Ashrita Furman broke the world record for underwater hoola-hooping in Florida, where a pod of dolphins watched from afar—in what I presume was utter confusion.

I've been in the presence of some pretty fascinating people. The voice of Porky Pig, a haunted house architect, a scientist who's close to bringing back a T-Rex (albeit in a less menacing, chicken-sized form). But Ashrita Furman is in a league of his own. He has world records out the ying yang, including:

• The most matches put out on your tongue in a minute
• The most beers opened with a chainsaw in 60 seconds
• The most watermelons sliced open on your stomach in one minute

He holds so many records that he snagged another one in the process: the world record for the most world records. He's broken over 800 in total, with more than 200 still standing. His secret?

Meditation.

(And a child-like sense of curiosity. Because when you can be anything, why just be one thing?)

Credits

Curious State is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast hosted and produced by Doug Fraser.

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