The Hard Way With Joe De Sena

In this powerful episode, Joe De Sena talks with JC Glick, a veteran of 11 combat tours, about the challenges veterans face after leaving military service.   JC opens up about his struggles with identity, purpose, and mental health, while sharing how his Commit Foundation helps veterans and their families rebuild their lives and find new meaning.   Hear the untold stories of military service, learn about the importance of teamwork, and how we can all play a part in supporting veterans after their service.   Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:42 Introduction to JC Glick, CEO of Commit 01:03 JC Glick’s journey into the military 03:47 The impact of military service on identity and leadership 04:39 The value of service and teamwork in building gratitude and empathy 07:16 The national service initiatives for young people 09:21 Privileges and challenges of living in the U.S 10:49 Finding a new identity and purpose after leaving the military service 15:09 The significance of military spouses and their unique challenges 16:19 How to support the Commit Foundation and their missione

Struggling to break free from unhealthy eating habits?   In this episode, Joe De Sena talks with nutrition coach Mike Millner, who shares his personal story of overcoming years of yo-yo dieting and gaining over 100 pounds. Mike dives deep into the powerful connection between our subconscious thoughts, beliefs, and food choices.   Find out how your beliefs and identity shape your eating habits, and discover actionable strategies to transform your relationship with food for good. Learn practical strategies for rewiring your mind to break free from emotional eating and how mindset shifts are the true foundation for lasting change.   Whether you're battling cravings or trying to lose weight, Mike's unique approach will show you how to break the cycle and finally achieve lasting results!   Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:48 Mike's journey into nutrition 03:52 How to change a relationship with food 06:30 Joe's personal relationship with food 09:15 Rewiring subconscious thoughts about food 12:34 Success rate in changing eating habits 15:51 How to change a country’s relationship with food 18:30 How to help kids eat healthier 21:51 VIP event in the desert of Abu Dhabi --- Mike's Instagram: @coach_mike_millner Website: https://neurotypetraining.com/mike-millner/

In this episode, Joe De Sena talks with Tom Farrey, author of Game On: The All-American Race to Make Champions of Our Children, about the state of youth sports in America.   Tom explains that only 1 in 4 kids are active, largely due to barriers in the U.S. sports system. Now leading Project Play, he works to make sports more accessible and fun for all children.   They discuss how Spartan Races promote self-improvement over competition, and how Norway’s child-focused sports model could inspire the U.S.   Tom emphasizes the importance of letting kids enjoy sports rather than pushing them into activities they don’t love. They encourage parents to listen to their children’s interests and prioritize fun and accessibility to keep kids engaged in sports.   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:03 Mapping the Problem: Why Aren’t More Kids Active? 03:31 Youth Sports Around the World 05:46 Challenging Kids to Do Hard Things 07:46 Screens and Devices as a Competition to Youth Sports 10:23 Rethinking Competition for Kids 11:51 Breaking Through School Bureaucracies to Reach Kids 13:15 How Can Parents Support Their Child’s Interests 16:57 Should You Let Your Kid Quit a Sport? 19:01 Parents Overanalyzing Their Child's Performance 21:29 Norway: The World’s Best Youth Sports System 25:10 - What the U.S. Can Learn from Norway 26:16 - Final Thoughts: Creating Better Youth Sports Systems

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Marc Fucarile, a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, to hear his powerful story.   Marc vividly recounts the horrific events of that day, describing the chaos and the severe injuries he sustained when the bombs exploded. Despite the trauma, he shares how the outpouring of support from the community motivated him to focus on his recovery and being a father to his young son.   Marc's journey is a testament to the human spirit's resilience. He emphasizes the importance of acceptance, concentrating on what you can control, and drawing inspiration from the sacrifices and accomplishments of those around you.   His story is a powerful example of transforming tragedy into purpose and using one's experiences to uplift and empower others facing similar challenges.   Highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:30 Boston Marathon bombing incident 04:01 Surviving 100 days in the hospital 08:33 The aftermath and support system 11:50 Mental challenges after traumatic experience 17:58 Simple tips for leveling up in life 19:58 The importance of family and faith 23:39 Building the MARC Network and future goals Website: www.marcnetwork.world | www.marcfucarile.com  Instagram: @marcnetworkinc | @marcfucarile

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a prominent advocate for public health reform and wellness. He passionately discusses the pressing need to restructure health and fitness initiatives in America, highlighting concerns about corporate influence on public health agencies. Drawing on his family's legacy of discipline and endurance, he emphasizes the importance of incorporating fitness back into schools. Kennedy also advocates for fostering resilience in children, encouraging parents to promote active lifestyles, and shares insights from ancient Spartan philosophy to emphasize personal growth through challenge.

In this episode, Steve Hasty, a swimming expert, joins Joe De Sena to give us a behind-the-scenes look at the world of competitive swimming. As a former elite swimmer and the owner of Swimming World Magazine, Steve really knows his stuff when it comes to this sport.   Steve explains the intense training regimen of elite swimmers, noting that even high school swimmers can train up to 5 hours per day.   They discuss the mental toughness and resilience required to maintain such a grueling schedule and achieve success. Drawing from his own experiences growing up with a tough swim coach, Steve offers some great advice on developing a consistent routine and mindset to overcome obstacles, whether in swimming or in life   Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:43 Demanding routine of high school swimmers 02:33 Mental resilience of swimmers 03:30 How big is the swimming community? 05:02 A narrow path to the top 06:29 The importance of body type 07:00 Michael Phelps’s and his success 09:08 Lessons learned through swimming 12:05 The power of routine and discipline 15:00 The Swimming World app IG: @swimmingworldmag Youtube: /SwimmingWorldSPI LinkedIn: /company/swimming-world Website: www.swimmingworldmagazine.com

In this episode, Joe de Sena and wrestling champion Ben Askren dive into their co-authored book on "Extreme Balance," a concept emphasizing that true excellence comes from balancing hard work, mental skills, and self-care.   Ben opens up about his personal journey, detailing how he shifted from relentless grinding to focusing on strategic thinking and body awareness. He highlights how balancing physical and mental aspects was key to unlocking his full potential.   The discussion includes practical strategies for managing performance anxiety, recognizing when to push through pain versus when to rest, and finding the optimal balance between rigorous training and high-pressure performance.   They also examine the lives of successful individuals who achieved remarkable success but struggled with personal balance, concluding that sustainable excellence demands a holistic approach.   This episode provides valuable insights for elite performers aiming to elevate their game by mastering the principles of "Extreme Balance."   Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:49 The journey to balance through wrestling 08:24 How to manage performance anxiety 11:54 Balancing hard work and rest 15:30 The role of balance in elite performance 20:45 Extreme success and balance – Spartans, Musk, Jobs 23:44 The importance of family time 26:26 How to find the book and final thoughts PRE ORDER NOW: https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Balance-Paradoxical-Principles-Champion/dp/1642011770

In this episode, we follow the remarkable journey of Marco Robinson - a man who overcame a challenging upbringing marked by poverty, abuse, and adversity to become a highly successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.   From his humble beginnings as a homeless, bullied youth to his meteoric rise in the world of sales and business, Marco's story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and the unwavering pursuit of one's dreams.   Through his candid recollections, we learn how Marco's pivotal moment of self-belief transformed his life, leading him to unprecedented sales success and the creation of thriving enterprises. His willingness to confront personal tragedies and emotional barriers further inspires, showcasing the transformative power of facing one's fears and embracing vulnerability. Prepare to be captivated and empowered by Marco's extraordinary story of triumph over adversity. Timestamp: 00:00 Intro 00:44 Marco’s background and childhood 04:02 Transition to sales and his first success 06:42 The importance of believing in yourself 07:53 Career highs and lows in Malaysia 10:10 Marriage problems, writing a book, and the first million 12:47 Flipping properties in the US and TV show 16:01 Resolving a childhood trauma 17:26 Advice to people who are stuck in life 18:23 Struggles make you stronger 19:21 Three things to do for success 20:57 Final thoughts

This episode of the Hard Way Podcast features an inspiring conversation with Nigel Thomas, an entrepreneur who shares his powerful story of overcoming a devastating personal betrayal.   After hitting rock bottom and contemplating suicide, Nigel realized he needed to empower the "champion" within himself, rather than succumbing to the "victim" mindset.   Through discipline, exercise, and rebuilding his support network, Nigel embarked on a remarkable journey of resilience and self-discovery. He now shares his experiences in his popular newsletter, "David to Goliath," inspiring others to believe in themselves and write their own comeback stories.   Nigel's insights on the importance of purpose, community, and consistent self-improvement offer valuable lessons for anyone facing adversity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking the courage and determination to overcome life's challenges and emerge stronger than ever before.   Highlights: 00:00 Intro 02:22 Nigel’s background and personal story 04:41 From corporate job to successful entrepreneurship 05:40 Personal betrayal that led to a mental health crisis 08:49 Meeting yourself and taking the responsibility 10:56 Nigel’s David to Goliath newsletter 12:22 Joe’s invitation and the importance of finding a community 14:12 Fining purpose in helping others 16:26 Opening up but avoiding victim mentality 17:32 The importance of consistency and accountability 18:55 Where can people find Nigel?

In this raw and honest conversation with Joe De Sena, Dr. Samantha Harte shares her incredible journey from addiction and trauma to redemption and healing.   Growing up in a dysfunctional family in Brooklyn, Samantha's path was riddled with substance abuse, shame, and relationship turmoil. But through the power of the 12 steps and her own unwavering resilience, she transformed her life, finding sobriety, self-love, and ultimately, a thriving marriage and business.   Now, Samantha is on a mission to modernize the 12-step approach, using her personal experiences to help others overcome their own challenges and unlock their full potential. Tune in for more! Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:45 Dr. Samantha’s childhood, academic struggles, and drug addiction 08:44 Overdosing and decision to recover 13:23 Marriage and recovery challenges 16:52 Finding a sponsor and 12-step program 20:19 The beginning of her fitness business 22:23 Separation from her husband and getting back together 26:31 Miscarriages, postpartum depression, and the loss of her dad 29:13 Losing a sister to overdose and writing a book 32:38 Joe’s support and future plans