Episode
#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
2:48:34
Published: Tue Aug 03 2021
Description
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
Chapters
Chris Duffin, the owner of Kabuki Strength, has lived a life of hardship and triumph as one of the strongest people in the world.
00:00 - 01:21 (01:21)
Summary
Chris Duffin, the owner of Kabuki Strength, has lived a life of hardship and triumph as one of the strongest people in the world. In this podcast, Joe Rogan discusses Duffin's incredible feats of strength and his book, The Eagle and the Dragon.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the benefits of using SunBasket meal service, including affordable prepared meal kits and raw ingredients.
01:22 - 07:19 (05:56)
Summary
The speaker discusses the benefits of using SunBasket meal service, including affordable prepared meal kits and raw ingredients. Though some have found it useful for moments of stress, such as "emergency meditation sessions", the speaker does not mention any personal experience with this.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The squat is a fundamental movement pattern that every able-bodied person should be able to master.
07:19 - 12:31 (05:12)
Summary
The squat is a fundamental movement pattern that every able-bodied person should be able to master. Though it is difficult to do it for reps, those who can manage and control spinal mechanics have a great output that can help the body.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In order to go from lifting 500 to 1000 pounds, one must develop not only neurological adaptation, but also breathing, core strength, and overall technique improvements.
12:31 - 17:40 (05:09)
Summary
In order to go from lifting 500 to 1000 pounds, one must develop not only neurological adaptation, but also breathing, core strength, and overall technique improvements. In his own personal experience, the strength is there but the capacity to manage all resources for that amount of time is essential.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The key to achieving torso stability in strength training is to break down and distill the complex movements into simple cues that can be practiced and controlled.
17:40 - 29:15 (11:34)
Summary
The key to achieving torso stability in strength training is to break down and distill the complex movements into simple cues that can be practiced and controlled. By initiating the eccentric loading of the abdominal cavity, co-contracting the pelvic floor and tightening the torso towards the center, spinal mechanics can be maintained while articulating the joints through a range of motion.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker describes the sadness that comes with retiring from elite sports, where the singularity of focus and intensity is unmatched, and how it can be difficult to transition to a new phase of life after such an experience.
29:15 - 35:36 (06:21)
Summary
The speaker describes the sadness that comes with retiring from elite sports, where the singularity of focus and intensity is unmatched, and how it can be difficult to transition to a new phase of life after such an experience.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the different approaches he has taken while working with professionals all over North America for rehab and recovery, including nutrition, drugs, and Chinese medicine, and how it ties into his book dealing with real-life cases.
35:37 - 39:36 (03:59)
Summary
The speaker discusses the different approaches he has taken while working with professionals all over North America for rehab and recovery, including nutrition, drugs, and Chinese medicine, and how it ties into his book dealing with real-life cases.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker describes his struggle growing up in a family of six with limited housing space due to financial difficulties and disability payments.
39:36 - 46:05 (06:29)
Summary
The speaker describes his struggle growing up in a family of six with limited housing space due to financial difficulties and disability payments.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on their personal experiences with success in various areas, including athletics, academics, and entrepreneurship, and emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance during times of introspection and turmoil.
46:05 - 50:28 (04:23)
Summary
The speaker reflects on their personal experiences with success in various areas, including athletics, academics, and entrepreneurship, and emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance during times of introspection and turmoil.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Learn how to become stronger and more resilient by using stress and adversity as a way to improve your quality of life.
50:28 - 56:34 (06:06)
Summary
Learn how to become stronger and more resilient by using stress and adversity as a way to improve your quality of life. Plus, a discussion on the benefits of demolishing your old life and starting anew.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast emphasizes the significance of years when one has to push through hardship, as they provide a sense of pride and joy in the long run, unlike a life of comfort, which can cause less happiness.
56:34 - 1:03:06 (06:31)
Summary
This podcast emphasizes the significance of years when one has to push through hardship, as they provide a sense of pride and joy in the long run, unlike a life of comfort, which can cause less happiness.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This episode discusses the benefits of incorporating short hip hinge movements such as cabertoss in your training routine, even if it may be challenging at first.
1:03:06 - 1:08:05 (04:59)
Summary
This episode discusses the benefits of incorporating short hip hinge movements such as cabertoss in your training routine, even if it may be challenging at first. By turning into these movements, one can become stronger and improve their overall performance.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Conditioning for strength athletes should be cycled in six week periods, ramping up and dropping back down again to be slightly offset from strength peaks to taper the week prior in conditioning work.
1:08:05 - 1:17:01 (08:56)
Summary
Conditioning for strength athletes should be cycled in six week periods, ramping up and dropping back down again to be slightly offset from strength peaks to taper the week prior in conditioning work. Neglecting conditioning can lead to chronic loading and injuries.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses how to optimize your squat technique by adjusting the bar position and achieving a better hip angle.
1:17:01 - 1:21:06 (04:04)
Summary
This podcast discusses how to optimize your squat technique by adjusting the bar position and achieving a better hip angle.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The key to creating an effective fitness routine is to change things up every three to four months, altering rep ranges and types of exercises, while maintaining the same total load and gradually increasing output.
1:21:06 - 1:24:49 (03:43)
Summary
The key to creating an effective fitness routine is to change things up every three to four months, altering rep ranges and types of exercises, while maintaining the same total load and gradually increasing output.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses how relaxation is a vital component in combat sports and how certain exercises such as using a mace can help athletes with developing this ability.
1:24:49 - 1:32:00 (07:11)
Summary
The speaker discusses how relaxation is a vital component in combat sports and how certain exercises such as using a mace can help athletes with developing this ability.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses how building relationships with renowned professionals in related fields helped him create a scalable business model through trial and error.
1:32:00 - 1:36:48 (04:47)
Summary
The speaker discusses how building relationships with renowned professionals in related fields helped him create a scalable business model through trial and error.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses how coming up with novel gym designs can lead to innovation that can help distill down the size and scope of gym spaces that are needed.
1:36:48 - 1:40:58 (04:10)
Summary
The speaker discusses how coming up with novel gym designs can lead to innovation that can help distill down the size and scope of gym spaces that are needed.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses different types of exercise bars, including the hex/trap bar and the pressing bar with handles turned, and their impact on internal and external rotational bias of the shoulder.
1:40:58 - 1:44:02 (03:04)
Summary
This podcast discusses different types of exercise bars, including the hex/trap bar and the pressing bar with handles turned, and their impact on internal and external rotational bias of the shoulder.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This equipment is an improved version of a kettlebell with three different handles that allow for more versatile exercises and off-platform movements like punches and stand-ups, along with a better platform and a built-in jack.
1:44:02 - 1:49:47 (05:44)
Summary
This equipment is an improved version of a kettlebell with three different handles that allow for more versatile exercises and off-platform movements like punches and stand-ups, along with a better platform and a built-in jack.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A fitness expert talks about the potential harms of wearing a weightlifting belt all day and how strengthening the foot and ankle can help prevent pain and injury.
1:49:47 - 1:55:18 (05:31)
Summary
A fitness expert talks about the potential harms of wearing a weightlifting belt all day and how strengthening the foot and ankle can help prevent pain and injury.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The inability to control spinal position when running is attributed to a lot of running injuries, which can be caused by breathing issues.
1:55:18 - 1:59:10 (03:52)
Summary
The inability to control spinal position when running is attributed to a lot of running injuries, which can be caused by breathing issues. Proper form and movement during running can also help prevent injuries.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The key to losing or gaining weight and staying healthy is a well-rounded diet based on a base level of fats and proteins, with carbohydrate intake adjusted based on individual needs.
1:59:11 - 2:06:26 (07:14)
Summary
The key to losing or gaining weight and staying healthy is a well-rounded diet based on a base level of fats and proteins, with carbohydrate intake adjusted based on individual needs. Delicious food is still possible while maintaining a healthy diet.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The definition of performance enhancing drugs is in constant flux based on societal and cultural norms as well as government agency regulations.
2:06:26 - 2:10:29 (04:03)
Summary
The definition of performance enhancing drugs is in constant flux based on societal and cultural norms as well as government agency regulations. However, there are alternative ways to enhance performance without using chemical substances.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Many people in the media who advocate against drugs are actually using prescription steroids themselves at anti-aging clinics, and there is still limited research on the safety of new, designer steroids.
2:10:29 - 2:18:30 (08:00)
Summary
Many people in the media who advocate against drugs are actually using prescription steroids themselves at anti-aging clinics, and there is still limited research on the safety of new, designer steroids. Additionally, these individuals may not fully understand the neurological impacts of steroid use.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses how moderation and supplements can improve quality of life and enhance personality without negative side effects.
2:18:30 - 2:27:42 (09:12)
Summary
This podcast discusses how moderation and supplements can improve quality of life and enhance personality without negative side effects. It also touches on the benefits of certain supplements that can provide a quick hit of energy and mental focus.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about the criticism faced by athletes in competitive sports and how it inspires them to be the best version of themselves.
2:27:42 - 2:32:27 (04:44)
Summary
The speaker talks about the criticism faced by athletes in competitive sports and how it inspires them to be the best version of themselves. The speaker also points out the irony in the fact that the ones who criticize these athletes are the ones who are not in the same athletic field.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The idea of working smart to find the most efficient way to achieve a goal has its flaws, as people often fail to find the optimal solution.
2:32:27 - 2:40:18 (07:51)
Summary
The idea of working smart to find the most efficient way to achieve a goal has its flaws, as people often fail to find the optimal solution. It's important to prioritize tasks that add value and not just fill up time to give the illusion of productivity.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The beginning of finding your path and aligning with your values is about exploring and learning, even if it means starting small.
2:40:18 - 2:43:01 (02:43)
Summary
The beginning of finding your path and aligning with your values is about exploring and learning, even if it means starting small. Once you've been humbled by the challenges, you can explore optimization and add unique value to the world.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the value of inspiring others and helping them realize their untapped potential.
2:43:01 - 2:46:57 (03:55)
Summary
The podcast discusses the value of inspiring others and helping them realize their untapped potential. It emphasizes the importance of taking time to understand one's values and interests.
Episode#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the host interviews Chris Duffin discussing his accomplishments, his approach to strength training, and his engineering approach to equipment design.
2:46:57 - 2:48:27 (01:29)
Summary
In this podcast, the host interviews Chris Duffin discussing his accomplishments, his approach to strength training, and his engineering approach to equipment design. Chris shares his insights on his love for strength, the importance of health and wellness and his achievements in the field of strength feats.