The Hard Way With Joe De Sena - podcast cover

The Hard Way With Joe De Sena

Joe De Sena
Learn the Spartan mindset. Founder & CEO of Spartan Race and NY Times best-selling author, travels the globe seeking and answers authors, academics, athletes, adventurers, entrepreneurs, CEOs and thought leaders. It will shift your thinking, make you laugh and and give you the tools you need. He’s on a mission to find the secrets to success in all aspects of life. Not only does Joe interview epic people, he has brought together an amazing panel to break down and analyze every aspect of these interviews. We give you the ultimate blueprint and action steps to assimilating these powerful conversations into your own life.
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Episodes

How Champion Jonathan Albon Trains for OCR / ENDURANCE

“Running isn't that good for you. So if you do it for 12 months of the year you’re probably going to get injured and lose the love of it” says Jonathan Albon, 2014 Spartan World Champion, on when and how to run if you’re training for an OCR event. Spartan Up Endurance Series host, Johnny Waite, talks with Jonathan about how to get better as a runner, when to train and how to taper for a big event. In this episode you’ll learn... -Tapering: Jonathan’s definition and tapering routine -Winter train...

May 27, 202121 minEp. 698

Overcome Your Comfort Crisis / Joe De Sena & Michael Easter

We've been screaming it from the mountaintops for years - "get uncomfortable!" Today Joe De Sena, founder of Spartan, talks with Michael Easter about his new book "The Comfort Crisis." Hear his take on what it means to Spartan Up, the science behind discomfort & boredom, and a couple of great adventure stories. Michael Easter is the author of The Comfort Crisis, a contributing editor at Men's Health magazine, columnist for Outside magazine, and professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vega...

May 25, 202134 minEp. 697

Create Your Own Reality with Gene Dykes / ENDURANCE

“It comes down to doing a little bit more each year,” says Gene Dykes, on how to create a mindset that bucks societal norms of what’s possible. Spartan Up Endurance Series host, Johnny Waite, talks with Gene about how to have fun while running, how to insulate yourself from societal pressures that say ‘you’re too old to run’ and Gene’s approach to goal setting. In this episode you’ll learn: -What time of the year to set goals and what criteria to use when picking a race -Be choosy about who you ...

May 22, 202123 minEp. 696

Finding the Right Fitness for You, Part 2 with Jarod and Yancy / DEKA

“If your workouts aren’t enjoyable, it’s time to make a shift because you are so much more likely to stay with a training plan if you enjoy it, '' says Yancy Culp, co-host of the DEKA Series Podcast. Spartan Up Podcast, DEKA Series hosts’ Jarod Cogswell and Yancy Culp embark on part two of their five-part series titled “A Life Fueled by Fitness.” During this mini-series, the guys will help you get off the roller coaster of fitness, find your purpose and reframe how you think about training. In t...

May 20, 202122 minEp. 695

Why Human Connection is Critical to Your Success & Longevity / Joe De Sena & Jon Levy

What are the greatest predictors of health, performance & longevity? Relationships. Today Behavioral scientists Jon Levy explains why these connections are so important, and how to have more of them. Jon Levy is a behavioral scientist best known for his work in influence, human connection, and decision making. Levy's new book “You’re Invited,” guides readers through the art and science of creating deep and meaningful connections with anyone, regardless of stature, and shows how we develop in...

May 18, 202125 minEp. 694

Run Into Your 70's with Gene Dykes / ENDURANCE

“My goals are to run faster on roads and longer on trails,” says Gene Dykes, the only living human to run a sub 3-hour marathon while being 70 years or older. Spartan Up Endurance Series host, Johnny Waite, talks with Gene about how to train, the benefits of using a coach and when to hit the reset button. In this episode you’ll learn… -Three benefits to using a running coach -Don’t sprint! Why Gene and older runners should avoid sprinting -Use a mentor to set stretch goals -Is the old adage ‘you...

May 15, 202124 minEp. 693

Excuse Free Fitness Part 1 with Jarod and Yancy / DEKA

“If you have a body, you are an athlete,” says Jarod Cogswell, co-host of the DEKA Series Podcast. Spartan Up Podcast, DEKA Series hosts’ Jarod Cogswell and Yancy Culp embark on a five-part series titled “A Life Fueled by Fitness.” During this mini-series, the guys will help you get off the roller coaster of fitness, find your purpose and reframe how you think about fitness. In this episode you’ll learn: -The difference between training and working out, and why it’s important to view fitness as ...

May 13, 202127 minEp. 692

How Your Gut Impacts Performance / Joe De Sena and Naveen Jain

What you eat can impact everything from mood, to energy, to disease. Naveen Jain, founder of Viome, and Joe Desena, Spartan Race founder and CEO, talk about the gut microbiome. What it is, how it works, and what foods make it work best. This episode of Spartan Up! Is brought to you by GONEROGUESNACKS.COM - use code SPARTAN25 for a discount FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod CREDITS: Produce...

May 11, 202130 minEp. 691

How to Take Risks with Shane Sparks / COMBAT

“I looked in my rearview mirror and said to myself ‘you made $4k today but you hate your job.’ The next day I moved to Arizona and enrolled in radio school,” says Shane Sparks, hall of fame broadcaster and former wrestler. Spartan Up Combat Series host, Ryan Warner, talks with Shane about taking risks, how to evaluate risk taking and when to pull the trigger. In this episode you’ll learn: -The right time will never come: You have to seize the opportunity and take a leap of faith -Fake it until y...

May 08, 202113 minEp. 690

Failing to Trust the Process with Shane Sparks / COMBAT

“Looking back, the experience was miserable and that’s because I appended the wrong values to winning and losing,” says Shane Sparks, hall of fame broadcaster and former wrestler. Spartan Up Combat Series host, Ryan Warner, talks with Shane about learning to love the process, and the ramifications for putting too much pressure on outcomes. In this episode you’ll learn, -What happens when you don’t trust the process and put an over-emphasis on results -Understand what you can control: Shane use t...

May 06, 202120 minEp. 689

The Formula to Turn Struggle Into Growth with Joe De Sena and Sarah Goldman

You left your comfort zone, you embraced the struggle...now what? How do you get the maximum leverage from these difficult experiences that we know create growth? Sarah Goldman says the finish line is just the START. She explains the process of growth and, at the end of this episode, lays out the steps to take to ensure the incredible feeling you have at the finish line becomes integrated into your life. Let your strong self prepare you for your future weakened state. This episode of Spartan Up ...

May 04, 202130 minEp. 679

Parenting to Instill Confidence with Johnny Waite / ENDURANCE

“The worst advice you can give your kids is: stop being you,” says Johnny Waite, Death Race finisher and race director for Spartan. Spartan Up Endurance Series host, Johnny Waite, is interviewed by our Combat Host, Ryan Warner. In this episode Ryan talks with Johnny about parenting, how to instill confidence in kids and tactics for helping reduce cell phone use with your kids. In this episode you’ll learn: -Are you creating an environment that will give your kids opportunities to build confidenc...

May 01, 202120 minEp. 688

You'll Win if You Don't Quit with Kevin Curry / DEKA

“You’ll win if you don’t quit,” says Kevin Curry, fitness expert and social media sensation, reflecting on his first DEKA Fit event in Dallas. Spartan Up Podcast, DEKA Series hosts’ Jarod Cogswell and Yancy Culp talk with Kevin about his first DEKA race experience, how to improve your mental health climate and what principles enable Kevin to lead a fitness-forward life into his later years. In this episode you’ll learn... -Kevin’s self talk for goal setting -The 3 fitness principles that improve...

Apr 29, 202113 minEp. 686

How Stress Really Works / Joe De Sena & Jim Poole

What are the mechanisms of stress? In 2015, Solace Lifesciences, was granted the world’s only patent for “Systems and Methods for Balancing and Maintaining the Health of the Human Autonomic Nervous System.” Jim Poole, the chairman and president explains the mechanisms and neuroscience of stress. He and Joe De Sena break down it’s role in athletic performance and compare relaxation tactics. This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by DUROLANE, a single injection that may provide up to six mon...

Apr 27, 202130 minEp. 685

How to Get Obstacle Immunity with Johnny Waite / ENDURANCE

“An easy life is no life at all,” says Johnny Waite. Spartan Up Endurance Series host, Johnny Waite is interviewed by our Combat Host, Ryan Warner. In this episode Ryan talks with Johnny about how we can become more resilient to obstacles. In this episode you’ll learn... -How to reframe a negative perception to a positive one -Johnny’s philosophy of ‘so what’ and how you can apply it to everyday obstacles -Why athletics and specifically running, are a training ground for obstacle immunity -Most ...

Apr 24, 202129 minEp. 684

3 Steps to Reimagining Food with Kevin Curry / DEKA

““Our bodies are built in the kitchen, Sculpted in the gym,” says Kevin Curry, fitness expert and social media sensation. Spartan Up Podcast, DEKA Series hosts’ Jarod Cogswell and Yancy Culp talk with Kevin about reimagining your relationship with food to improve your health and happiness. In this episode you’ll learn… -How to embrace food in a conscious way without abandoning the joys of eating -It’s okay to cry at the gym -Don’t discount what a kind word can meant to someone -It’s about about ...

Apr 22, 202135 minEp. 683

Can You Endure? / Lisa Tamati and Joe De Sena

For the past 25 years she has competed in the world's toughest endurance from the Gobi Desert to the Himalayas. Today she shares a few incredible tales from her best selling books "Running Hot" "Running To Extremes" and “Relentless: How a mother and daughter defied the odds.” LINKS: www.lisatamati.com www.instagram.com/lisatamati This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by DUROLANE, a single injection that may provide up to six months 1 of relief from osteoarthritis knee pain. Risks can incl...

Apr 21, 202146 minEp. 682

A Wrestling Mindset for Business Success with CEO Doug Waggoner / COMBAT

“If you solve a problem for a customer you earn more loyalty and then they come back for more,” says Doug Waggoner, a Fortune 1000 CEO. Spartan Up Combat Series host Ryan Warner talks to Doug about navigating obstacles, taking risks and how / when to use Transcendental Meditation. In this episode you’ll learn, -How to know when it’s the ‘right’ time to start a business -If you don’t know how to do something, take the time to learn it -Everyone is a sales person in business -Doug’s process for st...

Apr 17, 202124 minEp. 681

How to Use Running to Boost Creativity with Semi-Rad Brendan Leonard / ENDURANCE

“My goal is to tell stories that help people in some-way,” says Brendan Leonard, author, climber and ultra-endurance athlete. Spartan Up Endurance Series host, Johnny Waite, talks with Brendan about the creative process and how to take the ideas we all get when running, and put them down on paper. In this episode you’ll learn... -How writing about your passion creates the most authentic stories -To try every medium: Brendan tried a ton of outlets before finding writing -How to capture the moment...

Apr 15, 202118 minEp. 680

No Feet? No Problem. / Joe De Sena & Roderick Sewell

When Roderick Sewell was born his mother was told he could spend his life in a wheelchair or have both legs amputated above the knee. She chose possibility and at age two he took his first steps on prosthetic legs. Today he has completed the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona and is a member of the US Paralympic Swim Team. LINKS: Challenged Athletes Foundation https://www.challengedathletes.org/ Black with Endurance Podcast https://www.blackwithendurance.com/ FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Ins...

Apr 14, 202123 minEp. 679

How to Reduce Fear with Olympian Ben Askren / COMBAT

“Release your ego from the outcome,” says Olympian Ben Askren. This episode of the Spartan Up Combat Series is hosted by Joe De Sena and Colonel Nye, as they talk with Ben about reducing fear, the ego and how to live with no regrets. In this episode, you’ll learn... -The value of hard work: Ben only took off 7 days during his entire high school career -Ego and the impact on stress -How to become unstoppable by creating a niche -Planning vs following a plan and when to adhere to each -Three actio...

Apr 10, 202144 minEp. 678

Celebrating Fitness at DEKA Fit Dallas with Jarod and Yancy / DEKA

“Once you conquer that mountain, it’s time to look at the next mountain,” says Jarod Cogswell, DEKA FIT Director of Sport. Spartan Up Podcast, DEKA Series hosts’ Jarod Cogswell and Yancy Culp recap their DEKA FIT Dallas event. In this episode you’ll learn... -How to reset your goals after accomplishing a milestone -The DEKA cyborgs of the Dallas event and what you can learn from their mentality -How a DEKA event can help tame depression and self-doubt -What are the steps to celebrating fitness -...

Apr 08, 202130 minEp. 677

Do you Need a Code of Conduct? FBI's Former Asst. Dir. of Counterintelligence Says Yes.

Joe De Sena talks to Frank Figliuzzi. He was the asst. dir. of counterintelligence at the FBI, where he served 25 years as a special agent and directed all espionage investigations across the government. He is the author of the national bestseller “The FBI Way: Inside the Bureau’s Code of Excellence.” Today he and Joe De Sena ( founder & CEO of Spartan) talk about why a code of conduct matters and how you create one that works in your business or family. It boils down to his Seven C’s”: Code...

Apr 06, 202132 minEp. 676

Behind the Scenes at the Olympic Wrestling Trials with Gold Medalist Kendall Cross / COMBAT

“I would describe the experience with one word, stressful. I would be at a stop light and notice myself clenching my teeth in the weeks leading up to the Olympic Wrestling Trials,” says Kendall Cross, a 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist in wrestling. Spartan Up Combat Series host Ryan Warner talks to Kendall about how elite athletes (in this case wrestlers) cope with stress amidst the highest stakes. In this episode, you’ll learn… -How to manage stressful environments when the stakes are the highest -H...

Apr 03, 202118 minEp. 675

Use Vulnerability to Lead with CSM Michael L. Hatfield / DEKA

“100% was the standard every day, for 30 plus years,” says Command Sergeant Major Michael L. Hatfield. Spartan Up Podcast DEKA Series hosts’ Jarod Cogswell and Yancy Culp talk with Command Sergeant Hatfield about leadership, chosen suffering and fitness. In this episode you’ll learn: -How to create your own standard by which to govern your life -How Command Sergeant Major Michael L. Hatfield received the Purple Heart -How shared suffering bonds a team -Why you have to be vulnerable as a leader t...

Apr 01, 20211 hr 4 minEp. 674

Should You Eat More Plants? / Joe De Sena & Dr. Alan Desmond

Last week we talked about blue scorpion venom, today we're keeping it super simple. Eat more plants. It's not just Joe De Sena telling you it matters - today self-proclaimed meat and potatoes guy Dr. Alan Desmond, author of "The Plant Based DIet Revolution" explains the positive impacts more plants can have on your health and performance, and why you might be hearing ads that tell you otherwise. Dr Alan Desmond is on a mission to help people eat more plants! As a Gastroenterologist he knows that...

Mar 30, 202137 minEp. 673

It's never too late to change with David Taylor / COMBAT

David Taylor is one of the most popular wrestlers in the world. He won the 2018 World Championships after winning two NCAA titles for Penn State. He’s set to make a run at the 2021 Olympics by competing in the Olympic Trails on April 3. Spartan Up Combat Series host Ryan Warner interview David about a major turning point in his career. In this episode you’ll learn -It’s never too late to make a change -Humility, during the early phases of the transition into the ‘new life’, is key -How you never...

Mar 27, 202145 minEp. 672

I Hate Running and You Can Too with Brendan Leonard / ENDURANCE

“Walk early and walk often,” says Brendan Leonard, author, climber and ultra-endurance athlete. Spartan Up Endurance Series host, Johnny Waite, talks with Brendan Leonard, author of "I Hate Running and You Can Too - How to Get Started, Keep Going, and Make Sense of an Irrational Passion " about why and how to take on your first endurance event. In this episode you’ll learn: -How getting out of the comfort zone led Brendan to a life of adventure -If you can see it, you can be it -Why walking is t...

Mar 25, 202125 minEp. 671

Blue Scorpion Venom & Other Nutrition Hacks / Bryce Wylde

Get your notebook out, because today, Joe is going to geek out with functional medicine clinician price wild from Blue Scorpion venom and Spartan t to vitamin D and akinesia Bryce shares evidence-based tips and information that are part biohack part nutrition, and art plain old biology. Bryce Wylde BSc (hons), DHMHS is a functional medicine clinician at P3 Health in Toronto with over 20 years seeing patients. As a leading health expert and co-founder of Youtrients, founder of mymmunity, author o...

Mar 24, 202140 minEp. 670

The Roadmap to Fulfillment with Super Frenchie, Matthias Giraud / DEKA

“Everyone is chasing happiness. Screw happiness. Fulfillment...checks all the boxes including happiness,” says Matthias, Super Frenchie, Giraud. Spartan Up Podcast DEKA Series hosts’ Jarod Cogswell and Yancy Culp talk with Matthias about the ethos to fulfillment. In this episode you’ll learn: -Why is fulfillment the ultimate form of realization? -What would Matthias say to people who aren’t maximizing who they are? -What is mental blockage and how do you overcome it? -How do you make your existe...

Mar 20, 202131 minEp. 669
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