Example: The Dark Side Of Money & Fame | E152

In this raw and vulnerable episode, Example takes Steven Bartlett through the darkest chapters of his life as a successful musician. He begins by discussing his early years and how living with Aspergers shaped his worldview and relationships. The conversation quickly shifts to the inner demons he battled from a young age, creating patterns that would later intensify once fame arrived.

The core of this episode centers on what Example calls the dark side of money and fame. He describes how achieving the success he worked for paradoxically transformed him into someone he despised. The validation that came with fame and financial success became a poison rather than a prize. Instead of fulfillment, he found himself spiraling into self-hatred and self-medication as coping mechanisms. He openly admits to a reckless phase where he was making destructive choices, driven by demons he hadn't yet learned to manage.

A turning point came when Example was forced to confront what was actually pulling him out of that destructive cycle. He credits spirituality and breath work as critical tools that helped him regain control and clarity. These practices became anchors when external achievements could no longer provide meaning.

The episode takes an even deeper turn when Example shares about a personal tragedy: a miscarriage that fundamentally shifted his perspective on what matters in life. This loss became a catalyst for questioning everything he had built his identity around and forced him to reassess his values and priorities.

Example also addresses a challenge many successful artists face: the burden of competing with a former version of yourself. Audiences and critics often want artists to recreate past hits, but growth requires evolution and change. He discusses how he's navigated this tension and the pressure it creates.

Looking forward, Example talks about his new album as a reflection of this transformational journey. Rather than chasing commercial success or trying to recapture past glory, he's focused on creating work that aligns with his current values and sense of purpose. The conversation concludes with a reflection on what actually matters, moving beyond the superficial metrics of success that nearly destroyed him.

Throughout the episode, Example demonstrates remarkable honesty about his struggles with mental health, addiction, and the psychological toll of fame. His journey serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of equating external achievement with internal worth, while also offering hope that transformation and healing are possible through self-awareness and intentional change.