Getting curious is the unsung hero of mental toughness. Sometimes our ego likes to play first man and we close ourselves off to the wisdom, expertise, and knowledge of others. But the truth is, when we do this we are actually closing ourselves off to growth, expansion, and enlightenment. The more available we are to learning and taking in what others have to offer the more we can fill our mind with the ‘good stuff’ and rid ourselves of the junk.  

LESSONS:

• Getting curious and becoming available to the expertise and knowledge of others is important in gaining wisdom and getting rid of that which doesn’t serve you.
• Get curious by asking the individuals you admire:
• 1. How do you do it?
  2. How did you get here?
  3. What have you learned and know to be true?
• Set aside your ego and become available to new information through books, conversations, podcasts, documentary movies, and more!

SUBSCRIBE:

Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND DR. L:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/

Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

Dr. L on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drlarapence/

CREDITS:

Production Team: Heather Knox, Knox Creative; Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Host: Dr. Lara Pence

Synopsis: Dr. Lara Pence

© 2018 Spartan

Kwame Christian, Director of the American Negotiation Institute, says any time two people are in a conversation and one of them wants something it’s a negotiation. The best things in life often lie on the other side of difficult conversations. We are negotiating all the time!  In this interview, he shares a series of tools to help you negotiate anything, then puts Joe through a negotiation sparring session to demonstrate. Kwame believes using “compassionate curiosity” and understand the value of relationships, the importance of deep listening and questioning are the true art of negotiating. Stay tuned to the end of the conversation for the tools he recommends to  “channel your inner unreasonable person” and win the day.

As an added bonus, if you watch on YouTube you’ll get to see Col. Nye behind the wheel for this on the move interview.

LESSONS:

1. Learn to recognize when you are negotiating.
2. Get CURIOUS to see what is going to get the deal done.
3. The person asking the questions is controlling the conversation, not the person talking.
4. LISTEN.
5. Have compassion.
6. Understand the value of building relationships.
7. Use negotiating as a brainstorming session to solve problems.

LINKS:

• American Negotiation Institute http://americannegotiationinstitute.com
• “Nobody Will Play With Me: How To Use Compassionate Curiosity to Find Confidence in Conflict”  https://amzn.to/2Eo6wNx

This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by FitAid. Race dirty, recover clean with FitAid. Visit FORTHEFITAID.com and sign up to win an amazing Grand Prize package from FitAid and Spartan, monthly Spartan prize packs, and more! FITAID – Recovery for YOUR active lifestyle.

TIME STAMPS

1:40 FORTHEFITAID.COM

2:17 Interview begins - careful the Col. is behind the wheel ;)

6:00 Tips and tricks for negotiating  

7:30 Negotiation practice - Sparring session

9:00 Compassionate curiosity

11:30 The role of ego in winning/ losing

11:48 FITAID Break

14:04 Interview continues :A negotiation step by step

17:32 Brainstorming to solve problems

19:00 Three key skills explained: Pace, direction & framing

24:25 Sefra, Dr.L, Joe & Johnny discuss interview

SUBSCRIBE:

Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/

Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra & Dr. L

Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra

Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty

© 2018 Spartan

What is sleep? Why do we sleep? And what does sleep really do? Even though sleep is a fundamental part of of our daily routine the scientific community still debates many topics about our sleep. But, a few things are clear: we need it and can’t function without it. And, it’s a powerful way to support mental and physical health. Our brains do a lot when we sleep. In this episode, we’ll talk about why you need your Zzzzzz’s!

WHAT WE COVER:

Low energy, poor memory, irritability, and weight gain…what do these things have in common? Not - enough - sleep!

1. Why do we sleep? Despite years of research, we still don’t know all the aspects of why we sleep but scientists do know we need it and can’t survive without. Even though we all know we need a good night’s sleep I in 3 adults in the US don’t get enough of it.
2. How much do you need?

             - most of us require between 7-8 hours but some may need closer to 9. Anything less than that and you’re robbing your body of much needed down time to regenerate, recharge, heal and for the brain to consolidate learning from what you’ve done that day. A lot happens while you sleep from hormone release to learning and storage of information from that day’s activities.

1.  If you don’t get enough sleep it can contribute to:

             - poor learning and memory

             - decreased stamina

             - increased stress hormone cortisol (not good, it can increase inflammation and negatively impact immune function)

             - Increased blood pressure

             - weight gain! Your body is more likely to gain weight because your metabolism is less efficient and you have more ghrelin – a hormone that can increase appetite.

Bottom line, catch your Zzzz’s so your body and mind are primed and ready for your next race!

KEY TERMS & IDEAS:

• Sleep is critical to our health yet 1 in 3 adults in the US don’t get enough of it.
• 7-8 hours of sleep per night is the average most of need for optimal health benefits.
• Sleep helps us learn, store memory, perform healthy cellular repair and regeneration
• Poor, disrupted or not enough sleep decreases stamina and physical performance, negatively affects memory and raises stress hormones, blood pressure and can cause weight gain

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Follow Nada on LInkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nada-milosavljevic-35b502b9/

Sage Tonic www.sagetonic.com

Sage Tonic on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sagetonic/

“Clues to the functions of mammalian sleep” Nature 2005 Oct 27; 437 (7063), 1264-1271.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16251951

“Sleep deprivation: Impact on cognitive performance” Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2007 Oct; 3(5): 553–567

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2656292/

“The impact of sleep deprivation on hormones and metabolism” Medscape, Neurology, Insomnia and Sleep Help, Nov 2018.

https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/50282

SUBSCRIBE:

Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/

Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:

Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Writer and Host: Nada Milosavljevic MD, JD

© 2018 Spartan

Adversity and obstacles are always going to be there. Once you accept this, your obstacles can no longer control you. You begin to view obstacles as opportunities. You begin to thrive under adversity because adversity builds your Character!

LESSONS:

• Obstacles are Opportunities.
• Your mindset towards challenges will determine your outcome.
• Injuries are not a green light to sit on the couch and sulk. Work around your injuries and find a way instead of finding an excuse.
• Think about all the men and women we’ve interviewed for Spartan UP! They ALL took the obstacles and challenges and turned them into an opportunity!

LINKS:

More about Zach https://zacheven-esh.com

Read “The Spartan Way” https://www.spartan.com/en/race/learn-more/race-types-overview?article=the-spartan-way-book

SUBSCRIBE:

Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP & Zach:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/

Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

Follow Zach on Instagram https://instagram.com/zevenesh

Follow Zach on Twitter https://twitter.com/zevenesh

Zach’s STRONG Life Podcast https://apple.co/2vFaCv1

CREDITS:

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Host & Show Notes:  Zach Even - Esh

© 2018 Spartan

We often wait to get started on projects or activities until we are motivated. But the ‘I’ll start when I’m motivated’ is leaving us stuck and stagnant. That’s because it’s momentum that builds motivation - not being still. Stillness stifles. Momentum motivates. Once you get going on your next project or new activity the motivation that you’ve been looking for will build as you grow the muscle of your work.

LESSONS:
Stillness stifles. Momentum motivates.
Don’t wait on getting motivated to get moving. Your movement will grow the motivation.
Start anywhere and keep pushing onward.

SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND DR. L:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod
Dr. L on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drlarapence/

CREDITS:

Production Team: Heather Knox, Knox Creative; Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Host: Dr. Lara Pence
Synopsis: Dr. Lara Pence

© 2018 Spartan

Aaron Hinde, Co-Founder & President of LIFEAID, tells us how he has used his Universal ATM: Alignment, Trajectory & Momentum to build a huge brand organically and in the process has gathered a super loyal and positive community. He put everything into the creation of a healthier alternative to sodas and energy drinks, living on a frugal diet of canned tuna until the ATM paid off. The advice this week is as refreshing as the “Performance Beverages.”

LESSONS:

1. Universal ATM: Alignment, Trajectory, Momentum
2. It’s not a time issue it’s an engagement issue: BE PRESENT
3. Never stop doing the little things
4. Keep pushing, be conscious & positive
5. Operate like everything you do will be on the front page of the paper

LINKS:

LIFEAID https://www.lifeaidbevco.com

Aaron on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aaronhinde/

Fitaid on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fitaid/

This episode is brought to you by AfterShokz. Be open and hear it all with AfterShokz open-ear headphones, delivering situational awareness and comfort, unmatched by traditional in-ear or over-the-ear headphones. Visit spartan.aftershokz.com for $50 off wireless headphone bundles.

TIME STAMPS:

0:00 Introduction

0:50 Spartan.aftershokz.com

1:20 Interview begins

1:45 hustler mentality

3:15 paying your own way

4:00 living off the grid

5:00 getting by on $1,000/ month

7:00 slinging cans at golf tournaments

8:30 having alignment

9:30 focus on trajectory

10:20 aftershokz break

13:26 interview continues

14:30 Universal ATM

16:00 repping the brand

18:50 time vs. engagement

29:10 Sefra, Angle, Johnny & Joe discuss the interview

SUBSCRIBE:

Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/

Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye and guest host Angel Sanz.

Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra

Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty

© 2018 Spartan

Caffeine in one form or another is used by about 90% of Americans every single day. How much caffeine you consume can have a direct effect on your health. Know your limits and the signs and symptoms of too much caffeine.

WHAT WE COVER:

We’ve all been there…you’re dragging and have a busy day ahead…you need a quick boost. Many of us turn to caffeine.

1.  First of all, I’ve never known of anyone to die from caffeine overdose. Although death by caffeine sounds unlikely…can it occur and how much is too much? So, about 400mg of caffeine is the point at which most of us can develop caffeine intoxication. What does that mean?

Physically you:

-Start to sweat

-Get Clammy hands

-Feel Heart palpitations

-You can become Irritable, agitated, jittery and it’s hard to sit still

-In its most severe case, it can cause life threatening atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) which can prompt an MI (myocardial infarct) or heart attack.

1.  Well, how much caffeine is in the stuff we drink? Your typical 8 oz cup of black coffee (straight up not with syrup, whipped cream, flavorings) has about 95mg of caffeine. Some will have upwards of 150 depending on the type of bean and how it’s processed. So, having 3 cups coffee, depending on the type, and you’re already nearing the range for caffeine intoxication.
2.  By comparison, your typical cup of tea also depends on the type green or black can have anywhere from 30-70mg of caffeine per cup. In tea, a good portion of the caffeine leaches out in the first 30s of brewing. If you want to lower caffeine content, brew for 30s pour off that first batch and re-steep. If you want that caffeine then don’t.
3.  Key points for caffeine in coffee and tea – don’t overdo it; be in tune with your body and any symptoms of too much caffeine; other than that choose your brew and enjoy!

KEY TERMS & IDEAS:

• Some form of caffeine is consumed by approx 90% of Americans everyday.
• The upper limit of caffeine consumption is 400mg per day. In that range you can experience caffeine intoxication
• Typical 8 oz. cup of coffee is about 95mg of caffeine and an equivalent  cup of tea is about 40mg of caffeine.
• Know your limits and the symptoms of too much caffeine: sweating, clammy hands, heart palpitations, anxiety, and irritability to name a few.  

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Follow Nada on LInkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nada-milosavljevic-35b502b9/

Sage Tonic www.sagetonic.com

Sage Tonic on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sagetonic/

“Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more” Mayo Clinic Staff, Healthy Lifestyle/Nutrition and Healthy Eating

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

“Caffeine Toxicity” Drugs & Diseases / Emergency Medicine, Medscape updated: Aug 21, 2018.

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/821863-overview

SUBSCRIBE:

Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/

Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:

Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Writer and Host: Nada Milosavljevic MD, JD

© 2018 Spartan

We often hear others talking about focusing on one thing. In fact, you might be doing this yourself. You’re focused on work? Focused on family? Instead of just focusing one area of your life, simply apply excellence to ALL areas of your life. A Spartan exercises discipline and excellence to ALL areas of life.

LESSONS:

• It’s easier to apply excellence to ALL your areas of your life.
• Change your mindset. Stop saying that you’re only focused on 1 area. Instead, apply excellence to ALL areas of your life.
• You build more momentum by applying excellence to all areas of your life.
• Life is complicated enough. Don’t complicate it more by only focusing on one thing and being “good enough” at the rest.

LINKS:

More about Zach https://zacheven-esh.com

Read “The Spartan Way” https://www.spartan.com/en/race/learn-more/race-types-overview?article=the-spartan-way-book

SUBSCRIBE:

Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP & Zach:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/

Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

Follow Zach on Instagram https://instagram.com/zevenesh

Follow Zach on Twitter https://twitter.com/zevenesh

Zach’s STRONG Life Podcast https://apple.co/2vFaCv1

CREDITS:

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Host & Show Notes:  Zach Even - Esh

© 2018 Spartan

We all have a set of coaches that reside in our head at any given time. Many of these are a compilation of past individuals who have influenced us and their past messages have now become our own internalized voice. Many of these are helpful but some of them may be harmful because their messages are negative in nature or bring us down rather than lift us up. Learning how to differentiate between the helpful coaches and harmful ones is an important step in weeding out what doesn’t serve us.

LESSONS:

• Be aware not only of what messages you send yourself internally but also where these messages might be coming from.
• Differentiate between which internal coaches are helpful and which are harmful. Which ones make you feel good about yourself?
• Quiet the harmful coaches by calling up the helpful ones and giving them more air time in your head.

SUBSCRIBE:

Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND DR. L:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/

Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

Dr. L on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drlarapence/

CREDITS:

Production Team: Heather Knox, Knox Creative; Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Host: Dr. Lara Pence

Synopsis: Dr. Lara Pence

© 2018 Spartan

What does it take to become an Olympian and do those things carry over into success in other endeavors? If anyone knows it’s Mike Miller. He’s CEO of the World Olympian Association, which brings together the 120,000 living Olympic alumni. How do these athletes transition into the business world? Will Spartan become an Olympic sport? The Olympic spirit is strong in SPartan’s international competitions!

LESSONS
Set a plan. Work hard to achieve the plan.
Be motivated by your values.
Push yourself in training.
Be curious.
Keep positive people around you.
GO FOR IT - don’t overthink.
If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not trying.
Approach life the way you would approach training for the Olympics.
Be a part of someone else's success

LINKS
World Olympians Association https://olympians.org/

This episode of Spartan Up! Is brought to you by Powerful Foods. Fuel your active lifestyle with high-protein, no sugar added products, made with natural ingredients. Visit Shop.Spartan.com/Powerful for a 10% OFF any Powerful product, with code SPARTANPOWER.

TIME STAMPS
00:00 Introduction with Johnny, Sefra and Col. Nye
00:47 Powerful Foods shop.spartan.com/powerful code SpartanPower
1:17 Interview with Mike Miller
2:45 Transitioning from being an Olympian
4:00 How athleticlic skills translate to business
5:15 Who are you after retirement
6:30 Mentoring programs
7:25 Pushing yourself in training
8:45 Olympic games as a platform to bring people together
10:00 Spartan in the Olympics?
10:32 Powerful Foods break
13:00 Mike Miller Interview continues
14:30 Believe in yourself
15:15 Be determined in life
18:00 Help others to succeed
20:20 Everyone has skills
21:40 Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, and Col. Tim Nye discuss the interview.
26:43 Performance Foods close

SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye
Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra
Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty

© 2018 Spartan