The Hard Way With Joe De Sena

Ryan Atkins is the current Spartan Race Ultra World Champion and the winningest obstacle racer of all time. Ryan talks to Matt B Davis about a winning mindset, how he approaches his weaknesses, and how he mixes his training up to keep it fun and enjoyable. LESSONS: • Adding fun training like mountain biking or stand up paddleboarding.
 • What he eats.
 • Making workouts can be intense AND fun.
 • Getting better at running uphill has improved his performance.
 SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay FOLLOW US: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Matt B Davis at Obstacle Racing Media on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/obstacleracingmedia/ Scott Jurek on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottjurek/ CREDITS: Host: Matt B Davis (@mattbdavis) Show Notes: Matt B Davis Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Editing: Marion Abrams © 2019 Spartan

Stress is a part of life. It’s nearly impossible to avoid. So the goal shouldn’t always be reducing the stress in your life but instead integrating ways to manage your stress and lower the intensity. Some of us are better and managing stress than others but the good news is that all stress management skills can be practiced and learned. First and foremost, we need to consider what we are putting into our body and the attention that we are giving our mental faculties. We must nourish our bodies the right way and treat our whole being with a level of respect and care. LESSONS: We all experience stress. So sometimes the best goal is stress management not stress reduction. To manage stress you must take inventory on what you are putting into your body food wise and whether or not you are fueling appropriately. Practice your stress management skills regularly for the best crystallization. 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 © 2019 Spartan

If you could be any superhero who would you be? Todd Herman is a mental performance coach that utilizes the strategies inherent with embodying an alter ego to be successful as an athlete on the field or as an executive in the boardroom. Find out what role identity, clothing and mental preparedness can play in your success. Imagination is a powerful tool that can be practiced and honed to overcome perceived limitations and obstacles you never thought that “you” could overcome. LESSONS Mastering the self is our greatest challenge Preparation, routine, planning, relaxation & breathing skills are keys to success Seek mentors & apprenticeships Move forward & level up Alter Ego means a trusted friend or ally Utilize your imagination to reach your goals Act with intention LINKS More about SpartanX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhvIba0mXsE More about Todd Herman www.toddherman.me/live2019 Todd on Facebook facebook.com/toddhermanconnect Todd on Instagram instagram.com/todd_herman Special Ops Survivors https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhvIba0mXsE TIME STAMPS 0:00 Spartan Up panel with guest Lonnie Mayne discusses SpartanX 1:30 Interview begins with Todd Herma & Joe De Sena 2:30 Coaches role in pushing you to your personal best 3:45 Mastering the self 4:45 Childhood trauma and its effects on his life 5:45 Mental game strategies and alter egos 7:15 Preparation, routine and planning 8:15 Mentorship & apprenticeship 10:00 Getting into flow state & a cold call 11:45 SPECIALOPSSURVIVORS.ORG break 13:30 Interview continues 14:20 Moving forward & leveling up 16:00 creating a “shield” around the athlete before a game 18:00 quickly shifting mental paradigms 19:00 Utilizing “Alter Egos’” 21:00 The power of imagination 23:00 Finding superhero qualities that inspire you 25:50 In-clothed cognition 31:00 What attributes do you take with you in competition? 32:45 The panel Sefra Alexandra, Col. Nye, Johnny Waite & guest Lonnie Mayne discusses how to integrate alter egos into your practice 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, Col. Nye, Johnny Waite & guest Lonnie Mayne Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty © 2019 Spartan

This week Joe De Sena fills in for Zach Even-Esh and talks about commitment. Who do you quit? How can you game your own mind and emotions to stay on track and achieve your goals? Zach will be back soon with more of the great SPartan WAY episodes you love. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay   FOLLOW SPARTAN UP & Zach: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppo... Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Follow Zach on Instagram https://instagram.com/zevenesh Follow Zach on Twitter https://twitter.com/zevenesh Zach’s STRONG Life Podcast https://apple.co/2vFaCv1   CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host & Show Notes: Zach Even - Esh © 2019 Spartan

We make thousands of choices in just one day. What we wear, choose to eat, and decide to do are just a tiny few. Micro-decisions are made constantly and it’s important to understand one of the phenomena that informs our choices. Something called confirmation bias is often behind many of our decisions and also behind the way that we develop a view of ourself. Confirmation bias occurs when we pay attention to and focus on information that confirms a pre-existing belief, value, or assumption. For example, let’s say you don’t think you’re very smart. Because of confirmation bias, you will naturally, though sometimes without awareness, look for information that confirms this belief. So you may pay attention to that one critique that you got on a project review instead of the fifty positive statements that came your way. It’s important to understand confirmation bias and bring into awareness how this may be impacting your beliefs and subsequent choices. LESSONS: Understanding why certain beliefs are held and decisions are made is an important step in getting to know yourself better. Confirmation bias occurs when you pay attention to information that confirms pre-existing beliefs or assumptions. Pay attention to what information you focus on and what beliefs you may be looking to confirm or validate. 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 © 2019 Spartan

Considered one of the world’s top sales trainers & real estate investors, Grant is playing in the big leagues. Joe walks with his kettlebell to his castle in the middle of London to talk about life and business with a guy who has made it his business to 10X yours. Hear Grand and Joe compare origin stories and at the end Joe’s behind the scenes take on his time in the “Cardone Zone.” LESSONS Make yourself invaluable When you meet someone, figure out how you can help them Take potential clients & do something challenging with them Happiness is wanting what you already have Let’s change the world together LINKS https://grantcardone.com/podcast/ This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Shady Rays Polarized shades you can afford to lose or break - because they’ll replace them for free. Go to www.Shadyrays.com and use code SPARTAN for 50% off 2 or more pairs. TIME STAMPS 0:00 Joe De Sena introduces interview with Grant Cardone of the Cardone Zone 1:00 Shadyrays.com intro “Built for Adventure” 1:25 Interview begins in the Cardone Castle outside London 4:00 getting “graded” in your marriage 5:25 the theme of disappointment 6:30 growing up around women 7:45 searching for male mentors 9:30 learning the real estate business 11:00 Joe’s fathers real estate endeavors & downfall 14:00 Shadyrays.com break “Built for Adventure” 15:05 Lessons from Joe’s pool cleaning days 18:00 making yourself invaluable 19:30 How Joe gets into Cornell 23:00 Joe’s introduction to Wall Street 25:45 Joe starts his own firm and “makes it,” but feels like sh*t 27:00 Joe starts racing & buys his farm in Vermont 29:30 getting close to quitting 32:00 persevering even when people doubt you 34:30 The world of investing 36:00 Homeschooling kids & living around the world 41:00 changing lives 42:15 Joe De Sena reflects on interview & gives his take aways 46:00 Shadyrays.com close “Built for Adventure” SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow Spotify https://spoti.fi/2UOLnQx 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. Host: Joe De Sena and co-hosts Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Johnny Waite Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra | Seed Huntress Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty © 2019 Spartan

When life gets busy and tough, we can sometimes focus on what we don’t have. Instead, we need to be grateful for everything we have, including the “obstacles” which are opportunities in hiding. Start writing down what you are grateful for in a gratitude journal. Start your day with a gratitude journal. Tony Robbins inspired me to do this around 2001. LESSONS: Write down 3 things you are grateful for, including the most simple things such as seeing the sun or the moon. Be grateful for everything, including the challenges that you’ve been stressing over. Make your gratitude journal part of your core morning ritual. Write in your journal every day, 7 days a week. It only takes 2 minutes MAX! LINKS: More about Zach https://zacheven-esh.com Read “The Spartan Way” https://www.spartan.com/en/race/learn-more/race-types-overview?article=the-spartan-way-book SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay   FOLLOW SPARTAN UP & Zach: Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/ Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod Follow Zach on Instagram https://instagram.com/zevenesh Follow Zach on Twitter https://twitter.com/zevenesh Zach’s STRONG Life Podcast https://apple.co/2vFaCv1   CREDITS: Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Host & Show Notes: Zach Even - Esh © 2019 Spartan

Let’s face it. We all experience being overwhelmed. It is a common human experience. But the thing is, there are ways to manage being overwhelmed if you turn your awareness inwards. First, think about how you can use the work of the breath to calm yourself down. Try using the box method. Next, set your priorities. Think about what requires your attention next and where would your energy would best be utilized. And lastly, try and plan for what comes next. These tools can help ground you and create space for you to manage the feeling and the experience. LESSONS: Being overwhelmed is part of the human experience so don’t beat yourself up when you feel it. Try these strategies to overcome feelings of being overwhelmed: Remember your breath. Set your priorities. Make a plan. 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 © 2019 Spartan

Born in the fields of Ireland, Mo was a guide, teammate and mentor when Joe began adventure racing 20+ years ago. Her ethos are deeply steeped in the foundation and inspiration for Joe to build Spartan Race. Have you heard him say “if your not cold, your wearing too much. If you're tired, your sleeping too much. If you're not hungry, your eating too much.”? That and other great lines like “ Quit moanin & get goin!” originated with Mo. This is a great conversation, where we learn were many of Joe’s battle cries of grit hail from!   LESSONS Visualize the things you want to happen Have a point in the distance to go towards Quit your moanin & get goin! Learn & practice patience Try things - don’t get stuck! Use fear as fuel Be cold, tired & hungry Soak up life - don’t wait for another Help those around you LINKS This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Shady Rays Polarized shades you can afford to lose or break - because they’ll replace them for free. Go to www.Shadyrays.com and use code SPARTAN for 50% off 2 or more pairs. TIME STAMPS 0:00 Joe De Sena introduces Maureen’s interview 0:55 Shadyrays.com intro “Built for Adventure” 1:20 The women who inspired Spartan Race’s foundation 2:30 Growing up rugged in Ireland 4:00 Mountain biking to work and starting adventure racing 5:00 Don’t tell me not to do it- cause I’ll do it! 6:00 Joe’s adventure race “babysitters” 7:00 learning terrain of the World & every aspect of yourself 8:45 Joe visualizing the farm before it existed 9:45 Working with foster kids- surviving & adapting 12:00 Quit your moanin & get goin! 13:30 Shadyrays.com break “Built for Adventure” 15:00 Children are our future- dealing with “broken” children 17:00 Can you push kids too hard? 19:30 Joe’s Wall Street buddies joining races 21:00 Fear of entering the art world 22:50 Soaking up life 24:05 Joe reminisces about racing with Mau, that quitting is forever & being wired differently SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow Spotify https://spoti.fi/2UOLnQx 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. Host: Joe De Sena Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra | Seed Huntress Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty © 2019 Spartan

Glutathione is not a word that trips off the tongue, but it’s very much worth remembering. It’s a substance that combats the problems related to oxidative stress. Let’s learn more about it. First, let’s describe oxidative stress in a little more detail. This happens when substances called “free radicals” and “oxidants” start to grow in number in our bodies. We need some of these radicals because they can act as “signaling” molecules that trigger important processes (like the heart pumping more blood during stressful moments). But if you have too many free radicals, this results in an unhealthy imbalance leading to cell damage. “Free radicals” might be understood as roaming individual atoms of oxygen that are desperately looking to pair up with other atoms (because atoms like to exist in pairs). This means that they’re pretty indiscriminate about where they pair up (sort of like a person who is “on the rebound”), which results in a variety of bad outcomes when this “outsider” settles down with some random cell in the body. That settling causes damage to individual cells, eventually causing cell membranes to break and altering what a cell normally allows to enter and exit its boundaries. One way to understand glutathione’s benefits is that it helps to repair or counteract the breakage and unraveling of cells that free radicals and oxidants tend to cause. For instance, glutathione repairs the “caps” (known as telomeres) that are found at the end of chromosomes. If that cap is broken, DNA can unravel! And there are many other ways it keeps cells healthy – from fighting nerve damage caused by Lyme disease to repairing cell damage that happens during chemotherapy. Its broad usefulness in the repairing of damage caused by free radicals explains why it’s also referred to as the “master” antioxidant. One thing to know about this substance is that it’s hard to maintain healthy levels of glutathione through supplements. It’s mainly produced in the body. Unfortunately, with aging comes a reduction of the production of glutathione. When people reach 40, they produce around 30 % less glutathione. By age 65, that reduction can reach 50 %! You can help whatever levels of glutathione are in your body by what you’re eating. Eliminating sugar, grains and processed foods from your diet is a great way to lessen oxidative stress. And you can find ways to raise the levels of glutathione. Both aerobic training and weight training – individually and in combination – have been found to increase the body’s production of glutathione. So remember: keep your free radicals under control by reducing oxidants in your diet and by using exercise to keep the amount of glutathione in your body as high as possible. The positive impact on processes that contribute to aging and chronic diseases could be impressive! KEY TERMS & IDEAS Glutathione is a substance primarily produced in the body that helps to ward off the effects and potency of free radicals and oxidation in our body’s cells. It’s effectiveness across a broad spectrum of body processes that can be affected by free radicals has made it known as the “master” antioxidant. Oxidative Stress: “Oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which can lead to cell and tissue damage. Oxidative stress occurs naturally and plays a role in the aging process.” (Medical News Today) Free radicals: Free radicals might be understood as roaming individual atoms of oxygen that are desperately looking to pair up with other atoms (because atoms like to exist in pairs). LINKS & RESOURCES: Jamie Eske, “How does oxidative stress affect the body,” Medical News Today, April 2, 2019, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324863.php, accessed April 2019. Nicole Galan, “What are the benefits of glutathione?” Medical News Today, December 10, 2018, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323936.php, accessed April 2019. “Free radicals may be good for you,” ScienceDaily, March 1, 2011, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110228090404.htm, accessed April 2019. Terry Lemerond, “Fighting free radicals with glutathione,” Chiropractic Economics, June 2, 2016, https://www.chiroeco.com/glutathione-benefits/, accessed April 2019. Follow Dr. Nada on: Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nada-milo... Sage Tonic www.sagetonic.com Sage Tonic on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sagetonic/ 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/spartanuppo... Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod CREDITS: Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Writer and Host: Nada Milosavljevic MD, JD © 2019 Spartan