The Outside Interview: David Epstein on Why the Best Athletes Like to Dabble and Frequently Quit

Outside Podcast

Sports, Wilderness

4.4 • 2.1K Ratings

🗓️ 10 September 2019

⏱️ 41 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In the world of athletics, the idea is that if you want to be the best, you have to specialize young and maintain near laserlike focus. The archetypal example is Tiger Woods, who, as the legend goes, started swinging a golf club before he could walk. More recently the focus has shifted to grit. The secret to success, we’re told, isn’t skill or raw talent but the ability to persevere. But that may not be the whole story. In his new book Range, author David Epstein challenges the arguments for specialization and grit, arguing that a more generalized approach is the surest route to excellence. Outside editor Christopher Keyes spoke with Epstein to about the advantages of doing a bit of everything.

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode of the Outside Podcast is brought to you by Bob's Red Mill, making whole grain
0:05.5	oats, flowers, and other natural ingredients that you should cook with if you're serious
0:10.3	about proper nutrition. Today we're looking at Millet, the most ancient of grains.
0:16.0	It was first farmed only 10,000 years ago,
0:19.0	which is just about the same time that humans invented farming,
0:22.0	and we've been eating it ever since.
0:25.0	Millet contains B complex vitamins, essential amino acids, and it's a good source of
0:29.8	magnesium. But it's not just good for you, it's also good for the planet in a lot of ways.
0:35.2	It is a short growing season, so it doesn't need much water, and it's resistant to pests and really good at
0:40.5	tolerating drought. The millet seed is tiny and cooks up with a subtle and
0:45.1	slightly nutty flavor. Once you've eaten it, millet can help with all sorts of health issues,
0:49.8	lowering the risk of gallstones, diabetes, and lowering blood pressure by adding potassium to your diet.
0:56.0	It's also gluten-free and easier to digest than a lot of other flowers.
1:00.0	And it's a common ingredient in beer.
1:02.6	All those health benefits and you're going to remember to think about the beer,
1:05.3	aren't you?
1:06.3	Find out more at Bob's Red Mill.com slash outside.
1:10.0	And enter for a chance to win some Bob's Red Mill prizes, a
1:14.0	a brand new backpack.
1:18.0	One winner will be selected at random each month.
1:20.0	That's Bob's Red Mill.com slash Outside.
1:24.0	From Outside magazine and PRX, this is the outside interview.
	...

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