#2439 - Johnny Knoxville

Overview

Johnny Knoxville discusses his wild career in stunts, the origins of Jackass, his experiences with extreme injuries, and his new hosting role on Fear Factor: House of Fear. The conversation also delves into his upbringing, the psychology of risk-taking, and reflections on the impact of his work.

Notable Quotes

- A hard-on should be earned. It should be had legitimately or not at all. – Joe Rogan, on authenticity in life and effort.

- If you're doing something that can forever alter you, you have to want to be there. You can't halfway go into it because then you're really gonna get fucked up. – Johnny Knoxville, on the mindset required for dangerous stunts.

- I didn't win any awards for my brain scan. – Johnny Knoxville, humorously reflecting on the toll of his injuries.

🎥 Origins of Jackass

- Knoxville shared how desperation to support his daughter led to the creation of Jackass. He began by testing self-defense equipment on himself for a magazine article, which evolved into filming stunts.

- Jeff Tremaine, then editor of Big Brother Magazine, encouraged Knoxville to film his experiments, leading to the franchise's birth.

- Knoxville emphasized how necessity and fear of failure drove his creativity and risk-taking.

💥 The Psychology of Stunts and Risk

- Knoxville revealed his approach to stunts, describing how he learned to embrace fear and danger, often prioritizing the footage over personal safety.

- He admitted to experiencing imposter syndrome and grappling with the long-term effects of his injuries, including concussions and a blown-out lower back.

- Rogan and Knoxville discussed the mental toll of extreme activities, with Knoxville recounting a period of depression and anxiety after a severe concussion.

🐂 Wild Animal Encounters and Dangerous Stunts

- Knoxville recounted harrowing experiences with bulls, alligators, and lions during Jackass filming, emphasizing the unpredictability of working with animals.

- He shared a close call where a bull flipped him, resulting in a concussion and brain hemorrhage. Despite the risks, he continues to find joy in pushing boundaries.

- Rogan expressed anxiety watching such stunts, particularly those involving wild animals, highlighting the fine line between entertainment and danger.

🎭 Upbringing and Influence

- Knoxville credited his father, a prankster and larger-than-life character, as a major influence on his comedic and daring persona.

- His father staged elaborate pranks, including fake gunfights at Christmas parties, which shaped Knoxville's approach to humor and chaos.

- Knoxville reflected on how his upbringing in a colorful, unconventional environment prepared him for the Jackass lifestyle.

📽️ Documentaries and Future Projects

- Knoxville discussed his involvement in documentaries, including The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia, which explored generational poverty and addiction.

- He expressed interest in future projects, including a documentary on outlaw country singer David Allan Coe, highlighting his fascination with complex, unconventional characters.

- Knoxville emphasized his love for storytelling and his desire to explore new creative avenues beyond stunts.