Corey Feldman: They Abused Me, I Learned to Forgive

Corey Feldman (The Goonies, Stand By Me, The Lost Boys) opens up about his abusive childhood, grappling with the deaths of so many of his friends, and his spirituality. He discusses what he remembers from his early days of acting, why he wishes he had the option to say no to fame, and the abuse he suffered at the hands of his predators and his own parents. Corey reflects on the healing nature of being a parent, how his life has changed since finding sobriety, and the thought patterns he uses to achieve forgiveness for those who have hurt him. He explains being of service as a form of therapy, his love of philosophy, and the exchange of energy he experiences during his performances.
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Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.
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[@koolaid3816]

I have a great Corey Feldman story, of how he was very protective over me when I was 15 at a hollywood collectors show. This was the late 90’s. My sister was the manager of a hotel they were holding it at. I was asked if I would want to take money for Corey. I was a very naive 15 year old. I wore a probably not very appropriate dress. I went into his hotel room to get him. He was so nice and right if the bat was such a gentleman. Then I spent the weekend taking money for him from the fans that were buying memorabilia. There was going to be a party at one of the celebrities homes ( or hotel idk) to watch Vincent prices House of Wax as one of the stars from that movie was there. Some of the older actors had made inappropriate remarks aboit me, and asking if I was going to this party, was Corey taking me to this party. He told them all no I certainly wasn’t. Corey very nicely said to me basically yoi are a very nice young girl, you don’t have any business going , it will only be trouble for you. Take a look at my life and keep being good, don’t do drugs don’t get into trouble. You are too nice of a person fur all that. Will always love him , a true gentleman honestly. Looking back that weekend could have gone very differently

[@tamara2176]

Thank you for holding the kind of space for Corey that not many others have been able to hold. For a man who has been publicly pigeonholed and scrutinized for as long as most of your listeners have been alive, both you and Jonathan have built the kind of container that folks like Corey can drop into and be immediately seen as Human (with a capital H), fallible, and lovely, all at the same time. I'm 47 years old and so I had optics into Corey's life on film as he made them, which I loved and enjoyed. As a latch-key kid with the TV constantly on, I would watch all of my favorite movies on cable after school. Through The Lost Boys, Goonies, and License To Drive, Corey felt like the cool older brother that I wish I had. Much later when the gossip mags and media decided that he was irrelevant, I fell into the trappings of letting the media's sinister narrative smudge my views on him - which is a shame because after he courageously came out with his story, it was received by some as a cash grab at fame again. The system failed him tremendously and crippled our ability to see beyond the forced narrative that had been thrust under our noses. If he were our friend or family member, we would have been 100% on his side. As it happens, I actually had the pleasure of sitting next to Corey last year while I was on the job photographing one of his favorite guitarists at the Whisky A Go Go from the balcony. I was too shy to say hello, but I was nonetheless in awe of sitting next to someone who against insurmountable odds, faced many a dark night of the soul and now lives as a beacon of hope for others who have experienced similar traumas. Thanks again, Mayim and Jonathan!

[@janetlucas2343]

The industry owes Corey a HUGE apology. He is a Super hero.

[@liveloveresell2886]

My heart aches for Corey. He didn’t ask to be famous or to be the voice for abused children. Having your name synonymous with such a tragic narrative must be such a tough weight to carry day after day. The fact that he has the strength to keep fighting and be so gracious to others and have such a warm and welcoming heart shows there are beautiful souls in this world. He was an amazing guest and appreciated that you gave him a safe space to be honest and candid❤

[@yeahright3733]

He seems genuinely sober and at peace. Child abuse is horrific.

[@mnelson2008]

And Corey's Angels? His childhood story is tragic but his adult behavior disgusting.

[@kirkoglesby6175]

Last year at the age of 49 I finally opened up about my abuse as a child. It started at age 6 and didn't end until I was 16. The physical and mental abuse ended last. Molestation ended a few years before. The crazy part is I had a career as a Soldier of over 15 years. I wanted to protect others in ways I never was. Healing and love to all.

[@lb8012]

As Mayim and colleague were praising Corey for his parenting, I really appreciate how Corey stopped to give his wife half the credit for raising their child together. That was a really sweet little moment.❤

[@MyMelinaaa]

This storyline took a complete turn first he swore he was being hunted down by the industry trying to kill him because he spoke out and now he's "at peace" and doesn't care as much even though he was so dramatic about it...I think a lot of it was an attempt to be relevant again sadly..🤷

[@highlander723]

It was an absolute crime what happened to him and a lot of other child actors. there was no justice for him none at all. He may have forgiven people but I haven't and it's times like this I really wish the punisher was a real person.

[@vanitycalamity2195]

Mayim, this is the most respectful, intelligent, thoughtful interview I've ever seen Corey involved in. ❤️. He has so much to say and sadly, seldom times is he allowed to even finish a thought before he's rudely treated.

[@conversationswithkat5710]

I’m so proud of Corey! No one wants to hear this stuff, but they NEED to hear this stuff, because it’s still happening, and we need to protect our children.

[@williamirwin4154]

I met Corey Feldman at a Starbucks in Oklahoma City and he graciously took a photo with me and my family. I posted it on Facebook with great joy and every year when it pops up on my memories, we celebrate Corey Feldman Day. I don't remember what day it is and I never know when it's coming. It's a joyful surprise every year. Edit: it just happened! June 10th

[@nicolemeece9485]

I'm an addict who is in early sobriety and therapy and group therapy and I just released so many tears listening to Corey and it just grabbed my soul and reached my heart deeply because I could relate to so much yet he gave me so much hope that I never had seen before. It was a Godsent that I watched Mayim's podcast today. God bless you guys🙏♥️

[@madonnapoco3881]

I had a huge crush on Corey Feldman and Corey Haim. Their posters were all over my room. I have followed his story closely and my heart breaks for what he has gone through. I am so glad to see him so healthy and doing so well. He is so eloquent and intelligent and it does my heart good to see him thriving.

[@MzTeddyluv]

That was a good episode. I've followed Corey for many years being an 80s kid myself, and I obviously don't know what goes on behind closed doors, but this is the most "healthy" he's appeared to be in a very long time - and that honestly makes me feel relieved and grateful. I also really appreciated his views, his spirituality, and as always, his honesty. I hope his life continues on a positive trajectory <3

[@troods8110]

For some reason, whenever I have seen Corey, since a young kid, he's always had this sweet, almost innocent aura about him. His smile, his eyes, have always told a story. It's very sad what they all went through. I understand having to forgive. Forgiveness is really bloody hard! Grief, anger, holding onto grudges.. who does that hurt? Forgiveness isn't for the person or persons that hurt you, it's for your own healing. I have so much respect for him.

[@proudmarinemomma827]

I was a 70’s kid and so grew up watching Corey. Well, Corey and Corey ❤. He’s a survivor and has turned out to be a great man and survived the awful childhood and what he had to endure. For those who claim he’s lying; no one comes out with those kind of traumas and wants to be scrutinized by it. He’s been able to tell his truth and bring awareness to it. Education and awareness is what helps others to heal and to help prevent these situations. Adults looking out for children, is a necessity in this world. We have to protect and speak out against the evil; otherwise it won’t stop.

[@alexnapier8925]

Corey's music isnt for me, but it warms my heart that he's still doing the things he loves despite everything he's been through. Its astounding how wholesome he is and not just smart, but understanding beyond "books". Great episode, great people. Keep going Corey, you're something special 🥰

[@toriphillips7045]

Oh my gosh, I was literally thinking about how awesome it would be to have Corey on the show! I was rewatching "The Lost Boys" and thinking about how great he was as a child actor, especially in "Stand By Me", my favorite coming-of-age movie of all time. My favorite parts were definitely you two discussing child stardom at that time, his philosophy to let go of grudges that hurt you rather than the people who hurt you, and the way he raised his son. I'm so excited that he was able to talk about his experiences. Thank you so much!