00:00When people are in fear, in danger, they When people are in fear, in danger, they sometimes [ __ ] sometimes [ __ ] sometimes [ __ ] >> Man has got to do what a man has got to >> Man has got to do what a man has got to >> Man has got to do what a man has got to do. do. do. >> This is Wimhof, an ice and breath work >> This is Wimhof, an ice and breath work >> This is Wimhof, an ice and breath work guru who by my estimation is responsible guru who by my estimation is responsible guru who by my estimation is responsible for the deaths of 33 people. for the deaths of 33 people. for the deaths of 33 people. >> Iceman is actually that's my working >> Iceman is actually that's my working >> Iceman is actually that's my working title. Yeah. What do you do for a title. Yeah. What do you do for a title. Yeah. What do you do for a living? Yeah, I'm an Iceman. That's the living? Yeah, I'm an Iceman. That's the living? Yeah, I'm an Iceman. That's the way I'm earning money, way I'm earning money, way I'm earning money, putting bread on the table. There's a putting bread on the table. There's a putting bread on the table. There's a dark truth about Wimhof that changes the dark truth about Wimhof that changes the dark truth about Wimhof that changes the narrative around the fastest growing narrative around the fastest growing narrative around the fastest growing breath work technique on the planet and breath work technique on the planet and breath work technique on the planet and which the organization around him has which the organization around him has which the organization around him has tried to suppress. tried to suppress. tried to suppress. >> Yes. It's an image. >> Yes. It's an image. >> Yes. It's an image. It's who I am. It's who I am. It's who I am. >> Yeah. On television. >> Yeah. On television. >> Yeah. On television. >> It's not only that Hoff scams money from >> It's not only that Hoff scams money from >> It's not only that Hoff scams money from his followers and instructors, his followers and instructors, his followers and instructors, >> but that people have paid for his lies >> but that people have paid for his lies >> but that people have paid for his lies with their lives. and he said, "Of with their lives. and he said, "Of with their lives. and he said, "Of course it's safe, Mom. It's Wimhof." course it's safe, Mom. It's Wimhof." course it's safe, Mom. It's Wimhof." >> For more than a decade, I was Wimhof's
01:00>> For more than a decade, I was Wimhof's >> For more than a decade, I was Wimhof's biographer and chief evangelist. I wrote biographer and chief evangelist. I wrote biographer and chief evangelist. I wrote a New York Times best-selling book about a New York Times best-selling book about a New York Times best-selling book about his inspirational mix of breath work and his inspirational mix of breath work and his inspirational mix of breath work and cold exposure that put me on the cold exposure that put me on the cold exposure that put me on the bleeding edge of the ice bath craze and bleeding edge of the ice bath craze and bleeding edge of the ice bath craze and sold more than 300,000 copies. Along the sold more than 300,000 copies. Along the sold more than 300,000 copies. Along the way, I appeared on more than 300 news way, I appeared on more than 300 news way, I appeared on more than 300 news programs, podcasts, and newspapers programs, podcasts, and newspapers programs, podcasts, and newspapers preaching the gospel of Hoff. preaching the gospel of Hoff. preaching the gospel of Hoff. >> Designed to be able to deal with >> Designed to be able to deal with >> Designed to be able to deal with physical adversity. We're hardwired for physical adversity. We're hardwired for physical adversity. We're hardwired for that reason. Like millions of people, I that reason. Like millions of people, I that reason. Like millions of people, I was pulled in by the legitimately was pulled in by the legitimately was pulled in by the legitimately astounding scientific results. A famous astounding scientific results. A famous astounding scientific results. A famous experiment that Hoff participated in experiment that Hoff participated in experiment that Hoff participated in showed how cold exposure and breath work showed how cold exposure and breath work showed how cold exposure and breath work can make changes in the body that modern can make changes in the body that modern can make changes in the body that modern medicine never believed was possible. medicine never believed was possible. medicine never believed was possible. You can you can learn this in like 15 You can you can learn this in like 15 You can you can learn this in like 15 minutes. You can learn this in your minutes. You can learn this in your minutes. You can learn this in your shower. Um, believe it or not. And those shower. Um, believe it or not. And those shower. Um, believe it or not. And those results, they're real. I still practice results, they're real. I still practice results, they're real. I still practice the techniques that I began learning the techniques that I began learning the techniques that I began learning from Whim to this day. And more than from Whim to this day. And more than from Whim to this day. And more than that, I considered Wimhof a friend. I
02:00that, I considered Wimhof a friend. I that, I considered Wimhof a friend. I tried to protect him from his own tried to protect him from his own tried to protect him from his own excesses and attempted time and again to excesses and attempted time and again to excesses and attempted time and again to draw attention inside the group, not draw attention inside the group, not draw attention inside the group, not publicly, to what I saw were dangerous publicly, to what I saw were dangerous publicly, to what I saw were dangerous teaching practices that Hoff brought out teaching practices that Hoff brought out teaching practices that Hoff brought out into the public. But then about two into the public. But then about two into the public. But then about two years ago, I finally understood that I years ago, I finally understood that I years ago, I finally understood that I couldn't work behind the scenes anymore. couldn't work behind the scenes anymore. couldn't work behind the scenes anymore. The only way to correct Whim's madness The only way to correct Whim's madness The only way to correct Whim's madness and the organization's cynical attitude and the organization's cynical attitude and the organization's cynical attitude that values profit over the lives of that values profit over the lives of that values profit over the lives of their followers was to raise awareness. their followers was to raise awareness. their followers was to raise awareness. And if I didn't go public with Whim's And if I didn't go public with Whim's And if I didn't go public with Whim's dark secret, well, no one would. dark secret, well, no one would. dark secret, well, no one would. >> I got the call um that he had been in a >> I got the call um that he had been in a >> I got the call um that he had been in a drowning accident. I knew immediately drowning accident. I knew immediately drowning accident. I knew immediately what had happened. I was doing some what had happened. I was doing some what had happened. I was doing some Wimhof inspired breathold work. I Wimhof inspired breathold work. I Wimhof inspired breathold work. I blacked out in a bliss state and I spent blacked out in a bliss state and I spent blacked out in a bliss state and I spent four minutes in the bottom of the pool four minutes in the bottom of the pool four minutes in the bottom of the pool from oxygen deprivation. Starting in from oxygen deprivation. Starting in from oxygen deprivation. Starting in 2022, I began reporting on the stories 2022, I began reporting on the stories 2022, I began reporting on the stories of people who have been hurt or died by of people who have been hurt or died by of people who have been hurt or died by following Wimhof's increasingly erratic following Wimhof's increasingly erratic following Wimhof's increasingly erratic and confusing breath work instructions.
03:00and confusing breath work instructions. and confusing breath work instructions. >> So B4 was hyperventilating like what I >> So B4 was hyperventilating like what I >> So B4 was hyperventilating like what I did now. And then I felt charged. And then I felt charged. And the last one And the last one And the last one fully out, fully out, fully out, fully in, fully in, fully in, and then going down. and then going down. and then going down. It would be easy to watch any more than It would be easy to watch any more than It would be easy to watch any more than a dozen videos like that one that I just a dozen videos like that one that I just a dozen videos like that one that I just showed and assume that Wimhof wants you showed and assume that Wimhof wants you showed and assume that Wimhof wants you to hyperventilate in water and then hold to hyperventilate in water and then hold to hyperventilate in water and then hold your breath. Before holding my breath your breath. Before holding my breath your breath. Before holding my breath under water, I'm going to do a minute of under water, I'm going to do a minute of under water, I'm going to do a minute of breath work. >> Most people don't realize how dangerous >> Most people don't realize how dangerous that actually is. And I jump in and that actually is. And I jump in and that actually is. And I jump in and realize he's unconscious or worse. And I realize he's unconscious or worse. And I realize he's unconscious or worse. And I pull him out and did CPR and called 911. pull him out and did CPR and called 911. pull him out and did CPR and called 911. He never came back. He never came back. He never came back. >> Uh I basically just passed out when I >> Uh I basically just passed out when I >> Uh I basically just passed out when I was doing it in a pool. My heart was doing it in a pool. My heart was doing it in a pool. My heart stopped. Then they did the uh
04:00stopped. Then they did the uh stopped. Then they did the uh resuscitation. I'd been in a coma for resuscitation. I'd been in a coma for resuscitation. I'd been in a coma for over a week. over a week. over a week. >> The more I reported on the truth, the >> The more I reported on the truth, the >> The more I reported on the truth, the more Whim's followers attacked me. more Whim's followers attacked me. more Whim's followers attacked me. >> I immediately start doing the CPR. >> I immediately start doing the CPR. >> I immediately start doing the CPR. >> Ended up having a hypoxic blackout >> Ended up having a hypoxic blackout >> Ended up having a hypoxic blackout underwater. Um, went unnoticed for 8 underwater. Um, went unnoticed for 8 underwater. Um, went unnoticed for 8 minutes. minutes. minutes. >> Started doing it on his own, probably >> Started doing it on his own, probably >> Started doing it on his own, probably from watching the YouTubes of from watching the YouTubes of from watching the YouTubes of >> His followers even harassed the families >> His followers even harassed the families >> His followers even harassed the families of the victims and swore that I was of the victims and swore that I was of the victims and swore that I was Judas in the pantheon of Hoff. He Judas in the pantheon of Hoff. He Judas in the pantheon of Hoff. He drowned in a swimming pool full of drowned in a swimming pool full of drowned in a swimming pool full of people in 2016 as result of doing the people in 2016 as result of doing the people in 2016 as result of doing the Wimhof breathing exercises. Wimhof breathing exercises. Wimhof breathing exercises. >> He He drowned. >> He He drowned. >> He He drowned. >> Bear with me for this sort of long video >> Bear with me for this sort of long video >> Bear with me for this sort of long video because there's a lot of material to because there's a lot of material to because there's a lot of material to cover and it only gets more bizarre as cover and it only gets more bizarre as cover and it only gets more bizarre as we go deeper. In it, I'm going to tell we go deeper. In it, I'm going to tell we go deeper. In it, I'm going to tell you the dark truth about Wimhof and why you the dark truth about Wimhof and why you the dark truth about Wimhof and why I chose to throw away a lucrative career I chose to throw away a lucrative career I chose to throw away a lucrative career at the forefront of the icebathing at the forefront of the icebathing at the forefront of the icebathing movement to pursue truth above all else.
05:00To tell this story, I need to go back in To tell this story, I need to go back in time to the first time that I met Wimhof time to the first time that I met Wimhof time to the first time that I met Wimhof in 2013. I had just finished an in 2013. I had just finished an in 2013. I had just finished an investigative report for Playboy investigative report for Playboy investigative report for Playboy magazine about the dark side of magazine about the dark side of magazine about the dark side of meditation. I'd exposed an American monk meditation. I'd exposed an American monk meditation. I'd exposed an American monk who dawned Tibetan robes and promised who dawned Tibetan robes and promised who dawned Tibetan robes and promised that his spiritual techniques would give that his spiritual techniques would give that his spiritual techniques would give his followers superpowers in exchange his followers superpowers in exchange his followers superpowers in exchange for often giving over their life's for often giving over their life's for often giving over their life's savings. I had just signed a deal to savings. I had just signed a deal to savings. I had just signed a deal to make that story into a book called The make that story into a book called The make that story into a book called The Enlightenment Trap when I heard about a Enlightenment Trap when I heard about a Enlightenment Trap when I heard about a charismatic ice guru who was making charismatic ice guru who was making charismatic ice guru who was making surprisingly similar claims. At the surprisingly similar claims. At the surprisingly similar claims. At the time, Wimhof was getting moderately time, Wimhof was getting moderately time, Wimhof was getting moderately wellknown for feats of endurance in the wellknown for feats of endurance in the wellknown for feats of endurance in the cold and was on the cusp of making the cold and was on the cusp of making the cold and was on the cusp of making the transition from a stunt man into a transition from a stunt man into a transition from a stunt man into a teacher of esoteric methods. I flew out teacher of esoteric methods. I flew out teacher of esoteric methods. I flew out to his dilapidated farmhouse in Poland to his dilapidated farmhouse in Poland to his dilapidated farmhouse in Poland with a commission to debunk him before with a commission to debunk him before with a commission to debunk him before he got famous and lured in crowds of he got famous and lured in crowds of he got famous and lured in crowds of adherence under his spell. But things
06:00adherence under his spell. But things adherence under his spell. But things didn't work out that way. Anyone who has didn't work out that way. Anyone who has didn't work out that way. Anyone who has read What Doesn't Kill Us knows that read What Doesn't Kill Us knows that read What Doesn't Kill Us knows that this meeting fundamentally changed my this meeting fundamentally changed my this meeting fundamentally changed my life. Instead of debunking Hoff, I tried life. Instead of debunking Hoff, I tried life. Instead of debunking Hoff, I tried his method and was soon able to do the his method and was soon able to do the his method and was soon able to do the same things that he was. I climbed up a same things that he was. I climbed up a same things that he was. I climbed up a mountain barechested in shorts and spent mountain barechested in shorts and spent mountain barechested in shorts and spent the next few years trying to understand the next few years trying to understand the next few years trying to understand the science of cold and breath work. the science of cold and breath work. the science of cold and breath work. Ultimately hiking up Mount Kilimanjaro Ultimately hiking up Mount Kilimanjaro Ultimately hiking up Mount Kilimanjaro with him and breathing in the minus30° with him and breathing in the minus30° with him and breathing in the minus30° air without a shirt on. We made it to air without a shirt on. We made it to air without a shirt on. We made it to the top the top the top which is Gilman's point which is which is Gilman's point which is which is Gilman's point which is basically the top of Kilimanjaro. basically the top of Kilimanjaro. basically the top of Kilimanjaro. >> It was a compelling story because I went >> It was a compelling story because I went >> It was a compelling story because I went from being a skeptic into a believer. from being a skeptic into a believer. from being a skeptic into a believer. >> You ever get any really negative people >> You ever get any really negative people >> You ever get any really negative people who never really come to the who never really come to the who never really come to the >> A very good example of that? Scott >> A very good example of that? Scott >> A very good example of that? Scott Carney is an investigative journalist. Carney is an investigative journalist. Carney is an investigative journalist. He came from America to this place to He came from America to this place to He came from America to this place to cut through the crap and the charlatan cut through the crap and the charlatan cut through the crap and the charlatan business. All that and that was me, you
07:00business. All that and that was me, you business. All that and that was me, you know, the charlatan and the crap took know, the charlatan and the crap took know, the charlatan and the crap took him to two days and when he converted him to two days and when he converted him to two days and when he converted into but this [ __ ] is good and and he into but this [ __ ] is good and and he into but this [ __ ] is good and and he was standing with us in the in short was standing with us in the in short was standing with us in the in short after two days and now he's you know he after two days and now he's you know he after two days and now he's you know he wants to write a book and bring it to wants to write a book and bring it to wants to write a book and bring it to America and everything. America and everything. America and everything. >> But there was something that always >> But there was something that always >> But there was something that always worried me about Hoff. I've been worried me about Hoff. I've been worried me about Hoff. I've been dabbling in esoteric techniques since I dabbling in esoteric techniques since I dabbling in esoteric techniques since I first traveled to India and Tibet in first traveled to India and Tibet in first traveled to India and Tibet in 1998. 1998. 1998. And I knew that even the most costic And I knew that even the most costic And I knew that even the most costic gurus bore gems of unconventional gurus bore gems of unconventional gurus bore gems of unconventional wisdom. Heck, even Michael Roach, the wisdom. Heck, even Michael Roach, the wisdom. Heck, even Michael Roach, the fake monk I exposed in my second book, fake monk I exposed in my second book, fake monk I exposed in my second book, taught powerful and even useful insights taught powerful and even useful insights taught powerful and even useful insights that could absolutely benefit some that could absolutely benefit some that could absolutely benefit some people. But the trend was almost always people. But the trend was almost always people. But the trend was almost always the same with popular gurus. Soon they the same with popular gurus. Soon they the same with popular gurus. Soon they grew so wealthy and powerful that their grew so wealthy and powerful that their grew so wealthy and powerful that their own egos overshadowed the good that they own egos overshadowed the good that they own egos overshadowed the good that they did in the world. Eventually people get did in the world. Eventually people get did in the world. Eventually people get hurt. I like to think of it this way. hurt. I like to think of it this way. hurt. I like to think of it this way. Even if a guru has like 80% or even 90%
08:00Even if a guru has like 80% or even 90% Even if a guru has like 80% or even 90% useful insights, that remaining 10 or useful insights, that remaining 10 or useful insights, that remaining 10 or 20% of bad ones can do a lot of damage. 20% of bad ones can do a lot of damage. 20% of bad ones can do a lot of damage. I mean, if a medicine launched into the I mean, if a medicine launched into the I mean, if a medicine launched into the market and cured 90% of people of a market and cured 90% of people of a market and cured 90% of people of a disease, but killed the remaining 10%, disease, but killed the remaining 10%, disease, but killed the remaining 10%, it would be a huge problem. And around it would be a huge problem. And around it would be a huge problem. And around the time that What Doesn't Kill Us came the time that What Doesn't Kill Us came the time that What Doesn't Kill Us came out, I was worried that maybe I had just out, I was worried that maybe I had just out, I was worried that maybe I had just gotten to whim too early in his journey gotten to whim too early in his journey gotten to whim too early in his journey from inspirational figure to cult from inspirational figure to cult from inspirational figure to cult leader. And I wasn't the only one who leader. And I wasn't the only one who leader. And I wasn't the only one who noticed. Here's Paul Bowman, a professor noticed. Here's Paul Bowman, a professor noticed. Here's Paul Bowman, a professor of cultural studies who was also of cultural studies who was also of cultural studies who was also following Whim's strange transformation. following Whim's strange transformation. following Whim's strange transformation. Over time, Wimhof has appropriated Over time, Wimhof has appropriated Over time, Wimhof has appropriated the visual trappings and the language of the visual trappings and the language of the visual trappings and the language of of a kind of oriental monk. Even though of a kind of oriental monk. Even though of a kind of oriental monk. Even though he's Dutch and even though he's white, he's Dutch and even though he's white, he's Dutch and even though he's white, he gets an he he adopts an increasingly he gets an he he adopts an increasingly he gets an he he adopts an increasingly kind of messianic tone about himself. a kind of messianic tone about himself. a kind of messianic tone about himself. a kind of um you know I'm still on the
09:00kind of um you know I'm still on the kind of um you know I'm still on the mailing lists and there's pictures of of mailing lists and there's pictures of of mailing lists and there's pictures of of Wimhof like really badly photoshopped Wimhof like really badly photoshopped Wimhof like really badly photoshopped pictures of of Wimhof sitting pictures of of Wimhof sitting pictures of of Wimhof sitting cross-legged lotus position like some cross-legged lotus position like some cross-legged lotus position like some kind of a guru with photoshopped kind of kind of a guru with photoshopped kind of kind of a guru with photoshopped kind of aura around him projecting this image of aura around him projecting this image of aura around him projecting this image of a kind of messiah when I first met Whim a kind of messiah when I first met Whim a kind of messiah when I first met Whim I was taken in by his affability and I was taken in by his affability and I was taken in by his affability and passion for exposing people to passion for exposing people to passion for exposing people to uncomfortable truths he was focus uncomfortable truths he was focus uncomfortable truths he was focus focused on proving his methods in focused on proving his methods in focused on proving his methods in scientific experiments and didn't seem scientific experiments and didn't seem scientific experiments and didn't seem interested in the trappings of fame and interested in the trappings of fame and interested in the trappings of fame and money. That affability was part of the money. That affability was part of the money. That affability was part of the reason that so many people fell under reason that so many people fell under reason that so many people fell under his spell. But over time, once that fame his spell. But over time, once that fame his spell. But over time, once that fame and money landed at his feet, the and money landed at his feet, the and money landed at his feet, the trappings, they took over. He and his trappings, they took over. He and his trappings, they took over. He and his organization run by his children around organization run by his children around organization run by his children around him needed to promote Whim as more than him needed to promote Whim as more than him needed to promote Whim as more than just a likable and crazy stunt man. They just a likable and crazy stunt man. They just a likable and crazy stunt man. They needed a consistent brand that inflated needed a consistent brand that inflated needed a consistent brand that inflated his spiritual guru image. This marketing his spiritual guru image. This marketing his spiritual guru image. This marketing package took its toll on him and package took its toll on him and package took its toll on him and initiated the same personality changes
10:00initiated the same personality changes initiated the same personality changes that experts on cults have observed in that experts on cults have observed in that experts on cults have observed in gurus across time. To quote the seminal gurus across time. To quote the seminal gurus across time. To quote the seminal book on the subject, the guru papers, book on the subject, the guru papers, book on the subject, the guru papers, masks of authoritarian power by Joel masks of authoritarian power by Joel masks of authoritarian power by Joel Kramer and Diana Olstead, people don't Kramer and Diana Olstead, people don't Kramer and Diana Olstead, people don't want a second rate guru. They want the want a second rate guru. They want the want a second rate guru. They want the one that seems to be the best. Gurus are one that seems to be the best. Gurus are one that seems to be the best. Gurus are forced to assume the role of the forced to assume the role of the forced to assume the role of the highest, the best, the most enlightened, highest, the best, the most enlightened, highest, the best, the most enlightened, the most loving, the most selfless, the the most loving, the most selfless, the the most loving, the most selfless, the purest representative of the most purest representative of the most purest representative of the most profound truths. For if they do not, profound truths. For if they do not, profound truths. For if they do not, people will go to the one who does. people will go to the one who does. people will go to the one who does. Consequently, it is largely impossible Consequently, it is largely impossible Consequently, it is largely impossible for a guru to permit himself real for a guru to permit himself real for a guru to permit himself real intimacy, which in adults requires a intimacy, which in adults requires a intimacy, which in adults requires a context of equality. All his context of equality. All his context of equality. All his relationships must be hierarchical since relationships must be hierarchical since relationships must be hierarchical since that is the foundation of his that is the foundation of his that is the foundation of his attraction. Just like Kramer and Olstead attraction. Just like Kramer and Olstead attraction. Just like Kramer and Olstead predicted, his organization stratified predicted, his organization stratified predicted, his organization stratified into an inner circle run by his children into an inner circle run by his children into an inner circle run by his children and a few select level three instructors and a few select level three instructors and a few select level three instructors who adhered closely to his brand who adhered closely to his brand who adhered closely to his brand guidelines. Meanwhile, an outer circle
11:00guidelines. Meanwhile, an outer circle guidelines. Meanwhile, an outer circle of instructors and hangers on amplified of instructors and hangers on amplified of instructors and hangers on amplified the message without knowing what was the message without knowing what was the message without knowing what was happening on the inside. Maintaining happening on the inside. Maintaining happening on the inside. Maintaining proximity to whim translated to making a proximity to whim translated to making a proximity to whim translated to making a lucrative living as a breath work lucrative living as a breath work lucrative living as a breath work instructor. But people who wouldn't tow instructor. But people who wouldn't tow instructor. But people who wouldn't tow the line, they were kicked out. the line, they were kicked out. the line, they were kicked out. >> So, I have sad news. The WHIMO method >> So, I have sad news. The WHIMO method >> So, I have sad news. The WHIMO method academy is kicking me out unless I academy is kicking me out unless I academy is kicking me out unless I delete all my Whimoff related videos. delete all my Whimoff related videos. delete all my Whimoff related videos. >> Without equals, gurus ultimately isolate >> Without equals, gurus ultimately isolate >> Without equals, gurus ultimately isolate themselves from the people who might themselves from the people who might themselves from the people who might have previously been able to rein in have previously been able to rein in have previously been able to rein in their more reality bending or dangerous their more reality bending or dangerous their more reality bending or dangerous ideas. As he grew more famous, Wimhof ideas. As he grew more famous, Wimhof ideas. As he grew more famous, Wimhof turned away from real insights and turned away from real insights and turned away from real insights and instead leaned into the trappings of a instead leaned into the trappings of a instead leaned into the trappings of a modern guru's branding, appearing on modern guru's branding, appearing on modern guru's branding, appearing on podcasts and news programs the world podcasts and news programs the world podcasts and news programs the world over, spouting mumbo jumbo and over, spouting mumbo jumbo and over, spouting mumbo jumbo and pseudoscientific explanations that pseudoscientific explanations that pseudoscientific explanations that misrepresented how his method actually misrepresented how his method actually misrepresented how his method actually worked. worked. worked. >> I'm going to stop you right here because >> I'm going to stop you right here because >> I'm going to stop you right here because for a lot of people that are listening for a lot of people that are listening for a lot of people that are listening to this and like, what the [ __ ] is Joe to this and like, what the [ __ ] is Joe to this and like, what the [ __ ] is Joe Rogan doing on this podcast? I saw it Rogan doing on this podcast? I saw it Rogan doing on this podcast? I saw it happen with whim in real time. And happen with whim in real time. And happen with whim in real time. And though I had no substantial financial or
12:00though I had no substantial financial or though I had no substantial financial or business connections to Hoff's business connections to Hoff's business connections to Hoff's organization, by promoting my book, I organization, by promoting my book, I organization, by promoting my book, I contributed to the problem. And there contributed to the problem. And there contributed to the problem. And there are also things that I just missed. The are also things that I just missed. The are also things that I just missed. The cultural studies professor Paul Bowman cultural studies professor Paul Bowman cultural studies professor Paul Bowman noted in his research paper that Whim noted in his research paper that Whim noted in his research paper that Whim frequently repeats a story about his frequently repeats a story about his frequently repeats a story about his miraculous birth where he almost died miraculous birth where he almost died miraculous birth where he almost died from his fxiation in the first minutes from his fxiation in the first minutes from his fxiation in the first minutes of his life and how his mother declared of his life and how his mother declared of his life and how his mother declared that he would be a missionary for God that he would be a missionary for God that he would be a missionary for God after he survived. But there is reason after he survived. But there is reason after he survived. But there is reason to think that Hoff was systematically to think that Hoff was systematically to think that Hoff was systematically altering his biography to fit this guru altering his biography to fit this guru altering his biography to fit this guru narrative. When you notice that each of narrative. When you notice that each of narrative. When you notice that each of his books has um an an autobiography in his books has um an an autobiography in his books has um an an autobiography in it and the autobiograph the it and the autobiograph the it and the autobiograph the autobiographical details are radically autobiographical details are radically autobiographical details are radically different in each story like he he different in each story like he he different in each story like he he doesn't have one consistent biographical doesn't have one consistent biographical doesn't have one consistent biographical narrative. Um and it's not just the case narrative. Um and it's not just the case narrative. Um and it's not just the case of um you know we sometimes get things of um you know we sometimes get things of um you know we sometimes get things wrong when you you know you get data wrong when you you know you get data wrong when you you know you get data wrong and stuff when when you tell your
13:00wrong and stuff when when you tell your wrong and stuff when when you tell your life story. His are completely different life story. His are completely different life story. His are completely different stories. um across the books and it's stories. um across the books and it's stories. um across the books and it's just it's it's kind of preposterous. just it's it's kind of preposterous. just it's it's kind of preposterous. >> While reporting What Doesn't Kill Us, I >> While reporting What Doesn't Kill Us, I >> While reporting What Doesn't Kill Us, I was so taken by the way that my body had was so taken by the way that my body had was so taken by the way that my body had changed when I challenged it with cold changed when I challenged it with cold changed when I challenged it with cold exposure and breath work that I missed exposure and breath work that I missed exposure and breath work that I missed the things about the reality of his guru the things about the reality of his guru the things about the reality of his guru aura. One of the reasons that I'm aura. One of the reasons that I'm aura. One of the reasons that I'm finally re-releasing What Doesn't Kill finally re-releasing What Doesn't Kill finally re-releasing What Doesn't Kill Us this month with two new chapters and Us this month with two new chapters and Us this month with two new chapters and restored pages that didn't make it into restored pages that didn't make it into restored pages that didn't make it into the original is that right before the original is that right before the original is that right before publication in 2017, my publisher and I publication in 2017, my publisher and I publication in 2017, my publisher and I caved to pressure from the Hoff caved to pressure from the Hoff caved to pressure from the Hoff organization to admit key details from organization to admit key details from organization to admit key details from his biography that showed how unstable his biography that showed how unstable his biography that showed how unstable and erratic Hoff could really be. Here and erratic Hoff could really be. Here and erratic Hoff could really be. Here are a few of the things that I'm are a few of the things that I'm are a few of the things that I'm bringing back. The first is what I call bringing back. The first is what I call bringing back. The first is what I call the fountain incident. Or perhaps if you the fountain incident. Or perhaps if you the fountain incident. Or perhaps if you prefer, his near fatal enema. If you've prefer, his near fatal enema. If you've prefer, his near fatal enema. If you've ever seen Hoff shirtless, you will ever seen Hoff shirtless, you will ever seen Hoff shirtless, you will notice a triangular scar on his abdomen
14:00notice a triangular scar on his abdomen notice a triangular scar on his abdomen that eclipses his belly button. For that eclipses his belly button. For that eclipses his belly button. For reasons that I will get into soon, Whim reasons that I will get into soon, Whim reasons that I will get into soon, Whim had not seen his son Michael for 10 had not seen his son Michael for 10 had not seen his son Michael for 10 years and had arranged to meet him at a years and had arranged to meet him at a years and had arranged to meet him at a place called Vondal Park in Amsterdam, place called Vondal Park in Amsterdam, place called Vondal Park in Amsterdam, where there was a fountain that spurted where there was a fountain that spurted where there was a fountain that spurted water into the air in the middle of a water into the air in the middle of a water into the air in the middle of a small pond. He arrived early and whim small pond. He arrived early and whim small pond. He arrived early and whim being whim decided to take a swim. And being whim decided to take a swim. And being whim decided to take a swim. And this part is so hard to believe. And so this part is so hard to believe. And so this part is so hard to believe. And so many people in the comments of my many people in the comments of my many people in the comments of my previous videos have said that I made it previous videos have said that I made it previous videos have said that I made it up that I am just going to play you a up that I am just going to play you a up that I am just going to play you a recording of an interview that I did recording of an interview that I did recording of an interview that I did with him in 2013. with him in 2013. with him in 2013. >> I had done it already like 100 times. >> I had done it already like 100 times. >> I had done it already like 100 times. You can say this crazy or this or that. You can say this crazy or this or that. You can say this crazy or this or that. No, it's just a fountain and I put it up No, it's just a fountain and I put it up No, it's just a fountain and I put it up my ass and it cleans cleanses all my uh my ass and it cleans cleanses all my uh my ass and it cleans cleanses all my uh [ __ ] in my intestines and you [ __ ] it [ __ ] in my intestines and you [ __ ] it [ __ ] in my intestines and you [ __ ] it out like that and all goes and you feel out like that and all goes and you feel out like that and all goes and you feel good. good. good. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. So, you're >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. So, you're >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. So, you're giving giving giving >> this time >> this time >> this time >> you're giving yourself enemas at a >> you're giving yourself enemas at a >> you're giving yourself enemas at a public fountain.
15:00public fountain. public fountain. >> Yes. Nobody sees it, you know. You just >> Yes. Nobody sees it, you know. You just >> Yes. Nobody sees it, you know. You just [ __ ] it out. Nobody sees it. [ __ ] it out. Nobody sees it. [ __ ] it out. Nobody sees it. >> Yeah, you heard it right. It was a >> Yeah, you heard it right. It was a >> Yeah, you heard it right. It was a fountain enema. But this time, just fountain enema. But this time, just fountain enema. But this time, just before he reconnected with his long- before he reconnected with his long- before he reconnected with his long- lost son, something was different. lost son, something was different. lost son, something was different. >> So they changed the piece on the pipe. >> So they changed the piece on the pipe. >> So they changed the piece on the pipe. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And it makes, you know, with >> And it makes, you know, with >> And it makes, you know, with >> more power- with water, you can slice >> more power- with water, you can slice >> more power- with water, you can slice this easily or even stone metal. Okay. this easily or even stone metal. Okay. this easily or even stone metal. Okay. >> So the f the more precise or >> So the f the more precise or >> So the f the more precise or concentrated the the water beam, the concentrated the the water beam, the concentrated the the water beam, the more it looks like a knife. more it looks like a knife. more it looks like a knife. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> So uh that one got through. I I sat on >> So uh that one got through. I I sat on >> So uh that one got through. I I sat on it with my pants, but it got through my it with my pants, but it got through my it with my pants, but it got through my pants pants pants >> and uh through the the [ __ ] up into >> and uh through the the [ __ ] up into >> and uh through the the [ __ ] up into the intestines and it just cut it the intestines and it just cut it the intestines and it just cut it and got my stomach or my intestines full and got my stomach or my intestines full and got my stomach or my intestines full the the cavity over there full of dirty the the cavity over there full of dirty the the cavity over there full of dirty water. water. water. >> A jet of water skewered Whim and almost
16:00>> A jet of water skewered Whim and almost >> A jet of water skewered Whim and almost killed him. He somehow managed to paddle killed him. He somehow managed to paddle killed him. He somehow managed to paddle back to the shore and the first words he back to the shore and the first words he back to the shore and the first words he spoke to his son in 10 years was that he spoke to his son in 10 years was that he spoke to his son in 10 years was that he needed to go to the hospital. Now, the needed to go to the hospital. Now, the needed to go to the hospital. Now, the timing was weird on this. So, I asked timing was weird on this. So, I asked timing was weird on this. So, I asked Whim if maybe he purposely hurt himself Whim if maybe he purposely hurt himself Whim if maybe he purposely hurt himself before his son's meeting because of a before his son's meeting because of a before his son's meeting because of a sense of guilt for not being part of his sense of guilt for not being part of his sense of guilt for not being part of his son's life. And have you already met son's life. And have you already met son's life. And have you already met your son or you about to meet your son your son or you about to meet your son your son or you about to meet your son at this point? at this point? at this point? >> Yeah, I was about to meet him. >> Yeah, I was about to meet him. >> Yeah, I was about to meet him. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> But then I >> But then I >> But then I >> You're just going to give yourself an >> You're just going to give yourself an >> You're just going to give yourself an enema before you meet your son? enema before you meet your son? enema before you meet your son? >> Yeah. Yeah. No, I thought, you know, I >> Yeah. Yeah. No, I thought, you know, I >> Yeah. Yeah. No, I thought, you know, I was so so [ __ ] up was so so [ __ ] up was so so [ __ ] up >> because of the situation. >> because of the situation. >> because of the situation. >> I just had to and I thought of 15 years >> I just had to and I thought of 15 years >> I just had to and I thought of 15 years ago. I was always happy. ago. I was always happy. ago. I was always happy. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And okay. And doing all kinds of things >> And okay. And doing all kinds of things >> And okay. And doing all kinds of things in the parks and playing around and in the parks and playing around and in the parks and playing around and fooling and doing crazy yoga stuff and fooling and doing crazy yoga stuff and fooling and doing crazy yoga stuff and uh was all always very successful, very uh was all always very successful, very uh was all always very successful, very good, very powerful, very like happy, good, very powerful, very like happy, good, very powerful, very like happy, like like no worries. Mhm.
17:00like like no worries. Mhm. like like no worries. Mhm. >> And but at that time I was [ __ ] up and >> And but at that time I was [ __ ] up and >> And but at that time I was [ __ ] up and uh I thought sort of tendency to go back uh I thought sort of tendency to go back uh I thought sort of tendency to go back to that time. to that time. to that time. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> To to that experience and clean myself. >> To to that experience and clean myself. >> To to that experience and clean myself. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So I went up there >> So I went up there >> So I went up there and uh I see it still be in front of my and uh I see it still be in front of my and uh I see it still be in front of my me right now. I had a sort of doubt but me right now. I had a sort of doubt but me right now. I had a sort of doubt but maybe maybe it's also sort of maybe maybe it's also sort of maybe maybe it's also sort of you get a feeling you want to kill you get a feeling you want to kill you get a feeling you want to kill yourself. You want to end the story, yourself. You want to end the story, yourself. You want to end the story, >> but not not deliberately but >> but not not deliberately but >> but not not deliberately but unconsciously sort of. unconsciously sort of. unconsciously sort of. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Stop this. Stop this [ __ ] Even if I >> Stop this. Stop this [ __ ] Even if I >> Stop this. Stop this [ __ ] Even if I have to die almost, I want to stop this. have to die almost, I want to stop this. have to die almost, I want to stop this. >> Something like that was going on. >> Something like that was going on. >> Something like that was going on. >> But then yeah, I got on it and I felt it >> But then yeah, I got on it and I felt it >> But then yeah, I got on it and I felt it directly. directly. directly. >> This was the story that Whim and his >> This was the story that Whim and his >> This was the story that Whim and his cohort never wanted to see the light of cohort never wanted to see the light of cohort never wanted to see the light of day. To be clear, I've been telling this day. To be clear, I've been telling this day. To be clear, I've been telling this on my YouTube channel and online on
18:00on my YouTube channel and online on on my YouTube channel and online on Reddit as far back as 2017, but I regret Reddit as far back as 2017, but I regret Reddit as far back as 2017, but I regret to caving to the pressure from his to caving to the pressure from his to caving to the pressure from his organization and not including in the organization and not including in the organization and not including in the book itself. At the time, I rationalized book itself. At the time, I rationalized book itself. At the time, I rationalized it that I was writing about techniques it that I was writing about techniques it that I was writing about techniques that had changed my life for the better that had changed my life for the better that had changed my life for the better and getting mired in the sorted personal and getting mired in the sorted personal and getting mired in the sorted personal details would just turn people off to details would just turn people off to details would just turn people off to the possibility of benefiting from the the possibility of benefiting from the the possibility of benefiting from the practices that he was teaching. What I practices that he was teaching. What I practices that he was teaching. What I didn't dwell on enough at the time was didn't dwell on enough at the time was didn't dwell on enough at the time was that some people would take Whim's that some people would take Whim's that some people would take Whim's teachings as gospel and follow his teachings as gospel and follow his teachings as gospel and follow his instructions without thinking. And that instructions without thinking. And that instructions without thinking. And that perhaps knowing how irresponsible he is perhaps knowing how irresponsible he is perhaps knowing how irresponsible he is personally with his own body might make personally with his own body might make personally with his own body might make them think twice about trusting them think twice about trusting them think twice about trusting everything he says, especially when some everything he says, especially when some everything he says, especially when some things he teaches can be deadly. things he teaches can be deadly. things he teaches can be deadly. This is particularly the case when This is particularly the case when This is particularly the case when people follow his instructions to do his people follow his instructions to do his people follow his instructions to do his breath work in the water. And I've done breath work in the water. And I've done breath work in the water. And I've done a lot of videos about exactly how this a lot of videos about exactly how this a lot of videos about exactly how this happens on my channel over the last two happens on my channel over the last two happens on my channel over the last two years as I catalog the deaths of 33 years as I catalog the deaths of 33 years as I catalog the deaths of 33 people. And you can go check out those people. And you can go check out those people. And you can go check out those videos at your leisure. But to summarize
19:00videos at your leisure. But to summarize videos at your leisure. But to summarize very quickly, while the Wimhof method very quickly, while the Wimhof method very quickly, while the Wimhof method includes two basic practices, cold water includes two basic practices, cold water includes two basic practices, cold water exposure and hyperventilation breath exposure and hyperventilation breath exposure and hyperventilation breath work, it is critical to understand that work, it is critical to understand that work, it is critical to understand that you should never practice those two you should never practice those two you should never practice those two together. Wimhof breathing allows you to together. Wimhof breathing allows you to together. Wimhof breathing allows you to hold your breath for long periods of hold your breath for long periods of hold your breath for long periods of time because when you hyperventilate, time because when you hyperventilate, time because when you hyperventilate, you blow off your CO2 and the body, it you blow off your CO2 and the body, it you blow off your CO2 and the body, it detects CO2 as the trigger for the gasp detects CO2 as the trigger for the gasp detects CO2 as the trigger for the gasp reflex. And because you're reflex. And because you're reflex. And because you're hyperventilate, Wimhof breathing hyperventilate, Wimhof breathing hyperventilate, Wimhof breathing artificially lowers that indicator and artificially lowers that indicator and artificially lowers that indicator and you're able to actually hold your breath you're able to actually hold your breath you're able to actually hold your breath for longer than you might expect. for longer than you might expect. for longer than you might expect. However, and this caveat is so However, and this caveat is so However, and this caveat is so important, when you hyperventilate, it important, when you hyperventilate, it important, when you hyperventilate, it can lower that set point to a place can lower that set point to a place can lower that set point to a place where you can run out of oxygen before where you can run out of oxygen before where you can run out of oxygen before you know there is a problem, leading you you know there is a problem, leading you you know there is a problem, leading you to pass out unexpectedly. And on land, to pass out unexpectedly. And on land, to pass out unexpectedly. And on land, it's not really much of a problem. You it's not really much of a problem. You it's not really much of a problem. You just wake up. But in water, it just just wake up. But in water, it just just wake up. But in water, it just means you drown and very quickly. means you drown and very quickly. means you drown and very quickly. >> I mean, I know anybody taking whims work >> I mean, I know anybody taking whims work >> I mean, I know anybody taking whims work and going into a pool and and going into a pool and and going into a pool and hyperventilating, you're just playing hyperventilating, you're just playing hyperventilating, you're just playing roulette. You're almost guaranteed at roulette. You're almost guaranteed at roulette. You're almost guaranteed at some point to go out when you do that.
20:00some point to go out when you do that. some point to go out when you do that. This well understood phenomena is called This well understood phenomena is called This well understood phenomena is called shallow water blackout and occasionally shallow water blackout and occasionally shallow water blackout and occasionally also underwater hypoxic blackout. And also underwater hypoxic blackout. And also underwater hypoxic blackout. And while Inner Fire now posts a warning on while Inner Fire now posts a warning on while Inner Fire now posts a warning on all of their YouTube videos and online all of their YouTube videos and online all of their YouTube videos and online courses about the dangers of using courses about the dangers of using courses about the dangers of using Whim's breath work and waterwork Whim's breath work and waterwork Whim's breath work and waterwork together, Wimhof himself still together, Wimhof himself still together, Wimhof himself still frequently performs this very dangerous frequently performs this very dangerous frequently performs this very dangerous technique in his videos and his public technique in his videos and his public technique in his videos and his public lectures. Here's Paul Bowman again. lectures. Here's Paul Bowman again. lectures. Here's Paul Bowman again. Wimhof pushes customers uh and and Wimhof pushes customers uh and and Wimhof pushes customers uh and and clients into doing the the intensive clients into doing the the intensive clients into doing the the intensive breathing exercises in dangerous breathing exercises in dangerous breathing exercises in dangerous conditions. But the paradox is that that conditions. But the paradox is that that conditions. But the paradox is that that that's central to to Wimhof's product. that's central to to Wimhof's product. that's central to to Wimhof's product. Like he pushed himself into dangerous Like he pushed himself into dangerous Like he pushed himself into dangerous situations. He's break he's broken situations. He's break he's broken situations. He's break he's broken records swimming under under ice. You records swimming under under ice. You records swimming under under ice. You like it's in an inherently dangerous like it's in an inherently dangerous like it's in an inherently dangerous product or or his brand is inherently product or or his brand is inherently product or or his brand is inherently dangerous. But to sell that exposes dangerous. But to sell that exposes dangerous. But to sell that exposes yourself to all sorts of legal risk. So yourself to all sorts of legal risk. So yourself to all sorts of legal risk. So they backpedal and they try and step
21:00they backpedal and they try and step they backpedal and they try and step away from that even to the extent where away from that even to the extent where away from that even to the extent where you get really contorted you get really contorted you get really contorted um situations where in one of the on the um situations where in one of the on the um situations where in one of the on the courses that you can buy the online courses that you can buy the online courses that you can buy the online courses you see Wimhof in some in a cold courses you see Wimhof in some in a cold courses you see Wimhof in some in a cold water lake um with um some of his water lake um with um some of his water lake um with um some of his students there and he's saying to the students there and he's saying to the students there and he's saying to the guy they're in the water keep doing the guy they're in the water keep doing the guy they're in the water keep doing the breathing. And then there's a little breathing. And then there's a little breathing. And then there's a little note that flashes up saying, "No, this note that flashes up saying, "No, this note that flashes up saying, "No, this is a cold water challenge. This is not a is a cold water challenge. This is not a is a cold water challenge. This is not a breathing challenge." Wimhof is is is breathing challenge." Wimhof is is is breathing challenge." Wimhof is is is just helping him to focus. He's not just helping him to focus. He's not just helping him to focus. He's not saying keep It's almost like he's not saying keep It's almost like he's not saying keep It's almost like he's not saying keep doing the breathing, even as saying keep doing the breathing, even as saying keep doing the breathing, even as he's saying, "Keep doing the breathing." he's saying, "Keep doing the breathing." he's saying, "Keep doing the breathing." >> Indeed, here is the very first video >> Indeed, here is the very first video >> Indeed, here is the very first video that Wimhof ever posted online. [Music] And here he is before one of his many, And here he is before one of his many, many ice diving challenges
22:00[Music] and once again explaining how he's done and once again explaining how he's done and once again explaining how he's done the same thing, the same the same thing, the same the same thing, the same hyperventilation and submersion for 44 hyperventilation and submersion for 44 hyperventilation and submersion for 44 years. years. years. >> So B4 was hyperventilating like what I >> So B4 was hyperventilating like what I did now. I have done dozens of did now. I have done dozens of did now. I have done dozens of interviews with survivors and family interviews with survivors and family interviews with survivors and family members of the deceased and I'm not members of the deceased and I'm not members of the deceased and I'm not going to subject you to all of their going to subject you to all of their going to subject you to all of their interviews except from this one from a interviews except from this one from a interviews except from this one from a mother whose 21-year-old son died in her mother whose 21-year-old son died in her mother whose 21-year-old son died in her arms last year. arms last year. arms last year. >> We had a whole life. It's a whole life >> We had a whole life. It's a whole life >> We had a whole life. It's a whole life interrupted, interrupted, interrupted, you know, and it's just so effing you know, and it's just so effing you know, and it's just so effing tragic. tragic. tragic. >> It is so effing tragic. None of this >> It is so effing tragic. None of this >> It is so effing tragic. None of this needed to happen. As a stuntman, Whim needed to happen. As a stuntman, Whim needed to happen. As a stuntman, Whim was used to taking risks with his life. was used to taking risks with his life. was used to taking risks with his life. But when he became a teacher, he But when he became a teacher, he But when he became a teacher, he continued to teach dangerous techniques continued to teach dangerous techniques continued to teach dangerous techniques solely for the purpose of gaining solely for the purpose of gaining solely for the purpose of gaining attention. And so many people died attention. And so many people died attention. And so many people died needlessly because of it. Which brings
23:00needlessly because of it. Which brings needlessly because of it. Which brings me back to Whim's personality. I saw it me back to Whim's personality. I saw it me back to Whim's personality. I saw it get worse over the years as he got more get worse over the years as he got more get worse over the years as he got more successful, but many people who have successful, but many people who have successful, but many people who have known Whim longer than me have said that known Whim longer than me have said that known Whim longer than me have said that the darkness, it was always there. In the darkness, it was always there. In the darkness, it was always there. In the last year, an independent reporting the last year, an independent reporting the last year, an independent reporting team at the Dutch newspaper Devulkrg team at the Dutch newspaper Devulkrg team at the Dutch newspaper Devulkrg interviewed his ex-wife Karolina, who interviewed his ex-wife Karolina, who interviewed his ex-wife Karolina, who alleged that Whim used to beat her and alleged that Whim used to beat her and alleged that Whim used to beat her and even kicked her while she was pregnant even kicked her while she was pregnant even kicked her while she was pregnant with her son. To quote the piece, "He with her son. To quote the piece, "He with her son. To quote the piece, "He slapped my face and then he dragged me slapped my face and then he dragged me slapped my face and then he dragged me through the room by my hair and tried to through the room by my hair and tried to through the room by my hair and tried to kick me in the belly. I was just about kick me in the belly. I was just about kick me in the belly. I was just about able to hide behind the couch so his able to hide behind the couch so his able to hide behind the couch so his kick only grazed me." Her story was kick only grazed me." Her story was kick only grazed me." Her story was corroborated by court records and emails corroborated by court records and emails corroborated by court records and emails at the time. Meanwhile, the Department at the time. Meanwhile, the Department at the time. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice in the Netherlands said that of Justice in the Netherlands said that of Justice in the Netherlands said that they regret not following up on the case they regret not following up on the case they regret not following up on the case in more detail at the time that it in more detail at the time that it in more detail at the time that it happened. Whim was only sentenced to happened. Whim was only sentenced to happened. Whim was only sentenced to community service for abusing his son, community service for abusing his son, community service for abusing his son, Noah. But that was hardly the first time Noah. But that was hardly the first time Noah. But that was hardly the first time that Whim was violent. Whim's own that Whim was violent. Whim's own that Whim was violent. Whim's own brother, Robert, has alleged that he saw
24:00brother, Robert, has alleged that he saw brother, Robert, has alleged that he saw Wimhof beat his first wife, Olia, and Wimhof beat his first wife, Olia, and Wimhof beat his first wife, Olia, and locked her in a closet when she locked her in a closet when she locked her in a closet when she misbehaved. Then we found Zola at the misbehaved. Then we found Zola at the misbehaved. Then we found Zola at the home uh crying and she was in Holland home uh crying and she was in Holland home uh crying and she was in Holland not speaking the language and left alone not speaking the language and left alone not speaking the language and left alone with the children. Whim was outside with the children. Whim was outside with the children. Whim was outside didn't leave any money. When he came didn't leave any money. When he came didn't leave any money. When he came back uh back uh back uh uh he treated her very badly. Uh my uh he treated her very badly. Uh my uh he treated her very badly. Uh my former girlfriend was a psychologist and former girlfriend was a psychologist and former girlfriend was a psychologist and saw everything. Uh he beat us. He beat saw everything. Uh he beat us. He beat saw everything. Uh he beat us. He beat her and when she cried, she lock he her and when she cried, she lock he her and when she cried, she lock he locked her up in the wardrobe. locked her up in the wardrobe. locked her up in the wardrobe. >> For those who are aware of his origin >> For those who are aware of his origin >> For those who are aware of his origin story, Wimhof often cites Elias suicide story, Wimhof often cites Elias suicide story, Wimhof often cites Elias suicide in 1995 as the basis for him becoming so in 1995 as the basis for him becoming so in 1995 as the basis for him becoming so focused on the cold to improve his focused on the cold to improve his focused on the cold to improve his mental health. He says that he was mental health. He says that he was mental health. He says that he was devastated by her death and the cold
25:00devastated by her death and the cold devastated by her death and the cold brought him into a sense of normaly and brought him into a sense of normaly and brought him into a sense of normaly and control. But Whim's own brother control. But Whim's own brother control. But Whim's own brother remembers the events differently. remembers the events differently. remembers the events differently. >> She was making his life very uh >> She was making his life very uh >> She was making his life very uh difficult uh because she was always difficult uh because she was always difficult uh because she was always shouting at him and blaming him. shouting at him and blaming him. shouting at him and blaming him. Uh so Uh so Uh so in a way I think he felt relieved when in a way I think he felt relieved when in a way I think he felt relieved when she died. she died. she died. uh uh uh if it is a suicide if it is a suicide if it is a suicide or not, I don't have any uh clue about or not, I don't have any uh clue about or not, I don't have any uh clue about this. But I know he was relieved. this. But I know he was relieved. this. But I know he was relieved. It was not something that he uh it was It was not something that he uh it was It was not something that he uh it was not an act that he said, "Oh, what a not an act that he said, "Oh, what a not an act that he said, "Oh, what a pity." No, he was relieved. Indeed, pity." No, he was relieved. Indeed, pity." No, he was relieved. Indeed, Robert's memories are corroborated by an Robert's memories are corroborated by an Robert's memories are corroborated by an interview that Wimhof gave to the Daily interview that Wimhof gave to the Daily interview that Wimhof gave to the Daily Mail just a few years ago titled, "My Mail just a few years ago titled, "My Mail just a few years ago titled, "My wife's suicide broke my heart. Only the wife's suicide broke my heart. Only the wife's suicide broke my heart. Only the ice gives me peace." Where he was quoted
26:00ice gives me peace." Where he was quoted ice gives me peace." Where he was quoted saying that she had recently asked him saying that she had recently asked him saying that she had recently asked him for a divorce and that there was for a divorce and that there was for a divorce and that there was violence in their relationship. After violence in their relationship. After violence in their relationship. After Olia's suicide, Hoff moved back to the Olia's suicide, Hoff moved back to the Olia's suicide, Hoff moved back to the Netherlands. And as I alluded to with Netherlands. And as I alluded to with Netherlands. And as I alluded to with his reunion with Michael, Hoff left his his reunion with Michael, Hoff left his his reunion with Michael, Hoff left his children to raise themselves alone in a children to raise themselves alone in a children to raise themselves alone in a squat house. squat house. squat house. >> No. when the the children were grieving >> No. when the the children were grieving >> No. when the the children were grieving and what I said since 95 until 2003 they and what I said since 95 until 2003 they and what I said since 95 until 2003 they were abandoned and in 2003 it was really were abandoned and in 2003 it was really were abandoned and in 2003 it was really alarming in Amsterdam that we found them alarming in Amsterdam that we found them alarming in Amsterdam that we found them uh like in a refugee camp. uh like in a refugee camp. uh like in a refugee camp. >> He moved in with Caroline who later said >> He moved in with Caroline who later said >> He moved in with Caroline who later said that he abused her. And I know that that he abused her. And I know that that he abused her. And I know that Wimhof often says that he loves the Wimhof often says that he loves the Wimhof often says that he loves the people who do his method. He loves the people who do his method. He loves the people who do his method. He loves the people around him and love leads the people around him and love leads the people around him and love leads the way. But what does Whim know about love way. But what does Whim know about love way. But what does Whim know about love with this in his background? Love is not with this in his background? Love is not with this in his background? Love is not a vibe. Love is taking responsibility a vibe. Love is taking responsibility a vibe. Love is taking responsibility for the people around you and the people for the people around you and the people for the people around you and the people you influence. The way Wimhof uses love you influence. The way Wimhof uses love you influence. The way Wimhof uses love is just marketing for his courses. A lot
27:00is just marketing for his courses. A lot is just marketing for his courses. A lot of the details of those years are of the details of those years are of the details of those years are missing. And his inconsistent stories missing. And his inconsistent stories missing. And his inconsistent stories about his own birth and discovery of the about his own birth and discovery of the about his own birth and discovery of the method, they're all difficult to nail method, they're all difficult to nail method, they're all difficult to nail down. I only personally knew Whim after down. I only personally knew Whim after down. I only personally knew Whim after 2013 when I began interviewing him 2013 when I began interviewing him 2013 when I began interviewing him extensively and traveling with him and extensively and traveling with him and extensively and traveling with him and examining the science of his method. examining the science of his method. examining the science of his method. Wimhof and Innerfire say that the people Wimhof and Innerfire say that the people Wimhof and Innerfire say that the people who allege that Whim is violent against who allege that Whim is violent against who allege that Whim is violent against them are just in it for the money. them are just in it for the money. them are just in it for the money. >> Anakah Vantolin, she is a hateful person >> Anakah Vantolin, she is a hateful person >> Anakah Vantolin, she is a hateful person and she most likely has a screw loose in and she most likely has a screw loose in and she most likely has a screw loose in her mind. They have hate. This is hate her mind. They have hate. This is hate her mind. They have hate. This is hate and frustration. They say that I turned and frustration. They say that I turned and frustration. They say that I turned on him two years ago in order to make on him two years ago in order to make on him two years ago in order to make myself more popular at his expense. myself more popular at his expense. myself more popular at his expense. >> He made a whole series of videos about >> He made a whole series of videos about >> He made a whole series of videos about me on YouTube, the internet. He's just a me on YouTube, the internet. He's just a me on YouTube, the internet. He's just a YouTuber with a lot of stories YouTuber with a lot of stories YouTuber with a lot of stories fabricated and all. fabricated and all. fabricated and all. >> He has said similar things about other >> He has said similar things about other >> He has said similar things about other independent journalists too in the independent journalists too in the independent journalists too in the Netherlands, in the United Kingdom, and Netherlands, in the United Kingdom, and Netherlands, in the United Kingdom, and in France who have called his in France who have called his in France who have called his authenticity into question or written authenticity into question or written authenticity into question or written their own exposees. It's always the their own exposees. It's always the their own exposees. It's always the world against whim. And there's been a
28:00world against whim. And there's been a world against whim. And there's been a little bit of an update to this. It's little bit of an update to this. It's little bit of an update to this. It's breaking right now as I put out this breaking right now as I put out this breaking right now as I put out this video because one of Whim's strategies video because one of Whim's strategies video because one of Whim's strategies has always been to threaten the media has always been to threaten the media has always been to threaten the media with lawsuits. And he filed a lawsuit with lawsuits. And he filed a lawsuit with lawsuits. And he filed a lawsuit against Anukica Van Stolen at Devulkrant against Anukica Van Stolen at Devulkrant against Anukica Van Stolen at Devulkrant alleging defamation for using Robert alleging defamation for using Robert alleging defamation for using Robert Hoff's quotes saying that he had abused Hoff's quotes saying that he had abused Hoff's quotes saying that he had abused his first wife his first wife his first wife and of course Carolyn Hack. Well, the and of course Carolyn Hack. Well, the and of course Carolyn Hack. Well, the thing is just a week before this video thing is just a week before this video thing is just a week before this video came out, uh, the court in the came out, uh, the court in the came out, uh, the court in the Netherlands ruled against Wimhof, saying Netherlands ruled against Wimhof, saying Netherlands ruled against Wimhof, saying that Devulkrant had done actually a that Devulkrant had done actually a that Devulkrant had done actually a great reporting job and that Whim has to great reporting job and that Whim has to great reporting job and that Whim has to drop his claims and actually pay drop his claims and actually pay drop his claims and actually pay Devulkran's legal fees. So, at least the Devulkran's legal fees. So, at least the Devulkran's legal fees. So, at least the courts are eventually getting it right courts are eventually getting it right courts are eventually getting it right and standing up to Whim's bullying and standing up to Whim's bullying and standing up to Whim's bullying against the truth. And there's one more against the truth. And there's one more against the truth. And there's one more thing. There's something here that Whim thing. There's something here that Whim thing. There's something here that Whim is missing is that until my reporting is missing is that until my reporting is missing is that until my reporting came out, 33 people had died by doing came out, 33 people had died by doing came out, 33 people had died by doing his method in water. And after I made a his method in water. And after I made a his method in water. And after I made a little bit of a splash with a video that
29:00little bit of a splash with a video that little bit of a splash with a video that went sort of viral, well, no more people went sort of viral, well, no more people went sort of viral, well, no more people have died, which is a testament to the have died, which is a testament to the have died, which is a testament to the power of reporting truth over someone's power of reporting truth over someone's power of reporting truth over someone's self delusion. What I can tell you for self delusion. What I can tell you for self delusion. What I can tell you for sure is that I sincerely hope that this sure is that I sincerely hope that this sure is that I sincerely hope that this is the last YouTube video that I ever do is the last YouTube video that I ever do is the last YouTube video that I ever do on Wimhof. Since putting out my first on Wimhof. Since putting out my first on Wimhof. Since putting out my first criticisms of Hoff two years ago, I have criticisms of Hoff two years ago, I have criticisms of Hoff two years ago, I have endured a near constant stream of abuse endured a near constant stream of abuse endured a near constant stream of abuse from his followers and my book sales from his followers and my book sales from his followers and my book sales have plummeted almost 80%. I could have have plummeted almost 80%. I could have have plummeted almost 80%. I could have reversed course years ago and wooed back reversed course years ago and wooed back reversed course years ago and wooed back my audience and brought those book sales my audience and brought those book sales my audience and brought those book sales up and sold courses, but for me, the up and sold courses, but for me, the up and sold courses, but for me, the truth is more important than profit. I'm truth is more important than profit. I'm truth is more important than profit. I'm here to set the record straight and to here to set the record straight and to here to set the record straight and to let you know that I've done it in print let you know that I've done it in print let you know that I've done it in print as well. Finally, this month, what as well. Finally, this month, what as well. Finally, this month, what doesn't kill us has been completely doesn't kill us has been completely doesn't kill us has been completely revised to include the omitted material revised to include the omitted material revised to include the omitted material and bring the story of Hoff up to date. and bring the story of Hoff up to date. and bring the story of Hoff up to date. I spent a decade of my life devoted to I spent a decade of my life devoted to I spent a decade of my life devoted to him before finally realizing that the
30:00him before finally realizing that the him before finally realizing that the reality is different from the branding. reality is different from the branding. reality is different from the branding. And to some extent, I regret my role in And to some extent, I regret my role in And to some extent, I regret my role in helping make him more famous. At the helping make him more famous. At the helping make him more famous. At the same time, I also have to admit that I same time, I also have to admit that I same time, I also have to admit that I have benefited from the method, the have benefited from the method, the have benefited from the method, the things that I learned from him greatly. things that I learned from him greatly. things that I learned from him greatly. I am still enraptured by the power of I am still enraptured by the power of I am still enraptured by the power of breath work and cold, and I have seen breath work and cold, and I have seen breath work and cold, and I have seen many people recover from difficult many people recover from difficult many people recover from difficult physical ailments by challenging physical ailments by challenging physical ailments by challenging themselves in different environments. themselves in different environments. themselves in different environments. I would still call myself an evangelist I would still call myself an evangelist I would still call myself an evangelist for breath work and cold exposure. But, for breath work and cold exposure. But, for breath work and cold exposure. But, and this is so important, we don't need and this is so important, we don't need and this is so important, we don't need a charismatic madman to lead the a charismatic madman to lead the a charismatic madman to lead the movement anymore. We don't need to put movement anymore. We don't need to put movement anymore. We don't need to put Wimhof on a platform of perfection. And Wimhof on a platform of perfection. And Wimhof on a platform of perfection. And so, when I was revising the book, I had so, when I was revising the book, I had so, when I was revising the book, I had to straddle a careful line. On one hand, to straddle a careful line. On one hand, to straddle a careful line. On one hand, I preserved a lot of my experiences and I preserved a lot of my experiences and I preserved a lot of my experiences and enthusiasm with whim in amber, still enthusiasm with whim in amber, still enthusiasm with whim in amber, still marveling at the wonder of those marveling at the wonder of those marveling at the wonder of those innocent days. But I've also grounded innocent days. But I've also grounded innocent days. But I've also grounded all of it in the gritty reality of what all of it in the gritty reality of what all of it in the gritty reality of what has happened before and since
31:00has happened before and since has happened before and since publication. I've set the record publication. I've set the record publication. I've set the record straight and I'd love you to give it a straight and I'd love you to give it a straight and I'd love you to give it a read or a listen on the new audio book. read or a listen on the new audio book. read or a listen on the new audio book. I'm curious to know if audiences today I'm curious to know if audiences today I'm curious to know if audiences today in 2025 and beyond are as enthusiastic in 2025 and beyond are as enthusiastic in 2025 and beyond are as enthusiastic about the complex and problematic truth about the complex and problematic truth about the complex and problematic truth of Wimhof as they were with the of Wimhof as they were with the of Wimhof as they were with the incomplete but certainly inspiring incomplete but certainly inspiring incomplete but certainly inspiring version from 2017. I'd love to know what version from 2017. I'd love to know what version from 2017. I'd love to know what you think because we live in a reality you think because we live in a reality you think because we live in a reality now where grifters have literally taken now where grifters have literally taken now where grifters have literally taken over the government. We have narcissists over the government. We have narcissists over the government. We have narcissists and anti-science demagogues setting and anti-science demagogues setting and anti-science demagogues setting health policy with hot takes that more health policy with hot takes that more health policy with hot takes that more often than not personally benefit their often than not personally benefit their often than not personally benefit their own pockets. While I was originally own pockets. While I was originally own pockets. While I was originally writing about health and wellness, I saw writing about health and wellness, I saw writing about health and wellness, I saw a space where it was possible to talk a space where it was possible to talk a space where it was possible to talk about unconventional approaches to human about unconventional approaches to human about unconventional approaches to human health. And that's why I promoted cold health. And that's why I promoted cold health. And that's why I promoted cold exposure and breath work and so many exposure and breath work and so many exposure and breath work and so many other things. But the way I saw it is other things. But the way I saw it is other things. But the way I saw it is that these are complements to the that these are complements to the that these are complements to the advances of modern medicine, not
32:00advances of modern medicine, not advances of modern medicine, not replacements for it. But the bizarre replacements for it. But the bizarre replacements for it. But the bizarre thing about the last few years is that thing about the last few years is that thing about the last few years is that instead of parallel approaches to instead of parallel approaches to instead of parallel approaches to health, the griftiest versions of the health, the griftiest versions of the health, the griftiest versions of the for-profit wellness world have taken for-profit wellness world have taken for-profit wellness world have taken over. The nuance conversation that I over. The nuance conversation that I over. The nuance conversation that I wanted the world to have when I found wanted the world to have when I found wanted the world to have when I found whim has been completely overshadowed by whim has been completely overshadowed by whim has been completely overshadowed by the madness of dissent and the madness of dissent and the madness of dissent and conspiratorial thinking. The world conspiratorial thinking. The world conspiratorial thinking. The world turned against evidence-based medicine turned against evidence-based medicine turned against evidence-based medicine for the uncertainties of charisma. And for the uncertainties of charisma. And for the uncertainties of charisma. And this is the real tragedy of the current this is the real tragedy of the current this is the real tragedy of the current moment. I'm still trying to chart a moment. I'm still trying to chart a moment. I'm still trying to chart a course through it all where we can be course through it all where we can be course through it all where we can be open to new ideas without demonizing old open to new ideas without demonizing old open to new ideas without demonizing old ones. But the search for truth is hard. ones. But the search for truth is hard. ones. But the search for truth is hard. and I appreciate you for being on it and I appreciate you for being on it and I appreciate you for being on it with me. All right, so thanks for with me. All right, so thanks for with me. All right, so thanks for watching this video and thank you to the watching this video and thank you to the watching this video and thank you to the people who directly support my people who directly support my people who directly support my journalism on Substack and Patreon. You journalism on Substack and Patreon. You journalism on Substack and Patreon. You brave souls are the ones who keep brave souls are the ones who keep brave souls are the ones who keep fiercely independent reporting alive on fiercely independent reporting alive on fiercely independent reporting alive on the internet. And if you aren't a the internet. And if you aren't a the internet. And if you aren't a subscriber, well, you can get my free subscriber, well, you can get my free subscriber, well, you can get my free newsletter where you get updates that
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