PAUL WESLEY: Vampire Diaries Ups & Downs, Bond with Ian Somerhalder & William Shatner Advice

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Paul Wesley (The Vampire Diaries, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) gets candid with his experience on Vampire Diaries from the stress filled, frantic auditions to the burn out of the CW hit show spanning nine years.
Paul talks about the importance of therapy and opens up on the lowest point in his life, despite being at the height of his career.
He also talks about receiving advice from William Shatner for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, his brotherly bond with Ian Somerhalder, and his good boy Greg.
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
3:22 - Paul Wesley
5:30 - Getting comfortable
6:55 - Short stint on Smallville
9:28 - The truth gets revealed!
12:01 - Burnout as a lead
14:30 - Reflections on Vampire Diaries
21:30 - What if-ism
24:00 - Bryan Cranston story
26:10 - Polish upbringing
32:02 - Lucky aspirations for acting
37:30 - Vegan
44:10 - Not a big nature guy
46:20 - Worst experience of his life
49:35 - Landing Vampire Diaries
52:00 - Fear of getting fired
56:10 - Bond with Ian Somerhalder
1:00:52 - Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
1:06:30 - ShitTalkin
1:08:05 - Changing his last name
1:14:00 - His lowest point
1:16:17 - Outro
1:18:13 - Couldn’t do it without you
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PAUL WESLEY: Love & Hate of Vampire Diaries, Brotherly Bond with Ian Somerhalder & William Shatner Advice #insideofyou #paulwesley #vampirediaries #startrek

[@Brook11223]

You got to get Ian Somerhalder for your podcast. Love to hear his stories about Smallville.

[@shaunduquette5992]

pretty sure he has been on here,or his wife Nikki

[@star0nyx]

@@shaunduquette5992 ian hasn't been on no

[@alecpowers8591]

He cant fit in this room ian is huge now dude did not skip the gym

[@the_serial_chiller]

Ugh, yes! I’d love to see Ian Somerhalder on here.

[@lindapelle8738]

Yes yes yes !!!!! Please Ian Please please please please please and then more pleases

[@blackveilbridesbride]

Stefan was my favorite male character on Vampire Diaries. I just love him. He is also an amazing Kirk. I love Paul, he needs to come back for another one of these please.

[@amariebloom]

I agree 💯 I just love Stefan/Paul❤

[@Brook11223]

The Luthor brothers reunite finally in Inside of You to set their differences aside lol. This is going to be a fun one for sure.

[@WonderfultoysFX]

I totally forgot about that.

[@azahora22]

I forgot that too.

[@angela8405]

I'm a big fan of Paul Wesley, thank you for having him on. Could you please also get Chris Wood on your show? Another great actor from The Vampire Diaries and he's the perfect person to talk to about mental health, as he is the founder of the mental health campaign I Dont Mind. ❤

[@samanthalxh]

tvd really helped me with my anxiety as a teenager (kinda ironic given the nature of the show) so i'll forever be grateful for the show

[@MastarNinja]

As short as Paul's time on Smallville was, it's funny that his character outlived all the other Luthor. Because he's never mentioned again, there's no mentions of his death. Also, unlike the rest of his siblings, he was never cloned nor resurrected. As far as we know he just walked away from all their family drama at the end of his episode and just...lived a long and normal life as a result.

[@snowytyler3793]

Vampire Diaries is literally my comfort show ❤

[@tinasalazar9492]

Same. ❤

[@brittany8547]

Mine too 🖤

[@CHTHHA]

A hidden gem of his: Tell Me a Story. Watched it on the CW a couple years back. Fantastic little mini-series with a great cast; highly recommend.

[@bean9619]

Yes! He was so good in that! Especially season two.

[@user-jc7fo5gf3s]

Absolutely both as Eddie and Tucker - fantastic performances from Paul 👍👍

[@loriparker76]

​@@bean9619999999999999999999999999999999999999⁹[o K

[@darky1376]

Such an underrated show. Both seasons are amazing. Deserve a season 3

[@user-jc7fo5gf3s]

@@darky1376 it really did deserve a season 3. So upsetting when CBS All Access canceled it ugh 😑

[@jdeweymusic]

For what it's worth Michael, you will always be Lex Luthor to me no matter what else I see you in. Despite the ups and downs of it all you did an absolutely phenomenal job sir! Truly a pleasure having you as my generation's Lex 🤝🏼 25:49

[@lindamawdsley6130]

This interview was a joy to listen to and I like the rapport between the two of you and also Paul’s dedication to animals and his lifestyle 😊Thank-you for a wonderful episode 🤩

[@izabellalambert]

TVD was my life literally and I grew up with this series ❤ I rewatch all seasons once in a while ❤

[@theresemarkham9387]

I just finished listening to this episode and it was delightful. Paul definitely opened up and had so many great stories. He has such a positive attitude. I hope that we get a part 2. Best podcast ever!

[@mc1-bjornsonbjornson162]

Nice to see you guys reunited. Timely, as Paul is currently on "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds".

[@AlanaUliano]

I'm here for you, Michael; your incredible guests and insightful interviews with them are just a bonus. 😉❤ I know that everyone here loves Paul, as well. ❤

[@thecoolformula1198]

Had the pleasure of meeting Paul a few years ago and he was really chill. Love the way he described how he feels about nature, honestly same.

[@heygladysmejia]

Paul is such a gem of a human. Got to meet him years ago at a Vegas TVD con. Hope you’ll have him on again!

[@davidlloyd9980]

I still remember the episode of Smallville where the old women shows Lex his future. Superb writing and acting, wonderful.

[@kevinintheusa8984]

I never saw the Vampire Diaries but I have seen the second season of ST: SNW and Paul Wesley kills it as James T. Kirk. I have publically stated that I would watch any new Star Trek with him as Kirk and Peck as Spock and I am a die-hard fan of the original. Great interview and I am hoping we see Paul in season 3.

[@BluesFanUK_]

Give it a try, but don't go past S3 or S4 - You'll regret it.

[@sparky955]

You have a marvelous ability to create a safe & comfortable zone for your guests. Wonderful interview. Many thanks!

[@GTMQ8]

I just finished SNW Season 2 a few days ago and I can say I have been a big fan of Paul since the early seasons of Vampire Diaries and he's a SUPERB James T. Kirk. I really enjoyed this episode so Thank you Michael and Ryan these interviews really have become the highlight of my week.

[@suzygirl1843]

Not really. He is far from Shatner's Kirk. Chris Pine was different but I'd say he was closer to his enthusiasm. I can't see Paul Wesley's version being part of the most famous episode that brought us the first Interracial Kiss

[@GTMQ8]

@@suzygirl1843 I said he is a superb James T Kirk. I never said he was a carbon copy or that he is exactly like Shatner's Kirk. He literally talks about this in this episode that he and the show runner didn't want to do a Shatner impersination for this role. If you're not into this version of the character you are of course free to have your own opinion about it.

[@IKnowDion]

you people never cease to amaze me@@suzygirl1843

[@SunnyyKG]

Idk what Michael is talking about i was OBSESSED with him playing Lex Luthor! Absolutely iconic

[@ericaschannel2599]

No we need to bring back 22 episodes a year those are the best shows on television to watch these shows today with 5 episodes absolutely blow

[@bookmagic9641]

Love to hear how the hike goes with the pups :) Love hearing all the stories from all your guests, and this week was awesome with Paul on it!

[@stephanieray3227]

I remember when Paul was on Wolf Lake, and I loved him on Vampire Diaries

[@robertkydd3593]

Loving Paul in Strange New Worlds. Never watched Vampire Diaries until today - I can tell I'm going to love it.

[@user-jc7fo5gf3s]

Enjoy the wild Vampire Diaries ride!!! 🧛‍♂️ it's fun!!

[@NessaBear90]

Stefan and Elena FOREVER! ❤ Prefered Stefan over Damon always Paul. I'll forever be sad that Stelena weren't endgame 😢. Thank you for making my late teens full of happy memories. TVD is better than Twilight. Elena and Stefan are better than Bella and Edward 🥰🥰.

[@kathrineheadrick170]

Your podcast interviews are always so enjoyable. It's intriguing conversations and it's nice to hear everyone's views on your topics that you bring attention to and refreshing that you and your guests speak openly and honestly.

[@elaynethayanne8978]

Love Paul since Fallen and of course Stefan was my favorite, he was great and he is great. ❤❤

[@ChivyDCom]

Im so happy to see Paul on this pod.

[@LazyEyeNZ]

Big fan of Vampire Diaries. Paul had a great guest appearance on The Original's.

[@danielhilgeman798]

Paul is such a great guy and actor vampire diaries is one of my absolute favorite shows loved from beginning to end congratulations on being cast as James T Kirk on strange new worlds really looking forward to watching the show love you Paul thank you for all your great work 😊❤

[@dawnatkinson7704]

I loved Paul in Wolf Lake ❤

[@serab9767]

Ending with the voice imitations was too funny 🤣

[@Av-xr9hk]

Love this!!!! Everything is interesting! Great questions and I love the convos hearing from Lex and Stefan!! Sharing both their experiences and how they relate! More power for this poscast!!!! Been a fan of Michael since Sorority Boys here!! And my favorite Lex Luthor!! The besssttt!

[@miniminott48]

Loved this interview with Paul!!

[@CrAZychicke]

Love Paul. Aussie TVD fan here. Saw Paul for the first time ever on the OC, and then Smallville. Loved this interview and hearing all the audition stories. Michael you made me laugh re: the puppy advice. My puppy died in 2019 aged 8, I hope that someday I can get another Vizsla.

[@bee_in_bk]

I loved Paul in Everwood! Emily Van Camp got her start there too. Hope you get her on the show at some point. I know my TV shows Rosenbaum! Thanks for this one as always… Superb! ❤

[@tanyam5471]

I love Everwood. Such a wonderful family show. I think Paul is still friends with Emily

[@dash-x]

Was that Paul? I think Pratt was on that show too? I haven’t seen it in ages though.

[@bellonjm07]

What a great interview! Thanks Michael and Paul! ❤ Lex was my favorite Smallville character and a Stefan was my favorite on Vampire Diaries. Had crushes on you both! ❤❤

[@crookedchicken]

So weird but so awesome to see a completely different side of him than I saw in TVD and smallville. Would love to meet him sometime, been to where TVD has filmed a couple times. Such a beautiful town.

[@BelleyPuffy]

Thank you for a great podcast episode! I loved hearing Paul's experiences in life. Your talk was very natural and real! ❤

[@m.naja148]

This was a great listen! Love them both

[@JustSomeRandomBurger]

Been rewatching the vampire diaries and recently got done with my rewatch of the originals. This video is hype 🔥

[@nicholakeeble7172]

Michael hun thank you for your amazing podcast ❤ I just found it today and I have been binge watching haha, I have been unwell since April this year and can barely leave my house except for medical appointments which is mentally exhausting in itself but I’m also dealing with constant discomfort and pain unfortunately so I feel like I’m in a constant battle to stay sane and so I’m always trying to find things to distract my mind, which your podcast has helped me with greatly! You and your guests are an absolute pleasure to listen to and so entertaining, I have just realised that I have been watching for about 7 hours 😂 thank you for being my greatest distraction ❤❤❤❤❤

[@stelenaaesthetic2009]

I would never get tired listening to Paul talking about Nina, how they met 😍😍

[@jagnyasenimohanty4249]

This part 1:15:42 I went through this exact same thing. When you see your life pass before you, you realize the thing for which you're depressed is very small. I'm thankful that I've passes that phase.

[@HarlanGreenborough]

Amazing guests lately!! I'll admit, I was not 100% sold on Paul Wesley's Kirk last season but he brought his A-game in season two and won me over. I'm here and I'm not stopping until we get a Poolhall Junkies reunion with Anson Mount!!

[@Scribbler1382]

Ah, man. "Take care of my ship." Total waterworks here when I heard that.

[@omgnetwork5231]

this was a great episode! very easy to watch/listen to. I didn't even realize the time that's passed and it was done.

[@toniwilliamsnajoe]

Paul is a gem! ❤

[@georgepitcher136]

Thanks Mike! Great show was elated to hear your interview with Paul. He's awesome.

[@KrystynaE1967]

My grandparents only spoke polish and my dad knows a little. I can speak very little of polish and I loved eating at my grandparents. Polish food is so good!!

[@richardgraham8377]

I didn't plan on watching the entire thing but I honestly couldn't help myself it was so good

[@theresemarkham9387]

Enjoying listening to this episode! I am learning so much about him. Inside of You is the best podcast!

[@richardward9183]

Loved this episode! Paul was a great guest.

[@lukenelson7831]

Just burned through the "Vampire Diaries" recently, so this was super cool. Paul seems like such a down to earth person. Thanks for this ep. :)

[@nicolawhitham6964]

Brilliant conversation as usual. Makes my journey to and from work pass a lot quicker xxx

[@user-ff6rr7oc8d]

Such a great interview. I really enjoy your podcasts and your guests!

[@leeforward8153]

Love listening to Paul tvd forever ❤️

[@jqcinema]

One of my favorite podcast EPs- Paul is the best!

[@julianaoliveira7695]

I love Paul 🥰🥰😘😘😘 so glad for this interview. Thanks Mike!

[@truditrevara9080]

I love Paul Wesley

[@BarriePoole]

Great episode! Season 2 was great. can't wait for more

[@sarahperry3905]

First visit here , so great to hear truth and evolved authenticity between guys , great energy , thank you for sharing , it helps us all heal , learn and grow 🙏 ✨

[@arlene13woohoo]

Fantastic episode!

[@lisamariebasile2685]

OMG. The interviewer needs to leave room for the interviewee to share and respond. He cuts people off before they get started, then rants & repeats the whole point Paul makes. Paul is an excellent actor.

[@snowytyler3793]

Omg when the dog barks suddenly lol 😂

[@westower7898]

I am loving his performance as Kirk on Strange New Worlds. I could fully see him leading a follow on series where many of the TOS episodes are reimagined.

[@suzygirl1843]

No. That's not Kirk at all.

[@IKnowDion]

you people never cease to amaze me@@suzygirl1843

[@joyjoyz778]

Loved this!!

[@audrajohnston2506]

Thank you for this! I was disappointed when y'all did Talkville episode and didn't interview him. ❤ Love him!

[@ambergabel4919]

My sister owns the first three seasons of VD so I saw Paul in that. He seems like a cool, good guy. I enjoyed hearing more about his time doing that show and others, as well as his other endeavors. I like seeing the personal side to these celebrities too. You always bring out great content from your guests, Michael. Another successful and enjoyable episode.

[@maiamella3431]

Love these two guys. Fav actors from respective series

[@SA-oz9hg]

Ive watched TVD later in life and never thought that it was an immature show, in the contrary, its was a well made supernatural show

[@azahora22]

Yeah, I think maybe people just have a negative view of it bc of some of the other shows on the cw.

[@ruyijingubang582]

I only saw Paul recently in Star Trek, but he killed it so hard I'm an instant fan of his acting

[@blackdogbrown]

This was great! Loved this very much.

[@snowysnow6208]

I just got my ticket to meet Paul and Ian in Paris for vampire diaries convention 😍 great episode Michael, love everything about Inside of you

[@melissalane3661]

Lex and Stefan are my favorite characters from those shows ❤ loving this interview 😍

[@AmanOU2be]

Great show. I enjoyed the last part more than I should have.

[@jamiehenderson770]

Terrific interview 😊

[@charlenec77]

Paul is such an awesome guy!! LOVE this episode!!!! Ian LOVES to talk, he would definitely be a fantastic guest!! 🙂

[@ace360]

I meet Paul at Galexycon NC a few weeks back Awesome guy! Nothing but great things to say about him Awesome episode as always Two Luthors Reunion ;) 💙🤘

[@crystalpistey-lyhne3406]

I enjoyed this episode, especially, I'm Of Fan Smallville & The Vampire Diaries! It was fun seeing you guys getting to know each , sharing your lives with us viewers at home!😱🤣🥰🖥

[@stelenaaesthetic2009]

Paul Wesley is an amazing man ❤❤❤

[@jimmyxwolvie9208]

Say what you will about the CW, if there's anything they've been great at, is setting up amazing potential "Brother bonds": - Michael and Tom - Jared and Jensen - Ian and Paul ...need I say more???

[@user-jc7fo5gf3s]

Totally agree 👍 ❤

[@bean9619]

I love that they are all great friends offscreen, too. 😊

[@user-jc7fo5gf3s]

@@bean9619 very true - love that too.

[@ayoubaouinzou8127]

Wow, I thoroughly enjoyed this episode!

[@aisha7564]

loved watching this!

[@shaw8443]

This was a great interview.

[@snowytyler3793]

Aww ❤ I love Paul Wesley

[@TheNegZero]

Awww...look at him nursin' tht (post) quarantine lockdown stubble.... but, it looks so cute on him!

[@xelawash]

Very very cool! This episode is 🔥 💪👊

[@TheNegZero]

Paul definitely wasn't typecast in "Tell Me A Story". Loved tht show..& its many twists by the way. ❤

[@DanielMazz]

Epic interview

[@vivianna_diaz]

FINALLY!!! Paul came into your podcast!! This was great see and hear. I really hope he comes more often to talk about life. Is good to see the human Paul. 🫶🏻🙌🏼👏🏼 thank you Michael 💗

[@izzyc127]

I like how after interviewing Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, and Gates McFadden, you started to interview someone from the new trek era! I hope to see more Star Trek stars especially the new Trek actors on your podcast!

[@deniseboriqua5681]

This was awesome you guys are so RELAXED You relaxed me almost dosed off to nap n I never nap thx 😊

[@nataliestownsend4211]

I love these both guys how lovely it a lovely and great interviewing 😊

[@angelaholmes8888]

Yay I'm so happy that paul is on the show thanks Michael love him on. Star trek strange new worlds and the vampire diaries 😊

[@mscandylevar2444]

I am so behind on Episode from the passed couple of months been very ill only caught up on a couple since James Gunn was on. Love Paul and a big fan of the vampire diaries, love him on Smallville. Hopefully I will be up to listen later to the Episode. Keep up the awesomeness Michael you Rock!!

[@kousetsuhana]

it's so interesting to find out that I actually have a tiny bit in common with such an apparently radically different person! love podcasts like Michael's that are really honest and conversational and allow us to get to know celebrities a tiny bit

[@fz7694]

Like what in common?

[@Figboy]

Michael, you're way too hard on yourself, man. You're an incredibly talented actor, crushed it as Lex Luthor, was great as The Flash, and too many other roles to list, and you have this genuinely beautiful, human, and real podcast that isn't just entertaining and funny, but wholesome, honest, insightful and open, and I struggle to find the word, but comforting and supportive, and wholly empathetic. You and the Inside of You folks (I'm not sure how many people work on putting together this podcast, or if it's just the two of you, sorry), are doing some really wonderful work that touches a lot of people, and impacts a lot of people in a really meaningful way. The guests you bring on highlight that, at the end of the day, whatever your "status" or material "success," we're all humans, experiencing the human condition in our own unique and also similar ways on this floating blue orb. We all have our struggles and triumphs, and setbacks, failures, mistakes of youth, regrets, and what have you, but none of us are as alone as we sometimes think we are, and if we can just tap into that empathy that I know we all have within us, we can get through this life together. Your podcast is an example of that warmth and empathy, and that's all you, man. I truly hope you're proud of the work you're doing here with this podcast, on top of all of the hours of entertainment you provided to people through your acting roles. Don't short change or second guess yourself. Sorry for the ramble, but I've been listening to this podcast for a long time, and every single time it's over I have a big smile on my face. Thank you for this series. It may not seem like it sometimes, but it's reaching and impacting a lot of people in a positive way. This was a really great episode, and might be one of my favorites!

[@mardyjane7664]

He's a kind, cool (and good looking) dude :) And it was good to hear anwers to things I always wondered but never googled about him :D Great episode ❤