The Hard Way w/ Joe De Sena

34% of his body was burned when the Humvee he was driving hit an antitank mine in Iraq. Do you define yourself by your scars or do you conquer all obstacles with mindset, tenacity and humor. This week we speak with Dancing with the Stars champion JR about the art of adversity and about Joe dancing to Donna Summer.

 

LESSONS  

  1. Do you follow? Do you to break off lead? Don’t be a sheep.
  2. Obstacles in your way? SO WHAT - just do it.
  3. You will regret the things NOT done, rather than the other way around.
  4. ASK: Are you happy where you are at? If not, change it.
  5. Always show up your best self.
  6. Control the reaction to your environment.
  7. Your life is a book - be the author!
  8. Bring people into your circle that challenge you.
  9. Pay attention and enjoy the small details of life- the learning moments
  10. Ask yourself what’s your legacy: take the path less traveled.

 

LINKS

 

This episode of “Spartan Up!”  is sponsored by Athletic Greens.  Get 20 travel packs free when you order at https://athleticgreens.com/spartan

 

TIME STAMPS

00:00 intro

00:58 athletic greens intro

1:27 interview begins

2:00 34% of JR’s body burned - understanding identity

2:45 Mindset vs. physical appearance

4:00 Joining the army

5:55 Giving back to the country

7:00 How life shapes you

8:45 Heading to war

10:00 Not giving up

11:55 Athletic Greens break

14:17 Interview continues

15:00 Joe dancing to Donna Summers

17:00 The tale of Shackleton

20:00 Reacting to triggers

22:00 Don’t become stuck in rut

23:00 Who do you bring into your circle

25:00 How to find inspiration in everything

26:00 Journey not the destination

26:16 Sefra, Angel, Johnny & Joe discuss the interview

31:41 AthleticGreens.com/Spartan

 

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

Direct download: 220_SUP_EDIT_JR_MARTINEZ_FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Ben Franklin has a famous quote that speaks volumes: Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.

What does your day look like? Do you get to bed too late and in turn, your morning is a struggle? Lack of sleep will negatively affect your health, relationships, energy levels and career! Listen to this episode to hear what successful people do.

 

LESSONS:


How working late to get more work done eventually negatively affects your productivity.
How to slowly begin waking up earlier than your normal routine.
How to “put points on the score board” first thing in the morning.

 

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

 

 

 

Direct download: SPARTAN_WAY_EP12_V2exp_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Engaging in a mindful practice each day can help reduce stress and increase your performance on certain tasks. But nowadays, individuals are feeling pressured to start this practice without acquiring an understanding of what mindfulness is and how to engage in the process. Simply stated, mindfulness is really just paying attention. It is bringing the focus into the present and developing a sense of nowness. You don’t have to engage in a sixty, thirty, or even twenty-minute practice of mindfulness each day in order to reap the benefits. Simple techniques throughout the day can help you become more present.

 

LESSONS:

  • Mindfulness helps reduce stress, increases your performance on tasks, and keeps you focused on the present rather than always existing in the future.
  • Try not to become overwhelmed by the idea of mindfulness. You don’t need to be a yogi, meditate daily, own a candle, or enjoy soft music to meditate.
  • A simple technique to help bring you into the present and engage mindfully is called 5, 5, and 5. In your head, name the following:
    1. Five things you can see.
    2. Five things you can hear.
    3. Five things you can touch.



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

Direct download: 012_SPARTAN_MIND_MINDFULNESS.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:07am EDT

You want to shift your paradigm and find optimal health? Get ready to dig in for some hard work: break up with yourself, vision cast and sit down to do some writing. The new Director of Programming at Shrugged Collective and host of the Barbell Shrugged Podcast,  wants you to “live a pain free, empowered life through mindful movement,” and take time to give attention to your intentions. Shrugged Collective spread great wings of wisdom over this year's Podfest in at Spartan World Championships in Tahoe - we can’t wait for next year!

 

 

LESSONS

  • Vision casting: focus your attention on where you want to be a long way from now
  • Have a conversation with yourself about the grand vision and goals of your life- yearly
  • Know why you’re working so hard to get where you’re going
  • Create space, set your direction, find mentors
  • Pay attention to where you are spending your time and who you are surrounded by
  • Craft intentional actions to get where you want to be
  • Break up with your “old self” and habits to make space for new positive things
  • “Be ready to make everyone around you an asset to the next step of your life”
  • Don’t yell at inanimate objects :)
  • Shared experiences matter
  • Unite with others through health, nutrition and movement
  • Take time to sit down and write freely
  • “Write 500 words, one page, on everything you want to do in the next ten years- focusing on emotions versus things to make it more real”
  • Be empowered to ask for help

 

LINKS

Shrugged Collective https://shruggedcollective.com

Shrugged Collective on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BarbellShruggedPodcast/

Shrugged Collective on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shruggedcollective/

The Strong  Coach www.thestrongcoach.com

 

This episode of “Spartan Up!”  is sponsored by Athletic Greens.  Get 20 travel packs free when you order at https://athleticgreens.com/spartan

 

TIME STAMPS

0:00 Intro

1:04 Athletic Greens offer

1:30 Interview with Anders Varner

1:45 How Barbell influenced the Spartan Up Podcast

3:35 Vision casting

4:10 Goal setting

5:10 The system of coaching

5:50 Where you spend your time

7:00 Using intentional actions to get where you want to be

8:00 Breaking up with your old self

8:45 Athletic Greens Break

12:58 Interview continues

13:30 How and why you should break up with yourself

14:50 Doing the same thing, expecting different results

15:15 Moving on to the next thing

18:00 Write it down

19:00 Why sharing experiences matter  

20:00 “A sky full of lighters”

21:00 Three simple actions  

22:25 Sefra, Angel, Johnny & Joe discuss the interview

27:30 AthleticGreens.com/Spartan



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. Time Nye  and guest host Angel Sanz.

Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra

Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty

 

© 2018 Spartan

 

Direct download: 219_SUP_EDIT_ANDERS_VARNER_FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Do you remember our earlier episode on how obstacles are opportunities? Well, if you’re stressed out, you likely have an obstacle standing in your way which is simply an opportunity in hiding! Here’s how to reduce stress and boost productivity by learning a simply system for organizing your day and week.


LESSONS:

How to multiply your success by being highly organized.
How to structure your week ahead by organizing on a Sunday night.
How to make each day count by choosing & organizing your top 3 daily goals

 

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

Direct download: SPARTAN_WAY_EP11_V2exp_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Shame is a focus on self, whereas guilt is a focus on behavior. When we use language that is self-deprecating and shaming in nature our self-esteem struggles. Shaming language, such as “I’m a failure”, “I’m an idiot”, “I’m a loser”, creates a belief system that our struggles are inherent to who we are and fixed rather than demonstrations of difficult moments in time. It’s important to transition from shaming language that focuses on self to ways of thinking and expressing that is more focused on behavior. In doing so, not only will you be more available to growth but you won’t feel as hopeless about change.

LESSONS:
• Shaming language that we use about our own sense of self reduces our self-esteem and contributes to a negative thinking pattern. 

• Shift the focus away from self and onto behavior if you are interesting in making changes, becoming more available to growth, and increasing your motivation. 

• A few examples include:

1. “I’m a failure” becomes “I failed at that task.” 

2. “I’m an idiot” becomes “That wasn’t the smartest thing to do.” 



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

Direct download: 011_SPARTAN_MIND_SHAMING.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

The Managing Director at the helm of Craft Sportswear.  He tells Joe what motivated him to a position of success, hint: people told him he wasn’t qualified.  This week we learn that when someone tells you you can’t, that can be your fuel to show them just how well you CAN!

 

Lessons:

  • Get past fear in life
  • You don’t need a degree to get to the top
  • When someone says you can’t, use that as fuel to show you can
  • Find the balance between work, life and play
  • Understand the value of your team
  • Trusting your team is key  
  • Bring positive energy and push boundaries
  • Love the obstacles you confront in work
  • Be outside your comfort zone in the UNCOMFORT zone  
  • Be aware of cultural differences in business
  • Don’t be your biggest obstacle
  • TRUST IN YOURSELF

 

This episode of “Spartan Up!”  is sponsored by Athletic Greens.  Get 20 travel packs free when you order at https://athleticgreens.com/spartan

 

Time Stamps:

0:00 intro

0:49 Athletic Greens special offer

1:17 interview begins

2:00 invention of polyester clothing layering system

3:45 working class to ceo at 32

5:00 being competitive in business

6:00 balance between hobbies, personal life and work

6:45 it takes a team

7:00 the benefits of trust and positive energy to push boundaries

7:42 Athletic Greens break

10:24 Interview continues: love the obstacles & be outside your comfort zone

11:45 cultural differences in business

12:50 the biggest obstacle can be yourself

14:10 get out of your comfort zone

15:20 Spartan Apparel

17:13 Sefra, Colonel Nye, Johnny & Joe discuss the interview

22:52 Athletic Greens 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, and Col. Tim Nye.

Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra

Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty

 

© 2018 Spartan

Direct download: 218_EDIT_STEFAN_PERSSON__ASSEMBLY_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Have you ever felt like you’re in a slump? The less you do, the LESS you want to do! Take a noter from Tony Robbins; he always talks about “getting into state”. Do 1 thing to move you towards your goal. Move forward, never stay stagnant.

LESSONS:

Action always beats inaction
Think about something you want to get better. Do 1 Thing to move towards that goal.
Action beats momentum. The more forward action you take, the more action you WANT to take!

 


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

Direct download: SPARTAN_WAY_EP10_V2exp_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Internal emotional boundaries refer to the boundaries that are required for you to set in order to avoid absorbing and taking on the emotions of other individuals. It’s important for us to set these boundaries so that we don’t become overwhelmed by the other people’s emotions and then become overregulated ourselves. We often need to become intentional with these boundaries and develop an internal coach that can remind us that we do not need to bring in feelings that are not our own.   


LESSONS:

Internal Emotional Boundaries are important to set so that we reduce the risk of taking on the emotions of other people.

Develop an internal coach that reminds you that you do not need to absorb other people’s feelings.

Use a mantra to assist in setting these internal emotional boundaries. Something like this could be helpful:

That’s their feelings, it doesn’t have to be my feeling.

Those are their emotions, not mind.

Dr. L’s favorite: That’s their crazy, it doesn’t have to be my crazy.


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

Direct download: 010_SPARTAN_MIND_INTERNAL_EMOTIONAL_BOUNDARIES.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:48am EDT

An adaptive professional athlete, veteran,and Adaptive Athletes Liaison for Operation Enduring Warrior he has been “Lopezing” friends, comrades and racers sparking their passion and fortitude to conquer the obstacles of life and on the course - over walls, up the ropes and on extended endurance challenges, all with one arm and a ceaseless smile on his face. The excuse destroyer knows you can do more than you think you can! In this interview Lopez gets honest about the difficulties he faced, even considering suicide at one point, and how he found the passion to get others moving.

Lessons:
• You decide how you define yourself

• It’s important to clearly define your mission  

• No matter what, just keep walking 

• Make someone’s day better, be a “spark” in their life

• Always put things in perspective 

• Learn what hard work actually means 

• Love the fear of a new direction 

• Use what bothers you as fuel 

• Your story is not who you were, but who you are and want to BECOME 

• Be better today then you were yesterday 

• Don’t be afraid of the “hurt”


LINKS:
Spartan Elite Para Heat https://www.spartan.com/en/race/detail/4011/overview?filter=para
Operation Enduring Warrior https://www.enduringwarrior.org/
Jonathan Lopez https://www.instagram.com/lopez.oew/
Spartan Agoge https://www.spartan.com/en/race/endurance-events/endurance-events-overview?article=29031

This episode of “Spartan Up!”  is sponsored by Athletic Greens.  Get 20 travel packs free when you order at https://athleticgreens.com/spartan

Time Stamps:
0:00 host intro
0:33 Athletic Greens special offer
1:00 interview begins
1:40 does injury define you?
3:00 don’t take no for an answer
4:00 what is your mission?
6:00 inspiring strangers
7:40 athletic greens break
11:50 Elite Spartan Para Race info
12:27 interview continues
13:55 turning what bothers you into fuel
14:14 attempted suicide
15:00 you story as who you want to become
16:00 Spartan’s contribution to the adapted athlete community
17:45 Obstacle course racing as confidence building courses
19:00 Sefra, Angle, Johnny & Joe discuss the interview
24:15 Athletic Greens 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, and Col. Tim Nye.
Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra
Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty

© 2018 Spartan

Direct download: 217_SUP_EDIT_Jonathan_Lopez_FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT