Manganiello Explores Success Psychology In Latest Podcast Episode
The actor reveals his thoughts on insecurity as a driving force behind achievement and success.

Image: Instagram
In the latest episode of the But That 1 Percent podcast, Joe Manganiello shared his thoughts on success with host Sona Oganesyan. Now available on Spotify, the podcast features Manganiello commenting, “I think a lot of success is born of insecurity,” a quote that was prominently featured in an Instagram post promoting the episode.
Insecurity As A Driver Of Success
During the conversation, Manganiello delves into the connection between success and insecurity, explaining how much of it is driven by a deep desire to prove oneself. He reflects on how, for many, the pursuit of success starts with the need to validate their worth—especially for young people who are motivated by the urge to make others proud. This drive can lead them to take on challenging circumstances. However, Manganiello notes that as they grow older, their focus often shifts from seeking external validation to striving for success that brings personal fulfillment.
The post also includes the hashtag #freearmenianhostages, underscoring Manganiello’s continued dedication to raising awareness about the Armenian cause, a matter close to his heart due to his Armenian heritage on his mother’s side.
Armenian Heritage And Advocacy
Manganiello’s support for Armenia isn’t new. In a recent Instagram post commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2025, he shared the story of his great-grandmother Terviz Darakjian, who survived the genocide but lost her husband and nine children during the atrocities in Harput at the hands of the Ottoman Turks.
In that emotional post, Manganiello wrote: “I didn’t realize how underrepresented the Armenian story was in the modern world and how important it was for me to simply tell the truth about what happened to my ancestors.” He further emphasized the importance of Armenians sharing their stories “so that healing can happen despite Turkish denial.”
In another related post, he pointedly stated: “Genocide Denied (1915) is Genocide Repeated (2020),” drawing connections between historical events and present-day concerns regarding Armenians.
Versatile Career In Entertainment
Beyond his advocacy work, Manganiello continues to maintain a busy career in entertainment. He recently appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” to promote his new Netflix comedy film “NONNAS,” which premiered on May 9th. Based on a true story, the film showcases Manganiello’s Italian heritage alongside his Armenian roots.
During his Colbert appearance, Manganiello also discussed his unique fitness regimen, joking that his diet “consists strictly of lean phlebot after working with an astronaut scientist.”
The actor has been particularly active recently, taking on hosting duties for NBC’s reality competition “Deal or No Deal Island” for its second season, adding to his diverse portfolio that includes acting, producing, directing, writing, and voice acting.
Upcoming Role As Master Of Ceremonies
Adding to his list of accomplishments, Manganiello has been announced as the host of the 121st Explorers Club Annual Dinner: Paradise Found, scheduled for April 26, 2025. The announcement post describes him as “a longtime friend of the Club” who will be making “his debut on the greatest stage in exploration” as master of ceremonies.
The post highlights Manganiello’s board positions with UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and The Children of Armenian Fund, as well as his advisory board roles with Liquid Death and Colossal.
Scientific Interests And Future Technology
Manganiello’s interests extend to scientific advancements as well. He recently sat down with People Magazine to discuss his involvement with Colossal Biosciences and their work bringing back Dire Wolves, which have been extinct since the Ice Age. In the exclusive interview, he described this scientific breakthrough as a “lifelong obsession” and mentioned he has “seen the future” through this work.
The actor continues to leverage his platform not only for entertainment purposes but also to raise awareness about causes close to his heart, particularly those related to his Armenian heritage. The recent podcast episode and accompanying social media post reinforce his commitment to using his voice for meaningful conversations while supporting initiatives that matter to him personally.
Fans interested in hearing Manganiello’s full thoughts on success and insecurity can now listen to episode six of “But That 1 Percent” on Spotify, where he likely expands on the intriguing quote shared in the promotional post.

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