234 ‒ Chris Hemsworth on Limitless, longevity, and happiness

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).

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and the materials linked to this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content on this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they have, and they should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. I take conflicts of interest very seriously. For all of my disclosures and the companies I invest in or advise, please visit my website where I keep an up-to-date and active list of such companies.

[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

[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.

[willemvanriet]

I devoured limitless. Was SO good in many ways! Thanks for helping to create this message for all on health, wellness and longevity!

[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.

[graciakabakji]

Even as conversation Chris is a great Talker in discussion appropriate wishing him good luck

[CitizenoftheWorld]

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!

[lucycooper]

Very cool that Dr. Attia still maintained Chris’ privacy even in the pressures of filming.

[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.

[DamoAus]

Wow. Just wow. The transparency of this interview was inspiring to see. Never seen before Chris hemsworth. Thank you Peter for this Episode!

[johnthompson]

Absolutely magnificent interview. I recently saw Limitless so this was perfect timing. Congratulations to you both.

[animarvel]

One of the best of best series ever. I love the fasting episode too much that I did a 72 hour long water fasting. It changed me and my views on health and food. Thanks to the entire team for doing something incredible like this.

[lorihoechlin]

So enjoyed this video as I do all of yours. My son also plays a superhero and hearing Chris’ take on life is so online with his. I’m an endurance cyclist, and just did Race Across America at 60. Living our best versions of ourselves as we age is so important to ourselves as well as our families. Thanks for sharing

[nehaparikh]

Absolutely wonderful series. Very inspiring. Last episode is my favorite. I hope everyone in this world realize how fragile our life is. 😊

[HobzyMcRuse]

Loved this series. Peter and Chris are such great and down to earth guys.

[amypatterson-bocchi]

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! 😍😍😍

[scottjennifer]

Loved the podcast and the Limitless series. My wife has been preaching many of the topics and concepts in the series for several years now. Chris, Peter and the rest of the cast have presented the material in a down to earth and relatable way. Many thanks.

[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.

[kimbottle]

Such a beautiful intelligent young man our Chris Hemsworth

[scottk]

Pretty sure this is the first podcast to host both Wolverine and Thor. Makes sense since they're both immortal.

[karenstrange]

Watching this mini-series was fabulous and so insightful. This is my kind of drug! I highly recommend it for anyone who would like to live a happier, longer, and fulfilling life.