#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength

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: - Headspace: https://headspace.com/lex to get free 1 month trial - Magic Spoon: https://magicspoon.com/lex and use code LEX to get $5 off - Sun Basket: https://sunbasket.com/lex and use code LEX to get $35 off - Ladder: https://ladderlife.com/lex 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: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - 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