Podcast Summary: "Arnold Schwarzenegger PUMPS UP The Bears | 2 Bears, 1 Cave"

Introduction

In the December 23, 2024 episode of 2 Bears, 1 Cave hosted by comedian best friends Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer, special guest Arnold Schwarzenegger joins the duo in the iconic bear cave at YMH Studios. The episode delves deep into Arnold's illustrious career, his insights on weightlifting and mental preparation, personal anecdotes, business ventures, and his enduring philosophy on life and success. Through engaging conversations and humorous exchanges, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Arnold's journey from bodybuilding champion to Hollywood icon and philanthropist.

1. Mental Preparation and Overcoming Fear in Weightlifting

The episode opens with a discussion between Arnold (B) and Tom (A) about the dual aspects of moving weights—physical and mental. Arnold emphasizes the importance of mental readiness to conquer heavy lifts.

• Arnold on Mental Training:
  "One of them is physically, and the other one is mentally. So in order to really get mentally ready for it, you have to do just many reps with 300." ([00:05])

• Arnold on Facing Fear:
  "The mind just says, nah, maybe not. And I said, what the hell is that? So, okay, how do I now get the mind ready for that?" ([01:04])

Arnold shares his personal strategy of repeatedly lifting near-maximum weights to condition his mind, thereby reducing fear and enhancing performance during competitions.

2. Competition Psychology and Muhammad Ali’s Influence

Bert (C) inquires about Arnold's approach to competition, highlighting his psychological tactics reminiscent of Muhammad Ali's boxing strategies.

• Arnold on Psychological Warfare:
  "When you compete, there is a competition, a psychological kind of a little warfare going on. Sure." ([05:19])

Arnold draws parallels between Ali's ability to engage in psychological tactics to promote the sport and his own methods in bodybuilding. He discusses how creating a compelling personality and understanding competitors' vulnerabilities gave him an edge in competitions.

3. Friendship with Lou Ferrigno and Construction Business Ventures

The conversation shifts to Arnold's friendship with fellow bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno and their joint ventures outside the gym.

• Arnold on Lou Ferrigno’s Work Ethic:
  "Frank, I said, 'You lazy bastards, get out of here.' We always did the work." ([11:07])

Arnold fondly recounts building a construction business with Lou, highlighting their dedication and contrasting it with others who were less committed. Their construction work not only strengthened their bond but also laid the foundation for future business successes, including real estate investments.

4. Real Estate Success and Business Acumen

Arnold elaborates on his transition from bodybuilding and construction to real estate, showcasing his keen business sense.

• Arnold on Real Estate Investment:
  "In 1974, I had enough money to put down $27,000 for an apartment building in Santa Monica." ([22:11])

He details his first investment, the challenges faced, and the strategies employed to scale his real estate portfolio. Arnold emphasizes the importance of hard work, smart investments, and leveraging opportunities, such as leveraging a real estate agent’s expertise and capitalizing on events like the Los Angeles earthquake to boost his business.

5. Rivalry with Sylvester Stallone and Career Growth

Tom (A) brings up Arnold's well-known rivalry with Sylvester Stallone, seeking insights into its origins and impact on their careers.

• Arnold on the Rivalry's Origin:
  "I went and was really stupid and a journalist asked me some questions about Sly off the record. And I did not know that she had the tape recorder on the side of her purse running and then printed the whole thing." ([25:49])

Arnold explains that a misunderstanding with a journalist led to a strained relationship with Stallone, fueling a competitive spirit that pushed both actors to excel in their respective film careers. This rivalry, while intense, was mutually beneficial, driving both to achieve greater heights and redefine their personas in Hollywood.

6. Importance of Basic Weightlifting Techniques

Exploring his training philosophy, Arnold underscores the significance of mastering fundamental weightlifting exercises.

• Arnold on Basic Exercises:
  "The basic exercises are extremely important. You know, like deadlift, the Curl, the barbell curl, bench press, incline press, dumbbell press." ([47:35])

He advocates for a solid foundation in basic lifts, arguing that they are essential for building a strong and balanced physique. Arnold also shares innovative techniques, such as adjusting dumbbell weights to enhance muscle definition, demonstrating his continual pursuit of optimization in training.

7. Mentorship from Milton Berle and Comedy Integration

Arnold shares a humorous yet insightful story about his mentorship under Milton Berle, blending bodybuilding with comedy.

• Arnold on Learning Comedy:
  "He says, 'Watch what Arnold does.' How to do comedy and how important it is to do the timing and all of that stuff." ([70:05])

Milton Berle taught Arnold the art of timing and humor, which Arnold integrated into his public persona. This mentorship not only enriched Arnold’s performances but also provided him with tools to engage and entertain audiences effectively, bridging the gap between bodybuilding and acting.

8. Personal Reflections and Philosophies on Life and Success

Throughout the episode, Arnold reflects on his personal philosophies, emphasizing resilience, positivity, and the importance of giving back.

• Arnold on Resilience and Growth:
  "The more you struggle, the more weights you use...it makes your mind grow and the psychologically becomes stronger." ([43:29])

He draws parallels between physical training and personal development, advocating for embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Arnold credits his positive mindset and relentless work ethic as key factors in his multifaceted success across bodybuilding, acting, business, and philanthropy.

• Arnold on Inheritance of Values:
  "I'm not a self-made man, I am a creation by all of those people I just mentioned and so many others." ([56:01])

Acknowledging his mentors and heroes, Arnold emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship in shaping one's path to success.

Notable Quotes

1. Mental Preparation:
   "The mind just says, nah, maybe not. And I said, what the hell is that?" ([01:04]) – Arnold Schwarzenegger

2. Competition Psychology:
   "There's another dimension to that, which was the psychological warfare that goes on." ([05:19]) – Arnold Schwarzenegger

3. Friendship and Work Ethic:
   "We always did the work...they were just there to get a tan. Lazy bastards, right?" ([11:07]) – Arnold Schwarzenegger

4. Real Estate Success:
   "I went from $240K to $400K profit in two years." ([22:11]) – Arnold Schwarzenegger

5. Rivalry with Stallone:
   "It's like two little children...they like who has a bigger knife in their movie." ([28:11]) – Arnold Schwarzenegger

6. Basic Training Principles:
   "If you build that and you really use that, then you can build the body from ground up." ([47:35]) – Arnold Schwarzenegger

7. Lesson from Milton Berle:
   "You have to be ready for a joke no matter what the occasion is." ([70:05]) – Arnold Schwarzenegger

8. Philosophy on Struggle:
   "What does not kill you will make you stronger." ([43:29]) – Arnold Schwarzenegger

Conclusion

This episode of 2 Bears, 1 Cave provides an in-depth look into Arnold Schwarzenegger's life, highlighting his multifaceted journey encompassing bodybuilding, acting, business, and philanthropy. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, Arnold imparts valuable lessons on mental resilience, the significance of foundational practices, the impact of mentorship, and the power of a positive mindset. His stories not only entertain but also inspire listeners to pursue their ambitions with determination and integrity. Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer adeptly complement Arnold's narratives with humor and camaraderie, making this episode a compelling blend of wisdom and laughter.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply a fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger, this episode offers rich insights and heartfelt stories that resonate beyond the gym and the silver screen. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of a man who continues to inspire generations with his relentless pursuit of excellence and his commitment to uplifting others.