The Hard Way With Joe De Sena

Ryan "Birdman" Parrott grew up without direction, failed classes, and struggled to connect. One sentence from a Marine teacher flipped a switch and pushed him toward the Navy SEALs. That decision dropped him into one of the toughest training pipelines on the planet and later into Iraq, where a roadside bomb almost killed him.   In this episode, Ryan breaks down the mindset that carried him from a chaotic childhood to SEAL Team deployments, a near-fatal blast, and the long climb to rebuild purpose after war. His story shows what grit, discipline, and resilience look like when the pressure is real. If you want a clear picture of mental toughness from someone who earned it, this conversation will push you to get moving. Three Key Learnings 1. How daily discipline builds real toughness. 2. Why taking care of your body keeps you in the fight. 3. How purpose and forward movement rebuild you after hard hits Timestamps 00:00 Who is Ryan "Birdman" Parrott 01:00 Growing up without direction 03:08 The teacher who changed his life 04:09 Discovering the SEALs and committing fully 05:53 What it really takes to survive BUD/S 00:00 Ryan "Birdman" Parrott 00:13 Growing up lonely without direction 03:14 Committing to becoming a SEAL 05:48 Surviving BUD/S and learning real toughness 07:24 Entering the teams and finding meaning 08:42 First deployment realities 12:30 Explosion & how Team survived 17:00 Returning injured to deployment 18:47 Leaving the Teams 19:42 Rebuilding purpose 21:08 Sons of the Flag Tools & Frameworks Mentioned Win the fight first Get off the X Take care of your body after training Repetition as progression Movement prevents idleness Stay busy to avoid complacency Remember that omorrow is not promised. Discipline and movement keep you sharp, intentional, and ready for whatever comes next.   What's your hard? If this story moved you, sign up, show up, and do something about it. Spartan.com. No more excuses.

She grew up with no roadmap, no support, and no clear path forward. One pull-up changed everything, leading her into the Army and a career in explosive ordnance disposal. Twelve years later, Kaitlyn Hernandez built a life defined by discipline, resilience, and service. She shares how daily discomfort, purpose, and small hard choices shaped her mindset, helping her run a bomb-suit mile, set a world record, and tackle some of the military's toughest challenges.   3 Key Learnings: Small daily challenges build discipline, mental toughness, and high-stakes performance Leaning into discomfort strengthens resilience, focus, and decision-making Purpose, service, and consistent action create long-term endurance and growth   3 Tools / Frameworks: Controlled discomfort protocols: rucking, cold exposure, physical stress CNS reset through structured challenges Mindset reframing: "I get to, not I have to" and "Fix your face" to shift state   Timestamps: 00:51 – Growing up without structure and finding purpose in service 02:27 – Joining the military and discovering direction 04:08 – How she chose the bomb squad and what EOD means 07:48 – What EOD teams do during stateside and presidential missions 09:14 – How bomb suit training works and what "bomb suit dumb" means 10:28 – Breaking the world record and the strategy behind it 12:59 – Running a bomb-suit mile on all seven continents 13:39 – Preparing for the Antarctica mission and raising awareness 18:50 – Her step-by-step advice for building resilience through daily discomfort   Start with one hard thing, lean into discomfort, and build discipline through daily action.   📲 Short, Impactful Content 👉 Instagram: @spartanuppodcast 👉 From me directly: @realjoedesena 💥 Join the Spartan Community: 👉 Find Your Next Spartan Race: https://www.spartan.com/en/race/find-race 👉 For everything Spartan: https://www.spartan.com/

When the mission ends, the mindset stays. Navy SEAL veteran and leadership coach Kevin Stark talks with Joe about rebuilding identity after service, finding calm in pressure, and using simple daily discipline to stay grounded when life shifts. This conversation goes inside the habits, decisions, and mindset work that strengthen resilience, mental toughness, and control under stress. Timestamps 00:58 Why Kevin joined the SEALs at 18 02:29 How BUD/S training builds mental control 05:15 How he rebuilt identity after service 09:55 How service shapes leadership and humility 14:51 How cold exposure builds calm under stress Three Key Learnings How discipline builds mental toughness when external structure disappears How small daily actions raise resilience and calm under pressure How service and leadership shape identity after major transitions Tools, Frameworks, Strategies Response Gap: Creating space before reacting, rooted in Viktor Frankl's work Daily Discipline Reps: Push ups, cold exposure, breathwork to shift mindset fast Rota Path Method: Reflection-based leadership work through structured challenges Calm is trained through consistent action, not comfort. What's your hard? If this story moved you, sign up, show up, and do something about it. Spartan.com. No more excuses.   Listen & Subscribe: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-way-with-joe-de-sena/id952870930 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pYBkk1T684YQg7CmoaAZt   Short, Impactful Content: Instagram: @spartanuppodcast From host directly: @realjoedesena   Join the Spartan Community: Find Your Next Spartan Race For Everything Spartan

What happens when discipline meets adversity? In a world where comfort wins too easily, true progress begins with facing hard challenges head-on. Joe De Sena talks with ZOOZ Fitness founder and adaptive coach Jake Weiner about building grit through adaptive training, creating community for athletes with disabilities, and turning mindset shifts into lasting confidence.   Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Learned: Mindset Reframing: Jake explains how shifting "I can't" to "I'll try" transforms both athletes and parents, proving that confidence is built one small win at a time. Adaptive Coaching Approach: Training without specialized equipment—just smarter coaching, personalized cues, and consistent feedback. Environment and Community Design: Creating a supportive gym culture where athletes mirror each other's discipline, replacing isolation with shared strength. Routine as Ritual: Building daily movement habits that anchor mindset and consistency—discipline treated like brushing your teeth. Perspective Shift Practice: Using the mantra "It could be worse" to ground gratitude and push through discomfort.   Closing Insight: "Discipline turns obstacles into opportunity—because every hard thing you face trains both body and mind."   Listen & Subscribe: Apple: The Hard Way Podcast Spotify: The Hard Way Podcast   Short, Impactful Content:  Instagram: @spartanuppodcast From host directly: @realjoedesena   Join the Spartan Community: Find Your Next Spartan Race: spartan.com/en/race/find-race For everything Spartan: spartan.com   Timestamps: [00:10] The Mission Behind ZOOZ Fitness Jake explains how ZOOZ Fitness became a training ground for adaptive athletes. [03:25] Reframing the Mindset Jake shares how shifting mindset changes how athletes, parents, and coaches face challenges. [11:48] Building Rituals That Outlast Motivation Consistency beats intensity. Discipline becomes automatic when workouts are treated like daily hygiene. [15:21] The Power of Community and Spartan Grit Jake explains how his athletes train year-round for Spartan Races—proving that shared purpose and team energy build more than strength; they build resilience. [20:40] A Lesson in True Commitment One athlete skips Disneyland to make his workout. A reminder that when purpose is strong enough, excuses disappear.

How do you rebuild purpose after life knocks you down four times? Nick Klingensmith shares how cancer, addiction, and chronic illness didn't break him. They forged him.  Nick explains how hitting rock bottom led him to sobriety, discipline, and the Spartan Race community that reignited his purpose. He reflects on ownership, gratitude, and the power of taking the first step, signing up, even when you're not ready. His story is proof that resilience isn't motivation; it's daily action, built one uncomfortable decision at a time.   What You Will Learn: How to shift from a victim mindset to one of ownership and action. Why signing up, before you feel ready, is the first step toward real change. How community and accountability transform recovery into resilience.   Episode Highlights: 01:15 The first cancer diagnosis and the choice between living and dying. 03:06 Hitting rock bottom and choosing sobriety as an act of survival. 05:02 How a single Spartan Race broke years of self-limiting beliefs. 09:58 The power of the Spartan community to restore purpose and belonging. 13:44 Redefining setbacks through perspective, gratitude, and daily standards.   Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Learned: The "Sign-Up First" Rule: Commit before you feel ready, discipline follows action. Ownership Mindset: Replace self-pity with accountability for every obstacle. Gratitude as Reset: Daily gratitude breaks the cycle of frustration and defeat. Community Strength Model: Surround yourself with people who live by earned standards. "Progress is addictive, but only when you start moving."   Listen & Subscribe: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-way-with-joe-de-sena/id952870930 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pYBkk1T684YQg7CmoaAZt   Short, Impactful Content: Instagram: @spartanuppodcast From host directly: @realjoedesena   Join the Spartan Community: Find Your Next Spartan Race: https://www.spartan.com/en/race/find-race For everything Spartan: https://www.spartan.com/

After surviving a 695-mph ejection, Navy pilot Kegan Gill faced paralysis, addiction, and a broken system. He strips the story down to its core, discipline, ownership, and grit. This isn't motivation; it's survival through standards. Learn how to rebuild your mind, body, and purpose when everything else is gone.   Timestamps: [01:33] The mindset that separates doers from talkers. [06:15] Stepping into the F-18 cockpit, pressure and precision. [09:03] The 695-mph ejection, real endurance revealed. [19:15] How simple habits became the mission. [21:17] Fighting back against pain, pills, and the system.   What You Will Learn: How daily effort rebuilds discipline and grit. Why ownership, not pills, drives true recovery. How to apply military discipline to everyday life. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Learned: Daily Discipline: Small, consistent actions compound into recovery and long-term resilience. Ownership of Outcomes: Taking responsibility for rehabilitation, mental health, and career decisions. Physical Rehabilitation Principles: Structured nutrition, exercise, and rest to restore function. Opioid Weaning Strategy: Gradual reduction under self-discipline or physician guidance to regain autonomy. Holistic Healing Modalities: Integrating sleep, nutrition, exercise, nature, and alternative therapies for nervous system recovery. "Consistent effort, disciplined action, and ownership of recovery can rebuild life beyond what seems possible." Watch now on Youtube: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@TheHardWayJDS 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@SpartanRaceTube  📲 Short, Impactful Content: 👉 From me directly: @realjoedesena) 💥 Join the Spartan Community:  👉 Find Your Next Spartan Race: https://www.spartan.com/en/race/find-race 👉 For everything Spartan: https://www.spartan.com/ The Hard Way Podcast With Joe De Sena, Hosted by Joe De Sena, founder and CEO of Spartan, this podcast delves into the principles of resilience, discipline, and the Spartan mindset. De Sena's journey from building a multimillion-dollar pool cleaning business in his teens to establishing a successful Wall Street trading firm showcases his entrepreneurial spirit. In 2001, he transitioned from finance to operate an organic farm in Pittsfield, Vermont, where his passion for endurance events like ultramarathons and adventure races flourished. This led to the creation of Spartan, aiming to inspire individuals to embrace challenges and push their limits.

Most men train their bodies, few train their minds. From cold plunges to carrying rocks uphill, this episode explores mastering the space between chaos and control. Joe De Sena talks with Will Schneider, mindfulness coach, former actor, and meditation teacher, on building strength through breath, stillness, and doing hard things, creating discipline under pressure, and transforming habits into resilience. What You Will Learn: How to use daily breath and stillness practices to strengthen your mind. Why embracing discomfort drives real mental and physical growth. How to integrate mindfulness and simple routines for resilience and discipline. Episode Highlights: [01:50] Why helping only men is central to Will's mission. [05:36] From acting to teaching mindfulness: the journey explained. [08:01] Starting with the breath as the foundation of mental training. [13:19] Physical challenges as tools for mental resilience. [19:26] Doing hard things to soften the ego and grow discipline. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Learned: Breathwork: Techniques for calmness under stress. Mind-Body Connection: Aligning physical actions with mental clarity. Small Daily Practices: Habits that compound into long-term resilience. Closing Insight or Key Takeaway: Drop the excuses. Breathe deeper. Get calm enough to crush anything. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:24 Meet Will Schneider 01:50 Why helping only men 03:10 What led him to meditation 04:23 Joe's 70s yogi story 05:36 From acting to teaching mindfulness 07:12 Will's meditation classes in practice 08:01 Start with the breath 11:03 Yoga as mental training 13:19 Physical challenges for mental resilience 15:13 Calming down to know yourself 16:52 Understand anger, habits & emotions 19:26 Doing hard things soften the ego 21:01 Mind, body, and breath connection 22:30 Three practices for transformation 24:38 Where to find Will Connect to Will: 🌐 Website: willnotfear.com 📸 Instagram: @willnotfear 💼 LinkedIn: Will Schneider 📘 Facebook: Will at Will Not Fear ✖️ Twitter/X: @willnotfear 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: 👉 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-way-with-joe-de-sena/id952870930 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pYBkk1T684YQg7CmoaAZt 📲 Short, Impactful Content: 👉 Instagram: @spartanuppodcast 👉 From host directly: @realjoedesena 💥 Join the Spartan Community: 👉 Find Your Next Spartan Race: https://www.spartan.com/en/race/find-race 👉 For everything Spartan: https://www.spartan.com/ About The Hard Way Podcast: Hosted by Joe De Sena, founder and CEO of Spartan, this podcast explores resilience, discipline, and the Spartan mindset. De Sena's journey from building a multimillion-dollar pool cleaning business in his teens to Wall Street success, then running an organic farm and creating Spartan, showcases how embracing challenges and endurance can transform life.  

He served multiple deployments, faced injury, and returned to duty with discipline and focus. Pain is the best teacher, and failure is where real growth begins. Joe De Sena talks with Ryan Hendrickson, retired Green Beret and landmine removal advocate, on mental toughness, navigating hardship, and rebuilding life through ownership and daily discipline. What You Will Learn: How failure and pain accelerate real growth. Why ownership and discipline matter more than medals. Daily routines and habits that reinforce resilience. Episode Highlights: [01:43] Ryan's military background and joining the Green Berets. [02:50] Surviving a landmine and continuing multiple deployments. [04:28] Mental health struggles and strategies for recovery. [08:11] Three lessons for overcoming hardship. [12:45] Using failure as a tool for growth and learning. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Learned: Pain as Teacher: Using difficult experiences to build toughness. Failure Utilization: Reframing setbacks as learning opportunities. Daily Discipline: Habits that reinforce resilience and mental clarity. Closing Insight or Key Takeaway: Real toughness isn't about muscles or medals. It's about getting up when life keeps trying to bury you. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:26 Meet Ryan Hendrickson, retired Green Beret 01:43 Ryan's background & joining the military 02:50 A 22-year military career & stepping on IED 04:28 Mental health struggles & rebuilding life 08:11 Three lessons for overcoming hardship 12:45 Failure as a tool for growth and learning 15:13 Ryan's daily routine 16:24 How to support Ryan's organization 16:59 The most heavily mined country in the world 18:20 The dangers of untracked minefields Connect to Ryan: 🌐 Website: ryanmhendrickson.com 📸 Instagram: @ryanmhendrickson.tipofthespear 📘 Facebook: Tip of the Spear Landmine Removal 💼 LinkedIn: Ryan Hendrickson ▶️ YouTube: Ryan Hendrickson – Tip of the Spear Landmine Removal ✖️ Twitter/X: @tipofthespear42 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: 👉 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-way-with-joe-de-sena/id952870930 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pYBkk1T684YQg7CmoaAZt 📲 Short, Impactful Content: 👉 Instagram: @spartanuppodcast 👉 From host directly: @realjoedesena 💥 Join the Spartan Community: 👉 Find Your Next Spartan Race: https://www.spartan.com/en/race/find-race 👉 For everything Spartan: https://www.spartan.com/ About The Hard Way Podcast: Hosted by Joe De Sena, founder and CEO of Spartan, this podcast explores resilience, discipline, and the Spartan mindset. De Sena's journey from building a multimillion-dollar pool cleaning business in his teens to Wall Street success, then running an organic farm and creating Spartan, showcases how embracing challenges and endurance can transform life.  

What happens when the toughest person you know completely breaks? The Queen of Pain crashed, hit her head, and lost everything that made her strong: drive, purpose, momentum. Rebecca Rusch talks about rebuilding from zero, letting go of ego, and finding strength through movement again. No fluff, no fake motivation, just raw lessons on how to get up when your mind quits first. Watch it, then move. What You Will Learn: How to rebuild discipline and resilience after major setbacks. Why movement and small wins are critical for recovery. How to reframe success and purpose after life-altering events. Episode Highlights: [00:33] The bike accident and post-concussion symptoms. [02:04] Losing mental health, motivation, and momentum. [06:43] Movement as medicine and letting go of ego. [10:10] Reframing what winning truly means. [14:21] Building a new mission and helping others heal. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Learned: Movement as Medicine: Using physical activity to restore mental and emotional balance. Small Wins: Leveraging incremental progress to rebuild confidence and momentum. Reframing Success: Adjusting mindset to align purpose with current reality. Closing Insight or Key Takeaway: Strength comes from getting up when your mind quits first. Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Rebecca Rusch, Queen of Pain 00:33 The Bike Accident & Post-Concussion Symptoms 02:04 Losing Mental Health & Motivation 04:45 Physical vs. Emotional Resilience 06:43 Movement as Medicine & Letting Go of Ego 10:10 Reframing What Winning Is 11:54 Finding Joy in Small Wins 13:33 Reflect, Move, Connect 14:21 New Mission: Helping Others Heal 15:30 Building Resources for Concussion Recovery 16:46 Thinking About Her First Spartan Race 18:06 Rebecca's Athletic Background Connect to Rebecca: 🌐 Website: rebeccarusch.com 📸 Instagram: @rebeccarusch 📘 Facebook: Rebecca Rusch 💼 LinkedIn: Rebecca Rusch – Rusch Ventures ▶️ YouTube: Rebecca Rusch 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: 👉 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-way-with-joe-de-sena/id952870930 👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pYBkk1T684YQg7CmoaAZt 📲 Short, Impactful Content: 👉 Instagram: @spartanuppodcast 👉 From host directly: @realjoedesena 💥 Join the Spartan Community: 👉 Find Your Next Spartan Race: https://www.spartan.com/en/race/find-race 👉 For everything Spartan: https://www.spartan.com/ About The Hard Way Podcast: Hosted by Joe De Sena, founder and CEO of Spartan, this podcast explores resilience, discipline, and the Spartan mindset. De Sena's journey from building a multimillion-dollar pool cleaning business in his teens to Wall Street success, then running an organic farm and creating Spartan, showcases how embracing challenges and endurance can transform life.  

Summary: Most people break under pressure. Tom Nash didn't. At 19, he lost all four limbs to meningococcal septicemia. Instead of giving up, he built resilience, mental toughness, and a mindset stronger than steel. Tom reveals how he turned pain into purpose, why antifragility beats resilience, and what anyone can do to grow stronger through adversity. Watch now to learn how to build unshakable resilience.     Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:19 Meet Tom Nash, quadruple amputee 01:41 Early Life & Upbringing 02:15 Meningococcal Septicemia Diagnosis 05:07 Hospitalization & Life Support 06:47 Appreciating Small Things 07:37 Anti-Fragile Mindset 09:28 Practicing Anti-Fragility Daily 11:08 Amputations & Choosing Life over Death 15:07 Depression & Physical Pain 16:29 Stop Comparing Yourself to Others 17:53 Tom's "Last Meal" Project 19:36 Big Guests & Global Conversations 20:05 Three Everyday Mindset Tools 21;46 The Importance of Momentum 23:41 Where to Find Tom   Connect to Tom: Website: https://www.tomnash.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djhookie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomnash LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomnash YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomNashTalks  

Ryan Pitts didn't quit when it mattered most. Outnumbered, wounded, and under relentless fire, this Medal of Honor recipient kept fighting. Ryan shares what combat taught him about grit, why brotherhood beats fear, and how to build real toughness in life outside the battlefield. Raw lessons on resilience, sacrifice, leadership, and mental strength, straight from someone who's lived it. No excuses. Listen, learn, and get tougher.   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:25 Meet Ryan, Medal of Honor recipient 01:48 Growing up in New England 02:47 Joining military service 03:56 Enlisting at age 17 04:20 Early Army struggles 04:55 The crucial battle in Afghanistan 06:38 Wounded under heavy fire 08:47 Training instincts kick in 10:58 Incredible acts of heroism 12:32 Challenges of coming home 14:49 Mental health culture shift 16:01 Medal of Honor explained 18:36 Life after military service 19:54 Hard things worth doing 20:49 Coaching kids and values 21:24 Contact details shared 21:30 Upcoming Spartan races 22:09 Closing final notes   Connect to Ryan: Website:  https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/pitts/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

What happens when a Navy SEAL, a Spartan founder, and a Murph workout collide? You get hard truths about grit, discipline, and why your circle determines your ceiling. Jacob Werksman, Navy SEAL, author, and leadership coach at Harvard, breaks down the "meal to meal" mindset from SEAL Hell Week, the power of positive peer pressure, and how to turn suffering into fuel. "From finding people who force you to level up to sharpening self-awareness and presence, this talk rips success down to the basics that actually matter. If you're serious about growth, press play and get uncomfortable.   Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Navy SEAL Jacob Werksman 00:20 Early Murph start & peer pressure 01:38 SEAL culture & leveling up 03:08 Positive tension in life & work 04:14 Community sets your limits 04:46 Lessons from Joe's family life 05:22 Energy givers vs. takers 06:33 Harvard & Victory Strategies 08:29 what separates great leaders 09:46 Books: Leadership of Life Sport & Mastering Your Gap 12:50 Can anyone be a SEAL? 15:43 Therapy in endurance challenges 16:39 Addicted to the "suck" 17:10 Three tips for a great life 20:50 Getting teams to do hard things   Connect to Jacob: Website: https://www.victory-strategies.com/aboutjacob Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jacob_werksman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwerksman/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXGyuRzeve0&ab_channel=VictoryStrategies

What kind of mindset does it take to train 7 years for one climb? Tommy Caldwell did exactly that before finally conquering the Dawn Wall in a 19-day climb that changed the sport forever. He also survived a kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan that tested his endurance in ways no mountain ever could. Tommy shares the lessons he learned through fear, pain, and grit. Tune in now and learn how to build the mindset to push past your own limits.   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:27 Meet Tommy Caldwell 01:47 Growing up climbing with his dad 02:33 Free climbing vs. free soloing explained 03:13 Climbing the Dawn Wall 04:50 Seven years of training for one climb 05:43 Physical and mental training routines 06:38 Kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan the full story 10:24 How the climbers escaped captivity 11:19 Losing a finger in a construction accident 11:45 Building "obstacle immunity" through adversity 15:34 Endurance sports and human limits 16:14 What's next for Tommy 17:59 Mindset & finding strength in community 20:52 The Dawn Wall bool & film     Connect to Tommy: Website: tommycaldwell.com Instagram: instagram.com/tommycaldwell Facebook: facebook.com/1tommycaldwell LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tommy-caldwell-0472a98a Twitter/X: x.com/tommycaldwell1

What would it take to hit ONE MILLION push-ups? Kevin Cullum did it! Not by chasing world records, but by proving the power of consistency, grit, and accountability. In this episode, he shares his Hammer Method for setting massive goals, building unstoppable momentum, and starting even when it feels impossible. Ready to push past your limits? Watch now, subscribe, and join the Spartan journey.   Timestamps: 00:00 1 million push-ups in 10 years 00:58 How did it all start 02:00 Why people can't stay consistent 03:33 Accountability & the Hammer Method 07:30 The power of momentum and identity 09:42 Starting the 1 Million Pull-Up Challenge 11:47 Overcoming childhood anxiety and self-doubt 13:26 Building pull-up strength from the ground up 14:37 No need for fancy setup 15:22 Make a choice & just start 18:13 Where to find Kevin 19:15 Spartan race challenge invitation 20:27 How to fit training into a busy family life 21:30 Final thoughts: making time and building discipline   Connect to Kevin: Instagram: @1million_pullups YouTube: @1_millionpushups

Most athletes lose their edge because they don't recover right. The mattress innovator Jack Dell'Accio reveals breaks down why deep sleep and REM sleep drive peak performance, how pros are using sleep recovery hacks to gain an advantage, and why the mattress you sleep on can change everything. Learn how to recover faster, perform stronger, and push past limits. Want the Spartan edge? Hit play and level up your sleep.   Timestamps: 00:00 Jack's roots & childhood in Montreal 02:08 Hockey life in Canada and Florida 03:20 Panthers games & working with NHL players 06:44 How Jack entered the mattress business 09:54 Sleep study: boosting REM & deep sleep 11:27 What makes Essentia mattresses different 14:46 New Boca Raton factory & expansion plans 18:02 Where to find Essentia & customer loyalty   Connect to Jack: Website: myessentia.com Instagram: @jackdellaccio / @essentiagram Facebook: facebook.com/myessentia LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jack-dell-accio-96966423 YouTube: youtube.com/user/essentiaworld Twitter/X: twitter.com/essentia

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Matt Prouty, a police officer showing what real community leadership looks like. When Matt Prouty saw addiction and homelessness destroying his community, he didn't wait for policy—he built a street team, set up shower programs, and met people where they were. No excuses. No red tape. Just real action. This is a raw, inspiring look at what happens when one person steps up and leads from the front.   Watch now—and ask yourself: where could you step up in your own community?   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:20 Meet Matt Prouty 01:36 What's Matt's Superpower 02:56 The Reality of Homelessness and Drug Use 04:15 Faith-Based Community Housing Models 05:44 The Role of Local Communities 07:06 How Matt's Upbringing Shaped His Mission 09:13 From Law Enforcement to Outreach 10:14 Shower & Laundry Program 11:23 Playing the Long Game in Outreach 12:14 Team-Based Street Outreach Works Best 13:38 The Growth of Police-Led Outreach 15:04 How Can People Help 16:16 How Project Vision Was Born 17:28 How to Donate to Project Vision   Connect to Matthew & Project Vision: Website: https://projectvisionrutland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectvisionrutland Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectvisionrutland

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Navy SEAL veteran Gus Gustavson for an unforgettable look at what it truly takes to build unshakable grit.   From a small-town upbringing and a Mormon mission in Brazil to surviving Hell Week. Not once, but twice. Gus reveals how discipline, purpose, and mental toughness shaped every step of his journey.   You'll hear how his military mindset now fuels a powerful mission to train law enforcement and save lives. Whether you're chasing your next Spartan finish line or just trying to push through life's obstacles, this episode will challenge your excuses and reset your perspective.   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:30 Meet Karl Gus Gustavson 02:07 Background & High School 02:35 Coaches Who Built Character 03:38 Gus's Mormon Mission to Brazil 04:43 Mission Work as a Rite of Passage 06:50 Learning to Communicate & Coexist 07:53 Returning from Brazil and the 9/11 Turning Point 08:49 Why He Joined the Navy SEALs 11:17 Injuries and Perseverance in SEAL Training 13:54 Getting Assigned to the "Wrong Coast" 15:19 Reflections on His SEAL Career 17:33 Perspective from WWII Veterans 19:01 Physical Struggle Builds Mental Strength 19:49 Life After the SEALs 20:52 Support from the Spartan Community   Connect to Karl Gus Gustavson: Website: https://c1p.org  Instagram: @kgus245 (personal) / @community_first_project (organization) Facebook: Community First Project LinkedIn: Community First Project

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Jessica Cox, a woman born without arms, yet a licensed pilot, black belt in Taekwondo, and living proof that limits are self-imposed. Together, they explore how hardship builds mental toughness, why fear is a choice, and how you can turn obstacles into fuel. Jessica's story will shatter your excuses and shift your mindset. If you're ready to stop playing it safe and start living without limits—this episode is your wake-up call.   Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Jessica Cox 00:19 Born Without Arms 01:02 Gratitude and First-World Comforts 02:30 Childhood Struggles and Resilience 05:22 Her Parents' Role in Building Confidence 06:17 Dealing with Bullying and Finding Self-Worth 08:39 Became the first armless pilot 10:33 Obstacles Build Discipline 11:18 Inventing the Dressing Tool 12:21 What Holds Most People Back 13:59 The Power of Facing Fear 14:57 The Impossible Airplane Project 17:36 Jessica's 30-Year Journey in Taekwondo 19:36 Final Words & Future Collaboration     Connect to Jessica: Website: https://www.jessicacox.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightfooted  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicacox  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rightfooted  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessicacox

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with performance coach and father of five, Joe Greco, to talk about what it really takes to build grit in your kids, your career, and yourself. From Spartan-style parenting to leading high-performing teams, Joe shares battle-tested strategies for mastering discipline, staying purpose-driven, and unlocking your full potential. Whether you're a parent, a leader, or just tired of making excuses, this one's for you.   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:27 Meet Joe Greco 01:55 Early mornings & discipline 02:34 Five daughters & Death Camp invitation 04:30 Redefining success beyond money 06:33 Expressions of gratitude 09:07 Joe's life tools and values 10:46 Mentors, teens & leadership 13:24 Understanding People Better 15:30 How to add value in life 17:48 The story of the Naval Academy 20:57 The meaning of tradition at military academies 21:43 Where to find Joe Greco 22:15 The origin of the name Palio 23:24 The horse race in Siena   Connect to Joe Greco: Website: palioinc.com Instagram: @palioinc LinkedIn: Joseph Greco

In this episode, Joe De Sena talks with Ironman World Champion Chelsea Sodaro about how to stay driven, balanced, and resilient as a high-achiever and mom. She opens up about the challenges of returning to elite sport after childbirth, the importance of mindfulness and gratitude, and how to keep going when things get tough. This is a powerful conversation about purpose, perseverance, and showing up for what matters most. If you've ever struggled with balance, burnout, or staying motivated, this conversation will reignite your purpose and prove that it's possible to thrive, not just survive.   Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Chelsea Sodaro 00:13 What's her secret to success? 00:49 Handling daily struggles and staying disciplined 01:08 Balancing motherhood and elite sport 02:16 Work-life integration vs. balance 02:55 Returning to racing after childbirth 04:23 Staying grounded through parenting 05:36 Joe's Ironman wake-up call 06:37 What's next for Chelsea? 07:56 Triathlon vs. Spartan 09:02 Tips & Tricks for Daily Life 10:59 Gratitude as a superpower 12:16 Life after winning: chasing the next goal 13:23 Balancing ambition with contentment 14:19 Final thoughts and staying connected   Connect to Chelsea: Website: chelseasodaro.com Instagram: @chelseasodaro  Facebook: Chelsea Sodaro Twitter / X: @ChelseaSodaro X (formerly Twitter)