

The Hard Way With Joe De Sena
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 10, 2019 • 3min
How to Build Momentum - SPARTAN WAY 022
Momentum can build up in the positive or the negative. Here’s how you can make momentum work for you, NOT against you! LESSONS: Learn to course correct if momentum is starting to work against you. Take a new action to help build momentum for your goals. Organization is crucial for your success. Take 1 action, do the 1 thing, to start building momentum towards your goals. 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 © 2018 Spartan

Jan 9, 2019 • 3min
Stop Wasting Time Mind Reading - SPARTAN MIND ep. 022
Mind reading is when we make assumptions about what others are thinking or feeling. The problem is, these presumptions can put us in a position of believing we know what is true, when in fact we are guessing. We can then attach ourselves to stories that we are creating and see them as reality rather than assumption. Mind reading can essentially get us into trouble so it’s important that we catch ourselves when we are doing it and work to correct course. LESSONS: Mind reading occurs when we make assumptions about what someone else is thinking. Two ways to move away from this are: Catching yourself when you find yourself mind reading. Circling back to the individual that you find yourself attempting to mind read and asking for clarification on what it is you may be assuming. 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 © 2018 Spartan

Jan 8, 2019 • 1h 5min
229: WWII Bataan Death March survivor Dan Crowley
This may be the most important interview in Spartan Up history. The story Dan Crowley, a 96-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. LESSONS: Persistence of hope is key Whatever has happened, there is still joy to be had Believe in yourself Be a role model Use the way your impacted to positively impact the world Live your life knowing you will survive Humor can be a powerful tool for healing LINKS: This episode is brought to you by CHOMPS, the cleanest jerky stick on the market. You can purchase Chomps' grass-fed, non-GMO, no sugar added meat snacks at https://chomps.com/ use the promo code SPARTAN for 20% off and free shipping TIME STAMPS: 0:00 Hosts Colonel Nye, Johnny Waite, Marion Abrams and guest Dr. Lara Pence introduce this powerful interview 2:34 Col Nye introduces the history behind the Bataan Death March 4:00 Joe DeSena interview with Dan Crowley begins 7:00 making his way to the Philippines 13:00 attack on Nichols Base in Manilla 15:00 sailing to Bataan Peninsula 17:00 defending Bataan against the Japanese 21:00 an untenable position 22:25 the night of April 9th - a long swim 28:00 CHOMPS.COM break 29:00 31 Habits of the Healthiest Spartan 30:48 Joe DeSena interview with Dan Crowley continues - “the need to endure” 33:00 trapped in a 3 acre cesspool - “becoming valuable enough to be given the right to live” 35:00 slave labor work detail 36:45 building an airfield without machinery & beaten with clubs (nicknamed vitamin sticks) 38:00 almost beaten to the point of death 39:30 Jerry the “Executioner” 43:20 being deemed “unfit for labor” & sent to Japan 46:45 sailing from Brooklyn army base 47:00 The lowest point 48:45 Going home - the Readjustment Period 51:00 trying to get a job once home 53:15 Johnny Waite, Colonel Nye, Marion Abrams and guest Dr. Lara Pence discuss this remarkable interview 1:05:00 CHOMPS.COM close 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, Marion Abrams and guest Dr. Lara Pence Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty © 2018 Spartan

Jan 6, 2019 • 4min
Are Ice Baths and Saunas Healthy? - SPARTAN HEALTH ep 008
Both mental and physical health are critical for athletic performance. Environmental conditions also play a crucial role. What happens to your body when you’re exposed to extremes of cold and heat? Can your body adapt to these conditions? It’s important to know what happens to the body during extremes of temperature, what science has taught us about human environmental limits, and ways we can do to safely take out endurance to the next level. WHAT WE COVER: In a word….yes, but, in moderation. First, two terms to review: Hyperthermia and Hypothermia. - Hyperthermia – that’s when the body is too hot and in the extreme, can lead to heatstroke. This happens when there’s an uncontrolled increase in body temp and it exceeds the body’s ability to lose heat. Depending on how it’s measured typically hyperthermia begins when your core body temp is above 100.5F (38C) and extreme hyperthermia is at 104F (40C). Why it’s bad is that key enzymes in the body start to break down. And at about 106F cells start to die. Remember our normal body temp is 98.6F (37C) Now with this, I’m talking about internal or core body temperature obviously the external temp can be much higher. The key, your body’s ability to lose the heat, stay hydrated and maintain your core temperature. Everything is about homeostasis or balance. - Now how about Hypothermia – that’s the opposite extreme. It’s when the body loses more heat than it can absorb. This begins once body core temp goes below 95F and starts with shivering because that’s a way for your body to try and increase body temp. Once internal temps reach about 86F (30C) cellular metabolic processes start to shut down and this makes walking almost impossible. Now that’s the extreme but there’s a lot in between. Most humans can’t withstand internal core temps below 70F. With these temp extremes it’s important to keep in mind that our bodies can adjust and acclimate to some environmental changes gradually. It builds tolerance and resiliency. You know the stories of Joe De Sena, Wim Hof, and others who have pushed, conditioned and trained their bodies to adapt to some pretty extreme situations. Many of the boundaries that describe what a typical human can survive are relatively well established. You may have heard the reference the “rule of threes” that’s air, water, and food. It equal to 3 min, 3 days, and 3 weeks respectively so that’s …3 min without air, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food. Yet, we’ve all heard of some that have exceeded those limits and pushed the boundaries of what we thought humanly possible. Training and exposure to extremes of temperature, when done properly, can unlock a form of environmental conditioning and your tolerance can increase. But, as always know your limits, be in tune with your body, and stay hydrated. KEY TERMS & IDEAS: Mental and physical health are critical for athletic performance but environmental factor play a significant role. Hyperthermia: an uncontrolled increase in body temperature that exceeds the body’s ability to lose heat. Begins when core body temp hits approx 100.5F (38C) and extreme hyperthermia is at 104F (40C) Hypothermia: when the body loses more heat than it can absorb. This begins when core body temp dips to below 95F (35C) and your body begins to shiver as a way to produce heat. The human body can adjust to temp extremes and improve tolerance. When done gradually and with proper training you can build resiliency. Each person’s tolerance to environmental extremes can differ. The key is to know your limits and build gradually and safely. LINKS & RESOURCES: Follow Nada on LInkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nada-milosavljevic-35b502b9/ Sage Tonic www.sagetonic.com Sage Tonic on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sagetonic/ “Between extremes: health effects of heat and cold” Environ Health Perspect. 2015 Nov; 123(11): A275–A279. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4629728/ “How thermoregulation can give athletes an edge (mission athletecare)” Korey Stringer Institute, Univ of Conn, May 17, 2015. https://ksi.uconn.edu/2015/05/17/how-thermoregulation-can-give-athletes-an-edge-mission-athletecare/# “What doesn’t kill us: how freezing water, extreme altitude, and environmental conditioning will renew our lost evolutionary strength” by Scott Carney Jan 3, 2017. https://www.amazon.com/What-Doesnt-Kill-Environmental-Conditioning/dp/1623366909 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. Writer and Host: Nada Milosavljevic MD, JD © 2018 Spartan

Jan 3, 2019 • 3min
Comfort is the Enemy - SPARTAN WAY 021
Success leaves clues. When I hear lessons from successful people, there are common themes and 1 of those common themes is getting comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth comes from being uncomfortable. LESSONS: Going through tough times empowers you mentally and physically. Struggle reveals AND builds our character. Challenges are opportunities for you to grow. Write down something that opposes your comfort zone (morning workouts, waking up early, packing a healthy lunch) and then DO the very thing that opposes your comfort zone! LINKS: More about Zach Even-Esh 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 © 2018 Spartan

Jan 2, 2019 • 3min
Recovery From a Setback - SPARTAN MIND ep 021
Setbacks are part of the human experience. We all experience them and they often come in different forms - physical, relational, emotional. Setbacks can offer lots of opportunities for growth but you’ve got to be open to seeing them in order to benefit. How we recover from a setback is often determined by our outlook and willingness to shift perspective. LESSONS: Setbacks can offer opportunities for growth and change. When you experience a setback, give yourself permission to reflect on what brought you there in the first place. Ask: How did I get there? Allow a setback to give you space for pause so that you may benefit from slowing down and being still. Remember that a setback gives you a chance to shift course and try something new. 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 © 2018 Spartan

Jan 1, 2019 • 30min
228: Soccer Legend Kristine Lilly’s Advice on Soccer and Life
Three-Time Olympic Medalist Kristine Lilly’s Advice on Soccer and Life Kristine was part of the world-renowned American Women’s soccer team that put women’s soccer on the map in the US! On that team, she scored an incredible 130 goals in her 23-year career, played in 3 Olympics winning Gold in tow and Silver in the third, and is the most “capped” player in football history. She and Joe DeSena talk about being fit for life, the struggle and reward of the fight to the top, and her strategy for the tough days! Watch out, Joe may even get a black eye... LESSONS: Keep trying Know that EVERYTHING matters Make choices that make you a better person each day Push each other in workouts Belong to something that has like mindedness Be fit for life HAVE FUN! LINKS Kristine Lilly http://kristinelilly13.com/ This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by FitAid. Race dirty, recover clean with FitAid. Visit FORTHEFITAID.com and sign up to win an amazing Grand Prize package from FitAid and Spartan, monthly Spartan prize packs, and more! FITAID – Recovery for YOUR active lifestyle. TIME STAMPS 0:00 Hosts Colonel Nye, Dr. L and Johnny Waite introduce the guest 2:30 Interview with Kristine Lilly begins 5:20 Joe calls his wife Courtney DeSena 8:40 Fitaid Break 10:15 31 Habits of Healthy Spartans: #1 eating window - intermittent fasting 11:27 Kristine Lilly Interview continues - being competitive 12:27 Healthy competition 15:00 Sharing goals for success 18:00 Why the women’s game did so well 21:40 Dr. L, Colonel Nye and Johnny Waite discuss the interview and how you can apply the lessons we learned into your daily routine 28:47 Fitaid special offer 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, Sefra Alexandra and guest Dr. Lara Pence Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty © 2018 Spartan

Dec 30, 2018 • 4min
How to Prevent Chronic Inflammation - SPARTAN HEALTH ep 007
Chronic inflammation can be caused by many different sources. The key is to know some of the inflammatory triggers and take active steps to manage and prevent it. In this episode, we’ll cover what it is, common causes, and some easy anti-inflammatory tools you can use anytime. Chronic inflammation can be caused by many different sources. The key is to know some of the inflammatory triggers and take active steps to manage and prevent it. In this episode, we’ll cover what it is, common causes, and some easy anti-inflammatory tools you can use anytime. WHAT WE COVERInflammation occurs naturally in the body and can be helpful and needed for an acute situation. It’s your body’s first line of defense But, if left unchecked, chronic inflammation can contribute to some major illnesses such as: heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, and Alzheimer’s. So, what are some key steps you can take to decrease or prevent chronic inflammation: A number of lifestyle choices can help reduce inflammation: 1. Stop smoking! 2. Decrease your alcohol consumption 3. Exercise! Our bodies are meant for movement and this helps clear toxins4. Adequate sleep: you rob yourself of much-needed sleep and it triggers inflammation because it puts stress on the body.5. How about some natural remedies or treatments that can help?e. Some powerful anti-inflammatants include: - Turmeric: it’s an ayurvedic spice used to flavor many delicious curries but you can use this in its powdered form on food, in drinks, as a tea or in supplement form- Broccoli: I love food as medicine so eat the real deal when you can but it can also be consumed in powder form that can be added to healthy smoothies or veggie drinks.- Green Tea: I discuss green tea in another one of our podcasts but it’s because it is great, I’m a fan, and I drink a few cups every day. Again, I like using the actual food or beverage but they do make green tea supplements and a particular compound found in green tea called EGCG has strong anti-inflammatory effects. -Quercetin: its an antioxidant found in citrus, olive oil, and dark-berries – like blueberries. Use the natural from in food whenever possible but it does come in a capsule supplement form as well.f. Now you know why you don’t want inflammation and some simple ways to prevent it. Keep inflammation at bay and your body primed and ready to take on whatever comes next! KEY TERMS & IDEAS:Chronic inflammation: many triggers from poor diet, chronic stress, autoimmune conditions, allergy, and poor sleep. Healthy inflammation: an acute response to illness, infection, injury or some other bodily insult is a healthy defense but avoid chronic inflammatory statesChronic inflammation can increase risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and obesityAnti-inflammatory activities: healthy diet, decrease alcohol consumption, stress reduction, and quality sleep Anti-inflammatory foods and herbs: turmeric (natural spice), broccoli, green tea, and quercetin (found in olive oil, citrus, and dark berries) LINKS & RESOURCES:Follow Nada on LInkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nada-milosavljevic-35b502b9/Sage Tonic www.sagetonic.comSage Tonic on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sagetonic/ “Obesity and inflammation: the effects of weight loss” Nutr Res Rev 2008 Dec;21(2):117-33.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19087366“The inflammatory theory of disease” EMBO Rep 2012 Nov; 13(11): 968–970.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3492709/“Antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities of curcumin on diabetes mellitus and its complications” Curr Pharm Des 2013;19(11):2101-13.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23116316“Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Broccoli Florets in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells” Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2014 Jun; 19(2): 89–97.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103733/ SUBSCRIBE:Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShowYouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYTGoogle 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.Writer and Host: Nada Milosavljevic MD, JD © 2018 Spartan

Dec 27, 2018 • 3min
Don’t Just Survive, THRIVE! - Spartan WAY 020
Here are some GREAT lessons I picked up from a book called ‘The Great Work of Your Life’. This book will give you inspiration and clarity on your true calling. LESSONS: If you do not follow your true calling, aka your true north, it will eat you up on the inside Share your unique genius with the world. There are people out there who NEED you to share your unique genius. Come up with an action plan to move forward with at least 1 action every week. 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 The Great Work of Your Life, Book: http://a.co/d/1CiN0Rw 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 © 2018 Spartan

Dec 26, 2018 • 4min
Simple Ways to Reduce Your Anxiety - SPARTAN MIND ep. 020
Anxiety can plague many of us. That habitual and pervasive worry can not only become intrusive but also leave us feeling debilitated if not managed well. There are a few ways to reduce your anxiety and practicing them regularly can leave you feeling more in control of your worry and less vulnerable to it’s impact on your day. These various tactics are not only simple in their accessibility but also easy to understand and apply. LESSONS: Anxiety is a habitual and pervasive state of worry that can impact your daily functioning. Working to manage your anxiety and practicing anxiety-reducing skills can help you feel more in control when feelings of worry arise. Try these tactics to reduce your anxiety: Breathe - the power of a steady breath is crucial when working through anxiety. Ground yourself - place your feet flat on the floor if you are sitting, and feel the weight of your body push into the floor. Name your experience - differentiate between being excited and being anxious. 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 © 2018 Spartan