The Hard Way With Joe De Sena

What is sleep? Why do we sleep? And what does sleep really do? Even though sleep is a fundamental part of of our daily routine the scientific community still debates many topics about our sleep. But, a few things are clear: we need it and can’t function without it. And, it’s a powerful way to support mental and physical health. Our brains do a lot when we sleep. In this episode, we’ll talk about why you need your Zzzzzz’s! WHAT WE COVER:   Low energy, poor memory, irritability, and weight gain…what do these things have in common? Not - enough - sleep! Why do we sleep? Despite years of research, we still don’t know all the aspects of why we sleep but scientists do know we need it and can’t survive without. Even though we all know we need a good night’s sleep I in 3 adults in the US don’t get enough of it. How much do you need?              - most of us require between 7-8 hours but some may need closer to 9. Anything less than that and you’re robbing your body of much needed down time to regenerate, recharge, heal and for the brain to consolidate learning from what you’ve done that day. A lot happens while you sleep from hormone release to learning and storage of information from that day’s activities.  If you don’t get enough sleep it can contribute to:              - poor learning and memory              - decreased stamina              - increased stress hormone cortisol (not good, it can increase inflammation and negatively impact immune function)              - Increased blood pressure              - weight gain! Your body is more likely to gain weight because your metabolism is less efficient and you have more ghrelin – a hormone that can increase appetite. Bottom line, catch your Zzzz’s so your body and mind are primed and ready for your next race!   KEY TERMS & IDEAS: Sleep is critical to our health yet 1 in 3 adults in the US don’t get enough of it. 7-8 hours of sleep per night is the average most of need for optimal health benefits. Sleep helps us learn, store memory, perform healthy cellular repair and regeneration Poor, disrupted or not enough sleep decreases stamina and physical performance, negatively affects memory and raises stress hormones, blood pressure and can cause weight gain   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/   “Clues to the functions of mammalian sleep” Nature 2005 Oct 27; 437 (7063), 1264-1271. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16251951 “Sleep deprivation: Impact on cognitive performance” Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2007 Oct; 3(5): 553–567 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2656292/ “The impact of sleep deprivation on hormones and metabolism” Medscape, Neurology, Insomnia and Sleep Help, Nov 2018. https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/50282 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

Adversity and obstacles are always going to be there. Once you accept this, your obstacles can no longer control you. You begin to view obstacles as opportunities. You begin to thrive under adversity because adversity builds your Character! LESSONS:   Obstacles are Opportunities. Your mindset towards challenges will determine your outcome. Injuries are not a green light to sit on the couch and sulk. Work around your injuries and find a way instead of finding an excuse. Think about all the men and women we’ve interviewed for Spartan UP! They ALL took the obstacles and challenges and turned them into an opportunity! 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  

We often wait to get started on projects or activities until we are motivated. But the ‘I’ll start when I’m motivated’ is leaving us stuck and stagnant. That’s because it’s momentum that builds motivation - not being still. Stillness stifles. Momentum motivates. Once you get going on your next project or new activity the motivation that you’ve been looking for will build as you grow the muscle of your work. LESSONS: Stillness stifles. Momentum motivates. Don’t wait on getting motivated to get moving. Your movement will grow the motivation. Start anywhere and keep pushing onward. 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

Aaron Hinde, Co-Founder & President of LIFEAID, tells us how he has used his Universal ATM: Alignment, Trajectory & Momentum to build a huge brand organically and in the process has gathered a super loyal and positive community. He put everything into the creation of a healthier alternative to sodas and energy drinks, living on a frugal diet of canned tuna until the ATM paid off. The advice this week is as refreshing as the “Performance Beverages.”   LESSONS: Universal ATM: Alignment, Trajectory, Momentum It’s not a time issue it’s an engagement issue: BE PRESENT Never stop doing the little things Keep pushing, be conscious & positive Operate like everything you do will be on the front page of the paper   LINKS: LIFEAID https://www.lifeaidbevco.com Aaron on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aaronhinde/ Fitaid on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fitaid/ This episode is brought to you by AfterShokz. Be open and hear it all with AfterShokz open-ear headphones, delivering situational awareness and comfort, unmatched by traditional in-ear or over-the-ear headphones. Visit spartan.aftershokz.com for $50 off wireless headphone bundles. TIME STAMPS:   0:00 Introduction 0:50 Spartan.aftershokz.com 1:20 Interview begins 1:45 hustler mentality 3:15 paying your own way 4:00 living off the grid 5:00 getting by on $1,000/ month 7:00 slinging cans at golf tournaments 8:30 having alignment 9:30 focus on trajectory 10:20 aftershokz break 13:26 interview continues 14:30 Universal ATM 16:00 repping the brand 18:50 time vs. engagement 29:10 Sefra, Angle, Johnny & Joe discuss the interview   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, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye and guest host Angel Sanz. Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty   © 2018 Spartan

Caffeine in one form or another is used by about 90% of Americans every single day. How much caffeine you consume can have a direct effect on your health. Know your limits and the signs and symptoms of too much caffeine.   WHAT WE COVER:   We’ve all been there…you’re dragging and have a busy day ahead…you need a quick boost. Many of us turn to caffeine.  First of all, I’ve never known of anyone to die from caffeine overdose. Although death by caffeine sounds unlikely…can it occur and how much is too much? So, about 400mg of caffeine is the point at which most of us can develop caffeine intoxication. What does that mean? Physically you: -Start to sweat -Get Clammy hands -Feel Heart palpitations -You can become Irritable, agitated, jittery and it’s hard to sit still -In its most severe case, it can cause life threatening atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) which can prompt an MI (myocardial infarct) or heart attack.  Well, how much caffeine is in the stuff we drink? Your typical 8 oz cup of black coffee (straight up not with syrup, whipped cream, flavorings) has about 95mg of caffeine. Some will have upwards of 150 depending on the type of bean and how it’s processed. So, having 3 cups coffee, depending on the type, and you’re already nearing the range for caffeine intoxication.  By comparison, your typical cup of tea also depends on the type green or black can have anywhere from 30-70mg of caffeine per cup. In tea, a good portion of the caffeine leaches out in the first 30s of brewing. If you want to lower caffeine content, brew for 30s pour off that first batch and re-steep. If you want that caffeine then don’t.  Key points for caffeine in coffee and tea – don’t overdo it; be in tune with your body and any symptoms of too much caffeine; other than that choose your brew and enjoy!   KEY TERMS & IDEAS:   Some form of caffeine is consumed by approx 90% of Americans everyday. The upper limit of caffeine consumption is 400mg per day. In that range you can experience caffeine intoxication Typical 8 oz. cup of coffee is about 95mg of caffeine and an equivalent  cup of tea is about 40mg of caffeine. Know your limits and the symptoms of too much caffeine: sweating, clammy hands, heart palpitations, anxiety, and irritability to name a few.     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/ “Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more” Mayo Clinic Staff, Healthy Lifestyle/Nutrition and Healthy Eating https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372 “Caffeine Toxicity” Drugs & Diseases / Emergency Medicine, Medscape updated: Aug 21, 2018. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/821863-overview     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

We often hear others talking about focusing on one thing. In fact, you might be doing this yourself. You’re focused on work? Focused on family? Instead of just focusing one area of your life, simply apply excellence to ALL areas of your life. A Spartan exercises discipline and excellence to ALL areas of life. LESSONS: It’s easier to apply excellence to ALL your areas of your life. Change your mindset. Stop saying that you’re only focused on 1 area. Instead, apply excellence to ALL areas of your life. You build more momentum by applying excellence to all areas of your life. Life is complicated enough. Don’t complicate it more by only focusing on one thing and being “good enough” at the rest. 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  

We all have a set of coaches that reside in our head at any given time. Many of these are a compilation of past individuals who have influenced us and their past messages have now become our own internalized voice. Many of these are helpful but some of them may be harmful because their messages are negative in nature or bring us down rather than lift us up. Learning how to differentiate between the helpful coaches and harmful ones is an important step in weeding out what doesn’t serve us.   LESSONS: Be aware not only of what messages you send yourself internally but also where these messages might be coming from. Differentiate between which internal coaches are helpful and which are harmful. Which ones make you feel good about yourself? Quiet the harmful coaches by calling up the helpful ones and giving them more air time in your head. 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

What does it take to become an Olympian and do those things carry over into success in other endeavors? If anyone knows it’s Mike Miller. He’s CEO of the World Olympian Association, which brings together the 120,000 living Olympic alumni. How do these athletes transition into the business world? Will Spartan become an Olympic sport? The Olympic spirit is strong in SPartan’s international competitions! LESSONS Set a plan. Work hard to achieve the plan. Be motivated by your values. Push yourself in training. Be curious. Keep positive people around you. GO FOR IT - don’t overthink. If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not trying. Approach life the way you would approach training for the Olympics. Be a part of someone else's success LINKS World Olympians Association https://olympians.org/ This episode of Spartan Up! Is brought to you by Powerful Foods. Fuel your active lifestyle with high-protein, no sugar added products, made with natural ingredients. Visit Shop.Spartan.com/Powerful for a 10% OFF any Powerful product, with code SPARTANPOWER. TIME STAMPS 00:00 Introduction with Johnny, Sefra and Col. Nye 00:47 Powerful Foods shop.spartan.com/powerful code SpartanPower 1:17 Interview with Mike Miller 2:45 Transitioning from being an Olympian 4:00 How athleticlic skills translate to business 5:15 Who are you after retirement 6:30 Mentoring programs 7:25 Pushing yourself in training 8:45 Olympic games as a platform to bring people together 10:00 Spartan in the Olympics? 10:32 Powerful Foods break 13:00 Mike Miller Interview continues 14:30 Believe in yourself 15:15 Be determined in life 18:00 Help others to succeed 20:20 Everyone has skills 21:40 Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, and Col. Tim Nye discuss the interview. 26:43 Performance Foods 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, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty © 2018 Spartan

Adaptogens are a special class of herbs that have been used around the globe for centuries by many different cultures. These herbs support your body’s stress response, immune system, and can help pre- and post-workout for both endurance and exercise recovery. WHAT WE COVER: a. Simply put, adaptogens are great. They are a particular Class of Herbs that have been linked with helping the body adapt to stress (psychological and environmental, this includes physical or endurance related stress as well). b. In general, they’re considered rejuvenators or tonics and have been assoc with helping cognitive performance as well c. Some examples: these herbs come from across the globe but they have similar effects on the body. You’ve likely heard of some of them: Ginseng Ashwagandha Holy Basil Rhodiola ...used for centuries by many different cultures around the globe. They are different herbs yet share some similar characteristics. d. One of the best researched is Rhodiola (I chat about this in another podcast so stay tuned)….literally hundreds of studies on it use and application for helping the body respond to physical and psychological stresses. e. Another adaptogen, Ashwagandha it is a much-revered herb in Indian, Ayurvedic medicine and has been used in that culture for conditions such as nervousness and anxiety, insomnia, to promote memory and improve GI (gut) health. f. Most of these adaptogens come in capsule, liquid, powder and herbal tea form and are typically very well-tolerated. There has been quite a bit of research on the various adaptogens and they are generally considered safe, non-toxic, and to have a normalizing effect on the body in terms of stress response and cortisol release. g. Ahhhhh. Cortisol..what is that? It’s one of our main stress response hormones. It kicks into gear during our “flight or fight” response and at times of stress whether it be a physically demanding race, a work project deadline, or a school exam. What matters, is that your cortisol level increases when your body demands require it but that it returns to baseline once that stressor, whatever it might be, is mitigated or gone. And that’s where adaptogens come in. h. Adaptogens support your HPA axis. That stands for Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis. What on earth is that? That is a subsystem in your body that forms a communication loop between two structures in your brain (the hypothalamus and your pituitary gland) and your adrenal glands (one those are located above each of your kidneys). Cortisol plays a big role in activating that system and your stress response. I. Adaptogens have been associated with supporting that HPA axis, maintaining a healthy stress response. But, the HPA axis is an important neuroendocrine system in the body because it also regulates other body processes like our immune system, digestion, mood, and energy storage. J. Remember, always check with your health provider before starting any herb and if you’re in the “all clear” then adaptogens can be a great addition to your health routine! KEY TERMS & IDEAS: Adaptogens: support body’s stress response, cognitive health, endurance, and exercise recovery A few adaptogenic herbs: Ginseng, Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, and Holy Basil Growing body of research to support their use Cortisol and Adaptogens: Cortisol is one of our main stress response hormones and adaptogens help maintain a healthy range or level HPA Axis (Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis): cortisol activates this body system and your stress response Adaptogens support HPA Axis: helps regulate stress, immune system, energy, mood and more Adaptogens can help pre- and post- workout 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/ “Evidence-based efficacy of adaptogens in fatigue, and molecular mechanisms related to their stress-protective activity” Curr Clin Pharmacol. 2009 Sep;4(3):198-219. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19500070 “Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial” J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Jan;22(1):96-106. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27055824 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

Are you always thinking about HOW to achieve more, be it in fitness, health, life, business or any other area of interest? Instead of thinking about HOW, you really should be thinking about WHO. LESSONS:   Who do you already know that has achieved 1 of your goals? Instead of thinking about how you can achieve certain goals, learn to collaborate, work with and learn from others who have already learned the how. It’s WHO you can work with instead of learning the how on your own. Somebody else has already learned the how! Take action today! Who do you know in your network that would be great to team up with for your goals? Make it a win - win relationship. NEVER be a taker. Give first. 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