Lex Fridman Podcast: #207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength

Lex Fridman Lex Fridman 8/3/21 - Episode Page

Chris Duffin is a strength athlete, coach, and engineer, setting multiple strength world records including squatting and deadlifting 1000 lbs for multiple reps. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:

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EPISODE LINKS:

Chris’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mad_scientist_duffin

The Eagle and the Dragon (book): https://amzn.to/3Ckpfoj

Chris’s Website: https://christopherduffin.com

Kabuki Strength: https://kabukistrength.com

PODCAST INFO:

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SUPPORT & CONNECT:

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– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman

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– Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman

OUTLINE:

Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.

(00:00) – Introduction

(07:10) – Performing feats of strength

(13:52) – What does it take to lift 1000 lbs for reps?

(16:43) – From 500 to 1000lb

(17:15) – The mechanics of heavy lifting

(28:32) – What did it feel like to do 1000lbs for reps?

(30:26) – Achieving peak performance

(35:16) – Importance of singular focus

(37:48) – Chris’s childhood

(50:37) – The Eagle and the Dragon: A Story of Strength and Reinvention

(58:21) – Lex on business

(1:04:52) – The Disciplines of Strength

(1:09:33) – Powerlifting

(1:22:37) – Role of strength in MMA, BJJ… and baseball

(1:32:38) – What is Kabuki Strength?

(1:38:55) – Equipment

(1:50:09) – The importance of strong feet

(1:59:15) – Chris’s diet

(2:05:37) – Lex on moderation in food

(2:06:11) – Steroids and PED’s

(2:24:14) – Whiskey and deadlifts

(2:33:03) – Is it better to work hard or smart?

(2:41:52) – Advice for young people

(2:45:02) – Fear of death