The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett
54 films. Global fame. But what price did he pay?
In this powerful conversation, Matthew McConaughey opens up about the dark side of fame, the one decision that changed his life, and why resistance not talent was the real key to his success.
Matthew McConaughey is an Academy Award–winning actor and Hollywood icon, best known for roles in Dallas Buyers Club, Interstellar, True Detective, The Gentlemen, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Beyond acting, he is a bestselling author, with his memoir Greenlights becoming a global phenomenon, and his new book Poems & Prayers continuing to inspire readers worldwide.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to survive Hollywood, why fame comes at a cost, or how Matthew McConaughey found meaning beyond the big screen, this is the conversation you don’t want to miss.
He explains:
◼️How living in Australia at 18 changed the direction of his life
◼️How turning down $14.5 million helped him save his career and self-worth
◼️Why becoming a father was the 1 goal that always mattered most to him
◼️How young men are more lost than ever, and what they truly need
◼️Why a life without struggle is a dangerous life
(00:00) Intro
(02:35) What Makes You the Person You Are Today?
(06:35) Love and Values Instilled in Childhood
(14:45) What Did You Want to Be as a Kid?
(16:13) Youth Exchange in Australia
(23:58) Studying Law in Texas and Wanting a Change
(26:32) Telling His Dad He Wants to Go to Film School
(36:32) What’s Going On With Young Men
(41:03) What Made You Drift?
(42:25) The Loss of Your Father
(50:07) Do You Miss Your Dad?
(53:56) Matthew’s 10 Goals in Life
(01:01:45) Doing the Hard Thing Today
(01:07:26) The Expectation Gap and Pursuing the Divine
(01:21:51) The Power of Faith
(01:26:17) Why People With Faith Are Happier
(01:36:02) How Did You Become the Best?
(01:41:55) I Refused 14.5 Million Dollars
(01:47:54) Why People End Up Stuck
(01:56:23) What Is Your Greatest Weakness
(02:14:09) What Makes You the Person You Are Today?
Follow Matthew:
Instagram – https://bit.ly/467Alhh
Facebook – https://bit.ly/46oVFh0
YouTube – https://bit.ly/46oBe3K
You can purchase his new book ‘Poems & Prayers’, here: https://amzn.to/3IqqCtc
Look out for his new film ‘The Lost Bus’ on Apple TV+.
Based on a true story, Matthew plays a bus driver who saves 22 children from the 2018 Paradise Valley fires in California.
The Diary Of A CEO:
◼️Join DOAC circle here – https://doaccircle.com/
◼️Buy The Diary Of A CEO book here – https://smarturl.it/DOACbook
◼️The 1% Diary is back – limited time only: https://bit.ly/3YFbJbt
◼️The Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards (Second Edition): https://g2ul0.app.link/f31dsUttKKb
◼️Get email updates – https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt
◼️Follow Steven – https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb
Sponsors:
Pipedrive – http://pipedrive.com/CEO
Vanta – https://vanta.com/stevenStan Store – https://stevenbartlett.stan.store for your 14-Day free trial
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Man Who Coached Michael Jordan AND Kobe Bryant To WIN!: Tim Grover
Tim Grover is the performance expert who helped to raise the game of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant to the legendary levels everyone knows them for. Taking over Michael Jordan’s personal performance team when he…
Moment 57 – Why You Need To Forget About The End Result: Sir David Brailsford
In these ‘Moment’ episodes of my podcast, I’ll be selecting my favourite moments from previous episodes of The Diary Of A CEO. David Brailsford is the Team Principal of INEOS and is the main behind the…
Matthew Hussey: The Secret To Building A Perfect Relationship
Matthew Hussey is one of the world’s most renowned experts on relationships and human connection. He’s not only helped thousands of people be more ready to meet the love of their life, but also how…
Classpass Founder: Quitting My 9-5 Led To A $1 Billion Business: Payal Kadakia
Payal is the founder of Classpass, the app that’s helped millions of users find their passion. Her own love of dancing encouraged her to start a business which enabled anyone, anywhere to find something they…
Moment 56 – The Only Way To Build Confidence: Jacqueline Gold
In these ‘Moment’ episodes of my podcast, I’ll be selecting my favourite moments from previous episodes of The Diary Of A CEO. Jaqueline Gold has been the CEO of AnnSummers for over thirty years, and has…
How To Find Ultimate Fulfilment At Work: Marcus Buckingham
Marcus Buckingham, is one of the world’s most in-demand career experts and the author of several best-selling business books including, ‘First, Break All The Rules’, ‘Nine Lies About Work’ and ‘Love + Work’. He is…
Jessie J: I Quit Music, Deleted An Album, Then Changed My Mind
Jessie J is a singer and songwriter who has been singing professionally since she was 11 years old. In 2010 she shot to fame with the release of her first single, Do It Like A…
Moment 55 – This Method Will Boost Your Productivity: Ali Abdaal
In these ‘Moment’ episodes of my podcast, I’ll be selecting my favourite moments from previous episodes of The Diary Of A CEO. This week I’m bringing back an episode from August last year with Ali…
Terry Crews: How My Porn Addiction Nearly Ended My Marriage
Terry Crews is a NFL player turned film and TV star, featuring in a wide range of hugely successful shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, White Chicks, Everybody Hates Chris and Idiocracy. Escaping his abusive father, and…
Piers Morgan: Dealing With Repeat Failure, Death Threats & Regrets
Piers Morgan is a journalist and television host who hasn’t stayed out of the headlines since being made the youngest newspaper editor in Britain when he took over the News of the World at the…