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In this episode of the Do Hard Things Podcast, Jay Tiegs and Brian Larson sit down with Josh De Jong, a Breathwork Coach, Triathlete, and Sales Professional who embodies resilience and transformation. Once nicknamed “Turtle,” Josh turned setbacks into fuel, pushing through spinal fusion surgery and torn labrums to rise as an endurance athlete, coach, and founder of Eldr and Air.

You’ll hear how Josh uses breathwork, mindset, and endurance training to help others unlock their highest potential. He shares practical tools for:

• Building energy, focus, and resilience through breathwork
• Developing mental discipline and clarity under pressure
• Applying endurance frameworks to strengthen grit and consistency

This isn’t just theory—Josh’s story is proof that the hardest challenges can become the foundation for growth, confidence, and authentic empowerment.

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

In this episode of the Do Hard Things Podcast, Jay Tiegs and Brian Larson break down the challenge of the 72-hour fast: a test of discipline, grit, and mental clarity that goes far beyond food.

They share their personal experiences with extended fasting, the science behind it, and the lessons it teaches about resilience, focus, and breaking comfort zones. You’ll hear practical tips on how to prepare, manage hunger, stay safe, and reintroduce food after the fast, plus the deeper mindset shifts that come when you push yourself past your limits.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to go three days without eating, and what you might gain from the process, this episode will give you the insight and tools to try it yourself.

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

Brian Larson's journey from pharmaceutical industry professional to movement specialist, breathwork facilitator, and coach reveals powerful insights about transformation that extends far beyond physical appearance. The conversation opens with Brian's early realization that changing his body could lead to changing his mind, setting him on a path of continuous growth and service to others.

Diving deep into movement principles, Brian explains the critical difference between stretching and mobility—the latter being the game-changer for injury prevention and athletic performance. His candid assessment of CrossFit as both "the cure" for many health conditions and "a disease" for those who overtrain offers a balanced perspective rarely heard in fitness circles. The practical advice for newcomers to train three days weekly and properly scale workouts provides a sustainable approach to intense training.

Nutrition simplicity shines through as Brian emphasizes protein as the foundation (0.7-1g per pound of bodyweight) while advocating for gradual, sustainable changes rather than restrictive diets. "You cannot out-train a bad diet" serves as a powerful reminder that nutrition fundamentals trump exercise intensity for long-term results.

Perhaps most fascinating is the transformation of both host and guest from breathwork skeptics to passionate advocates. Brian expertly explains how controlled breathing creates hormetic stress that trains your nervous system to handle external stressors, improves sleep, enhances recovery, and even helps process trauma. This science-backed approach to breathwork strips away the "hippy dippy" stigma, positioning it as an essential tool for high performers.

The distinction between high achievers who sacrifice health and relationships versus high performers who excel across all domains captures the essence of the Do Hard Things philosophy. As Brian puts it: "I want so many people to step into this space and grow and accelerate their life forward."

Ready to transform your approach to fitness, stress management, and performance? Try the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy free for seven days at DoHardThingsNation.com and access mindset training, movement coaching, breat

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

What happens when you reclaim the identity you've been running from your entire life? Siegfried Jay Tiegs aka "Sig" takes us on a raw, unfiltered journey from childhood trauma to profound self-discovery in this deeply personal conversation.

Born to a German father carrying the weight of post-WWII trauma and a Dutch mother struggling with mental illness, Siegfried's early years were marked by abuse, poverty, and relentless bullying. Hating his unusual name and battling a severe stutter, he rejected "Siegfried" for "JJ" – a small act of self-preservation that would take decades to understand and ultimately reverse.

Through intensive personal development work and deep shadow exploration, Siegfried made a stunning discovery – his birth name, which he had rejected in shame, means "peaceful warrior" in German. The very identity he had been running from was precisely what he had been seeking to become. This epiphany led to a powerful ceremony at Machu Picchu where he reclaimed not just his name, but his authentic self.

Siegfried “Sig” Jay Tiegs, founder of Do Hard Things Nation, Army veteran, endurance athlete, and certified running coach.

A retired Major with 27 years of service in the U.S. Army, a certified trauma coach, high-performance life coach, breathwork facilitator, speaker, and co-author of Life on Offense: A Tactical Guide to Dominate Life and End Mediocrity. His story is one of resilience, from a difficult childhood to combat deployments, from military injuries to ultramarathons and adventure races.

Today, he combines his experience as a soldier, athlete, and trauma-informed healer to help people push past limitations and create lasting transformation. Inside Do Hard Things Wellness Academy, he leads dynamic coaching sessions that focus on:

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

The Do Hard Things Wellness Academy officially kicks off September 2nd, 2025. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a founding member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book,

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

Forging a New Chapter: Do Hard Things Returns with Brian Larson

The Do Hard Things Podcast is back and we are kicking off Season 5 with a brand new chapter. After years of leading conversations on resilience, mindset, and performance, Siegfried Jay Tiegs is joined by new cohost Brian Larson, a CrossFit coach, breathwork facilitator, nutrition specialist, and movement expert.

Together, Jay and Brian are bringing you raw, unfiltered conversations that blend inspiration with real tactics to help you strengthen both mind and body. In this episode, they share the vision for the future of the podcast, the story behind teaming up, and what you can expect in the weeks ahead.

You will discover how the Do Hard Things ethos is evolving with a stronger focus on mindset, movement, breathwork, and community and how you can be part of the journey.

Whether you are a long time listener or brand new to the tribe, this episode sets the tone for what is next: practical strategies, powerful stories, and a community built on forging resilience together.

Learn more and join the Do Hard Things Nation Wellness Academy at www.dohardthingsnation.com.

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

The Pole Runner: A Veteran’s Marathon for Mental Wellness

In this episode of Do Hard Things, we sit down with Michael Pickings, a 42-year-old Navy veteran whose story is a powerful testament to resilience, mental toughness, and transformation. From excelling as a long-distance runner in high school to serving as an FMF corpsman in the Navy, Michael has lived a life defined by endurance, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of growth.

But Michael’s journey hasn’t been without its struggles. Battling bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and insomnia, he has faced some of life’s darkest moments. With the unwavering support of his wife, Sherconja, and their six children, Michael has fought to rebuild his life—turning to faith, exercise, and self-reflection as his anchors.

Through his experiences, he has become a mental health advocate, using his platform to inspire others to carry their burdens with courage. As the founder of Dragonz MMA, he has helped others push past their limits. More recently, he’s taken up pole running, a deeply symbolic practice where he physically carries the weight of his burdens, proving that no load is too heavy when approached with resilience.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Michael’s journey from high school track star to Navy corpsman
• The mental health battles he has faced and how he overcame them
• How his wife and family played a critical role in his healing process
• The story behind pole running and its significance in his transformation
• His mission to inspire others through fitness, faith, and self-discipline

Connect with Michael Pickings:

• TikTok: @thepolerunner
• Facebook: #thepolerunner
• Facebook Reels: Michael Pickings
• YouTube: The Log Runner

Join the Movement:

If you found this episode inspiring, share it with someone who needs to hear Michael’s story. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Do Hard Things

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my 4 Winter Weather Running Tips to keep you motivated and moving:

1. Mindset is Key: Embrace the challenge and stay positive.
2. Warm-Up First: Start warm to avoid the shock of the cold.
3. Dress in Layers: Find what works and keep experimenting.
4. Have Fun: Forget pace—focus on effort and enjoy the beauty of winter.

What’s your go-to winter running tip?

If you found this helpful, rate the show on Spotify, subscribe on YouTube, and share it with a running buddy!

www.dohardthingsnation.com #dohardthings

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

Learn strategies to stay safe in an unpredictable world with former high-threat environment protector Alan Earl. During our in-depth discussion, we equip you with the tools to enhance your situational awareness, adopt a criminal's mindset for self-protection, and navigate potential dangers with confidence. For runners, cyclists, and everyday individuals, we offer practical tactics and principles to avoid becoming an easy target, changing the way you move through the world with a vigilant yet calm approach.

From sharing tips on planning safe routes to strategies for evading threats, this episode is full of actionable tips. Listen closely as we dissect the importance of being proactive in the face of danger, emphasizing survival over victory when encountering violent situations. Our conversation provides a roadmap for runners and cyclists to maintain their passion for outdoor workouts while minimizing risks.

Alan Earl is in his 30th year in law enforcement and is currently serving as a Team Leader for the U.S. Army Military Police School, Protective Services Branch, where he has instructed since 2002. He is also the founder of Defensive Applications, LLC which has the mission of providing personal safety training to professionals and citizens from all walks of life. Mr. Earl believes the same tactics and principles used to protect our countries’ leaders can be implemented in our lives to make you and your family safer.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DefensiveApplications?mibextid=2JQ9oc

www.defensiveapplications.org 

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

After slogging through the long, cold months of winter, there’s this collective itch we all start to feel – an itch for change, for warmth, and for shedding the old to make way for the new. And what better time to "spring clean" our running routines than now?

It’s not just about getting back out there in shorts and soaking up the sun (though let’s be honest, that’s a pretty fantastic part of it). It’s about taking a moment to pause, reflect, and redirect our energies where they’re most needed. Whether you’re gearing up for the spring race season or simply looking to inject some new life into your runs, now is the perfect time to reset and refocus.

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

Ever wondered how to maintain your fitness mojo when you're crisscrossing time zones or stuck in a hotel room? Angie and Jay pull back the curtain on keeping your workout routine on point, no matter where your travels take you. We kick off with a candid reflection on our own fitness journeys. 

 Plus, we highlight the undeniable link between fitness, self-care, and self-esteem, illustrating why investing in your well-being is the ultimate power move for your body and mind. Tune in and transform travel downtime into a fitness upswing with us as your guides.

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events