Rob Thomas: Allow Your Environment to Inform Your Creativity

Rob Thomas (lead singer of Matchbox 20) makes a rare podcast appearance to discuss how he went from stealing cars to being one of the most notable voices in alternative rock! He opens up about his tumultuous childhood growing up with an absent father and his mom’s Hodgkins diagnosis, the life lessons he learned from his liquor-bootlegging grandma, and his skepticism of genuine connections after dealing with “transactional” relationships for so long. Rob shares fascinating insights into the deep meanings behind so many of Matchbox 20’s hits, from which of their most famous songs is actually about mental health to his feelings on their hit song “Push’s” role in the new Barbie movie. He reveals the surprising origins of his famous collab with Carlos Santana and his love-hate relationship with “Smooth” now, how songwriting can be a form of therapy for him, how each member of Matchbox 20 being in therapy affects their collaboration, and what he credits his longtime marriage to in the midst of a rock-and-roll lifestyle. Rob also reflects on the value of social media, why he almost stopped therapy after a bad experience, his complicated relationship with alcohol today, his couples therapy goals, his struggles with panic attacks and what he does to manage them.
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Find Rob Thomas
Twitter: / thisisrobthomas
Instagram: / robthomas
Rob Thomas’ charity, Sidewalk Angels Foundation: www.sidewalkangelsfoundation....
Matchbox Twenty’s new album, Where the Light Goes: matchboxtwenty.com/releases/w...
See Matchbox 20 on tour: matchboxtwenty.com/events/
Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.
#MayimBialik​​​ #BialikBreakdown #RobThomas #Matchbox20 #Barbie

[@TR__3]

I've never listened to Rob in an interview before, but based on pics, lyrics, his private way of living, etc, I expected a moody, reserved guy. Man, was I surprised! He was a great conversationalist - open, but still respectful that his difficulties were due to someone's mental struggles. So much admiration that he was honest about his family, but he didn't demonize them. Fantastic episode!!

[@cherylgrec9701]

Rob Thomas has looked the same for years. He looks amazingly young! Love him and his music.❤️

[@jeffreydmclendon]

Definitely the most underrated voice in rock.

[@ginaspencer8008]

Mayim, you are so humble... you are a kind of a big deal, and you don't know, it is adorable. Thanks for bringing Rob thomas on. We were supposed to see the matchbox 2020 tour in chicago, held those tickets for over 2 years, but by the time the show came back, our friend (that was going with us) had just lost her battle with cancer, and i didnt have the heart to go to the show. I know we missed out! I love Rob Thomas and Matchbox 20. I look forward to their next visit to Chicagol. I wont miss it again.

[@MayimBialik]

🫶🫶🫶

[@marisamartinezolivera]

As someone overcoming a colon cancer with three recurrences, I listen to Rob’s song “One Less Day (Dying Young)” almost daily. His lyrics “Soneday I’ll leave this world, but not today” are my own mantra and are written in caps in my office. Thank you for letting me know better one of the best storytellers of rock music ever! 💜

[@shenchen1391]

Mayim singing Push made me happy. Thanks guys for bringing Rob to your show!

[@susanteller7046]

One of the best lyricists of all time. 🎉

[@nedhill1242]

lol not even close but he has written a handful of really good and highly successful pop songs.

[@karinaviquez]

I can’t stop loving the way of telling his story …Rob is absolutely the best!

[@brandi1719]

I was 13 when I saw Matchbox 20. I was going through some family issues. Their music helped me get through the hard times. ❤

[@leahsundvall5894]

Rob is the nicest guy. I had the pleasure of meeting him at a meet and greet before a show. He was humble, funny and real. It’s not an act.

[@candaceewell9582]

Mayim has the same face and giddiness that I had when I had the pleasure of seeing Rob in a small venue. I turned into a fan girl! He’s not only pleasant to the eyes, he’s pleasant to the soul!!

[@leslieparsons4547]

As a long time Rob Thomas and MB 20 fan, I have seen many interviews of Rob over the years, but this was the best one I have seen. If you get a chance to see Rob solo or with MB 20, DO IT. He always gives 110% in his live performances.

[@scottnorwood659]

Really does!!! He’s so good live. Seen him twice solo and with matchbox last year.

[@lindabarber1951]

The very best!! Thank you for talking to the nicest rock star!❤

[@sherrytyrner8641]

I love seeing, and hearing Mayim Bialik getting all giddy and singing snippets of Rob Thomas' songs from heart after the interview is over. Such Fun stuff! It was a very good interview and I appreciate how openly Rob Thomas shared himself with all of us. What a wealth of experiences and growth he's lived!

[@thecuriousprofessor]

I thought I was the only one who had a therapist fall asleep (and start snoring!) during a session. It happened to me when I was in my 20s and it was incredibly demoralizing. Great interview!

[@m_brokenleg]

Such an explossive way to begin 2024 with such a guest! I’ve loved Rob Thomas music from years ago, but after this podcast’s episode, knowing how hard his life had been & how he’d overcomed so much burden so brilliantly, I can only admire him more! Thank you for this new year treat Mayim & JC!

[@melissaobier]

I love that Rob brings out the giggling smitten fan girl inside you. ❤ Famous people really are just like everyone else. Lol! I'd act silly goofy talking to him too. So prolific, so much to cover. Can't wait to watch the full episode.

[@donnaanderson2683]

Mayim, thank you and Jonathan for bringing Rob Thomas on. He's such an inspiring person and so very talented! I love the fact that he's so humble as well. Thank you again! Much love to you!

[@beeheart6529]

The world is a better place because of your songs.

[@why25why]

What a treat! My entire day is on hold until I finish this episode. I adore this man, and even more so hearing his story in this format.

[@jenniferriske1328]

I’ve been a fan of Matchbox 20 and Rob Thomas since high school. I started listening to him in Tabitha’s Secret. I have seen them on every tour since 1998. I was supposed to go this past summer but due to a major panic attack, I had to miss it. The tickets were a gift for my 40th birthday. If I need comfort or just feeling like I need family, is MB20.

[@missmolly333]

I LOVE this!!! I have loved Rob and Matchbox 20 since their first album came out while I was working in a music store, in a little nowhere town in NY State. He is a tremendous talent and an amazing human.

[@jlcollins14]

Love him. He was a huge part of the soundtrack of my teen years. Mad Season is my favorite. Several years ago, I couldn't get anyone to join me when they played a show in a Halifax, NS. So I went alone and had a great time. I had the whole row to myself because one of the Trailer park boys and his entourage were supposed to be there. But they got swarmed the minute the sat down, so they got moved off the floor. Security thought I was part of the entourage so I got treated really nice until they actually arrived and then got moved. I'm really glad I went to the show. Thanks for having him on your show.

[@mheuman]

Thanks for having Rob Thomas on, he's a gifted lyricist and smart guy. You and JC rock!

[@karenslade6864]

I have adored this man for 20+ years. Thank you so much for bringing us this interview 🙂

[@LA-pi1xf]

I am so jealous….Rob Thomas is absolutely one of my all time favorite song writers and singers. I would love to talk with him. I love the work he and his wife do for animals ❤️🙌

[@debbeasher-k4764]

Thank you for sharing this. It must be a vulnerable feeling sharing such difficult memories. I hope you know that we learn from it too. Take care. God bless you in your marriage & family.

[@noreenconstantine4612]

What a story! Makes me grateful for my nominal childhood problems

[@indraselvipararajasingam3928]

OMG!! Mayim AND Rob Thomas - so exciting - love you both ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@iwnunn7999]

Wow, hearing the history of your celebrity guests you realize that they're just like us common folk when it's all said and done. Coming from a difficult past, some discover their talent and thrive while others stay trapped in the mire. If nothing else, human beings are interesting. Still loving your podcast! ❤

[@deborahlukovich8006]

Rob Thomas is amazing. I’m so in love with his essence and music and lyrics. Recently he showed up in a dream driving my car. We were listening to Someday. The next day I watched it on KZbin and cried. He represented my new unleashing phase.

[@LaurieLaurie-sf3nc]

Such a great episode with Rob Thomas!!! He's such a nice guy! His music was and remains a big part of my life. Thank you Rob ❤

[@tamrahostens1009]

LOVE this so much!!! Mayim & Rob are two of my favorite entertainers!! Thank you for sharing with the world "all of your things"😀

[@leticiaperez243]

Mayim so humble and she really doesn’t believe she’s worthy. It’s so funny I love hearing her voice hit that high WHAT?? And giggle

[@iamjarrettdean9358]

I spent many years playing the jersey shore cover scene and I can still remember leaving my weekly Martells Tiki Bar gig and hearing Long Day on the radio. Had to prob be summer of 95 or 96. I was immediately hooked and MB20 became my fav band ever since. As a singer-songwriter and the same age as Rob I have admired and followed him ever since that day. Seems like a good dude that I could just sit down with and have a beer or write a song together. Great job Mayim! 👏 This was prob one of my favs of your pod so far. 👍👍

[@stephaniebarrows5428]

Forwarding this to my mom, who lured me to a matchbox 20 concert right after 9/11 in 2001. I was in graduate school and had no clue who he was! (I was steeped in martial arts and Latin American Music, at the time.) Thanks for giving me an opportunity to share this interview and your podcast with my mom.

[@stephaniebarrows5428]

I love Smooth! :)

[@MayimBialik]

Love it !! 🙏

[@48484848z]

Been a Matchbox 20 fan since they first came on the scene in the 1990s. Have been to 5 concerts and Rob sounds even Better live… he’s so incredible. I still listen to his music very often.

[@beeheart6529]

Wow now I know why I love these songs so much. I can relate to everything Rob said. I’m 24 years sober and still every word can be said of me.

[@lisadwhitworth]

Excellent episode - Both of you always know how to ask such thought provoking questions to your guests! Rob Thomas is amazing and remember seeing him years and years ago in San Antonio! Such an intelligent, thoughtful, soulful human being and best of all has such a committed long-term relationship with his wife. ♥

[@aceshigh5157]

i appreciated hearing about the development of his writing. exactly what i was hoping to hear.

[@marjorybetchkal1560]

He does look damn good in this podcast. This is one of the best podcasts of yours I have listened too. Thank you Mayim.

[@elissa3188]

Oh my gosh- I just love him. This was a great listen - I could listen to him all day.

[@ShannonTeachey]

Mayim... You have always been one of my favorite actresses, and now to see you interviewing one of my favorite singers is lovely. P.S. - I miss seeing you on Jeopardy. 🥴😘

[@reneedrouillard5862]

Started my morning off right with listening to this episode. Rob was very engaged in conversation with the two of you.

[@carolynturk-hu7je]

Wow! To hear Rob Thomas talk about the "modeling"(my word obviously, not his)that occurred between his Grandmother and his Mother. When you are a child you do not realize or even have the capacity to grasp how "modeling" can affect you. Writing this at 15 minutes in, but had to as that part about his Grandmother and Mom resonated with me. The dynamic between the generations.....

[@Mac-lm7cm]

Great interview! Loved seeing & hearing from Rob Thomas.

[@simplehumandesign]

The best interview, you guys are all so real and awesome. I loved seeing Rob in this way

[@debimoseley3590]

I just love his honesty. But I've been in love with his music, and him since he started playing. The music is so deep and meaningful and rips at your heart

[@beeheart6529]

I never got sick of it!! Never - I love that song!! I love all the songs of Matchbox 20!!

[@cheyenne_spring]

I've been a big fan of his for years. He's such a down to earth guy.

[@Caperhere]

What I love about Rob Thomas is a lot of his songs are written with insight into the female psyche ( just not tonight 😊). Great tune.

[@derekriddle5101]

Wow… Rob just sort of blew me away with the person he is. Gotta give it to someone that has done and been through all he has and came out of it all as someone that stayed so real / down to earth, humble, open, and self reflective . Its gotta be super rare… just speaks to the core of who he deep within

[@lcalvin9182]

Years and years of interviews with him and this by far is the best interview! Well done blossom! Lol

[@robinedwards8796]

Omg, I needed a Breakdown episode. Thank you! These help me regulate my emotions in the morning while I'm in a loooong shower.

[@neoshadowdukeofgames8223]

Thank you so much for today’s episode. I’d love to hear you sing more of his songs

[@orland0110]

It is so awesome that you started the new year with an amazing guest like Rob Thomas. Watching this podcast is really an amazing way to start my day. It makes me so happy that you are here Mayim! ❤

[@ymromero]

Rob Thomas is magic … loved this Breakdown so much that came to KZbin to watch after having listened to it earlier today.

[@arnanbassin416]

Love you Rob your music has been a light in the darkest times of my life

[@kowgyrl]

This was such a treat!!! Thank you both! Wow, I really have some things in common with Rob... I also was born in Germany ( Bremerhaven 1981) because my father was in the Army. My parents moved back to the states to Colorado when I was 2yrs old. Then we moved to southwest Florida right before I started preschool. In my 20's, I lived in South Carolina for 7 years. I grew up with my mother being very ill and suffering from mental health issues. I have autoimmune conditions that have made me bedridden off and on since my mid 20's. I completely emphasize with him, his wife and mom💕 Sending Rob, his wonderful wife, kids and all the animals that they are helping daily... my love and wishes for healthy, happy beautiful days...!!!🤗🤍🕊

[@gmf668]

Suchh a great conversation, thank you all!

[@LockhartLore]

"you're not fighting, you're not flying, you're f*cking watching New Girl." Best line.

[@jacqw1515]

a true journeyman rob thomas is! his sense of self is so solid of embodiment regulation trajecting into CALM of nerves..'appreciating the model, and how wonderful just wonderful it must be-into seeing, truly seeing that guy in the mirror..every day. yay..congratulations! & thank you😊 (guys DO catharse..'caring about owning so/such😉) here's proof per him

[@robynrains7252]

What a beautiful podcast 😊 I love Rob 🩷💕 this was perfect for a snow day in Portland Oregon 😎 thanks Mayim and Jonathan 🩷

[@Tia-vj9ox]

Wow, wonderful interview! It’s amazing that Rob looks so amazing given all he’s been through! Your sensitivity and incites are gifts to us all! ❤

[@Tia-vj9ox]

PS, It’s hard to believe that you would think that most any American doesn’t know who you are. Sheesh girl!❤

[@kimzwolinski9919]

This is the best interview of Rob I have seen. I love it . Matchbox or Rob solo have always been on my playlists. Fantastic live performer ❤️ Great interview 👍😁❤️ Mayim is spot on with her vocals on “Push” 😅

[@amyw.3619]

I love how Mayim alludes to the song “This is How a Heartbreaks,” since breakdown is part of the lyrics. One of my favorite songs btw! Matchbox 20 was my first concert back in 2001 with Everclear and Lifehouse at the Baltimore Arena!

[@donnaallencprw343]

Wow. That was likely the most enjoyable podcasts I've listened to. I felt like I was sitting with you all having a cup of tea. And what a nice guy Rob Thomas is! I was as enthusiastic about this interview as Mayim. Thanks to you all for sharing!

[@taralynn7441]

God I felt this on so many levels. I lived much of the same childhood as him.

[@alexpolk1967]

Omg I love him!!! I just recently got to see him in concert ❤I wish I could’ve met him! He’s so awesome!

[@GoldDstWmn]

My favorite episode EVER! Loved Rob Thomas since the beginning! ♥

[@phillylilmermaid7802]

I’m so excited for this. I absolutely adore Rob Thomas. His lyrics about mental health have gotten me through some rough times. ❤❤❤

[@amystow4169]

This is my new favourite episode! Absolutely amazing!

[@StephiBauduhin]

I love this interview so much! I’ve always loved Rob and Matchbox 20, but it’s so special to hear about the human behind the great songs, and the things he battled with, and his inspiration for his songs… it just makes one love him more.

[@christieroberts5839]

I love this podcast - It was so great to hear Rob Thomas! Been a fan for years!!!

[@beeheart6529]

Omg I’m so happy to see Rob talking to you!!

[@tonyarychard2326]

I love Rob he is my favorite voice! I love him I just saw him in Boise ID this summer! The best concert i have ever been to! I still thinking about it. I can't stress enough how much i love his voice! You lucky lucky women! Rob is the same age as i am we were even born in the same year. I would give my right arm to meet him. Amazing❤

[@Happyatheart]

I'm so glad this podcast lets me feel like we are friends! Love these episodes ❤❤❤❤❤😊

[@Tina-bd9et]

So happy to see a new episode. I just told the “Podcast Member” I missed seeing you and the new episodes yesterday. Welcome back! 😊

[@kaylaturner1391]

I love this!! My depression is so bad today and this made my freaking day!! Thank you so much!

[@MayimBialik]

Wishing you a better day today, Kayla! 🫶

[@JohnnyKeatonWilson]

This was a lovely episode. I think Rob Thomas is great. I could relate to some of the things he said which was ultimately a positive thing. Also, the respect, sensitivity and intellect shown by you Mayim (if you read this, I don't know) was really cool to see. I need to watch the episode with Matthew McConaughey. More conversations like this are good for me. Thank you!

[@daniellecooper2250]

I love that you video these interviews💚 so cool to watch. Blossom! Rob Thomas🤩

[@arohawaaka6255]

I love how you are such a fan. Push came out in my nightclubbing / karaoke nasty drunk phase. Made me cry everytime because i knew what I was hiding. Robs 1st solo album got me through the worst year of single parenting 2 amazing kids. Fast forward 20 years add 4 more kids and every single one of us love Rob and Matchbox Twenty. It was a delightful shock when my husband and I learned Bright Lights was one of our favourite songs. ❤ Thankyou Mayim

[@melrox8809]

I've always loved Rob Thomas and matchbox 20. I saw them live when I was a teen. There songs still bring me back to how I felt at that time. Also I started watching this at 3am💓

[@altaresjoyceee]

So glad to see Rob here! He is really great! 😊 Im so happy to watch this i think 1st episode of this year? Its nice to see you again Mayim and Jonathan! ❤ andddd... OMG! My mind is now filled with Mayim singing that song 😂 it made my day ❤

[@patierazo1215]

He was so down to earth and honest. Lovely interview.

[@taliplatt5783]

Love Rob! Can't wait to watch 😍

[@WoolRevival]

Mayim, I love watching your podcast! I’m 52, and I’ve grown up watching you. Beautiful, humble girl….everybody knows your name. This interview shocked me. His candor was incredible. You create an environment of comfort and fun. Without the glass and a half of anything 🤣. Keep on singing! 💛from Chicago

[@beeheart6529]

Mayim your singing voice sounded amazing! More more please!!

[@THICKANDTIRED]

( goes right to phone to play smooth video) Ohhhhh Yessss .... Iconic ! will be playing in my head all day . ok back to the podcast ....

[@beeheart6529]

What a great interview! Enjoyed every minute of it! ❤️

[@rachelrush7217]

I don’t remember the exact song I was listening to from Matchbox 20, all I knew is this was a musical group I wanted to listen to. What a lyricist/story teller! I saw Matchbox 20 in concert when was a Sophomore in High School, that was in 1999. And to this day still listening to their/ Rob Thomas’s music.

[@taramcdonaldortiz4810]

Such a great interview Love Rob Thanks MB ❤❤❤

[@KathyZiemer]

Great episode. I know I say this every week. You guys are so intelligent, inspiring, inspirational and just awesome. Please forgive me but in my opinion, Jeopardy would not have won the Emmy without your talent and fantastic job of hosting. God Bless and Protect you All ❤

[@bradenmonroe3818]

Loved everything about this episode! I’d reply it again because everything about it was so insightful and awesome to hear.

[@loripatten8115]

What a great interview. I loved it. 🤩

[@BrightestBlessings7899]

You sing beautifully! Rob Thomas is SO kewl! ..."like 7 inches from the mid day sun"..

[@annegpr]

What a great episode to start this season. 🤍 Now, we need you to sing full version of Smooth 😭🙏

[@user-mu5nv6yy2s]

She is an awesome woman ❤ I LOVE her ❤❤❤❤❤

[@tracywallace6714]

ROB THOMAS-get out!! I’m so excited for this episode. Love him.

[@matiaspereira9382]

I'm pretty sure 2024 will be an awesome year Mayim. I'm sorry to hear you won't host Jeopardy anymore. You're an awesome actress. Congratulations for the 1st video of the year. I really hope you get a star in the Walk of Fame and win an Oscar. I also hope you someday invite Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco to the podcast

[@KathyZiemer]

How do we get Mayim a Star??? We need to absolutely do this !!!

[@matiaspereira9382]

@@KathyZiemer I think celebrities have to pay. From what I understood fans can also pay