The Hard Way With Joe De Sena

May 2025
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Tue, 27 May 2025

This Is Where Real Growth Happens (And Why You’re Avoiding It)

In this episode, Joe De Sena talks with strength coach and entrepreneur Chris Duffin about what it really takes to become mentally and physically unbreakable.

Chris shares his powerful 6-phase framework for personal growth — from standing on the edge of a big decision to climbing out of rock bottom stronger than ever. You’ll hear raw stories of failure, recovery, and the daily discipline it takes to build true resilience.

He explains why discomfort is essential for growth, how to train your mind like a muscle, and how small, consistent actions can carry you through even the hardest seasons of life. If you’re facing setbacks, burnout, or just want to get tougher, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to rise.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:44 Meet Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Strength

01:22 From Wilderness Trauma to Resilience Expert

05:19 How to Grow Through Hard Times

10:05 The Pit Is the Place

12:08 Don’t Stay on the Peak Too Long

14:39 Squatting 800 Pounds a Day for 30 Days

18:16 Go Public, Find a Why, and Take It Day by Day

19:02 Helping People Build Mental Toughness

19:50 Merging Biomechanics and Mental Resilience

Connect to Chris:

Website: https://chrisduffin.com

Instagram: @mad_scientist_duffin

Facebook: Chris Duffin – Kabuki Strength

LinkedIn: Chris Duffin

YouTube: @MadScientistDuffin

Direct download: Chris_Duffin_Full_Audio_-_V1_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Tue, 20 May 2025

Adopt the “Never Zero” Mindset & Be the Man Who Never Quits

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with CrossFit Games champion and Train Hard founder Jason Khalipa to explore what it really means to build grit, discipline, and lasting strength in a world that’s getting softer by the day.

Jason shares the powerful life lessons he’s learned through elite competition, fatherhood, and personal adversity. They dive into the “Never Zero” mindset, the Train Hard code, and why fitness isn’t just about reps or aesthetics but about showing up strong for your family, your mission, and yourself.

Whether you're struggling to stay consistent, looking to level up, or just need a wake-up call, this episode will challenge you to train harder, live better, and never quit.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:42 Meet Jason Khalipa

01:13 Pushing through when you want to quit

02:07 The power of “why” and the right mindset

04:52 Jason’s upbringing and the impact of immigrant grit

06:06 How to raise tough kids in a comfortable world

08:06 Jason’s daughter’s leukemia journey

08:57 Why fitness matters beyond the physical

10:37 Discovering CrossFit and building a gym empire

12:22 Jason’s mission to help men train hard and do better

16:24 On fatherhood, energy, and avoiding the slow decline

19:44 “Never Zero” mindset: keep the momentum going

20:57 Practical & simple nutrition rules to follow

23:01 Where to find Jason and the Train Hard community

Connect to Jason:

Website: jasonkhalipa.com

Instagram: @jasonkhalipa

Facebook: Jason Khalipa

LinkedIn: Jason Khalipa

YouTube: Jason Khalipa

Twitter/X: @jasonkhalipa

Direct download: Jason_Khalipa_Full_Audio_-_V1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Tue, 13 May 2025

Raise Girls Who Lead, Fight, and Never Flinch

What does it really take to raise strong, confident girls in today’s world? In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Cesalina Gracie – Mount Everest climber, self-defense expert, and member of the iconic Gracie Jiu Jitsu family. Cesalina runs an all-women’s martial arts academy and has trained girls as young as two to stand their ground, trust their instincts, and lead with power.

They dive deep into the real difference between competition and challenge, how to motivate kids without pressure or fear, and why female empowerment starts with mindset, not medals. Cesalina shares unfiltered stories from her own upbringing in the world’s most famous fighting family and explains how she turned discipline, self-awareness, and real-life preparedness into a lifelong mission.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro 00:43 Meet Cesalina Gracie

01:59 Upbringing, Discipline, and Family Values 04:25 Leading by Example

07:33 Building Confidence in Girls & Women 09:00 When Competition Becomes a Burden 13:51 The Importance of Self-Motivation

18:11 Competition vs. Challenge Debate

25:14 How to Connect with Cesalina’s

26:15 Final Thoughts

Connect to Cesalina:

🌐 Website: https://cesalina.com/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cesagracie

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cesalinagracie

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cesalina-gracie-096792117

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cesalinagracie

✖️ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/cesagracie

Direct download: Cesalina_Gracie_Full_Audio_-_V1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

Tue, 6 May 2025

Samurai Wisdom for a Modern Warrior’s Mind

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with James Pieratt—a man who turned a past of heroin addiction and prison into a life of discipline, grit, and ultra-endurance. Now, he’s gearing up to run 1,000 miles along the California coast.

Discover how James rewrote his life's script by embracing ancient warrior wisdom, conquering addiction, and pushing human limits. Whether you're feeling stuck, battling personal demons, or just need a massive dose of inspiration, this episode will light a fire in your soul and show you that NO obstacle is too big to overcome.

Get ready for a raw, unfiltered journey of human resilience that will make you believe anything is possible!

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:15 James’ Upbringing and Early Struggles

06:11 Cold Turkey Recovery & Methadone Withdrawal

06:59 Sources of Wisdom & Role of YouTube

09:55 Ancient Warrior Wisdom Applied to Modern Life

12:55 Ego as the Biggest Obstacle to Face

14:25 Endurance as a Path to Grow

15:24 Legendary Runners Who Inspire

20:26 3 Life Lessons to Apply Now

Connect to James: