Teddy Atlas: Mike Tyson, Cus D'Amato, Boxing, Loyalty, Fear & Greatness | Lex Fridman Podcast  

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. Transcript: lexfridman.com/teddy-atlas-transcript 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Notion: notion.com/lex - Babbel: babbel.com/lexpod and use code Lexpod to get 55% off - ExpressVPN: expressvpn.com/lexpod to get 3 months free - InsideTracker: insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off 3:25 - Lessons from father 13:31 - Scar story 34:09 - Cus D'Amato 44:21 - Mike Tyson 2:02:17 - Forgiveness

His father was a doctor in Staten Island and delivered both of my boys. Once his father came to the housing project to treat my son for a cold. He charged me eight dollars for the service, but never cashed the check. What a man. I will keep his memory forever. John Dalessio

people like this man are becoming fewer and fewer. i consider myself lucky just to have listened to a conversation with him. thanks lex

This is probably the greatest interview on a deep human level I think I have ever seen on RU-vid. Integrity, raw emotion and just being a human.Thank you.

Damn. This is probably one of your best guests. Best episodes. And you did everything you needed to in order to help that come out. He did too. But it’s the virtue of dialogue.

My God! What a deep introspective talk with a humble man. Lex you have interviewed a number of highly successful and highly educated people. But none as human and as wise as Teddy Atlas. What a remarkable man. Inspirational and willing to expose his own failings as he advances in the journey of life.

Teddy went from being the Young Master to the Grand Master. Love listening to his stories and wisdom

Teddy. People in our neighborhood appreciate what you do for our community. You and your foundation have bought special vans for disabled people so they can get their wheelchairs in and out. I know when you came into the gym when we were kids to encourage us, it gave everybody a boost to train harder and stay out of trouble and to try and make something productive of ourselves. We are lucky to have you !

This was good medicine for Teddy. Great job Lex. I know you must have left a few dozen questions unasked. Smart to let Teddy think deeply. Bring him back when the time is right.

This was a bombshell for every late 30's+ Boxing fan. I've followed these men through my youth, and I have infinitely more respect for Teddy than I'm capable of conveying. I feel like excrement, like a total A-hole for always viewing Teddy as this angry old man, that was nothing more than a hater, biter over loosing his prodigy. I despised him through his years of commentating, as did the majority of us boxing fans. None of us had any idea as to the truth of these circumstances, and I pray to God that this alters his legacy; as well as Tysons. This interview is absolutely huge, and will be spoken about for however long Tysons legacy exists. After this you should be incapable of referencing his legacy, without acknowledging the sacrifices made by this man. Tyson, though subjectively worthy of redemption, is a grotesque man, and we all gave him the benefit of the doubt via his ring greatness. Regardless of the allegations, or the scandals we just assumed it was embellished; though the truth was it wasn't. Teddy on the other hand is a sincerely great man, who did what the majority of us would like to pretend we'd do in his circumstances, but are far too weak to. His sacrifices, his willingness to stand for everything he believed in, to not sell his soul is something exceedingly rare to encounter, and I feel terrible that none of us truly knew the truth about his legacy. This man was seriously mocked his entire career, and it was absolutely undeserving. I highly doubt Teddy would see this, but man if you ever did I'm sorry. You're a better man than I, and none of us knew because he is the type of man that didn't feel the need to broadcast it to the world. I hope his contributions to the sport will be acknowledged before he's gone, and he's sincerely able to some day sit back and know that he cultivated an everlasting mark on the sport that he loved, and it was for something greater than for what Tysons mistakes nearly cost him. I'm just awe struck that after all of this he still produced 18 world champions.

This was a powerful interview. This guy is a stand up guy. A lesson in being humble.

Wow, Teddy’s words about forgiveness and betrayal are epic. That has a lot of meaning to me. I’m 70 years old now and he speaks the raw truth.

im 31yo and lost my father 3 months ago from a heart attack in my arms and even though he was a complicated man he changed his life for the better and was taken from me at 61yo he was and listening to Teddy Atlas explain his father it was rather emotional so thank you and merry Christmas.

In different circumstances Teddy could have been a poet or other artist. He seems to view the world impressionistically, with real insight.

Lex set the bar high at the beginning but this episode exceeded the bar he set. Teddy is a great orator, story teller and you can feel the raw emotion and sincerity in his voice. Great episode! 🔥🔥🔥

Wasn't until my 40's that I started realizing who my friends were. When the fun was over and I started actually needing people no one was ever there. I was always the guy helping everyone yet somehow always doing everything in my life myself.

I turned this on so I had something to listen to while washing some dishes. Two hours later, I am teary-eyed and captivated. I thought I knew this story. This conversation is humanity in its most pure form. Heartbreaking, inspiring, unbelievable, yet relatable. Usually, one should be modest when referring to something as "Shakespearian", but I think Lex was spot on. Lex/crew and Teddy, thank you.

More people should hear this interview, wisdom in spades. Loyalty is in short supply in this world

Teddy's got so many great life lessons, I feel wiser for listening to this podcast. Thank you Lex for having him on.

Could listen to these two men speak for hours... Thank You.

I know almost nothing about boxing or fighting and initially had no expectations going into this conversations… But holy god this was one of the most captivating episodes I’ve heard yet. Thank you for another banger, Lex. Absolutely fantastic!

Teddy is my favorite commentator of all time...Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Night Fights on ESPN. My wife and I watched every week for years and years. Teddy Knows boxing!!!

Teddy, at his best, is one of the most captivating people to listen to. Great interview by Lex. Happy Christmas.

"You dont give up on life"... what a beautiful saying. That was worth the interview

Ok. Yes. ITS THE BEST ONE !!! This interview epitomizes how and why Lex shines. Lex, your humility is undeniable. Thank you Lex.

got to appreciate how Teddy takes time to think through before speaking, and doesn't fill in the silence with uhs and ums

Holy shit I can’t believe I get to watch this for free. The man is a walking book of insight.

This interview is quite possibly the best gift that any of us could’ve received this year. Thank you, Lex. Thank you, Teddy. Merry Christmas to you all!

The sheer number of life lessons in this episode is quite impressive. Another great episode from my favorite podcast. I have a feeling this will soon hit the top 10 most viewed in this channel. Thanks Lex ❤

This is my favorite interview so far. Incredible story, tremendous insights, timeless wisdom, and a truly great - by his definition - man.

maybe the most powerful podcast i have ever listened to ... lex was just perfect in not getting in the way but slowly getting Teddy to reveal more and more

This was profound mannnnnn. What an interview. You should really really love someone from the bottom of your heart to get angry the way Teddy got angry talking a about being bribed. Absolute disappointment in someone you admire the most. Love this guy. Every sentence he said was a lesson you can think about for days and try to apply in your life. Loved it Lex. Awesome awesome choice of interview man

From the perspective of a Teddy Atlas fan through the sport of boxing: This is to this date the definitive interview of capturing his thoughts and perspectives on accomplishments, triumph, loss and life. I've watched countless episodes of your podcast Lex but this is truly one of the most emotionally intense and revealing ones you've ever recorded. Thankyou so much for all you've done and continued to do, Merry Christmas and a happy new year to everyone reading, love to you and your families

Teddy has understanding of the most important lesson of our lives. We are only the owner of our actions. The only thing that lasts beyond our deaths.

Not the best year but celebrating Amazons AMZP44X now! What a time to be alive guys, seriously

Teddy Atlas has been the only guest on any podcast where I can listen to it fully not just clips. Absolute Treasure

Your best guest yet, Lex. I was hooked from the first minute.

You took down Ep 100 where you interviewed your dad which is my favorite interview you’ve done but the first part of this interview, hearing Teddy talk about his dad fills that void in your catalogue a little bit. When his dad came and put his hand on the bandage while he’s in the hospital, you can feel even though he was severely injured he finally got what he was looking for. Exceptional interview !!

Thankyou Teddy for being a vulnerable strong man, you are an inspiration for all of us, especially for boys, young and old men.

Lex brings me to tears with the introduction. Thank you professor Fridman. I love how you teach

I *love* these interviews with people that had it rough in life yet grew out of their situation and are now beacons of hope. Especially to young boys. This interview reminds me of the one you had with Brett Johnson. I'm getting so much inspiration (and tears) from them. Thank you Lex for doing what you do. I'm getting *so much* out of your interviews. I'm sending Love back your way

I’ve been watching you for the better part of a year now and this has been one of my favourites so far. Really appreciate Teddy’s insight and kind spirit. Thanks for the early Christmas gift Lex, happy holidays to you both.

Teddy gives crash courses in reality. Love the guy.

I found this interview, Teddy's truth inspiring, I got goosebumps at times. Thanks Lex, thanks Teddy.

This shows the difference between academic qualifications and wisdom.

A 2 hour interview with the great teddy atlas. Sign me up! Thank you lex. Have a great and safe holiday everyone 🎉😊

Man lex covers everything, every field, such a Legend you are LEX

Helping me so much listening to this to apply it to my own life situation right now. As always, respect and love to Teddy for his example, his passion, and sharing his wisdom and life lessons. I am truly grateful 🙏🏼

Thank you Teddy and Lex, this was awesome to hear on so many levels

I've been wanting to see a new interview with this guy for a while. I open my RU-vid app to find something to listen to on my drive home from Christmas Eve and this is the first video in my feed. I feel so grateful 🙏

I’ve had the pleasure of training with teddy. He’s is an amazing trainer . He has this ability to understand you and know exactly how to explain what he wants from you and exactly how you’re gonna do it. Amazing person all around. Little things he taught me that were so important. One of the best experiences of my life

I have been following Lex podcast for awhile and I usually skip folks that are not from scientific background etc . But this time I dont know what came over me but Im glad I watched it . Indeed a lot of life lessons packed in this two hour video . Thank you for this gift.

Thank you for this excellent Christmas Eve episode, Lex! Happy Holidays!

Teddy is a teacher of champions. I feel like I learned something deep from listening to him. Haha, funny how those two seprate thoughts came together. Thanks for the wisdom Teddy.

What an absolutely introspective interview. I learned so much about myself listening to this interview. The one quote from Teddy that really hit home “Regret is a solitary sentence”. I live with that on a daily basis and at times, it is all consuming. My middle name is Edward but called Teddy my whole life. Right to the bone interview Lex.

I am 54 years old. My dad was born 1917 , died 1987. Thank you for posting this. Merry Christmas to all. Especially people alone today. I remember Fonzie eating Spagettios alone. You are Fonzie

This 2 hour conversation was an experience through life. It showed the highs and the lows and how great and hard life is.Teddy was a Griot in another life what a great episode

Extraordinary clarity and honesty! Thank you both.

I wish everyone happy holidays and want to thank Lex for a year with great guests and wonderful topics. You are truly someone of exceptional talent. I look forward to 2024.

Thank you Lex and Teddy, I couldn’t stop watching this interview, so insightful

Inspirational man indeed. Everything that Teddy talked about reminded me Jesus Christ and the perfect love displayed on the cross. The topic of forgiveness, loyalty, the inconvenient path, human experience of betrayal, humility, and life after death. This was a deep convo of wisdom through life experience by Teddy.

Yo, this was F*cking Incredible. What a great platform for this legend to be able to speak his peace. PROFOUND. Merrry Xmas guys, may peace be with you.

would've never expected lex to have teddy on here. he's a guy not many know, unless they're heavily into boxing. super excited to listen.

It’s amazing how someone, anyone,, can start making quality videos. Start small, then grow grow grow. Lex will be one of the all time greats and go down in history, imo better than JRE but respect to both. This is the future. Amazing how someone can hop on internet and create so much positive energy virtually that manifests physically. Awesome stuff 🤙🏽

Best interview I have ever listened to. I am going to Apply these nuggets to my own life.

After listening to Teddy talk about Cus, I just learned that my dog is my friend.

Lex looks so relaxed, very cool to see to men just talking. Much Love to Teddy and Lex. Merry Christmas

This is by far the best interview I have ever heard thank you teddy and thank you lex

Words of these depths can only be said by those who lived life, faced unimaginable fears, fell down, got back up again, and kept going. Great talk. God bless you guys!

Sensational, could listen to Teddy all day. Thanks Lex for getting him on

It's so hard to know when to ask a question as an interviewer and humbling to be a good listener sometimes. What a great insight into a man's life. Teddy does honour to his own internal standards and loves his kids.

So glad you had Teddy on! Much love Lex and Happy Holidays everyone!

Teddy and his speach at the end broke and mended my heart in one instance.

Once again always a privilege to get to watch your interviews Lex. Thank you for all you do.

Wow, just wow. One of the best if not the best episode ever Lex. This one was incredible!

This is honestly one of the beat interviews I've ever heard! Lex, you sure have come a long way with your interviewing skills! You had a plan for the direction but when the conversation started on a more sincere path, you listened and responded thoughtfully. I've been a boxing fan my whole life and also a Teddy Atlas fan that whole time; I watch his podcast regularly and try to catch every interview I see with him. He rarely gets into detail about his past but, as he stated himself, he must be ready to talk about it now and then you presented with a conversation as one emotional human being to another. Absolutely beautiful!

Ty Lex. Teddy is what you call old school knowledge. Ny legend. Incredible interview

I think I finally understand forgiveness. What an eye-opening, thought-provoking interview. Maybe one of the best I've heard. Thank you

So far the most amazing podcast I've ever heard! My gratitude for Lex and Teddy. This is historical.

What an incredible mn Teddy Atlas is, I have never hard of him, and glad I have now on your podcast. I really like how you give him time to respond to questions ❤

Thank you Lex for this episode as a holiday gift featuring Teddy Atlas. He's so real and honest with his words and wisdoms. The greatest person is someone who can overcome his/her fear. Ironically, what we fear is what we want the most. Such a hero journey is called life, a spectrum of greatness and weakness that one has to learn and know about oneself. Thank you so much.

Legend, think about it he helped create what we know now as iron Mike Tyson regardless of how it worked out between the two of them he was there for the journey and Cus obviously had faith in Teddy, pure Respect. This history we’re watching right now we are all blessed to see everyday and we should all be grateful of it God bless y’all Merry Christmas 🎄 🎉❤️

What a story, and what a way way to tell it. Absolutely great podcast!

amazing storyteller and even more inspiring human being with a deep appreciation for life lex is equally inspiring as he is so attentive to whoever he sits across from with a gunuine respect and openness

This is a man that has spent much of his adult life pursuing excellence, in himself and in others. That sort of commitment produces wisdom. Wonderful interview.

Fascinating stuff. I don't recall another interview that got me so emotionally invested from the get go.

One of the best podcasts ever. This was some deep stuff. WISH Teddy was my friend, pure gold.

Teddy is a true philosopher. What a fantastic Christmas gift, thank you lex.

Teddy is a treasure-trove of real life wisdom and knowledge. As real and authentic as it gets.

I thought it was going to be a lonely Christmas, but this podcast is making me feel connected to allot of people. Merry Christmas 🎄

I would love to see Mike Tyson on here next. I feel like Lex would be able to get a great interview out of him.

Teddy, thank you for your words. as i finished listening to this talk, i was myself almost out of words, but had to find them to say this... Youve done good and you'll be remembered for sure. Keep living a life worth living!

Lex you knocked it out of the park with this one. One of the best conversations about life and wisdom I ever listened. Remembering to tell my kids and grandkids try every day to like yourself to be great, to be someone that someone can say they’re like to be friends with that person.

Teddy is Boxing’s Greatest Psychiatrist. Second to none

For me this is one of the best episodes on your channel. I'll probably gonna revisit it time to time. Something that I've never done before. Thank you for that conversation, Teddy and Lex.

Thank you 4 this Teddy. Such a wonderful human being... ( With this one you broke me and put me back together at the same time ... )

Wow. What an interview. Thank you Lex for the amazing conversation, and thank you Teddy for being the absolute gem of a human being he is. What a legend. This is one I'll be listening to for a long time. Thank you.

What a great great get, Lex! Teddy is incredible as a storyteller and in showing both the capacity for and power of transformation! Btw, you deserve a journalism award for the quality of your work!!!

Absolutely riveting. Brilliant. I know nothing about Teddy Atlas to be honest, but notice his persistent little 'cough' throughout this interview. I hope he's alright, that he's not struggling with something. God bless you Teddy. And thank you Lex for being such a good listener here. Other interviewers would not have managed to be so attentive and know when to just Listen.. you were great.

Thank you for this Lex... one of my very few New Year's resolutions was to start listening to your podcast on a regular basis and this one is just about the best thing I've ever have the pleasure of listening to.✌️