Former NCAA wrestling champion and UFC fighter Ben Askren joined Chris Williamson to discuss his miraculous recovery from a near-fatal medical crisis that occurred almost exactly one year prior to the interview. In May 2024, what Askren initially dismissed as a back spasm turned out to be necrotizing pneumonia caused by a staph infection that had entered his bloodstream. His body was literally eating his lungs from the inside out. After being airlifted to Milwaukee and placed on ECMO life support with only a 40% survival chance, Askren remained unconscious for 37 days and ultimately required an emergency double lung transplant. He lost 60 pounds of muscle and couldn't walk unassisted for two months after waking. The episode explored how Askren's athletic background and mental toughness informed his recovery approach, his adoption of Christianity during the ordeal, and his shifted priorities around family and meaningful work. Despite the median lung transplant survival rate being just 6.5 years, Askren aims to become the longest-living double lung transplant recipient at 39 years, which would take him to age 80. He revealed plans to compete in wrestling again within a month and disclosed that a documentary about his journey will be released this fall. The conversation also covered Askren's controversial views on talent, his belief that wrestling produces uniquely mentally tough individuals, and his philosophy of taking every opportunity offered regardless of potential failure. Throughout, Askren emphasized living without fear of others' judgment and maximizing the 'extra' time he's been given.
Askren revealed the stark statistics facing lung transplant recipients, with median survival at just 6.5 years. However, he believes his youth and athletic background give him better odds, and he's targeting 39 years to become the longest-living double lung transplant recipient, which would require him to reach age 80.
Read this moment →Less than one year after receiving a double lung transplant and being unconscious for over a month, Askren announced he will compete in a wrestling match in his hometown. He framed the decision as fulfilling his life goal of supporting professional wrestling in America despite the physical risks involved with his compromised immune system.
Read this moment →Askren described his harrowing medical crisis where what he dismissed as a back spasm was actually his body destroying his lungs. He entered the hospital on May 28, 2024, lost consciousness, and didn't regain awareness until July 2nd. He was airlifted to Milwaukee and placed on ECMO life support with only a 40% survival chance.
Read this moment →Former UFC fighter Ben Askren disclosed that a seemingly minor staph infection on his elbow, which appeared to clear up, entered his bloodstream and caused necrotizing pneumonia that destroyed his lungs from the inside. He was unconscious for 37 days and required an emergency double lung transplant to survive, losing 60 pounds of muscle in the process.
Read this moment →Askren argued against the existence of innate talent, citing the Polgar sisters case where a father publicly declared he would raise chess champions before having children, then successfully produced three daughters who became among the five highest-rated female chess players in history through intensive early training.
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