Chris Duffin Grew Up Feral in the Woods Hunted by Serial Killers & Eating Bugs to Survive (no joke)

Intro (0s)

• Life can be incredibly challenging, and people often struggle to get out of difficult periods when things have fallen apart and they feel like there's no way out (9s).
• The goal is to move through these challenging periods as fast as possible and minimize the negative impact, with the hope that the rebound will make a person stronger and better (18s).
• However, if the experience is so bad that it causes trauma, it's essential to acknowledge and respect that (23s).
• The first step in overcoming challenges is to acknowledge that you're in a difficult situation, whether it's a major or minor "pit" in life (42s).
• Chris Duffin has an extraordinary story of resilience and overcoming adversity, which ultimately contributed to his ability to get in shape and become "jacked" (55s).
• Chris Duffin's story is unique and not related to gimmicky ways of eating or training, but rather his ability to persevere and overcome challenges (1m3s).

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Murderers, Serial Killers, Human & Drug Trafficking (2m12s)

• Growing up, life was marked by hardship, involving murderers, serial killers, human trafficking, and drug trafficking (2m13s).
• Reflecting on the past became difficult, but it led to writing a bestselling autobiography about seven or eight years ago (2m31s).
• The reflection began when the oldest two children were around five or six years old, prompting thoughts about life at that age (2m42s).
• At six years old, life was vastly different, living in the northern part of an unspecified area (3m6s).

Growing up in the Wilderness (3m7s)

• The individual grew up in the California wilderness, where their home was a tree fort with no road access, requiring a hike to reach, and a creek running through the area (3m10s).
• At the age of 6, they were taught how to capture and handle live rattlesnakes due to the presence of a rattlesnake den near their home, and this experience taught them about managing fear and uncertainty (3m27s).
• The individual's mother was pregnant with their second sister at the time, and they had one sister and a brother, making them the oldest sibling (3m47s).
• The family was homeless and lived in tree forts, with the individual's mother not getting along with authority figures due to her past experiences (5m8s).
• The family initially lived in a homestead with another family, where they learned to grow wheat, and later moved to more remote areas in Northern California (5m24s).
• The area they lived in was known for its hippie culture in the 1970s, but later became associated with drugs and violence, as depicted in the documentary "Murder Mountain" (5m58s).
• The individual's family lived in Trinity County, 50 miles deeper and more remote than the area featured in "Murder Mountain" (6m38s).
• During the school year, the family would live closer to town, but in the summer, the individual would live in a tent or tree fort, often without access to basic amenities like running water or electricity (7m1s).
• The individual would often have to hike to a spring to collect water, and their upbringing was marked by a series of challenging and unconventional experiences (7m32s).
• The individual grew up in a challenging environment, living in a small shack or shed with their family, including three younger siblings, in eastern Oregon during the winter, with limited space and no modern amenities (7m47s).
• They had to fill jugs with water from a stream, let them sit on a rock to heat up in the sun, and use the water to take a shower, or heat up water on a wood stove during snowy conditions (8m25s).
• The individual's family grew weed in a remote town, and there was a police officer who was known for women disappearing around him, especially in the area where they lived (9m0s).
• The police officer showed up at their home, arrested their mother, and took her away, while the individual's stepfather disappeared into the woods (9m36s).
• The individual's siblings were taken away by the police, and they remember disassociating from the situation, feeling no emotion, and engaging with the police officer in a new car with modern amenities (10m37s).
• The individual's family was eventually taken into child protective services, marking a significant point in their life that they reflect on (11m35s).
• A mother had a vision that something was wrong with the protective care her children were in, and she suspected it was a child trafficking ring, which led to an investigation and the arrest of the sheriff and half of the police force for selling children into a human trafficking ring (11m56s).
• The mother's children were taken in by their grandparents for a while, but later the mother got back on track with her children's father, and they picked up the children in Central Oregon, where they fell back into living in the woods (12m52s).
• The family started logging, but the mother couldn't fit into the world and turned to mining semi-precious stones, which became their main activity (13m28s).
• The family lived in the eastern Oregon wilderness, a high desert area, where they experienced extreme cold and had to be resourceful to survive, including using a library card to access books and learn about geology and mining (13m58s).
• One winter, the family's home in Pina got extremely cold, with temperatures below 40 degrees, and they had to find alternative ways to heat their home, including burning juniper chips in an oil heater (14m47s).
• The experience of living in the wilderness and having to be resourceful to survive was a formative experience, and it was around this time that training and physical activity became important, including packing rocks up mountainsides (15m38s).
• Chris Duffin lived in a trailer by the river, which he considered better than a van (15m56s).
• Training was transformational for Chris, helping him build self-esteem and confidence, as his life was very physical and involved constantly moving and interacting with people (16m5s).
• Chris struggled with confidence due to his past experiences, but training helped him overcome this (16m31s).
• Chris was a state-level athlete as a wrestler and was good at school, despite being a horrible student, and was able to get good grades (16m41s).
• Training became central to Chris' life, and he knew it would always be there for him (17m2s).
• Chris received a full ride academic scholarship to study engineering in college (17m14s).

Transition to College (17m20s)

• A dual engineering degree was pursued, but things fell apart at home when the decision was made to leave, revealing the role of being the glue that held things together, taking care of siblings, and dealing with an abusive environment involving physical violence, alcoholism, and drug abuse (17m21s).
• The first exposure to media came from writing an article and submitting it to a newspaper for a scholarship, which led to a story being published about the experience, and eventually, a full-ride scholarship to the Oregon Institute of Technology (18m7s).
• The full-ride scholarship was not enough to cover all expenses, so working full-time was necessary while attending school, and taking custody of younger sisters who were living on the streets due to their mother's mental breakdown and their father's mental health issues (19m14s).
• At 20 years old, the responsibilities included working full-time, attending school full-time, and raising younger sisters, which led to falling into alcohol abuse, but still managing to do well in college despite the challenges (19m50s).
• Success in college was achieved by focusing on taking tests and achieving high grades, including becoming the highest graduating engineer in GPA, although this was not something to be proud of, but rather a necessity (20m54s).
• The ability to see a clear path and focus on achieving grades and passing tests was attributed to the upbringing and the need to take care of things, which allowed for a sense of direction and clarity (21m16s).
• A critical choice was made to pursue a path of leadership and management, despite having a lack of social background, and it was found that engaging with people and performing well in this role was possible (21m44s).
• The decision to lean into what was hard and challenging, rather than taking the easier path, was a deliberate choice, and there is a methodology behind this approach that involves knowing where one needs to be and turning into challenges (22m31s).

Precipice Moments - Seeing Where You Want to be (22m40s)

• Life is filled with "precipice moments" where one can see a vision of where they want to be, but are scared to take the step towards it, and this fear can be overwhelming, like having a rattlesnake in one's hand (22m40s).
• These moments can be major, such as taking a new job, changing careers, or going back to school, but they can also be micro moments, like having a hard conversation with a partner, boss, or family member (23m14s).
• When taking a step off the precipice, one faces a chasm of unknown challenges, and this is where the essence of change lies, requiring adaptive modulators to navigate (23m33s).
• Biologically, humans are driven to make major life changes, such as finding a home, partner, or having kids, but these changes also come with fearful moments, and at some point, this drive must become a conscious process (24m18s).
• It's essential to measure and find these precipice moments, both major and micro, to build strengths and stack wins, developing the necessary skills and strengths to navigate life's challenges (24m54s).
• Continually developing strengths and skills allows one to take on new challenges and make progress towards their goals, even if it's not a deliberate or planned process (25m1s).

Launching His Career (25m20s)

• Chris Duffin pursued his MBA while raising his sisters and addressing his alcohol problems, which he believes were influenced by external factors (25m22s).
• He successfully raised his sisters into adulthood and is proud of this accomplishment, but views it as a necessary responsibility rather than an exceptional achievement (25m48s).
• Throughout this period, Chris Duffin continued to lift weights and eventually became a high-powered turnaround executive in the automotive and aerospace world (26m15s).
• He set records in his field and achieved success, but attributes his drive to feelings of low self-worth stemming from his traumatic childhood experiences (26m33s).
• Chris Duffin's childhood involved severe trauma, including being treated as less than human and being bought and sold, which he believes has had a lasting impact on his life (26m40s).
• He has experienced or witnessed various types of trauma, including encounters with serial killers, although he did not elaborate on this specific topic (26m52s).

Serial Killer (27m0s)

• A murderer lived near where a rattlesnake was found, and there are many stories about dealing with him that are shared in a book (27m5s).
• The sheriff was released from jail 20 years later, and a mother was tracked down in eastern Oregon, where she worked as a manager for McDonald's (27m19s).
• The mother escaped from the murderer at gunpoint, and six months later, police investigated him for poaching, finding four dead women buried on his property (27m29s).
• The murderer was a serial killer who was locked up for 20 years for trafficking a family and later tried to track down the mother (27m45s).
• The serial killer's actions were connected to people disappearing around him, and his crimes were eventually discovered (27m41s).
• The experiences of living outside of society led to many wild and unusual events (27m58s).

Learning From His Mother (28m0s)

• The mother chose to live life on her own terms, outside the norm, and this is something that has been learned from her (28m0s).
• She lived her entire life in this manner, and although it may not have been considered a good thing by most people, it was what worked for her (28m3s).
• The mother's approach to life has taught that it's possible to live outside the norm while still being part of it, and that one can do things on their own terms (28m19s).
• She gave no regard to what others thought or did, and instead focused on living life as she saw fit (28m47s).
• The mother's passing occurred in April, and her legacy continues to have an impact, with many of her traits being passed down (29m7s).
• The influence of the mother can be seen in the way her child lives life, making choices that may be different from others, and not being concerned with what others think (29m27s).
• The child believes it's essential for people to understand why they make certain choices and live life in a particular way, which is a result of the lessons learned from their mother (29m25s).
• The child is committed to living life on their own terms, regardless of what others may think or say (29m40s).

The Plunge (29m52s)

• A critical moment in life is referred to as "the plunge," where one takes a step into the unknown, feeling like they're in free fall, and questioning their decisions (30m17s).
• During this moment, it's essential to meditate on why you're experiencing certain feelings to learn more about yourself, your drivers, and your values (30m31s).
• The plunge is an opportunity to turn inward and gain a deeper understanding of oneself, rather than shying away from fear, shame, or other emotions (30m42s).
• In 2015, Kabuki Strength was started, and it quickly became a successful company, penetrating the sports performance market faster than any other company in history (30m59s).
• Within a few years, Kabuki Strength's products were being used by 100% of MLB teams, 80-90% of NBA and NFL teams, and many top college programs (31m14s).
• During this time, significant personal changes were also happening, including leaving a wife and writing a book, which prompted a deeper understanding of oneself (31m30s).
• It's crucial to not turn away from difficult emotions or experiences, but instead, take the time to learn from them and gain a deeper understanding of oneself (31m55s).
• The importance of learning from experiences and emotions is emphasized, as it's always an opportunity for growth and self-discovery (31m57s).

Squatting & Deadlifting World Records (32m10s)

• The goal was to squat 1,000 pounds and deadlift 1,000 pounds, which was fairly unheard of at the time, and still, nobody has achieved both, especially for reps (32m22s).
• This goal was part of a personal journey to see what was truly capable of being accomplished in moments of hardship and to share that people can achieve more than they think possible with effort and focus (32m39s).
• The journey was challenging, but the experience and accomplishments were valuable, and the inspirational message was to show that people can accomplish more than they think possible (32m59s).
• After achieving the goals, the focus shifted, and a company was exited, not necessarily on the desired terms, but the accomplishments were appreciated, and the future is exciting (33m26s).
• The experience of achieving the squat and deadlift goals was a personal journey of self-discovery and pushing beyond perceived limits (32m42s).
• The goal of squatting and deadlifting 1,000 pounds was part of the "Grand Goals," which was a personal challenge to test capabilities and share the message of possibility (32m21s).

Celebrating Hard Moments in Life (33m33s)

• The concept of navigating challenging periods in life is discussed, where one feels like they've hit rock bottom and are unsure of how to get out of the situation (34m1s).
• A methodology for dealing with such situations is proposed, which involves acknowledging, celebrating, and leveraging the experience (34m51s).
• Acknowledging the situation means recognizing that one is in a difficult spot and accepting it, rather than trying to deny or escape it (35m7s).
• Celebrating the experience means recognizing that it will be a moment to look back on and be proud of, even if it's difficult at the time (35m44s).
• Leveraging the experience means using it as an opportunity to grow and become stronger, and to develop the skills and resilience needed to navigate similar situations in the future (36m18s).
• The idea is that by acknowledging, celebrating, and leveraging challenging experiences, one can develop the skills and confidence needed to overcome future obstacles (37m6s).
• The concept of "polling" is also mentioned, which involves using past experiences to develop skill sets and become stronger and more resilient (37m10s).
• The idea is that every time one navigates a challenging situation, they grow a little bit stronger and more capable of handling future challenges (37m20s).
• The individual experienced a series of difficult events, including having their company taken away and their mother passing away in their arms, resulting in the loss of five family members in a short period of time (37m29s).
• Despite these challenges, they emphasize the importance of not letting fear control one's mindset, as it can close off opportunities and limit potential (38m5s).
• They suggest a practice of imagining the worst-case scenario and then thinking about what steps to take next, rather than getting caught up in worries about the future (38m58s).
• This approach allows individuals to focus on the present moment and the opportunities that are available to them, rather than getting stuck in a mindset of fear and scarcity (39m40s).
• The individual also emphasizes the importance of developing skills and taking action, even in the face of uncertainty or fear, as this is what leads to growth and success (40m6s).
• They encourage individuals to "lean into" challenges and take the leap, even if it's uncertain or difficult, as this is what will ultimately lead to success and personal growth (40m48s).
• The key is to approach challenges with the right mindset, recognizing that taking action and making choices is what will ultimately lead to success, even if the outcome is uncertain (40m55s).
• The individual believes that making the choice to take action and face challenges head-on is always the right step, even if the outcome is not guaranteed (41m23s).

Labels & Identities (41m53s)

• The tendency to apply labels to people who have been through a lot can be strong, but it's interesting to note that some individuals don't identify with their past experiences, instead treating them as water under the bridge (41m54s).
• The ability to compartmentalize and invest energy into something external can be an unconscious process, and some people have always had this ability, while others may struggle with it (42m23s).
• Sharing personal stories can be done to articulate messages and values, rather than to elicit sympathy or admiration, and it's essential to separate one's identity from their story (42m54s).
• A person's identity should be defined by their current values, goals, and interactions with the world, rather than their past experiences or accomplishments (43m6s).
• In the fitness realm, people often identify themselves with specific labels, such as "the guy with the bad back" or "a powerlifter," which can be constraining and limiting (43m25s).
• Identifying oneself with values rather than labels can be a significant driver of personal growth and change (43m51s).
• It's possible to tie oneself to a particular identity or label, but recognizing the opportunities and capacities that exist beyond that label can be liberating (44m1s).
• It's challenging not to get pulled into identifying with a job, career, business, social media presence, or personality, but recognizing the limitations of these labels can help individuals break free from them (44m53s).

Dealing With Negative Emotions (45m16s)

• Growing up, Chris Duffin developed a high level of confidence due to having to create and do things for himself, which helped him build resilience through repeated failures and opportunities to come back and try again (45m50s).
• This resilience allowed him to develop the confidence to know that no matter what happens, he can find a path and work through it, which is essential for overcoming adversity (46m29s).
• Chris Duffin's life experiences have helped him create a natural skill for dealing with negative emotions and failures, which he can now reflect on and understand the mechanisms behind (45m34s).
• He believes that people who overcome extreme adversity often do so without fully understanding how they did it, but rather by just doing it and learning from their experiences (45m37s).
• Chris Duffin's approach to dealing with failures is to acknowledge them as a natural part of the process and to focus on the next step, rather than getting bogged down by the failure itself (48m25s).
• He has developed a framework, called the six PS framework, which he finds effective in translating his experiences and helping others develop resilience and confidence (48m46s).
• Chris Duffin's experiences have also influenced his perspective on parenting, where he believes that allowing children to fail and learn from their mistakes is essential for their development and growth (46m57s).
• He recalls a specific instance where he trained for four years to achieve a certain goal in powerlifting, but failed to achieve it, and instead of getting discouraged, he immediately started thinking about what he would do next (47m45s).
• Many people in the fitness industry struggle with mental health issues, and some use fitness as a way to cope with their problems and feel in control (49m6s).
• For some individuals, fitness can be a source of comfort and control, especially if they had a chaotic childhood, as it provides a sense of simplicity and linearity (49m37s).
• However, attaching one's self-worth to physical appearance or fitness achievements can be detrimental, as it creates an unhealthy dependence on external validation (50m28s).
• This attachment can lead to an excessive focus on physical appearance, making individuals vulnerable to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem when their bodies do not meet their expectations (51m8s).
• To break free from this cycle, it is essential to look inward and understand the underlying reasons for one's attachment to physical appearance or fitness achievements (51m25s).
• Detaching oneself from external validation and focusing on personal growth and self-improvement can be a more fulfilling and sustainable approach to life (51m44s).
• However, detachment can also become a negative quality if taken to an extreme, leading to disassociation and a lack of emotions (52m27s).
• Finding a balance between detachment and empathy is crucial, as it allows individuals to maintain a healthy perspective while still being able to connect with others (52m44s).
• The individual has an ability to nurture and care for others, as demonstrated by their care for their siblings, indicating they are not sociopathic or disassociated (52m52s).

Understanding How to Express Your Values (53m0s)

• Understanding one's values and goals in life is crucial as they serve as a pathway for self-expression, and identifying the underlying drivers behind these goals can help in transitioning to new pursuits when circumstances change (53m1s).
• Having a strong sense of identity tied to a particular profession or activity can lead to loss of self when that identity is taken away, as seen in athletes who struggle with depression or substance abuse after retirement (54m12s).
• Recognizing the values and drivers behind one's goals can help in finding new ways to express them, such as transitioning from being a powerlifter to coaching or mentoring others (54m41s).
• Continually unpacking and understanding one's values and goals can lead to personal growth and self-awareness, but it can also be a challenging and scary process that requires letting go of one's identity (55m31s).
• The fear of loss and the fear of abandoning one's identity can be overwhelming, but it is a natural part of personal growth and development, and it ultimately comes down to the fundamental aspect of safety (56m51s).
• Abandoning one's identity can be a difficult and painful process, but it can also be a necessary step in personal growth and self-discovery, and it requires a willingness to take risks and face one's fears (56m30s).
• A major driver for personal growth and success is the fear of not being loved and the fear of abandonment, which can lead individuals to excel in their endeavors in order to gain love and care from others (57m16s).
• This fear can be a powerful motivator, but it is a finite resource that can only drive a person for so long, and it is not a sustainable source of energy (58m5s).
• Embracing love and strength, rather than being driven by fear, can provide infinitely more power and strength, and it is a more positive and sustainable approach to personal growth (57m59s).
• Shame is a powerful emotion that can drive people's actions, but it is not a healthy or productive emotion, and it can lead to self-medicating behaviors such as substance abuse (58m58s).
• Many people in the fitness industry are driven by shame and underlying issues, and it is common for people to struggle with these issues in silence (59m17s).
• The fitness industry is not just about egos and superficiality, but it is also a community that includes many amazing people who are dealing with pain and hardship (59m48s).
• It is essential to acknowledge that everyone experiences pain, hardship, and struggles, and it is helpful to share these experiences with others to create a sense of community and understanding (1h0m28s).
• Sharing personal struggles and hardships can help to create a more authentic and supportive community, rather than promoting a "fake it till you make it" lifestyle (1h0m16s).

Where to Find More of Chris (1h1m1s)

• Chris Duffin's online presence can be found by typing his name into various platforms such as YouTube or Instagram, or by visiting his website at Christstuff.com (1h1m1s).
• Chris Duffin's book is available on Audible and Amazon, and it is recommended to access it through his website for better support (1h1m12s).
• Chris Duffin narrated his own book, despite initial advice against it, and received positive feedback on his narration (1h1m21s).
• Chris Duffin believes that having the author narrate their own book is beneficial and allows for a better outcome (1h1m33s).
• Morgan Freeman was mentioned as a potential alternative narrator, but Chris Duffin is satisfied with his own narration (1h1m38s).