#207 – Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength

Lex Fridman Podcast

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:
Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast
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Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
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YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips

SUPPORT & CONNECT:
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– 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
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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