The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds 644 - Bernarr Macfadden
Jul 30, 2024
Bernarr Macfadden, a health nut and workout pioneer, takes center stage as comedians Gareth Reynolds and Dave Anthony delve into his eccentric life. They explore his chaotic childhood, quirky fitness quests, and how he mocked societal norms with bizarre health trends. The conversation shifts to his rise as a celebrity wrestler, his provocative magazine marketing, and his ambitious vision for a utopian city. With humor, they tackle Macfadden's outlandish wellness empire and the absurdities of his legacy, making for a delightful and entertaining discussion.
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Early Hardships
- Bernarr Macfadden's childhood was marked by hardship, including a sickly disposition and the loss of both parents at a young age.
- His father, a drunk, died of delirium tremens when Bernarr was only four years old.
Starvation School
- Bernarr was sent to a boarding school where he was severely underfed, later referring to it as the "starvation school."
- Students there primarily ate peanuts, shell and all, as peanuts were considered hog food at the time.
Bound Boy and Desk Job
- At 11, Bernarr became an orphan and was sent to work as a bound boy on a farm.
- Despite gaining physical strength from farm work, the desk job he later took deteriorated his health.