How UFC Star Ben Askren Cheated Death - #1116

Overview

This episode dives into Ben Askren's harrowing journey of surviving a near-death experience due to necrotizing pneumonia, which led to a double lung transplant. The conversation explores his recovery process, the mental and physical toll, and how the experience reshaped his outlook on life, priorities, and success.

Notable Quotes

- The point of life is not to arrive safely at death. – Ben Askren, on living fearlessly and embracing challenges.

- I don’t need anything given to me in life. All I need is an opportunity. – Ben Askren, on his relentless drive to overcome adversity.

- If you’re green, you’re growing. If you think you know it all, you’re declining. – Ben Askren, on the importance of maintaining a growth mindset.

🫁 The Fight for Survival

- Ben recounts how a seemingly minor staph infection spiraled into necrotizing pneumonia, causing his body to eat his lungs from the inside out.

- He was airlifted to Milwaukee, placed on ECMO (a life-support machine with only a 40% survival rate), and underwent a double lung transplant.

- Waking up after 37 days in a medically induced coma, Ben had to piece together what had happened through his wife’s detailed journal.

💪 The Grueling Road to Recovery

- Post-surgery, Ben faced immense physical challenges: he couldn’t walk, feed himself, or even get off the toilet without assistance.

- Recovery milestones included walking a few steps, building up to minutes of movement, and regaining strength through disciplined daily exercises.

- Despite setbacks like infections and chest tubes, Ben’s athletic mindset helped him persevere.

🙏 Shifting Priorities and Gratitude

- Ben reflects on how the experience deepened his gratitude and patience, and even led him to embrace Christianity more fully.

- He reevaluated his commitments, stepping back from ventures that didn’t align with his passions or family priorities.

- His new mantra: focus on what truly matters, like coaching wrestling and spending time with his family.

🏋️‍♂️ Wrestling, Resilience, and Life Lessons

- Ben credits his wrestling background for instilling the discipline and mental toughness needed to endure his recovery.

- Wrestling, he argues, teaches humility, perseverance, and self-reliance—qualities that prepared him for life’s toughest battles.

- He emphasizes the importance of showing up daily, even when progress feels slow or impossible.

🎯 Redefining Success and Legacy

- Ben rejects the idea of being defined by singular moments, whether it’s his undefeated streak, a five-second knockout, or his health crisis.

- He views life as a series of opportunities to take risks and grow, rather than worrying about external perceptions of legacy.

- His ultimate goal? To live fearlessly and become the longest-living double lung transplant recipient, aiming to surpass the current record of 38 years.