Laird Hamilton: I’m bipolar and have Asperger’s?

Big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton responds to how friends and family described his personality and points out that whatever behavioral traits he possesses has worked for him and can be directly attributed to his success today.
Want to see more? SUBSCRIBE to watch the latest interviews: bit.ly/1R1Fd6w
Episode debuted nationwide in 2018.
Watch full episodes each week on TV stations across the country. Find the airing time and channel for your city:
www.grahambensi...
Connect with Graham:
FACEBOOK: / grahambensinger
TWITTER: / grahambensinger
INSTAGRAM: / grahambensinger
WEBSITE: www.grahambensi...

[@infinitecuriosity9210]

We don't need to label everyone and everything, celebrate individuality. Uniqueness.

[@salan3507]

Exactly. Unless the person is harming other people live and let live. We're not a bunch of cookie cutter zombies.

[@ginanmarcus918]

I totally agree. to many labels in this world

[@gregparker9614]

Highly intelligent and tons of energy - yep I can confirm that schools really don't like that.

[@cwr8618]

i would add, confidence and independence. institutions tend to have a hard time with all of those things wrapped into one person...

[@Chasstful]

Its doesn't make him Autistic

[@EITFM]

You don’t become the bravest man in the scariest sports in the the world (to me at least) by being a harmless well adjusted guy.

[@unlimited1652]

Seems society non conformity is conviniently regarded as a disease.

[@mizzounyc]

I'd hardly call surfing the scariest sport in the world.

[@EITFM]

mizzounyc big wave surfing, the Mavericks, cloudbreaks, and Nazares of the world are definitely up there. Facing mother nature head on at its most ferocious, And if you don’t get it perfectly right good chance of being held down at the bottom of the sea, smashed into a crevice in the bottom of the ocean, paralyzed or eaten by shark. I can’t think of much scarier then drowning In the worlds largest washing machine in the middle of the ocean, maybe top level UFC or something

[@jeremiet2739]

I think it must be a pre disposition that you're born with to want to do those things, so people that enagage in this behaviour are probably naturally built for it, so even though it's scary for most people (myself included, I couldn't think of many things scarier), for those people it's perhaps more of a rush, rather than a debilitating fear...

[@ceylonmooney]

@@mizzounyc normally no. what this guy does aint normal surfin.

[@jamesoncross7494]

He's highly driven. Of course there are going to be down sides to that. I love his attitude. He owns it with no shame. He's an alpha man. Top of the food chain.

[@julietulley7524]

Alpha man , ppphhhtttttttt

[@IvanLendl87]

Laird is an Alpha Male beyond a shadow of all doubt.

[@Phillyisalwayssunny]

Drink it in. That is unbridled honest and logical thinking to its maximum. So good

[@ariag.8745]

"Whatever I have is working!" (Laird laughing). I love this comment.

[@fightwithfire18]

Just like a bipolar on the upswing

[@IvanLendl87]

@@fightwithfire18 Except he's having huge life successes without the bi-polar downswing huge losses. So he's not bi-polar.

[@alrivers2297]

@@fightwithfire18 someone's jealous

[@tombley5760]

I'll have a coffee mug and a T-shirt.

[@3style.4life]

"he just gets bored" Made my day, thanks Laird!

[@paulinepeppler8248]

I think Laird represents a real man. Not afraid to stand up for what he believes in and doesn't go along with the flow of what his friends say how he should act or how he should live. Other men should take note of what women want from a real man. Things that Laird portrays.

[@duality7]

I had no idea who this guy was nor had any interest in surfing whatsoever, but damn this guy has so much depth. I feel like he's a very spiritual person, can't really not be I guess when you're so connected to water.. Great stuff!

[@mikehawk8276]

Dudes a badass.. feel like he's just on another level

[@kennethbrady]

True, Laird seems "unconventional". BUT our society is an apparatus to make us conform. To not think, to not feel, and to not engage life deeply. I do not surf, but I really appreciate Laird's core freedom and the defiance it takes to sustain it.

[@hiltonjacobs8910]

Kenneth, you got that right. The top 1% want us masses all on Ritalin, Prozac, etc., the better to control us all.

[@pietskiet8763]

Hah , define NORMAL , with 7,8 bilion ppl around !

[@carverac]

What's the frequency Kenneth?

[@fronts3165]

Whatever is going on with Laird, it's a superpower. The man is a legend. He's an inspiration. Focusing his energy on pushing the limits of his body and mind is a gift to us all. Many have done a lot worse with their gifts. Who knows why some are motivated and some not. I for one am grateful he is among us. The fact that he dropped in at Chopes and broke that boundary sealed his status as greatest waterman to ever live. As the legendary Greg Knoll once said, "people don't do that."

[@Monscent]

This is so true. We "diagnose" alot of stuff that doesnt really stop us from living, just stops us from fitting in well with how we've structured modern society and how youre "supposed" to fit in.

[@brettadkins4698]

Get in line

[@1957bullshit]

Nothing is wrong with Laird. He is perfection.

[@mel818]

That was a weird question about Gabby the interviewer asked, and I'm sure Laird took it well cause he knows what Gabby thinks about him and she knows what he thinks about her. I've watched some interviews with her (specially recommend the one with Lewis Howes) and read one of her books, it's amazing how much she loves and respects Laird. She describes him as the perfect partner for her with the exact traits she needed and wanted in a man, but she's also aware of the downside of said traits and doesn't try to change him cause she doesn't want him to stop being himself; that being said, she does say he's changed a lot for the better through the years. Interestingly, she says he's the sensitive and emotional one in the relationship, and she also praises his complete honesty, which he perfectly displays in these interviews. He's not trying to influence anyone's opinion on him, he doesn't care what others think about what him or what he does, he just wants to surf and live his life.

[@hiltonjacobs8910]

Melis, really well-said. Thanks.

[@quincee3376]

True

[@waynehearst317]

What a wonderful observation. Awesome, thanks for sharing.

[@justinofboulder]

That was a great response to the question!

[@kw7268]

I think he’s an incredibly liberated soul. I’ve followed Laird’s journey off and on over the years, and I’m continuously fascinated. I love that he doesn’t feel the need for competition with others, and most people consider him one of the - if not THE - best at his sport. I love his defiance. Maybe there is a slight personality disorder in that, but so what? Like he said, it works for him.

[@sweetpeace5]

Right. So who’s to say it’s disordered? As long he’s not harmful to society everybody (his “friends”)should shut their mouth & accept him just as he is or keep it movin’

[@SpaceCredits]

Yeah like Michael jordan - these Goats. They are not disorders, just the Human condition

[@mundoz79]

The awesome thing about Laird is that he makes want to be yourself to the fullest.unapologetically

[@xboyjonny]

That’s facts

[@salan3507]

Truth

[@gabriellerivera7551]

One of the best interviews I've watched. Everything Laird and Gabby say is so poignant and rooted in reality

[@douglarsen4801]

Totally agree they seem like just real folks laying it on the table

[@tomvalveede6808]

The Ability to remain Focused, No matter What! Have admired Laird, from the first time l ever saw him out on the Ocean. An awesome man!

[@philmoreslim4619]

A true man's man. #respect

[@treborhi]

"You do what you can for as long as you can, and when you finally can’t, you do the next best thing. You back up but you don’t give up." Chuck Yeager

[@hiltonjacobs8910]

Terrific interview of a truly inspiring man. This interviewer is, IMHO, terrific. Took me a while to 'accept' him, but he asks excellent questions, shuts up, and lets his interviewees speak freely. I for one cannot get enough Laird Hamilton interviews, and really find Graham Bensinger the best interviewer of my favorite subject (alongside Bruce Lee).

[@godisbollocks]

The first interview I saw with Bensinger was featuring the climber Alex Honnold and it was a disaster. Bensinger was terrible. But since then I've seen many other Bensinger interviews and he's been fine in all of them. Must've had an off day on that Honnold one.

[@AlexanderBoutilier]

Laird is speaking exactly about my life... Get bored and have way too much energy and drive. Inspiring to see his perspective on it.

[@dirkdiggler5647]

Laird is a really interesting guy, enjoyed the interview. Thanks Graham

[@janicemorris6085]

Laird by All appearances is a super human specimen accomplishing great things. Of course the haters want to tone him down..his Alpha energy probably makes them feel small

[@MrKnifeart]

Intelligent and Fantastic. Ritalin avoided as well.

[@delilahhart4398]

I wish my autism and ADHD worked so well for me.

[@jasondownsnet]

My mentor who’s also one of my best friends told me one night while drinking,”you know there’s something a little off about you. I don’t know what it is, but there something going on.” At first I got hurt, and I told him to fuck off, but he was like,”no, this is a good thing, you’re not like everyone else and it’s helping with all of your accomplishments and your drive and success.” Now I’ve grown to lean into it.

[@MikeKollin]

We live in a Society where if someone is highly intelligent, talented, hard working and motivated or inspired, people want to medicate that person because they're lazy, unmotivated people of society are like, "That's not fair!" It's a societal problem not a motivated persons problem who works hard to achieve their dreams!

[@birdbraINCorporated]

Laird I have just decided that, yes, I will continue to buy your coffee creamers.

[@Johnny-wr1wp]

Laird is a waterman gladiator! 🙌🏼

[@ktgodwin100]

I love his mentality and outlook.

[@scotthawkes4682]

Love it .he cut out a life for himself. top man respect

[@Resistculturaldecline]

That drive, determination, resourcefulness, resiliency, stubbornness and confidence in modern times is called toxic masculinity and is trying to eradicate it.

[@cxSMILEYx]

Absolutely!! An inflated ego turns gifts into arrogance very quickly and you don’t even realize it until it already happens or until your back in a depressive state and suicidal. Speaking from experience. It’s all about balance. Too much or too little is detrimental. As someone who has felt the two emotional extremes and recently had my first hypomanic episode it’s all about balance and moderation for me. My ego is as smart as I am and easily leads me down a whole of delusional thinking without even realizing it

[@gregthompson8062]

Aka emasculation. The worst thing ever. Laird is a savior.

[@barriols]

Really insightful words from Laird about human condition, didn't expect such an interesting interview, good job!

[@VegasNihilist]

Laird is awesome. Check out the movie about him on Hulu or watch Riding Giants . Guy is machine for sure.

[@douglarsen4801]

These interviews are why I respect Graham, AND Laird. Love both of these guys man

[@MrRobertFarr]

Brave and focused. With the intelligence to, undertake exceptionally difficult things.

[@rogerwhiting9310]

He misses quite a few of the questions and answers what he thinks he was asked. It doesnt seem to be a defense mechanism. Example... ""where did you think you would be at this stage of life when you were young?" He goes onto what he likes about his life. I bet his mind is very busy and flooded. He likes that... talks about his caffeine pumping regularly. He avoided answering the bipolar question too. He must have found the perfect companion... high strung, super competitive racing people arent easy to live with generally. I bet he is a wonderful friend.

[@moewilkins2785]

I was told in 2012 I had mild Asperger's and bipolar. I heard this quote in one of my first therapy classes I heard a quote. I held until that quote all these years- "make sure your worst enemy doesn't live between your ears"... Yeah that was mr. Laird Hamilton. I apologize because I actually find out who he was till this year. I definitely look up to him. Even more so now. Thank you for being a great person and an awesome human being. watching this sexually help me to feel more inspired to do better cuz I've been trying but it gets overwhelming. My personality is so intense most people can't handle it.

[@nigeljones482]

Thank you, finally someone has the balls to say “This is what work for me and what I believe in” and not how you want me to fit into your perfect controlling little bubble

[@robingagan6288]

I like this interviewer. He doesn't rush people or interrupt

[@coshocoshohut9438]

I loved this interview .... soo much truth and wisdom spoken ....

[@themrdeadlift]

Going barefoot is such a power move and I respect that.

[@rr7firefly]

Graham should have followed suit. He looks severely overdressed sitting next to this surfing god.

[@DennisTeti]

I like this guy’s mannerisms. 3:13 “Just, well. Your personality.” I’m still laughing over that one.

[@sdsurfers7957]

laird hamilton is a true soul surfer

[@ImaMonaKnight]

Love You Laird & Gabby Soo Much💎💘

[@JamesBrown-]

I think surfing probably saved his life - Maybe if he wasn’t brought up in an environment that allowed him to express his aggression in a productive way he’d be a seriously dangerous individual

[@joakeson13]

Glad I found this one today. I’ve been diagnosed. And I’m definitely an alcoholic that gave it up a year ago. I HAVE to work 10-12 hours a day to spend all of this energy I contain otherwise I implode on myself then explode on those around me.

[@silasmarner7586]

Laird seems like a heckuva guy. The documentary the Big Waves (I think I have that right) was my first in-depth view of him. But anyhow great interview.

[@WinstonKnows]

Silas Marner Riding Giants and Step into Liquid are great films.

[@ratterrierdogma]

Laird is an amazing surfer. He is part terrier. I have two rat terriers who could probably surf. They are part Laird.

[@PinstripeJim]

Being different and having drive, motivation, and grit is mistaken for having a medical or behavioral health issue. He isn't homeless and draggin' is a$$ around Venice Beach, he is known around the world for his accomplishments.

[@lauchzwiebel]

That is the dumbest thing I read today

[@raffaellavitiello1762]

Who said that bipolar are homeless??? Insuccessful, it is the opposite the are extremely clever and inteligent people they are not idiot do you even know what a bipolar personne is???? They most of them have many talents they are not bums and they are not confuse or lost quite the opposite, and alot of them live their life without any medication but have found outlet to their condition in extreme sports or have others hobbies that take all their energies and they are very good at it.

[@nickhammersonrocks]

LAIRD !!!!! YOU'RE THE MAN !!!!!!!!!!!! ROCK ON !!!!!!!!!!!!..............................AND SURF ON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@alexanderikaika5125]

What a great all around interview! Thank you Graham

[@JohnFHendry]

There is nothing "wrong" with Laird. One of the nicest and least insecure surfers on the planet... a real exception to the rule on average especially given his exceptional skill level. Some people don't need to put others down to lift themselves up, nor follow others to find their way. Some of Graham's questions and statements make me wonder what he's trying to accomplish.

[@hiltonjacobs8910]

In reality, I think Graham's giving Laird the opportunity to crush the haters. Any skilled interviewer knows how to elicit 'real' responses, and Graham's getting 'em in this interview. Graham is actually helping Laird shut the haters up.

[@amelsabri469]

Don't take medication, the emotional maturity will come with time, take care of yourself not what people think. You are not hurting anybody!❤

[@Kidgloves1984]

Laird is a beast..he has the courage, fitness, ability to do things that very few can do..

[@R2D2fhjks]

I admire this guy. Writing from Costa Rica.

[@tblightningbolt8902]

R2D2 SL why does it matter if you are in Costa Rica

[@johnwesley2943]

The terrier comment really resonated. Having that mindset has made me very focused, but it messed up my relationship as I would not let things go if I believed I was right.

[@markdinkel9006]

laird's cool with me . anybody got a problem with him who cares. would love to take surf lessons with him.

[@IvanLendl87]

The people who have problems with Laird are threatened by the fact that he’s a genuinely fearless bad-ass guy who goes after his goals with everything he’s got and obtains it. They don’t believe they can compete with that level of bad-assery so they try to shame him to bring him down to their level.

[@lauchzwiebel]

He is a legend at the same time he is far away from being balanced And yes I can see the alcohol abuse in his behavior and body A legend but a broken one And the talk about we have been hunters is an legend as well

[@lauchzwiebel]

?

[@holtzmann8213]

Legend! Connected soul.

[@AlanShirtsink]

I met Laird when he was little when him and a friend stole our food out of our tent on the North Shore. Then as a negotiated settlement to get it back he wanted us to share it with him when we cooked it. That part of him hasn’t changed a bit😜

[@CZESAR99]

This guy besinger is always so cool and calm that he can ask wte he wants and they answer cause he’s so easy going and calm Hahahaha I like his interviews cause he can ask deep shit per say and they will never over react they will asnwer calmly too hahaha this guy is a true interviewer great tactic or maybe is the way he is lol the thing is that to me is one of the best love watching his interviews cause he can ask wte he wants in a very respectful manner and get away with it hahaha

[@velvetindigonight]

Back in the 1990's I worked in a very good childrens home and we would have children come in especially boys on Ritalin etc., and we'd stop it and just be active and engage with them. Games, footbal, bike rides, fishing etc., with routine, boundaries. good food and activity they were not a problem. They were bright active kids born into the wrong famillies and living conditions............. Still saddens me to think about them and all the others who get labeled.

[@sb75ification]

“Whatever I have, is working” 😂👍🏻

[@kgill99]

Great defence of being different...Bright Light, Dark Shadow... the world would be a boring place if we were all the same

[@keefh.7431]

Much respect 🙏laird is on another level

[@moviefan8533]

Look at their body language. Bensinger: a little anxious, suit, legs crossed. Laird: unapologetic, open body language, no shoes.

[@markg999]

Thought I remember in Endless Summer 2 Gerry Lopez telling the story once when Laird borrowed his paddle board and took it like 25 miles across some large channel ha. He seems like a really cool dude but yeah I can see him getting bored easy.

[@Billy-je6mq]

People this this man are the reason we're not still living in caves !

[@Frisbieinstein]

I dunno. I can see Laird living in a cave and digging it.

[@margomalik181]

laird is the king

[@itzcringe6268]

Laird is a terroir, great example of the perfect human specimen, he and Gabby are such a beautiful example of a positive example for next generation! God bless!

[@BethyKable]

Anyone who can fearlessly ride monster waves and excel at it can’t have a normal profile. His intensity and drive propel him to take the risks he does to accomplish what he does....that’s what makes him exceed ....normal,typical people don’t accomplish what he has.

[@Longjohnsilver58]

So he’s an individual and not a label. How enlightening.

[@AncientGreek]

I have aspergers too, and LSD and weed has made me overcome many difficulties.

[@idratherfly2000]

Side comment, anyone thinks Laird sounds like Chris Farley?

[@deweywatts8456]

I wonder if Farley had to use substances to make that come out though.

[@fernandomaron87]

David Lee Roth for me.

[@ocvegasproperty]

Good for him, it worked. He’s definitely completely narcissistic and self-absorbed. Never heard this guys speak about anything besides himself.

[@raffaellavitiello1762]

That is what they do.

[@gracenmercy579]

Oh stop

[@PalmBeachJunk]

LOVE THIS

[@Marksquire]

This guy is fucking awesome. Graham isn’t so bad either!

[@MrRaErickson]

Lol great outlook. Fuck it, none of us is perfect. Learn to accept who you are and live with your imperfections

[@alanboyce7109]

Class of 83-84 baby. WE RULE.

[@Frisbieinstein]

Dang this guy is smart.

[@MsGnor]

I volunteered for a charity, supporting kids from a school in a disadvantaged neighbourhood. The kids were singing in a choir at a theatre event. We had a few long practice days then the main event. We were warned that one of the boys had behaviour problems. We should report him if he got aggressive. It turned out that, although he was 11yo boy, he'd decided he was ready to be a man. He modelled his behaviour on alpha male leaders. Instead of lining up like a little kid, he wanted to make decisions for himself and lead his gang of little dudes. He also had tons of energy and it drove him crazy to sit still for hours. He was clearly frustrated, wanted to get on with teachers but didn't know how. He touched my heart. He needed good strong badass mentorship, not thwarting labels. Also, the 'disadvantaged' kids were generous and kind. When they opened their food, they offered it to the group before eating what they'd brought. They looked out for each other. So precious. The teachers were caring but overworked, tired and looking after large classes of energetic kids.

[@servant141]

Obsession makes greatness.

[@fernandomaron87]

And endless pursuit

[@cosmonaut9942]

high level CEO = sociopath in a lot of cases.

[@777Ryank]

If all men had half of this man's integrity, the world's would be a much better place and all there snowflakes would melt away

[@1967davidfitness]

How is Laird when it comes to social interaction and small talk, does he cope well with change in routines? Has he got heightened senses? I do feel he shows traits of Aspergers, due to him going on and on about his passions, and goes off on a tangent. I loved the diet segment of this series of interviews..Genghis Khan, wow!! That was a curveball.

[@420surfdawg]

Going on a tangent is a bad thing?

[@deanbodishowpodcast9437]

Love this guy!! Bad Ass To The Core🏄‍♂️

[@mikeneumann4660]

What a normal driven human being

[@lutzchoco1]

Surfers are a breed

[@stevengriffin5349]

Asperger's is on the "spectrum" lower end of Autistic: maybe a bit nerdy and social interaction is not natural. Bi-Polar has many types based on cycle and severity. Medication mitigates the symptoms, one problem is many prefer the "high" and self medicate the lows. Very tricky to diagnose because only a behavioral history can spot. I had a therapist who never thought I was bi-polar because never saw me depressed. Really wrong because, my behavior indicated depression.

[@bryant1749]

Society is the issue, not laird. System is broken, as we are seeing in this lovely time today ;)

[@IvanLendl87]

Totally agree. Laird is threatening to people who rely on excuses to get through daily life.

[@Johnnyreengo]

That was a surprisingly intelligent opinion.

[@davidcottrell1308]

he is totally correct.

[@mariesantos6041]

I have a very high caliber horse that only I can handle...if she was human she would be someone like him...I love her and understand her fight and flight spirit🐴💕⚡

[@nickfreeman8303]

Bipolar ? Lucky guy. I have only a single poll and have nothing else.

[@paulrevere2928]

Highly intelligent Non conformists often get labeled by authoritarian control freaks... Laird was born and raised in Hawaii, grew up in the ocean surfing, windsurfing, paddle boarding etc.. as a Piscean waterman... He is the Tiger Woods of the surf world. I believe he was born to live the life he lives. More power to him, his wife Gabby and their family!

[@MV-gt1qu]

The "he hurts people and doesn't care" part totally threw me. Didn't jive with the friendly image of Laird. Im not sure where that image came from, my own mind? Bit he seems like a seriously intense dude.