The Hard Way With Joe De Sena

What happens when a 17-year-old signs up to swim 34km across freezing water—no wetsuit, no excuses—all to raise awareness for men's mental health?   In this raw, high-impact episode, Barney Ryder joins Joe De Sena to share how choosing discomfort, facing failure, and embracing the cold shaped his mind more than any victory ever could.   They talk resilience, grit, the power of movement over words,...

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with a Marine veteran, Rob Jones, who lost both legs to an IED—but didn't lose his drive, purpose, or grit.   Instead, he came back stronger, running 31 marathons in 31 days, winning a Paralympic medal, and building a powerful life rooted in service, family, and leadership. His story is a masterclass in resilience, perspective, and unstoppable mindset.   If y...

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Dean Karnazes, one of the world's most relentless endurance athletes. Dean is an ultra-marathoner and is still competing hard at 60+.   From a spontaneous 30-mile run sparked by tequila to training like a Spartan with no gym, he shares powerful lessons on discipline, resilience, and building a body—and mindset—that doesn't quit.   You'll learn how micro...

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Jessica Buchanan, a humanitarian worker who was kidnapped in Somalia and held hostage for 93 harrowing days.   With no weapons, no training, and no escape in sight, Jessica relied on grit, faith, and the raw power of the human spirit to survive. She shares the terrifying details of her abduction, the mental strength it took to stay alive, and how she tur...

In this episode, Joe De Sena talks with strength coach and entrepreneur Chris Duffin about what it really takes to become mentally and physically unbreakable.   Chris shares his powerful 6-phase framework for personal growth — from standing on the edge of a big decision to climbing out of rock bottom stronger than ever. You'll hear raw stories of failure, recovery, and the daily discipline it take...

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with CrossFit Games champion and Train Hard founder Jason Khalipa to explore what it really means to build grit, discipline, and lasting strength in a world that's getting softer by the day.   Jason shares the powerful life lessons he's learned through elite competition, fatherhood, and personal adversity. They dive into the "Never Zero" mindset, the Train Ha...

What does it really take to raise strong, confident girls in today's world? In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Cesalina Gracie – Mount Everest climber, self-defense expert, and member of the iconic Gracie Jiu Jitsu family. Cesalina runs an all-women's martial arts academy and has trained girls as young as two to stand their ground, trust their instincts, and lead with power. They dive dee...

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with James Pieratt—a man who turned a past of heroin addiction and prison into a life of discipline, grit, and ultra-endurance. Now, he's gearing up to run 1,000 miles along the California coast.   Discover how James rewrote his life's script by embracing ancient warrior wisdom, conquering addiction, and pushing human limits. Whether you're feeling stuck, bat...

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with one of the most unstoppable humans on the planet—a former Gurkha and UK Special Forces operator, Nims Purja, who walked away from a military pension to chase a dream the world called impossible.   Discover how he shattered mountaineering records, rescued stranded climbers on Everest, and turned purpose into power when no one believed in him. From brutal...

In this episode, Norman Wolfe reveals the hidden "psychic DNA" that silently drives your decisions, relationships, and business outcomes. Once you understand it—you can rewrite it.   Learn to rewrite the internal stories holding you back Break through the barriers that block execution and growth Hack your brain's natural resistance to change Turn failure into a foundation for lasting success   Whe...

What happens when a man with no arms and no legs decides to bear crawl to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro?   Meet Kyle Maynard—quadruple amputee, extreme athlete, ESPY Award winner, and living proof that no excuse is ever big enough. In this raw and inspiring episode, Kyle opens up about brutal workouts, life-altering injuries, climbing one of the world's tallest mountains on all fours, and the minds...

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with endurance coach Floris Gierman to talk about the surprising power of slowing down to get faster, building consistency, and creating a healthier, more intentional life.   From heart rate-based training and journaling habits to sleep, movement, and mindset shifts, this episode is full of simple, practical takeaways that can help anyone—athlete or not—feel...

In this solosode, Joe De Sena dives into the raw truth about extremism—why it can either fuel your greatness or sabotage your life.   He opens up about his own intense lifestyle, the myth of moderation, and why chasing more is often a trap. Whether you're grinding toward a big goal, feeling burned out, or stuck in a cycle of doing too much, this episode is your wake-up call. Joe shares practical m...

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with veteran, coach, and author Tara Pipia to explore how Spartan Racing and military discipline can help you overcome life's greatest challenges.   Tara shares her journey from serving in Afghanistan to rebuilding her life through community, fitness, and purpose. Together, they dive into how doing hard things—whether on the battlefield or on the Spartan cour...

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with fitness expert and Mind Pump co-founder Justin Andrews to cut through the noise and get real about strength, discipline, and building a resilient body and mind.   They dive into the biggest fitness myths, the power of hard work, and why modern parenting is failing kids when it comes to health and toughness. From training smarter and staying injury-free t...

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Sophie Power, a mom of three who defied all odds - going from an unathletic, overweight teenager to a record-breaking endurance athlete!   Sophie shares how she transformed her mindset, tackled extreme challenges like a 250km race across the Sahara, and set a world record for 48 hours on a treadmill—all while juggling motherhood.   She reveals the key to...

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with the unstoppable Iron Cowboy, James Lawrence, a man who redefined human endurance by completing 100 Ironmans in 100 days! James reveals the untold truth behind his record-breaking endurance feat, the brutal battles with injury and recovery, and the mindset that kept him moving when everything screamed "quit." From losing it all in the 2008 financial crash...

Summary: In this episode, Joe De Sena and Joshua Peach dive into how to turn your toughest challenges into triumphs!   Joshua shares his journey from rock bottom to unstoppable, proving that being awesome is all about resilience, mindset, and taking action. With Joe's unique perspective, they explore the power of positivity and the simple steps you can take to crush your limits and start living wi...

In this episode, endurance legend Sean Conway reveals the mindset, discipline, and relentless drive that pushed him to complete 105 Ironmans in 105 days—even after a near-fatal accident! Discover how to ditch excuses, find your tribe, and stay motivated when the going gets tough. Learn why having no Plan B is the key to pushing limits, breaking records, and achieving what seems impossible. From no...

Tired of falling off the fitness wagon every January? Spartan founder and endurance legend Joe De Sena teams up with triathlon champion Taren Gesell to share the ultimate formula for staying motivated, crushing your goals, and transforming your life. They dive into a powerful 3-step system that has helped countless individuals turn their fitness aspirations into lasting success. Discover how to se...

In this episode, Mark Allen, the legendary 6-time Ironman World Champion, shares the training strategies, mindset hacks, and recovery techniques that allowed him to push the limits of human performance. How Mark Allen, the "Marlboro Man of Triathlon," pushed the boundaries of human performance to become a 6-time Ironman World Champion. You'll discover:  The training strategies, recovery techniques...

In this episode, Joe de Sena talks to Amberly Lago, a resiliency coach who has faced unimaginable challenges - from a devastating motorcycle accident that nearly cost her a leg, to a chronic pain condition that has tested her limits. Yet, through it all, Amber has emerged stronger, more determined, and more passionate about helping others overcome their own obstacles. Hear Amber's raw and inspirin...

In this episode, Joe de Sena sits down with the remarkable Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum - a doctor and a powerlifting enthusiast with a passion for helping people transform their lives. Dr. Jordan shares valuable insights on how to break through your limits and transform your life. They explore why strength training is skyrocketing in popularity, how it can supercharge your physical and mental health, an...

Prepare to be amazed by the incredible journey of Travis Mills, a former U.S. Army staff sergeant who lost all four limbs in an IED explosion during his third deployment to Afghanistan. Despite facing unimaginable adversity, Travis refused to let his injuries define him, embarking on a remarkable path of recovery, resilience, and reinvention.   In this captivating episode, you'll witness Travis' t...

Struggling with sleepless nights and sluggish days? In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with sleep expert Andrew Vontz to uncover the science behind truly restful sleep.   Learn straightforward, research-backed strategies to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up rejuvenated - no gimmicks, no expensive gadgets, just real results.   Andrew shares practical tips you can start using t...