Episodes
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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/ -
Episodes manquant?
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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 goalsWebsite: 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 appIG: @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 thoughtsPRE ORDER NOW:
https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Balance-Paradoxical-Principles-Champion/dp/1642011770
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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? -
Are our freedoms under siege? In this episode, Joe De Sena is talking to an amazing guest - Connor Boyack, an author, speaker, and staunch advocate for personal freedom and education.
They tackle the unsettling rise of Big Government and the danger of becoming a Nanny State. As bureaucratic regulations multiply and control tightens, we’re faced with crucial questions about the erosion of personal liberty. How far will government overreach go, and what are the implications for our future?
Joe and Connor talk about the growing influence of regulations in everyday life, examine the consequences of increased governmental control, and discuss strategies to protect our freedoms.
Tune in for an insightful exploration of how we can safeguard our rights and ensure that personal autonomy remains intact in an increasingly regulated world.
Highlights:00:00 Intro
00:49 Connor’s background and career path
02:52 Too much freedom vs too restricted laws
07:21 San Francisco's lack of prosecution for small crimes
10:38 Left-right binary and the need to find common ground
14:30 Corporations lobbying against simplification efforts
17:38 The need for decentralization of power
21:11 Using market pressure to rebalance power
23:10 Why the international community loves Trump
25:03 The importance of resilience
25:48 Degrading from freedom to a nanny state
27:51 History's cyclical patterns
29:30 How can people find Connor? -
In this episode, Joe de Sena is having a powerful conversation with fitness icon Clark Bartram, who is on a mission to inspire men to embrace a life of resilience, purpose, and health.
This 60-year-old “fitness anomaly” shares his philosophy on making small, daily choices that can have a profound impact on your well-being.
His message is both thought-provoking and actionable, as he challenges listeners to choose the stairs over the escalator, to walk instead of calling an Uber, and to prioritize physical activity in a world that often promotes convenience over health.
Since his recent prostate cancer diagnosis, Bartram is using his platform to empower men to take control of their health and live life to the fullest.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to break free from the "busy dying" mentality and embrace a mindset of living with energy, purpose, and resilience.
Highlights:
00:00 Intro
01:22 Being anomaly on life is the goal
03:10 Get busy living or get busy dying
04:22 Living with energy and purpose
07:32 Laziness and 10,000 steps a day as a goal
10:38 Clark’s motivation for his fitness journey
14:53 Why are we the way we are
17:10 The absurdity of celebrating obesity
19:45 Clark’s personal challenge with prostate cancer
25:26 How can people find Clark? -
In this captivating episode, join Joe De Sena, the founder of Spartan, and Frank Schwartz, the CEO of F3 Nation, as they dive deep into the transformative power of fitness, fellowship, and faith.
Discover how these two dynamic leaders are on a mission to inspire men to break free from self-limiting beliefs and unlock their true potential.
Hear the inspiring stories of how F3 Nation's unique approach to community-driven workouts is changing lives, helping men reclaim their health, rediscover their purpose, and become leaders in their own right. Explore the fascinating concept of "nantan" and how it empowers men to take charge of their own growth and development.
Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and empowered to become the best version of yourself.Highlights:
00:00 Intro
00:43 What are F3 and Nantan?
04:43 Transformative power of challenging oneself with dirty and difficult activities
08:35 Removing self-limiting beliefs and recognizing your true potential
11:31 Pushing beyond limits and find your true purpose
14:10 Mental health and the usefulness of therapy
17:54 What’s next for F3?
21:28 How can people find Frank?
23:34 The main objections and overcoming excuses
26:24 A success story -
In this captivating episode, cognitive specialist Dr. Brandon Orr and Spartan founder Joe De Sena dive deep into the neuroscience behind unlocking your brain's full potential.
Discover proven strategies to build unbreakable mental resilience, conquer self-doubt and anxiety, and develop the grit and determination of elite performers.
Learn how to silence your inner critic and unleash your true capabilities. This is a must-listen for anyone striving to optimize their cognitive function and reach new heights of success.
Highlights:00:00 Intro
00:56 What is a cognitive performance specialist?
03:12 The stigma around mental health
04:36 Acknowledge failure, identify constraints, and reengage
08:12 Anxiety triggering a sympathetic response
13:14 Identifying constraints limiting performance and adapting
15:20 Recognizing the signs of warning to stay in the game safely
18:43 Can words cause damage?
20:25 Challenges of comparing trauma
25:24 How to level up your game?
27:57 Overcome anxiety by reframing thoughts -
Discover the secrets of elite performers straight from a Special Forces expert!
In this episode, Dr. Reginald O'Hara who has been working with special forces in the Department of Defense for 23 years. reveals how top soldiers push their limits and stay sharp. He explains game-changing techniques to boost your own performance, from breathing tricks to recovery hacks.
Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or just looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you achieve more. Find out how to train like a warrior, recover like a pro, and unlock your full potential. Don't miss these insider tips that could transform your life and career!
Highlights:00:00 Intro
00:49 What makes a hard performer?
07:02 Excessive training can lead to chronic overtraining
10:16 Relaxation techniques for high-performing individuals
15:59 Dr. O’Hara’s training routine
18:19 The importance of moderate-intensity exercise
20:03 Developing healthy habitsThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast interview are those of the individual (Dr. Reggie O’Hara) and do not reflect the official policy or position of William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Department of the Army, Defense Health Agency, or the U.S. Government.
Connect with Dr. Reggie O’Hara:
LinkedIn: in/reggie-b-o’hara-m-sc-ph-d-8a91b1168
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