The Hard Way With Joe De Sena

Most people struggle with low energy, willpower, and motivation. But what if you could feel energized and excited about life again?   In this episode, former pro soccer player turned health entrepreneur Yuri Elkaim shares his unexpected journey from playing on the world stage to finding a new purpose through wellness.   Yuri reveals the single change that transformed his life - and it can change y...

In this episode, fitness mogul Tom Dowd reveals how he went from working long hours in his family's supermarket business to partnering with Mark Wahlberg and saving struggling franchise F45.   Growing up instilled a strong work ethic in Dowd, but his biggest test came when he took over F45 in crisis. Through strategic partnerships, focusing on culture, and his relentless drive, Dowd engineered an...

In this episode, Joe De Sena, chats with his friend Kalojan Georgiev, currently residing in Zanzibar. Kalojan provides an engaging insight into the untapped potential of Zanzibar as a prime investment destination and a wonderful place to live.   Kalojan highlights the significant return on investment in Zanzibar, which can reach up to 15-20%, far exceeding returns in more developed regions. He exp...

Meet the world's toughest inspiration - 98-year-old Lala LaLanne! In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with the fitness legend to uncover her secrets to breaking records, crushing workouts, and staying motivated well into her 90s.   Listen as Elaine shares incredible stories of her and her late husband Jack's accomplishments over the decades. She'll also give you an inside look at her current mi...

Tired of feeling stuck in a rut? Discover how taking on new challenges can make you feel alive again at any age.   In this empowering episode, Gwendolyn Bounds shares how she conquered self-doubt and found her inner athlete later in life. She discusses her transformation from a sedentary to a competitive obstacle course racer through grit and community support. Gwendolyn Bounds is an award-winning...

Joe and Zackary delve into the powerful symbolism behind carrying a couch through Spartan Races, a tribute to those struggling with addiction and a call to leave comfort for the community. Zach shares his personal story of overcoming addiction and physical challenges, emphasizing the importance of helping others, especially adaptive athletes, to conquer obstacles.   The conversation touches on mod...

When Kristin Smedley's young son was diagnosed as blind, she was devastated. But rather than accepting limits, she became fiercely determined to give him every opportunity. Tapping into creative problem-solving skills from her own athletic past, Kristin empowered her son to navigate life fearlessly.   Through using all available tools and relentless advocacy, her sons thrived academically against...

Tired of just getting by each day without making progress toward your goals? Learn how one man used an unconventional morning routine to overcome a near-death experience, beat cancer against all odds, and write a bestselling book impacting millions.   Hal Elrod shares his strategies for developing resilience in the face of adversity, finding peace within through acceptance, and taking back control...

Kevin Kaiser has an unconventional approach to business that was shaped by his roots growing up on a farm in Canada. As a professor at Wharton, one of the top business schools in the world, Kaiser is challenging the status quo.   In this fascinating podcast episode, Kaiser shares the philosophies that have made him an outlier - treating companies like living organisms that must constantly adapt to...

Dr. John Jaquish discovered a revolutionary way to build strong bones that goes against everything you've been told.   In this insightful conversation with Joe De Sena, Dr, John reveals how he cured his own mother's osteoporosis and created a $100 million business - all by ignoring conventional wisdom.   He will also open your eyes to why workouts like weightlifting don't work, and share his porta...

In this episode, Joe se Sena is having an insightful conversation with TeamSnap CEO Pete Frintzilas. Pete shares how facing challenges as a child of immigrants built his resilience and success. He discusses lessons learned on instilling a strong work ethic in kids without spoiling them.   Joe and Pete also discuss how continuous learning and seeking guidance from mentors fueled their growth and em...

Victor Antonio knows what it's like to struggle. Growing up in poverty-stricken Chicago housing projects, he faced an uphill battle. But through grit and determination, he climbed his way to the top.   In this fascinating episode, Victor pulls back the curtain on his amazing success story. From food stamps as a child to writing bestsellers, he shares the pivotal moments that changed his trajectory...

In this episode of The Hard Way podcast, Joe De Sena interviews Paul Foster, the founder of the iconic fitness brand Reebok.   Tune in as Foster recounts growing up in a family shoe business plagued by infighting, and his risky decision to break out on his own with his brother. Listen how this small startup found its big break by pivoting to capitalize on the aerobics craze just starting to sweep...

The Lovesac founder Shawn Nelson started with a silly college project - giant beanbags. Now he leads the top-selling couch brand in America. How did he go from dorm room side hustle to building a business worth billions? Tune in as Shawn shares his wild journey of overcoming failures, bankruptcy and naysayers.   Plus, hear Shawn and Joe discussing the couch controversy and finding common ground in...

When does pursuing your goals mean neglecting your relationships? For high-performing couples, maintaining intimacy may become hard and require intentionality.   In this episode, Amy Wine shares her strategies for helping elite athletes, entrepreneurs and busy professionals prioritize connection - even when life gets hectic. Learn a system for designing communication around each partner's unique r...

While most would have quit after repeatedly getting cut from teams, Dre Baldwin refused to give up on his basketball dreams. This episode shares his incredible journey from benchwarmer to going pro, despite the countless setbacks along the way.   You'll learn how he maintained an unstoppable motivation to improve day after day through strategies like constantly problem-solving new approaches. Dre...

Tired of conflicting advice on diabetes? This episode sets the record straight. Dr. Robbie Barbero, who reversed his own Type 1 diabetes with a plant-based diet, unpacks the science on what really causes insulin resistance.ro   You'll be shocked to learn it's NOT sugar as you've been told. Dr. Barbero reveals new research proving dietary fat - not sugar - is the true culprit behind the diabetes ep...

This episode follows the transformation of successful entrepreneur Andy Goldstrom from a results-driven corporate executive to a compassionate parenting coach. Faced with his own daughter's mental health struggles, Andy realized the tough love approach that worked in business failed his family.   Through difficult lessons and parent coaching certification, Andy learned to see issues through his ch...

Tired of being average? Want to take your game to the next level and become unstoppable? This episode will show you how to maximize your innate strengths, tap into your deepest interests, and unleash an unstoppable drive to win.   Former military strategist James King shares his science-backed approach to identifying your "sweet spot" and aligning your goals in a way that ignites your full potenti...

In this episode, marketing pioneer Seth Godin shares his proven strategies for building viral movements and brands. He and the Spartan founder Joe De Sena talk about the power of cultivating small, passionate communities over mass appeal.   Godin draws from his experience helping top brands connect through stories and building a community. He explains how understanding the way ideas spread sociall...

In this episode, Joe De Sena interviews Michael Holt from Savage and Saint on redefining masculinity through integrity, authenticity and inner strength.   They discuss growing up tough and how it shapes character, plus the importance of discipline and relaxation in achieving goals and relationships. Michael shares his daily wellness routine of meditation, breathing, nutrition and movement - practi...

Craig Levinson has overcome countless obstacles on his journey from South Africa to Silicon Valley. After immigrating as a teen, he chased his basketball dreams in the US only to have a devastating injury end his career. But he refused to quit, pivoting to build supplement brands and manage inspirational clients.   Through it all, 3 principles have guided him: accountability, consistency, and self...

Tired of kids glued to screens when they should be running around outside? Frustrated with the lack of PE and recess in schools? Dr. Amy Bantham has had enough - and she's starting a revolution to get our youth active again.   As the founder of Move to Live More, Amy is trying to empower families and schools in a fight against physical inactivity. In this motivating episode, she shares why movemen...

Jacob Peters almost died after a COVID-19 vaccine left him hospitalized. Instead of accepting defeat, he was driven to help others avoid similar struggles. His new company Superpower aims to put people in charge of their health data and connect them to innovative care.   This episode follows Jacob's incredible journey—from building Legos into a six-figure business as a teen to founding a major hea...

Tired of the same old drinking culture? In this unconventional podcast episode, Spartan CEO Joe De Sena joins forces with wellness entrepreneur Ruari Fairbairns to drop bombshell strategies for helping people take back control over their lives from Big Alcohol.   From waking guests at dawn with burpees to proposing "water-only" bars, these disruptors will challenge your assumptions with their bold...