The Hard Way With Joe De Sena

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Jessica Cox, a woman born without arms, yet a licensed pilot, black belt in Taekwondo, and living proof that limits are self-imposed. Together, they explore how hardship builds mental toughness, why fear is a choice, and how you can turn obstacles into fuel. Jessica’s story will shatter your excuses and shift your mindset. If you’re ready to stop playing it safe and start living without limits—this episode is your wake-up call.   Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Jessica Cox 00:19 Born Without Arms 01:02 Gratitude and First-World Comforts 02:30 Childhood Struggles and Resilience 05:22 Her Parents’ Role in Building Confidence 06:17 Dealing with Bullying and Finding Self-Worth 08:39 Became the first armless pilot 10:33 Obstacles Build Discipline 11:18 Inventing the Dressing Tool 12:21 What Holds Most People Back 13:59 The Power of Facing Fear 14:57 The Impossible Airplane Project 17:36 Jessica’s 30-Year Journey in Taekwondo 19:36 Final Words & Future Collaboration     Connect to Jessica: Website: https://www.jessicacox.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightfooted  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicacox  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rightfooted  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessicacox

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with performance coach and father of five, Joe Greco, to talk about what it really takes to build grit in your kids, your career, and yourself. From Spartan-style parenting to leading high-performing teams, Joe shares battle-tested strategies for mastering discipline, staying purpose-driven, and unlocking your full potential. Whether you’re a parent, a leader, or just tired of making excuses, this one’s for you.   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:27 Meet Joe Greco 01:55 Early mornings & discipline 02:34 Five daughters & Death Camp invitation 04:30 Redefining success beyond money 06:33 Expressions of gratitude 09:07 Joe’s life tools and values 10:46 Mentors, teens & leadership 13:24 Understanding People Better 15:30 How to add value in life 17:48 The story of the Naval Academy 20:57 The meaning of tradition at military academies 21:43 Where to find Joe Greco 22:15 The origin of the name Palio 23:24 The horse race in Siena   Connect to Joe Greco: Website: palioinc.com Instagram: @palioinc LinkedIn: Joseph Greco

In this episode, Joe De Sena talks with Ironman World Champion Chelsea Sodaro about how to stay driven, balanced, and resilient as a high-achiever and mom. She opens up about the challenges of returning to elite sport after childbirth, the importance of mindfulness and gratitude, and how to keep going when things get tough. This is a powerful conversation about purpose, perseverance, and showing up for what matters most. If you’ve ever struggled with balance, burnout, or staying motivated, this conversation will reignite your purpose and prove that it’s possible to thrive, not just survive.   Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Chelsea Sodaro 00:13 What’s her secret to success? 00:49 Handling daily struggles and staying disciplined 01:08 Balancing motherhood and elite sport 02:16 Work-life integration vs. balance 02:55 Returning to racing after childbirth 04:23 Staying grounded through parenting 05:36 Joe’s Ironman wake-up call 06:37 What’s next for Chelsea? 07:56 Triathlon vs. Spartan 09:02 Tips & Tricks for Daily Life 10:59 Gratitude as a superpower 12:16 Life after winning: chasing the next goal 13:23 Balancing ambition with contentment 14:19 Final thoughts and staying connected   Connect to Chelsea: Website: chelseasodaro.com Instagram: @chelseasodaro  Facebook: Chelsea Sodaro Twitter / X: @ChelseaSodaro X (formerly Twitter)

He lost an arm and a leg in war and came back stronger than ever. In this raw conversation, veteran and athlete Noah Galloway shares how pain became his fuel, purpose became his compass, and fitness saved his life. From hitting rock bottom to finishing Spartan Races, Noah proves that your mindset—not your circumstances—defines your future. If you’re stuck, struggling, or making excuses… this episode is your wake-up call.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 00:51 Noah’s Early Life & Military Service 02:42 The Roadside Bomb & Life-Changing Injuries 04:26 Mental Recovery vs. Physical Recovery 06:12 Purpose-Driven Healing 08:11 Therapy Isn’t Enough Without Action 09:44 Mourning the Loss & Accepting Reality 11:37 Ayahuasca & Psychedelics for Healing 13:51 Racing, Public Speaking & Dopamine 15:55 Death Race Memories & Getting Back to Racing 16:57 Boulder Incident & The Prosthetic Leg 18:43 Sign Up Before You’re Ready 20:05 How to Find & Contact Noah 20:44 The Tough Mudder Story of Eileen 22:19 Three Daily Habits for a Better Life   Connect to Noah: Website: https://www.noahgalloway.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noahgallowayathlete Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenoahgalloway Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Noah_Galloway

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, and why real change starts where comfort ends.   If you’ve ever needed a push to stop talking and start doing—this is it.   Timestamps: 00:00 Into 00:38 Meet Swimmer Barney Rider 01:02 Swimming the English Channel 02:12 The Biggest Mental Struggle 04:08 Gaining Weight to Survive 04:42 Overcoming the Failure 05:28 Success Can Be a Trap 06:36 Growth Needs Harsh Conditions 07:29 Mission: Men's Mental Health 09:13 Talk Less, Move More 11:24 Swimming with His Dad 13:15 Advice for Struggling Youth 14:15 Push Past Comfort Zones 15:52 Just Start, Figure Later 16:44 Big Swim Plans Ahead 18:23 How to Support Barney   Connect to Barney: Website: JustGiving – Barnaby Ryder Channel Swim  Instagram: @barnaby_ryder_

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 you’ve ever felt stuck, defeated, or uncertain about your path, this episode will show you what’s possible when you choose purpose over pain—and keep showing up, no matter what.   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:48 Meet Rob Jones 01:11 Life lesson from the Marines 02:36 From selfish college kid to selfless soldier 03:47 Why selflessness matters for success 04:57 Can selflessness be taught in schools? 06:14 Ego, avoidance, and the courage to take responsibility 08:16 The IED that changed Rob’s life 09:59 The power of perspective after trauma 11:23 Dark moments: Waking up after the blast 14:15 Projecting a hopeless future vs. choosing to live 15:02 Marathons, medals, and fatherhood 17:32 What’s next for Rob 18:51 How do people find Rob 20:23 Final thoughts   Connect to Rob: Website: https://www.robjonesjourney.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robjonesjourney Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robjonesjourney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-jones-journey Twitter/X: https://x.com/robjonesjourney

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 workouts can transform your day, why breathing through your nose can upgrade your endurance, and how to push past your limits when your mind wants to give up. If you’re looking for motivation to get moving, level up your habits, or stop making excuses, this is the episode you need.   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:41 Dean’s Spartan Roots 01:47 Why People Hate Running 02:57 The Drunken Start of Dean’s Running Career 05:09 How He Stays Healthy Over 60 06:20 Nose Breathing and Ancient Spartan Tactics 06:56 Dean’s Hardest Challenge: 50 Marathons in 50 Days 07:55 The Power of Not Thinking 09:49 What’s Next: From Dead Sea to Everest 12:42 Advice for Regular People 16:49 The One Workout Everyone Should Do 17:11 Where to Find Dean     Connect to Dean: Website: https://www.ultramarathonman.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultramarathon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deankarnazes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deankarnazes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UltramarathonDean Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/DeanKarnazes

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 turned her pain into purpose.   If you’ve ever doubted your own resilience, this conversation will remind you: you are stronger than you think.   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:50 Jessica’s 93-Day Kidnapping Story 01:21 Realizing Inner Strength in Captivity 04:09 The Value of Manufactured Adversity 06:24 What Happened in Somalia 12:09 Building Mental Resilience, One Minute at a Time 14:48 The Rescue: Navy SEAL Operation 20:05 Life After Trauma and Finding Purpose 21:39 How to Connect with Jessica 21:53 Final Message   Connect to Jessica: Website: jessbuchanan.com Instagram: @jessicacbuchanan Facebook: Jessica Buchanan LinkedIn: Jessica Buchanan YouTube: Jessica Buchanan

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 takes to build true resilience.   He explains why discomfort is essential for growth, how to train your mind like a muscle, and how small, consistent actions can carry you through even the hardest seasons of life. If you’re facing setbacks, burnout, or just want to get tougher, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to rise.   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:44 Meet Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength 01:22 From Wilderness Trauma to Resilience Expert 05:19 How to Grow Through Hard Times 10:05 The Pit Is the Place 12:08 Don’t Stay on the Peak Too Long 14:39 Squatting 800 Pounds a Day for 30 Days 18:16 Go Public, Find a Why, and Take It Day by Day 19:02 Helping People Build Mental Toughness 19:50 Merging Biomechanics and Mental Resilience   Connect to Chris: Website: https://chrisduffin.com Instagram: @mad_scientist_duffin Facebook: Chris Duffin – Kabuki Strength LinkedIn: Chris Duffin YouTube: @MadScientistDuffin

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 Hard code, and why fitness isn’t just about reps or aesthetics but about showing up strong for your family, your mission, and yourself.   Whether you're struggling to stay consistent, looking to level up, or just need a wake-up call, this episode will challenge you to train harder, live better, and never quit.   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:42 Meet Jason Khalipa 01:13 Pushing through when you want to quit 02:07 The power of “why” and the right mindset 04:52 Jason’s upbringing and the impact of immigrant grit 06:06 How to raise tough kids in a comfortable world 08:06 Jason’s daughter’s leukemia journey 08:57 Why fitness matters beyond the physical 10:37 Discovering CrossFit and building a gym empire 12:22 Jason’s mission to help men train hard and do better 16:24 On fatherhood, energy, and avoiding the slow decline 19:44 “Never Zero” mindset: keep the momentum going 20:57 Practical & simple nutrition rules to follow 23:01 Where to find Jason and the Train Hard community   Connect to Jason: Website: jasonkhalipa.com Instagram: @jasonkhalipa Facebook: Jason Khalipa LinkedIn: Jason Khalipa YouTube: Jason Khalipa Twitter/X: @jasonkhalipa