The Hard Way w/ Joe De Sena Joe De Sena

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

Kevin Kaiser has an unconventional approach to business that was shaped by his roots growing up on a farm in Canada. As a professor at Wharton, one of the top business schools in the world, Kaiser is challenging the status quo.
 
In this fascinating podcast episode, Kaiser shares the philosophies that have made him an outlier - treating companies like living organisms that must constantly adapt to survive. He believes success breeds complacency if you don't disrupt yourself.
 
You will learn Kaiser's unique strategies for avoiding complacency and staying motivated through unpredictability. You'll discover why he argues against giving employees clear goals and instead pushes them outside their comfort zones.
 
Kaiser also dives into mindset, explaining how to "own" your thoughts and emotions rather than identify with them. For business leaders and entrepreneurs, this podcast provides an invigorating fresh perspective on value creation, leadership, and turning assumptions on their heads.
 
Highlights:
00:00 Intro
01:01 Kevin Kaiser’s background
02:08 Business as a living organism
03:55 Who decides how to deploy resources?
06:03 Students at Wharton and fragility
09:44 How do big companies like Kodak fail?
13:18 Staying relevant as a company
15:33 Don’t listen to evolutionary wants
19:26 Challenges and the example of Toyota
22:26 Being the manager of your mind, body, and emotions
24:58 How can people find Kevin?

Dr. John Jaquish discovered a revolutionary way to build strong bones that goes against everything you've been told.
 
In this insightful conversation with Joe De Sena, Dr, John reveals how he cured his own mother's osteoporosis and created a $100 million business - all by ignoring conventional wisdom.
 
He will also open your eyes to why workouts like weightlifting don't work, and share his portable home gym that packs serious muscle-building power. By the end, you'll be left wondering what other "facts" about health and fitness are actually dead wrong. Dr. John will change what you think you know about building muscle and strength.
 
Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that just may transform your health forever. Tune in now!
Highlights:

00:00 Intro
01:15 Dr. John Jaquish and his biomedical company
02:49 Dr. John’s childhood, college, and entrepreneurship
06:32 OsteoStrong - a medical device that treats osteoporosis
11:13 Exposure to cold and health benefits
14:19 The importance of hip joint strength
16:07 Joe’s accident and dislocation of hip joint
18:55 Bone density, weight lifting, and the X3 System
26:24 Veganism and ancestral animal-based diet
33:54 Where can people find Dr. John?