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Jax Taylor is peeling back the curtain on his “conservative” upbringing.
The 45-year-old reality star opened up about his early years during the March 20 episode of his podcast *In the Mind of a Man*, chatting with sex therapist Dr. Emily Morse about his sex education—or lack thereof—and revealing the age he lost his virginity. “I grew up in a really conservative area,” Taylor told Morse, setting the stage for the discussion.
Describing his hometown of Shelby Township, Michigan, as reminiscent of the idyllic 1950s neighborhood in *Leave It to Beaver*, Taylor shared, “I don’t think my dad ever sat me down for ‘the talk.’ I was definitely a late bloomer.”
The *Vanderpump Rules* alum likened his high school days to the vibe of the 1999 comedy *American Pie*. “That’s what my neighborhood was like—very much like my friends’ lives. Doors were left unlocked, and nothing ever seemed to go wrong,” he said. “Sex just wasn’t a big deal back then. I didn’t lose my virginity until I was 19.”
Morse responded, “That’s not a bad thing—it sounds like you waited until you were ready.” With a playful twist, she added, “And then you didn’t slow down!”
*Jax Taylor*
*Photo: Jax Taylor on September 28, 2023, in New York City. Gary Gershoff/Getty*
*Brittany Cartwright Reveals the Poignant Lesson She Learned About Herself amid Divorce from Jax Taylor (Exclusive)*
As the conversation unfolded, Taylor, who has recently been candid about his battles with substance abuse, tied his dating experiences to his use of alcohol and drugs. “When I was out on dates, I felt unstoppable—full of stories, the center of attention. Now, I’m stepping back, and it scares me. I worry I won’t be as entertaining or engaging,” he admitted.
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This wasn’t the only time this week Taylor got real about his challenges. On March 19, during an episode of PodcastOne’s *The Adam and Dr. Drew Show*, he confessed to once viewing himself as a bit of a sex addict alongside his substance issues. “I think I dipped my toes in that a little,” he said. “I’m not in recovery for it, though—just focusing on the substance stuff right now. Maybe I’ll tackle that later. I’m trying to fix one thing at a time.”
He went on, “Honestly, I don’t think drugs and alcohol were the root problem. They were a cover for deeper issues I’ve got. I wouldn’t say I’m an alcoholic, but I do have a substance problem—they’re intertwined, so I had to drop both.”
*THE VALLEY — Season: 1 — Pictured: Jax Taylor*
*Photo: Jax Taylor for “The Valley.” Felix Kunze/Bravo via Getty*
Taylor explained how his struggles became a cycle. “A couple of drinks would set me off—next thing I knew, I was looking for the next high. It was all a mask for the trauma I’ve carried over the years. Instead of facing it with therapy, I’d bury it with drugs, only to feel worse during the 72-hour comedown. I’d ask myself, ‘Why am I doing this?’”
*Jax Taylor Admits ‘I Am an Addict’ as He Candid: Candid Talk on His ‘Substance Issues’ with Cocaine and Alcohol*
Those struggles took a toll on his marriage to Brittany Cartwright, who filed for divorce in August 2024 after four years together. The couple shares a 3-year-old son, Cruz Michael Cauchi.
Following Taylor’s revelations about his substance abuse on Bravo’s *Hot Mic Podcast* on March 4, Cartwright issued an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, saying she was “relieved he’s finally owning up to what’s really been happening.”
“For the first time, I can talk openly about the trauma he’s brought into our family over the years,” she wrote. “I’ve tried so hard to help him, but nothing worked. I hope he beats this addiction someday, though I’m not holding my breath. His behavior is still concerning, and his treatment feels like the bare minimum.”
She added, “I’m doing my best to handle this for myself and my son, but it’s a daily struggle and incredibly tough. Jax has caused so much harm, and I barely trust him anymore. All I want is for him to become a better man for Cruz.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, reach out to the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
*Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor*
*Photo: Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor. Robin L Marshall/Getty; Paul Morigi/Getty*