Harder Than Life

Harder Than Life

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Harder Than Life episodes

  • From Olympic Gold to Rock Bottom… and Back Again
    He’s one of the fastest men in history. Justin Gatlin is an Olympic gold medalist, 5-time Olympic medalist, World Champion, and the only sprinter to defeat Usain Bolt on the world stage. But his story is about far more than speed. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and mental toughness.
    In this inspiring conversation with Kelly Siegel, Justin opens up about his Olympic journey, battling boos from a stadium of 100,000 fans, overcoming scandals, redefining his identity after retirement, and why mental health is the next frontier in sports.
    Justin also shares powerful insights on visualization, meditation, mentorship, and fatherhood. Lessons that go far beyond the track and apply to business, life, and leadership.
    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
    💡 The step-by-step mindset that took Justin from “fast kid” to Olympic champion.
    💡 What it felt like to win gold at 22 and to beat Usain Bolt in 2017.
    💡 The mental cost of retirement and how to redefine identity after sport.
    💡 Why mental health and mentorship are critical for the next generation.
    💡 Lessons on discipline, competition, and legacy from fatherhood.
    Main Points:
    00:00 Intro
    03:28 Justin Gatlin's Early Life and Sprinting Journey
    05:20 Olympic Glory and Career Highlights
    06:22 Racing Against Usain Bolt
    13:01 Retirement and Life After Competition
    16:03 Redefining Your Identity
    19:38 Justin's Newfound Purpose
    21:36 Maintaining Peak Performance & Longevity
    23:50 The Power Of Visualization
    30:53 Justin's Mentors
    35:09 Importance Of Mental Health In Athletics
    37:58 Supporting The Next Generation
    40:04 Overcoming Fear and Building Mental Toughness
    42:06 Justin's New Book: Ready Set Go
    44:59 Fatherhood & Legacy
    50:23 Advice To Younger Self
    51:23 How Justin Wants To Be Remembered
    53:28 Rapid Fire Questions
    💬 Which part of Justin’s story inspired you most? Winning gold, beating Bolt, or redefining himself after sport? Drop your answer in the comments 👇
    🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes with world-class guests who help you live, lead, and thrive Harder Than Life.
    Connect With Me:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly.siegel.71/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71
    Connect with Justin:
    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/justingatlin
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justingatlinusa/
    Subscribe To The Podcast Here:
    Apple:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harder-than-life/id1725989697
    Spotify:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/29NOnhItmCLkZ9sLswABKS?si=d81915ddabc0420a
    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
    1 hr
  • Rejected? Good. You’re Closer Than You Think

    Welcome back to The Hard Reset, your Monday morning mindset shift with Kelly Siegel

    This week, we tackle a universal struggle: rejection. Whether in business, relationships, or life, you will hear “no.” The difference between success and failure? How you respond.

    Kelly shares personal stories from the sales floor to heartbreaks, and delivers a no-nonsense reset to help you turn rejection into redirection. If you’ve ever been ghosted, overlooked, or flat-out rejected, this one’s for you.


    Key Takeaways

    🟥 Rejection is feedback, not failure

    🟥 Why persistence is more important than perfection

    🟥 How to use “no” as a step toward your next “yes”

    🟥 The mindset shift that separates winners from quitters


    (00:00) Intro

    (00:27) Understanding Rejection

    (00:39) Rejection in Sales and Relationships

    (01:13) The Power Of Persistence

    (02:16) Final Thoughts and Upcoming Content


    🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes with real, raw guests who live, speak, and fight Harder Than Life.


    Harder Than Life:

    🔴 Apple

    🔴 Spotify

    🔴 YouTube

    ⚫ Instagram

    ⚫ Facebook

    ⚫ LinkedIn

    ⚫ TikTok

    ⚫ Website

    4 min
  • Rejected? Good. You’re Closer Than You Think
    Welcome back to The Hard Reset, your Monday morning mindset shift with Kelly Siegel.
    This week, we tackle a universal struggle: rejection. Whether in business, relationships, or life, you will hear “no.” The difference between success and failure? How you respond.
    Kelly shares personal stories from the sales floor to heartbreaks, and delivers a no-nonsense reset to help you turn rejection into redirection. If you’ve ever been ghosted, overlooked, or flat-out rejected, this one’s for you.
    Key Takeaways:
    🎯 Rejection is feedback, not failure
    🎯 Why persistence is more important than perfection
    🎯 How to use “no” as a step toward your next “yes”
    🎯 The mindset shift that separates winners from quitters
    Main Points:
    00:00 Intro
    00:27 Understanding Rejection
    00:39 Rejection in Sales and Relationships
    01:13 The Power Of Persistence
    02:16 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Content
    💬 What’s one rejection you’ve turned into redirection? Drop it in the comments below 👇
    🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes that help you heal, lead, and live Harder Than Life.
    Connect With Me:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly.siegel.71/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71
    Website: https://www.trustntm.com
    Subscribe To The Podcast Here:
    Apple:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harder-than-life/id1725989697
    Spotify:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/29NOnhItmCLkZ9sLswABKS?si=d81915ddabc0420a
    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
    5 min
  • Why Numbing Your Pain Is Costing You
    We all get stuck. Fear, comfort, distractions, numbing habits, they keep us spinning on life’s hamster wheel. In this solo episode, Kelly Siegel gets real about what’s holding you back and gives you the exact steps to break free.
    From numbing emotions with alcohol to rebuilding discipline through a 90-Day Reset Plan, Kelly shares battle-tested strategies for facing the truth, cutting the noise, and creating a daily system that actually works.
    If you’re tired of excuses and ready for change, this episode is your wake-up call.
    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
    💡 Why fear, comfort, distraction, and excuses keep you stuck.
    💡 How numbing habits sabotage growth and how to stop.
    💡 The 90-Day Reset Plan for clarity, strength & focus.
    💡 How to build consistency like a muscle.
    💡 The Harder Than Life Blueprint for lasting success.
    Main Points:
    00:00 Intro
    02:58 Understanding Why We Get Stuck
    06:05 Breaking Free from Numbing Habits
    08:17 The 90-Day Reset Plan
    12:46 Building Consistency and Discipline
    16:36 The Harder Than Life Blueprint
    💬 What’s the #1 thing holding you back right now—fear, comfort, distraction, or excuses? Drop it in the comments 👇
    🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes with strategies to help you live, lead, and thrive Harder Than Life.
    Connect With Me:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly.siegel.71/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71
    Website: https://www.trustntm.com
    Subscribe To The Podcast Here:
    Apple:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harder-than-life/id1725989697
    Spotify:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/29NOnhItmCLkZ9sLswABKS?si=d81915ddabc0420a
    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
    22 min
  • The Secret Formula to Getting Shredded Over 40
    From being labeled the “slow kid” to becoming a world pro strongman champion, IFBB pro bodybuilder, and pro wrestler in Japan and North Korea, Jon Andersen has lived a life built on grit, discipline, and doing what others won’t.
    In this powerhouse conversation, Jon and Kelly Siegel go deep into mental toughness, daily discipline, reprogramming limiting beliefs, and why doing hard things every day is the only way to build the life you want.
    Jon also breaks down his Deep Water Method, the nutrition rules that keep his clients ripped without starving, and how to rewire your mindset through simple but powerful daily exercises.
    If you’re looking for real strategies to get mentally tough, physically unstoppable, and spiritually grounded, this episode is your blueprint.
    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
    💡 Why mental toughness is a muscle you must train daily.
    💡 The Deep Water Method: why having no Plan B is the secret to success.
    💡 How to reprogram your brain with the P3 morning exercise.
    💡 Why strength after 40 is not only possible,it’s necessary.
    💡 How faith, belief, and gratitude fuel lasting transformation.
    Main Points:
    00:00 Introduction
    02:50 Overcoming Learning Disabilities
    06:06 Breaking Through Self-Limiting Beliefs
    10:50 Deep Water Method
    15:30 How Men Fail in Self-Transformation
    17:12 Surrendering & Letting Go
    20:24 Mental Exercise In The Morning
    25:45 How To Be Mentally Tough
    28:38 Wrestling In Japan & Korea
    35:42 Maintaining Energy During Weight Loss
    39:30 Debunking Diet Myths and Metabolic Optimization
    42:10 Building Muscle & Shredding Fat
    46:18 Building Strength Over 40
    50:17 The Power of Faith & Belief
    52:28 What Harder Than Life Means To Jon
    💬 What part of Jon’s story inspired you most? His Deep Water Method, his discipline, or his nutrition philosophy? Let us know in the comments 👇
    🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes with world-class guests who help you live and lead Harder Than Life.
    Connect With Me:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly.siegel.71/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71
    Connect with Jon:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejonandersen/
    Website: https://www.jon-andersen.com/
    Subscribe To The Podcast Here:
    Apple:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harder-than-life/id1725989697
    Spotify:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/29NOnhItmCLkZ9sLswABKS?si=d81915ddabc0420a
    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
    56 min
  • 3 Steps to Own Your Morning
    Welcome to The Hard Reset, your Monday morning wake-up call with Kelly Siegel.
    In this quick-hit solo episode, Kelly drops a simple but powerful truth: the first hour of your day defines the rest of it. Whether you’re stuck in the snooze cycle or just feeling behind in life, this reset will help you take back control starting tomorrow morning.
    Kelly shares his personal 3-step morning routine that primes him for success in business, relationships, and mental clarity. No fluff. No 12-step checklists. Just real, actionable habits to OWN your day.
    Key Takeaways:
    🎯 Why most people lose the day before they even get out of bed
    🎯 How to stop waking up reactive and start feeling in control
    🎯 Kelly’s 3 steps to reset your morning and your life
    🎯 The ripple effect of winning the first hour
    Main Points:
    00:00 Intro
    00:20 The Problem with Mornings
    00:52 Three Steps to Own Your Morning
    01:09 Step 1: Move Your Body
    01:26 Step 2: Fuel Your Mind
    01:48 Step 3: Set Your Priorities
    02:19 The Ripple Effect of Winning the First Hour
    02:42 Hard Reset Challenge
    💬 Which step will you commit to first? Sweating daily, meditating, or journaling? Drop your answer in the comments 👇
    🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes that help you heal, lead, and live Harder Than Life.
    Connect With Me:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly.siegel.71/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71
    Website: https://www.trustntm.com
    Subscribe To The Podcast Here:
    Apple:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harder-than-life/id1725989697
    Spotify:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/29NOnhItmCLkZ9sLswABKS?si=d81915ddabc0420a
    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
    5 min
  • How to Break Free From the Prison of Your Past
    Every single one of us carries scars. Some visible, most invisible. While the world calls them weaknesses, they are proof you survived.
    In this powerful solo episode, Kelly Siegel shares his personal story of childhood trauma, addiction, and chaos and how he transformed pain into purpose. Alongside lessons from icons like Oprah, Eminem, The Rock, and Nelson Mandela, Kelly reveals the daily practices and mindset shifts that turn wounds into wisdom and trauma into triumph.
    This isn’t about ignoring pain. It’s about using it as fuel to live harder, stronger, and freer than ever before.
    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
    💡 Why scars are not weakness but proof of survival.
    💡 The turning point that comes from taking radical responsibility.
    💡 How to break destructive cycles and set boundaries.
    💡 Daily practices (sweat, meditate, journal) that rewire your brain and body.
    💡 Stories of leaders who turned pain into unstoppable power.
    Main Points:
    00:00 Intro
    04:34 Overcoming Childhood Trauma
    07:21 Realizing The Need For Change
    10:03 Embracing Personal Responsibility
    14:16 Breaking Negative Patterns
    18:33 Actionable Steps For Healing
    💬 Which step will you commit to first? Sweating daily, meditating, or journaling? Drop your answer in the comments 👇
    🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes that help you heal, lead, and live Harder Than Life.
    Connect With Me:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly.siegel.71/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71
    Website: https://www.trustntm.com
    Subscribe To The Podcast Here:
    Apple:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harder-than-life/id1725989697
    Spotify:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/29NOnhItmCLkZ9sLswABKS?si=d81915ddabc0420a
    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
    24 min
  • How to Break Free From the Prison of Your Past
    Every single one of us carries scars. Some visible, most invisible. While the world calls them weaknesses, they are proof you survived.
    In this powerful solo episode, Kelly Siegel shares his personal story of childhood trauma, addiction, and chaos and how he transformed pain into purpose. Alongside lessons from icons like Oprah, Eminem, The Rock, and Nelson Mandela, Kelly reveals the daily practices and mindset shifts that turn wounds into wisdom and trauma into triumph.
    This isn’t about ignoring pain. It’s about using it as fuel to live harder, stronger, and freer than ever before.
    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
    💡 Why scars are not weakness but proof of survival.
    💡 The turning point that comes from taking radical responsibility.
    💡 How to break destructive cycles and set boundaries.
    💡 Daily practices (sweat, meditate, journal) that rewire your brain and body.
    💡 Stories of leaders who turned pain into unstoppable power.
    Main Points:
    00:00 Intro
    04:34 Overcoming Childhood Trauma
    07:21 Realizing The Need For Change
    10:03 Embracing Personal Responsibility
    14:16 Breaking Negative Patterns
    18:33 Actionable Steps For Healing
    💬 Which step will you commit to first? Sweating daily, meditating, or journaling? Drop your answer in the comments 👇
    🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes that help you heal, lead, and live Harder Than Life.
    Connect With Me:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly.siegel.71/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71
    Website: https://www.trustntm.com
    Subscribe To The Podcast Here:
    Apple:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harder-than-life/id1725989697
    Spotify:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/29NOnhItmCLkZ9sLswABKS?si=d81915ddabc0420a
    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
    23 min
  • The 4 Energy Zones Every Leader Must Master
    He’s the only leader to serve as CEO of two Fortune 500 giants—Siemens in Germany and Alcoa in the U.S. He’s advised U.S. presidents, mentored leaders worldwide, and now invests in cutting-edge biotech and technology. But what drives Klaus Kleinfeld isn’t just business success, it’s leading to thrive.
    In this masterclass conversation, Klaus shares the lessons from nearly 40 years at the top: why emotional intelligence often trumps IQ, how to manage energy (not just time), the four energy quadrants every leader must master, and the importance of purpose in business and life.
    His insights on leadership, resilience, and balance will leave you rethinking how you lead and how you live.
    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
    💡 Why EQ matters more than IQ in today’s war for talent.
    💡 The #1 leadership mistake: holding onto people too long.
    💡 How to manage energy across physical, emotional, mental & spiritual quadrants.
    💡 Daily peak-performance habits from a Fortune 500 CEO.
    💡 The truth about alcohol, sleep, and burnout.
    💡 Why life is not a dress rehearsal and how to live like it.
    💡 How AI will reshape business in the next 3 years.
    Main Points:
    00:00 Intro
    02:49 Why emotional intelligence matters in leadership
    04:28 Effective leadership & communication skills
    05:30 How to measure emotional intelligence
    08:15 The trap of holding onto people too long
    13:20 Energy management vs. time management
    15:53 The four energy quadrants
    26:30 Avoiding burnout
    35:00 Balancing work & family as a global CEO
    36:33 Filtering thoughts & quieting the monkey mind
    38:05 Daily habits for peak performance
    40:25 The role of alcohol in high performance
    43:09 Why sleep & light exposure are critical
    45:51 Work-life integration vs. balance
    49:03 Life is not a dress rehearsal
    50:25 Lessons learned as a global CEO
    54:18 Founding K2 Elevation & personal mission
    55:34 The future of AI in business
    59:13 Final thoughts on leadership & purpose
    💬 Which insight from Klaus hit you hardest—EQ, energy management, or living with purpose? Let us know in the comments 👇
    🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes with world-class guests who help you live, lead, and thrive at the highest level.
    Connect With Me:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly.siegel.71/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71
    Connect with Klaus:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klauskleinfeld/
    Book Website: https://www.leading-to-thrive.com/
    Subscribe To The Podcast Here:
    Apple:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harder-than-life/id1725989697
    Spotify:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/29NOnhItmCLkZ9sLswABKS?si=d81915ddabc0420a
    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
    1 hr 1 min
  • Why Most Leaders Fail in the Messy Middle
    In a world full of fake filters, highlight reels, and leaders hiding behind spin, people are starving for realness. In this solo episode, Kelly Siegel gets raw about why transparency and authenticity aren’t weaknesses. They’re your superpowers.
    From leading through lawsuits, addiction, and business crises, Kelly reveals the battle-tested blueprint for building trust, inspiring loyalty, and leading powerfully from the trenches. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “fake it till you make it,” this episode will show you a better way: lead with truth, scars and all.
    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
    💡 Why authenticity is the ultimate leadership advantage.
    💡 The 5 pillars of the “Siegel Transparency Method.”
    💡 How to lead through crisis without losing your team’s trust.
    💡 The biggest mistakes leaders make with transparency (and how to avoid them).
    💡 A 30-day transparency challenge to transform your leadership.
    Main Points:
    00:00 Intro
    02:55 The Power of Transparency & Authenticity
    05:45 The Siegel Transparency Method
    09:46 Leading Through Crisis with Honesty
    12:41 Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
    15:31 Actionable Steps for Authentic Leadership
    18:78 Conclusion & 30-day Transparency Challenge
    💬 Which pillar of the Siegel Transparency Method speaks to you most—truth-telling, owning mistakes, or staying grounded? Share in the comments 👇
    🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes with strategies to help you lead, live, and love at the highest level.
    Connect With Me:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly.siegel.71/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71
    Website: https://www.trustntm.com
    Subscribe To The Podcast Here:
    Apple:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harder-than-life/id1725989697
    Spotify:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/29NOnhItmCLkZ9sLswABKS?si=d81915ddabc0420a
    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg
    22 min

About Harder Than Life

From the publisher's feed

I’m Kelly Siegel, and this is Harder than Life. A podcast about self-love, self-awareness, business, and health. We tell outrageous stories and boil everything down to simple, practical advice you can…

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