28-Apr-21
This podcast offers a glimpse into Matty Matheson’s life, showcasing his struggles with addiction, his journey to sobriety, and his pursuit of a balanced life. Provocative topics include Matheson’s experiences with drug abuse, his near-fatal heart attack, and the influence of his party-hard chef persona on his life. Underlying themes explore the destructive power of addiction, the importance of finding support systems, and the challenges of transitioning from a high-pressure career to a more fulfilling life.
Matty Matheson’s Addiction and Near-Fatal Heart Attack:
- Matty Matheson’s drug of choice was cocaine, but he also consumed MDMA, shrooms, acid, and copious amounts of whiskey.
- He describes his addiction as a desire for everything at once, stemming from an early start with drugs and alcohol.
- His reckless behavior and heavy drug use culminated in a heart attack at the age of 29, serving as a wake-up call.
- The heart attack, a result of a valve seizing up, made Matheson realize the severity of his addiction and the potential consequences of his actions.
The Influence of Matty Matheson’s Chef Persona:
- Matty Matheson’s identity was heavily intertwined with his party boy chef persona, which he cultivated through his restaurants and Vice TV show.
- The heart attack forced Matheson to question this persona and confront his addiction, leading him to seek sobriety.
- His transition to television and content creation helped him separate from his chef persona and embrace his authentic self.
- Matheson highlights the pressure chefs face to maintain a party-hard image, often contributing to addiction and burnout.
Matty Matheson’s Sobriety and Transformation:
- It took Matheson three months after his heart attack to resume his heavy drug use, marking a turning point in his addiction.
- He describes his relapse as a period of reckless behavior, including violence and isolation, fueled by a desire to numb the pain of his past.
- An intervention with his close friends and a subsequent 12-step meeting served as the catalyst for his sobriety, marking nine years of clean living.
- Matheson emphasizes the importance of honesty, support systems, and personal responsibility in overcoming addiction.
The Importance of Finding a Balanced Life:
- Matheson’s transition from a chef-centric career to a more balanced life involved establishing a routine, focusing on his physical health, and prioritizing his family.
- He acknowledges the challenges of dealing with impostor syndrome, especially after achieving success, but recognizes the need to push past these feelings.
- Matheson emphasizes the value of self-care and the importance of finding activities that bring joy and fulfillment outside of work.
- He advocates for a holistic approach to well-being, incorporating physical activity, mental health practices, and a healthy lifestyle.
Matty Matheson’s Thoughts on the Pandemic and Government Response:
- Matheson expresses frustration with the prolonged lockdowns and restrictions imposed by the Canadian government, highlighting the impact on businesses and individual freedoms.
- He contrasts the responses of different states in America, praising Florida’s more open approach compared to California’s stricter measures.
- Matheson criticizes the government’s focus on fear and control rather than promoting individual responsibility and promoting healthier lifestyles.
- He advocates for personal freedom and the right to make informed choices, emphasizing the importance of course correcting when policies prove ineffective.
Matty Matheson’s Fascination with Ancient Civilizations and the Supernatural:
- Matheson expresses a strong interest in ancient civilizations, particularly ancient Egypt, the Aztecs, and the Native American cultures of North America.
- He contemplates the complexities of ancient societies, the marvels of their architecture, and the mysteries surrounding their existence.
- Matheson also shares his fascination with the supernatural, discussing his belief in the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the theories surrounding ancient aliens.
- He acknowledges the absurdity of some theories, but remains open to the possibility of unknown phenomena and the potential for a deeper understanding of the universe.
Matty Matheson’s Journey of Self-Discovery and Transformation:
- This podcast highlights Matty Matheson’s personal journey of self-discovery, from his struggles with addiction and his reckless lifestyle to his pursuit of sobriety and a balanced life.
- He emphasizes the importance of honesty, support systems, and finding activities that bring fulfillment and meaning beyond career ambitions.
- Matheson’s story serves as a reminder that even in moments of darkness and uncertainty, transformation and growth are possible.
- His journey demonstrates the power of facing challenges head-on, seeking help when needed, and embracing the process of self-improvement.
5 Memorable Quotes
- “I am a brand.” – Matty Matheson playfully acknowledges his status as a public figure, demonstrating self-awareness and humor.
- “I would wanna feel like my bones were outside of my body, and I was like, my I was like two people. I was like, my skin and the muscles. And then the bones were over here, and I was like, buddy, let’s do a bump.” – Matheson vividly describes the altered state of mind induced by drug use, highlighting the disconnect it creates.
- “You gotta grab them, and Mac is a thick boy, and I gotta grab them. And he’s like, I call him and stack the pancakes. He’s like, he’s got a big butt too. and I grab them and I’m like, fuck.” – This humorous anecdote showcases Matheson’s love for his children and his playful personality.
- “You just gotta be the meanest, fastest, badest motherfucker. That’s how you beat those people. His approach was not like that. You need to know how to, like, trimetry or grow a flower.” – Matheson explains Moto Musashi’s philosophy on swordsmanship, highlighting the importance of balance and self-cultivation.
- “It’s like you were talking about before where you’re trying to hold on to your identity of being a partier — Yeah. — you know, and that that was your identity. know, there’s a lot of people that have this idea of who they are, and then all of a sudden, they have children, and then it they change. It changes you.” – Matheson reflects on the transformative power of fatherhood, emphasizing how it challenges preconceived notions of identity.