The Hard Way With Joe De Sena

Tired of feeling stuck in a rut? Discover how taking on new challenges can make you feel alive again at any age.   In this empowering episode, Gwendolyn Bounds shares how she conquered self-doubt and found her inner athlete later in life. She discusses her transformation from a sedentary to a competitive obstacle course racer through grit and community support. Gwendolyn Bounds is an award-winning journalist and author whose career spans media brands including The Wall Street Journal, ABC News, Consumer Reports, CNBC, SmartNews, and more. Her latest book “NOT TOO LATE: The Power of Pushing Limits at Any Age” captures the mental and physical benefits of pursuing something hard that you love – a starkly different prescription for wellbeing in a world filled with hacks and shortcuts to find happiness and good health.  Anchoring Gwendolyn’s book is the story of her own midlife evolution from an unathletic desk-bound news executive glued to her screens into an age-group medalist and world championship competitor in the daunting sport of obstacle course racing.  In NOT TOO LATE, Gwendolyn offers a roadmap for action and realistic change that anyone can use to tap inner reserves, face fear, and push boundaries. You can find Gwendolyn on social media and sign up for her newsletter at gwendolynbounds.com. Highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:02 The power of pushing limits at any age 02:46 It’s never too late for sports or Spartan race 07:01 Lessons from the obstacle course racing 10:40 Helping people to get moving after the pandemic 17:12 The Death Race in Vermont 18:15 How can people find Gwendolyn 20:09 How to get started and Not Yet mentality 24:16 The joy of pushing yourself beyond your limits 28:39 Life is about small choices

Joe and Zackary delve into the powerful symbolism behind carrying a couch through Spartan Races, a tribute to those struggling with addiction and a call to leave comfort for the community. Zach shares his personal story of overcoming addiction and physical challenges, emphasizing the importance of helping others, especially adaptive athletes, to conquer obstacles.   The conversation touches on modern issues like the dangers of fentanyl, the impact of simulated experiences on youth, and the need for real connections. With heartfelt anecdotes and practical wisdom, Joe and Zach inspire listeners to push beyond their limits and support one another in the journey of life.   Highlights: 00:42 Intro 02:12 We seek comfort at all costs 05:57 Crazy trip to Wales and making connections 10:14 Empowering kids by challenging them 17:22 The dangers of fentanyl addiction 21:03 Carrying a couch to raise awareness 25:23 Race in a wheelchair and the shift in mindset 29:51 Creating real connections and relationships

When Kristin Smedley's young son was diagnosed as blind, she was devastated. But rather than accepting limits, she became fiercely determined to give him every opportunity. Tapping into creative problem-solving skills from her own athletic past, Kristin empowered her son to navigate life fearlessly.   Through using all available tools and relentless advocacy, her sons thrived academically against all odds. But Kristin's vision didn't stop there. She now inspires others through her nonprofit, proving disability is no barrier to success with the right mindset and support.   Hear Kristin's incredible story - from the shock of her son's diagnosis to his graduation at the top of his class. Discover practical lessons on nurturing independence, creative accessibility solutions, and transforming challenges into triumphs. Kristin will motivate and inspire you to believe in limitless potential.   Highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:01 Kristin’s childhood in Philadelphia 03:43 Learning about the importance of team 07:19 The shock of hearing her firstborn was blind 10:13 Realizing what to do as a parent of a blind child 14:23 Finding a nonprofit to help the blind community 18:43 What I Can Be Is Up to Me book 20:31 Using all available tools and holding the school accountable 23:22 Things to apply to make your life better 26:28 Where can people find Kristin?

Tired of just getting by each day without making progress toward your goals? Learn how one man used an unconventional morning routine to overcome a near-death experience, beat cancer against all odds, and write a bestselling book impacting millions.   Hal Elrod shares his strategies for developing resilience in the face of adversity, finding peace within through acceptance, and taking back control of your health and wellness. Discover the simple daily practices that comprise Hal's Miracle Morning ritual and how you can start your own ritual today to see positive changes in 90 days.   This inspiring episode with Spartan Race founder Joe De Sena will give you practical tips to develop a growth mindset, overcome obstacles, and finally start living the life you want.   Highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Moving from California to Texas 04:11 Hal’s childhood and his first job 05:23 A car crash and 6 minutes of death 07:18 Accepting reality and having faith 11:22 A cancer diagnosis at 37 and a healing mindset 13:48 Doing everything in your power to succeed 16:22 The Miracle Morning book 18:09 Hal’s decision to run a marathon 20:07 How can people find Hal? 22:06 S.A.V.E.R.S - 6 practices of Miracle Morning

Kevin Kaiser has an unconventional approach to business that was shaped by his roots growing up on a farm in Canada. As a professor at Wharton, one of the top business schools in the world, Kaiser is challenging the status quo.   In this fascinating podcast episode, Kaiser shares the philosophies that have made him an outlier - treating companies like living organisms that must constantly adapt to survive. He believes success breeds complacency if you don't disrupt yourself.   You will learn Kaiser's unique strategies for avoiding complacency and staying motivated through unpredictability. You'll discover why he argues against giving employees clear goals and instead pushes them outside their comfort zones.   Kaiser also dives into mindset, explaining how to "own" your thoughts and emotions rather than identify with them. For business leaders and entrepreneurs, this podcast provides an invigorating fresh perspective on value creation, leadership, and turning assumptions on their heads.   Highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:01 Kevin Kaiser’s background 02:08 Business as a living organism 03:55 Who decides how to deploy resources? 06:03 Students at Wharton and fragility 09:44 How do big companies like Kodak fail? 13:18 Staying relevant as a company 15:33 Don’t listen to evolutionary wants 19:26 Challenges and the example of Toyota 22:26 Being the manager of your mind, body, and emotions 24:58 How can people find Kevin?

Dr. John Jaquish discovered a revolutionary way to build strong bones that goes against everything you've been told.   In this insightful conversation with Joe De Sena, Dr, John reveals how he cured his own mother's osteoporosis and created a $100 million business - all by ignoring conventional wisdom.   He will also open your eyes to why workouts like weightlifting don't work, and share his portable home gym that packs serious muscle-building power. By the end, you'll be left wondering what other "facts" about health and fitness are actually dead wrong. Dr. John will change what you think you know about building muscle and strength.   Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that just may transform your health forever. Tune in now! Highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:15 Dr. John Jaquish and his biomedical company 02:49 Dr. John’s childhood, college, and entrepreneurship 06:32 OsteoStrong - a medical device that treats osteoporosis 11:13 Exposure to cold and health benefits 14:19 The importance of hip joint strength 16:07 Joe’s accident and dislocation of hip joint 18:55 Bone density, weight lifting, and the X3 System 26:24 Veganism and ancestral animal-based diet 33:54 Where can people find Dr. John?

CEO of TeamSnap, Pete Frintzilas, shares insights on instilling work ethic, facing challenges, and seeking mentorship. They discuss the importance of continuous learning, gratitude, and starting a business early. Tune in for actionable advice on accelerating success from scratch.

Victor Antonio knows what it's like to struggle. Growing up in poverty-stricken Chicago housing projects, he faced an uphill battle. But through grit and determination, he climbed his way to the top.   In this fascinating episode, Victor pulls back the curtain on his amazing success story. From food stamps as a child to writing bestsellers, he shares the pivotal moments that changed his trajectory.   Learn Victor's unorthodox tactics for understanding customers on a deeper level. Discover how he trains sales teams to minimize objections and build lasting relationships. You'll be inspired by the man who turned adversity into advantage through education, hard work, and never giving up.   Highlights: 01:01 Victor Antonio’s childhood and family 03:45 Family dynamics and education 06:28 Culture shock of going to college 08:35 Fundamental attribution error and personal growth 13:31 The value of an engineering degree 16:01 Leaving his job and writing a book 18:53 Sales Ex Machina book and understanding AI 22:38 Data is the new oil 24:06 Sales engineer: Pre-internet and post-internet sales 27:23 The latest book Relationship Selling 28:36 Life or Debt reality show

In this episode of The Hard Way podcast, Joe De Sena interviews Paul Foster, the founder of the iconic fitness brand Reebok.   Tune in as Foster recounts growing up in a family shoe business plagued by infighting, and his risky decision to break out on his own with his brother. Listen how this small startup found its big break by pivoting to capitalize on the aerobics craze just starting to sweep the nation.   Foster shares the story of how resilience, innovation, and an openness to new opportunities allowed Reebok to outmaneuver giants and become the #1 brand in women's fitness worldwide. De Sena and Foster also discuss invaluable lessons around turning obstacles into opportunities and how perseverance can pay off big for entrepreneurs willing to work hard and think outside the box.   Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:49 How did Reebok start? 04:16 Selling Reebok and going into aerobics 06:24 Surviving and thriving in business 08:07 Working with family members 09:23 Why do most companies fail? 10:43 The role of luck in success 11:28 The importance of sports 12:55 Writing a book - Shoemaker 15:42 How can people find Joe? 16:08 Preparing the second book 17:53 Just keep going

The Lovesac founder Shawn Nelson started with a silly college project - giant beanbags. Now he leads the top-selling couch brand in America. How did he go from dorm room side hustle to building a business worth billions? Tune in as Shawn shares his wild journey of overcoming failures, bankruptcy and naysayers.   Plus, hear Shawn and Joe discussing the couch controversy and finding common ground in their philosophies of pushing limits. Get practical tips on developing grit, balancing work and rest, and achieving your potential through consistent effort and facing fears.   This inspiring conversation provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone striving to maximize success while maintaining well-being. Don't miss Shawn Nelson's intriguing rise from beanbags to billions.   Highlights: 00:00 Intro 00:49 Overnight success story of Lovesac 02:24 Furniture that evolves with you 04:01 Do we really need a couch? 06:36 Rewiring your brain to be active 11:11 Pushing your kids until it works 17:00 Opening dopamine pathways 20:34 Spartan race Massachusetts 21:05 Finding your own thing 24:50 Where can people find Shawn