The Hard Way With Joe De Sena
In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Laird Hamilton, a legendary big wave surfer, who’s built his entire life around mastering fear, taking risks, and staying grounded.
From riding 80-foot waves to building a purpose-driven brand, he shares how the ocean broke his ego, shaped his mindset, and taught him what really matters. This is more than a story about surfing — it’s about how to stay calm in chaos, lead with heart, and turn life’s wipeouts into wisdom.
If you’re ready to stop holding back and start living boldly, don’t miss this episode.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro 
00:47 Meet Laird Hamilton
01:03 How Laird grew up surfing
04:15 Puberty and the thrill-seeking mindset
05:42 Would Laird do it all over again
08:02 Laird’s transition to being a business innovator
11:01 When risk-taking becomes a trap
14:50 Being a father and husband
16:26 Launching Laird Superfood
20:55 Business growth and being authentic
24:19 The cost of not compromising
28:40 Food quality: Europe vs. US
30:34 Where to find Laird and his products
 
Connect to Laird:
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with a Marine veteran, Rob Jones, who lost both legs to an IED—but didn’t lose his drive, purpose, or grit.
 
Instead, he came back stronger, running 31 marathons in 31 days, winning a Paralympic medal, and building a powerful life rooted in service, family, and leadership. His story is a masterclass in resilience, perspective, and unstoppable mindset.
 
If you’ve ever felt stuck, defeated, or uncertain about your path, this episode will show you what’s possible when you choose purpose over pain—and keep showing up, no matter what.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:48 Meet Rob Jones
01:11 Life lesson from the Marines
02:36 From selfish college kid to selfless soldier
03:47 Why selflessness matters for success
04:57 Can selflessness be taught in schools?
06:14 Ego, avoidance, and the courage to take responsibility
08:16 The IED that changed Rob’s life
09:59 The power of perspective after trauma
11:23 Dark moments: Waking up after the blast
14:15 Projecting a hopeless future vs. choosing to live
15:02 Marathons, medals, and fatherhood
17:32 What’s next for Rob
18:51 How do people find Rob
20:23 Final thoughts
 
Connect to Rob:
Direct download: Rob_Jones_Full_Audio_-_V1_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Dean Karnazes, one of the world’s most relentless endurance athletes. Dean is an ultra-marathoner and is still competing hard at 60+.
 
From a spontaneous 30-mile run sparked by tequila to training like a Spartan with no gym, he shares powerful lessons on discipline, resilience, and building a body—and mindset—that doesn’t quit.
 
You’ll learn how micro workouts can transform your day, why breathing through your nose can upgrade your endurance, and how to push past your limits when your mind wants to give up.
If you’re looking for motivation to get moving, level up your habits, or stop making excuses, this is the episode you need.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:41 Dean’s Spartan Roots
01:47 Why People Hate Running
02:57 The Drunken Start of Dean’s Running Career
05:09 How He Stays Healthy Over 60
06:20 Nose Breathing and Ancient Spartan Tactics
06:56 Dean’s Hardest Challenge: 50 Marathons in 50 Days
07:55 The Power of Not Thinking
09:49 What’s Next: From Dead Sea to Everest
12:42 Advice for Regular People
16:49 The One Workout Everyone Should Do
17:11 Where to Find Dean
 
 
Connect to Dean:
Direct download: Dean_Karnazes_Full_Audio_-_V1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:32pm EST

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Jessica Buchanan, a humanitarian worker who was kidnapped in Somalia and held hostage for 93 harrowing days.
 
With no weapons, no training, and no escape in sight, Jessica relied on grit, faith, and the raw power of the human spirit to survive. She shares the terrifying details of her abduction, the mental strength it took to stay alive, and how she turned her pain into purpose.
 
If you’ve ever doubted your own resilience, this conversation will remind you: you are stronger than you think.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:50 Jessica’s 93-Day Kidnapping Story
01:21 Realizing Inner Strength in Captivity
04:09 The Value of Manufactured Adversity
06:24 What Happened in Somalia
12:09 Building Mental Resilience, One Minute at a Time
14:48 The Rescue: Navy SEAL Operation
20:05 Life After Trauma and Finding Purpose
21:39 How to Connect with Jessica
21:53 Final Message
 
Connect to Jessica:
camera with flash Instagram: @jessicacbuchanan
blue book Facebook: Jessica Buchanan
briefcase LinkedIn: Jessica Buchanan
Direct download: Jessica_Buchanan_Full_Audio_-_V1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

1