234 ‒ Chris Hemsworth on Limitless, longevity, and happiness

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Published 2022-12-12
This episode of The Drive features clips from the Limitless docuseries courtesy of Disney+ www.disneyplus.com/series/limitless-with-chris-hem…

Watch the full episode and view show notes here: bit.ly/3VYMNb4
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Chris Hemsworth, best known for his role as Thor in the Marvel movies, joins Peter to discuss his recent work in the docuseries called Limitless. In the docuseries, Chris undertook extreme challenges to explore his physical and emotional limits and gain insights into longevity. In this episode, Chris discusses these many challenges—from fasting to arctic swims to 100-foot rope climbs—as well as the insights that he gained from each. Peter, who also played a role in the docuseries, guides Chris through the science of longevity, including what Chris’s APOE-ε4 genotype means for his risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, Chris describes how his outlook on health, happiness, work-life balance, and more have changed from his experience on Limitless.

We discuss:
0:00:00 - Intro
0:00:08 - Limitless: how Chris got involved and his overall experience filming the docuseries
0:06:18 - “Fasting” ‒ ep. 3 of Limitless in which Chris attempts a 4-day fast
0:11:05 - “Shock” ‒ ep. 2 of Limitless in which Chris swims in the Arctic Ocean
0:19:08 - Cold exposure: the potential physical and mental benefits
0:21:08 - “Strength” ‒ ep. 4 of Limitless in which Chris explores how muscle can improve longevity
0:32:34 - The APOE-ε4 genotype and Alzheimer’s disease risk
0:41:53 - How Chris uses sauna
0:44:32 - “Acceptance” - ep. 6 of Limitless in which Chris explores the meaning of life by contemplating death
0:56:03 - Chris’s new perspective on work-life balance
0:59:01 - “Stress-Proof” - ep. 1 of Limitless in which Chris learns about the impact of stress and how to manage it
1:03:18 - Chris reflects on his intrinsic motivation driven by both fear and purpose
1:07:24 - Chris reflects on his career arc and how his presence as an actor has evolved
1:12:11 - How Chris’s outlook has changed since filming Limitless

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About:

The Peter Attia Drive is a weekly, ultra-deep-dive podcast focusing on maximizing health, longevity, critical thinking…and a few other things. With over 45 million episodes downloaded, it features topics including fasting, ketosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, mental health, and much more.

Peter is a physician focusing on the applied science of longevity. His practice deals extensively with nutritional interventions, exercise physiology, sleep physiology, emotional and mental health, and pharmacology to increase lifespan (delay the onset of chronic disease), while simultaneously improving healthspan (quality of life).

Learn more: peterattiamd.com/

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All Comments (21)
  • @PeterAttiaMD
    In this episode, we discuss: 0:00:00 - Intro 0:00:08 - Limitless: how Chris got involved and his overall experience filming the docuseries 0:06:18 - “Fasting” ‒ ep. 3 of Limitless in which Chris attempts a 4-day fast 0:11:05 - “Shock” ‒ ep. 2 of Limitless in which Chris swims in the Arctic Ocean 0:19:08 - Cold exposure: the potential physical and mental benefits 0:21:08 - “Strength” ‒ ep. 4 of Limitless in which Chris explores how muscle can improve longevity 0:32:34 - The APOE-ε4 genotype and Alzheimer’s disease risk 0:41:53 - How Chris uses sauna 0:44:32 - “Acceptance” - ep. 6 of Limitless in which Chris explores the meaning of life by contemplating death 0:56:03 - Chris’s new perspective on work-life balance 0:59:01 - “Stress-Proof” - ep. 1 of Limitless in which Chris learns about the impact of stress and how to manage it 1:03:18 - Chris reflects on his intrinsic motivation driven by both fear and purpose 1:07:24 - Chris reflects on his career arc and how his presence as an actor has evolved 1:12:11 - How Chris’s outlook has changed since filming Limitless
  • I devoured limitless. Was SO good in many ways! Thanks for helping to create this message for all on health, wellness and longevity!
  • Limitless inspired me to take cold showers in the morning and I'm about to finish a 3 day water fast. During the pandemic I gained 60lbs so I'm finally making healthy changes. Thanks Thor!
  • @skaraplis
    I wouldn't normally sit through a one hour plus talk but as others also mention, Chris Hemsworth is a very down to earth, transparent well spoken guy I really enjoyed listening to him.
  • @scottk1525
    Pretty sure this is the first podcast to host both Wolverine and Thor. Makes sense since they're both immortal.
  • @lucycooper55
    Very cool that Dr. Attia still maintained Chris’ privacy even in the pressures of filming.
  • @kimbottle8275
    Such a beautiful intelligent young man our Chris Hemsworth
  • @CMDuhart
    Limitless was an excellent series and I commend Hemsworth for his courage throughout. It also helped me understand some new things about health and preventative medicine.
  • Awesome. Loved Limitless! It’s one of those times you think, I couldn’t imagine anyone else playing Thor, it’s the same for this series. So glad you were both on board!!!! Love it! 😍😍😍
  • @MarkRollag
    This is for sure TOP 5 shows you have ever done! As said before these videos saved my life.... I always forward these to friends and family!!! Chris Hemsworth.. thank you for being so transparent. I am sure lives will change.
  • @beachnap
    I appreciate the focus on alzheimer's prevention through lifestyle. There is a strong predisposition to the disease on my father's side. I'm only 32, but I have considered getting tested for this gene. There is a psychological toll when you have a familial connection to it, especially when you've seen a loved one pass from it, and then you have to contemplate that it could be your future, as well. I am more motivated than ever to care for my wellbeing. Thanks to Chris for sharing this deeply personal experience.
  • @dlewis731
    Chris Hemsworth love your attitude & looking forward to joining that Programme U have developed with Your Team Congratulations!!🏆👑🏆👑🏆👑
  • @jimdres7000
    What , another amazing Australian!! Well done Peter on a highly emotive and stimulating interview with Chris. Fabulous.
  • @damo6198
    Wow. Just wow. The transparency of this interview was inspiring to see. Never seen before Chris hemsworth. Thank you Peter for this Episode!
  • Educational and entertaining, but I feel that these conversations omit socioeconomic factors. It's also important to realize that Chris and Peter are two relatively young, highly influential multi-millionaires. While they are both hard working and highly motivated, they also enjoy the comfort of knowing that working is entirely optional for them. I'm saying this because the impact of work and finance related stress cannot be underestimated. Most people have to work until retirement age, fully dependent on their day job(a lot of people hate their job) and all the uncertainties that come with it, compromises that have to be made, etc. For many of these people there is always a level of stress there, and this has undeniable health implications. Secondly, most people cannot indulge in their passion full-time the way Chris and Peter can. It's incredibly satisfying to be able to live life entirely by your own rules. I think the goal of increasing longevity for society in general would go a long way if more people were able to live lives of comfort and security, a blessing only available to a small percentage of fortunate individuals today. I'm convinced that this is something only advanced technology can enable. For instance, nowadays I make a living off my hobby and passion, but I vividly remember the nightmare of my previous office job and how the long hours and work schedule negatively impacted my health and happiness. A lot of people remain stuck in this daily grind, juggling unsatisfactory, stressful work and their personal life, and it takes a huge toll on their longevity.
  • @HobzyMcRuse
    Loved this series. Peter and Chris are such great and down to earth guys.
  • @n2daair23
    Man, great interview! I can really relate to the section about telling Chris about the bad gene, and how he felt like you’re gonna live forever. I have always been concerned about keeping healthy and thought I also would live a long life. Then I got my CAC score back which is quite elevated. Now I’m just confused about how I ended up with so much atherosclerosis, scary times now.
  • Absolutely magnificent interview. I recently saw Limitless so this was perfect timing. Congratulations to you both.
  • @neobellator
    Thank you both for sharing your experiences. Pretty awesome you got Chris on your podcast!
  • @MsIceBreaker
    Thank you Peter. I thoroughly appreciate your in-depth perspective and ability to get Chris to open up. 10/10.