Sweat, Sacrifice, and Standards | What It Takes to Rise and Keep Rising

8 snips

Jun 30, 2025

Guest

Sean Whalen

Ben Kenyon, Director of Performance for the Philadelphia 76ers and author of 'Climb,' shares his inspiring journey from intern to NBA expert, emphasizing hard work and resilience. Don Saladino, trainer to Hollywood stars, discusses the importance of mental discipline in fitness, evolving beyond physical strength. Sean Whalen, entrepreneur and author, delivers a raw message about overcoming adversity, bankruptcy, and personal struggles to find empowerment and clarity. Together, they highlight the vital role of ownership, simplicity, and discipline in achieving success.

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ANECDOTE

Ben Kenyon's Father's Blessing

Ben Kenyon recalls his father's last words that reminded him he was blessed even in hard times.
This grounded him and motivated him to double down on opportunities despite struggle early on.

ADVICE

Take Ownership to Lead

Take ownership of your mistakes quickly to inspire ownership in others.
High performers focus on improving daily and contributing to their team's success.

ADVICE

Keep It Simple, Build Routine

Keep your routines and training simple to build a solid foundation.
Build daily habits and set new standards to thrive at higher levels.

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This week on The Burn Podcast, we revisit three unforgettable episodes featuring high performers who have not only built incredible careers—but have done so through relentless discipline, ownership, and an unwavering commitment to THEIR BURN.

We begin with Ben Kenyon, the Director of Performance for the Philadelphia 76ers. Ben’s journey from sleeping on the floor as an unpaid strength and conditioning intern to working with NBA elites is a masterclass in hustle and heart. Through the wisdom shared in his book Climb, and his lived experience navigating adversity, Ben shows us what it means to rise through grit, not luck. His story is proof that success doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when YOU stay consistent, focused, and willing to outwork the rest.

Next, we hear from Don Saladino, the trainer behind some of Hollywood’s biggest transformations. With over two decades in the fitness industry, Don has trained stars like Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, and Hugh Jackman. But it’s not just about physical strength—it’s about mental discipline, purpose, and evolving beyond the walls of the gym. Don shares how he grew from gym owner to global fitness leader, and what it takes to build a brand that impacts lives around the world.

Closing the episode is a raw and powerful conversation with Sean Whalen—entrepreneur, speaker, and best-selling author. Sean doesn’t sugarcoat the truth. He talks openly about overcoming bankruptcy, divorce, and personal darkness to find clarity, power, and purpose. His message? YOU are the only one responsible for changing YOUR life. From his “Core Four” approach—power, passion, purpose, and production—to his daily practices rooted in discipline, gratitude, and family, Sean delivers a message that will challenge YOU to step up, confront YOUR fears, and create the life YOU were born to live.

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Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6MroHioh6VY
🎧 Listen here: https://www.theburnpodcast.com

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