
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

Aug 12, 2021 • 36min
Going Straight Into MMA after College Wrestling with Logan Storley / COMBAT
“For me, for the younger guys, I don't care where you're from. If you're an Iowa guy, right, we 'don't like each other,' but as soon as you get on my team, you're on my team. Right? I want to take care of you. And so that's what's exciting for the young guys that want to come in and fight is that, you know, wrestlers are gonna look out for each other. It doesn't matter where you're from. All that's done, behind us. It'd be fun to see these guys, see more guys that don't want to be done competing, and also don't want to wrestle, come over and start climbing the ranks in the MMA world,” says Logan Storley, #4 Ranked Bellator Welterweight and 4X All American for University of Minnesota. Spartan Up Combat Series host, Ryan Warner, talks with Logan Storley about taking the leap from wrestling into MMA. In this episode you’ll learn... How Logan transitioned from wrestling to MMA There's no need to burn out your kids on a single sport when they're young If you want to make a career out of combat but don’t want to keep wrestling, switch to MMA Don’t overlook any person or any move Wrestling programs and fan bases are expanding, we talk about some ways to get more people involved in the sport. Why aren’t there as many wrestling fans as MMA fans? Logan “Storm” Storley is a top contender in the Welterweight division at Bellator, and he has a long history of wrestling and MMA going back to before he was in college. He has trained with legends like Tony Ferguson, Robbie Lawler, Brock Lesnar, and many of the best from the University of Minnesota. He is a fighter for Sanford MMA, coached by Greg Jones and Henri Hooft. Connect with Logan on social… -Twitter: @storleystorm -Instagram: @logan_storley SPONSOR This episode of Spartan Up! Is brought to you by Gone Rogue high protein chips. Visit GONEROGUESNACKS.COM - use code SPARTAN25 to get 25% off SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW US: Spartan Combat: https://www.instagram.com/spartancombat/ Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Find out more at https://spartancombat.com/ © 2021 Spartan

Aug 10, 2021 • 25min
Using Mindfulness Tactics with Joe De Sena & John Macaskill
Retired Navy Seal John Macaskill was desperate when his doctor prescribed meditation. The results were so powerful he now teaches it. Listen today to hear how to get started, how to use mindfulness to be a better parent, CEO, or athlete, and even how it can impact your diet and nutrition. John Macaskill is a retired Navy SEAL Commander turned mindfulness and meditation teacher, podcast host and producer, keynote speaker, and grit and resilience coach. His goal in life is to help others live their most fulfilling lives. Jon is a father of three young children and he and his wife, also a Navy Veteran, live on a small farm in Colorado Springs. More about John at https://macaskillconsulting.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mindfulfrogman/ Joe De Sena’s new book “10 Rules for Mental Toughness for Families” https://www.spartan.com/10Rules FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host: Joe De Sena Sefra Alexandra, Johnny Waite & Colonel Nye will be back soon, we miss them! © 2021 Spartan

Aug 7, 2021 • 21min
Be Selfish / DEKA
“How many times have we heard, 'Well, back in the day, I mean, I was just running and gunning. I can't do that anymore.' Listen, where you are right now, you're okay where you are right now. We're asking you to set-- just to say, ‘Listen, I'm going to start being selfish. I'm going to say I'm pausing. None of it matters,’” says Yancy Culp, co-host of the DEKA Series Podcast. Spartan Up Podcast, DEKA Series hosts Jarod Cogswell and Yancy Culp keep the podcast to themselves today in an episode about being selfish with your time. In this episode you’ll learn about: Finding time for yourself, no matter how busy you are Taking care of yourself in order to take care of others, and how other people will benefit from your individual health and wellness Exercise pushes you to maximize your performance, in every aspect, every day Listing the things that make you feel good, and then creating a road map/schedule that you will complete regularly with no excuses Connect with Jarod and Yancy on social, and attend a DEKA event: -Jarod’s Social: @jarod_cogswell -Yancys Social: @YancyCulp -Race a DEKA Event: DEKA-FIT Also make sure to check out Joe De Sena’s new book “10 Rules for Mental Toughness for Families” https://www.spartan.com/10Rules SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pYBkk1T684YQg7CmoaAZt FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram: @spartanuppodcast Spartan Up on Twitter: @SpartanUpPod CREDITS: Producer: Lake Watters Host: Jarod Cogswell and Yancy Culp Sr Producer: Marion Abrams © 2021 Spartan

Aug 5, 2021 • 28min
How Kyle Dake Made the 2021 Olympic Team / ENDURANCE
Olympian Kyle Dake is living his dream - it's been a long journey but today, August 4th 2021 he's competing on the Olympic stage. We're taking a look back at what brought him here. What made him the competitor he is today? Today we're replaying an interview from 2014 so you can see what drove this Olympian. It's a mix of positivity, focus and drive. “I don’t think about losing. I think about winning every time I step on the mat. I imagine myself wrestling the greatest wrestler of all time and beating him every single day. That’s just how I get myself better every single day,” says Kyle Dake, Team USA 74 kg wrestler and 4x NCAA Champion. Today’s episode is a throwback to an interview that Joe did with Kyle in 2014. Kyle, at this time, was striving to be the greatest. It’s amazing to see how far he has come by living with these expectations and standards he holds for himself. Wednesday, August 4, 2021, is his Olympic debut. In this episode, you’ll learn… • The impact Kyle’s parents had on him, and his eventual decision to live by their values on his own • Taking action to excel and committing to being the best • No matter what your work or practice, find something to be happy about • “You can only lose when you quit.” • Pushing through what you think are the hardest times so you can keep pushing the “wall” holding you back Don’t forget to watch Kyle in the 2021 Olympic Games, and keep up with him on social media... Instagram: kyledake444 Twitter: @kyledake444
Also make sure to check out Joe De Sena’s new book “10 Rules for Mental Toughness for Families” https://www.spartan.com/10Rules
FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod
CREDITS: Producer: Lake Watters Hosts: Joe De Sena, Johnny Waite, joined by Sefra Alexandra and Colonel Nye Sr Producer: Marion Abrams © 2021 Spartan

Aug 3, 2021 • 25min
Save the Fun for Later Joe De Sena & Russell Brunson
Save the fun for later, don’t be afraid to get in the ring, don’t fear discomfort - it’s all familiar advice but did you expect it from the founder of Click Funnels the sales funnel software giant? It turns out that success in one arena shares traits with other arenas. Russell Brunson tells Joe stories of his backyard training as a kid, where it led him, and how he’s returning to those roots today. Over the past 19 years, Russell has built a following of over a million entrepreneurs, sold hundreds of thousands of copies of his books (making him a New York Times Bestselling Author), popularized the concept of sales funnels, and co-founded the software company called ClickFunnels that helps tens of thousands of entrepreneurs quickly get their message out to the marketplace. Check outRussell’s home gym https://youtu.be/3MhqQE5e6E8 Russell on IG https://www.instagram.com/russellbrunson/ Joe De Sena’s new book “10 Rules for Mental Toughness for Families” https://www.spartan.com/10Rules FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host: Joe De Sena Sefra Alexandra, Johnny Waite & Colonel Nye will be back soon, we miss them! © 2021 Spartan

Jul 31, 2021 • 31min
Training as a Blind, Double-Amputee, Judo Fighter, with John Kuchinski / COMBAT
“I don’t think it’s a real, like, settling thought to most people that, you know, you’re going to go to the hospital and leave with less than what you came with,” says John Kuchinski, an astounding blind athlete who has persevered through obstacles many people would consider unthinkable. Spartan Up Combat Series host, Ryan Warner, speaks with John Kuchinski about how he has pushed through the situations that have redefined his life. In this episode you’ll learn about... John waking up blind after surgery and having to adjust to everyday life to be independent Starting wrestling in 8th grade after going blind and later getting into judo, where he trained under Jeff Friedlis Sensei at Michigan State University How John lost his legs and still continued to go to the dojo. Training for something other than just getting healthy SPONSOR 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. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW US: Spartan Combat: https://www.instagram.com/spartancombat/ Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Find out more at https://spartancombat.com/ © 2021 Spartan

Jul 29, 2021 • 39min
How to Get Your Mind Right with Todd Durkin, Winning The Mind Game pt 4 / DEKA
“See, dreams ignite inspiration in your heart. And inspiration is different than motivation. As most of us know, inspiration is inspired. In spirit, inspire means in spirit. So if you could ignite your spirit, and all of a sudden now, it's like you're ignited by a dream to feel a certain way, or get out of pain, physically or mental pain” says Todd Durkin, Motivational Speaker, Personal Trainer, Best Selling Author and Life Transformer. Yancy is on the road, so Spartan Up Podcast, DEKA Series host Jarod Cogswell is joined by Todd Durkin to wrap up the final episode of the new 4 part mini-series, Winning the Mind Game. During this mini-series, the guys will address overall well-being and how to unlock the doors holding us back in our minds. This episode is about how to get your mind right when you’re mentally stuck in a dark place. In this episode you’ll learn about: Mental and emotional conditioning When life works best, what are you doing? The Hall of Fame mindset of the athletes Todd has worked with Developing discipline and getting energy to ignite your spirit If you enjoyed our conversation, make sure to check out Todd’s book, Get Your Mind Right Connect with Todd on social: Instagram - @ToddDurkin Facebook - @TodddurkinFQ10 Twitter - @ToddDurkin Website - www.todddurkin.com Connect with Jarod and Yancy on social, and attend a DEKA event: -Jarod’s Social: @jarod_cogswell -Yancy’s Social: @YancyCulp -Race a DEKA Event: DEKA-FIT SPONSOR 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. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pYBkk1T684YQg7CmoaAZt FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram: @spartanuppodcast Spartan Up on Twitter: @SpartanUpPod CREDITS: Producer: Lake Watters Host: Jarod Cogswell and Yancy Culp Sr Producer: Marion Abrams © 2021 Spartan

Jul 27, 2021 • 29min
Should you choose risk? Sukhinder Singh Cassidy & Joe De Sena
Entrepreneur and risk-taking advocate Sukhinder Singh Cassidy joins Spartan founder and CEO Joe De Sena to discuss the importance of risk-taking. They explore how to overcome the fear of failure and the significance of thoroughly analyzing potential risks. The podcast also delves into the myths of risk-taking and the process behind it, as well as the benefits of breaking down challenges into smaller parts for success.

Jul 24, 2021 • 30min
How Wrestling Helps You Get Into Pro MMA / COMBAT
“It's not wrestlers that have done well in MMA or are doing well in MMA. That is historically false. It is American wrestlers. Specifically because of the takedown. Knowing to hold a man down against his will, or vice versa, you get taken down, force it to get up and get free with a guy on top of you who's a trained killer who doesn't want you free. The standup and the ride is what separates. That's the toughness,” says Chael Sonnen, UFC Light Heavyweight and Middleweight championship contender and NCAA Division I All-American. Spartan Up Combat Series host, Ryan Warner, talks with Chael Sonnen about reaching greatness and maximizing your career in combat sports. In this episode you’ll learn... How Chael got into wrestling, and then pankration, the original MMA The importance of having a great coach like Matt Lindland and ditching the stigma against Greco If Chael thinks any rules should be changed in freestyle or folkstyle How to market yourself as a wrestler Connect with Chael on social… -Twitter: @ChaelSonnen -Facebook: facebook.com/ChaelSonnen -Instagram: @sonnench SPONSOR This episode of Spartan Up! is brought to you by LorAnn Oils. Make your recovery essential. Take care of your mind and body with LorAnn’s affordable and natural essential oils. In your recovery or stretching routines, use our 100% pure botanical essential oils in diffusers, roller-balls, massage oils, and lotions to help soothe tired and sore muscles. All of LorAnn’s quality tested essential oils are obtained through cold-press or steam distillation and do not contain added solvents, extenders, alcohol, or other diluting agents. Visit LorAnnOils.com TODAY and get 15% off site-wide when you use code SPARTAN15 at checkout. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW US: Spartan Combat: https://www.instagram.com/spartancombat/ Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPo Find out more at https://spartancombat.com/ © 2021 Spartan

Jul 22, 2021 • 28min
Fuel Your Body With What’s Best For YOU! Barefoot Ted Pt 2 / ENDURANCE
“I really look at Leadville as being a reminder of how to live. Conserve, preserve, stay connected, stay happy. Don’t be worn down early on,” says Ted McDonald, aka Barefoot Ted, from “Born to Run” and founder of Luna Sandals. Spartan Up Endurance Series host, Johnny Waite, talks with Barefoot Ted about fueling our bodies with the right nutrition, tools, and mentality. In this episode you’ll learn about… Experimenting with different foods and finding what works best with your body Staying away from poisoned fuel Strategies to work with your body to find a happy diet Feeling better as you get older using efficiency in endurance, pushing your boundaries, and continuing to have fun! Why Ted started LUNA and how their simplicity adds to the efficiency and experimentation in endurance Ted McDonald is the founder of LUNA Sandals, a character from the book “Born to Run,” primal lifestyle coach, skateboard philosopher, and barefoot running guru. You can follow him on Instagram: @BAREFOOT_TED And check out his website: WWW.BAREFOOTTED.COM SPONSOR This episode of Spartan Up! is brought to you by LorAnn Oils. Make your recovery essential. Take care of your mind and body with LorAnn’s affordable and natural essential oils. In your recovery or stretching routines, use our 100% pure botanical essential oils in diffusers, roller-balls, massage oils, and lotions to help soothe tired and sore muscles. All of LorAnn’s quality tested essential oils are obtained through cold-press or steam distillation and do not contain added solvents, extenders, alcohol, or other diluting agents. Visit LorAnnOils.com TODAY and get 15% off site-wide when you use code SPARTAN15 at checkout. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pYBkk1T684YQg7CmoaAZt FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod CREDITS: Producer: Lake Watters Hosts: Johnny Waite Sr Producer: Marion Abrams © 2021 Spartan
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