The Hard Way With Joe De Sena

In this episode, running coach Jason Fitzgerald and Joe De Sena dive deep into the transformative power of running.   Discover how to push past your limits, build unbreakable mental toughness, and become the athlete you never thought possible.   From overcoming the initial struggle to running a 2:39 marathon, Jason shares his personal journey and proven strategies to help even the most skeptical c...

Struggling with junk food battles or getting your kids off their screens?  In this episode, Joe De Sena and nutrition expert Amelia Phillips tackle the biggest challenges of raising healthy, active kids in today's screen-obsessed world.   Hear Amelia's tips for parents who want to raise the next generation of strong, healthy achievers. Learn simple, actionable strategies to transform your family's...

In this episode, Dr. Mike Wasilisin, a renowned movement expert, reveals the secrets to overcoming pain and achieving peak performance.   Hear about his proven methodology that empowers you to take control of your body and break free from the limitations of the healthcare system. Learn the transformative power of core breathing, glute activation, and proper alignment to reclaim your health and sma...

In this episode, Joe De Sena is talking with Rob and Alex, the authors of Warrior to Civilian, on the challenges veterans face after service.   They discuss a hidden veteran suicide crisis and why so many veterans struggle, how we can help them thrive, and the real steps for a successful transition.   Rob and Alex reveal the often-overlooked difficulties of reintegration, the importance of mentors...

Join a powerful journey of resilience as our guest Jeff Harmon shares his inspiring story of battling a rare, life-changing condition and pushing past every limit to live life fully.   From overcoming fear and embracing Spartan challenges to the ultimate goal of climbing Kilimanjaro, Jeff shows what it means to face adversity head-on, find strength in the struggle, and inspire others to do the sam...

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, nutrie...

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 legac...

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 yo...

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 fo...

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, lear...

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...

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 pro...

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 bei...

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, wh...

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 da...

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 ph...

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...

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...

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 so...

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....

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 persona...

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...

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 ap...

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...

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,...