Joey Graceffa On The Life He Hid Behind YouTube: I Lost The Mum I Knew

Joey Graceffa opens up about YouTube fame, Escape The Night, coming out online, love, family, and the private experiences behind the life millions of viewers grew up watching. In this deeply honest conversation, Joey reflects on the reality of becoming one of YouTube’s earliest stars while still trying to understand who he was away from the camera. Joey looks back on the childhood that shaped him, the complicated family dynamics he grew up around, and the moments that made him feel different before he had the language to explain why. He also reflects on building a life online, the pressure of being watched by millions, and the fear of what might happen if his audience saw the parts of him he was still learning to accept. Joey also opens up about his relationship with his mum, the pain of loving someone you can no longer save, and the boundaries he eventually had to set to protect himself. He speaks about shame, identity, first love, and the coming out video that changed everything. Joey Graceffa, We Need To Talk This episode includes discussion of mental health and addiction. If you’re struggling with these themes or your own mental health, remember you’re not alone. You can find help and resources at the links below: MIND: https://linkly.link/2dx8b Samaritans: https://linkly.link/2dx7Z CALM: https://linkly.link/2dx8H Follow us here:   / needtotalk     / weneedtotalkpod   Sign up to our newsletter https://linkly.link/2eXHX Follow Joey here:   / joeygraceffa     / joeygraceffa   00:00 Intro 01:49 Joey's Childhood in Marlborough, Massachusetts 03:48 Joey's Family Life Growing Up 08:15 How Joey's Parents' Divorce Affected Him 11:25 Paul Shows Joey Childhood Photos 13:53 Joey Opens Up About His Mother's Mental Health Struggles 27:40 Huel Ad 29:02 How Joey Started His YouTube Career 31:45 Joey on Navigating His Sexuality as a Teenager 34:00 Joey's Experience at Maker Studios 36:18 Joey's Coming Out Journey 45:07 Behind the Scenes of Joey's Coming Out Video 49:21 Joey's YouTube Success and Advice for Creators 56:45 Joey's Thoughts on Rising Negativity Online 01:01:55 Joey's Career as an Author 01:04:21 Joey Opens Up About His Relationship With His Ex-Boyfriend 01:11:55 Joey's Relationship With His Sister Today 01:13:28 Joey Reads an Emotional Letter From His Sister 01:16:32 Most Memorable Conversation 01:18:38 Paul's Takeaways Sponsored by: Huel - uk.huel.com/WNTT Try Huel Black Edition ramen , use code WNTT for £10 off