
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

Apr 18, 2020 • 38min
Define Your Ethos // SPARTAN COMBAT ep 001
Learn how to build and define your personal philosophy with the Iron Cowboy, James Lawrence. James completed 50 Ironman distance races in 50 states in 50 days. As a kid, James wrestled throughout high school and into college before embarking on a life as a world-renowned ultra-distance athlete. Find out more at https://spartancombat.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 © 2020 Spartan

Apr 17, 2020 • 57min
Mark Divine talks readiness for VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous ) Times
From our Live Zoom chat: There is a reason Mark Divine is one of the rare podcast guests we have featured twice! He is “an expert in human performance as it is displayed in mental toughness, leadership and physical readiness” and a powerful communicator with awesome lessons for all of us. A retired Navy Seal, he has created SEALFIT, The Unbeatable Mind, written several bestselling books and is a much sought after speaker and teacher.His wisdom and bulletproof demeanor are especially reassuring in this crazy time, and he shares immediately applicable techniques and strategies to stay healthy and productive. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod CREDITS: Zoom Session producers – Marion Abrams & Johnny Waite Hosts: Johnny Waite, Marion Abrams, Sefra Alexandra & Colonel Nye © 2020 Spartan

Apr 15, 2020 • 5min
Mini: Getting Less Isolated with Dr. Lara Pence
Social isolation can lead to some super unhealthy patterns that we have to be careful of falling into. It can always have a profound impact on our mood and our willingness to engage socially in the future. When you find yourself isolating it’s important to remember that at some point you will need to step out of isolation in order to better serve your mental health. Taking that first step can be hard but it is necessary to say YES to that invitation that you would prefer to avoid (rather this is through an e-meeting or in-person). It’s also an important step to consider what led you to isolating in the first place. LESSONS: Social isolation can lead to decreased mood and greater experiential avoidance of connectedness. In order to move away from being socially isolated you must sometimes take the first step of saying ‘yes’ to gathering that you would prefer to say ‘no’ to. Evaluate and dig into why you isolated in the first place in order to understand what systems were at play caused the social avoidance. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND DR. L: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Dr. L on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drlarapence/ CREDITS: Production Team: Heather Knox, Knox Creative; Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host: Dr. Lara Pence Synopsis: Dr. Lara Pence © 2020 Spartan

Apr 14, 2020 • 31min
Mike Wardian | The Guy That Won the Quarantine Backyard Ultra (and some other BIG races)
Legendary ultra-runner Mike Wardian is back on Spartan Up! Last time he had just broken the fastest 50K on a treadmill while on the Spartan Cruise. He holds the record for the fastest time for 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days; fastest marathon and 50K on an indoor 200-meter track; fastest Marathon as Spider-Man & Elvis; fastest Leadville 100 mile and Pike's Peak marathon double and ran the grueling Marathon des Sables-appx 150 miles in the Sahara desert in Morocco more than once. This is a great interview that digs into the mindset necessary to push through these remarkable challenges. Mike says he went to depths he never thought possible and says once you “come out the other side of that, your not the same person and that’s special.” Enjoy LESSONS Design your training to be more difficult then the challenge you are facing Obstacle immunity informs every facet of life There is always something positive you can get from any experience Persevere & overcome If at first you don’t succeed- try again & dig deep There’s always a way Always keep growing Learn lessons from adversity Don’t silo your experiences Get out there & run Do something hard everyday LINKS http://mikewardian.com/ TIME STAMPS 1:05 Interview begins with tales of the Spartan Cruise 2:20 Clip of Spartan Cruise 3:15 Round two & breaking a world record 4:50 Running the major marathons 6:00 Embarking on a 50 miler 7:30 THE MARATHON DES SABLES 10:30 A once in a lifetime experience- twice 11:30 World Marathon Challenge 13:20 break 14:30 Training regiment- making marathons hard 16:30 overcoming a challenge 19:00 Making it on the podium of Marathon Des Sables 20:00 Coming back to work to a hijacked ship 22:30 Insights from difficult situations 24:00 Running across Israel 26:45 Joe gives a recap of the interview 29:30 Do something hard everyday & tell us about it! SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay 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. Hosts: Joe De Sena & Sefra Alexandra -Johnny Waite & Colonel Nye were off training for an ultra Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty © 2020 Spartan

Apr 8, 2020 • 29min
Mark Metry on Overcoming Social Anxiety / Interview with Joe De Sena
We are all feeling isolated right now - but that will end. Mark tells Joe De Sena about the tools he used to change his trajectory. As a young boy Mark moved to the U.S. with his family from Egypt and found he was very socially isolated. For the next decade his diet and behaviors fostered an unhealthy lifestyle that fueled his social anxiety. After a certain point he had had enough and did the deep work to get over what was limiting his life. At only 22 years old he's now sharing what he learned. In his podcast Humans 2.0 and his new book “Screw Being Shy,” he gives us the tips and tricks we need to crawl out of our shell and into a confident social paradigm that fits you. Lessons 1. Don’t mind uncertainty 2. Have discipline around technology 3. Surrender your ego 4. Eat healthy it will change your brain 5. Address social anxiety 6. Address the hardware of the body 7. Vocal tonality and body language give off social cues 8. Exposure therapy 9. Tackle life one bit at a time This episode of Spartan Up! is brought to you by Honey Stinger. Made with organic honey and delicious ingredients, Use code HSSpartan2020 at Honeystinger.com for 30% off and Sweeten the burn. LINKS: Mark Metry https://www.markmetry.com/ Join the Spartan Up team on our Zoom chats, details on Spartan Up Podcast Instagram and Twitter Time Stamps 0:00 Joe introduces 0:55 Honey Stinger break 1:20 Interview begins 3:00 Manufactured adversity 4:30 Entrepreneurial from a young age 5:30 Engaging a young audience 6:30 Using phone as a coping device 7:15 Forgotten art of boredom 8:15 Flow state mimicked with technology 9:45 Discipline and frameworks around phone etiquette 11:17 Spartan Up! Zoom everyday 2-3pm 12:17 Honey Stinger break 13:13 interview continues with upbringing 14:30 Dealing with health issues 16:00 A decade of social Isolation 17:00 Surrendering your ego 18:00 Changing health and diet 19:00 Mental health consequences of processed food 20:00 Food industries marketing ploys 21:20 Addressing social anxiety 23:30 Growing up as group creatures 24:20 Spartan Race creates collective shared experiences 25:30 Advice for social anxiety 27:00 Joe discusses the mind body connection

Apr 2, 2020 • 3min
Mini: Learn to Communicate Better with Dr. Lara Pence
Communication is so important in getting our own needs met and effectively assisting others. When we experience stress or during times of uncertainty, our communication can be one of the first thing that suffers. We are often flooded with emotions which make it difficult for us to dial in on effective communication. There are a few key things to keep in mind in order to maintain good levels of communication. Being clear with the ones around you is always important in delivering a message, as is creating steps along the way. And lastly, try to keep a clear and calm tone in the way you communicate. LESSONS: Communication can often suffer during times of stress and chaos. Dial in on your communication and work on building these skills through the following: Be clear. Provide steps in your communication. Avoid curse words or intense tones - remain calm. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND DR. L: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Dr. L on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drlarapence/ CREDITS: Production Team: Heather Knox, Knox Creative; Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host: Dr. Lara Pence Synopsis: Dr. Lara Pence © 2020 Spartan

Mar 31, 2020 • 1h 2min
This 98 Year Old Has the Perspective You Need Right Now - Dan Crowley
You may be feeling the challenge. This interview with Dan Crowley, Bataan Death March survivor, will remind you that we must as a culture reframe our frame of reference. Yes, this time has limited our freedoms, invoked fear and changed the paradigm of our daily life as we know it…. Yet, there are elders in our midst that have dealt with truly unthinkable horrors and come out on the other end even more resilient. This week we revisit one of the most important interviews in Spartan Up history. Dan Crowley’s is a 98-year-old WWII POW, survivor of the horrific Bataan Death March, and a delightful man. Faced with unfathomable torture, he is truly one of the most resilient, remarkable and optimistic human beings we have had the privilege to meet. This extended episode tells a dark tale in the world’s history, yet, his smiling jovial face shows the true and utter strength, grit and resolve of our species. It was our honor to be able to capture this important story and share it with all of you. In this time of personal confinement, find the hope and positivity to keep your spirits high and inspire those around you! We will get through this- march on. LINKS: Save $50 https://www.freshmealplan.com/spartan Code: spartan50 SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay 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. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Colonel Nye Dr. L & Marion Abrams… Sefra is planting a victory garden in the face of current obstacles… Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty © 2020 Spartan

Mar 26, 2020 • 3min
Mini: The Value of Interdependence with Dr. Lara Pence
During times of stress and unpredictability, there is often no more important value than the value of interdependence. Interdependence is the recognition that I can rely on you and you can rely on me. For whatever reason, many of us have come to believe that reaching out to others for support is weakness or a demonstration of incompetence. In truth, using the support around you and offering support in return is a huge measure of strength and courage. Give yourself permission to reach out for help, ask for something that you need, and benefit from the value of interdependence. LESSONS: Interdependence is the acknowledgement of reciprocity in support - I need you, you need me. Utilize your support system by reaching out and expressing your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. There is strength in being able to lean on others for help and also being strong when others need to lean on you. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND DR. L: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Dr. L on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drlarapence/ CREDITS: Production Team: Heather Knox, Knox Creative; Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host: Dr. Lara Pence Synopsis: Dr. Lara Pence © 2020 Spartan

Mar 25, 2020 • 49min
Marko Cheseto - The World's Fastest (happiest) Double Amputee
Marko Cheseto is one of the happiest people I've ever met! He came from Kenya to Alaska on a running scholarship, but while he was there he lost both legs to frostbite. Today Marko holds the record for the fastest Marathon by a double amputee - he's fast! In this episode he tells his story, but also shares some really great advice for making the best of difficult times. Let me know what you think! SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Twitter @SpartanUpPod Instagram @SpartanUpPodcast CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host: Joe De Sena, Colonel Nye, Dr. Johnny Waite & Sefra Alexandra are doing immunity burpees & washing their hands :) Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra | Seed Huntress Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty © 2020 Spartan

Mar 20, 2020 • 44min
UPDATE - How to overcome this COVID-19 crisis - Stay STRONG, SAFE, PRODUCTIVE & POSITIVE!
Obstacle immunity is a credo of this community and together we will adapt and overcome! Now more than ever we need to be positive and beacons to those around us. We must be solution focused and not fall into the traps of fear. You’ve got this Spartans. Together we are Spartan Strong and will overcome this invisible obstacle. Now is the time to be of service and retrain yourself in the new skills needed. In this special episode we will hear advice from 10 EXPERTS in medicine, mindset, food, business, community preparedness and mindfulness. To the Spartan Community, globally we are facing an obstacle like never before and never has it been more important to remember and implement all the resiliency lessons we have learned over the five years of doing this podcast. In this special episode we check back in with experts across the fields of physical, mental and medical wellness to give you the best tools for your toolbox to accept and adapt to this challenge. The overarching message is to stay informed, but still stay productive! These experts have excellent advice that will give you great strategies to implement a healthy and productive response to this pandemic. Don’t be scared, be prepared! And don’t forget to breathe! EXPERTS & TOPICS FEATURED ON THIS EPISODE: EXPERTS & TOPICS FEATURED ON THIS EPISODE: - Dr. Paul Kilgore - Infectious Disease specialist // Medical info for Spartans - Joe Polish - founder Genius Network & Genius Recovery // 4 tools to stay balanced + book recommendations - Corinna Coffin - Spartan Pro Athlete & Registered Dietician // Easy healthy recipes you can make even if you have limited access to ingredients. - Dr. Stephen Cabral - Board-certified doctor of Naturopathy // De-stress protocol - Nada Milosavljevic MD host of Spartan Health //Natural Immunity boosters - Jesse Levin - Founder of Tactivate // Community action & the Readiness Collective - Your responsibility - Zach Even-Esh - Underground Strength // workouts anywhere - Lonnie Mayne - Red Shoes Living // putting things in a positive light - Amy Swift Crosby - Co-Founder Body Squad and Host of State of the Universe // Suggestions for Small Businesses navigating a Complicated Time - Johnny Waite - Spartan Up co-host // What next? Stay Strong. Stay Positive & Wash Those Hands! LINKS: Dr. Paul Kilgore http://quantitative-health.com/ Genius Recovery https://geniusrecovery.org/ Corinna Coffin https://www.instagram.com/cscoffin13 Dr Nada mentioned these episodes ZINC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBseaQTBh3E&t=84s Natural Treatments to Boost Immunity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8mCc5nwcyE&t=3s Dr. Stephen Cabral https://stephencabral.com Jesse Levin - Tactivate https://www.tactivate.com/ Zach Even-Esh https://www.instagram.com/zevenesh/ Lonnie Mayne https://lonniemayne.com/ Amy Swift Crosby http://www.smartypeople.com/ Stay Strong. Stay Positive & Wash Those Hands! Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think, should we do more episodes like this? We’re easy to find on twitter @SpartanUpPod and instagram at @SpartanUpPodcast SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW SPARTAN UP: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Twitter @SpartanUpPod Instagram @SpartanUpPodcast CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host: Joe De Sena, Colonel Nye, Dr. Johnny Waite & Sefra Alexandra are doing immunity burpees & washing their hands :) Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra | Seed Huntress Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty © 2020 Spartan