
The Hard Way With Joe De Sena
Learn the Spartan mindset. Founder & CEO of Spartan Race and NY Times best-selling author, travels the globe seeking and answers authors, academics, athletes, adventurers, entrepreneurs, CEOs and thought leaders. It will shift your thinking, make you laugh and and give you the tools you need. He’s on a mission to find the secrets to success in all aspects of life. Not only does Joe interview epic people, he has brought together an amazing panel to break down and analyze every aspect of these interviews. We give you the ultimate blueprint and action steps to assimilating these powerful conversations into your own life.
Latest episodes

Nov 9, 2022 • 27min
5 things You Should Learn from the Native WarriorS / DJ Vanas and Joe De Sena
Native American author, speaker, and veteran DJ Vanas is the author of "The Warrior Within," a book about the importance of service, discipline, and courage. Joe De Sena, founder & CEO of Spartan Race, asked DJ Vanas what he believes makes a great Warrior. "Someone who leads by example, and at the end of the day, somebody who has dedicated their life to service, to their tribe, to their people. It's all about making a contribution. That's what the warrior role comes from. And it transcends age, race, gender, and stage of life. These principles that I share in the book are available for anybody willing to take on the call." In this interview, Joe De Sena and DJ Vanas talk about what rites of passage are now and what they should be, how young men are currently struggling and how to overcome that, the role of a warrior in the community, how warriors are more like ants than eagles, and the 5 things you should do to become a true warrior. LINKS: DJ Vanas https://nativediscovery.com/ https://www.instagram.com/d.j.vanas/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/djvanas/ “The Warrior Within” https://amzn.to/3TlCLPx Joe De Sena & Spartan “10 Rules for Resilience” by Joe De Sena https://amzn.to/3TlpeaR Spartan Up podcast https://podfollow.com/spartan Spartan Up podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/SpartanUpPodcast Joe De Sena on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/realjoedesena/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SpartanUpPodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Website: https://www.spartan.com/ SPONSORS: Spartan Up podcast is brought to you by Wild Health www.wildhealth.com Wondering which diet is right for you? What your optimal recovery routine is? How your sleep impacts performance? Wild Health will help you uncover all the answers to your health questions with a fully personalized, precision health plan, based on your DNA & bloodwork. Discover your truth - sign up at wildhealth.com with code SPARTAN10 for 10% off. This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by: Race, recharge, recover. The #1 workout-recovery blend in America is now available with 200mg of clean caffeine. FITAID Energy is naturally sweetened with only 15 calories, no sucralose, no aspartame, and no compromises. This NATURALLY sweetened clean energy + sports recovery blend is now available in 4 electric flavors. Visit lifeaidbevco.com and save 20% when you sign up for a subscription today. Use code SPARTANENERGY at checkout for 20% off. This episode of Spartan Up! is brought to you by Titan Fitness, the Official Partner of Spartan North America. From sandbags to power racks, we provide the equipment you need to prepare for the race of a lifetime. Visit https://www.titan.fitness/ and use promo code ‘SPARTAN’ for 5% off your next order + free shipping! CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion.com Host: Joe De Sena © 2022 Spartan

Oct 26, 2022 • 37min
How to Switch Negativity Off / Mark Divine & Joe De Sena
If you're constantly feeding yourself negativity, fear, and anxiety, then that pathway gets locked on. It's like the railroad switch gets rusted and gets stuck on. Mark Divine, retired Navy SEAL and founder of the SEALFIT and Unbeatable Mind, talks with Joe De Sena, founder and CEO of Spartan, about the importance of maintaining discipline in your daily routine, even when external factors make it difficult. If we allow ourselves to be constantly bombarded with negativity, it can lead to a permanent state of anxiety and depression. Making a commitment to our routines and rituals can help us stay focused and positive. The two also talk about the upcoming Burpees For Vets challenge https://www.burpeesforvets.org/ Mark Divine is an entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author, philanthropist, and one of the world’s top leadership and coaching experts. Divine’s leadership and coaching program for the SEALs was so effective that it’s now being used outside of the Navy by top CEOs, Fortune 100 companies, USA Olympics, elite universities, major league sports franchises, celebrities, and successful individuals from all over the world. LINKS: https://markdivine.com/ https://www.instagram.com/realmarkdivine/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdivine/ https://www.facebook.com/RealMarkDivine https://twitter.com/MarkDivine Spartan Up podcast https://podfollow.com/spartan Spartan Up podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/SpartanUpPodcast Joe De Sena on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/realjoedesena/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SpartanUpPodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Website: https://www.spartan.com/ SPONSORS: Spartan Up podcast is brought to you by Wild Health www.wildhealth.com Wondering which diet is right for you? What your optimal recovery routine is? How your sleep impacts performance? Wild Health will help you uncover all the answers to your health questions with a fully personalized, precision health plan, based on your DNA & bloodwork. Discover your truth - sign up at wildhealth.com with code SPARTAN10 for 10% off. This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by: AC+ION Ion Charged Alkaline Water. They’ve unlocked water’s full potential so that you can unlock your own. AC+ION Ion Charged Alkaline Water is premium hydration with no added sodium and electrolytes for a pure taste. Visit drinkaction.com HEROIC Activate the best most energized productive and connected version of yourself with heroic the official wellness app of Spartan learn more to get started with your free Spartan starter pack at heroic.us/spartan DUROLANE, a single injection that may provide up to six months 1 of relief from osteoarthritis knee pain. Risks can include general knee pain and pain at the injection site. You can see full prescribing information at DUROLANE.com. CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion.com Host: Joe De Sena © 2022 Spartan

Oct 12, 2022 • 27min
The Six Pillars of Leadership with Joe De Sena & Bedros Keuilian
Bedros Keuilian is a serial entrepreneur and business coach who is best known for his work in the fitness industry. He came to the United States as a young child, escaping the Soviet Union, and has since built a successful career by following his passions and serving others. He is the founder of Fit Body Boot Camp, a global franchise with over 700 locations, and he is the author of the book "Man Up: How to Go from Zero to Hero in Business and in Life." "I don't need someone putting thoughts into my mind that could end up as deeds through my actions." Be careful with the words you choose because they can become reality. Have a clear vision and communicate it to your team. Lead from the front and be an example for others to follow. The importance of an immigrant mentality The when to wear & when to set aside your armor LINKS: Bedros Keuilian https://bedroskeuilian.com/ Bedros Keuilian Instagram @bedroskeuilian More resources from Bedros: https://fitbodybootcamp.com https://www.themdkproject.com www.squireprogram.com Spartan Up podcast https://podfollow.com/spartan Spartan Up podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/SpartanUpPodcast Joe De Sena on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/realjoedesena/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SpartanUpPodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Website: https://www.spartan.com/ SPONSORS: Spartan Up podcast is brought to you by Wild Health www.wildhealth.com Wondering which diet is right for you? What your optimal recovery routine is? How your sleep impacts performance? Wild Health will help you uncover all the answers to your health questions with a fully personalized, precision health plan, based on your DNA & bloodwork. Discover your truth - sign up at wildhealth.com with code SPARTAN10 for 10% off. Race, recharge, recover. The #1 workout-recovery blend in America is now available with 200mg of clean caffeine. FITAID Energy is naturally sweetened with only 15 calories, no sucralose, no aspartame, and no compromises. This NATURALLY sweetened clean energy + sports recovery blend is now available in 4 electric flavors. Visit lifeaidbevco.com and save 20% when you sign up for a subscription today. Use code SPARTANENERGY at checkout for 20% off. This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by DUROLANE, a single injection that may provide up to six months 1 of relief from osteoarthritis knee pain. Risks can include general knee pain and pain at the injection site. You can see full prescribing information at DUROLANE.com. CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion.com Host: Joe De Sena © 2022 Spartan

Oct 6, 2022 • 31min
Is Exercise the best way to turn your on your brain? / We asked Harvard Professor Dr. John Ratey
Does exercise really help your mood? John J. Ratey, MD is a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of “SPARK: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.” Spartan Race founder and CEO Joe De Sena invited him on Spartan Up podcast to ask. "There's nothing in life that you can't walk off." In this episode, you will hear: How exercise can be used to treat depression The benefits of exercising outdoors The importance of having a goal or destination when exercising LINKS: More about John http://www.johnratey.com/ His book Spark https://amzn.to/3ryn6RF Spartan Up podcast https://podfollow.com/spartan Spartan Up podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/SpartanUpPodcast Joe De Sena on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/realjoedesena/ SPONSORS: Spartan Up podcast is brought to you by Wild Health www.wildhealth.com Wondering which diet is right for you? What your optimal recovery routine is? How your sleep impacts performance? Wild Health will help you uncover all the answers to your health questions with a fully personalized, precision health plan, based on your DNA & bloodwork. Discover your truth - sign up at wildhealth.com with code SPARTAN10 for 10% off. This episode of Spartan Up! is brought to you by Trifecta. Unbox your best self with the food, coaching, and community support you need to reach your goals. Trifecta delivers delicious, macro-balanced meals directly to your door. Let Trifecta handle meal prep and take 40% off your first order using code SPARTAN at checkout. This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by the EXOGEN ultrasound bone healing system. EXOGEN is a non-invasive treatment option that can help heal your broken bone in just 20 minutes a day in the comfort of your own home. If you or a loved one has broken a bone, talk to your doctor about EXOGEN. EXOGEN is indicated for the healing of nonunion fractures and for accelerating the healing of certain acute fractures, with no known contraindications. To learn more visit https://www.exogen.com/us/SPARTAN/ CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion.com Host: Joe De Sena © 2022 Spartan

Sep 15, 2022 • 28min
What Happened in Afghanistan and Why it Should Matter to You / Lt. Col. Scott Mann (ret) & Joe De Sena
When the US abruptly left Afghanistan a group of veterans took matters into their own hands to rescue their Afghan allies and partners. "What does a promise mean to you? And how far would you go to honor it?" Lt. Col. Scott Mann (ret) is a veteran and author of the New York Times bestseller “Operation Pineapple Express.” He is the founder of The Hero's Journey, a nonprofit that helps veterans and military family members connect to their story. Scott talks with Joe De Sena (CEO & Founder of Spartan Race) about how the government abandoned the Afghan people and how this has led to what he calls “a great moral injury.” He explains the challenges veterans and their Afghan Special Operator friends and partners are now facing. Scott talks about the young man, Nazam, who was passenger number one on the Pineapple Express. He was shot through the face on a patrol with US. Special Forces because he turned to warn the patrol that they were walking up on Taliban. Scott wanted the narrative of the book to be storytelling first and foremost, not a military book, not an intelligence analysis. He interviewed dozens and dozens of people, including some senior level people in the US. Military, intelligence professionals. LINKS: Operation Pineapple Express https://amzn.to/3Ljpncy More About Scott https://scottmann.com/ Spartan Up podcast https://podfollow.com/spartan Spartan Up podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/SpartanUpPodcast Joe De Sena on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/realjoedesena/ SPONSORS: Spartan Up podcast is brought to you by Wild Health www.wildhealth.com Wondering which diet is right for you? What your optimal recovery routine is? How your sleep impacts performance? Wild Health will help you uncover all the answers to your health questions with a fully personalized, precision health plan, based on your DNA & bloodwork. Discover your truth - sign up at wildhealth.com with code SPARTAN10 for 10% off. This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by DUROLANE, a single injection that may provide up to six months 1 of relief from osteoarthritis knee pain. Risks can include general knee pain and pain at the injection site. You can see full prescribing information at DUROLANE.com. CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion.com Host: Joe De Sena © 2022 Spartan

Aug 31, 2022 • 27min
How to Optimize Your Diet with Performance Chef Mario Limaduran & Joe De Sena
Do you want to get optimal performance? You've probably been told to eat healthy and exercise, but if you're not seeing the results you want, then this episode is for you. In this episode you will learn: 1. How do we define 'processed food'? 2. What is the best diet for performance? 3. What are the different diets for different sports and activities? Here's a breakdown of what is covered: [00:02:20] - What should Joe De Sena feed his kids. [00:13:03] - How do we define processed food. [00:14:41] - Different diets for different sports. [00:17:23] - Different diets for sport. [00:22:55] - The perfect breakfast and lunch. Mario Limaduran has his BA Culinary Nutrition and has worked in both the Michelin restaurant world and the sports nutrition field serving D1, NFL, MLB, NHL, MMA, amateur, and Olympic athletes. Today he works with Trifecta as the company's performance chef. LINKS: Mario on Instagram @chefmario._ Mario on TikTok chefmario_ Trifecta https://www.trifectanutrition.com/Spartan Spartan Up podcast https://podfollow.com/spartan Spartan Up podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/SpartanUpPodcast Joe De Sena on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/realjoedesena/ SPONSORS: Spartan Up podcast is brought to you by Wild Health www.wildhealth.com Wondering which diet is right for you? What your optimal recovery routine is? How your sleep impacts performance? Wild Health will help you uncover all the answers to your health questions with a fully personalized, precision health plan, based on your DNA & bloodwork. Discover your truth - sign up at wildhealth.com with code SPARTAN10 for 10% off. This episode of Power Up! is brought to you by Honey Stinger. Made with organic honey and delicious ingredients, use code SpartanAthlete30 at Honeystinger.com for 30% off to help you sweeten the burn. CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion.com Host: Joe De Sena © 2022 Spartan

Aug 16, 2022 • 24min
Longevity Secrets / Kien Vuu MD and Joe De Sena
As an infant boat refugee he nearly died of dysentery, Kien Vuu arrived in the U.S. with his parents with no money. Overcoming poverty and racism, he became a “successful” physician. Vuu's new book "Thrive State" is a blueprint for optimal health, longevity and peak performance. He speaks with Joe De Sena, founder and CEO of Spartan Race, about the 7 things you can do to influence the expression of your DNA and increase longevity. They also talk about resilience, that national crisis in health, and Kien's immigration story. LINKS: Kien’s book “Thrive State” Kien Vuu MD on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/doctorvmd/ Spartan Up podcast https://podfollow.com/spartan Spartan Up podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/SpartanUpPodcast Joe De Sena on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/realjoedesena/ SPONSORS: Spartan Up podcast is brought to you by Wild Health www.wildhealth.com Wondering which diet is right for you? What your optimal recovery routine is? How your sleep impacts performance? Wild Health will help you uncover all the answers to your health questions with a fully personalized, precision health plan, based on your DNA & bloodwork. Discover your truth - sign up at wildhealth.com with code SPARTAN10 for 10% off. This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by 5.11, the Official Plate Carrier sponsor of the 2022 U.S. Spartan Events. Check out their website at 511tactical.com/spartan Race, recharge, recover. The #1 workout-recovery blend in America is now available with 200mg of clean caffeine. FITAID Energy is naturally sweetened with only 15 calories, no sucralose, no aspartame, and no compromises. This NATURALLY sweetened clean energy + sports recovery blend is now available in 4 electric flavors. Visit lifeaidbevco.com and save 20% when you sign up for a subscription today. Use code SPARTANENERGY at checkout for 20% off. CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion.com Host: Joe De Sena © 2022 Spartan

Aug 2, 2022 • 29min
Change Your Life in 12 Hours / Joe De Sena & Colin O'Brady
Colin O’brady is a 10-time world record breaking explorer. He was the first person to cross Antarctica solo, unsupported and fully-human powered, and has rowed a boat across the treacherous Drake Passage. He’s found a way that ANY person can change their life in just 12 hours. He and Joe de Sena , founder and CEO of Spartan, talk about it on this episode of the Spartan Up podcast. LINKS:More about the 12 hour walk https://12hourwalk.com/ More about Colin https://www.colinobrady.com/ SPONSORS: Spartan Up podcast is brought to you by Wild Health www.wildhealth.com Wondering which diet is right for you? What your optimal recovery routine is? How your sleep impacts performance? Wild Health will help you uncover all the answers to your health questions with a fully personalized, precision health plan, based on your DNA & bloodwork. Discover your truth - sign up at wildhealth.com with code SPARTAN10 for 10% off. This episode of Spartan Up! is brought to you by Trifecta. Unbox your best self with the food, coaching, and community support you need to reach your goals. Trifecta delivers delicious, macro-balanced meals directly to your door. Let Trifecta handle meal prep and take 40% off your first order using code SPARTAN at checkout. Start with The SpiderBracket, then choose your accessories—including an inventory of the lightest monitors on the market, ranging in sizes from 13.3 inches to 17.3 inches. You can attach them vertically or horizontally. Visit spiderbracket to place an order and get connected from anywhere! https://www.spiderbracket.com/?utm_source=SpartanUp&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=August CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion.com Host: Joe De Sena © 2022 Spartan

Jul 21, 2022 • 29min
Unlocking Business Growth / Alex Hormozi and Joe De Sena
Big things take time. That's Alex Hormozi's number one business tip. Little did he know that was 100% in alignment with Joe De Sena's philosophy. By the age of 32, Alex Hormozi and his wife Leila’s portfolio of companies surpassed $85M in annual revenue spanning, Joe De Sena (founder & CEO of Spartan) invited him on Spartan Up podcast to learn more. Listen to hear how this growth & monetization expert thinks about business, fitness and longevity. LINKS: Hormozi on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hormozi/ Acquisition.com SPONSORS: Spartan Up podcast is brought to you by Wild Health www.wildhealth.com Wondering which diet is right for you? What your optimal recovery routine is? How your sleep impacts performance? Wild Health will help you uncover all the answers to your health questions with a fully personalized, precision health plan, based on your DNA & bloodwork. Discover your truth - sign up at wildhealth.com with code SPARTAN10 for 10% off. This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by 5.11, the Official Plate Carrier sponsor of the 2022 U.S. Spartan Events. Check out their website at 511tactical.com/spartan This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by the EXOGEN ultrasound bone healing system. EXOGEN is a non-invasive treatment option that can help heal your broken bone in just 20 minutes a day in the comfort of your own home. If you or a loved one has broken a bone, talk to your doctor about EXOGEN. EXOGEN is indicated for the healing of nonunion fractures and for accelerating the healing of certain acute fractures, with no known contraindications. To learn more visit https://www.exogen.com/us/SPARTAN/ CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion.com Host: Joe De Sena © 2022 Spartan

Jul 7, 2022 • 24min
Why Anxiety Is Good for You / Joe De Sena and Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, Ph.D.
Anxiety is pervasive, but not all anxiety is bad. That's what Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, Ph.D. has determined after 20 years of research. Anxiety is not an illness to be avoided. Anxiety is an emotion that can serve us. That's why all the medications and self help books continue to fail us. (quick note - anxiety disorders are real, but anxiety is not the same thing as an anxiety disorder.) LINKS: READ Future Tense: Why Anxiety Is Good for You (Even Though It Feels Bad) https://www.drtracyphd.com/future-tense More about Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, Ph.D. https://www.drtracyphd.com/ SPONSORS: Spartan Up podcast is brought to you by Wild Health www.wildhealth.com Wondering which diet is right for you? What your optimal recovery routine is? How your sleep impacts performance? Wild Health will help you uncover all the answers to your health questions with a fully personalized, precision health plan, based on your DNA & bloodwork. Discover your truth - sign up at wildhealth.com with code SPARTAN10 for 10% off. This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by 5.11, the Official Plate Carrier sponsor of the 2022 U.S. Spartan Events. Check out their website at 511tactical.com/spartan This episode of Spartan Up! is brought to you by Trifecta. Unbox your best self with the food, coaching, and community support you need to reach your goals. Trifecta delivers delicious, macro-balanced meals directly to your door. Let Trifecta handle meal prep and take 40% off your first order using code SPARTAN at checkout. CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion.com Host: Joe De Sena © 2022 Spartan
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