The Hard Way w/ Joe De Sena

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

In this episode, Steve Hasty, a swimming expert, joins Joe De Sena to give us a behind-the-scenes look at the world of competitive swimming. As a former elite swimmer and the owner of Swimming World Magazine, Steve really knows his stuff when it comes to this sport. Steve explains the intense training regimen of elite swimmers, noting that even high school swimmers can train up to 5 hours per day. They discuss the mental toughness and resilience required to maintain such a grueling schedule and achieve success. Drawing from his own experiences growing up with a tough swim coach, Steve offers some great advice on developing a consistent routine and mindset to overcome obstacles, whether in swimming or in life Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:43 Demanding routine of high school swimmers 02:33 Mental resilience of swimmers 03:30 How big is the swimming community? 05:02 A narrow path to the top 06:29 The importance of body type 07:00 Michael Phelps’s and his success 09:08 Lessons learned through swimming 12:05 The power of routine and discipline 15:00 The Swimming World app IG: @swimmingworldmag Youtube: /SwimmingWorldSPI LinkedIn: /company/swimming-world Website: www.swimmingworldmagazine.com

In this episode, Joe de Sena and wrestling champion Ben Askren dive into their co-authored book on "Extreme Balance," a concept emphasizing that true excellence comes from balancing hard work, mental skills, and self-care. Ben opens up about his personal journey, detailing how he shifted from relentless grinding to focusing on strategic thinking and body awareness. He highlights how balancing physical and mental aspects was key to unlocking his full potential. The discussion includes practical strategies for managing performance anxiety, recognizing when to push through pain versus when to rest, and finding the optimal balance between rigorous training and high-pressure performance. They also examine the lives of successful individuals who achieved remarkable success but struggled with personal balance, concluding that sustainable excellence demands a holistic approach. This episode provides valuable insights for elite performers aiming to elevate their game by mastering the principles of "Extreme Balance." Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:49 The journey to balance through wrestling 08:24 How to manage performance anxiety 11:54 Balancing hard work and rest 15:30 The role of balance in elite performance 20:45 Extreme success and balance – Spartans, Musk, Jobs 23:44 The importance of family time 26:26 How to find the book and final thoughts PRE ORDER NOW: https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Balance-Paradoxical-Principles-Champion/dp/1642011770

In this episode, we follow the remarkable journey of Marco Robinson - a man who overcame a challenging upbringing marked by poverty, abuse, and adversity to become a highly successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. From his humble beginnings as a homeless, bullied youth to his meteoric rise in the world of sales and business, Marco's story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and the unwavering pursuit of one's dreams. Through his candid recollections, we learn how Marco's pivotal moment of self-belief transformed his life, leading him to unprecedented sales success and the creation of thriving enterprises. His willingness to confront personal tragedies and emotional barriers further inspires, showcasing the transformative power of facing one's fears and embracing vulnerability. Prepare to be captivated and empowered by Marco's extraordinary story of triumph over adversity. Timestamp: 00:00 Intro 00:44 Marco’s background and childhood 04:02 Transition to sales and his first success 06:42 The importance of believing in yourself 07:53 Career highs and lows in Malaysia 10:10 Marriage problems, writing a book, and the first million 12:47 Flipping properties in the US and TV show 16:01 Resolving a childhood trauma 17:26 Advice to people who are stuck in life 18:23 Struggles make you stronger 19:21 Three things to do for success 20:57 Final thoughts

This episode of the Hard Way Podcast features an inspiring conversation with Nigel Thomas, an entrepreneur who shares his powerful story of overcoming a devastating personal betrayal. After hitting rock bottom and contemplating suicide, Nigel realized he needed to empower the "champion" within himself, rather than succumbing to the "victim" mindset. Through discipline, exercise, and rebuilding his support network, Nigel embarked on a remarkable journey of resilience and self-discovery. He now shares his experiences in his popular newsletter, "David to Goliath," inspiring others to believe in themselves and write their own comeback stories. Nigel's insights on the importance of purpose, community, and consistent self-improvement offer valuable lessons for anyone facing adversity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking the courage and determination to overcome life's challenges and emerge stronger than ever before. Highlights: 00:00 Intro 02:22 Nigel’s background and personal story 04:41 From corporate job to successful entrepreneurship 05:40 Personal betrayal that led to a mental health crisis 08:49 Meeting yourself and taking the responsibility 10:56 Nigel’s David to Goliath newsletter 12:22 Joe’s invitation and the importance of finding a community 14:12 Fining purpose in helping others 16:26 Opening up but avoiding victim mentality 17:32 The importance of consistency and accountability 18:55 Where can people find Nigel?

In this raw and honest conversation with Joe De Sena, Dr. Samantha Harte shares her incredible journey from addiction and trauma to redemption and healing. Growing up in a dysfunctional family in Brooklyn, Samantha's path was riddled with substance abuse, shame, and relationship turmoil. But through the power of the 12 steps and her own unwavering resilience, she transformed her life, finding sobriety, self-love, and ultimately, a thriving marriage and business. Now, Samantha is on a mission to modernize the 12-step approach, using her personal experiences to help others overcome their own challenges and unlock their full potential. Tune in for more! Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:45 Dr. Samantha’s childhood, academic struggles, and drug addiction 08:44 Overdosing and decision to recover 13:23 Marriage and recovery challenges 16:52 Finding a sponsor and 12-step program 20:19 The beginning of her fitness business 22:23 Separation from her husband and getting back together 26:31 Miscarriages, postpartum depression, and the loss of her dad 29:13 Losing a sister to overdose and writing a book 32:38 Joe’s support and future plans

Meet Greg Yocom, a real estate investor, and lifelong competitor who has defied age and odds by completing over 100 Spartan Races. Discover the unshakable mental toughness and resilience that propels this 65-year-old to push his limits, even as others his age are retiring. Dive into Greg's inspiring journey, from overcoming a devastating divorce to developing an unwavering "no excuses" mindset. Learn how he applies the lessons of Spartan Racing to achieve success in business and life and hear his thoughts on instilling the right mindset in the next generation. Don't miss this amazing conversation with Greg Yocom, the 65-year-old Spartan who refuses to quit. This episode is a must-watch for anyone seeking the secrets to becoming unstoppable, no matter your age or circumstances. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:23 Greg’s background 04:11 The importance of preparation 05:29 Failing without being a failure 08:14 Retiring is quitting 11:55 What’s so good about the Spartan Race? 13:36 Applying Spartan Race experience to business 15:05 How to deal with losing motivation 16:00 The use of social media 17:18 What is the first step? 19:23 Greg’s struggles with high cholesterol 22:09 Installing healthy mindset in kids 24:05 How can people find Greg?