Episode

#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
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1:55:15
Published: Wed Jul 15 2015
Description

Laird Hamilton (@LairdLife) is widely considered the greatest big wave surfer of all-time and an innovator in board sports. He’s the creator of tow-in surfing, and largely responsible for the rebirth of stand-up paddle boarding. Hamilton starred in multiple surfing films and was the centerpiece of Riding Giants, a documentary about big wave surfing. A contributing editor for Men’s Journal, he has been featured on Oprah, Charlie Rose, 60 Minutes, and The Ellen Degeneres Show. Laird was also the featured expert in the surfing episode of The Tim Ferriss Experiment. Laird is known for using his healthy lifestyle to raise money for charities including, Race Across America, Pipeline for a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis, Rain Catcher, and Muscular Dystrophy. Gabrielle Reece (@GabbyReece) has been named one of the “20 Most Influential Women Sports,” and is best known her success in volleyball, modeling, and for a starring role as a trainer on The Biggest Loser. A volleyball champion, Elle magazine called Reece, “One of the five most beautiful women in the world.” Reece used her crossover success to become the first female athlete to ever design a shoe for Nike. Brian MacKenzie (@iamunscared) is the founder of CrossFit Endurance and the author of the New York Times best-selling book Unbreakable Runner. MacKenzie created controversy by suggesting a counterintuitive approach to distance running, which challenges high-mileage runs, high-carb diets, and incorporates intense strength training to conquer everything from 5K runs to ultra marathons. He was also prominently featured in The Four-Hour Body where he showed how you could prepare for a marathon in record time.  MacKenzie has been featured in Runner’s World, Men’s Journal, ESPN, Outside, and the Economist. In this episode we cover a lot of ground, including: Challenging your beliefs and physicality with underwater weightlifting, elevation masks, and exercise efficiency Laird Hamilton's potent magic yellow energy elixir The characteristics linked to success How to cultivate a thriving relationship: Training, Confidants and Value Systems Laird's formula for invention in sports Advice for an older, perhaps beat up, athlete seeking to get back to high-level performance Laird Hamilton's mantra of "training for life" [1:08:39] Links, resources, and show notes from this episode can be found at http://fourhourworkweek.com/podcast This episode is sponsored by Athletic Greens. I get asked all the time, “If you could only use one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is, inevitably, Athletic Greens. It is your all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in the The 4-Hour Body and did not get paid to do so. Get 50% off your order at https://www.AthleticGreens.com/Tim This podcast is also brought to you by 99Designs, the world’s largest marketplace of graphic designers. Did you know I used 99Designs to rapid prototype the cover for The 4-Hour Body? Here are some of the impressive results. Click this link and get a free $99 upgrade: http://www.99designs.com/tim Give it a test run. Enjoy!***If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading the reviews!For show notes and past guests, please visit tim.blog/podcast.Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (“5-Bullet Friday”) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Visit tim.blog/sponsor and fill out the form.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss YouTube: youtube.com/timferrissPast guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, and many more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chapters
In this episode, Tim Ferriss talks about his physical limits and asks a personal question.
00:00 - 00:57 (00:57)
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Tim Ferriss
Summary

In this episode, Tim Ferriss talks about his physical limits and asks a personal question. He also promotes his email newsletter, Five Bullet Friday, which contains his weekly findings on the coolest things around the world.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Get a special offer from Athletic Greens on their all-in-one formula including a free vitamin D supplement and five free travel packs with your first subscription purchase.
00:57 - 06:31 (05:33)
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Athletic Greens
Summary

Get a special offer from Athletic Greens on their all-in-one formula including a free vitamin D supplement and five free travel packs with your first subscription purchase. The Tim Ferriss Show features an interview with the creator or popularizer of toe and surfing, responsible for the rebirth of stand-up paddleboarding.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Brian challenges high-mileage runs and high-carb diets, incorporating strength training to improve distance running, as featured in the 4-Hour Body.
06:31 - 11:24 (04:53)
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Distance Running
Summary

Brian challenges high-mileage runs and high-carb diets, incorporating strength training to improve distance running, as featured in the 4-Hour Body. His 8 to 12-week protocol has helped many go from running nothing to achieving marathons and ultramarathons in record time.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
In this podcast, the speaker learns about the benefits of a training mask for breath training and how it can help athletes with their performance by correcting spinal faults and improving mechanical functions.
11:24 - 14:40 (03:15)
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Breath Training
Summary

In this podcast, the speaker learns about the benefits of a training mask for breath training and how it can help athletes with their performance by correcting spinal faults and improving mechanical functions.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The learning curve of controlling your focus underwater is fascinating, as highlighted by Gabby Reece.
14:40 - 19:25 (04:45)
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Swimming
Summary

The learning curve of controlling your focus underwater is fascinating, as highlighted by Gabby Reece. By staying conscious of what's really going on and being controlled, you can improve your breath-holding and swimming skills.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Gabrielle Reece talks about her affinity towards extreme sports and how she maintains focus and the right mindset during any high-pressure situation.
19:25 - 25:13 (05:47)
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Sports
Summary

Gabrielle Reece talks about her affinity towards extreme sports and how she maintains focus and the right mindset during any high-pressure situation.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker discusses the nuances of parenting, understanding children's needs and the importance of communication in ensuring a harmonious relationship.
25:13 - 30:28 (05:15)
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Parenting
Summary

The speaker discusses the nuances of parenting, understanding children's needs and the importance of communication in ensuring a harmonious relationship.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The podcast discusses how parents approach building judgment skills in their children by not sugar coating bad behavior and asking them if they feel loved enough.
30:28 - 32:41 (02:13)
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Parenting
Summary

The podcast discusses how parents approach building judgment skills in their children by not sugar coating bad behavior and asking them if they feel loved enough.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The physical activities we engage in can have a significant impact on our mental health, as they can lead to anxiety reduction, relaxation, and feelings of connection with others.
32:41 - 35:42 (03:00)
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Mental Health
Summary

The physical activities we engage in can have a significant impact on our mental health, as they can lead to anxiety reduction, relaxation, and feelings of connection with others. These emotional states can be reflected physically in our bodies, allowing us to be mentally and emotionally stronger.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Discussion about the rarity of husband-wife relationships that work in a unique dynamic, and how it should be appreciated.
35:42 - 38:51 (03:09)
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Marriage
Summary

Discussion about the rarity of husband-wife relationships that work in a unique dynamic, and how it should be appreciated.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker shares how he learned to focus on finding a life partner with similar values rather than getting caught up in small details or personal issues.
38:51 - 41:36 (02:44)
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Relationships
Summary

The speaker shares how he learned to focus on finding a life partner with similar values rather than getting caught up in small details or personal issues.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker discusses the complexity of understanding Dada Jing at a certain level and the importance of treating people with the respect they deserve.
41:36 - 43:59 (02:22)
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Mentoring
Summary

The speaker discusses the complexity of understanding Dada Jing at a certain level and the importance of treating people with the respect they deserve.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker talks about books that had the most influence on him and how they inspired him to innovate even when facing fear, highlighting the natural born heroes book.
43:59 - 49:49 (05:50)
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Innovation
Summary

The speaker talks about books that had the most influence on him and how they inspired him to innovate even when facing fear, highlighting the natural born heroes book.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Laird Hamilton has been practicing rigorously for the last seven years to finally ride a wave that he has secretly been thinking about for 40 years.
49:49 - 53:10 (03:21)
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Surfing
Summary

Laird Hamilton has been practicing rigorously for the last seven years to finally ride a wave that he has secretly been thinking about for 40 years.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The guest discusses the evolution of big wave surfing and the equipment used such as a surfboard with a big foil and how guns, which are designed for giant waves, have increased in size over time.
53:11 - 59:05 (05:54)
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Big Wave Surfing
Summary

The guest discusses the evolution of big wave surfing and the equipment used such as a surfboard with a big foil and how guns, which are designed for giant waves, have increased in size over time.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The hosts discuss their experiences with golf boarding and foil boarding, with standing up being the preferable position, and the difficulties of foil boarding.
59:05 - 1:04:28 (05:23)
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Boarding
Summary

The hosts discuss their experiences with golf boarding and foil boarding, with standing up being the preferable position, and the difficulties of foil boarding.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
This podcast discusses the importance of paying attention and being aware in training, as well as balancing rest and sustainability for long-term success.
1:04:28 - 1:12:21 (07:53)
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Training
Summary

This podcast discusses the importance of paying attention and being aware in training, as well as balancing rest and sustainability for long-term success.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The importance of being open to learning and trying new things in order to continue growing and evolving.
1:12:22 - 1:21:09 (08:47)
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Learning
Summary

The importance of being open to learning and trying new things in order to continue growing and evolving. Do not be threatened by other people's information, be open to trying new things, and continue developing skills in various areas.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker talks about how an individual's enthusiasm for information can be a key element, citing examples of their own experience with someone who has a constant hunger for knowledge and energy to participate in rigorous activities.
1:21:09 - 1:26:53 (05:43)
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Enthusiasm
Summary

The speaker talks about how an individual's enthusiasm for information can be a key element, citing examples of their own experience with someone who has a constant hunger for knowledge and energy to participate in rigorous activities.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The conversation delves into the importance of having role models in our lives and how they can inspire us, especially during times when we feel overwhelmed or burned out.
1:26:53 - 1:31:31 (04:38)
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Inspiration
Summary

The conversation delves into the importance of having role models in our lives and how they can inspire us, especially during times when we feel overwhelmed or burned out.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss personal growth and embracing one's talents and skills without feeling guilty or weird about it.
1:31:31 - 1:35:23 (03:52)
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Personal Growth
Summary

In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss personal growth and embracing one's talents and skills without feeling guilty or weird about it. They also touch upon the idea of using old concepts and ideas in new ways.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker discusses their journey of discovering patience and mentions their wife's understanding nature.
1:35:23 - 1:38:54 (03:30)
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Patience
Summary

The speaker discusses their journey of discovering patience and mentions their wife's understanding nature.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The host and guest discussed the significance of being more aware of one’s breathing for overall wellness, citing Eckhart Tolle’s emphasis on breath being the present moment and the book "Natural Born Heroes" which highlights the effects of hunching forward on body and mind.
1:38:54 - 1:43:40 (04:45)
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Wellness
Summary

The host and guest discussed the significance of being more aware of one’s breathing for overall wellness, citing Eckhart Tolle’s emphasis on breath being the present moment and the book "Natural Born Heroes" which highlights the effects of hunching forward on body and mind.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself to the best of their ability and cherishing their health, as well as practicing compassion every day.
1:43:40 - 1:49:04 (05:24)
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Health
Summary

The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself to the best of their ability and cherishing their health, as well as practicing compassion every day.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The founder of Athlete Cell, who has tattoos on his knuckles reading "Unscared," talks about the importance of humility and fear and how social media can help add velocity to those who are already heading in the right direction.
1:49:04 - 1:54:13 (05:08)
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Athlete Cell
Summary

The founder of Athlete Cell, who has tattoos on his knuckles reading "Unscared," talks about the importance of humility and fear and how social media can help add velocity to those who are already heading in the right direction. To learn more about Athlete Cell's training information, visit athletescell.com.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The hosts talk about the availability of free health and fitness content on Gabby and Laird's website.
1:54:13 - 1:55:12 (00:58)
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Health and fitness
Summary

The hosts talk about the availability of free health and fitness content on Gabby and Laird's website. Links to the website and other related resources will be provided in the show notes.

Episode
#89: Laird Hamilton, The King of Big Wave Surfing (Plus: Gabrielle Reece and Brian MacKenzie)
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show