The Hard Way w/ Joe De Sena

In this captivating episode, cognitive specialist Dr. Brandon Orr and Spartan founder Joe De Sena dive deep into the neuroscience behind unlocking your brain's full potential.   Discover proven strategies to build unbreakable mental resilience, conquer self-doubt and anxiety, and develop the grit and determination of elite performers.   Learn how to silence your inner critic and unleash your true capabilities. This is a must-listen for anyone striving to optimize their cognitive function and reach new heights of success.   Highlights:

00:00 Intro 00:56 What is a cognitive performance specialist? 03:12 The stigma around mental health 04:36 Acknowledge failure, identify constraints, and reengage 08:12 Anxiety triggering a sympathetic response  13:14 Identifying constraints limiting performance and adapting  15:20 Recognizing the signs of warning to stay in the game safely  18:43 Can words cause damage?  20:25 Challenges of comparing trauma  25:24 How to level up your game?  27:57 Overcome anxiety by reframing thoughts

Discover the secrets of elite performers straight from a Special Forces expert!   In this episode, Dr. Reginald O'Hara who has been working with special forces in the Department of Defense for 23 years. reveals how top soldiers push their limits and stay sharp. He explains game-changing techniques to boost your own performance, from breathing tricks to recovery hacks.   Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or just looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you achieve more. Find out how to train like a warrior, recover like a pro, and unlock your full potential. Don't miss these insider tips that could transform your life and career!   Highlights:

00:00 Intro 00:49 What makes a hard performer? 07:02 Excessive training can lead to chronic overtraining 10:16 Relaxation techniques for high-performing individuals 15:59 Dr. O’Hara’s training routine 18:19 The importance of moderate-intensity exercise 20:03 Developing healthy habits

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast interview are those of the individual (Dr. Reggie O’Hara) and do not reflect the official policy or position of William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Department of the Army, Defense Health Agency, or the U.S. Government.

Connect with Dr. Reggie O’Hara:

LinkedIn: in/reggie-b-o’hara-m-sc-ph-d-8a91b1168

Most people struggle with low energy, willpower, and motivation. But what if you could feel energized and excited about life again?   In this episode, former pro soccer player turned health entrepreneur Yuri Elkaim shares his unexpected journey from playing on the world stage to finding a new purpose through wellness.   Yuri reveals the single change that transformed his life - and it can change yours in just one week. Discover why facing fears is so important for success and happiness.   Plus, Spartan CEO Joe De Sena dives into the power of helping others and manufacturing adversity.   Learn Yuri's top tips for feeling motivated, overcoming obstacles, and living your fullest life. It's time to stop sabotaging yourself and start feeling alive again!    Highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:03 Yuri’s background 03:48 Desire as a burning flame that trumps everything 05:21 Transferring your desire to another part of life 08:40 Finding energy and motivation in helping others 11:17 Energy is rare and hard to find 14:35 Reaching rock bottom to experience transformation 15:37 Yuri’s current business growth 16:56 Conflicting nutrition and health information in the digital age 19:00 Three most important things to change in our life 22:04 How to find Yuri

Instagram: @healthpreneur Youtube: Healthpreneur/videos Website: https://healthpreneurgroup.com/

In this episode, fitness mogul Tom Dowd reveals how he went from working long hours in his family's supermarket business to partnering with Mark Wahlberg and saving struggling franchise F45.   Growing up instilled a strong work ethic in Dowd, but his biggest test came when he took over F45 in crisis. Through strategic partnerships, focusing on culture, and his relentless drive, Dowd engineered an incredible turnaround.   Tune in to hear directly from Dowd as he opens up about lessons from his past and shares the tactics that transformed both his career and the fitness industry, pulling companies from the brink of failure to massive success.   Highlights:

00:00 Intro 01:37 Tom’s childhood and growing up in the family business 04:38 Networking, adding value, and connecting with influential people 08:58 Finding investment opportunities and growing a business 13:19 Challenges and growth in the health and wellness business 18:56 Business success a believing in fate 22:19 Recovering struggling business through hard work and commitment 26:27 Building a team and giving them the right to contribute 29:26 One thing that always helps through struggles 32:33 Joe’s partnership with Tom and F45

Meet the world's toughest inspiration - 98-year-old Lala LaLanne! In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with the fitness legend to uncover her secrets to breaking records, crushing workouts, and staying motivated well into her 90s.   Listen as Elaine shares incredible stories of her and her late husband Jack's accomplishments over the decades. She'll also give you an inside look at her current mission - rallying people worldwide to shatter her record of 2,251 jumping jacks.   If you want to add years to your life and life to your years, you don't want to miss this rare chance to learn from the woman who proves aging is truly just a mindset. You can connect with Lala through her website jacklalanne.com and listen to more of her valuable advice on the Pass It Along Podcast which she co-hosts with Greg Justice.

Highlights:

00:00 Intro 00:51 Who is Lala Lalanne? 04:48 Lala’s books and upcoming movie 07:54 Jack LaLanne jumping jack challenge 11:39 ARCH – attitude, resistance, consistency, harmony 15:06 Aging is like a sport, you have to train for it   17:55 If you want something to happen, don’t be a quitter! 26:18 Learn to like yourself and improve 28:19 Where can people find Lala?

Tired of feeling stuck in a rut? Discover how taking on new challenges can make you feel alive again at any age.   In this empowering episode, Gwendolyn Bounds shares how she conquered self-doubt and found her inner athlete later in life. She discusses her transformation from a sedentary to a competitive obstacle course racer through grit and community support.

Gwendolyn Bounds is an award-winning journalist and author whose career spans media brands including The Wall Street Journal, ABC News, Consumer Reports, CNBC, SmartNews, and more.

Her latest book “NOT TOO LATE: The Power of Pushing Limits at Any Age” captures the mental and physical benefits of pursuing something hard that you love – a starkly different prescription for wellbeing in a world filled with hacks and shortcuts to find happiness and good health. 

Anchoring Gwendolyn’s book is the story of her own midlife evolution from an unathletic desk-bound news executive glued to her screens into an age-group medalist and world championship competitor in the daunting sport of obstacle course racing. 

In NOT TOO LATE, Gwendolyn offers a roadmap for action and realistic change that anyone can use to tap inner reserves, face fear, and push boundaries. You can find Gwendolyn on social media and sign up for her newsletter at gwendolynbounds.com.

Highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:02 The power of pushing limits at any age 02:46 It’s never too late for sports or Spartan race 07:01 Lessons from the obstacle course racing 10:40 Helping people to get moving after the pandemic 17:12 The Death Race in Vermont 18:15 How can people find Gwendolyn 20:09 How to get started and Not Yet mentality 24:16 The joy of pushing yourself beyond your limits 28:39 Life is about small choices

Joe and Zackary delve into the powerful symbolism behind carrying a couch through Spartan Races, a tribute to those struggling with addiction and a call to leave comfort for the community. Zach shares his personal story of overcoming addiction and physical challenges, emphasizing the importance of helping others, especially adaptive athletes, to conquer obstacles.   The conversation touches on modern issues like the dangers of fentanyl, the impact of simulated experiences on youth, and the need for real connections. With heartfelt anecdotes and practical wisdom, Joe and Zach inspire listeners to push beyond their limits and support one another in the journey of life.   Highlights: 00:42 Intro 02:12 We seek comfort at all costs 05:57 Crazy trip to Wales and making connections 10:14 Empowering kids by challenging them 17:22 The dangers of fentanyl addiction 21:03 Carrying a couch to raise awareness 25:23 Race in a wheelchair and the shift in mindset 29:51 Creating real connections and relationships

When Kristin Smedley's young son was diagnosed as blind, she was devastated. But rather than accepting limits, she became fiercely determined to give him every opportunity. Tapping into creative problem-solving skills from her own athletic past, Kristin empowered her son to navigate life fearlessly.   Through using all available tools and relentless advocacy, her sons thrived academically against all odds. But Kristin's vision didn't stop there. She now inspires others through her nonprofit, proving disability is no barrier to success with the right mindset and support.   Hear Kristin's incredible story - from the shock of her son's diagnosis to his graduation at the top of his class. Discover practical lessons on nurturing independence, creative accessibility solutions, and transforming challenges into triumphs. Kristin will motivate and inspire you to believe in limitless potential.   Highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:01 Kristin’s childhood in Philadelphia 03:43 Learning about the importance of team 07:19 The shock of hearing her firstborn was blind 10:13 Realizing what to do as a parent of a blind child 14:23 Finding a nonprofit to help the blind community 18:43 What I Can Be Is Up to Me book 20:31 Using all available tools and holding the school accountable 23:22 Things to apply to make your life better 26:28 Where can people find Kristin?

Tired of just getting by each day without making progress toward your goals? Learn how one man used an unconventional morning routine to overcome a near-death experience, beat cancer against all odds, and write a bestselling book impacting millions.   Hal Elrod shares his strategies for developing resilience in the face of adversity, finding peace within through acceptance, and taking back control of your health and wellness. Discover the simple daily practices that comprise Hal's Miracle Morning ritual and how you can start your own ritual today to see positive changes in 90 days.   This inspiring episode with Spartan Race founder Joe De Sena will give you practical tips to develop a growth mindset, overcome obstacles, and finally start living the life you want.   Highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Moving from California to Texas 04:11 Hal’s childhood and his first job 05:23 A car crash and 6 minutes of death 07:18 Accepting reality and having faith 11:22 A cancer diagnosis at 37 and a healing mindset 13:48 Doing everything in your power to succeed 16:22 The Miracle Morning book 18:09 Hal’s decision to run a marathon 20:07 How can people find Hal? 22:06 S.A.V.E.R.S - 6 practices of Miracle Morning