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

Doctor Gabor Mate: I Regret My Interview With Prince Harry! The Shocking Link Between Kindness & Illness!
Being nice is bad for your health, while being angry is healthy, Dr. Gabor Mate unpacks the inner depths that lie beneath the personality you show to the world. In this new episode Steven sits…
Airbnb CEO: “IT WAS SO DARK WE NEARLY DIED!”. I Was Lonely, Deeply Sad & Wanted To Be Loved! [INSPIRING!] Brian Chesky
If you enjoyed hearing about the highs and lows of creating the world’s biggest brands, I recommend you listen to my conversation with Spotify founder, Daniel Ek, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_35cUaU_NA Is being an artist the secret behind…
Moment 130: Shopify’s President: The 1 Skill You MUST Have To Thrive In Business: Harley Finkelstein
In this moment, the President of Shopify, Harley Finkelstein, discusses why having a diverse skillset is the best way to stand out in your industry and a way of becoming invaluable. A lot of the…
The Food Doctor: “Extra Protein Is Making You Fatter!” The 6 Food Lies Everyone Still Believes! (Brand NEW Food Science) – Tim Spector
中文 Tiếng Việt Coffee is good for you, but orange juice is bad for you, and supposedly ‘healthy’ food isn’t healthy. The food doctor is here to set the record straight on the perfect diet.…
The Relationships Professor: “This Is An Emergency!” The Number Of Men Having No Sex Increased 180%! (Why This Is Dangerous & How We Fix It)
中文 Tiếng Việt From financial literacy to modern masculinity, Prof G has a theory for everything. In this new episode Steven sits down with world-leading marketing guru, Professor Scott Galloway. Scott began his career as…
Moment 129: Life Changing Lessons From The World’s Longest (85 Years) Study On Happiness: Dr Robert Waldinger
In this moment, the director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest study of humans ever, Dr. Robert Waldinger gives the answers to some of the most important questions in life. Most people…
Spotify Founder: “Spotify Was A Stupid Idea!” How A 23 Year Old Shy, Underdog, Introvert, Built A $31 Billion Business! – Daniel Ek
How to go from the Swedish housing projects to billionaire CEO of Spotify. In this new episode Steven sits down with the co-founder and CEO of Spotify, Daniel Ek. Daniel Ek is a Swedish entrepreneur…
No.1 Neuroscientist: Why You Should Always Look Into Someone’s Left Eye! & How Stress Leaks Through Skin, Is Contagious & Gives You Belly Fat! Dr. Tara Swart
中文 Tiếng Việt Have you ever want to change your mind? Well what if you changed your brain instead? In this new episode Steven sits down with neuroscientist, executive advisor and author, Dr Tara Swart…
Moment 128: How To Fix Your Sexless Relationship: Tracey Cox
Discover the keys to reigniting intimacy in your relationship with renowned relationship expert Tracey Cox. This insightful guide offers practical advice and proven strategies to help you and your partner reconnect, rekindle desire, and build…
Nick Cannon: How I ACCIDENTALLY Built A $1.3 Billion Business & My Ex-Wife Mariah Carey Saved My Life!
Nick Cannon has lived many different lives, and if you ask him he’s won them all. In this new episode Steven sits down with TV host, actor, rapper, and comedian, Nick Cannon. At 16 years…