitivity on his relationships, and his journey through EMDR therapy. He also reflects on his acting career, from early modeling struggles to the success of 'Reacher' and 'Motor City,' while addressing the viral motorcycle incident and his philosophy on holding onto righteous anger versus letting go of resentment.
Key takeaways 5
Hypervigilance and rejection sensitivity dysphoria (linked to ADHD) cause Shepard to instinctively assume he is at fault when others are upset, leading to emotional exhaustion and relationship volatility.
EMDR therapy helps process CPTSD by keeping both brain hemispheres active during trauma recall, allowing for neural network rebuilding rather than just talk therapy.
Shepard challenges the AA concept that 'resentments are drinking poison,' arguing that for some, holding onto righteous anger is a necessary fuel for justice and action, provided it doesn't become self-destructive.
The modeling industry can be predatory; Shepard experienced harassment from agents and photographers, which drove him away from that career path toward acting.
Success in Hollywood requires letting go of ego; Shepard learned this after a poor audition for Thor led him to study intensely with a master class instructor, realizing he lacked 'the craft'.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“I feel like I'm always in trouble... if anything happens or anyone's mood's a little crooked, my first thought is like, 'Oh, [__] I did something.'”
▶ 2:01Describing his hypervigilance and rejection sensitivity when his son cried during a family trip.
“You cannot think your way into acting different. You can act your way into thinking different.”
▶ 5:22Explaining the AA principle he uses to break the loop of asking 'Did I do something wrong?' by simply stopping the behavior.
“Resentments are fine for other people. A lot of people can hold resentments. Addicts can't. Addicts drink over resentments. The resentments are drinking poison and hoping your enemy dies.”
▶ 36:22Host Dax Shepard quoting AA wisdom, which Dax Shepard (guest) later debates regarding the utility of anger.
“I don't think society can run off nothing but monks... I'd rather be motivated by resentment and this ugly fuel that actually gets [__] done in the world.”
▶ 45:15Dax Shepard (guest) arguing that righteous anger is a valid motivator for social change and justice, contrasting with the host's view on letting go.
“The sign of a true artist is somebody that can do their work... and throw it away and nobody will ever know... It's not for anybody. It's definitely not for money. It's not commercial. It's internal.”
▶ 1:05:19Reflecting on a masterclass where deaf actors performed in sign language for an audience of peers, inspiring him to value art for its own sake.
Chapters & Sections (51)▼
0:00Overcoming Hypervigilance and Rejection Sensitivitychapter2
1:36Family Hypervigilance and Rejection Sensitivity
2:43ADHD, Cortisol, and Parenting Hypervigilance
5:41CPTSD Diagnosis and EMDR Therapychapter1
8:07EMDR Therapy and Trauma Processing
10:46Rejection Sensitivity and Relationship Volatilitychapter1
12:54Protective Isolation and Relationship Self-Sabotage
15:05Childhood anxiety, family dynamics, and brotherhoodchapter2
16:33Mother's career and older brother's influence
17:36Childhood fights and musical theater
21:51Ballet, Father's Sacrifice, and Chin Tumorchapter2
24:16Academic Scholarships and Quitting School
25:20Wisdom Teeth Surgery Reveals Chin Tumor
26:57Modeling Career and Father's Reactionchapter1
28:33Modeling Career and Father's Reaction
31:34Predatory Industry and Resentmentchapter1
34:01Resentment Against Predatory Systems
36:02Resentment as Motivation and Bullyingchapter1
37:59Transforming Resentment into Positive Motivation
40:58Protective Instincts vs. Partner Safetychapter1
42:42Reevaluating Protective Instincts
45:37Archetypes of Justice and Empathychapter1
48:16Different Approaches to Enacting Justice
50:34Self-Sacrificial Love and American Idol Experiencechapter2
52:21Living Between Three and Seven
53:31American Idol Audition Experience and Reaction
55:06Moving to LA and Smallville Aquaman Rolechapter2
56:10Early Career and Smallville Success
57:35Early Hollywood Lessons and Show Cancellations
59:29Acting Craft and Career Lessonschapter2
1:01:15Unconventional Audition and Career Crossroads
1:02:40Mastering Acting Craft and Intense Training
1:05:16Artistic Integrity and Career Confidencechapter2
1:06:27Spouse Support and Career Mindset
1:07:58Audition Confidence and Premature Car Purchase
1:09:33Turning down Shazam for Reacherchapter1
1:12:46Micromanagement and Reacher's Character Evolution
1:14:52Reacher Success and Silent Film Motor Citychapter2
1:16:38Silent Film Script and Blacklist History
1:17:59Silent Film Screenwriting Challenges
1:20:38Upcoming Projects and Owen Wilson Collaborationchapter1
1:22:45Actors as Writers and Arnold Schwarzenegger Meeting
1:24:57Navigating Fame and Motorcycle Passionchapter2
1:26:45Arnold Schwarzenegger's Public Recognition
1:28:04Motorcycle Stunt Training and Film Projects
1:29:13Motorcycle Neighborhood Confrontation and Body Camchapter5
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