NICK JONAS Reveals the TRAUMATIC Birth of his Daughter

In this podcast episode, Nick Jonas opens up about his personal journey as an individual and artist separate from the Jonas Brothers, the challenges he faced growing up in the public eye, the profound impact of becoming a father, and the traumatic birth of his daughter. He also reflects on mental health struggles, relationship dynamics with his wife Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and how those experiences have shaped his artistry, identity, and family life.

Life Beyond the Jonas Brothers

Nick begins by sharing how fatherhood has transformed his perspective on life and work. Becoming a parent to his daughter, Malti Marie Chopper Jonas, profoundly changed not just his daily routine but his creative expression, allowing him greater freedom in songwriting. He reflects on how this new chapter offers him an opportunity to communicate more authentically, connecting with an audience that is evolving alongside him. This fresh outlook is notably present in his latest solo album, where he offers listeners an intimate window into his life.

Early Career and Public Upbringing

Nick traces back to his early beginnings on Broadway at age eight and growing up in a musical family near New York City. A pivotal moment came when a woman in a salon spotted his potential, leading to an introduction to a renowned manager. Nick recalls the challenges of initially failing to break through, including learning show tunes despite his preference for pop music, teaching him the value of persistence. His upbringing under his father's ministry and later transition onto Disney further shaped his identity, exposing him to vast public scrutiny and high expectations about behavior and image from a very young age.

Navigating Early Career Setbacks and Family Trials

He candidly describes the difficult period following the Jonas Brothers' first album failure, where they were dropped by their label and burdened by debt. This time coincided with his father losing his pastoral position due to conflicts at their church, forcing the family to relocate. Adding to the strain was Nick's diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes, a critical health challenge marked by symptoms initially mistaken for puberty. These combined personal and professional upheavals tested their resilience and faith, forcing a redefinition of their relationship with religion and each other. Despite the hardships, this period fueled their creative drive, ultimately culminating in a successful self-titled album that relaunched their career.

The Complex Impact of Growing Up in the Public Eye

Nick reflects on the duality of growing up in the spotlight. While Disney provided global exposure and launched numerous successful careers from his generation, he reveals the pressure of maintaining a crafted persona beyond childhood. He discusses the struggle of labels such as being perceived as the "shy one" or the "moody creative," which, while sometimes limiting, also contributed to his inner strength and resilience. He admits that traditional therapy might have been beneficial earlier but credits his upbringing and strong family bonds for keeping the brothers grounded.

The Inner Critic and Mental Health Journey

Nick reveals how becoming seriously aware of his inner critic coincided with managing his diabetes and the heightened scrutiny that came with being a public figure living with a chronic illness. He discusses the emotional toll of seeking normalcy while advocating openly for Type 1 diabetes, which sometimes invited discouraging feedback. An especially difficult moment was a televised performance where he faltered during a guitar solo, challenging his identity as a musician and forcing him to reassess how he defines himself beyond his art. Through therapy and songwriting, including on tracks like "Gut Punch," Nick works through the layers of self-criticism and strives to be kinder to himself, drawing strength from embracing his inner child and vulnerability.

Relationship with Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Nick shares the story of meeting Priyanka, from their initial digital conversations to their swift engagement and marriage, emphasizing the profound certainty he felt about their connection early on. He highlights the cultural richness that Priyanka brought into his life, especially through Indian traditions and community, which he has embraced wholeheartedly. Together, they prioritize laughter, patience, and communication to nurture their marriage, especially during difficult periods such as their daughter's birth and NICU stay. Nick credits Priyanka's insight and listening skills in guiding their relationship and admires her emotional intelligence.

The Traumatic Birth of Their Daughter

One of the most intimate parts of the conversation centers on the early arrival and fragile start of their daughter Malti. Born prematurely and weighing just over a pound, she required 3½ months in the NICU, including six blood transfusions and respiratory support. Nick describes the intense emotional toll of those hospital shifts, the vivid memories and sensory experiences tied to that time, and the strength they drew from the dedicated NICU nurses, whom they regard as angels. He believes Malti carries an innate gratitude and magic from her challenging entry into the world, which is apparent in her vibrant personality today.

Parenthood's Impact and Perspective

Nick discusses how fatherhood has rekindled his willingness to be playful, silly, and imaginative—qualities he seldom expressed before. He reflects on how seeing the world through his daughter's curious eyes has enhanced his creativity, friendships, and marriage. Balancing the joy and wonder of parenting with the anxiety and responsibility it entails has been a delicate act. He credits physical activity and therapy as vital tools in managing anxiety, especially during stressful periods like their daughter's NICU stay and his demanding Broadway schedule.

Protecting Family Privacy and Future Choices

Nick and Priyanka have consciously chosen to keep their daughter largely shielded from the public eye, emphasizing that the decision to engage with fame should be Malti's own when she's ready. He acknowledges how the digital age adds complexities to parenting, with privacy concerns more pronounced now than in previous generations. Despite Malti's budding interest in music and performing, the couple is careful to prioritize her personal development and happiness above public exposure.

Marriage, Communication, and Growth

Nick reflects on areas he's worked on within marriage, including being less reactive and more patient, noting the tendencies carried over from sibling dynamics. He discusses the challenge of letting go of an idealized self and embracing imperfection, finding greater happiness and connection in vulnerability and openness. Nick praises the power of laughter and meaningful conversation in maintaining a healthy relationship with Priyanka and stresses their mutual commitment to creating a loving environment for their daughter.

Honest Reflections on Public Life

Nick acknowledges the complexities of having much of his life documented and accessible worldwide. He sometimes watches past interviews and recognizes moments where he was projecting or withholding his true thoughts. Despite these challenges, he embraces honesty and transparency as tools to connect more deeply with others. Public moments, such as the anxiety-inducing Golden Globe red carpet, reveal the human side behind the celebrity façade, including health challenges that affect him physically and emotionally.

Songwriting as Healing and Storytelling

Throughout the conversation, Nick emphasizes music as his outlet for processing experiences, both joyful and painful. From writing during times of hardship with his brothers to releasing deeply personal solo material, songwriting serves as a means to tell human stories that resonate widely. His latest album reflects his evolution as a person, father, husband, and artist, grappling with themes of self-acceptance, inner criticism, love, and resilience.