Blue Ridge actor Johnathon Schaech speaks candidly about past drug addiction, trauma, and finding recovery to succeed as an actor – and now competitive bodybuilder.
In a recent episode of Generation Iron and Barbend’s The Mike O’Hearn Show, host Mike O’Hearn welcomed actor Johnathon Schaech as his guest. The duo engaged in an inspiring conversation covering Johnathon’s surprising victory in a bodybuilding competition (his first ever at 53 years old), his journey through acting, and the challenges he faced growing up with dyslexia. The episode shed light on Johnathon’s triumphs and the personal struggles that shaped him into the resilient individual he is today.
Johnathon Schaech is no stranger to The Mike O’Hearn Show. He recently appeared on a previous episode while O’Hearn was on the set of the Blue Ridge TV show. But a lot has changed in these few months since his last appearance on the podcast. Most notably, Schaech trained for and competed in his very first bodybuilding competition. Not only that – he won the show.
Schaech reached out to O’Hearn five weeks before the bodybuilding competition. He asked O’Hearn if he could help Schaech diet down and prepare to compete. This is quite the short amount of time to compete in a bodybuilding show – especially having never competed before in his life. However, with this not being a pro show and also O’Hearn guiding him, win or lose Schaech wanted to take the journey.
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Johnathon’s Decision to Compete and Mike’s Influence
Johnathon Schaech, known for his roles in various movies and TV shows, shared that he had always been passionate about fitness. However, it was during the filming of the show “Blue Ridge,” where Mike O’Hearn also had a presence, that he found the inspiration to compete in bodybuilding. Engaging in conversations with Mike, a renowned bodybuilder, motivated Johnathon to take on this new challenge. After a lifetime of training in the gym, he decided to pursue bodybuilding competitively.
The Humble Charisma of Johnathon Schaech
Mike O’Hearn complimented Johnathon on his humble nature, highlighting that despite being one of the best-looking individuals in the room throughout his life and career, Johnathon never let it affect his humility. This acknowledgment set the stage for a deeper exploration of Johnathon’s personal and professional experiences.
Insights into “Blue Ridge” and Johnathon’s Creative Involvement
The conversation naturally flowed into discussing Johnathon’s involvement in the TV show “Blue Ridge.” Johnathon explained that after the success of the Blue Ridge movie, which he starred in, he was offered the opportunity to participate in the creation of the show. He expressed his desire to be part of the decision-making process and have creative input, leading to his involvement in shaping the series.
Overcoming Dyslexia: A Shared Journey
Both Mike O’Hearn and Johnathon Schaech shared a common experience of living with dyslexia. Mike initiated a conversation about the challenges they faced growing up with this learning difficulty and how they overcame it. Johnathon opened up about being placed in special classes during elementary school and struggling with feelings of inadequacy. He even revealed that the struggles struck such shame in him – he purposely peed himself to avoid reading in front of the class. However, Johnathon later discovered acting, a performance-based craft that resonated with him more deeply than reading and processing words in school. Consequently, he left college to pursue a career in acting.
From Past Struggles to a New Challenge
Returning back to 2023, Mike O’Hearn circles back to how Johnathon Schaech recently approached him with the desire to compete in a bodybuilding competition. Despite having a new TV show, a family, and stability in his life, Johnathon was driven to put himself under the pressure of this intense physical challenge. Johnathon expressed his gratitude for being alive, highlighting recent losses he had experienced, and his desire to celebrate life. He wanted to inspire his son and push his own boundaries. He acknowledged that the process of preparing for the bodybuilding competition in just five weeks felt akin to climbing Mount Everest.
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Unveiling the Strength of Overcoming Past Traumas
Mike O’Hearn delved into the hardships Johnathon Schaech had faced throughout his life. Johnathon shared how his divorce in 2006-2007 broke his heart, leading him to turn to drugs, alcohol, and sex. Reflecting on his actions, he attributed this reaction and subsequent bad decisions to his childhood experiences with dyslexia, which had severely damaged his self-confidence.
Furthermore, Johnathon spoke candidly about his father’s mental health struggles that eventually led to his father trying to commit suicide. Johnathan had to physically hold his father down to stop the suicide attempt. Had Johnathon not been in shape or strong enough to stop him – both of their lives would have taken a very different turn.
Johnathon also spoke very openly about a traumatic incident during his first screen test, where he experienced molestation. Despite being physical fit and capable of defending himself, he was crippled with fear and spent many years after the traumatic event questioning why he didn’t fight back while also recovering from the feeling of being violated.
These past traumas had been crippling, causing him to rely on destructive coping mechanisms. However, Johnathon has now been sober for six years, and by bringing these traumas into the light, he has reclaimed his power and no longer lets them control him.
The Clarity of Sobriety and a “No Excuses” Mentality
Now, with sobriety providing clarity and the willingness to openly discuss his past traumas, Johnathon can embrace the present and refuse to make excuses for himself. His past self would have found numerous reasons not to compete in bodybuilding, but in this moment, he decided to take the challenge head-on. Johnathon’s dedication and “all-in” mentality significantly contributed to his success, even within the limited preparation time of five weeks, as Mike acknowledged.
Mike O’Hearn’s Impact
Johnathon attributed his victory to Mike O’Hearn’s training expertise. Mike’s deep understanding of the body and physique provided Johnathon with a distinct advantage over his fellow competitors, ultimately leading to his triumph.
Wrap Up
This week’s episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show featuring Johnathon Schaech offers an intimate glimpse into the actor’s life, shedding light on his journey from a troubled past, to acting, to competing in his first ever bodybuilding competition at 53.
Johnathon’s story of overcoming dyslexia, personal traumas, and addiction can serve as an inspiration to many. His transformation, fueled by clarity, sobriety, and the willingness to confront his past, showcased the power of resilience and personal growth. Through the guidance of Mike O’Hearn, Johnathon not only emerged victorious in his first bodybuilding competition but also discovered a newfound strength within himself.
You can watch the full episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show above. Don’t forget to also check back every Friday for new episodes only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
