Josh Brolin FULL interview: Family, fame and fighting his dark side

[@GrahamBensinger]

Leave your questions about our Josh Brolin shoot below and we'll answer them in our upcoming crew podcast episode!

[@2006Mercury]

Sicario 2 wasnt like the first. But it wasnt his performance it was the writing.

[@johnowens4334]

Just wondering who caught the fish and lubed it?

[@liamcurtin69]

Graham you are an incredible interviewer...thx for the work

[@handfuloflight]

This interview is slept on by the algorithm. Pump it up

[@Wordsareprayers]

It’s 3 days old…relax…👨🏾‍🦳

[@handfuloflight]

@@Wordsareprayers NAH PUMP IT UP

[@Wordsareprayers]

@@handfuloflight easy easy breezy

[@007nadineL]

Why should we?

[@Wordsareprayers]

@@007nadineL cuz..?

[@bwuh]

Just watched No Country for the umpteenth time and, Mr. Brolin, your performance was surreal. You were born to play that role.

[@F30586]

Such a classic movie. Won a few academy awards if I’m not mistaken.

[@brandyjean7015]

Amazing movie. And to observe the range of this man, Labor Day.

[@Matakui2011]

Which was a better performance, no coutry for old men or sicario?

[@williamrichardsonjr9731]

Mr. @GrahamBensinger- you are an adroit interviewer-your dedication to secondary and follow-up questions helped me to understand (as much as that is possible) the mind and experiences of one of the finest actors of our generation. Thank you for your persistence in acquiring the interviewe and Mr. Brolin, thank you for your honesty not only about your life, but also the clandestine trappings of Hollywood.

[@sheefree]

First time I've ever heard an interview with this guy. Love him. I just love solid, authentic people like him.

[@chopperenduro6590]

If you loved this one then look up the Joe Rogan Experience , Josh & Joe clicked like brothers .

[@chrisnam1603]

His girls aren't scared of him , that shows what a great dad he is... So different than his own mom was, bless you, amazing man, love from Belgium

[@JennyOSunshine]

I know , that touched me as well 🥹 💝

[@ErnestRamirez-x5y]

How so? Curious about your point of view.

[@diane8907]

I kind of laughed at certain points of the interview because of how much rings true about having a narcissistic parent ....mother....and a father who blows off the truth. Obviously, situations are different in every family, but at the core is the utter control of the narcissist. It sounds crazy because it is crazy. My mom used to wear a certain colored lipstick many times, and I KNEW it was going to go very badly for me on those days. The head games are fuel for narcissistic parents. The screaming and verbal abuses will always be remembered. I appreciate the honesty from JB , and I hope he always stays blunt and truthful and keeps moving forward❤

[@hellanbach]

His born in suspicious nature of accepting anything for free or eternally happy people are results of a narcissistic parent. It never goes away.

[@benthead]

As a former LSD user in my youth, from 55 years ago, I cannot help but to think that Josh's lucid ability to express himself through through his introspection has something to do with his own experiences from using the drug. He is an exceptional example of someone with a very strong sense of his self identity through his ability to confront his self-shadow. Thanks to Josh and Graham Basinger for the interview......

[@bboyscam9727]

Rarely watch full interviews. Normally just watch clips. Thanks to both of you. Really enjoyed it.

[@jtrader7345]

Josh, just so you know you are the last person who needs to allow yourself to have anxiety about your performance. You're one of the most impactful actors of our generation. Having said that I have exactly what you describe during company meetings and all public speaking, shaking like a limb. Thanks for sharing, helps to know even such a talent speaker goes through it.

[@j2times2006]

He's not gonna read this you know

[@raphielusain9755]

@@j2times2006jeez you suck

[@MassAveStriker]

Appreciate it my guy, message received.

[@acedegenerate2254]

This is josh brolin, get f ed man

[@collagenbabe8173]

Josh has subconscious vehicle that is reactive of itself. Not drinking sure helps.

[@leroystea8069]

The one part of this conversation that hit me the hardest is when his daughter presented him with a book about getting to know your father better. For me it was like getting slammed into a brick wall, but for different reasons and not related to my Dad. You see back at experiences we've all had that require an answer or at least some soul searching and as much as that hurt in the memory this talk inspired, it was a much needed look into the mirror of my soul to understand what that was. To Josh Brolin, thank you for sharing the way you did. Much respect to you.♥

[@thetotaldepravity]

Josh, I doubt you'll read this, but I've lived around the world for 30 years. I came from a place in the UK much like you describe, a lot of heroin, where many of my good friends died of ODs, suicide, murder. My childhood was very traumatic, with a lot of violence and alcoholism and rejection in my house. Now, before I go back, every single time, I come out in shingles or get really ill from a weak immune system. I can get all kinds of things, all related to my immune system, and I'm generally pretty fit. I don't actually feel the stress, but something happens in my mind, even though I look forward to the trips. Trauma is a serious thing. It gets you all over the body. I've tried to fix it, done ayahuasca, written about it, but it's still there, very deep trauma from my first years of life. Your Santa Barbara sicknesses might be the same thing.

[@GrahamBensinger]

0:00 - Backstory of Josh and Graham’s relationship 1:23 - Life in Santa Barbara 2:49 - Graham stressing out James Brolin before his interview with Josh 4:45 - Writing the memoir in Jordan 6:43 - Editing and cut down process of his book 10:40 - What can readers expect from the book 13:05 - Expectations and living to a certain standard 14:34 - Not working with “yes people” 18:01 - Celebrity Status 19:15 - Fear of presenting himself 22:15 - Forgetting lines on stage 26:35 Giving fake resumes to acting agencies 30:10 - Didn’t have aspirations for a future growing up 32:10 - Getting lucky with The Goonies role 33:26 The highs and lows after The Goonies 34:00 - Picky about which roles to take 37:00 - Turning down James Cameron for Avatar 40:15 - Was always paid the least 41:15 - $600k backend payout from American Gangster 43:40 - Day trading phase 45:00 - Living in the Prescott House 46:30 - Childhood on a ranch with wild animals 49:05 - Brother attacked by a wolf 50:25 - Relationship with Dad and eating the pet pigs 1:02:10 - Revisiting Juvenile hall and Butterfly Beach 1:04:05 - Growing up as a Cito Rat 1:06:45 - Mom was a character until right before death 1:08:26- How Parents Met 1:09:00- Parent’s Divorce 1:10:28- Being Scared of Mom 1:12:25- Going to Bars with Mom 1:13:40- Dealing with Mom’s Death 1:17:38- Marriage and Relationships 1:22:42- Having Kids Later in Life 1:27:45- Sobriety and Therapy 1:38:00- Fatherhood 1:41:26- Perspective from Anthony Hopkins 1:42:30 - Stopping heroin usage 1:43:31 - Worst drug trip ever 1:44:40 - Sticking a frozen fish in someone's rectum after a drug overdose 1:46:26 - Getting stabbed in Costa Rica 1:49:08 - Lunch with Warren Beatty 1:50:18 - Best time with Clint Eastwood 1:51:04 - Most memorable time with Johnny Depp 1:52:20 - Bizarre moment with Donald Trump and Oliver Stone 1:55:05 - Contentious moment with Denzel Washington on set of American Gangster 1:59:23 - Not getting a role in Crash 2:02:42 - No Country for Old Men and Quentin Tarantino 2:05:20 - Breaking collarbone after landing role in No Country for Old Men 2:07:06 - Retaining some of George W. Bush's lingo after his role in W 2:09:09 - Why he loves surfing 2:10:40 - History racing cars 2:12:52 - Love for motorcycles

[@justinvaughan9014]

First time watching one of your interviews. Loved it & subscribed

[@julietadesmaras9872]

The thing that impacted me the most was when he reference about her mother being on an on so hostigal brutal verbal during "all ages"...and at the same times I can see he really loved her 💔

[@ejo]

Josh Brolin is a seasoned American treasure. I'm proud to be alive at the same time.

[@richarddean3154]

Josh Brolin is a fantastic actor. I find him captivating in every role. His role in Sicario (CIA) was well done. Likeable person too. Thank you for the great interview.

[@debbieblakeley369]

He’s so humble and and he’s one of the prolific players in Hollywood. He’s awesome and doesn’t even know it!

[@etrhythm]

One of the best interviews in recent memory

[@Danko235]

I agree.

[@maryann5413]

love JB. but the interviewer didn't let him finish some stories.

[@etrhythm]

@@maryann5413 I know thats frustrating, i recent experienced the same thing when i did just what you did...voicing an obersevation of one guy cutting another guy off and got berated by the host...i no longer click on that channel

[@maryann5413]

@@etrhythm It seems Josh is currently being interviewed a-lot..There are other interviewers with more skill.

[@Sentientdreamer]

This should have many more views than it does. Well done gentlemen🎉❤🎉

[@VID4U-er8wf]

Presenting yourself throughout your life is terrifying debilitating but you have learned to manage it, your brutal honesty is heartwarming, God Bless you, love your films

[@jayceewriter7826]

Thoroughly enjoyed the conversation ( no interview vibes ) Dude is real which is refreshing. Like his work , hope to see him in more films.

[@heatherchessman]

I think that this is he best interview that I have ever had the privilege to witness. Thank you!

[@juleeclear8355]

I so appreciate his depth and authenticity, as well as the heroic journey of pulling himself out of the abyss that a childhood of neglect can put you in.

[@007nadineL]

He benefited greatly from nepotism Jfc

[@coycoberly4162]

@@007nadineLClearly!!! You didn’t listen to the whole interview…🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@deezol904]

​@@007nadineL All these rich actors do

[@jamesmata2978]

Great actor ! I could listen to him speak all day long. Very interesting guy. Gotta get the book.

[@niosanfrancisco]

Josh is one of my favorites. Just a great human . Awesome job graham ❤

[@ryderray2720]

I was josh's pa years ago on Mr Sterling. Salt of the earth big brother. Even 25 years ago.

[@jomccutcheon2173]

I love Josh Brolin, he's so grounded and real. I love his Dad too, does everyone remember James Brolin In Amityville Horror? He was so awesome in that movie.

[@SaholG]

Josh Brolin: COOL AF. Congrats on your Sobriety Sir !

[@Greeneggsz]

Subscribe!!

[@nimasafapouresq.3630]

Wow. That was an excellent interview. Listened to the whole thing.

[@davidshepard6098]

Two totally open & honest humans conversing . . . exceedingly, exceedingly rare . . . thank you!

[@BigD1395]

Awesome interview, probably one of the best personally interviews of Josh Brolin I've seen in years.

[@bathhousebabylonbook]

Your interviews are always extremely well done and interesting to watch. Great job!

[@faust8569]

This has been a superb interview All emotions more than generous portions of questions and answers. Thank you for sharing this experience Please continue

[@rociobany290]

Nothing but respect * Enjoyed & GodSpeed to you in all your future endeavors Josh * Thank you Graham for your tactful persistence to get this authentic interview 👏

[@peppercat8718]

Thank you for your candidness Josh. This is good. Everybody has a history. Thank you Graham Bensinger.

[@monkeywrenchdesignshop7856]

So this is the better interview. Rogan wouldn't shut up long enough to let the man talk. This is what I was looking for. But this is KZbin. Keep the cursing in. We're adults. Can't wait to read the book.

[@BrendanTaylor-on2nu]

Rogan talks way too much lately in conversations. Long time listener and noticed it more this year.

[@TheAgentAssassin]

Graham always has the best interviews. He gets to the meat and potatoes. Without in devolving into mean bears attacks, boxing, and psychedelic mushrooms.

[@monkeywrenchdesignshop7856]

@@TheAgentAssassin He is a true interviewer!

[@monkeywrenchdesignshop7856]

​@@BrendanTaylor-on2nu I agree. Joe also has a tendency to shift the conversation to what he wants to talk about.

[@betsybabf748]

You are trying to compare two completely different formats obviously not knowing the difference. Graham does interviews. Rogan does not. Rogan has a conversation, where it is like you are a fly on the wall to people just having a conversation. It was never meant to be an "interview format". It's always so asinine when people complain Rogan talks or he and the guest cut each other off or go on a tangent. It is supposed to be like that. How many times have you ever had a casual conversation with a friend where you ask them a question, stop, they answer, then you ask another question, they answer, over and over for 3 hours? The answer is never because that is an interview, we don't have conversations in an interview format, and JRE is not an interview show. If you watch JRE, you are watching to see a normal conversation, a format which most humans worldwide clearly appreciate more than any other format.

[@princhipessa1969]

What’s not to love about Santa Barbara, but I get his anxiety with it. Glad it’s working out with his family! Looking forward to reading his memoir.

[@bkh.8853]

Josh is the best! Love this guy in everything he does and every interview i see or hear.

[@Muggfacepublishing]

Knew this guy briefly when he lived in Venice, CA. a few years back. Always polite. My contact with him , being a local I would see him at coffee shops, restaurants. He always came off as your everyday kind of guy. Since then he has started a family, congra bro. All the best. BTW if he really does see this, I moved back to S.B.✌🏾✌🏾

[@talcoge67]

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to watch the whole interview, the beginning alone made me all in. Graham really brings out the best of these famous people.

[@justinhalethesenuts7769]

Thank God ! 1/3 of us didn't disappear when he clapped his hands together...

[@kossboss]

Ill be that guy... Well actually.. 1/2 and snap fingers

[@GleNnPauldjNJ]

Just love Josh for honestly, work, but he will always keep it real. No BS with him. Gotta love it!!

[@rubenmendoza3610]

So cool for brolin to be such a mirror of rdj and to get to finish out the story that started rdj’s own redemption and to be going thru his own as well. Would love an in depth discussion like this between Josh and rdj. Didn’t realize how similar they are until now

[@robertbeger4275]

I've had just about the same end of life scene in my head since I was a teenager. At that moment I want to be able to look back at my life and say Yea that was really worth it.

[@Batirtze-b6x]

He's fun, articulate and sexy. I'm in!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@michaelnischt6207]

this was deep! thank you for doing this!!

[@whyitmatterstome]

James Brolin also likely is avoiding any feelings of guilt as a father - I finally learned on the eve of my own absentee father's death, that he just didn't have the capacity to deal with his own mistakes - which ultimately relieved me of feelings of inadequacy.

[@OttoByOgraffey]

I wasn't really ever a Josh Brolin fan until I saw him in, 'No Country For Old Men.' He was perfect for the part.

[@danielgabalski2312]

That has to be the best open to an interview I’ve ever heard.

[@ValeriePeterson-w5f]

This was a great podcast with Josh 😊❤

[@joanna0002]

GREAT interview and definitely will read Josh's memoir!

[@TheDragonlady08]

Wow! Pretty honest man. Mr. Grolin is one of my favorite actors. His voice is quite masculine and distinguished. God bless him.

[@jonbanner5823]

Great interview! Recently watched JB's interview on Joe Rogan, loved that one as well but it was more like Josh interviewing Joe, haha. It was fun to learn things about Joe that I never knew, and Josh is one hell of an interviewer! I especially enjoyed hearing Josh talk about riding old bikes. Have a few old bikes myself, 2011 took a 3-month trip cross country on a 50 Panhead Hardtail, other than raising my children it was the best experience of my life. On Rogan and this interview his depiction of riding old bikes is exactly how it feels. IMO, Josh did two of the best movies of all time, "No Country" and "Nightwatch" Seen both dozens of times. I wish Josh all the best and thanks for being so open and honest AND for making some great movies, keep on bikin brother!

[@StPetersAnglicanChurch-j3q]

I was dorm parent for 3rd to 6th grade boys at Ojai Valley School in 1981-82. Little brother, Jesse Brolin (3rd grade) was in my dorm. One of the sweetest little kids. I remember the wolf story and the scars. I remember parents visiting day. James would drive up in his vintage Ferrari and charm everyone. I remember meeting "the mom." I now understand better why a sweet little kid might be in boarding school at 8 years old. He tried to call me a couple of years later. I think about the time of his parent's divorce, and I didn't return the call. So stupid at 24! Wish I could talk to him now. I understand that he has fallen on hard times.

[@ProdSangreNueva]

Christian Bale could play James Brolin in a biographic movie and Josh could play Nick Nolte.

[@chellepatino1675]

Lol😂why is that so accurate

[@DoobieDeb]

I always thought his father was so handsome and OMG SO IS JOSH ❤

[@Johndoe10007]

Josh is one hell of a good looking charming man 🧍‍♂️ he has it all the square jaw and the full head of hair , a great actor and personality and yet he’s down to earth 🌍 and doesn’t seem to know he’s has these qualities that give him so much gravitas … go Josh ❤👍

[@JustaGirl.357]

I'm enjoying these KZbin interviews of Josh Brolin lately. I really liked watching him in outer range. Great Actor! Off topic, notice the nude painting in the background... kinda weird

[@yeahk241]

Very insightful interview, Brolin is a cool guy.

[@lifeisamystery.3339]

GOONIES never say die. thanks for everything Josh Brolin.

[@Lushy260]

What a great conversation!!!!

[@johncarambat4762]

Love J-man, always have. Can't wait to get the book! Hopefully we'll work together soon.:)

[@MauricioDelgado-z2t]

Great interview! Graham does it again!

[@ccan_max5285]

Great interview, Josh is super interesting. Very open, good guy.

[@julietadesmaras9872]

His brother breaks my heart ....

[@JV-zz9ej]

Just an amazing human right there!

[@mikentosh]

I went to school with Josh, for part of a year, in 1976. I think it was 4th grade. I moved from Santa Barbara, to a small town called Paso Robles in California. The elementary schools name was Marie Bauer. (Sp?) We didn’t know each other, but while playing some game with the red rubber ball, I wanted to hear all about his mini bike! I was crazy about mini bikes, but didn’t have one! I transferred to the catholic school the next year, and never saw him again. Until the movies, of course! :-)

[@jesssmith2064]

Josh is the best to interview 💛✨🥰

[@jonboatwright7777]

I love Josh. Good interview.

[@litetalkreviews]

Great interview-profound insight

[@johnmccormick9525]

Me and my wife just hit 8 years of marriage and 12 dating just yesterday, way to go man!

[@telluwide5553]

Awesome dude! Really wish he would do another Sicario!

[@jordanwilliams8040]

Josh comes off better in this interview than his recent podcast with Joe Rogan. I felt like he was trying to alpha Joe and they didn't mesh well but Graham is like a non threatening school boy/why he has such great interviews. He puts the interviewee at ease and always does great research 👏

[@beetalius]

Glad they made this happen.

[@docholliday2364]

Truly fantastic.

[@robertvargas7004]

What a amazing interview huge fan of josh

[@Aron-79]

Respect ✊🏻

[@ThatBlokeInJapan-v5p]

i hear him when he says he doesn't miss the crazy years but he's glad he had them. I feel the same way. all the bars, shagging girls you regret shagging, fights etc. Yeah it was rough but now I'm in my 40's and I thank god I have those memories, good and bad, now that I'm bored to hell and trying to be an 'adult' if i had a kid I'd tell him to go crazy in his twenties, screw saving money. just have a good time, party party party. coz you don't get those years back.

[@rmp9417]

This is great, you're great

[@UnderSound24]

I loved the audible version of From under the Truck. Surprised it was a struggle. Guess that’s acting right there! It got 5 stars from me.

[@AddictedToMore_]

Josh is the man

[@dave9351]

Brolin has found a way out of my critical view of Hollywood ! (Went to Beverly Hills High in the late 60's and saw the BS) Excellent actor paying his dues and remaining humble throughout the process. Would have loved to have dropped a tab with this man "way back when", if we'd been close to the same age. Ordered "Under the Truck" 28:50 wonderful revelations of "Fake it, 'til you Make it" !

[@delont1986]

43:00 - "I had missed a zero" I felt that deep. Thinking you're broke, when in fact it's the opposite.

[@carrielassiter8455]

Graham, how about now you interview Jess Brolin? Narcissistic parents do a real number on their kids. Enjoyed this interview, btw.

[@Wilson.katie815]

No Country and Sicario are two of my favorite movies and made me. Josh fan. Outer Range with him and Imogen Poots is worth a watch too because of the two of them.

[@BR-tq1tc]

Wow! Great interview!

[@steveconn]

Read parts of the book. Fascinating structure and insights.

[@visionvideopodcast7300]

Josh a real one anything he in I’m watching it got a new found respect from this interview

[@susanneosborne7861]

My Dad pulled the same insensitive crap on my brothers and I when he had our 2 pet pigs slaughtered, cooked, and served for dinner, telling us at the dinner table. I was 4. Very traumatic. My clueless Dad became a psychologist some years later. Ha!

[@pbjelly9082]

Happened to me as well. I was six. Those memories never fade.

[@Starfish2145]

That is horrifying. Your dad sounds like a monster.

[@BMack-y3j]

I could literally listen to Josh talk for days, weeks, months…😉just sayin!! Great interview

[@Msmasajes]

A beautiful statue of Thanos in the back, powerfully sitting on his throne. Meanwhile, in the foreground, the real Thanos making an interview, sitting in the exact same fashion with even more dominance and power. What a legend!

[@eddiesica3649]

Awesome talk !!

[@test-do1gc]

Josh is v lucky he got sober from drugs and alcohol. He truly had a v violent and abusive mom. He seems to be minimizing his abuse but it sounds horrific. His mom sounds v belligerent, selfish, and neglectful. His dad did nothing to intervene. Sorry to hear this happened to him and his brother. Keep going. Recovery is a lifetime effort. Another great interview Graham.

[@TylerRajeski]

what a voice man

[@ThunderWarrior01]

I first really took notice of Josh when i watched him in Grindhouse but i knew I’d seen that face before, next was No Country and again i knew i knew that face and it was only when i looked back in my early days of checking IMDB did i realise how many times I’d watched him thinking this guy is doing some cool stuff..now i never miss anything he’s in i just hope we get Sicario 3 only this time with more Matt Graver

[@roxibatmanmeow]

Kool actor & Pop ! Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 All

[@nicolep2151]

Josh is so down to earth, grounded. Not getting the impression he was spoiled.

[@Fortniteclandanny]

Bullshit.. he's a nepo baby

[@betsybabf748]

@@Fortniteclandanny Only a complete dolt would judge and insult someone due to who conceived them lol. 🤦🏻‍♀🤦🏻‍♀

[@NickysGirl]

I ordered the book... I want to read about the adventure...

[@GGGG-eb9kg]

I appreciate the openness and as much honesty he was willing to share. Willing to share? Because he does have a brother named Jess and although the interview never touched on this perhaps his hook does. There are to many naritives out there about Jess dont know whats true or not, sooo until someone in the family prob josh speaks truth on this i wont read the reports on jess. To many ppl under Hollywood mirrors and music industry like to paint or hide who the person is. This gives many ppl a look inside that all families have their demons and skeletons just different kinds. Brake the chains as best you can with what you have to work with. Nothing is purrrrfect but it sure can be a better foundation.

[@stevelarson3391]

Sounds like James and Barbara are a perfect match.

[@trudideswarteTrudes]

Fantastic actor and straight as an arrow human being.

[@ItsBugsy]

Absolute legend