Mike Tyson: Overcoming drug addiction

In a two day interview, Mike Tyson opens up to Graham Bensinger about his drug addiction and how he got clean; taped in 2011.
The full interview with Mike Tyson is available on the In Depth with Graham Bensinger Podcast, available at the links below and wherever you enjoy listening to podcasts:
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[@dustinh1583]

"This is not a tough man's world, it's a thinking man's world." Really powerful.

[@rickestrick1445]

what mike should have said 200 years ago a man could swing a sword and be considered a man nowadays men have to cook clean think and pretty much do everything and more to be considered a decent man

[@IndicaDreaming]

It has always been a thinking mans world

[@sangunpark8974]

thats not even remotely what he meant... wtf kind of stupid sht is that... he's talkign about thinking he was at teh top fo the world while people were making hundreds of millions off of him without throwing a single punch

[@steverutledge495]

Baker ... No Neolithic times there was the dominant alpha.

[@Sha0linstyle]

@@sangunpark8974 it's not really what he meant to say. He's saying that a man that act tough, with ego, without looking the meaning of life, will evently hurt and loose himself. Thinking mans are the one that understand that we are no special from anyone ; we are made of flesh and blood and our time is coming. Soon or later, we will get weak, old and die alone. So in that thinking, its crucial to stay grounded, to be ourself and to love one's neighbor as oneself. Cause Love is all we got. Does it make sens ?

[@SWIFTzTrigger]

"Nobody gets out of here free, no one has an exclusivity to pain"... interesting way to put it.

[@tarikmounih3559]

True , he s smart u know

[@wavyamar]

Mike is such a beautiful human being...so happy I got to meet him last year

[@LulzRoyce]

you know he rapes ppl right, and was convicted for it in the 90s and went to jail lol.. beautiful human being.

[@LulzRoyce]

@Osumiri Kingsley uhhhh wtf. I definitely have NOT done anything worse than rape wtf? Just when I thought KZbin comments couldn't get any dumber...

[@zainbukhari4029]

@@LulzRoyce How did you know he did it? There was lots of controversy surrounding if he actually did it or not

[@coasteyscoasteys]

@@LulzRoyce Have you ever lusted over another woman. Get out of here you punk

[@dnzwill]

@@LulzRoyce you weren't there to know if it was true or not. Hopefully you don't suffer from someone accusing you of something you didn't or did do and someone judging you with pure ignorance.

[@JoeJacksonGT3]

I can't imagine being Mike Tyson. Growing up with no family, abused, taught that life is basically shit, so find something that releases your aggression. He then goes on to be, arguably, the greatest heavy weight fighter of all time. Years later, after hardship, depression, addiction, he then finds peace in it all. You can see the pain and regret in his eyes. Just think if he had a positive influence growing up and had direction from his parents, along with his gift to box. His legacy would be so different.

[@RawDogJenkins]

Think it would have turned out that much different if Cus would have lived another decade or so.

[@erykbuczek4704]

his story is the most inspiring thing i came along. when you look at other great athletes of any sport like Ali, Lebron, Ronaldo, or whoever it is that you idolize, you think of them as of something you want to be. with Mike its the other way around, when he speaks about himself and his life you can see that even when he was at the top of the world he was just like most of us - scared, desperate, sad etc.. he found peace in life only after all the wrong in the world he could do. he had the courage to abandon his pride, accept himself for who he is and last but not least - he forgave himself. thats what i inspire to be - an old Mike Tyson.

[@chinamanCH7]

JoeyandLindsay Those things are what made him. Without those events maybe he woudve never become the man he is now. who knows

[@brookcaps]

he probably wouldn't have been world champ. He would have had a regular job and you would't have ever heard of him

[@plutusp3times782]

Stephanie Lovecat I'm sure he left it out out of respect for tyson Bc we know he didn't do it

[@VolatileDisposition]

Mike Tyson should be a motivational speaker. A lot of people look up to him as a great champion, as a kid from the ghetto. As a grown man who transformed after failing in front of the entire planet. He could really have a great career helping millions because he's a fallen legend. A dad who lost his tiny daughter in a bizarre accident. A drug addict who cleaned up. A man who lost almost half a billion. So many people lose so much less and can't recover. Can't find strength to get up again. He even quit eating meat and became a vegan. He got better even after no longer taking antidepressants. He's rich in vast ways now -no longer just a gladiator. But one thing he's proving again is he has many problems but unlike many he has discipline which is ultimately what we all need. To get on track and stay there. Keep moving upward and forward. No matter what.

[@ryu9687]

VolatileDisposition he is

[@bigreddog3292]

VolatileDisposition he already is a motivational speaker

[@qaddfeyirichardson7907]

Hell yeah

[@lodersracing]

RyanImitheoS 'He is' best comment

[@rosesflowers5361]

Yes he should; I just love Mike Tyson peace and blessings to him always 😇

[@BrandonDeshohn]

Tyson does not give himself enough credit. He's very intelligent but does not have a lot of confidence in his intellect. I've learned plenty from him speaking. He could easily be an activist of sorts if he had the confidence.

[@acrustykrab]

BrandonDeshohn I think him being humble is better, everyone is preaching sorts of empty confidence. Confidently humble maybe?

[@theparadigmshift74]

I agree ^ crusty

[@Paolo-uq3fc]

BrandonDeshohn yeah he's no dummy.

[@ConsciousKing10]

You know, as I was watching this i pondered why it is that I’ve always looked up to Mike Tyson so much. I think you hit it on the head of the nail. Humility. He’s humble. He doesn’t sugar coat. He’s honest, speaks from the heart, no bullshit. Nothing feels forced when he speaks. He seems empathetic. He’s genuinely himself. You’re right, he should have more confidence in his intellect, but that vulnerability you/we perceive is also what makes him so unmistakably himself. It’s Genuine.

[@morten1]

Yeah. He says "I don't know" a lot. He knows more than he thinks. His humility is awesome, but he's too self deprecating

[@AN-999]

I never expected Tyson to be so wise. As a person, who just realised the reality of addiction, this guy made complete sense. The host seemed very reasonable and understanding. Just stumbled across this channel. New sub.

[@iaintmadatcha]

This guy been through it all! Big respect for Iron Mike from South London

[@HardTruthsReviews]

"This is not a tough mans world it's a thinking mans world." Wow. Say what you want about Mike but he gets it and is extremely intelligent and just so real.

[@michealmyers7218]

That's the wildest and smartest thing I've ever heard Mike say. "This is not a tough man's world, it's a thinking man's world." (too deep, but brutally true)

[@jdepri75]

I have been watching a lot of this interviewers interviews. ...he's good at his job, u don't see that much these days

[@GrahamBensinger]

+Jake Depriest Thanks, Jake!

[@jdepri75]

+Graham Bensinger hey, thanks for responding, the interviews from tyson and kobe are great. those are both guys that are hard to interview and u got the best out of them

[@JasonGafar]

I agree, he comes across as a genuine person which I feel is seldom among journalists, respectively speaking, especially for such a young person. Wishing you all the best and much success friend.

[@collybeans586]

+Jake Depriest everyone has highs and low. I wouldnt appreciate someone throwing all the bad things i've said in my face for the sake of his youtube channel.

[@mgt4673]

+Jason Gafar It is rare that journalists come across as genuine.......keep up the good work Graham.

[@shamardecambre4334]

Mike Tyson is a deep brother. His insight on life is rare. I appreciate him sharing his perspective.

[@savageking7939]

“ This is not a tough mans world , this is a THINKINGS man world.. “ Damn he’s speaking from the heart

[@ginolerebours6466]

amazing, powerful, inspiring from tyson

[@kelvingold6673]

He's humble now since realizing he was used and abused for so long, such a Nice guy,

[@pradeepsamant2875]

Interviewer’s keen interest in knowing helps bring out the real thoughts of Mike. Mike should become a motivational speaker. He is so genuine.

[@InfoSecDaddy]

Its a not a tough man's world, its a thinking mans world

[@lav773]

well said

[@robincorprew9007]

So true

[@javieresposito9912]

You can see Graham being completely amazed and open to learn a thing or two from one of the most transparent, honest, loving, thinking, modest man to put a step in this world. Mike might be one of the wisest man ever, even if he doesn't realize it; but being able to watch and learn from his path just inspires me in crazy ways.

[@OGSaintLoc]

Man those words were powerful. Love watching him and hearing his stories

[@conqueringruler4283]

It is very rare to come across a human who is so brutally honest about himself, without gaining anything from it. Let alone a world famous person. The strength of Mike Tyson is immensely inspiring. He teaches me something about me, while speaking about what he has learned about himself. Thanks mr Tyson. "I never gave myself time to grow. I just thought I was tough and I just wanted to believe that. And really, were in a different world. This world we live in is not a tough man’s world. It’s a thinking man’s world. Tough men get hurt in this world. So I try to do good to the best of my ability" Mike Tyson - Athlete and Truth Speaker

[@besthooper2k]

Man it is amazing to watch mike Tyson talk about how much he has grown and learn. This gives a great view of how his life has changed. It is inspiring

[@SA77888]

His honesty is genuinely moving. Much respect to you Mike.

[@michaelledford4751]

I don't care about anything he did wrong in care about his mastery of boxing ,I'm 72 years old and Iron Mike Tyson is the greatest heavyweight champion in my lifetime ,I was too young to remember the Great Rocky Marciano so Mike is the king of the ring for me .

[@n1c98]

"Tough men get hurt in this world", as in its a thinking man's world in terms of wisdom - making the right choices, not pure vain power.

[@yomommaahotoo264]

Gotta appreciate everything Mike has gone through.

[@MickStephenson-g9l]

Pressure makes diamonds

[@peggie7126]

M Thank you for that amazing insight!!! I am going to keep that in my head as I work on being a better person!!!

[@arungriffin3770]

😌

[@giurcas]

Mike deep down is a good guy with a very big heart. In my eyes he's 1 of the Greatest boxers in the history of boxing. True Legend.

[@JasonGafar]

I have so much love and respect for Mike. I myself am a fan of boxing and even boxed as was absolutely fanatical about Iron Mike Tyson while he was in his prime, but honestly speaking, the spiritual, evolved, wise Mike that he is today is in my view so much better. He's grounded, open, honest, and sincere. He would make an excellent older friend or relative.

[@twiznizzlenore7822]

The drug life isn't pretty, ain't no glory in the drug story , hard drugs eventually really mess u up or get u messed up,,, either way in the drug world it's all bad

[@maffef4089]

+common cents yeah but you only live once

[@twiznizzlenore7822]

maf fef thats the motto nigga yolo :) lol

[@maffef4089]

common cents HA LOL YOU GET IT !!!! half these clowns don"t get !!!!!!

[@quick2bud]

be free, only smoke trees

[@JWB86]

True words. Cocaine will slow you down and take everything from you. Trust me, I know.

[@clydeb7713]

Mike is a deep and honest man now. Respect.

[@johnj8782]

A true human being who lived the best of life and the worst.... and survived.

[@The-Homecook-0000]

Your life was far from a failure brother..You lived a life that nobody will ever experience...And now you know what life all about..Good luck Mike ..

[@mattsullivan8129]

The thinking man has always put the tough man to work. The sword has always been employed to force the thinking mans agenda. The thinking man never swings it himself, but employs the tough man at his own ruin. Sooner or later however, the tough man learns.

[@hellohello7158]

Damn

[@lov4570]

Mike is one beautiful soul

[@rabbitseason4241]

I have great respect for Mike Tyson. I respest his honesty. Since he was talking about drugs...he is a living proof that drugs are not good for you. I think for instance, that he, Matthew Perry and Dennis Rodman (to name a few celebrities) look a lot older than they actually are. Charlie Sheen also, but he's not done with drugs yet :)

[@LS-he9xb]

Cus would be proud of what Mike has become...

[@cam-den]

mike tyson is so full of wisdom

[@chuckcollins2349]

Mike has turned out to be a good man,God bless him.

[@WILLNOTCOMPLY72]

To see Mike go from the angry..full of hate and despair..self loathing surrounded by snakes boy he was to this deep...intelligent...calm reflective man that has conquered so much more than some other boxers is something that makes me very happy for him. I hope the rest of his days are filled with love...peace and joy. I hope he gets to watch his kids grow and become a grandfather. YOUR THE MAN CHAMP!! I GOT NUTIN BUT LUV AND RESPECT FOR YOU. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU THE REST OF YOUR DAYS BRO.

[@Mrbrownstone1028]

Mike is one intimidating dude to this day

[@kimmolaine8069]

Mike's real.

[@SacredNutrino]

I think the life he's led ended fascinating exciting and influential but there is a deep intellect inside him it's evident In how he speaks. He's partied hard and made a career of taking blows to the head and fighting. He's still present and articulate, very self aware

[@Dr-kc3mk]

He's such a good speaker

[@water9baby972]

Mike is a Cancerian like me. He's extremely emotionally intelligent and has had a hard life.

[@ryanrobin12]

I’m a Sagittarius and I’m like that. I don’t think astrology is really accurate

[@stevenjp314]

He's speaking the truth

[@ohno1017]

Mike is actually very intelligent, and had deep thoughts

[@runswithwindz9875]

Sometimes Mike Tyson makes my jaw drop . He is a hero for the common man.

[@serenityinside1]

Speak for yourself. I prefer my heroes not to be former realists and elderly people assaulters myself … but hey ho, we all have different standards I guess 🙄

[@Dannyboy12374]

This interviewer is so good, wow

[@ccnixon]

Beautiful.. You said it Mike...

[@christophermeyers]

Awesome interview. Tyson is very intelligent.

[@sirrommie9538]

Mike I’m going through it !

[@pharezbeard14]

I want to meet Mike man

[@MarouaneDerfoufi2016]

Hello KZbin Family My Name is MAR Of Bath Ozzie's Brother I let The Side Down I am Sorry

[@davidclark7456]

Could listen to Tyson all nite

[@grahamwood2130]

Buying a weed ranch is the best way to beat drug addiction

[@ryanrobin12]

Weed keeps a lot of people off of harder stuff. There’s a big FB group that is centered around marijuana based recovery. People who have years off of serious, hard stuff and just puff marijuana.

[@sonnyliston5412]

he speaks about cocaine u morron,weed is a gift of god,a tool,if you use it with discipline,its helps you +

[@markbrown-sb2zm]

I love this guy. He never fails to amaze me with his honesty,humanity,wisdom. Would never have thought back in the day Mike Tyson would seriously be the most understanding,inspiring person ever .

[@R.Williamss]

Because Mike Tyson was supposed to be undefeated with 120 wins and 0 losses that's what cus da mato and Kevin Rooney wanted

[@johnfox9370]

Mike Tyson is awesome 💪🏻

[@travishicks8343]

It's so crazy mike looks like the black version of my Dad

[@jerrybronham]

Unfortunately Tyson relapsed a whole lot after this 2011 interview. I hope he's genuinely clean at this point.

[@saikrishna8211]

I really appreciate that Tyson has gone through so many ups and downs and then comes out of his addiction and riches and speaks with more balance and wisdom. Amazing 👌

[@washingtonlunga3347]

This man is intelligent, introspective and deep. Wow. Good luck Champ

[@goopypuff]

this is guy is wise right here

[@jonmccormick8683]

I wanna be like Mike.

[@94462]

No you don't, he's life is seriously fucked...

[@94462]

Why does he do all that tho...??? To fill a empty chasm/void in his soul...he's not happy while doing all that....

[@maffef4089]

waseeb hussain do you think so....

[@94462]

I know so....

[@maffef4089]

waseeb hussain can you explain? im just curious

[@kylemadlowin759]

Mike is quality

[@michaelthomas4959]

The Best Ever!!

[@MrFrankie4700]

whos watching this high???

[@TerriqStewart]

I am, Anyone that shares their life tragedies and they are not afraid. I appreciate them.

[@nathanialbroadway2719]

🎉🎉🎉 Well, Hi there 😊

[@wucuttas3165]

Unfortunately

[@BLIVEit]

Im a failure, made it to day 2 of opiate wd and ran back 😂 god I gotta push through tmr

[@seangrehan97]

I’m watching this on day 1 of quitting cocaine (I’ve been quitting cocaine everyday for months)

[@ryanrobin12]

Mike is incredibly intelligent

[@stephengeasley4143]

He grew up in tuff place , an he is being honest

[@mgtowanonymous3120]

*Still smoking weed isnt "overcoming drug addiction".he still isnt sober.*

[@IvyMike.]

Credit to Graham Bensinger, just for showing absolute interest, listening and not trying to provoke reactions, good work man.

[@jasonkassa2204]

does anyone be getting stressed out when people mention Graham Bessinger>

[@IvyMike.]

@@jasonkassa2204 "Does anybody get stressed out, when they mention Graham Bensinger?" Hope this helps, but to answer your question, for me, no.

[@TheUntrainedNinja]

This interviewer looks SHOOK of Tyson every time he asks a question lmao

[@panzerriff]

Look at some of Tyson's interviews from the 90's to the mid 2000's--- asked certain questions and he could get immediately hostile and threatening.

[@hatebreeder666ful]

this was inspiring to me

[@jennyrudoff2829]

Graham Bensinger would be a great therapist. He's genuine, a good listener, caring, engaging, respectful (super important for Tyson) and his body language and facial expressions show his genuine interest in the person. Its the first time I've seen Tyson relaxed during an interview. He felt cared about. Now I know why this interview won an Emmy.

[@TheHannibalTV]

👍

[@thomaspayne6866]

This is how Mike Tyson would have been if he weren’t a boxer. He needed to have a different mentality then so that he could be a warrior. A combative and aggressive person. He was never not a thinker, his thinking was just ultra focused on being a warrior.

[@daz6704]

I like mike a lot, smart person

[@K9boxing]

He's still addicted 🤔 I guess marijuana is not a drug since it's legal now🤣

[@samiramir7270]

Mike has a good heart

[@whatitisnt8270]

And a hell of a knockout artist.

[@johnathanquevedo9867]

He has had one of the greatest transformations of the human spirit that we have ever seen.

[@713donblvd]

Drug addiction is hard no lie, wouldn't want my worst enemy addicted

[@ketchup5344]

Im checking out Mike all the time these days-all his fights, his interviews, documentaries etc-and I have to say I find him the most interesting boxer of all time, deffinitely was one of the best of the best and as a person wow, he is an inspiration and just the best guy on the planet to turn to when you need lifting up. ✌

[@TheProdigyAccordion]

This seems to be one of the only interviews Mike Tyson seemed to enjoy being at. All the others the interviewers bring up extremely private tramatic stuff and keep asking uncomfortable questions not knowing when to back off, when they shouldnt be asking questions like that in the first place

[@chrisrianmartinez501]

#rns Mike one of da best fighters ever 💪💪👊👊

[@dpdqsqns43]

Chrisrian Martinez yeah defo best 3 fighters of all time

[@anaya51]

It’s so crazy to see how drastically mike’s view of the world and life has evolved over the years.. He really has seen and done it all.... I can’t imagine how tough it must be for a person go through all of what he has. When I stop and think about it, that’s probably what our creator wants for all of us....to experience life to its fullest: in all aspects imaginable. Kudos to Iron Mike for being so honest and basically laying it all out there (both the good and the bad) for us to see. He’s one hellov a life champ in my eyes. Thanks Mr Tyson!!!

[@stevegreen9460]

interviewer me to is similare to dick carvett. only graham comes over more rehursted and formal. dick came over as more unscripted. good style thow

[@SumthinFishy]

My uncle and mike were at rehab together.

[@SumthinFishy]

@Laza MMA he’s had some trouble leaving his girlfriend of 7 years who keeps on threatening to kill herself if he leaves her, but besides that he’s been clean for years now which is great! ❤️❤️

[@armiter87]

With every interview I appreciate Graham more and more. There aren't many journalists that come across as honest and earnest as Graham does. You can really tell that the people he interviews trust and respect him too.

[@rotatingcats]

Lmao love how he asks this question. He clearly knows Mike used to go off over the wrong question. Mike seems like hes a changed man.

[@nicosantucci6099]

Mike has grown up alot..I've seen him grow over time, you can tell he honestly tried to become more intelligent from his upbringing ..he's alot different from most ppl believe..rad, I like him, fuc it

[@thevirtuousman]

LOL... taken in the context of today, this video is real interesting

[@theramones48]

Mike is cool !

[@jasonkassa2204]

leaving the facility and I have a relapse. I felt like a million bucks. I mean I FELlt like it was jail while i was in the facility. however, ever meal, every dosage(unless I tongued it and saved it in the final days) was 'dispensed' to me in a controlled environment. So I come out of the facility and I feel like a million bucks. I over-did it. You know'a mean? this was a hard year. So I did my little relapse or whatever and now I'm back to baseline. Trying not to go 100mph on you Graham.

[@SEDRICKHENDRIXTHEGAMER]

Man imagine if he never did drugs and just stayed focus

[@othonpedro2870]

Graham Bensinger seems really nervous interviewing the G.O.A.T

[@ciadella1971]

As a big boxing/Mike Tyson fan, I'm glad that he is on the right meds that can allow him to be at peace with himself. I've always felt that Mike is a good person at heart. He was just in an extraordinary situation for someone who grew up the way he did. He seems to have matured and is happy. Right on Champ!

[@stephaniegarner2228]

Better late than never! Facts!! Never give up! ❤

[@Detoxtorehabcenter]

If you are thinking about getting help, please explore our channel for a hopeful recovery!

[@JosephFerrari540]

Tison is an example of failure and reform. He is and will be my biggest hero.

[@dougfresh4454]

Whether you like him or not the man is incredible just imagine having millions of dollars at -18-21 years old with no family nor anyone you can trust imiagine the trouble you would of gotten into ,the fact he’s a functioning adult and father is incredible he actually became a role model