Episode 452: Henry Abbott on Misogi - The Extreme Challenge With a 50% Chance of Failure

May 23, 2025

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Could your brain be the only barrier to achieving incredible feats? In this episode on the Habits and Hustle podcast, I talk with Henry Abbott about Misogi - an annual challenge so intense you believe you have only a 50% chance of completing it.

We discuss how these epic challenges can rewire your brain to overcome perceived limitations. We also discuss why movement is crucial for pain management, how our brains (not our bodies) create most of our limitations, and why stepping far outside your comfort zone once a year might be the key to unlocking your hidden potential.

Henry Abbott is an award-winning journalist and founder of TrueHoop, a respected basketball media platform. His new book "Ballistic: The New Science of Injury-Free Athletic Performance" explores revolutionary approaches to injury prevention through the science of ballistic movements.

What we discuss:

How movement rewires the brain to overcome perceived limitations and pain
Misogi and its spread among NBA players
The Harvard Fatigue Lab's findings on human physiological limits
Finding the balance between boldness and foolishness in physical challenges

Thank you to our sponsor:

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David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle.

To learn more about Henry Abbott:

Website: https://www.henryabbott.com/ https://www.truehoop.com/

X: https://x.com/truehoop?lang=en

Find more from Jen:

Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/

Instagram: @therealjencohen

Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books

Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements