Tired of falling off the fitness wagon every January?

Spartan founder and endurance legend Joe De Sena teams up with triathlon champion Aaron Gesell to share the ultimate formula for staying motivated, crushing your goals, and transforming your life.

They dive into a powerful 3-step system that has helped countless individuals turn their fitness aspirations into lasting success.

Discover how to set "scary" goals that push you beyond your limits, create an unbreakable support network that keeps you accountable, and shift your mindset to make fitness a natural part of your lifestyle—not just another chore.

Timestamps:

00:20 Intro

00:49 Taren Gesell, endurance athlete and motivator

01:13 Why motivation fades and 3 tips to stay on track. 

02:45 Setting scary goals and building accountability

03:31 How fitness transforms identity through community.

06:03 Overcoming the fear of joining fitness groups

07:57 Joe’s global running group experiences 09:34 Embracing humility and consistent improvement 

11:05 How athletes support beginners

12:15 The humbling impact of endurance races

14:01 Taren’s app and its focus on long-term motivation

15:38 Joe’s pull-up journey and daily commitment.

16:36 Training insights from world champions

17:45 Where to find Taren and his resources

18:12 Bringing triathletes to Spartan Races.

Connect to Taren:

🌐 Website: https://www.mymottiv.com/about?ref=navbar

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triathlontaren/

💼 LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/tarengesell

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1AKDrz2GvLxD29W9tow66g

✖️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/triathlontaren

In this episode, Mark Allen, the legendary 6-time Ironman World Champion, shares the training strategies, mindset hacks, and recovery techniques that allowed him to push the limits of human performance.

How Mark Allen, the "Marlboro Man of Triathlon," pushed the boundaries of human performance to become a 6-time Ironman World Champion. You'll discover: 

• The training strategies, recovery techniques, and mindset hacks that allowed him to dominate the sport for over a decade
• Proven methods to build the physical and mental toughness needed to conquer any challenge, no matter your age or fitness level
• Insights on the evolution of endurance sports and what it takes to be an elite athlete in today's competitive landscape Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn from one of the greatest endurance athletes of all time.

Timestamps:

00:20 Intro

00:49 Mark Allen, The Triathlon King

01:23 Mark’s iconic 1989 race with Dave Scott

03:13 Fitness then vs. now 07:32 Training, recovery, and consistency 08:19 Movement, energy, and ancestral survival instincts

12:07 Overcoming workout resistance & accountability

17:27 Mark’s training philosophy and long off-seasons

22:43 How to connect with Mark

24:06 Triathlon in the Paris Olympics 26:30 Obstacle-racing Olympic in LA 2028.

27:05 Optimizing fitness with age

Connect to Mark:

🌐 Website: https://markallensports.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markallengrip/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markallencoaching/

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therealmarkallen

✖️ Twitter/X: https://x.com/markallengrip 

In this episode, Joe de Sena talks to Amberly Lago, a resiliency coach who has faced unimaginable challenges - from a devastating motorcycle accident that nearly cost her a leg, to a chronic pain condition that has tested her limits. Yet, through it all, Amber has emerged stronger, more determined, and more passionate about helping others overcome their own obstacles.

Hear Amber's raw and inspiring story of grit, grace, and the power of finding joy in the midst of hardship. Discover the non-negotiable habits and mindset shifts that have fueled her remarkable recovery and allowed her to thrive as an entrepreneur, author, and mother.

 Whether you're facing your own personal battles or simply seeking to cultivate more resilience in your life, this episode will leave you motivated, uplifted, and armed with practical strategies to overcome any challenge that comes your way.

Don’t miss Amberly Lago’s inspiring new book, Joy Through the Journey: Shift Your Mindset, Embrace the Present Moment, and Cultivate Resilience Through Life’s Ups and Downs. Coming this February but you can preorder it now

👉 https://go.amberlylago.com/joy/

Timestamps:

00:20 Intro

00:53 Introduction to Amberly Lago, resiliency coach

01:20 Amberly’s background and Texas roots

02:32 How life challenges build resiliency

05:51 Parenting, resilience, and hard work

09:25 Non-negotiables for staying strong

13:57 The life-changing accident and recovery journey

17:39 Dealing with chronic pain and finding purpose through service 

19:09 The power of helping others in tough times

21:58 Amberly’s upcoming book and future plans

24:31 Choosing joy and overcoming hardships

25:35 Where to connect with Amberly Lago

Connect to Amberly: 

🌐 Website: https://amberlylago.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberlylagomotivation/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555318112308

🔊 Podcast: https://amberlylago.com/podcast/

✖️ Twitter/ X: https://x.com/amberlylago

In this episode, Joe de Sena sits down with the remarkable Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum - a doctor and a powerlifting enthusiast with a passion for helping people transform their lives. Dr. Jordan shares valuable insights on how to break through your limits and transform your life.

They explore why strength training is skyrocketing in popularity, how it can supercharge your physical and mental health, and the secrets to staying motivated when the couch looks too tempting. 

Dr. Jordan shares his journey from motocross injuries to becoming a leader in combining fitness with medicine, proving anyone can adapt and thrive. Learn the truth about common fitness myths, like women “getting too bulky,” and find out the simple, no-excuses routine anyone can follow to get stronger and healthier.

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a total beginner, this episode is packed with actionable tips, inspiring stories, and game-changing advice to help you level up your fitness journey.

Timestamps:

00:20 Intro

00:54 The rise of strength training as a top fitness trend

02:22 Merging strength training with medical expertise 

05:12 Misconceptions about strength training

07:01 Why starting exercise is harder than continuing it 08:46 Evolutionary reasons behind avoiding discomfort

11:55 The importance of setting fitness goals to stay motivated

13:50 AI help to visualize and achieve fitness progress 

14:49 Minimum exercise for health benefits

17:22 Creative exercise solutions without gym access

19:11 Myths surrounding running and physical adaptability 20:59 Strength benchmarks and the average deadlift 

22:06 Invitation to a Spartan Race event

23:53 What is strength and how to increase it?

Connect to Dr. Jordan: 

🌐 Website: Barbell Medicine 

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordan_barbellmedicine/

🧑‍💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-feigenbaum-8ba40438/

💼 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BarbellMedicine

Prepare to be amazed by the incredible journey of Travis Mills, a former U.S. Army staff sergeant who lost all four limbs in an IED explosion during his third deployment to Afghanistan. Despite facing unimaginable adversity, Travis refused to let his injuries define him, embarking on a remarkable path of recovery, resilience, and reinvention.   In this captivating episode, you'll witness Travis' transformation from a young, athletic soldier to a motivational speaker, author, and founder of a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting injured veterans and their families. Hear firsthand how he navigated the physical and emotional challenges of his recovery, rediscovered his purpose, and inspired countless others with his unwavering spirit.   Prepare to be moved, empowered, and reminded that no obstacle is too great to overcome when you possess the determination and courage of a true warrior. This is a story that will leave you in awe and remind you that the human spirit is truly unbreakable.   Timestamps:

00:49 Introduction to Travis Mills 01:25 Early Life and Military Career 05:10 Marriage, Kids & Deployments in Afghanistan 11:44 The Wild West of the Third Deployment 16:27 Bomb Explosion & Devastating Injuries 24:45 Arriving to the Hospital & The Reality of His Injuries 27:30 Becoming a Quadriplegic & a Way to Recovery 31:01 Overcoming Obstacles & the Importance of Perspective. 33:55 Adaptive Sports and Family Bonding 36:45 Founding the Travis Mills Foundation 39:45 Pushing limits, starting new businesses, and finding purpose 42:05 Finding the Right Perspective 43:35 Final Thoughts   Connect to Travis:

🌐 Website: Travis Mills 🌐 Website: Travis Mills Foundation 📸 Instagram: @ssgtravismills 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ssgtravismills/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssgtravismills/

Struggling with sleepless nights and sluggish days? In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with sleep expert Andrew Vontz to uncover the science behind truly restful sleep.   Learn straightforward, research-backed strategies to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up rejuvenated - no gimmicks, no expensive gadgets, just real results.   Andrew shares practical tips you can start using tonight to unlock better sleep and enjoy the incredible benefits: sharper focus, better health, and unstoppable energy.   It’s time to take charge of your sleep and transform your life!   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:49 The Better Lab and the science of better sleep 05:23 Sleep trackers and fake sleep scores 10:02 Avoid late-night social media scrolling 13:17 The science behind hot showers before bed 15:45 Comfort myths: Do you need a luxury mattress? 16:50 The role of exercise in improving sleep quality 18:27 The fluency effect and benefits of morning sunlight 22:24 Shift your caffeine consumption to prior to noon 23:29 Recap: Top sleep tips and starting simple   Connect to Andrew:

🌐 Website: The Better Lab 📸 Instagram: @thebetterlab_hq 📘 Facebook: @thebetterlabHQ 💼 LinkedIn: Andrew Vontz

In this episode, running coach Jason Fitzgerald and Joe De Sena dive deep into the transformative power of running.   Discover how to push past your limits, build unbreakable mental toughness, and become the athlete you never thought possible.   From overcoming the initial struggle to running a 2:39 marathon, Jason shares his personal journey and proven strategies to help even the most skeptical couch potato become a fearless endurance athlete. Hear how unconventional training methods, like obstacle racing and strength work, can unlock new levels of speed and resilience.   Whether you're training for your first 5K or aiming to conquer an ultra, this episode will inspire, motivate, and arm you with the tools to transform your running and your life.   Timestamps:

00:00 Intro 00:44 Jason’s 13-year journey to a 2:39 marathon 04:04 How running impacts weight and muscles 05:16 Unconventional training methods 06:59 Thoughts on flexibility for runners 08:30 Pushing forward despite what brain tells you 11:46 The crucial role of variety in training 15:39 Long runs and mental tenacity 19:52 Breaking barriers through consistency 21:42 Advice for beginner runners 25:10 When pain turns to pleasure 27:03 How to connect with Strength Running

Struggling with junk food battles or getting your kids off their screens?  In this episode, Joe De Sena and nutrition expert Amelia Phillips tackle the biggest challenges of raising healthy, active kids in today's screen-obsessed world.   Hear Amelia’s tips for parents who want to raise the next generation of strong, healthy achievers. Learn simple, actionable strategies to transform your family's habits, conquer unhealthy cravings, and unlock your kids' true potential.   Discover why screen addiction is the new smoking epidemic and how to take control now. Plus, get age-specific advice on fostering lifelong fitness and nutrition habits that work for every stage of childhood.   Don’t miss this episode if you want to build a healthier, stronger future for your family!

Timestamps:

00:47 Introduction to Amelia Phillips 01:34 Kids' nutrition and finding the balance 04:46 The addictive nature of phones 08:38 Quick nutrition tips for various ages 14:16 The challenge of kids' meals in restaurants 14:47 Encouraging fitness and movement in kids 18:07 Screen addiction and boundaries for screen time 21:09 Modeling healthy behaviors as parents 22:27 Using technology to encourage positive habits 23:36 Addictive products and personal responsibility 25:39 How to build impactful family habits

In this episode, Dr. Mike Wasilisin, a renowned movement expert, reveals the secrets to overcoming pain and achieving peak performance.   Hear about his proven methodology that empowers you to take control of your body and break free from the limitations of the healthcare system. Learn the transformative power of core breathing, glute activation, and proper alignment to reclaim your health and smash through any obstacle.   Whether you're an elite athlete or simply seeking to live pain-free, this episode is a masterclass that will change the way you approach movement and wellness. Get ready to unlock your true potential and take back your life!   Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:46 Meet Dr. Mike Wasilisin 01:31 The right way to handle pain 03:27 Dr. Mike’s career journey 04:48 Building a movement methodology 07:41 How to alleviate back pain 10:46 Pain is the perfect motivator 12:11 The hard way vs. easy fixes 13:23 Most common causes of back pain 17:42 Core breathing as a natural pain reliever 23:06 Recap: glutes, core, and breath 25:41How to connect with Dr. Mike   Follow Dr Mike:

Instagram: @moveumike LinkedIn: in/dr-mike-wasilisin-4a661915 Website: https://moveu.com

In this episode, Joe De Sena is talking with Rob and Alex, the authors of Warrior to Civilian, on the challenges veterans face after service.   They discuss a hidden veteran suicide crisis and why so many veterans struggle, how we can help them thrive, and the real steps for a successful transition.   Rob and Alex reveal the often-overlooked difficulties of reintegration, the importance of mentorship, and the complex system of VA benefits. They also offer practical advice designed to equip veterans, families, and civilians alike with tools to support and empower our nation’s heroes.   Whether you’re a veteran or simply want to help, this episode offers eye-opening insights and actionable solutions to help our veterans transition successfully into civilian life.   Highlights:

00:47 Transitioning from military to civilian life 02:31 Preparing for civilian integration and finding a purpose 03:59 Recognizing the need for early preparation for veterans 05:19 Veteran suicides and the urgency of support systems 09:38 Mentorship and non-profits with veteran initiative 11:19 How civilians can support veterans’ reintegration 13:39 Ideas for creating veteran events at Spartan races 19:09 The book Warrior to Civilian and its target audience 21:28 Nothing worthwhile is easy 23:21 Message of resilience and hope for veterans   ---

Get the Book Now! | Warrior to Civilian:

https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Civilian-Field-Manual-Journey/dp/1538769964