How David Blaine Holds Breath Underwater For So Long (VIDEO)

In this highly personal talk from TEDMED, magician, illusionist, and stuntman David Blaine described what it took to hold his breath underwater for 17 minutes — a world record (only two minutes shorter than this entire talk!) — and what his often death-defying work meant to him.

Warning: do NOT try this at home.

Watch the video below of David’s TED talk. Is there a trick to holding your breath underwater for so long?