Key Moments
Example: The Dark Side Of Money & Fame | E152
The Diary Of A CEOKey Moments
Musician Example discusses fame, addiction, and finding balance, emphasizing personal growth and family.
Key Insights
Fame and money can exacerbate personal struggles and lead to destructive behavior.
Maintaining authenticity and seeking genuine connection are crucial for well-being.
Mental health and self-awareness are vital, with practices like yoga and breathwork offering support.
Personal relationships, especially family and romantic partners, play a significant role in personal transformation.
Navigating the industry requires resilience, focusing on personal growth over external validation.
Spiritual awareness and mindfulness can be cultivated through life experiences and intentional practices.
EARLY LIFE AND FOUNDATIONS
Example, born Elliot Gleave, reflects on his upbringing, attributing his strong work ethic to his working-class parents and his mother's dedication. He excelled in school, particularly in creative subjects, and found an early outlet for his attention-seeking tendencies through drama and making people laugh. Despite experiencing bullying, a loving home environment provided him with a resilient spirit, which proved invaluable in the music industry.
NAVIGATING ASPERGER'S AND MENTAL LANDSCAPE
The conversation touches upon Example's Asperger's diagnosis in his youth, noting his hyperactive nature, photographic memory, and tendency to flip between personalities. He expresses gratitude for not being placed on medication, believing that individuality is valuable. He also discusses his ongoing struggle with having too many thoughts, a constant mental chatter he manages through practices like yoga and breathwork, which help him compartmentalize and find balance.
THE DARK SIDE OF FAME AND ADDICTION
Example candidly recounts the detrimental effects of fame and money starting in his mid-twenties. He describes becoming a 'monster' due to increased access to drugs and alcohol, leading to infidelity and a loss of self. He recounts a particularly chaotic weekend at Glastonbury as a low point, which culminated in a family intervention, highlighting the significant cost of his excesses on his relationships and personal well-being.
THE HEALING POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS AND RETROSPECTION
Meeting his partner, Erin, marked a pivotal turning point. Her presence offered a sobering perspective, and the birth of their child a profound realization of life's true meaning. He shares the tragic experience of a miscarriage, which, though difficult, led him to open up about his feelings. This period of introspection and his relationship with Erin helped him reconnect with his core values of honesty and faithfulness.
REDEFINING SUCCESS AND FINDING BALANCE
Example discusses the pressure of the music industry, where chart success can be fleeting. He emphasizes that while he'd appreciate a chart hit for validation, his focus has shifted to creating music that resonates live, connecting with his dedicated fanbase. He balances his demanding touring schedule with practices like running and swimming by the river, which provide essential escapism and mental clarity, underscoring a new definition of success rooted in personal fulfillment.
EMBRACING SPIRITUALITY AND PARENTHOOD
Becoming a parent significantly deepened Example's spiritual awareness. He now incorporates practices like yoga and breathwork into his routine, finding profound peace and connection. The experience of watching his wife give birth and raise children has been incredibly humbling and has illuminated the importance of these mindful practices. He also reflects on his team's success, recognizing his role in inspiring their own ambitious career paths.
ADVICE FOR A YOUNGER SELF AND LIFE'S TRUE COMPONENTS
Looking back, Example advises his younger self to prioritize experiences that bring genuine joy and fulfillment. He highlights the paramount importance of being a dad, cooking, training, sleep, and meaningful connections over professional accolades. He reveals that even without music, he would be content, as long as these other essential elements are present, signifying a profound shift in his perspective on a life well-lived.
Mentioned in This Episode
●Products
●Software & Apps
●Companies
●Organizations
●Concepts
●People Referenced
Common Questions
Elliot attributes his strong work ethic to his parents, both from working-class backgrounds. He observed his mother's dedication and effort, especially with his father often away for work, which instilled in him an understanding of hard work.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
A radio station mentioned in the context of how music is discovered and how artists are perceived if they are not playing on it.
A label Elliot was with, where he experienced immense pressure regarding playlisting and chart positions.
Mentioned as a sponsor of the podcast, which helps people on their health journey.
A radio station mentioned as a key platform for music discovery and artist visibility, affecting festival bookings and tours.
Elliot's father worked for this computer services company, requiring long commutes.
Kai, a former guitarist for Elliot, went on to play guitar for Jura Lip-er during her rise to fame.
An artist Elliot compares his career trajectory to, noting David's early success versus his own later breakthrough.
The host of 'The Diary of a CEO' podcast.
Elliot's drummer played with Lily Allen before joining his band.
Collaborated with Elliot on the song 'Unorthodox'.
Elliot's former drummer helped put together Ed Sheeran's live show and technology. David Stewart also started his career around the same time Ed Sheeran began to rise.
Elliot was invited onto this show to discuss a single but was asked to make the interview about a miscarriage.
Elliot used to memorize entire boxes of this game to know all the answers, showcasing his photographic memory.
A TV show mentioned in the context of cancelling appearances due to exhaustion.
A TV show that Elliot's manager felt he could not cancel due to its importance.
Elliot mentions appearing on this BBC show and how it affects his public perception.
More from The Diary Of A CEO
View all 421 summaries
89 minThe Iran War Expert: I Simulated The Iran War for 20 Years. Here’s What Happens Next
147 minNo.1 Christianity Expert: The Truth About Christianity! The Case For Jesus (Historian's Proof)
1 minIS THIS WHY THE EPSTEIN FILES ARE SEALED?
2 minYOU DON'T KNOW HOW MELATONIN WORKS!
Found this useful? Build your knowledge library
Get AI-powered summaries of any YouTube video, podcast, or article in seconds. Save them to your personal pods and access them anytime.
Try Summify free