Steve from “Blue’s Clues” has more to teach us
This Is Uncomfortable
Marketplace
4.6 • 3.6K Ratings
🗓️ 5 March 2026
⏱️ 39 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Steve Burns didn’t set out to become a children’s TV icon. He moved to New York with only a duffle bag full of clothes, $300 in his pocket, and a dream to become an actor. When Steve got hired to host “Blue’s Clues” from 1996 to 2002, he found himself disoriented by fame and uncertain of his career trajectory. Reema talks with Steve about finding meaning outside of work, feeling like an imposter in a role he never expected, and how he redefined his money values … when he escaped to the forest.
Have you ever struggled with imposter syndrome in a new job? We want to hear about it, so give us a call at 347-RING-TIU or send us an email at uncomfortable@marketplace.org.
And you can check out Reema’s interview on Steve’s podcast, “Alive with Steve Burns” here.
Transcript
Click on a timestamp to play from that location
| 0:00.0 | Hi out there. It's me, Steve. Have you seen Blue, my puppy? |
| 0:06.5 | Come on in. |
| 0:13.0 | Hi, I'm Rima Grace, and welcome to This Is Uncomfortable, the weekly show for Marketplace about life and how money messes with it. |
| 0:20.4 | Like a lot of millennials, I grew up |
| 0:22.1 | watching Blue's Clues, which of course is the Nickelodeon kids show about a guy named Steve and his |
| 0:26.9 | dog Blue, solving everyday mysteries. I first chatted with Steve Burns on his podcast last year, |
| 0:33.4 | and since that conversation, I've been wanting to talk to him again, this time on my show, to talk about his personal story. |
| 0:40.0 | I find it really fascinating, how he fell into a job he never planned to have, and then watched it quietly take over his life. |
| 0:47.1 | His experience gets at something we talk about a lot on this show, which is how the work we fall into can shape how we see ourselves, what we think we deserve, |
| 0:55.2 | and how we think about money. So this week, I'm talking with Steve Burns about fame, |
| 1:00.3 | imposter syndrome, the not-so-glamorous reality of trying to make a living as an actor, |
| 1:05.0 | and how his relationship with money has changed along the way. |
| 1:11.7 | Before we get into the conversation, a quick heads up. |
| 1:14.2 | A few weeks ago, we did an episode about keeping financial secrets in a relationship, |
| 1:18.2 | and you all called in to share your thoughts. |
| 1:20.2 | Be sure to stick around to the end of the show to hear one of those calls. |
| 1:23.5 | And as always, you can call in to at 347 ring TIU. |
| 1:28.1 | All right, here's my conversation with Steve. |
| 1:30.6 | Rima, hello. |
| 1:31.7 | It is so nice to be with you again. |
| 1:35.2 | Last time I was on your show, this time I'm interviewing you. |
| 1:39.6 | You're a great guest, by the way. |
... |
Please login to see the full transcript.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Marketplace, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.
Generated transcripts are the property of Marketplace and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.