Comedian Pete Davidson and musician Machine Gun Kelly opened up about how their experiences with bipolar disorder have intertwined, forming a unique bond between the two. On January 30, they appeared together on the first episode of Davidson’s Netflix video podcast, filmed in his garage, where they discussed their ongoing journey with mental health and recovery. Their conversation highlighted how Pete Davidson mental health challenges have shaped their friendship and support system.
Mutual Support Amid Bipolar Challenges
During their candid discussion, MGK, whose real name is Colson Baker, revealed that a friend once told him,
“I’m proud to see how you’ve grown.”
Davidson responded by admitting,
“I think we both thought we were going to die pretty young,”
and acknowledged the perseverance both have shown in managing their conditions, saying,
“I’m equally impressed by both of us [that we’ve] been able to keep it going.”
They reflected on the difficulties they have faced while remaining sober, often brushing off issues with a casual “it’s fine” attitude. MGK described how their bipolar episodes have a pattern of alternating in timing, stating,
“I realized through our friendship … our bipolar has synced up because every time I’m having a manic episode, you’re good, and every time you’re having one, I’m good.”
Davidson dryly added,
“Yeah, it’s really good for our suicide pact,”
to which MGK replied,
“It always goes back and forth.”
Shared Experiences from Difficult Beginnings
The pair compared their backgrounds, noting similarities in their upbringing and life trajectories. MGK explained,
“coming-of-age stories and redemption stories and, like, almost like the phoenix rose from ashes. We come from sh—y circumstances. We come from nothing.”
This shared history created a strong connection as they navigated their personal battles.
Parallel Struggles with Addiction and Recovery
Both Davidson and MGK have faced addiction and undergone rehab multiple times. Davidson entered treatment initially in July 2023 and again in July 2024, remaining transparent about his continued fight for sobriety and mental well-being. MGK revealed in 2024 that he was sober after completing rehab. They joked about their timing, with MGK noting,
“I just thought it was funny that we’re always calling each other from rehab. We never go at the same time,”
and Davidson confirming,
“We never go at the same time, but we usually both need it. The other one needs it while the other one is in it, and we’ll take, like so, so many notes.”
Facing Recovery with Determination and Responsibility
Davidson admitted it took repeated attempts at rehab to gain the necessary coping skills, sharing,
“like, nine, ten times to go to rehab and get all the skills.”
MGK acknowledged Davidson’s effort, contrasting it with his own approach:
“You’ll go and just get all the skills … and like I’m not saying it’s easy for you, like it’s tough, hard work, but like, you just don’t waste any time.”
MGK pointed out that his motivation stems from his responsibilities as a father to two daughters, Casie Colson Baker, 15, with ex Emma Cannon, and Saga, 10 months, with ex Megan Fox. He reminded Davidson,
“Now you got high stakes because you have a kid,”
referring to Davidson’s daughter Scottie, born in December with his girlfriend Elsie Hewitt.
Improving Impulse Control Through Friendship
Toward the podcast’s conclusion, Davidson explained how their friendship has helped them manage impulsivity better by pausing and reaching out to each other.
“We’re getting better at taking a second and then just calling you,”
he said.
“You’re the one friend I have that gets it, what I’m going through.”
This mutual understanding forms the foundation of their strong support system amid ongoing mental health challenges.
