In a recent episode of Conan O’Brien‘s talk show, the legendary bassist Flea made a captivating appearance and opened up about various topics, including his journey with Consumer Cellular, his musical career, and his personal growth. Flea, also known as Michael Peter Bower, is a founding member and bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, earning him a reputation as one of the best rock bass players of all time.
The conversation between Flea and Conan O’Brien started with a discussion about the challenges of dealing with big wireless companies. Flea mentioned that reaching out to them can be a frustrating experience, often encountering robots and being bounced around. However, he emphasized that Consumer Cellular offers excellent customer service and the same coverage as big wireless companies at a much more affordable price.
As the conversation delved deeper, Flea shared some interesting insights about his personal life and career. Conan admitted to being nervous about meeting Flea, as their worlds seemed quite different. While Conan is not well-versed in music, he expressed his admiration for Flea‘s talent. Flea, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of letting go of everything and allowing cosmic energies to speak through him, a practice he applies before interviews and performances.
Flea also discussed his upbringing and how he acquired the nickname “Flea” in 1982. He recalled growing up with a spiritual and religious background, which has shaped his current perspective on life. Flea expressed his desire to embrace the spiritual side of his nature by sitting quietly and letting go of distractions, emphasizing the difficulty of navigating the balance between the material and spiritual worlds.
The conversation between Flea and Conan took an interesting turn when they reminisced about their shared love for snowboarding. They recalled a memorable experience of snowboarding naked down a mountain in Utah. Despite their average snowboarding skills, they laughed about the wild and fun times they shared.
Flea also opened up about his past struggles with drug addiction. He revealed that he started using drugs at an early age and was involved in reckless behavior. However, after his daughter was born, he made the decision to quit drugs and be present in her life. But as a consequence, Flea experienced a period of chronic fatigue, which he viewed as a toll he had to pay for his past actions.
Throughout the interview, Flea demonstrated a willingness to confront his demons and engage in self-reflection. He acknowledged the importance of facing his fears, traumas, and negative emotions, describing the spiritual journey as a battle with oneself. Flea shared his experience with Vipassana meditation, sitting in silence for 10 hours a day and confronting intense panic attacks and anxiety. He expressed how this practice allowed him to process his emotions and become stronger and more relaxed.
At the heart of their conversation, Flea and Conan discussed the challenges of personal growth and self-acceptance. Flea acknowledged his tendency to beat himself up emotionally and strive for perfection, sharing his ongoing journey to be kinder to himself and let go of shame and guilt.
Flea‘s appearance on Conan O’Brien‘s talk show provided an intimate glimpse into the life of a renowned musician who has faced personal challenges and embraced self-improvement. Through his candid and introspective conversation, Flea continues to inspire others to confront their own demons, pursue their passions, and embrace their authentic selves.