The Hard Way With Joe De Sena

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 deep into the real difference between competition and challenge, how to motivate kids without pressure or fear, and why female empowerment starts with mindset, not medals. Cesalina shares unfiltered stories from her own upbringing in the world’s most famous fighting family and explains how she turned discipline, self-awareness, and real-life preparedness into a lifelong mission.   Timestamps:  00:00 Intro 00:43 Meet Cesalina Gracie  01:59 Upbringing, Discipline, and Family Values 04:25 Leading by Example  07:33 Building Confidence in Girls & Women 09:00 When Competition Becomes a Burden 13:51 The Importance of Self-Motivation 18:11 Competition vs. Challenge Debate 25:14 How to Connect with Cesalina’s 26:15 Final Thoughts   Connect to Cesalina: 🌐 Website: https://cesalina.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cesagracie 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cesalinagracie 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cesalina-gracie-096792117 ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cesalinagracie ✖️ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/cesagracie 

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, battling personal demons, or just need a massive dose of inspiration, this episode will light a fire in your soul and show you that NO obstacle is too big to overcome.   Get ready for a raw, unfiltered journey of human resilience that will make you believe anything is possible!   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:15 James’ Upbringing and Early Struggles 06:11 Cold Turkey Recovery & Methadone Withdrawal 06:59 Sources of Wisdom & Role of YouTube 09:55 Ancient Warrior Wisdom Applied to Modern Life 12:55 Ego as the Biggest Obstacle to Face 14:25 Endurance as a Path to Grow 15:24 Legendary Runners Who Inspire 20:26 3 Life Lessons to Apply Now   Connect to James: Website: wildhuntconditioning.com Instagram: @wildhuntconditioning Facebook: James Pieratt LinkedIn: James Pieratt YouTube: Wild Hunt Conditioning Twitter/X: @wildhuntactual

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 discipline to next-level mindset shifts, this is your blueprint for doing what others won’t—even when everything’s on the line.   If you’ve ever wanted to quit, play small, or wait for the “right time”—watch this first.   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:42 Meet Nims Purja 01:16 Early Life and Joining the Gurkhas 02:27 What Makes a Gurkha Different 03:28 How to Level Up Like a Gurkha 06:39 The Betrayal on Kanchenjunga 10:05 The Power of Purpose 12:05 The Next Big Goal 14:23 3 Rules for Success in Life 15:46 Climbing K2 with No Oxygen 17:03 Climbing 14 Peaks in 26 Days 19:05 Final Thoughts   Connect to Nims Purja: Website: https://www.nimsdai.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nimsdai  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NimsPurja LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/nirmal-nimsdai-purja-392320209 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Nims_Dai/featured Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/nimsdai

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   Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or simply striving for personal growth, this episode gives you practical tools to decode unconscious patterns, lead meaningful change, and overcome resistance—so you can think bigger, lead smarter, and become truly unstoppable.   Timestamps: 00:45 Meet Norman Wolfe 01:22 Norman’s Career Journey 04:09 Becoming a Consultant 06:14 What Stops Leaders from Executing? 10:20 How to Shift Organizational Behavior 13:53 The Fast Eat the Slow Slogan 15:44 Norman's Personal Relationship Story 18:11 Rituals & Scaffolding for Change 19:02 How to Reframe Resistance 21:35 How to Connect with Norman 22:44 Final Thoughts   Connect to Norman: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/norman.wolfe.5 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfe YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbnRB_fX-9ZKMf5hvCwHLKg Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/nswolfe   Grab the first three chapters of Norman’s book—completely free! www.quantumleaders.com/podcast/ Get the book on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Living-Organization-Transforming-Business-Extraordinary/

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 mindset that turned his greatest obstacles into unstoppable momentum.   If you're struggling, doubting yourself, or just need a fire lit under you—this episode will move you into action.   Timestamps: 00:56 Meet Kyle Maynard, a quadruple amputee & extreme athlete 01:51 Childhood and early understanding of disability 04:30 The role of support in Kyle’s journey 05:24 Pushing through serious injuries 08:54 Joe explains the 'Valley of Death' concept 10:21 The Hero’s Journey as a life blueprint 12:14 Climbing Aconcagua and reaching breaking point 16:46 Identifying the biggest excuse holding you back 18:15 Lessons from Navy SEALs: 'Not dead, can’t quit' 20:45 How to connect with Kyle? 21:05 Final message   Connect to Kyle: Website: https://www.kyle-maynard.com/ Instagram: @kylemaynard Facebook: Kyle Maynard LinkedIn: Kyle Maynard YouTube: KyleMaynardVideos Twitter/X: @kylemaynard

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 better, live longer, and perform at their best.   Floris shares lessons from world-class athletes and everyday runners alike, showing how long-term change is built through patience, self-awareness, and small daily wins. If you're tired of burnout, overwhelmed by fitness advice, or just looking for a smarter way to train and live - don’t miss this conversation.   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:43 Meet Floris Gierman from Extramilest 01:39 Finishing hard things rewires the brain 03:50 Slowing down to get faster 05:13 Science behind the 80/20 training rule  07:05 Focusing on heart rate zones 07:39 Lessons from elite Swedish racers  09:15 Journaling and pattern recognition  11:50 Track sleep, stress & screen time 12:12 Three life optimization tips 14:43 Where to find Floris online 15:05 Low heart rate training explained   Connect to Floris:   🌐 Website: extramilest.com 📸 Instagram: @florisgierman 📘 Facebook: Extramilest Community 💼 LinkedIn: Floris Gierman ▶️ YouTube: Floris Gierman Channel  ✖️ Twitter/X: @florisgierman

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 mindset shifts to help you define your why, eliminate distractions, and live with unstoppable purpose.   Find clarity. Cut the noise. And start living aligned with what truly matters.   Timestamps:   00:00 Intro 00:45 The problem with extremism 02:35 Joe’s personal struggle with moderation 04:18 Define your standards & stick to them 06:10 How removing comfort brings happiness  08:38 De-programming social pressure around success 10:17 Find your why and align your life with it

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 course—can heal emotional wounds, build resilience, and create lasting transformation.   If you’re looking for real-world strategies to thrive through adversity, tap into grit, and find meaning in discomfort, tune in now!   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:43 Meet Tara Pipia 01:44 Military service & leadership lessons 02:08 Sara’s most challenging experience 03:36 Lessons from doing hard things 05:21 Turning pain into progress 06:58 Growing up tough in New York 08:02 Family lessons on resilience 08:59 Joe’s story on kids quitting the camp 09:36 How Spartan race inspired Tara’s book 12:40 Spartan race & recovery 14:20 How to live an optimal life 15:31 How to connect with Tara   Connect to Tara: Website: https://www.tarapipia.com/ Instagram: @spartandekadog Facebook: Tara Pipia LinkedIn: Tara Pipia

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 to raising kids who embrace challenges instead of screens, this conversation is packed with no-nonsense advice you can apply today.   If you’re tired of gimmicks and want real strategies for lasting strength, energy, and resilience, don’t miss this one!   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:51 Longtime Friendship & First Encounter 01:30 Fitness Trends & Industry Challenges 02:31 Technology vs. Physical Activity 04:26 The Battle Against Screens 06:09 The Power of Physical Work in Parenting 10:00 The Decline of Hard Work in Society 11:44 Toughening Up the Next Generation 13:49 The Blueprint for an Optimal Day 15:00 Optimal Daily Habits for Health 17:02 Training with Intention & Adapting with Age 20:25 How to find Jason?   Connect to Justin: Website: Mind Pump Media Instagram: @mindpumpjustin LinkedIn: Justin Andrews YouTube: Mind Pump TV Twitter/X: MindPump

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 pushing past fear, taking that first step, and building unstoppable momentum to achieve the impossible. Whether you’re struggling to get started, looking for motivation, or ready to level up your life, this episode will challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and take on something bigger than you ever thought possible!   No more excuses—get ready to be inspired!   Timestamps:   00:00 Intro 00:57 Sophie Power, endurance athlete and mother of three 01:20 Balancing extreme challenges with motherhood 01:34 The story behind the name Sophie Power 02:03 From couch to 250km Sahara race at 26 04:55 Personal challenges and support networks 06:10 The importance of taking risks and facing fears 07:08 How challenges rewire the brain 08:29 Pushing limits in a comfortable world 10:01 Deep connections through extreme endurance events 11:05 Advice for those stuck in their comfort zone 14:54  Where to find Sophie   Connect to Sophie:   Website: https://www.sophiepower.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultra_sophie/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/powersophie/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/ultra_sophie