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The Hard Way With Joe De Sena

The Hard Way With Joe De Sena

By: Joe De Sena
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 Your partner in resilience training for mind and body. The official podcast of SPARTAN hosted by Joe De sena, founder and CEO of Spartan and NY Times best-selling author, and his team. Joe and his team travel the world chasing down the secrets to success in all aspects of life interviewing successful athletes, authors, entrepreneurs, professors, monks, moms and adventurers.© 2021 Spartan Alternative & Complementary Medicine Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • From Mormon Mission to Hell Week: How Gus Built Unshakable Grit

    From Mormon Mission to Hell Week: How Gus Built Unshakable Grit
    Aug 12 2025
    In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Navy SEAL veteran Gus Gustavson for an unforgettable look at what it truly takes to build unshakable grit. From a small-town upbringing and a Mormon mission in Brazil to surviving Hell Week. Not once, but twice. Gus reveals how discipline, purpose, and mental toughness shaped every step of his journey. You'll hear how his military mindset now fuels a powerful mission to train law enforcement and save lives. Whether you’re chasing your next Spartan finish line or just trying to push through life’s obstacles, this episode will challenge your excuses and reset your perspective. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:30 Meet Karl Gus Gustavson 02:07 Background & High School 02:35 Coaches Who Built Character 03:38 Gus’s Mormon Mission to Brazil 04:43 Mission Work as a Rite of Passage 06:50 Learning to Communicate & Coexist 07:53 Returning from Brazil and the 9/11 Turning Point 08:49 Why He Joined the Navy SEALs 11:17 Injuries and Perseverance in SEAL Training 13:54 Getting Assigned to the “Wrong Coast” 15:19 Reflections on His SEAL Career 17:33 Perspective from WWII Veterans 19:01 Physical Struggle Builds Mental Strength 19:49 Life After the SEALs 20:52 Support from the Spartan Community Connect to Karl Gus Gustavson: Website: https://c1p.org Instagram: @kgus245 (personal) / @community_first_project (organization) Facebook: Community First Project LinkedIn: Community First Project
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    23 mins
  • Born Without Arms, Living Without Limits | Jessica Cox

    Born Without Arms, Living Without Limits | Jessica Cox
    Aug 5 2025
    In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Jessica Cox, a woman born without arms, yet a licensed pilot, black belt in Taekwondo, and living proof that limits are self-imposed. Together, they explore how hardship builds mental toughness, why fear is a choice, and how you can turn obstacles into fuel. Jessica’s story will shatter your excuses and shift your mindset. If you’re ready to stop playing it safe and start living without limits—this episode is your wake-up call. Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Jessica Cox 00:19 Born Without Arms 01:02 Gratitude and First-World Comforts 02:30 Childhood Struggles and Resilience 05:22 Her Parents’ Role in Building Confidence 06:17 Dealing with Bullying and Finding Self-Worth 08:39 Became the first armless pilot 10:33 Obstacles Build Discipline 11:18 Inventing the Dressing Tool 12:21 What Holds Most People Back 13:59 The Power of Facing Fear 14:57 The Impossible Airplane Project 17:36 Jessica’s 30-Year Journey in Taekwondo 19:36 Final Words & Future Collaboration Connect to Jessica: Website: https://www.jessicacox.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightfooted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicacox LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rightfooted YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessicacox
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    18 mins
  • From Chaos to Clarity: Own Your Mind, Lead Your Life

    From Chaos to Clarity: Own Your Mind, Lead Your Life
    Jul 30 2025
    In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with performance coach and father of five, Joe Greco, to talk about what it really takes to build grit in your kids, your career, and yourself. From Spartan-style parenting to leading high-performing teams, Joe shares battle-tested strategies for mastering discipline, staying purpose-driven, and unlocking your full potential. Whether you’re a parent, a leader, or just tired of making excuses, this one’s for you. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:27 Meet Joe Greco 01:55 Early mornings & discipline 02:34 Five daughters & Death Camp invitation 04:30 Redefining success beyond money 06:33 Expressions of gratitude 09:07 Joe’s life tools and values 10:46 Mentors, teens & leadership 13:24 Understanding People Better 15:30 How to add value in life 17:48 The story of the Naval Academy 20:57 The meaning of tradition at military academies 21:43 Where to find Joe Greco 22:15 The origin of the name Palio 23:24 The horse race in Siena Connect to Joe Greco: Website: palioinc.com Instagram: @palioinc LinkedIn: Joseph Greco
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    25 mins
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