Physical Perfection | @ChrisBumstead | EP 423

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson speaks with five-time consecutive Mr. Olympia Classic Physique champion, businessman, and public speaker, Chris Bumstead. They discuss how Chris was introduced to bodybuilding, how he combatted anxiety and a speech impediment in his upbringing and early career, where he’s at now following a five-year win streak, and how he balances his values between sport, business, marriage, and soon-to-be fatherhood.

Hailing from Canada, Chris Bumstead (AKA “CBUM”) has taken the fitness world by storm, becoming a five-time Mr. Olympia Classic Physique Champion. With his unmatched physique, unwavering dedication, and infectious enthusiasm, Chris has become a true icon of the sport. With over 22 million followers, Chris is an inspiration for individuals worldwide.

Chris is a proud owner of RAW Nutrition, a premium sports nutrition line, as well as BUM Energy, an exciting new lifestyle energy drink.

This episode was recorded on January 19th, 2024

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(0:00) Tour update 2024
(0:40) Coming up
(1:10) Intro
(2:59) Debuting as a professional bodybuilder, the structure and hierarchy of the sport
(4:52) How the Classic Physique division differs from others, the Arnold years
(7:06) The dietary regimen of the five-time consecutive Mr. Olympia
(8:58) Bodybuilding is a sport that hinges on aesthetics
(9:55) Starting at 14 and seeing early success
(14:04) Building discipline by following passion, finding solace in the gym
(18:04) Getting over feeling self-conscious in the gym: “It’s not as judgmental as people think.”
(19:57) The precursor to the redeemer is the fool, how to become an honest master at something
(21:53) Chris Bumstead struggled with public speaking—how he got past the fear
(24:40) The radical biological change that happens when you make the conscious choice to improve
(28:22) Growing up with a speech impediment, how Chris found his voice and self identity
(31:42) If people like the false front you present, that’s all they like about you
(34:09) Say what you believe regardless of the consequences
(36:07) Why you feel butterflies in your stomach when you’re nervous, heightened non-specific arousal
(41:06) The difference between nervousness over judgment and expectation
(44:21) Conquering fear is not the absence of fear, there’s nothing brave about security
(47:40) Why continue after attaining wild success? When to find the next challenge
(55:05) The Future Authoring program: Can you imagine yourself five years in the future?
(59:02) One of Jordan Peterson's greatest personal motivators
(59:44) True mastery is marked by the spirit of play, how this applies to parenting
(1:00:50) Where Chris is headed: “Bodybuilding was never forever.”
(1:07:36) Jocko Willink, self-development and the meaning found in helping others develop
(1:12:16) The vastly undersold advantage of emotional honesty
(1:16:55) Married life and negotiating commitment toward truth in a relationship
(1:26:27) The true reward in triumph isn’t the prize, but those who saw it through alongside you
(1:28:29) Chris asks Jordan for advice for new parents
(1:36:59) Managing jealousy and resentment within a family
(1:40:14) Thinking long-term, planned togetherness, and taking on new mountains

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