RIDEOUT: The Other Side of Hard

Ken Rideout
  • 5.0 (46)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

The Other Side of Hard, hosted by Ken Rideout — raw, gripping conversations with people who've pushed past the breaking point. Stories of resilience, redemption, and what's waiting on the other side.

  1. 2d ago

    Hunting 80,000 Deer to Save Hawaii | Jake Muise

    Jake Muise grew up in rural Canada hunting, fishing, and living off the land. A Division I volleyball scholarship brought him to Hawaii, but a dorm room mix-up changed the course of his life forever. After being welcomed into a local Molokai family, Jake developed a deep connection to Hawaiian culture and became fascinated by Hawaii's invasive axis deer problem. What began as an obsession eventually became Maui Nui Venison, one of the most innovative food and conservation companies in the world. Today, Maui Nui operates a USDA-certified wild harvest system unlike anything else in existence, balancing deer populations while providing some of the most nutrient-dense red meat available. In this conversation, Jake shares the story behind Maui Nui, how he helped remove illegally introduced deer from Hawaii's Big Island, the challenges of building a first-of-its-kind USDA-approved harvesting system, and the leadership principles that power one of the most disciplined teams you'll ever encounter. This is a conversation about obsession, conservation, entrepreneurship, culture, leadership, and doing meaningful work that lasts. Thank you to our sponsors Helix Sleep: http://helixsleep.com/rideout  Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/ Chapters (00:00) Welcome to Kona (00:20) Ironman Kona Stories (02:06) Jake’s Roots in Canada (02:58) Volleyball to Hawaii (06:12) Dorm Mixup and Local Life (09:44) Molokai Culture Explained (11:34) Meeting His Future Wife (15:03) Leading Maui Nui’s Team (20:15) Sponsor Break Helix Sleep (21:19) Origins of Maui Nui (23:19) Drought Sparks the Mission (25:53) Axis Deer Institute Hustle (26:54) Illegal Deer on Big Island (29:46) Infrared Night Hunting Tech (32:30) USDA Approval Challenge (39:16) Practicing Before Inspection (40:24) The USDA Ride Along (42:20) Remortgage to Scale (43:42) Pitching Passion Investors (46:53) Balancing Deer Populations (50:28) USDA Rules and Marksmanship (55:45) Inside the Night Harvest (58:35) Holo Ai Community Giveaway (01:04:59) Humble Hungry Smart Hiring (01:14:02) Gamified Discipline Experiments (01:20:59) Graduation and Farewell (01:22:52) Podcast Wrap and Subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 24m

  2. 4d ago

    Dyslexia. Racism. The NFL. | Chris Spencer

    Chris Spencer grew up in rural Mississippi working cotton fields, facing racism firsthand, and struggling with dyslexia throughout school. Football became the one place where everything made sense. That path eventually took him from being one of the top recruits in the country to Ole Miss, where he played alongside Eli Manning, before becoming the 26th overall pick in the NFL Draft and spending a decade in the league. But this conversation goes far beyond football. Chris shares the lessons he learned from his family, the story behind a recruiter offering $100,000 cash that his mother refused, how dyslexia became his greatest advantage, and the challenges of building an identity after the NFL. Today, Chris is the founder of TeamQ, an AI-driven platform helping organizations identify and develop the intangibles that drive performance. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, self-awareness, and turning adversity into opportunity. Thank you to our sponsors Wild Roman: wildroman.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT15” Athletic Nicotine: https://athleticnicotine.com/rideout Code "RIDEOUT" Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/ Chapters (00:00) Meet Chris Spencer (00:52) Mississippi Roots (02:50) Racism and Resilience (06:13) Mom’s Guiding Principles (08:08) Football Finds Him (11:29) First Pads Reality Check (14:49) Size, Diet, and Position (17:13) From Fun to Future (20:29) Dyslexia as Superpower (25:15) Training and Powerlifting (29:54) Recruiting Goes National (31:09) Football Privilege Fame (32:15) Recruiting Home Visits (32:43) Cash Offer Rejected (35:37) Choosing Ole Miss (38:22) Team Culture Fit (41:30) Freshman Weight Room (46:10) Speed Technique Reality (47:30) Prop 48 Redshirt (49:13) Becoming Eli Center (53:12) NFL Draft Projection (58:15) IMG Combine Prep (59:24) Seattle Scheme Clues (01:00:06) Draft Night Surprise (01:03:35) Rookie Deal Holdout (01:07:29) First NFL Snaps (01:09:53) Money and Family First (01:13:05) Super Bowl Rookie Year (01:15:28) Beast Mode Arrives (01:18:23) Lockout and Leaving Seattle (01:21:23) Choosing the Bears (01:22:28) Giants Deal Falls Apart (01:23:36) Chicago Coach Conflict (01:24:50) Thrown Into Guard Midgame (01:27:28) Proving Toughness Through Injuries (01:31:47) Choosing Nashville and Settling Down (01:32:49) COVID House Sale and New Friendship (01:36:05) Building TeamQ After Football (01:40:13) How TeamQ Measures Intangibles (01:44:41) Onsite Therapy and Microtraumas (01:50:18) Where to Find TeamQ (01:51:54) Subscribe and Sponsor Shoutouts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 53m

  3. Jun 5

    The Walk-On Who Refused to Leave | Todd Anderson

    Todd Anderson wasn't supposed to play at Michigan State. He came from a tiny town in Michigan. No Division I offers. No scholarship. No clear path forward. Then a chance opportunity earned him a walk-on spot at Michigan State. What followed was years of injuries, setbacks, position changes, and moments where quitting felt like the logical choice. Eventually, Todd became a key contributor on a Michigan State team that won the Big Ten and beat Georgia in the Capital One Bowl. He earned an NFL opportunity with the Rams before a suspension tied to a stimulant in an energy supplement ended his path. But football wasn't the end of the story. Today, Todd is the founder of Dream Recovery, one of the fastest-growing sleep brands in the country, helping athletes and everyday people improve performance through better sleep. We talk about football, failure, identity, resilience, entrepreneurship, sleep, and why some of life's biggest setbacks end up creating entirely new paths. Thank you to our sponsors Helix Sleep: http://helixsleep.com/rideout  Wild Roman: wildroman.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT15” Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/ Chapters (00:00) Meet Todd Anderson (00:21) Dream Recovery Takes Off (01:51) Small Town Roots (03:11) Multi Sport Standout (04:43) Michigan State Walk On Break (10:37) Reality Check In Camp (13:38) Injuries And Comeback (17:37) Fullback Breakthrough Season (21:18) Pro Day And NFL Shot (23:43) Rams Camp And Drug Test Scare (25:25) Energy Shot Fallout (25:56) Drug Test Mixup (26:44) Diluted Sample Drama (27:16) Practice Squad Reality (28:14) Four Game Suspension (28:35) Walking Away From NFL (29:06) Heart Not In It (30:46) Retirement And Identity (32:30) Fathers Day Ad Break (33:45) College Touchdown Memory (34:53) Proud Dad Stories (35:54) Learning Toughness (37:23) Wrestling Respect (38:25) Dad Health Scare (39:55) Katie Comeback Ends (40:40) Pulmonary Embolism Ordeal (41:23) Misdiagnosis And Recovery (43:00) Rams Rookie Camp (44:17) College Football Culture (44:49) Gerard Butler Hype (45:28) Uniforms And Recruiting (47:25) Michigan State Gear Haul (48:45) NFL Gear And Nike Switch (50:09) Camp Mental Grind (50:52) Football Scheme Complexity (51:35) Quarterback Pocket Pressure (52:41) From Training to Sleep (54:31) Why Sleep Comes First (56:21) Dream Product Lineup (57:26) Mouth Breathing and Teeth (59:59) Nasal Strips and Afrin Loop (01:01:57) Silk Pillowcase Science (01:03:09) Building Dream Recovery (01:06:28) Sleep Tech and Alcohol (01:08:15) Baby News and Teslas (01:13:06) Chicago Marathon Mindset (01:14:45) Wrap Up and Subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 17m

  4. Jun 3

    The Voice of the UFC | Jon Anik

    Jon Anik is the voice of the UFC. Before calling the biggest fights in the world, he was a young broadcaster at ESPN trying to find his place in sports media. Then Dana White offered him a chance to help build the UFC during one of the most important growth periods in the company's history. In this conversation, Jon shares the journey from ESPN to the UFC, what it was like earning Dana White's trust, working alongside Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier, dealing with public criticism, and the preparation required to perform at the highest level for more than a decade. We also discuss the upcoming UFC event at the White House, the legendary Sphere event in Las Vegas, sports betting, Boston sports, and why repetition and discipline matter more than talent. This is a fascinating look behind the curtain of the UFC from the man who has called it all. Thank you to our sponsors Rho Nutrition: https://rhonutrition.com/ Code "RIDEOUT" Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/ Chapters (00:00) Meeting Jon Anik (00:26) Fame and Work Ethic (02:24) Working With Dana (04:30) Dana’s Generosity Stories (06:49) Broadcast Feedback Loop (10:28) Crafting Signature Calls (12:40) Prep and Memorization (14:01) Early Career Origins (18:31) ESPN to UFC Breakthrough (21:30) Leaving ESPN for UFC (24:52) White House Event Hype (28:28) Sphere and Live Venues (29:45) Music Tangent and Rogan (31:03) Rogan’s Generosity (32:45) Broadcast Chemistry (33:38) Handling Online Hate (36:06) Asking for Favors (38:52) Boston vs New York Fandom (43:17) Red Sox Reality Check (44:33) Twin Brother’s Career (46:10) Alt Combat Sports Rules (48:46) Gina vs Ronda Rewind (52:33) Women’s MMA Evolution (55:25) Betting and Politics (01:00:16) Broadcast Booth Dynamics (01:02:41) Wrap Up and Subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 5m

  5. May 29

    Jump Around. Crash Hard. | Danny Boy O'Connor

    Danny Boy O'Connor helped build one of the biggest songs of the 1990s. As a founding member of House of Pain, he watched "Jump Around" become a global anthem and experienced everything that came with it: money, fame, chaos, addiction, and eventually rock bottom. In this conversation, Danny shares stories from a childhood shaped by violence, crime, and survival. We talk about the rise of House of Pain, getting kicked off the Beastie Boys tour, sudden success, reckless spending, meth addiction, relapse, and the long road to recovery. But this isn't just a story about music. It's a story about redemption. After getting sober, Danny found a new purpose preserving The Outsiders House in Tulsa, turning a forgotten movie location into a museum that now inspires people from around the world. This is a conversation about identity, recovery, second chances, and what happens when you finally find a mission bigger than yourself. Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: ⁠ketone.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT” Rho Nutrition: https://rhonutrition.com/ Code "RIDEOUT" Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/ Chapters (00:00) OGs Reunion Intro (00:18) Boston UFC Night (02:09) Dana White Loyalty (02:55) Boston vs New York (05:52) Discretion in Fame (07:02) Hard Childhood Origins (09:03) Moving and Culture Shock (12:56) Ketone IQ Ad Break (13:59) Outsiders and Toughness (16:38) Sobriety Reality Check (17:44) Skipping School and Sports (19:09) Music and Kiss Dreams (20:27) Latchkey and Outsiders (22:16) Leaving Home Early (23:05) Credit Card Hustles (27:34) Gang Life and Charges (29:18) Kids Today Drink Less (30:07) Teen Drinking Fades (30:43) Street Life Origins (31:34) Hip Hop Identity (33:05) Cholo Style Valley Gangs (34:12) Everlast Demo Moment (42:19) House Of Pain Forms (45:01) Label Bids Tommy Boy (47:42) Money Fame Whiplash (47:56) Mickey Rourke Boxing Bond (52:53) Fame Panic And Payola (57:25) When Jump Around Faded (57:57) Hit Song Whiplash (58:28) Twilight Zone Success (59:28) Money Fame Temptations (59:54) Second Album Pressure (01:01:17) Beastie Boys Tour Blowup (01:02:57) Weedwear Hustle Origins (01:04:20) Beastie Boys Changed Hip Hop (01:06:18) Kicked Off Tour Fallout (01:07:57) Spending Spree Reality (01:09:45) House of Pain Breakup (01:10:21) Outlaw Biker Life (01:12:32) Haze Art Stories (01:14:37) Meth Addiction Spiral (01:20:03) First Meth Hit Malibu (01:22:00) Rock Bottom And Regret (01:24:30) Finding AA Community (01:25:59) Commitment One Day (01:26:53) Thirty Day Chip Moment (01:27:55) Trusted With Service (01:28:51) Leading And Sharing (01:29:24) Success Then Drift (01:30:26) Relapse Spiral (01:32:16) Rock Bottom Wake Up (01:34:01) New Surrender New Life (01:36:19) Prison Service Lessons (01:39:25) Outsiders Epiphany (01:42:13) Delta Bravo Origins (01:43:56) Buying The House (01:46:48) Community Builds Museum (01:49:27) S E Hinton And Fans (01:53:25) Museum Today Tulsa Love (01:58:16) Closing Thanks And Plugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    2 hr

  6. May 27

    Addicted at 15. NFL Star at 30. | Darren Waller

    Darren Waller was one of the most talented players in football.Georgia Tech standout. NFL draft pick. Pro Bowl tight end. Massive contracts. Fame. Success. But behind the scenes, he was spiraling. Addiction started at 15. Pills. Alcohol. Failed drug tests. Suspensions. A fentanyl overdose that nearly killed him. Eventually, the NFL banned him for a year. This conversation goes way deeper than football. We talk about identity, addiction, recovery, fame, relationships, loneliness, rebuilding your life from scratch, and what happens when you finally stop running from yourself. Darren opens up about rehab, working at Sprouts after losing football, fighting his way back to the NFL, signing life-changing contracts, his marriage and divorce, retiring from the game, and finding purpose through sobriety, music, and helping others recover. One of the most honest conversations we’ve had. Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: ⁠ketone.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT” Wild Roman: wildroman.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT15” Rho Nutrition: https://rhonutrition.com/ Code "RIDEOUT" Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/ Chapters (00:00) Darren Waller Joins (00:29) Music Roots and Passion (01:56) Atlanta Upbringing and Academics (04:58) Georgia Tech Grind (06:25) Position Switch and NFL Dreams (08:50) High School Arrest and Fallout (13:42) Addiction Begins (15:59) Identity and Belonging (20:51) College Partying and Arrest (24:42) Scouts Notice and Draft Path (31:16) Agents Combine and 40 Time (33:15) Drafted by Ravens (33:58) Combine Lies and Red Flags (35:24) NFL Money and Pill Supply (38:36) Rookie Camp and Injury Spiral (40:05) Switch to Tight End (40:28) Failed Tests and Suspension (43:15) Touchdowns and Shoulder Tear (46:33) Banned and Fentanyl Overdose (50:32) Detox and Rehab Breakthrough (51:40) Sprouts Job and Rebuilding (54:22) Training for Comeback (57:17) Raiders Chance and Breakout (01:00:04) Sobriety and Self Belief (01:03:40) NAD Plus Sponsor Break (01:04:44) Big Contract Setup (01:05:17) First Big Extension (01:06:54) Handling Fame and Money (01:07:37) Frugal Lifestyle Choices (01:09:53) Giving Back Through Foundation (01:10:50) Love Addiction and Marriage (01:16:01) Giants Trade and Retirement (01:21:20) Year Off and Self Work (01:23:02) Unretiring With Dolphins (01:27:15) Injury Comeback and Free Agency (01:29:19) Books Music and Wrap Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 33m

  7. May 22

    The World’s Strongest Man | Mitchell Hooper

    Mitchell Hooper became the strongest man on Earth almost by accident. A former marathon runner, exercise physiologist, and coach… he found Strongman late, exploded onto the scene, and became World’s Strongest Man in just a few years. But this conversation goes way deeper than strength. We talk about steroids, the Enhanced Games, performance obsession, money, success, mental health, addiction, suicide attempts, psychedelics, fatherhood, and faith. Mitchell opens up about the pressure of winning, the emptiness that can come with achievement, and the internal battles most people never see behind the titles. This is one of the most honest conversations we’ve had about masculinity, suffering, and what actually gives life meaning. Thank you to our sponsors Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: ⁠ketone.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT” Athletic Brewing: https://athleticbrewing.com Code "RIDEOUT" Athletic Nicotine: https://athleticnicotine.com/rideout Code "RIDEOUT" Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/ Chapters (00:00) Meet Mitchell Hooper (00:28) Hybrid Strength Challenge (01:33) Early Lifting Origins (04:09) Family And Athletic Roots (06:33) Imposter Syndrome And Winning (08:36) Success Money And Meaning (13:53) Strongman Culture And Rivalries (15:08) PED Reality In Strongman (18:01) Healthspan Hormones And Society (24:13) Starting Steroids And Gains (30:56) Marathon Days And Pacing Pain (32:52) Enhanced Games And Exercise Medicine (35:36) Cardio Versus Lifting (37:00) Avoiding The Middle Zone (38:07) Reps Sets And Intensity (39:52) Grip Strength And Carries (41:49) Progress Over Aesthetics (43:02) Body Dysmorphia Trap (44:30) Winning Feels Different (47:18) Family And Fertility (50:57) Strongman Bulking Diet (53:28) Deadlift Prep And Cues (58:55) Painkillers And Injuries (01:02:43) Discipline Builds Identity (01:06:32) Mental Health And Guilt (01:09:06) Running As Recovery (01:10:22) Fighting for Family (01:11:49) Therapy and Integration (01:13:12) Faith and Gratitude (01:15:52) Ibogaine and Addiction (01:18:27) DMT and Facing Death (01:21:36) Marriage and Showing Up (01:24:35) Addiction Story in Finance (01:26:57) ADHD Meds Reality Check (01:28:27) Enhanced Games Prep (01:29:15) Thor Rivalry and Attempts (01:32:37) Prize Money and Sponsors (01:35:48) Wife Backstage and Wrap (01:37:56) Podcast Outro and Plugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 39m

  8. May 20

    OxyContin, Graffiti, and a Second Chance | J-Mac

    Jason “J-Mac” McDonald grew up moving between Malden, Medford, Chelsea, East Boston, and Revere. Bullied, angry, and constantly trying to fit in, he found identity in graffiti, hip-hop, stealing, and eventually drugs. What started as tagging trains and shoplifting turned into OxyContin, heroin, violence, overdoses, and years of addiction that nearly killed him. This conversation goes deep into Boston street culture in the late 90s and early 2000s — graffiti wars, robberies, fights, train yards, addiction, and the opioid epidemic that destroyed an entire generation. But this isn’t just a story about drugs. It’s about fear.Fear of not being enough.Fear of being judged.Fear of changing. J-Mac talks openly about heroin addiction, relapse after eight years sober, losing friends to fentanyl, getting arrested while living in sober housing, and the moment that finally forced him to rebuild his life for good. Today, he’s sober, works in recovery helping addicts rebuild their lives, speaks in jails and treatment centers, and has turned his graffiti roots into a legitimate art career through murals, canvases, and custom work across New England. This is one of the rawest Boston episodes we’ve done. Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: ⁠ketone.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT” Timeline: timeline.com/rideout Code "RIDEOUT" Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/ Chapters (00:00) Meet J Mac (00:28) From Graffiti to Fine Art (02:37) Boston Roots and Opioids (04:19) Fear and Moving Around (06:50) Graffiti Alter Ego (08:47) Sponsor Break (09:37) Seventh Grade Heist Story (15:10) Sneakers and Peer Pressure (17:33) Haters and Self Belief (19:22) Recovery and Connection (24:02) High School Riot and Dad (28:16) First Opiates and Creativity (30:43) Hustles and Shoplifting (33:01) Boosting and Getaways (33:54) Graffiti Life and High Spots (34:16) Sticker Swap Paint Hustle (35:46) Recovery vs Old Habits (36:07) Mitochondria Supplement Ad (37:39) Oxy Takes Over (38:49) Cross Out Wars Explained (40:17) Mall Fight and Aftermath (42:33) Identity Beyond Graffiti (43:25) Relapse and Heroin Shift (46:13) First Heroin and Needles (49:18) Overdoses and Saving Friends (53:57) Fentanyl Changes Everything (01:00:47) Choosing Recovery and Detox (01:02:59) Family Intervention and First Sobriety (01:05:57) Secret Drinking Spiral (01:07:03) Halloween Rooftop Bust (01:08:14) Barrel Hideout Arrest (01:11:21) Court Cases Wake Up (01:12:29) East Boston Rehab Reset (01:14:38) 2013 Relapse Reality (01:17:18) Greg's Death Turning Point (01:20:20) Helping Others Through Barbering (01:22:43) Building an Art Career (01:31:17) Speaking and Jail Outreach (01:36:12) Final Recovery Message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 39m
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The Other Side of Hard, hosted by Ken Rideout — raw, gripping conversations with people who've pushed past the breaking point. Stories of resilience, redemption, and what's waiting on the other side.

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