The Hard Way With Joe De Sena

Tired of falling off the fitness wagon every January? Spartan founder and endurance legend Joe De Sena teams up with triathlon champion Aaron Gesell to share the ultimate formula for staying motivated, crushing your goals, and transforming your life. They dive into a powerful 3-step system that has helped countless individuals turn their fitness aspirations into lasting success. Discover how to set "scary" goals that push you beyond your limits, create an unbreakable support network that keeps you accountable, and shift your mindset to make fitness a natural part of your lifestyle—not just another chore. Timestamps: 00:20 Intro 00:49 Taren Gesell, endurance athlete and motivator 01:13 Why motivation fades and 3 tips to stay on track. 02:45 Setting scary goals and building accountability 03:31 How fitness transforms identity through community. 06:03 Overcoming the fear of joining fitness groups 07:57 Joe’s global running group experiences 09:34 Embracing humility and consistent improvement 11:05 How athletes support beginners 12:15 The humbling impact of endurance races 14:01 Taren’s app and its focus on long-term motivation 15:38 Joe’s pull-up journey and daily commitment. 16:36 Training insights from world champions 17:45 Where to find Taren and his resources 18:12 Bringing triathletes to Spartan Races. Connect to Taren: 🌐 Website: https://www.mymottiv.com/about?ref=navbar 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triathlontaren/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/tarengesell ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1AKDrz2GvLxD29W9tow66g ✖️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/triathlontaren

In this episode, Mark Allen, the legendary 6-time Ironman World Champion, shares the training strategies, mindset hacks, and recovery techniques that allowed him to push the limits of human performance. How Mark Allen, the "Marlboro Man of Triathlon," pushed the boundaries of human performance to become a 6-time Ironman World Champion. You'll discover: Timestamps: 00:20 Intro 00:49 Mark Allen, The Triathlon King 01:23 Mark’s iconic 1989 race with Dave Scott 03:13 Fitness then vs. now 07:32 Training, recovery, and consistency 08:19 Movement, energy, and ancestral survival instincts 12:07 Overcoming workout resistance & accountability 17:27 Mark’s training philosophy and long off-seasons 22:43 How to connect with Mark 24:06 Triathlon in the Paris Olympics 26:30 Obstacle-racing Olympic in LA 2028. 27:05 Optimizing fitness with age Connect to Mark: 🌐 Website: https://markallensports.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markallengrip/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markallencoaching/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therealmarkallen ✖️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/markallengrip

In this episode, Joe de Sena talks to Amberly Lago, a resiliency coach who has faced unimaginable challenges - from a devastating motorcycle accident that nearly cost her a leg, to a chronic pain condition that has tested her limits. Yet, through it all, Amber has emerged stronger, more determined, and more passionate about helping others overcome their own obstacles. Hear Amber's raw and inspiring story of grit, grace, and the power of finding joy in the midst of hardship. Discover the non-negotiable habits and mindset shifts that have fueled her remarkable recovery and allowed her to thrive as an entrepreneur, author, and mother. Whether you're facing your own personal battles or simply seeking to cultivate more resilience in your life, this episode will leave you motivated, uplifted, and armed with practical strategies to overcome any challenge that comes your way. Don’t miss Amberly Lago’s inspiring new book, Joy Through the Journey: Shift Your Mindset, Embrace the Present Moment, and Cultivate Resilience Through Life’s Ups and Downs. Coming this February but you can preorder it now 👉 https://go.amberlylago.com/joy/ Timestamps: 00:20 Intro 00:53 Introduction to Amberly Lago, resiliency coach 01:20 Amberly’s background and Texas roots 02:32 How life challenges build resiliency 05:51 Parenting, resilience, and hard work 09:25 Non-negotiables for staying strong 13:57 The life-changing accident and recovery journey 17:39 Dealing with chronic pain and finding purpose through service 19:09 The power of helping others in tough times 21:58 Amberly’s upcoming book and future plans 24:31 Choosing joy and overcoming hardships 25:35 Where to connect with Amberly Lago Connect to Amberly: 🌐 Website: https://amberlylago.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberlylagomotivation/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555318112308 🔊 Podcast: https://amberlylago.com/podcast/ ✖️ Twitter/ X: https://x.com/amberlylago

In this episode, Joe de Sena sits down with the remarkable Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum - a doctor and a powerlifting enthusiast with a passion for helping people transform their lives. Dr. Jordan shares valuable insights on how to break through your limits and transform your life. They explore why strength training is skyrocketing in popularity, how it can supercharge your physical and mental health, and the secrets to staying motivated when the couch looks too tempting. Dr. Jordan shares his journey from motocross injuries to becoming a leader in combining fitness with medicine, proving anyone can adapt and thrive. Learn the truth about common fitness myths, like women “getting too bulky,” and find out the simple, no-excuses routine anyone can follow to get stronger and healthier. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a total beginner, this episode is packed with actionable tips, inspiring stories, and game-changing advice to help you level up your fitness journey. Timestamps: 00:20 Intro 00:54 The rise of strength training as a top fitness trend 02:22 Merging strength training with medical expertise 05:12 Misconceptions about strength training 07:01 Why starting exercise is harder than continuing it 08:46 Evolutionary reasons behind avoiding discomfort 11:55 The importance of setting fitness goals to stay motivated 13:50 AI help to visualize and achieve fitness progress 14:49 Minimum exercise for health benefits 17:22 Creative exercise solutions without gym access 19:11 Myths surrounding running and physical adaptability 20:59 Strength benchmarks and the average deadlift 22:06 Invitation to a Spartan Race event 23:53 What is strength and how to increase it? Connect to Dr. Jordan: 🌐 Website: Barbell Medicine 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordan_barbellmedicine/ 🧑‍💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-feigenbaum-8ba40438/ 💼 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BarbellMedicine

Prepare to be amazed by the incredible journey of Travis Mills, a former U.S. Army staff sergeant who lost all four limbs in an IED explosion during his third deployment to Afghanistan. Despite facing unimaginable adversity, Travis refused to let his injuries define him, embarking on a remarkable path of recovery, resilience, and reinvention. In this captivating episode, you'll witness Travis' transformation from a young, athletic soldier to a motivational speaker, author, and founder of a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting injured veterans and their families. Hear firsthand how he navigated the physical and emotional challenges of his recovery, rediscovered his purpose, and inspired countless others with his unwavering spirit. Prepare to be moved, empowered, and reminded that no obstacle is too great to overcome when you possess the determination and courage of a true warrior. This is a story that will leave you in awe and remind you that the human spirit is truly unbreakable. Timestamps: 00:49 Introduction to Travis Mills 01:25 Early Life and Military Career 05:10 Marriage, Kids & Deployments in Afghanistan 11:44 The Wild West of the Third Deployment 16:27 Bomb Explosion & Devastating Injuries 24:45 Arriving to the Hospital & The Reality of His Injuries 27:30 Becoming a Quadriplegic & a Way to Recovery 31:01 Overcoming Obstacles & the Importance of Perspective. 33:55 Adaptive Sports and Family Bonding 36:45 Founding the Travis Mills Foundation 39:45 Pushing limits, starting new businesses, and finding purpose 42:05 Finding the Right Perspective 43:35 Final Thoughts Connect to Travis: 🌐 Website: Travis Mills 🌐 Website: Travis Mills Foundation 📸 Instagram: @ssgtravismills 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ssgtravismills/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssgtravismills/

Struggling with sleepless nights and sluggish days? In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with sleep expert Andrew Vontz to uncover the science behind truly restful sleep. Learn straightforward, research-backed strategies to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up rejuvenated - no gimmicks, no expensive gadgets, just real results. Andrew shares practical tips you can start using tonight to unlock better sleep and enjoy the incredible benefits: sharper focus, better health, and unstoppable energy. It’s time to take charge of your sleep and transform your life! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:49 The Better Lab and the science of better sleep 05:23 Sleep trackers and fake sleep scores 10:02 Avoid late-night social media scrolling 13:17 The science behind hot showers before bed 15:45 Comfort myths: Do you need a luxury mattress? 16:50 The role of exercise in improving sleep quality 18:27 The fluency effect and benefits of morning sunlight 22:24 Shift your caffeine consumption to prior to noon 23:29 Recap: Top sleep tips and starting simple Connect to Andrew: 🌐 Website: The Better Lab 📸 Instagram: @thebetterlab_hq 📘 Facebook: @thebetterlabHQ 💼 LinkedIn: Andrew Vontz

In this episode, running coach Jason Fitzgerald and Joe De Sena dive deep into the transformative power of running. Discover how to push past your limits, build unbreakable mental toughness, and become the athlete you never thought possible. From overcoming the initial struggle to running a 2:39 marathon, Jason shares his personal journey and proven strategies to help even the most skeptical couch potato become a fearless endurance athlete. Hear how unconventional training methods, like obstacle racing and strength work, can unlock new levels of speed and resilience. Whether you're training for your first 5K or aiming to conquer an ultra, this episode will inspire, motivate, and arm you with the tools to transform your running and your life. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:44 Jason’s 13-year journey to a 2:39 marathon 04:04 How running impacts weight and muscles 05:16 Unconventional training methods 06:59 Thoughts on flexibility for runners 08:30 Pushing forward despite what brain tells you 11:46 The crucial role of variety in training 15:39 Long runs and mental tenacity 19:52 Breaking barriers through consistency 21:42 Advice for beginner runners 25:10 When pain turns to pleasure 27:03 How to connect with Strength Running

Struggling with junk food battles or getting your kids off their screens? In this episode, Joe De Sena and nutrition expert Amelia Phillips tackle the biggest challenges of raising healthy, active kids in today's screen-obsessed world. Hear Amelia’s tips for parents who want to raise the next generation of strong, healthy achievers. Learn simple, actionable strategies to transform your family's habits, conquer unhealthy cravings, and unlock your kids' true potential. Discover why screen addiction is the new smoking epidemic and how to take control now. Plus, get age-specific advice on fostering lifelong fitness and nutrition habits that work for every stage of childhood. Don’t miss this episode if you want to build a healthier, stronger future for your family! Timestamps: 00:47 Introduction to Amelia Phillips 01:34 Kids' nutrition and finding the balance 04:46 The addictive nature of phones 08:38 Quick nutrition tips for various ages 14:16 The challenge of kids' meals in restaurants 14:47 Encouraging fitness and movement in kids 18:07 Screen addiction and boundaries for screen time 21:09 Modeling healthy behaviors as parents 22:27 Using technology to encourage positive habits 23:36 Addictive products and personal responsibility 25:39 How to build impactful family habits

In this episode, Dr. Mike Wasilisin, a renowned movement expert, reveals the secrets to overcoming pain and achieving peak performance. Hear about his proven methodology that empowers you to take control of your body and break free from the limitations of the healthcare system. Learn the transformative power of core breathing, glute activation, and proper alignment to reclaim your health and smash through any obstacle. Whether you're an elite athlete or simply seeking to live pain-free, this episode is a masterclass that will change the way you approach movement and wellness. Get ready to unlock your true potential and take back your life! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:46 Meet Dr. Mike Wasilisin 01:31 The right way to handle pain 03:27 Dr. Mike’s career journey 04:48 Building a movement methodology 07:41 How to alleviate back pain 10:46 Pain is the perfect motivator 12:11 The hard way vs. easy fixes 13:23 Most common causes of back pain 17:42 Core breathing as a natural pain reliever 23:06 Recap: glutes, core, and breath 25:41How to connect with Dr. Mike Follow Dr Mike: Instagram: @moveumike LinkedIn: in/dr-mike-wasilisin-4a661915 Website: https://moveu.com

Join a powerful journey of resilience as our guest Jeff Harmon shares his inspiring story of battling a rare, life-changing condition and pushing past every limit to live life fully. From overcoming fear and embracing Spartan challenges to the ultimate goal of climbing Kilimanjaro, Jeff shows what it means to face adversity head-on, find strength in the struggle, and inspire others to do the same. Discover how taking calculated risks and breaking through personal barriers can transform not just a single life, but everyone around it. Prepare to be moved, motivated, and ready to conquer your own challenges! Highlights: 00:33 What it means to feel fully alive 02:47 Calculated risks and personal growth 03:42 Jeff’s journey with adrenomyeloneuropathy 05:41 The resilience of the human spirit 07:35 Being in a wheelchair and moving beyond sympathy 10:15 Advice for those not living life to the fullest 12:33 My Impossible Foundation and Kilimanjaro journey 15:12 - The importance of embracing life’s process 16:56 Jeff’s unexpected journey to Kilimanjaro 19:39 Dealing with self-doubt and feeling like a fraud 22:13 Believing in your story and sharing it 24:41 The power of listening deeply to others

In this episode, Joe De Sena is talking with Rob and Alex, the authors of Warrior to Civilian, on the challenges veterans face after service. They discuss a hidden veteran suicide crisis and why so many veterans struggle, how we can help them thrive, and the real steps for a successful transition. Rob and Alex reveal the often-overlooked difficulties of reintegration, the importance of mentorship, and the complex system of VA benefits. They also offer practical advice designed to equip veterans, families, and civilians alike with tools to support and empower our nation’s heroes. Whether you’re a veteran or simply want to help, this episode offers eye-opening insights and actionable solutions to help our veterans transition successfully into civilian life. Highlights: 00:47 Transitioning from military to civilian life 02:31 Preparing for civilian integration and finding a purpose 03:59 Recognizing the need for early preparation for veterans 05:19 Veteran suicides and the urgency of support systems 09:38 Mentorship and non-profits with veteran initiative 11:19 How civilians can support veterans’ reintegration 13:39 Ideas for creating veteran events at Spartan races 19:09 The book Warrior to Civilian and its target audience 21:28 Nothing worthwhile is easy 23:21 Message of resilience and hope for veterans --- Get the Book Now! | Warrior to Civilian: https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Civilian-Field-Manual-Journey/dp/1538769964

In this episode, Mario Kalpou from Man Eats Wild brings you into the world of primal living and real food. Joe De Sena and Mario dive deep into why modern life has made us lose touch with what really matters, like knowing where our food comes from and learning the skills to survive in the wild. They share stories of hunting, foraging, and reconnecting with nature to fuel the body with real, nutrient-dense food. From alligator hunting in Florida to sourcing food without relying on grocery stores, they show how ancestral living can build strength and resilience. If you’re curious about the power of going back to basics and challenging the comforts of the modern world, tune in now! Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:47 The inspiration behind "Man Eats Wild" 02:20 Alligator hunting & dangerous liver toxicity 03:43 Is eating liver healthy? 04:57 Taking high-net-worth individuals on adventures 06:06 Teaching basic survival skills to kids 07:32 The Importance of struggle & exercise 09:43 Nutritional challenges in the U.S. vs. Europe 11:19 Food industry & RFK’s Perspective 13:07 Health legislation and freedom debate 15:25 Growing up to be a man in the wild 16:52 Living a natural lifestyle vs. modern influences 19:03 The role of exercise in daily life 20:09 Joe’s Training routines over the years 22:01 Where to Watch "Man Eats Wild"

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Kim Pastore, a widow who faced unimaginable loss when her husband, a dedicated SWAT officer, was killed in the line of duty. Kim opens up about the overwhelming grief and challenges she faced and shares how she found the strength to keep going by turning to the Spartan Way. Through gratitude, resilience, and a commitment to honoring her husband’s legacy, Kim founded a foundation to support the mental and physical wellness of first responders. Kim’s journey offers hope, showing that even in the darkest times, we can find purpose, strength, and a way to help others. This is a story about love, loss, and the power of never giving up. Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:47 Kim’s husband George and his SWAT journey 02:50 George’s tragic death and the grieving process 09:04 The Spartan way of overcoming grief 13:29 The role of adversity in childhood 15:15 Gratitude as a tool in tough times 18:35 Launching the George Pastore Foundation 23:20 Humble warrior games and community support 24:16 How to get involved with the foundation --- Jorge Pastore Foundation | Website: https://www.jpastorefoundation.org/

In this episode, Joe De Sena explores the powerful lessons of military leadership with Ryan P. Crayne, an experienced Army officer. Ryan shares how tough training, mental resilience, and leading by example forge exceptional leaders. Learn how the same principles that guide soldiers can help you develop personal discipline, build trust, and tackle challenges head-on in your own life. Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership skills, improve your physical and mental fitness, or just gain inspiration from military strategies, this episode is packed with actionable tips you can start applying today. Highlights: 00:41 Major Crane's background in military service and teaching 02:17 The rewards and challenges of military service 03:19 Ranger School experiences and leadership development 05:16 Pushing limits and developing resilience in youth 08:50 Leadership tips: Trust, example, and expertise 12:13 Military recruiting and benefits of military service 16:00 The value of overcoming tough challenges 17:39 Major Crane's future military service plans 18:34 Daily habits inspired by military discipline 21:00 How to connect with Major Crane?

In this eye-opening episode, Joe De Sena sits down with a holistic health practitioner Brett Hawes to explore the incredible capacity we all have to heal ourselves. They tackle the rising concern of orthorexia and discuss how the obsession with "perfect" eating can actually harm our well-being. Brett emphasizes the importance of simplifying our health journeys, moving away from fad diets, and focusing on whole, nourishing foods that support our bodies. You will learn practical strategies for combating lifestyle diseases, enhancing sleep quality, and fostering a balanced approach to nutrition. Brett's wealth of experience in functional medicine provides actionable insights that can easily be integrated into daily life. Highlights: 00:44 Brett's experience in functional medicine 01:43 Balancing traditional and holistic medicine 05:47 Growing popularity of functional medicine 08:01 Challenges of competing with large food companies 09:11 Vision for a healthier future 10:23 Brett’s view on the healthcare system 12:02 Discussing food subsidies and taxes 13:47 Importance of exercise vs. healthy eating 15:42 Three key practices for preventing lifestyle diseases 20:20 Health practices shouldn’t be so complicated 22:21 Brett's current podcast and activism work1

In this powerful episode, Joe De Sena talks with JC Glick, a veteran of 11 combat tours, about the challenges veterans face after leaving military service. JC opens up about his struggles with identity, purpose, and mental health, while sharing how his Commit Foundation helps veterans and their families rebuild their lives and find new meaning. Hear the untold stories of military service, learn about the importance of teamwork, and how we can all play a part in supporting veterans after their service. Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:42 Introduction to JC Glick, CEO of Commit 01:03 JC Glick’s journey into the military 03:47 The impact of military service on identity and leadership 04:39 The value of service and teamwork in building gratitude and empathy 07:16 The national service initiatives for young people 09:21 Privileges and challenges of living in the U.S 10:49 Finding a new identity and purpose after leaving the military service 15:09 The significance of military spouses and their unique challenges 16:19 How to support the Commit Foundation and their missione

Struggling to break free from unhealthy eating habits? In this episode, Joe De Sena talks with nutrition coach Mike Millner, who shares his personal story of overcoming years of yo-yo dieting and gaining over 100 pounds. Mike dives deep into the powerful connection between our subconscious thoughts, beliefs, and food choices. Find out how your beliefs and identity shape your eating habits, and discover actionable strategies to transform your relationship with food for good. Learn practical strategies for rewiring your mind to break free from emotional eating and how mindset shifts are the true foundation for lasting change. Whether you're battling cravings or trying to lose weight, Mike's unique approach will show you how to break the cycle and finally achieve lasting results! Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:48 Mike's journey into nutrition 03:52 How to change a relationship with food 06:30 Joe's personal relationship with food 09:15 Rewiring subconscious thoughts about food 12:34 Success rate in changing eating habits 15:51 How to change a country’s relationship with food 18:30 How to help kids eat healthier 21:51 VIP event in the desert of Abu Dhabi --- Mike's Instagram: @coach_mike_millner Website: https://neurotypetraining.com/mike-millner/

In this episode, Joe De Sena talks with Tom Farrey, author of Game On: The All-American Race to Make Champions of Our Children, about the state of youth sports in America. Tom explains that only 1 in 4 kids are active, largely due to barriers in the U.S. sports system. Now leading Project Play, he works to make sports more accessible and fun for all children. They discuss how Spartan Races promote self-improvement over competition, and how Norway’s child-focused sports model could inspire the U.S. Tom emphasizes the importance of letting kids enjoy sports rather than pushing them into activities they don’t love. They encourage parents to listen to their children’s interests and prioritize fun and accessibility to keep kids engaged in sports. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:03 Mapping the Problem: Why Aren’t More Kids Active? 03:31 Youth Sports Around the World 05:46 Challenging Kids to Do Hard Things 07:46 Screens and Devices as a Competition to Youth Sports 10:23 Rethinking Competition for Kids 11:51 Breaking Through School Bureaucracies to Reach Kids 13:15 How Can Parents Support Their Child’s Interests 16:57 Should You Let Your Kid Quit a Sport? 19:01 Parents Overanalyzing Their Child's Performance 21:29 Norway: The World’s Best Youth Sports System 25:10 - What the U.S. Can Learn from Norway 26:16 - Final Thoughts: Creating Better Youth Sports Systems

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Marc Fucarile, a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, to hear his powerful story. Marc vividly recounts the horrific events of that day, describing the chaos and the severe injuries he sustained when the bombs exploded. Despite the trauma, he shares how the outpouring of support from the community motivated him to focus on his recovery and being a father to his young son. Marc's journey is a testament to the human spirit's resilience. He emphasizes the importance of acceptance, concentrating on what you can control, and drawing inspiration from the sacrifices and accomplishments of those around you. His story is a powerful example of transforming tragedy into purpose and using one's experiences to uplift and empower others facing similar challenges. Highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:30 Boston Marathon bombing incident 04:01 Surviving 100 days in the hospital 08:33 The aftermath and support system 11:50 Mental challenges after traumatic experience 17:58 Simple tips for leveling up in life 19:58 The importance of family and faith 23:39 Building the MARC Network and future goals Website: www.marcnetwork.world | www.marcfucarile.com Instagram: @marcnetworkinc | @marcfucarile

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to discuss the importance of improving health and fitness across the country. Kennedy addresses concerns related to public health agencies and the food industry, emphasizing the need for reform. He also shares personal stories about his family's commitment to physical endurance and discipline, including his father's 50-mile walk, which shaped his views on resilience. They explore how modern lifestyles, particularly increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity, have impacted children's fitness. Kennedy advocates for reintroducing fitness into schools and encouraging parents to promote resilience and physical activity in their children. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of developing healthier habits and fostering a culture of physical fitness. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:45 Addressing health and fitness challenges in America 02:16 Concerns about public health agencies and the food industry 05:03 The decline in physical toughness and fitness 09:56 RFK Jr.'s family story of his father's 50-mile walk 15:30 Discipline and endurance in family life 19:09 Bringing fitness and physical education back to schools 20:42 Building resilience through physical challenges 22:18 A vision for improving national health 26:03 Encouraging resilience over comfort 28:53 The role of gratitude and a positive mindset 30:26 Insights from ancient Spartans and stoic philosophy