Jesse "The Body" Ventura Pt1 - SAS CLASSIC

In this first part of a two-part episode, Steve Austin welcomes legendary wrestler and former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura to his home in Los Angeles. The conversation begins with lighthearted banter about Austin’s chaotic neighborhood and a recent visit from Ventura in a limousine, setting a warm, personal tone. The bulk of the episode dives deep into Ventura’s storied career, from his early days in pro wrestling under the name Surfer Jesse Ventura, his rise as a dominant heel, and his iconic commentary partnership with Gorilla Monsoon and Vince McMahon. Ventura shares candid stories about his formative matches, including a pivotal first bout in Wichita where a veteran wrestler gave him a strategic pass to protect his future. He reflects on the mental and physical toll of the business, his decision to copyright 'Jesse the Body Ventura' before anyone else, and his eventual departure from WWE over creative control and royalty rights — a battle he won in court. The discussion also touches on his Navy SEAL training, his off-grid life in Mexico, and how his military discipline shaped his work ethic and mindset. Ventura reveals his daily routine of hanging upside down for spinal decompression, his love for the silence of the desert, and a transformative experience swimming with gray whales in Mexico. The episode closes with reflections on his family, his wife’s essential role in his life, and his philosophy on authenticity, passion, and staying true to oneself across multiple careers in wrestling, politics, and entertainment.