Zach Even-Esh and Joe De Sena (Spartan founder & CEO) ask: Who’s in charge? You or your cell phone? People drive cars looking at their phone instead of the road. People look at their phones while crossing the street instead of looking where they’re going. Here’s how to control the cell phone vs your phone controlling YOU. LESSONS: Does your phone control you or do you control your use of the phone? Start controlling your cell phone by eliminating the first and last 15-20 minutes of your day ...
Nov 21, 2019•6 min•Ep. 486
Ben Greenfield is a longtime friend of the Spartan community and is one of the most well recognized and respected names in the health, fitness & nutrition sectors. On this episode of Spartan Up podcast Joe De Sena sits down with him at Spartan Media Fest by ATP Science in Tahoe. Ben “is a biohacker, human body and brain performance coach, ex-bodybuilder, Ironman triathlete, professional Spartan athlete, anti-aging consultant, speaker and author of the New York Times Bestseller “Beyond Traini...
Nov 19, 2019•41 min•Ep. 485
With this episode, we honor all veterans, and at the same time share the incredible lessons, valuable in all walks of life, this one leader has distilled from a life of service. In honor of Veterans Day for this special episode Joe De Sena sat down with Retired Command Sergeant Major Rick Lamb - among his significant military background a Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Joint Commendation Medal with V Device for valor, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with three Bronze C...
Nov 11, 2019•40 min•Ep. 484
Hosts Zach Even-Esh and Joe De Sena talk with up and coming wrestler Ray Jaz about the difference between working smart and working hard. So many people talk about working smarter, NOT harder. Well, what we’ve realized is that when you’re working HARD, you are very often working SMARTER! LESSONS: Working smart is sometimes an excuse for people to avoid the work. Not at SPARTAN. The smartest worker IS the hardest worker! You should SHINE when you’re working. Your actions should shine the brightes...
Nov 07, 2019•5 min•Ep. 483
Host Dr. L says: Though we often talk about endurance from a physical point of view, building mental endurance is just as important. It’s important that we stretch what we think we can do and work to increase our mental fortitude so that we can tolerate difficult experiences on the path of life. Building mental endurance is a practice - so getting yourself to practice this practice is one of the first steps. Using mantras and gathering data can also help in building this muscle. LESSONS: Build m...
Nov 06, 2019•4 min•Ep. 482
What do these legends, some of the world’s top distance and trail runners, think about the growing adoration for the primal sport of trail running? Trail runners have always maintained an infamous degree of camaraderie and community, especially the Ultra runners who cover distances that can seem inconceivable. Hear about incredible records, but also the simple joys of running and of sharing the joy of running with others. Panelists talk about running five marathons in five days on five continent...
Nov 05, 2019•46 min•Ep. 481
Why do we catch ourselves falling into negative talk or self-doubt at times? How do we fix this? In this episode, Zach Even-Esh talks with four-time NCAA All American Wrestler and Cornell Coach Gabe Dean about how to conquer self-doubt and negative head chatter. LESSONS: - Why are you falling into the trap of self-doubt or negative self-talk? - Failure is actually a POSITIVE thing. Failure will speak change! - Don’t be afraid to put yourself in new situations that challenge you and perhaps cause...
Oct 31, 2019•6 min•Ep. 480
Dr. L says we are a culture obsessed with expertise. We are in a constant hustle of one-up-manship and forgetting that we can find tremendous wisdom in not being the best. Sometimes when we give ourselves permission to suck at things we actually come out on top because we learn from the experience, gain wisdom from the failures, and extrapolate a new tolerance of getting uncomfortable. LESSONS: Always looking to be the best and claiming your expertise can be a fool’s race. When you do something ...
Oct 30, 2019•3 min•Ep. 479
This special episode features a remarkable panel recorded at Spartan World Media Fest brought to you by ATP Science. Learn to create your own personal board of advisors, how to choose who influences you, AND how to use your own wisdom learned on life's journey to positively impact others. This rockstar episode features Spartan founder Joe De Sena, our buddy Anders Varner from Shrugged Collective, Jared Easley of Podcast Movement, Joe Polish of the Genius Network, Major League Baseball player and...
Oct 29, 2019•44 min•Ep. 478
Zach Even-Esh is joined by guest Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman to talk about keeping it simple! Do you ever feel overwhelmed? If you do, take a look at your desk / workspace. Take a look at your garage, bedroom, etc. Having too much “stuff” that you don’t need will stress you out and overwhelm you. Here’s how to declutter and get more productive while being less stressed. LESSONS: Once a week, clean and organize the areas of your life that you spend the most time in (work place / office desk)...
Oct 24, 2019•4 min•Ep. 477
Spartan's "Chief Mind Doc" Dr. L says: Teaching your children to tolerate distress is not an easy task. It requires clear boundaries and firm NOs. It’s not always easy to be firm when your kid’s have strong wants and desires that, at times, put you in precarious positions. But it’s important that your children understand that they cannot always have their way and learn to tolerate what this feels like. As adults, they will feel disappointment, experience heartache, and see sadness. Teaching them...
Oct 23, 2019•4 min•Ep. 476
Joe De Sena and his family visited the wrestling room at West Point to learn from the ultimate role models in mental and physical toughness. Kevin Ward, head wrestling coach, explains what it takes to build and maintain the culture of a team, whether that is a wrestling team, a family or a business. Motivation, says Kevin, is a byproduct of being passionate, and discipline is true freedom. Invite rigor and the right folks into your daily routine and you may revell in the results! LESSONS Finish ...
Oct 22, 2019•22 min•Ep. 475
Zach Even-Esh and Joe De Sena answer a listener question “what would you have done differently starting your businesses?” The answer? Who cares! It’s in the past. Time to move forward. On today’s Spartan WAY hear the strategies, tactics and philosophies the founders of Underground Strength and Spartan use to get things done and keep moving forward. . LESSONS: Fire. Ready. Aim The past does not exist Ask an expert to accelerate progress LINKS: More about Zach https://zacheven-esh.com Read “The Sp...
Oct 17, 2019•5 min•Ep. 474
Spartan MIND host Dr. L says: We tend to store up emotions in our body. These can be of any kind, the more painful ones like irritation, anger, sadness, or shame, or the more joyous ones like excitement, pride, and happiness. Although talking about feelings can certainly be useful, sometimes we need alternative forms of emotional expression so that we can release our feelings and the energy that goes with it. When we utilize different forms of release we make ourselves more available to other ex...
Oct 16, 2019•2 min•Ep. 473
Recycled man is driven by the need to earn the heart, and second chance, he was granted. A diagnosis of cancer can change everything in your life - learning you need a new heart would cause many to give up. Derek Fitzgerald faced both of these challenges, even flat lining a few times before receiving a heart transplant. Yet he had the inner strength and drive to got from crawling to running to marathons to Ironman. This remarkable interview with our own Col. Time Nye is truly a testament to neve...
Oct 15, 2019•28 min•Ep. 472
Zach Even-Esh and Joe De Sena let you know what they think of your excuses. Can't afford the gym? Too long a drive? Don't have time to get there? F*** the gym, Joe & Zach have the answer. LINKS: More about Zach https://zacheven-esh.com Read “The Spartan Way” https://www.spartan.com/en/race/learn-more/race-types-overview?article=the-spartan-way-book SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN...
Oct 10, 2019•3 min•Ep. 471
Today on Spartan MIND host Dr. L Says: When hype begins to arise around an experience or event, doubt, insecurities, and excuses can settle in simultaneously. These serve as a protective barrier to our greatest fear - failure. But shying away from the experience or letting a list of excuses serve as a disclaimer is not the way to go. Lean in to the experience, no matter how much you want to pad it with ‘what ifs’ or ‘maybe’s. LESSONS: Remember that owning the experience in front of you - and the...
Oct 09, 2019•1 min•Ep. 470
Jason believes that adversity is what builds opportunities to create trust. Whatever you are facing in life, let go of the past, lock-in to the mission in front of you and win the day! Navy Seals go through some of the toughest training on the planet. Mental, physical and emotional limits are tested beyond what we can imagine. What key lessons are learned in these life or death experiences that can help you conquer the challenges in your life? LESSONS Trust helps you win the day Shift focus away...
Oct 08, 2019•29 min•Ep. 469
Spartan Way host Zach Even-Esh says: I was 19 years old working in a hospital fitness center. I came across a sign that STILL influences me and inspires me to this day! Watch the video so you can learn from this lesson I learned 20+ years ago! LESSONS: Often times simplicity is more powerful than complexity. Take accountability for things. Did you open it? Then close it? Did you make a mess? Leave crumbs behind? Clean it. Did you break it? Then you must fix it and / or replace it. Did you use it...
Oct 03, 2019•3 min•Ep. 469
Dr. Lara Pence says: We are a society of human beings that engage in relationships, look for connection, and are looking for ways that we fit into the pie of community. So it’s no wonder that we can get activated in relationships and with the people that we come in contact with. Getting activated is often best identified by feeling irritable, angry, frustrated, or ‘hot’ when you're in connection with someone. We all get activated but understanding where the activation is coming from and how to w...
Oct 02, 2019•4 min•Ep. 468
How did a cigarette at a Spartan race spark a journey that led to an appearance on Shark Tank? Kressa Peterson talks about how she and her husband found Spartan, embraced the struggle but resisted the mud. From that the "Shower Toga" was invented. How many of you have been joyful after a Spartan Race- but driven home filthy? Kressa’s life was changed after being almost broken at a race in North Carolina, where all she wanted was to get clean. The Shower Toga was born and after a stint on Shark T...
Oct 01, 2019•39 min•Ep. 467
Zach Even-Esh says the way of the world shows that we are MORE connected than ever before thanks to technology, yet we are also FEELING more disconnected & lonely than ever before. Thank you technology! For more on the subject of technology and distraction check out the Spartan Up episode with Nir Eyal. LESSONS: If you REALLY want to feel happier and more connected, put down that phone and connect with people in person! Instead of a text message, go “old school” and CALL someone. Better yet,...
Sep 26, 2019•4 min•Ep. 466
Dr. L says - We are a society that is filled with distractions. And we aren’t very good at taking accountability for our own role in this absent-minded behavior. Time management matters when we’ve got so much happening AND when distractibility is so available to us. But you’ve got to be able to integrate some time management skills into your daily life in a way that supports all of your busy activities rather than restricts them. LESSONS: Time management is important in order for you to execute ...
Sep 25, 2019•3 min•Ep. 465
Host Joe De Sena interviews “Fear Guru” Patrick Sweeney on Joe’s Vermont farm during the 2019 “Death Race.” What are the fears you face in your life? Is it possible that they are holding you back from what your true gifts actually are? Sweeney shifted from a life bounded by terror to one led through courage. There is immense power in fear and if you can learn to harness it as fuel - your true superhuman qualities can be unlocked. Find your authentic self and start by doing something every day th...
Sep 24, 2019•29 min•Ep. 464
Host Matt B Davis talks to Spartan ATHLETE Leigh Anne Wasteney about training for elevation, diet and pre and post race meals. LESSONS: • Learning to train for elevation • Elevation prep on hills or treadmills • Her plant based diet helps her feel lean and mean • Everybody is different when it comes to nutrition SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW US: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagra...
Sep 20, 2019•4 min•Ep. 463
Host Zach Even-Esh says: 1 night during the Summer I went out for a family stroll and we got some ice cream. It fired me up SO much because I felt that I was ending my day on a WEAK note. NO good! LESSONS: No matter what happens between the morning and night time, you can ALWAYS start AND finish the day with something Strong & Positive. Choose something that Benefits YOU & Betters YOU. It can be 1 set of push-ups, squats or burpees. Maybe it’s some stretching. You can also write in a gra...
Sep 19, 2019•4 min•Ep. 462
Life is filled with tough choices, especially if you are looking to challenge yourself and elevate your own life. We are wired to look for comfort but sometimes the tough choices put us in a position of discomfort no matter which you choose. Keep in mind that avoiding tough choices is never going to benefit you - but rather leave you unfulfilled and pining for more, despite the ease of being unchallenged. LESSONS: Tough choices will exist and sometimes there is no “good” choice. Tap into your va...
Sep 18, 2019•3 min•Ep. 461
Are digital devices, coworkers or social media distracting you? What does it take to channel you action into traction? Nir Eyal works at the intersection of psychology, technology and business teaching you how to avoid triggers and make pacts with yourself to actuate your intentions. Don’t blame phones social media or your corporate or personal culture. Learn how to build beneficial habits and stop getting distracted from the life you want. LESSONS Master internal triggers Make time for traction...
Sep 17, 2019•44 min•Ep. 460
Ashley grew up playing sports and competed at the highest levels in track and cross country during college. She’s been on several podiums in the last couple of years, and consistently finishes in the top 10 against the top competition. Today she joins Matt B Davis on Spartan Up to discuss training, nutrition and more. LESSONS: • Learning to embrace what you don’t want to train. • What her workout routine consists of. • There’s always something to improve upon. • Fueling early and often during lo...
Sep 13, 2019•5 min•Ep. 459
Many people equate being alone with loneliness. But they are not one and the same. We can be alone - with our self and by our self - and still feel very connected to others around us and our support system. We need to practice being alone more so that we can learn how to be with our own thoughts and feelings. Too often we are looking to others to fill up the white space when we could be getting more in touch with our own sense of self and practice gaining greater self-awareness. LESSONS: Being a...
Sep 11, 2019•4 min•Ep. 458
