Mitchell Hooper became the strongest man on Earth almost by accident.

A former marathon runner, exercise physiologist, and coach… he found Strongman late, exploded onto the scene, and became World’s Strongest Man in just a few years.

But this conversation goes way deeper than strength.

We talk about steroids, the Enhanced Games, performance obsession, money, success, mental health, addiction, suicide attempts, psychedelics, fatherhood, and faith.

Mitchell opens up about the pressure of winning, the emptiness that can come with achievement, and the internal battles most people never see behind the titles.

This is one of the most honest conversations we’ve had about masculinity, suffering, and what actually gives life meaning.

Thank you to our sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors

Ketone-IQ: ⁠ketone.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT”

Athletic Brewing: https://athleticbrewing.com Code "RIDEOUT"

Athletic Nicotine: https://athleticnicotine.com/rideout Code "RIDEOUT"

Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/

Chapters

(00:00) Meet Mitchell Hooper

(00:28) Hybrid Strength Challenge

(01:33) Early Lifting Origins

(04:09) Family And Athletic Roots

(06:33) Imposter Syndrome And Winning

(08:36) Success Money And Meaning

(13:53) Strongman Culture And Rivalries

(15:08) PED Reality In Strongman

(18:01) Healthspan Hormones And Society

(24:13) Starting Steroids And Gains

(30:56) Marathon Days And Pacing Pain

(32:52) Enhanced Games And Exercise Medicine

(35:36) Cardio Versus Lifting

(37:00) Avoiding The Middle Zone

(38:07) Reps Sets And Intensity

(39:52) Grip Strength And Carries

(41:49) Progress Over Aesthetics

(43:02) Body Dysmorphia Trap

(44:30) Winning Feels Different

(47:18) Family And Fertility

(50:57) Strongman Bulking Diet

(53:28) Deadlift Prep And Cues

(58:55) Painkillers And Injuries

(01:02:43) Discipline Builds Identity

(01:06:32) Mental Health And Guilt

(01:09:06) Running As Recovery

(01:10:22) Fighting for Family

(01:11:49) Therapy and Integration

(01:13:12) Faith and Gratitude

(01:15:52) Ibogaine and Addiction

(01:18:27) DMT and Facing Death

(01:21:36) Marriage and Showing Up

(01:24:35) Addiction Story in Finance

(01:26:57) ADHD Meds Reality Check

(01:28:27) Enhanced Games Prep

(01:29:15) Thor Rivalry and Attempts

(01:32:37) Prize Money and Sponsors

(01:35:48) Wife Backstage and Wrap

(01:37:56) Podcast Outro and Plugs

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