We recently had the chance to connect with Steve Brio and have shared our conversation below.
Steve, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Without a doubt, the most meaningful part of my life is the bond I share with my family—my wife, daughter, son-in-law, and myself. We prioritize openness and truly listening to one another. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned as a husband and father is the importance of giving love freely and without conditions.
What makes our relationship special is that we don’t just enjoy each other’s company—we genuinely love and respect one another. When it comes to marriage, I can only speak from my own experience, but I believe the turning point is when you stop trying to change each other and start embracing one another fully—strengths, flaws, and all.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Steve Brio, and like most people, I bring a variety of experiences and passions to my work and life. I spent a full career in the Fire Service, retiring as a Fire Captain and Paramedic. During the final years of that journey, I had the privilege of participating in the Pageant of the Masters—an extraordinary annual artistic and theatrical event in Laguna Beach, California. That experience sparked a second career, and for the past 16 years, I’ve worked as a professional actor and lifestyle model.
I’m also proud to serve as a volunteer commissioner on the Older Adults Commission in Anaheim, California, where I advocate for the well-being and inclusion of our senior community. In addition, I’ve taught advanced first aid and emergency procedures to law enforcement personnel as a part-time faculty instructor at Santa Ana College—an opportunity that allows me to share my field experience in a meaningful and practical way.
On a personal note, my wife Susie and I have been happily married for over 35 years. We’re proud parents to an adult daughter and son-in-law who currently reside across the pond in the United Kingdom.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I had with my grandparents. Growing up in a single-parent household, my brother and I faced significant challenges due to our mother’s severe mental illness, which often required emergency intervention. During those difficult times, my grandparents became our constant source of safety and support. They never traveled far and were always available to provide a stable and loving environment. Their unwavering presence and compassion not only helped us navigate a turbulent childhood but also inspired my decision to become a firefighter and paramedic. The empathy and professionalism shown by first responders during those moments left a lasting impression on me—and ultimately shaped both my values and my career path.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
That’s a tough question. For me, **perseverance was shaped more by hardship than success**. Growing up with my mother’s struggles, my brother and I leaned heavily on my **faith in God**, the support of **friends**, and especially our **grandparents**. It taught me empathy—especially toward families facing **mental illness**—and that understanding deepened during my years as a **paramedic**, where I learned the power of **compassion and encouragement**.
I also feel this is why I enjoy my volunteer time as a member of the Older Adult Commission in Anaheim. My Grandparents loved living in the city and enjoyed the services and facilities that were available like Bookmobile, Parks and of course Disneyland and watching the Angels play baseball.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, that’s pretty accurate. I’ve always had a big personality and I’m definitely an extrovert. Whether I’m working on commercial projects or user-generated content, I tend to dial up the energy just a bit—but it’s still very much me. I’ve had people tell me that when they see me on TV or in a commercial, it feels like I’m right there in their living room, just having a conversation. That kind of connection means a lot to me.
My personality off-camera is pretty close to what you see on-screen. I’m often “on,” which can drive my wife a little crazy sometimes—but it’s all part of the package!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
One of the first things that comes to mind is travel. Our family has always valued taking trips together, even when our daughter was young. We’ve made it a priority to carve out time for family vacations—not just to explore new places, but to truly be present with one another, building memories and navigating life as a team.
Faith and family have always been at the heart of our lives—God first, family second—and we’ve been fortunate to enjoy a lot of fun and meaningful experiences along the way. Now that our daughter and son-in-law live in Europe, visiting them is a big journey, but one we genuinely cherish. That said, we know there may come a time when those trips become more difficult, and when that day comes, it will be a tough adjustment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stevebrio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3brios
- Twitter: @steve_brio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steve.brio/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@The3brios
- Other: TikTok – www.tiktok.com/@steviebhungry
