

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

May 23, 2017 • 21min
144: Jose Luis Abajo | It's in the Mind
Knowing your opponent wins championships. For Olympic fencer Jose Luis Abajo this has been paramount to his success. Self-knowledge too, knowing what will bring out the best in himself. It's what's in the mind that wins the match. This has meant being prepared for the unexpected, for just about anything that comes his way. How do you get ready for unfathomable circumstances? Abajo has a few secrets you can follow. Lessons: 1. We're still animals and have the survival instinct; discovering that part of ourselves can be transformative. 2. Let "no" motivate you. 3. The moment you are prepared to lose is also the moment you start to win. CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

May 16, 2017 • 25min
143: Jack Easdale | Hack Your Life with Big Data
Paradigms are made to be broken. Question everything. But do it in such a way that is data driven and informed by the best possible research. That means question the gut instincts, question what you've "always done," and question the ideas you see on social media. This is the way Jack Easdale has maintained the prominence of a billion dollar business. How can you apply this to your life? Find out on this week's podcast. Lessons: 1. The two most dangerous statements are--that's the way we've always done it and that's just the way it is. Always challenge the existing paradigm. 2. Utilize good, vetted research. 3. Winging it is not going to suffice when there's a lot at stake. CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

May 9, 2017 • 23min
142: GT Dave | The Story Behind the Kombucha King
Kombucha, heard of it? If you have, GT Dave is the reason. He says Kombucha, and restores an essential balance to your body. The Kombucha King dropped out of high school to spread his love of this drink after seeing it's positive effect on his mother's recovery from cancer. In the process he created a $600 million category--one that he still dominates. In this episode you'll hear the story behind his love of Kombucha, and how he blazed his own path. Lessons: 1. Gradual, organic growth can yield authentic and powerful results. 2. Health is often about restoring balance in your body, not about the total eradication of threats. 3. If it feels true, focus on your particular journey without being unduly swayed by outside pressures. CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

May 2, 2017 • 24min
141. Jared Smith | Lessons from the Mountain Warfare School
This mountain warfare instructor accepts no excuses; just learn and do. He speaks with the same force of confidence that he hopes to instill in others. First growing up gaining woodsman skills in Maine and then later through a 36 year tenure in the military, Smith always sought and found strong role models from who to learn. That learning soon transitioned into leadership and mentoring. His methods are deceptively simple, but are you strong enough to see them through? Lessons: 1. In order to see yourself in new ways you need to change your exposure. 2. Give one tool at a time; don't overwhelm them with the whole kit. 3. Do the job; do your best; pay attention. CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Apr 25, 2017 • 21min
140. Dean Graziosi | The Not to Do List
What is a "Not to do" list and why would you need one? Dean Graziosi found business success at a young age. It was a way to gain control in his own life in what felt like an out of control world. He has been doling out, through books and television, the techniques and wisdom that worked for him for nearly twenty years. It's the mindset, he says, not the medium. The principles are the same whether you're selling real estate, flipping cars, or building Spartan Race. He shares a few surprising concepts in this interview: Lessons: 1. Make a not to do list. 2. Don't drive without putting the settings in the GPS. 3. Your "why" may change, but always have one. CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Apr 18, 2017 • 27min
139. Mordechai Wiener | The simple Steps that Changed his Life
When feeling stuck, what do you do to get back in the game? What's the one thing you can do right now? Mordechai Winer discovered a series of simple steps that changed his life. A self-made success in business, he had been unable to control his eating or his weight. What he discovered was that it wasn't about restrictions, shame, and punitive measures, but a few simple steps. Learn what those things were and the best way to apply them in this week's episode. Lessons: 1. Eliminate excuses. 2. Look for successful moments ins your life to apply to your current struggles. 3. Commit to simple daily rituals that will make positive change a matter of course. CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan Lessons: 1. Eliminate excuses. 2. Look for successful moments ins your life to apply to your current struggles. 3. Commit to simple daily rituals that will make positive change a matter of course. CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Apr 11, 2017 • 21min
138. Elizabeth Weil | How Non-Negotiables Can Facilitate Success
One of the most successful women in the venture capital field and dedicated runner, Elizabeth took her cue from her mother. Come hell or high water her mother would be out the door at 4 am to swim or run, and in her 70s she's still at it. Similarly, Weil never stops driving toward success. Within her hectic schedule of career, and raising twins, she stresses the importance of "non-negotiables." They are key to a successful career and happy life. She describes them and her three keys to success in this interview. Weil shows us how it is possible to achieve balance even when you build your life to precipitous heights. Lessons: 1. Life's too short. Work in a location you love. 2. Make the important parts of your life non-negotiable then commit. 3. Create a personal advisory committee. CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Apr 4, 2017 • 22min
137: Rod Dixon | How This Marathoner Got Kids to Do Better In School
Olympic marathoner Rod Dixon believes in the transformative power of physical activity so much that he started the Kids Marathon program. He won the New York Marathon in 1983 and an Olympic Bronze, now his program trains kids to run as soon as they enter school. The schools are realizing that keeping kids active brings test scores up, improves student's focus and brain power, and reduces the reliance on pharmaceuticals to keep the more rambunctious kids in line. What Dixon also found through his program is that the healthy habits percolate up to the adults. Lessons: 1. Instead of medicating kids in school, keep them active. 2. Physical and nutritional education are essential. 3. Kids are capable. Links: Rod Dixon's KiDSMARATHON http://www.kidsmarathonfoundation.org/ CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Mar 28, 2017 • 25min
136: Keno Knieriem | Can you Surf Without Ocean?
Is it possible to develop a surfing culture without an ocean? What would that mean? Keno Knieriem left the navy and to developing surf parks on man made lakes that simulate Hawaiian waves with his company Honokea. It is either the best thing or worst thing to happen to surfing. Will it nurture a whole new generation of surfers who would not experience the sport otherwise? Will introducing the sport to the masses allow for the proper amount of respect to grow around it? The company hopes to spread not only surfing but the traditional values that com with it. Lessons: 1. In the spirit of aloha, give all that you can. 2. Start at zero, carrying no expectations, everyday. 3. You must go through a rite of passage to appreciate what you have. Honokea Surf Parks http://honokea.com/ CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Mar 21, 2017 • 24min
135: Dr. Greg Eells | How to thrive in ANY circumstance
You excel in ANY situation. Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at Cornell University Dr. Greg Eells explains how. In this interview describes how Viktor Frankl created meaning out of senseless and horrific circumstances. Frankl was imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp and not only maintained his wits but retained the wherewithal to help the other prisoners. This shows the vital role that an imperturbable set of values can have in directing a productive life. Eels discusses some easy to follow guidelines to build this same sense of resilience. They may not be as easy to execute and incorporate into a routine, but that's on you, Lessons: 1. To be resilient remember SAVES: Social connections, Attitude, Values, Emotional Acceptance, and Silliness. 2. We are not punished for our attitudes we are punished by them. 3. You can make meaning out of even the most trying circumstances and in so doing persist. CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan


