Chris Duffin, a world record holder in squat and founder of Kabuki Strength, shares his transformative journey from building a successful business to facing its collapse. He discusses the emotional turmoil tied to failure, emphasizing resilience and personal growth. Chris reflects on the importance of ethical decision-making, creativity in fitness innovations, and how struggles foster true strength. He highlights the impact of social media on authenticity and underscores the significance of community support in navigating life’s challenges.

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

Chris Duffin, Co-Founder of Kabuki Strength, discusses defying labels, designing strength training products, common mistakes in strength development, building strength with the right diet, personal experience with nutrition and performance, and the future of strength, science, and biomechanics.