An Honest Conversation About the Fall of Hollywood | Adrian Grenier | EP 445

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson sits down with actor and environmental advocate Adrian Grenier. They discuss his early life on the streets of New York City, his eventual rise to stardom, the reality and decline of Hollywood, why he walked away after reaching the top, and how he grounds himself now through natural practices and the cultivation of his fully sustainable environment-first community.

Adrian Grenier is an American actor, musician, and environmental advocate. He is best known for his portrayal of Vincent Chase in the television series “Entourage” (2004–2011). He has appeared in films such as “Drive Me Crazy” (1999), “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006), “Trash Fire” (2016), and “Marauders” (2016). In 2021, he acted in the Netflix series “Clickbait.” In 2010, Grenier and his business partner Peter Glatzer started SHFT, a brand that promotes sustainability through multimedia. The website won two Webby Awards in 2011 for best website in its category. In 2020, he moved to Austin, Texas, settling on the Kintsugi Ranch, which he and his family have been turning into a fully sustainable, renewable community.

This episode was recorded on April 24th, 2024

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(0:00) Coming up
(0:38) Intro
(2:56) Growing up fatherless on the streets of New York City
(4:45) Learning to read and how Grenier found acting
(9:49) Early experiences making amateur films
(11:11) The Stanislavski method, musical interest
(13:50) Dropping out of college for a girl
(16:14) Rebellion, bad jobs, and finding motivation
(22:36) Resisting Hollywood: “It seemed shady.”
(24:30) Grenier ignoring “Entourage” made casting want him more
(27:34) The cultivated narcissism of Hollywood actors
(29:10) Booking “Entourage,” 10 years becoming Vince
(34:13) Navigating ego, Russell Brand, and liberalism
(37:40) “You’re the worst,” breaking up forced Grenier to reflect
(41:40) Making changes, cutting distractions, and taking a break from acting
(44:36) Realizing priorities, seeking new mentors
(48:47) Getting grounded, building a garden
(51:04) Sticking with it, knowing what you do and do not want
(54:29) Getting back together, fatherhood, and serendipity
(1:00:12) Earth Speed: stories from the land

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[KatyB-VanillaKnit]

"I'm a great father....because I'm here."

The depth of that statement of the many aspects of good parenting, the importance of showing up and just being THERE is fundamental.

[AdamKnightMusicOfficial]

As a close friend to Adrian, I am so proud and grateful for him. He is an extremely aware and in tune man, the world he came from where he is now, is something to be celebrated. Let’s go brotha!!!

[camilofuentespena]

Dr Peterson soon will be interviewing some of the most interesting people in that toxic industry, who don’t give interviews to news media because of the cancel culture. He is becoming a must go, for everyone.

[johnmac]

HUGE respect for Grenier after this interview, self awareness so rare in his circle .

[conradlynch]

Dr. Peterson’s background as a clinical psychologist makes him a great interviewer.

[abbybose]

That slow reveal that he got back together with his ex and that they are married now, have a child. All of that was so touching. Bawling listening to the conclusion of this interview. Wonderful soul.

[l_alvarez_k]

The last moment when Adrien expresses how he honors his wife for all she is while being the man and holding the family dynamic together so she is able to heal…wow. Every moment and decision of his life that was always questionable or unclear led him to search his soul to find the man that every man is capable of being. God bless his family and his future projects with his community. Imagine if every man who was lost had a woman who cared and was honest enough to walk away while giving him the reasons instead of playing games and encouraging reckless behavior. Very inspiring story. Thank you Dr.P for this interview.❤

[judybareitan]

That was mesmerizing. I don't watch TV so I had no idea who Adrian is. When he discussed being a protector and his wife I had tears in my eyes. This is what growing up looks like.

[TrollHunterxXx]

He was so good as Vinny Chase … it’s hard to separate him from the character he played. Entourage is a time capsule for me and will always be a show I can go back to remember the 2000s

[DamienHurts]

The fact that he found Hollywood 'shady' and instead of assimilating into that to become a big star, he kept his distance and maintain his humanity and morals... i had no idea he was like this, and I've seen the film Kids and he definitely had a wild childhood, that's for sure. fascinating gent, awesome that he's talking to Jordan. perfect.

[SuperHellonwheels]

I’ve noticed a lot of people my age (mid 40’s) are “growing up” and seeking more purpose in life. I think the 90’s and early 2000’s were a time when God was not in many of our lives. I feel so many of us from this time era are searching for God and how to be close to him. I love this interview because it hits close to home for myself in different ways. I’m glad he is becoming a better person. Being grounded is very important in life! Thank you Dr. Peterson for being apart of my spiritual growth and for so many others as well.

[princedarkly]

As a former actor myself who found success in a country outside of the US, it is difficult to find talks like this that can relate to my particular situation. This was very enlightening and comforting to know that I am not alone. To give up fame and fortune willingly, and having to deal with it is quite rare and I am happy to hear someone else’s own experience instead of ruminating on my own for lack of people to relate this with.

[ballerwade]

As a near 30 year old man, this conversation helped me so much and gave me answers to questions I had and didn’t know I had as it relates to distractions, addiction and how to ground yourself truly. Thank you !🙏

[TheRumbles]

Ego death saved my life
It was the most painful experience I've ever went through.
I regret that I had to lose everything to wake up, but I suppose everything happens for a reason.
Go's bless you Jordan Peterson, you saved me from a very dark place.

[terryasmus]

Dr. Peterson is such a great interviewer because he listens and is always interested in his guest

[mishaarmageddon]

I do not know this man. However, no matter, I know his spirit. Blessings to him and his family. Prayers for them all.

[Livemusiclife]

I wrote for a music column several years back. It had a very small audience but Adrian took time to contribute to it. I was very grateful. I still have the Spotify playlist he created for us. Solid guy.

[Braddicusfinch]

Adrian dropping the hints about him and his wife getting back togwther is the most endearing thing ever, it's like when someone is so excited to tell you good news that they drop hints so you ask, you can tell he's absolutely buzzing to talk about her.

Love how Adrian became the best kind of environmentalist. It's crazy how much he looks like Josh Peck, who also has a great story and would be a phenomenal guest

[Johnv]

What a beautiful interview! Thank you Dr. Peterson for your sensitive exploration of Adrian's journey, and thank you Adrian for being so open about your life. Congratulations and continued blessings on you, your family and your work.

[jillianhajdasz]

What a wonderful conversation with an honorable man. A man who wants to still be a protector is hard to find. Men have been told for so long that their natural instinct is wrong because it sometimes comes out wrong. But I applaud Adrian Grenier for doing the hard look and being a good man.