#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength

About this episode

<p>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:<br /> &#8211; <b>Headspace</b>: <a href="https://headspace.com/lex">https://headspace.com/lex</a> to get free 1 month trial<br /> &#8211; <b>Magic Spoon</b>: <a href="https://magicspoon.com/lex">https://magicspoon.com/lex</a> and use code LEX to get $5 off<br /> &#8211; <b>Sun Basket</b>: <a href="https://sunbasket.com/lex">https://sunbasket.com/lex</a> and use code LEX to get $35 off<br /> &#8211; <b>Ladder</b>: <a href="https://ladderlife.com/lex">https://ladderlife.com/lex</a></p> <p><b>EPISODE LINKS:</b><br /> Chris&#8217;s Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mad_scientist_duffin">https://www.instagram.com/mad_scientist_duffin</a><br /> The Eagle and the Dragon (book): <a href="https://amzn.to/3Ckpfoj">https://amzn.to/3Ckpfoj</a><br /> Chris&#8217;s Website: <a href="https://christopherduffin.com">https://christopherduffin.com</a><br /> Kabuki Strength: <a href="https://kabukistrength.com">https://kabukistrength.com</a></p> <p><b>PODCAST INFO:</b><br /> Podcast website: <a href="https://lexfridman.com/podcast">https://lexfridman.com/podcast</a><br /> Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://apple.co/2lwqZIr">https://apple.co/2lwqZIr</a><br /> Spotify: <a href="https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8">https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8</a><br /> RSS: <a href="https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/">https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/</a><br /> YouTube Full Episodes: <a href="https://youtube.com/lexfridman">https://youtube.com/lexfridman</a><br /> YouTube Clips: <a href="https://youtube.com/lexclips">https://youtube.com/lexclips</a></p> <p><b>SUPPORT &#38; CONNECT:</b><br /> &#8211; Check out the sponsors above, it&#8217;s the best way to support this podcast<br /> &#8211; Support on Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman">https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman</a><br /> &#8211; Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/lexfridman">https://twitter.com/lexfridman</a><br /> &#8211; Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman">https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman</a><br /> &#8211; LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman">https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman</a><br /> &#8211; Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman">https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman</a><br /> &#8211; Medium: <a href="https://medium.com/@lexfridman">https://medium.com/@lexfridman</a></p> <p><b>OUTLINE:</b><br /> Here&#8217;s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.<br /> (00:00) &#8211; Introduction<br /> (07:10) &#8211; Performing feats of strength<br /> (13:52) &#8211; What does it take to lift 1000 lbs for reps?<br /> (16:43) &#8211; From 500 to 1000lb<br /> (17:15) &#8211; The mechanics of heavy lifting<br /> (28:32) &#8211; What did it feel like to do 1000lbs for reps?<br /> (30:26) &#8211; Achieving peak performance<br /> (35:16) &#8211; Importance of singular focus<br /> (37:48) &#8211; Chris&#8217;s childhood<br /> (50:37) &#8211; The Eagle and the Dragon: A Story of Strength and Reinvention<br /> (58:21) &#8211; Lex on business<br /> (1:04:52) &#8211; The Disciplines of Strength<br /> (1:09:33) &#8211; Powerlifting<br /> (1:22:37) &#8211; Role of strength in MMA, BJJ&#8230; and baseball<br /> (1:32:38) &#8211; What is Kabuki Strength?<br /> (1:38:55) &#8211; Equipment<br /> (1:50:09) &#8211; The importance of strong feet<br /> (1:59:15) &#8211; Chris&#8217;s diet<br /> (2:05:37) &#8211; Lex on moderation in food<br /> (2:06:11) &#8211; Steroids and PED&#8217;s<br /> (2:24:14) &#8211; Whiskey and deadlifts<br /> (2:33:03) &#8211; Is it better to work hard or smart?<br /> (2:41:52) &#8211; Advice for young people<br /> (2:45:02) &#8211; Fear of death</p>