The label “bipolar” is one that Stephan Ringer leans into wholeheartedly, and is what ultimately enabled him to be himself always—regardless of relationship or environment.

In part 1 of this conversation, we set the stage for Stephan’s incredible journey to being diagnosed bipolar in his late 30s (and spoiler alert!), what it was like discovering that his wife was also bipolar in the same year.

We dive into Stephan’s childhood, including what it was like being raised by a Korean mother while also having three older sisters; the intense seven-year experience of him and his family delivering the Washington Post to help make ends meet; and his young performing arts career.

We also share perspectives on the value of higher education today; talk about how Stephan ultimately decided not to finish his degree, but instead launch his career at AOL during the hype of AIM, where he ended up meeting his now wife; and dive into the early years of his marriage, including some struggles and baggage that manifested itself during their three-year stint living in London, which became the catalyst that dropped them into the “insanity pit.”

Throughout this conversation, we attempt to break down stigmas and “judgment” barriers by talking about what it means to be a “misfit,” and how we are all misfits in one way or another.

Disclaimer: Not Your Average GOAT is produced and edited by Teisha Gillespie with music by Anton Vlasov and Serge Quadrado. All content is copyrighted and should not be reproduced, recreated or reused without explicit permission. Please visit NotYourAverageGOAT.org/Contact for questions.