234 ‒ Chris Hemsworth on Limitless, longevity, and happiness

Peter Attia, MD, is the founder of Early Medical, a medical practice that applies the principles of Medicine 3.0 to patients with the goal of lengthening their lifespan and simultaneously improving their healthspan. He is also the host of The Drive podcast.

Dr. Attia received his medical degree from the Stanford University School of Medicine and trained for five years at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in general surgery. He also spent two years at the National Institutes of Health as a surgical oncology fellow at the National Cancer Institute. 

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Peter Attia MD

Initial Involvement and Project Transformation

Chris Hemsworth was initially contacted by Darren about a three-week docu-series on longevity.

The project aimed to put Chris in extreme physical and emotional situations to study longevity science.

COVID-19 extended the shoot to two and a half years, leading to a positive transformation.

The extended timeframe allowed for a more in-depth exploration of the science and personal growth for Chris.

The initial timeframe was significantly underestimated, changing from three weeks to two and a half years.

Chris had never hosted anything before and felt vulnerable being himself on camera.

The project required self-analysis and pushing personal limits, creating a sense of vulnerability.

Chris had hesitations about authenticity and whether his portrayal would be appreciated.

Doubts and questions about his performance crept in, unlike in his acting roles.

The project's evolution was unexpected, expanding in scope and challenges due to time and Chris's commitment.

Chris's primary concern was completing each challenge successfully for a compelling episode.

Fear was a motivator, but understanding the purpose of each challenge helped him through.

The challenges, while seemingly extreme, were backed by science to show exponential benefits.

The Norway segment involved a quick turnaround and cold-water immersion, a new and challenging experience.

Chris had trained for some challenges but not the cold-water immersion, which was more intense than anticipated.

Genetic testing revealed Chris had a rare gene combination (APOE4/4) significantly increasing Alzheimer's risk.

The revelation was initially shocking, but Chris viewed it as motivation for proactive health measures.

The doctor explained that while the gene increases risk, it doesn't guarantee Alzheimer's.

Early knowledge allows for risk mitigation, unlike deterministic genes like Huntington's.

Chris initially struggled to understand the implications, but it motivated him to focus on brain health.

The final episode involved an immersive experience simulating the life of an octogenarian.

The suit Chris wore was uncomfortable and isolating, mimicking the limitations of aging.

The residents of the retirement village were not actors, adding to the authenticity.

Chris was more nervous about this emotional challenge than the physical ones.

Chris's emotional response to Dr. BJ Miller's story was genuine and reflected his own reflections on life.

Chris aims for a better balance between work and family, prioritizing presence and connection.

He realized his ideal final moments would be with loved ones, prompting a desire for more family time.

His future involves more curated choices, prioritizing collaborations with inspiring individuals.

Chris reflects on the unexpected joy of forming friendships through the series.

He values his rich network of family and friends as his greatest asset.