The Hard Way w/ Joe De Sena (general)

With eight thousand characters in Marvel Comics’ universe, even if you’re a rabid comic fan, you probably haven’t scratched the surface of their offerings. We talk with Mindy Hamilton, the SVP of global partnerships at this time honored brand, now under the mega company Disney. She started on her career track at a very young age when she assumed the editorial responsibilities of a newspaper she started with her friends. That love of collaboration and a passionate curiosity, helped drive her on the meandering and unexpected path to her current position. She shares what she’s learned along the way:

Lessons:
1. To effectively connect to your work, get tactile with it.

2. Don’t live in shame; move on.

3. Be a receptive listener; don’t always try to push your agenda, a common mistake.

LINKS:
Link:
Marvel.com

 

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 – Matt Baatz

© 2018 Spartan

 

 

Direct download: 189_SUP_EDIT_Mindy_Hamilton_FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Will OCR be an Olympic sport? Ian Adamson wants to change lives and he approaches the Olympic initiative as an “incredible opportunity”, not as the “insurmountable Everest” it could appear to be. As Adamson is also one of the most successful adventure racers of all time, the challenge is in capable hands. This week, we ask Adamson what it takes to be exceptional, why some are driven to be, how a team can exceed the ability of its weakest member and more. It’s not in the genes. It’s not in the stars. It’s something within everyone’s reach. Find out what this week.

Lessons:
1. A good team is FASTER than its weakest link.

2. Excelling at sport is about summoning the innate abilities that make you human, and not exceptional.

3. Mastering a sport is a kind of path to enlightenment: the journey starts out physical but evolves into emotional and, at its highest level, spiritual. 


LINKS:
About Ian Link: https://ianadamson.com/
About World OCR https://worldocr.org/


This episode is brought to you by FOUR SIGMATIC. Join the mushroom coffee revolution and save 15% using promo code SPARTAN http://foursigmatic.com/spartan

Spartan Life article from this episode “Is Eathing Fat Bad for You? Or Good?” https://life.spartan.com/post/should_you_eat-fat


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 – Matt Baatz

© 2018 Spartan

 

Direct download: 188_SUP_EDIT_IAN_ADAMSON_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

In sports and energy drinks Lance Collins is the top of the heap. How did he get there? By being fast, funded, cutting edge, and well branded for the last three decades. And, critically, by being passionate enough to have a near single minded purpose. He has made great fortunes and launched successful products time and again. What keeps him coming back for more?  Listen and learn what makes Lance tick this week on Spartan Up! 


Lessons:

1. It’s not the big that eat the small, it’s the fast that eat the slow.


2. Whatever your million dollar idea is, it must be disruptive. Don’t be a me too.


3. Above all, if a product isn’t eye catching the rest doesn’t matter. 


 

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 – Matt Baatz
© 2018 Spartan

Direct download: 187_SUP_Lance_Collins_FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

He sailed around the world, twice; the second voyage with his young family in tow. And in spite of starting a crabbing business in his teens and several other ventures throughout his adulthood, his expeditions are where Caspar Craven learned, along with his family, some of the most vital lessons in life, not the least of which is how to be alive. The most important skill they learned on the high seas through their many adventures is emotional resilience. Hear how they cultivated that resilience and how you can too on this episode of Spartan Up.

Lessons:
1. Teach resilience by modeling resilience.

2. Integrative learning through following a passion through all its aspects (math, science, humanities, etc.) can be a more effective teaching tool than learning each discipline in isolation and without context.

3. Talk about what you want to do all the time until it becomes vivid and real to you, then figure out how to do it. 



Link:
Caspar Craven http://www.casparcraven.com/
READ his book”Where the Magic Happens” : http://amzn.to/2GnlmCh
Caspar Craven on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CasparSpeaking/
Caspar Craven on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/casparcraven/
Caspar Craven on Twitter https://twitter.com/casparcraven


This episode is brought to you by FOUR SIGMATIC. Join the mushroom coffee revolution and save 15% using promo code SPARTAN www.foursigmatic.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.
GUEST VIDEOGRAPHY - IRONHEART STUDIOS

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

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2018 Spartan

 

Direct download: 186_SUP_edit_Casper_Craven_FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

At age 70 she tried her first Spartan Race. At seventy two years old, 16.7 miles, five thousand feet of climbing at nearly two miles above sea level, she crossed the Lake Tahoe Spartan Race Championship finish line. For Marla Sweeney, this was the twenty third time in almost as many months of crossing that line. She started this endeavor while still managing pain from a head on car accident. Is that inspiring enough for you? Marla doesn’t consider herself special and will crush all your excuses. We celebrate her and all other strong women on International Women’s Day on March 8th!


Lessons:
1. Compartmentalize. Find a way to break down big goals in tiny ones and tick them off one by one. Repeat.

2. There’s always a way to adapt but you won’t find it sitting down.

3. Get your whole family involved. You’ll strengthen bonds and have a support system. 



SUBSCRIBE:

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

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

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

 http://spartan.com/185


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 AND guest host this week Amelia Boone

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2018 Spartan

 

Direct download: 185_SUP_MARLA_SWEENEY_FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Want to find your purpose? Go outside! That’s the sage advice from Steve Lulek, wilderness survival expert and adventure guide. Are we meant to live the bulk of our lives cloistered in cubicles, driving in steel boxes and staring at screens? How can we reverse these cultural norms in order to reconnect to the outdoors and ourselves in the process? This week Joe and Steve explore our true natures. 
Lessons: 1. When you find who you are, it’s easy to let go of the things that don’t fit.
 2. Reframe adverse outdoor conditions into something to enhance the adventure.  There’s no excuse not to go outside.
 3. Feel overwhelmed? Sit silent in nature and observe to reground yourself. 


Links: Green Mountain Rock Climbing http://www.vermontadventuretours.com/
This episode is brought to you by FOUR SIGMATIC.  Join the mushroom coffee revolution and save 15% using promo code SPARTAN www.foursigmatic.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, and Col. Tim Nye.
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2018 Spartan

Direct download: 184_SUP_EDIT_STEVE_LULEK_LIBSYN_MIX.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Just move! That’s the bottom line for these three members of Oscar Mike and Operation Enduring Warrior, both organizations designed to get wounded veterans on the move! “Oscar Mike” means “on the move” in military parlance. These three adaptive Spartans, Jonathan Lopez, Noah Currier, and Earl Granville, have sought out the race as a way of eradicating any perception that they are victims. They are, instead, comrades in the human wide struggle to help one another excel at life. According to one of the athletes the greatest thing he witnessed during the race was not the elite athletes crushing the course or even adaptive athletes and veterans doing the improbable; it was seeing someone fall down face first and be picked up by his teammates, showing that Spartans fall, bleed and find the strength to go on, “just like us.”

Lessons:
1. Seek out the obstacle, the struggle, for the valuable lessons it can teach you.

2. More or less visibly, we’re all adapting to and trying to overcome something.

3. Accomplishment and happiness can be dependent on finding a strong community. 


Links:
Oscar Mike https://www.oscarmike.org/
Operation Enduring Warrior OEW https://www.enduringwarrior.org/


This episode is brought to you by FOUR SIGMATIC. Join the mushroom coffee revolution and save 15% using promo code SPARTAN https://foursigmatic.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, and Col. Tim Nye.

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2018 Spartan

Direct download: 183_SUP_EDIT_OSCAR_MIKE_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

From house arrest to the NFL pro bowl in seven years, retired 49er Brian Jennings transformed his life in dramatic fashion. Then, after thirteen years of football success, like all star athletes, he was forced to start over again. As Jenning describes, “athletes are the only people that die twice.” With a podcast, as an inspirational speaker, and through his work with veterans he has proved himself more than equal to the challenge. What, for Jennings, were the keys to finding his true north not once but twice? Listen, watch and learn.

Lessons:

1. To become irreplaceable, not only do you need to handle your business, you need to help the people around you.


2. Harness the “screw it” moment in your life, when you’ve realized your worst fear that in turn liberates you to ”go for it.” 


3. The transitions in your life are times to take stock of the wisdom and skills - decide what to take with you and what to leave behind.

Links:

The Brian Jennings Experience Podcast http://mindwellmed.com/the-brian-jennings-experience-podcast/ 


SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: 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 – Matt Baatz © 2018 Spartan

 

Direct download: 182_SUP_edit_BRIAN_JENNINGS_FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Manufacturing socks in a small town in Vermont, especially in the 80s and 90s when most companies were sending this work offshore, is hardly your standard business plan. Still, as of 2016, Darn Tough Socks was a 40 million dollar business. The name “Darn Tough” is a brilliant pun. The socks, like the CEO, are resilient (carrying a lifetime guaranty,) and relentlessly and thoroughly vetted and improved to strengthen them further. When asked for business advice Ric’s was simple “never, ever, give up.” What he’s found is that the hard way turned out to be the best way.

Lessons:

1.When things seem impossible, sometimes the answer is to double down on your strengths.

2.There is no such thing as negative feedback; it’s all valuable information that can steer you towards improvement.

3.Doing things the hard way can reap its own rewards.

4.Success is holistic - making the extra effort to support the community pays back in loyalty, quality and branding.


Links:

Darn Tough Socks https://darntough.com

Darn Tough Story https://darntough.com/pages/made-in-usa

Darn Tough Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DarnToughVermont/

Darn Tough Instagram https://www.instagram.com/darntoughvermont/

 

This episode is brought to you by Four Sigmatic. Join the mushroom coffee revolution and save 15% using promo code SPARTAN https://us.foursigmatic.com/?discount=spartan#

 

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: 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 – Matt Baatz

© 2018 Spartan

Direct download: 181_SUP_EDIT_Ric_Cabot_FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Why do you work out? Why don’t you? How do you think about how much you eat? Mind Pump podcast host Sal Di Stefano challenges a lot of hardened conventions in the fitness world. He discovered the route he took to health as an insecure teenager was leading to disaster, but fortunately he had an epiphany when he reached adulthood that lead to paradigm shifts he describes in this episode.

Lessons:

1. Don’t exercise and eat based on hatred of your body; exercise and eat to love your body.


2. Meet your body and mind where they’re at and move forward from there.


3. Make new connections to the healthy (and unhealthy) things you do.


 

Links:

Mind Pump Media https://www.mindpumpmedia.com

Mind Pump Facebook https://m.facebook.com/mindpump/

Mind Pump Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mindpumpmedia/

Sal’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mindpumpsal/

 

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

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

http://spartan.com/180

 

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 – Matt Baatz

© 2018 Spartan

Direct download: 180_SUP_Sal_Distefano_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Katrin Davidsdottir, two-time CrossFit world champion Icelandic born, is happiest when she is working. She loves work - whether making progress or failing then moving forward again. How has she achieved so much so young? The attitude and the mindset that nurtured throughout her life. Kristin’s secret may be that she has no secret at all. Her methods are straightforward and that they work so well is surely due to her indomitable consistency and drive.

Lessons:

1. Extreme success requires extreme sacrifice.


2. Hard work brings joy and reward.


3. Use your abilities and talents to build something that goes beyond your ego. 


Links:

Katrín Davíðsdóttir on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katrindavidsdottir/

Katrín Davíðsdóttir on Twitter https://twitter.com/katrintanja

Katrín Davíðsdóttir on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katrintanja/

 

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: 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 – Matt Baatz

© 2018 Spartan

Direct download: 179_SUP_EDIT_Katrin_Davisdottir_FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Have you seen the iconic photos of Iceland's Blue Lagoon? On the way back from the Spartan Ultra World Championship we found Grimur Saemundsen, the doctor, and entrepreneur who founded the Icelandic spa visited by more than half of the country's tourists.

Use his exceptional business success story as a parable to guide your own success. The indigo tint of the water comes from naturally therapeutic substances including silica and blue-green algae. Saemundsen worked with existing strengths in his environment, the natural volcanic springs and rugged landscape, to create something new. Even as the spa grows the new architecture follows the natural landscape. Do that yourself by identifying and adapting to the strengths in yourself and your environment. Make them work for you. Iceland took what many might see as negative, the attention a volcano brought to them by stopping air travel worldwide and made it a positive. The used the attention to springboard for their tourism campaigns.

Is it something in the water? We’re willing to check for you ...

Lessons:

1. To build success use and emphasize existing strengths - in this case adapting to the local ecology and environment. 


2. Create a passion around what you’re doing and others on your team will follow suit.


3. To succeed you ned three keys: vision, endurance, and to remain open to outside opinion. 


Link: Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa http://www.bluelagoon.com/

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: 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 – Matt Baatz

© 2018 Spartan

Direct download: 178_SUP_EDIT_GRIMUR_Saemundsen_FULL_1_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

What would you pay for a 10x improvement to everything in your life?  One small change to improve your health, your relationships, your career.  Ruari Fairbarns has found that ONE simple thing, and now he's sharing it with us!What would you pay for a 10x improvement to everything in your life?  One small change to improve your health, your relationships, your career.  Ruari Fairbarns has found that ONE simple thing, and now he's sharing it with us!Is it dropping sugar? Burpees? Quitting carbs? Daily cold showers? Fasting? According to Fairbairns, creator "The Ultimate Social Challenge," it's one simple thing: dropping alcohol. He used his own abstention as a case study and experienced dramatic improvements in every aspect of his life, including his career, family, friends as well as his mental and physical health. But, how, exactly, do you drop a habit that is so deeply conditioned? Fairbairns shares concrete tips and tricks to try the challenge for 30 days, 90 days, a year or a lifetime.   
Want proof? We interviewed his wife Jennifer too!
Lessons: 1. If the results of abstaining from alcohol were sold as a pill, it would be a billion dollar business.
 2. You’re not giving up anything if you are, in fact, replacing it with something better.
 3. Bad habits don’t need telling off; they need replacing.


LINKS:One Year No Beer www.oneyearnobeer.com One Year No Beer on Facebook facebook.com/oneyearnobeerOne year No Beer on Twitter https://twitter.com/oynbuk
SUBSCRIBE:
iTunes: 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. with special guest host Jennifer Fairbairns
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2018 Spartan

Direct download: 177_SUP_EDIT_Ruari_Fairbairns_FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Has fear been a problem in your life? Do you use terms like “overcome” or “suppress” in your relationship with fear? pioneering extreme skier Kristen Ulmer talks with guest host Amelia Boon about learning to love fear. They teach you a new way to relate to your own fear. Embrace it. If you want to live a full life of creativity, vitality, adventure, and success, it’s what you must do. Most people don’t and fear manifests itself in the forms of anxiety, anger, boredom, and mental exhaustion. What can we do to transcend this suffering and live rich lives? Ulmer achieved great successes but equally potent anguish repressing her fear until she found a better way. Learn her methods in this life-changing, podcast of the new year.Has fear been a problem in your life? Do you use terms like “overcome” or “suppress” in your relationship with fear? pioneering extreme skier Kristen Ulmer talks with guest host Amelia Boon about learning to love fear. They teach you a new way to relate to your own fear. Embrace it. If you want to live a full life of creativity, vitality, adventure and success, it’s what you must do. Most people don’t and fear manifests itself in the forms of anxiety, anger, boredom, and mental exhaustion. What can we do to transcend this suffering and live rich lives? Ulmer achieved great successes but equally potent anguish repressing her fear until she found a better way. Learn her methods in this life-changing, podcast of the new year.
Lessons: 1. Suffering equals discomfort times resistance.
 2. Feel your fearfully without trying to get rid of it.
 3. Your relationship with fear is the most important relationship of your life because it’s the relationship you have with yourself at your core. 


Links:

Kristen Ulmer www.kristenulmer.com

Kristen on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ulmer.kristen/

Kristen on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kristen.ulmer/

“The Art of Fear”  http://a.co/0lN5ds9 


SUBSCRIBE:
iTunes: 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 guest host this week Amelia Boone. Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye.
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 176_SUP_EDIT_KRISTEN_ULMER_FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

There are no valid excuses for staying on the couch, all 52 Spartan Up guests of 2017 agree. The panel is on site in Iceland for the Spartan Ultra & Agoge 007 on the cusp of  winter solstice, in the midst of a brutal storm, and in imminent peril from an active volcano. In other words, the perfect race scenario and an ideal backdrop for the theme of this week’s episode: no excuses.  Which 2017 podcast stories epitomize this the best and why? How can you eliminate excuses for 2018 and beyond? Listen; watch; find out, then get moving.

Lessons:

1. It’s better to fail on the stage than on the couch.


2. “Sneakers on, “ I.e., prime bigger actions through smaller ones that are easier to take each and every day.


3. If you’re serious about meeting your goals, you can’t say yes to everything.


4. Pain is inevitable, so instead of trying to avoid it, harness it in service of a better life. 


5. As Robert Fulghum said, “... I may give my life meaning by throwing myself recklessly into it daily, as if something astonishing is happening and I am part of it. It is and I am.”


Links:

Spartan Agoge - https://www.spartan.com/en/race/endurance-events/endurance-events-overview?article=29031

Sneakers On https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/139-mordechai-wiener-the-simple-steps-that-changed-his-life/id952870930?i=1000384505740&mt=2

Not To Do List https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/140-dean-graziosi-the-not-to-do-list/id952870930?i=1000384753987&mt=2

Better to Fail on the Stage than the Couch https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/134-robert-herbst-powerlifting-champion-irrevocable/id952870930?i=1000382599754&mt=2

Rose Wetzel https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/163-we-interviewed-athlete-rose-wetzel-while-giving-birth/id952870930?i=1000393013328&mt=2

Pain is Inevitable, don’t let that stop you https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/162-sean-stephenson-has-discovered-simple-ways-to-overcome/id952870930?i=1000392719709&mt=2

This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Health IQ. Health IQ is an insurance company that helps obstacle racers like you get lower rates on your life insurance.  Go to healthiq.com/spartanup to see if you qualify.

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: 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, & Dr. Delle with gust Mike I

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 175_SUP_EDIT_YEAR_END_EXCUSES_Copy_01_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

What is the secret to longevity? For many athletes, their sports tenure ends, through injury or burnout, earlier than they hope. Through decades Mark Sisson participated in hundreds of endurance challenges including ultras and Ironmans. What helped him avoid that fate? What compelled him to switch from these grueling tests to sports like stand up paddling and ultimate frisbee?

Known for his paleo nutrition blog Mark's Daily Apple, and books "Primal Blueprint" and "Primal Endurance" Sisson will explain his fitness reset and list the ingredients in what may be the world’s healthiest mayonnaise.

Lessons:

1. A healthy lifestyle can make life more fun.


2. The older you get, the more that attitude plays a key part in living a good life.


3. Invest in yourself by doing the things that will pay off down the line.


 

Links:

Mark's Daily Apple https://www.marksdailyapple.com

Primal Blueprint https://www.primalblueprint.com

Primal Kitchen www.primalkitchen.com

 

This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Health IQ. Health IQ is an insurance company that helps obstacle racers like you get lower rates on your life insurance.  Go to healthiq.com/spartanup to see if you qualify.

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: 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, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

 

© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 174_SUP___edit_Mark_Sisson_FULL_SPONSOR_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

Underground strength coach Zach Even-Esh has a unique distinction, the only guest to be interviewed three times in Spartan Up! During the insane weekend that in Pittsfield, Vermont (birthplace of Spartan Race,) that contained the Spartan Wrestling Camp, Spartan Agoge and a series of Podcasts, Col. Nye made time to check in with with Spartan up regular Zach Even-Esh. Meanwhile the Summer Agoge class is fire walking at Spartan’s own Area 51.  They talk about how Zach trains youth, not just for wrestling, but for life. How the camp trains the mind is paramount, and the true foundation of strength. As always, Even-Esh is a wellspring of inspiration.

Lessons:

1. True strength must transcend gym walls.


2. Convenience and excellence are never found on the same road.


3. To be great at something, genuinely care.


Links:

Spartan Wrestling Camp - http://www.spartanwrestlingcamp.com/

About Zach http://ZachEven-Esh.com

Encyclopedia of Underground Strength http://a.co/0QR1FTs

Underground Strength Coach http://UndergroundStrengthCoach.com

Underground Strength Cert http://UndergroundStrengthCert.com

 

This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Health IQ. Health IQ is an insurance company that helps obstacle racers like you get lower rates on your life insurance.  Go to healthiq.com/spartanup to see if you qualify.

 

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: 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, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 173_SUP_EDIT_ZACH_EVEN_ESH_SPONSOR-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Bruce Lee’s legacy was so powerful that it lives on through his daughter, Shannon, and the foundation named for him. He passed when she was just four, but his legend reverberates through books, writings, students, fans and of course films. We’ve all heard the famous quote “Be like water, my friend…” but do you know the story behind it? It arose at an epiphanic time in his life when he was not very water like. It took a trial for him to make the decision that his followers are all benefitting from to this day.

Lessons:

1. Be like water…


2. The medicine for your suffering is within you.


3. The mind is a fertile garden that will grow what you choose whether weeds or flowers.

LINKS:

Bruce Lee Website & Podcast https://www.brucelee.com/

Bruce Lee Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brucelee/

Bruce Lee Twitter https://twitter.com/brucelee

Bruce Lee Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BruceLee


 SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: 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, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

 

Direct download: 172_Shannon_Lee_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

To climb Everest wasn’t quite enough for climber and documentarian Jimmy Chin. He had to ski it. Even the sherpas urged him not to do it. Despite the appearance of being a free spirit who may have lost control, this is far from who Chin really is. By his own description, he is someone who grew up being very disciplined. His life is about managing risk. What was his biggest risk? It was not encountered on Everest or El Capitan, or any other iconic mountain. In this episode he’ll describe it, and what it takes to reach our passions.

Lessons:

1. If you instill a model of excellence early on in your children, they may not do the thing you had hoped, but they will likely be successful at whatever they do.  


2. It’s a gift if you find something you love, because many people never do.


3. The ones who are really good are able to calculate risk at a very high level: able to take things to the edge without going over. 


Links:

https://jimmychin.com/

https://www.hanahlife.com/

Meru Film http://www.merufilm.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jimmychinphotography

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_chin/

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

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

 

CREDITS

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 171_SUP_EDIT_Jimmy_Chin_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

https://www.spartan.com/170

The story begins at age 5, he remembers the garbage man got to the best toy in the dumpster before he could get to it. He didn't understand until he was an adult how that moment formed him. Today Chris practices what he calls "venture philanthropy." He's left the world of finance and embraced his mission in life, his true "why." Stay tuned to the end to hear the take aways and lessons gleaned by our Spartan Up hosts Joe DeSena, "Doctor" Johnny, Sefra the Seedhuntress, and Col. Nye.

Lessons:

1. “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” —Mark Twain.


2. The three pillars of motivation: 1. Autonomy. 2.Search for competency. 3. Community.

Link:

Chris Cavallerano http://www.inspirethefire.com/

Chris on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chris.cavallerano

Chris on Twitter https://twitter.com/chris_cav

Chris on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chriscavallerano/

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

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

 

CREDITS

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

 

Direct download: 170_SUP_edit_Chris_Cavallerano_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

If Jack Lalanne is the godfather of modern fitness, Elaine “Lala” Lalanne is the Queen! Jack Lalanne revolutionized the way we work out and inspired a generation to embrace fitness and good diet.  At 90 his widow, Lala, is still at it - riding skateboards and earning her breakfast with a daily workout. She’s living proof that their lifelong passion for a fit lifestyle pays off! Lala shares time-honored wisdom on how to live a healthy and successful life and continues the mission to help people help themselves. If Jack Lalanne is the godfather of modern fitness, Elaine “Lala” Lalanne is the Queen! Jack Lalanne revolutionized the way we work out and inspired a generation to embrace fitness and good diet.  At 90 his widow, Lala, is still at it - riding skateboards and earning her breakfast with a daily workout. She’s living proof that their lifelong passion for a fit lifestyle pays off! Lala shares time-honored wisdom on how to live a healthy and successful life and continues the mission to help people help themselves. 


Lessons:  1. If you do everything in moderation, you can’t go wrong.
 2. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
 3. It’s all up to you! Don’t play the blame game.



Links: 

Read more about Lala https://life.spartan.com/post/spartan-interview-elaine-lalanne
Lala on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/officialelainelalanne/
Lala’s web site Lalanne http://www.elainelalanne.com/
More about Jack Lalanne jacklalanne.com
Lalanne on Facebook facebook.com/officialjacklalanne


SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

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


CREDITS:

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 168_SUP_EDIT_elaine_lalanne_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Successful but searching, entrepreneur Phil Randazzo renewed his purpose by helping veterans transition into successful civilian careers through a foundation that eventually became American Dream U. It fulfills two sets of needs: veterans need assistance transitioning into civilian life and the work world needs the unique skill set and drive that these veterans possess. Randazzo and Joe discuss what in their upbringing instilled their drive, and how to pass it on to their kids. Find out how to follow a similar path of success in this episode. Successful but searching, entrepreneur Phil Randazzo renewed his purpose by helping veterans transition into successful civilian careers through a foundation that eventually became American Dream U. It fulfills two sets of needs: veterans need assistance transitioning into civilian life and the work world needs the unique skill set and drive that these veterans possess. Randazzo and Joe discuss what in their upbringing instilled their drive, and how to pass it on to their kids. Find out how to follow a similar path of success in this episode. 


Lessons:
1. Don’t coast through the second half of your life, but find a way to make a contribution.
 2. Choose three things you can work on today and do them.
 3. The most successful people are usually not the ones who talk about it.


Links:  American Dream U - Helping You Transition out of the Military http://americandreamu.org/American Dream U on Facebook www.Facebook.com/AmericanDreamUAmerican Dream U on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/americandreamu/

SUBSCRIBE:iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShowYouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYTGoogle Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

CREDITSProducer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. DelleSynopsis – Matt Baatz© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 168_SUP_edit_Phil_Randazzo_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Attacked by a Grizzly bear, twice, Todd Orr survived a modern day version of The Revenant. He not only lived through dual brutal attacks from a grizzly mother, but was conscientious enough attempt writing a warning note to hunters before driving himself to the emergency room. The extent of his injuries made this impossible. His survival was not due solely to luck, but to forethought and preparation. It gave him the best chance to walk away from these dire attacks. Orr is a true Spartan and his story will impart valuable lessons on how to face and transcend extraordinary challenges.

Lessons:

1. Chance favors a prepared mind.


2. The will to survive sets the standard for our innate resilience.


3. Bad things have the potential to happen at any time and any place; be ready, but don’t be afraid.

LINKS:

Todd Orr http://www.thetoddorr.com/

Todd's Knives http://www.skybladeknives.com/

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

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

CREDITS

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 167_Sup_Edit_Todd_Orr-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

When Georgina Pazcoguin witnessed the second tower fall on 9/11, it codified her commitment to her ballet, something she had been practicing since preschool. Her mother urged her to quit and come home, but she doubled down knowing that the world needed the art that she could contribute to heal. In this episode, she describes the dedication and physical hardship it takes to make it into the New York City Ballet company. Despite what many people think of ballet, this is an endeavor that requires an excess of grit and determination.

Lessons:

1. When you feel exhausted from your path in life ask yourself whether this is really want to do. If the answer is yes, keep on going.


2. The journey of dedicating years, if not decades, to developing an art can be more meaningful than a meteoric rise to the top.


3. In the face of calamity, you have to honor your unique strength.

LINKS:

More about Georgina Georginapazcoguin.com

More about Orphaned Starfish https://video.aplus.com//j/zRxBDw1g/this-ballerina-is-teaching-orphaned-abused-girls-how-to-dance

From Ballet to Broadway http://tv.ivy.com/drive-from-ballet-to-broadway/

 

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

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

 

CREDITS

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 166_SUP_Georgina_Pazcoguin-LIBSYN1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Win battles through trust, good stories, and building relationships - this is the surprising and refreshing approach of this paradigm shifting green beret, Scott Mann. He introduced “rooftop leadership” in Afghanistan to a skeptical  NATO crowd, but his courage to live it and its subsequent success changed minds. In this episode, Mann shows us his methods and how to work them at in all of our challenges. We need this type of leadership more than ever and it’s within our capabilities. Listen and learn how to develop them.

Lessons:

1. Lead from the bottom up, through relationships and human connection.


2. The greatest leaders have a vision they are able to articulate through story.


3. Leave tracks in the world which serve the people that follow you.


Links:

Rooftopleadership.com

MannUpReport.com

Theheroesjourney.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialScottMann/

Twitter: @REALSCOTTMANN

Instagram: @ROOFTOP_LEADER

www.spartan.com/165

 

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

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

CREDITS

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 165_SUP_edit_Scott_Mann_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

What can a member of the Royal Family teach us about grit? Does a privileged background make it tougher to acquire the passion to succeed? Peter Phillips, eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth, was brought up to make sure he didn’t take his good fortune for granted. As you’ll learn in this episode, there were several strategies to ensure that he would be a team player who had the tools to DIY. They also discuss the ways most people think versus the way successful people think. Find out which category you fit in, and if it’s the wrong one, how to change it. Lessons: 1. Favor lateral thinking, over linear thinking.
 2. There is no such thing as a “

Lessons: 1. Favor lateral thinking, over linear thinking.
 2. There is no such thing as a “

1. Favor lateral thinking, over linear thinking.
 2. There is no such thing as a “

2. There is no such thing as a “self made man.” You need people to help you along the way.
 3. A “fear factor,” having something up for

3. A “fear factor,” having something up for stake in business, often drives success. 


Link: http://people.com/royals/prince-william-heads-together-impact-mental-health/

 

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


CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2017 Spartan

 

 

Direct download: 164_SUP_edit_Peter_Phillips_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Interviewed during labor, Rose Wetzel proves her mettle! We’ve always said Spartan women are tough, maybe tougher than the men. How many would be able to maintain composure and be interviewed for a podcast between painful contraction? We are so grateful that Rose did! Rose is an accomplished athlete known for her success in American Ninja Warrior and in Spartan Race and now for her composure, strength and grace while giving birth. We highly suggest you make the time to watch this one. Tune in to hear the surprising lessons she shares and see true strength in action.

LESSONS

Obstacles come up in life. Have your attitude ready.

To achieve the overwhelming, focus on one contraction at a time.

When facing challenge you need to have to have a sense of confidence in yourself and find a way to relax in the face of adversity.

LINKS

More about Rose http://rosewetzel.com/

Rose on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Rose-Wetzel-602541086461407/

Rose on Twitter https://twitter.com/rosewetzel

Rose on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/runningrosie/

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

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

CREDITS

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 163A_SUP_EDIT_ROSE_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Two hundred fractures before the age of 18 from a rare bone disease involuntarily made Sean Stephenson an expert in navigating through pain and adversity. But, he insists, it wasn’t the disability that made him a better person, but the choices he made despite it. He is an advocate of working on all aspects of the self, everyday. In this episode, Stephenson talks about how to distinguish good pain from bad and to invite the former into your life while extinguishing the latter. Good pain tends to disappear with achievement, while the bad lingers on if we’re not careful.

Lessons:

1. You can only save those who swim towards you.


2. The cure for insecurity is self care.


3. Your life runs better when your mind, body and spirit are clean.


Links:

More about Sean seanstephenson.com ​https://www.facebook.com/theseanstephenson ​ https://twitter.com/TheSeantourage ​ https://www.instagram.com/3footgiant/

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

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

CREDITS

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan 


Direct download: 162_SUP_edit_Sean_Stephenson_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

To be your best, get still. In this episode Onnit wellness company founder, Aubrey Marcus, explains why this is not a paradox. Nor, he says, is it contradictory to say that to optimize yourself and your mission you need to focus on others, or to overcome obstacles you need to seek them out. Marcus will guide you through the contrasts in life to highlight your warrior spirit. He is tooled by the example of high achieving parents, shamans and philosophers and is setting a worthy precedent in his own life.

Lessons:

1. Get still or quiet enough to be able to discern your mission in life.


2. To the ordinary person everything is  a blessing or a curse; to the warrior there are only challenges.


3. Being open to whatever can be helpful is the way to find mastery.  


Links:

Onnit https://www.onnit.com/

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

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

CREDITS:

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

 

Direct download: 161_SUP_edit_Aubrey_Marcus_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Your life is a story, that means it can be re-written. A profound childhood loneliness prompted Jeff Gomez to seek solace in story which in turn connected him back to people and became his livelihood. His storytelling skills have been put to use by the media giants and even the US Government. His method of storytelling, inspired by anime, is transmedia and fleshes out a story across multiple media platforms. In this episode, Gomez explains how each of our lives is a story which you can shape in new and beneficial ways. If your story starts with an unfavorable or faulty premise, there’s always a possibility of a revision. 


Lessons:

1. You are living a story and you’re the screenwriter.


2. You are capable of revising the story of your life to reflect your current wisdom.


3. Once people realize their connection to each other they’ll do less harm. 


LINKS:

https://blog.collectivejourney.com/

https://medium.com/@Jeff_Gomez

linkedin.com/in/jeffgomez

Facebook: Starlight Runner Entertainment 


SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

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

 

CREDITS:

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2017 Spartan


Direct download: 160_SUP_edit_Jeff_Gomez_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

10,752 is the number Jesse Itzler had at the time of this interview, and on each of these he challenges himself to hack his mind into living a more productive and meaningful life. How do you get the most out of each day? Challenge yourself. Itzler believes in immersing himself in new worlds, changing his frame of reference. He turned over his life for a month to an ultra running Navy SEAL. This interview is so engaging we made Jesse Itzler keep talking with us all the way to our next meeting!

Lessons:

1. Remember your mortality to gain an appreciation for life.


2. All the best lessons are from things that are challenging.


3. Immerse yourself in a different culture to create a different frame of reference.


LINKS:

29029 - Climb Everest in Vermont with Jesse: http://29zero29.com/

KNOW FOODS: https://knowfoods.com/

Listeners receive 10% of any purchase at Knowfoods.com using
the code SPARTANSKNOW

100 Mile Man: http://www.the100mileman.com/

Living With a SEAL: http://www.the100mileman.com/living-with-a-seal/

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

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

CREDITS

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 159_SUP_edit_Jesse_Itzler_LIBSYN_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Eleven seconds was all it took. Eleven seconds stopped cold a promising hockey career scarcely before it started - all on live television. Travis Roy was a promising 20-year-old hockey star, moments into his first collegiate game as a B.U. freshman, a freak accident cracked his fourth vertebra left him paralyzed from the neck down.

One misdirected check in the most important hockey game of his life sent Travis Roy crashing into the boards and ended his dreams of hockey greatness. Instead of fulfilling his lifelong dream, he now found himself paralyzed and a quadriplegic. Yet he sees his life’s glass not as half empty or half full but as overflowing! How did Roy deal with such a dramatic shift in his life? What lessons can you take to overcome obstacles

How did Roy deal with such a dramatic shift in his life? What lessons can you take to overcome obstacles in your own? This optimist talks about his challenges and the strategies he has used to cope, including starting a foundation to help others in a similar predicament. Lessons: 1. Sometimes you choose challenges, sometimes they choose you. How you handle them defines you.
 2. Quality of life goals

Lessons: 1. Sometimes you choose challenges, sometimes they choose you. How you handle them defines you.
 2. Quality of life goals

1. Sometimes you choose challenges, sometimes they choose you. How you handle them defines you.
 2. Quality of life goals

2. Quality of life goals are as important as career goals.
 3. Don’t underestimate the joy in simple moments. Links: The Travis Roy Foundation https://www.travisroyfoundation.org His book “Eleven Seconds” https://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0446521884/ref=sib_dp_rdr/103-9648985-3773401#reader-link More about Travis Roy http://www.travisroy.com/ SUBSCRIBE: iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion,

3. Don’t underestimate the joy in simple moments. Links: The Travis Roy Foundation https://www.travisroyfoundation.org His book “Eleven Seconds” https://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0446521884/ref=sib_dp_rdr/103-9648985-3773401#reader-link More about Travis Roy http://www.travisroy.com/ SUBSCRIBE: iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion,

Links: The Travis Roy Foundation https://www.travisroyfoundation.org His book “Eleven Seconds” https://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0446521884/ref=sib_dp_rdr/103-9648985-3773401#reader-link More about Travis Roy http://www.travisroy.com/ SUBSCRIBE: iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion,

The Travis Roy Foundation https://www.travisroyfoundation.org

His book “Eleven Seconds” https://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0446521884/ref=sib_dp_rdr/103-9648985-3773401#reader-link

More about Travis Roy http://www.travisroy.com/

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan 


Direct download: 158_SUP_edit_Travis_Roy_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Wearing a pageant sash did not come naturally to Neely Fortune, that’s why she did it. Her challenges with social anxiety, especially in public speaking, were what spurred her into the pageant world in the first place. Then she used the platform to promote PTSD awareness, a cause close to her heart. Through a number of happy coincidences it lead her to Spartan Race, the Death Race all eventually to a role as Race Director of a Spartan Agoge. In this episode Neely talks about the qualities that enabled her rising fortunes. Lessons:   1. Seek out situations that will give you the qualities you seek.
 2. Find your area of weakness and tackle it.
 3. Pursue your passions to the fullest extent and see where they lead. 
 SUBSCRIBE: iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 157__SUP_edit_Neely_Fortune_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

He’s faced death more than once on his adventures, but ask him which was the toughest and he’ll always answer “the last one.” It’s always the freshest in his mind. Ray believes in the possible and started a foundation called Impossible to Possible. i2P brings his expeditions to classrooms, sharing his journeys and his lessons with kids in an interactive way. Zahab uses these experiences to inspire kids to see possibilities in their own lives. He wasn’t always adventurous, hear how he went from a pack a day smoker afraid to take a chance to the man he is today, and how you can do it too.

Lessons:

1. We overcomplicate things; the first step you take doesn’t have to be monumental.
 


2. Take a chance and you will be surprised where life will take you.


Links: More about Ray’s organization Impossible 2 Possible http://www.impossible2possible.com/ More about Ray https://www.rayzahab.com/ More about his latest expedition http://impossible2possible.com/arcticextreme/home

SUBSCRIBE:

iTunes: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

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

CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 156_SUP_edit_Ray_Zahab_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Naval tells Joe De Sena It all boils down to desire. Is it possible to tame your monkey mind ever distracted by desires and pleasures that only soothe you in the short term? Naval Ravikant, the founder of Angel List, says to reach a true sense of happiness, it is not only possible but necessary.  Ravikant explains how to find your true calling and why doing so gifs you the upper hand in any business or personal venture. You become unbeatable. Success may involve years of hard work, but paradoxically, not much struggle. Instead it’s about a quest for flow. How can we tap into that flow? Ravikant will show you how.  

Lessons:

1. If you want to be the best, you need to pick one thing to be the best at.
2. The ones who succeed are the ones who are irrationally passionate about what they’re doing.

3. Happiness is the sense that nothing is missing in this moment. 


Link:
AngelList https://angel.co/
Naval on Twitter https://twitter.com/naval
Naval on Tim Ferriss https://tim.blog/2015/08/18/the-evolutionary-angel-naval-ravikant/


CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2017 Spartan

 

Direct download: 155_SUP_edit_Naval_Ravikant_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

http://spartan.com/154

A marketing genius, a renowned connector of the elite, carpet cleaning taught Joe Polish everything he needed to know about business. But there’s much more to the story. Joe is best known for his his Genius Network, a meeting of industry transformers. He is known as the master connector. In the interview he also discusses his path from a troubled childhood of addiction and abuse in which connection was hard to come by and what he’s doing now to help addicts of all kinds.

Lessons: 1. Doing things the hard way, selling something as dull as carpet

1. Doing things the hard way, selling something as dull as carpet cleaning, can pay off with expertise and strength.

2. When you take the human mind from one level to another you are being entrepreneurial.


3. Addiction is a connection disorder, what you do when you don’t feel safe in the world.


To learn more about Joe Polish and his passion projects, please visit:
www.JoePolish.com
www.GeniusNetworkEvents.com
www.JoesMarketingBook.com/request
www.ArtistsForAddicts.com
www.GeniusRecovery.com

CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 154_SUP_edit_Joe_Polish_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Will lessons learned behind the desk transfer to physical challenges? This week’s guest says yes! When you stop climbing corporate ladders, what do you climb next? For Vanessa O’Brien the answer is almost everything! The more difficult the better. She applied what she learned in the challenging environment of the Fortune 500 to the natural environment in a dramatic way. The extreme conditions taught her valuable lessons about happiness and success. Growing up, she was thrust into a challenging situation as well. Learn how O’Brien has combined all these life lessons into a satisfying and productive life.

Lessons:

1. Three S’s of success: speed, simplicity and self confidence apply as well on the mountain as behind the desk.


2. Try something new, make a change, you can always go back.


3. You will fail, don’t panic. It just means you’re going to succeed.

Link:

Vanessa O'Brien | Mountain Climber, Explorer, Speaker http://vobonline.com/ Vanessa O'Brien Breaks Explorer Record https://youtu.be/xeyEn1K6J2U 


 

CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 153_SUP_edit_Vanessa_OBRIEN_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

The founder of Bar beverage has 5 tenets for success: be audacious, authentic, tenacious, obsessive and inspire others to be great. No wonder he built a company that just sold for 1.8 billion. A company that uses the civet to represent the highest achieving employees, has to be a little different. Bai has bucked many beverage company trends and has been incredibly successful. See the quirky company tour in this week’s episode, the secret Bag basement, and hear how he built the company and drives innovation.

Lessons:

1. You can’t fail by working hard.


2. If you’re able to unbelieve, life can be unbelievable.


3. To be successful with your product you need to be able to read and tap into the zeitgeist. Be nimble.


Link:

UNBELIEVE – http://www.drinkbai.com/unbelieve

The Unbelievers Trailer https://youtu.be/-Y9CHW3Aqvg

 

CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle with guest Chris Irving Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 152_SUP_edit_Ben_Weiss_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

What’s the point? Is it money? Is it something more? Roman gathers today’s most influential icons and leaders to do what’s NBDB (Never Been Done Before.) How can we drive culture in a positive direction? Roman Tsunder thinks he’s found a way. In this episode, he explains his mission with PTTOW (Plan To Take On the World) and WORLDZ, and tells Joe how he carved out success from rejection. When he received 73 rejection letters in response to 72 applications, it just meant “yes” must be coming soon. Hear his story and how he now works to shape our world. Lessons: 1. Don’t just preach to those that agree, reach out to the unindoctrinated.
 2. The lowest points in your life can be the greatest pillars for growth.
 3. To be the best, cultivate a healthy obsession for what you do.
 Link: PTTOW http://pttow.com/ WORLDZ http://worldz.us/ CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle with guest Zach Even-Esh ( http://zacheven-esh.com/ ) Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 151_SUP_edit_Roman_Tsunder-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Dan Pena is an F-ing maniac! He lives in a castle in Scotland, has run ultra-marathons, has made and lost fortunes, never uses a cell phone and his motto is just F-ing do it (obviously). He’s a living contradiction. He speaks at Oxford but you can still hear the echoes of his gritty upbringing on the streets of East L.A. in his voice. He can dance the waltz, play tennis and golf, but you wouldn’t want to mess with him. He knows how to make money, fast. And he’ll tell you and you had better listen to him.  

Lessons:  

1. Whatever gives you confidence, do that.


2. Indecision is the worst decision,


3. Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.
  

Links: The Official Website of Dan Pena. http://www.danpena.com/

CREDITS

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

 

Direct download: 150_SUP_edit_Dan_Pena_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

“Love is the answer” is the conclusion you might expect from a new age guru not a successful internal medicine doctor and trauma center director as Dr. Erika Schwartz was. But she always went against the grain of conventional protocol. Only now are her views starting to be vindicated. She urges doctors to connect with their patients and for patients to take greater responsibility for their health. How can they do this? Joe and Dr. Erika Schwartz discuss the ways modern medicine has gone astray and how to steer it back onto a more righteous path in this episode.
 
Lessons:
 
1. The patient and doctor should be on equal terms since the patient lives in their body and is the expert of their own state of being.

2. Teach others through your own healthy lifestyle.

3. Bringing people together is crucial in a disconnected world and the ultimate connection is called love.

Links: Dr. Erika Schwartz https://www.drerika.com/

 
CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 149_SUP_edit_Dr_Erika_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Is Paleo the best diet? The CrossFit pioneer who authored “The Paleo Solution” says maybe. Results may vary according to who you are. The point is you’ll need to experiment a little. Similarly when he started the first CrossFit gym. Rob Wolf didn’t have the franchise model or rule book, He had to write it himself. If you’re going to be successful, he urges you to do the same.

Listen this week to learn why Robb Wolf got into CrossFit, wrote “The Paleo Solution,” why you should read his new book “Wired to Eat,” and his secret to success.

Lessons:

1. Sometimes you succeed because you’re left with no other choice.


2. Experiment: try something for a month then determine its cost/benefit for you.


3. Run with your passion and find people who will compensate for your weaknesses.


Links: Robb Wolf’s new book “Wired to Eat” https://robbwolf.com/

CREDITS

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, & Dr. Delle Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 148_SUP_edit_Robb_Wolf_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Have you given up? Know someone who has? There’s an answer for everything and Peter Cohen thinks he has it. We live a life our ancestors may have envied, largely free of hardship, so why are so many unsatisfied? Why, Cohen asks bluntly, is the world so messed up? A lot of us, he says, have simply given up. It shouldn’t be this way. Cohen taps from a career of helping people and seeing his wife beat the odds of “terminal” cancer to give you strategies to optimize your life.

Three Lessons:

1. Striving keeps us vital.


2. Action leads to inspiration, not the other way around.


3. Always have an ikigai, a reason for being.


Links:

Pete Cohen’s Podcast mi365 https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/mi365s-podcast/id1090082990?mt=2 

www.Mi365.me

CREDITS

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye & Dr. Delle Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan


Direct download: 147_SUP_Pete_Cohen_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

People are kidnapped, run away to the circus, sell a business for 1.7 Billion, complete the explorer's grand slam, and just talk philosophy, grit, and resilience. Today the team previews the next batch of podcast episodes.  We have guests that will change your frame of reference, give you tools to change your life, and teach you to rewrite your own story

Direct download: 146-SpartanUp-MIX-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

When a leader changes his life, the implications can be great. With fifty pounds shed in five years, Ric Urrutia now sets an example for his 550 employees and for his family. His company, Taos Mountain Software, has been growing for twenty-five years and his clients include all the biggest names in Silicon Valley. What makes for a successful employee? What are the secrets to running such a successful company for so long? The answers are not what you’d expect.  

Lessons:  

1. The best employees are those who are gritty and hungry, not necessarily the ones with prestigious degrees.


2. Get out of your comfort zone and expand your career horizons.


3. Lead by example, you affect more people than you realize.


 

CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan


Direct download: 145_SUP_EDIT_Ric_Urrutia_LIBSYN_R.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Knowing your opponent wins championships. For Olympic fencer Jose Luis Abajo this has been paramount to his success. Self-knowledge too, knowing what will bring out the best in himself. It's what's in the mind that wins the match. This has meant being prepared for the unexpected, for just about anything that comes his way. How do you get ready for unfathomable circumstances? Abajo has a few secrets you can follow.

Lessons:
1. We’re still animals and have the survival instinct; discovering that part of ourselves can be transformative.

2. Let “no” motivate you.

3. The moment you are prepared to lose is also the moment you start to win.


CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2017 Spartan


Direct download: 144_SUP_Jose_Luis_Abajo_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Paradigms are made to be broken. Question everything. But do it in such a way that is data driven and informed by the best possible research. That means question the gut instincts, question what you’ve “always done,” and question the ideas you see on social media. This is the way Jack Easdale has maintained the prominence of a billion dollar business. How can you apply this to your life? Find out on this week’s podcast.

Lessons:

1. The two most dangerous statements are--that’s the way we’ve always done it and that’s just the way it is. Always challenge the existing paradigm. 


2. Utilize good, vetted research.


3. Winging it is not going to suffice when there’s a lot at stake.


CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 143_Sup_edit_Jack_EASDALE-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Kombucha, heard of it? If you have, GT Dave is the reason. He says Kombucha, and restores an essential balance to your body. The Kombucha King dropped out of high school to spread his love of this drink after seeing it’s positive effect on his mother’s recovery from cancer. In the process he created a $600 million category--one that he still dominates. In this episode you’ll hear the story behind his love of Kombucha, and how he blazed his own path.

Lessons:

1. Gradual, organic growth can yield authentic and powerful results.


2. Health is often about restoring balance in your body, not about the total eradication of threats.


3. If it feels true, focus on your particular journey without being unduly swayed by outside pressures. 


CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 142_SUP_edit_GT_Dave_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

This mountain warfare instructor accepts no excuses; just learn and do. He speaks with the same force of confidence that he hopes to instill in others. First growing up gaining woodsman skills in Maine and then later through a 36 year tenure in the military, Smith always sought and found strong role models from who to learn. That learning soon transitioned into leadership and mentoring. His methods are deceptively simple, but are you strong enough to see them through?

Lessons:

1. In order to see yourself in new ways you need to change your exposure.


2. Give one tool at a time; don’t overwhelm them with the whole kit.


3. Do the job; do your best; pay attention.


CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 141-SUP-Jared_Smith-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

What is a “Not to do” list and why would you need one? Dean Graziosi found business success at a young age. It was a way to gain control in his own life in what felt like an out of control world. He has been doling out, through books and television, the techniques and wisdom that worked for him for nearly twenty years. It’s the mindset, he says, not the medium. The principles are the same whether you’re selling real estate, flipping cars, or building Spartan Race. He shares a few surprising concepts in this interview:


Lessons:

1. Make a not to do list.

2. Don’t drive without putting the settings in the GPS.

3. Your “why” may change, but always have one.



CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 140_SUP_Dean_Graziosi-FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

When feeling stuck, what do you do to get back in the game? What’s the one thing you can do right now? Mordechai Winer discovered a series of simple steps that changed his life. A self-made success in business, he had been unable to control his eating or his weight. What he discovered was that it wasn’t about restrictions, shame, and punitive measures, but a few simple steps. Learn what those things were and the best way to apply them in this week’s episode. Lessons: 1. Eliminate excuses.
 2. Look for successful moments ins your life to apply to your current struggles.
 3. Commit to simple daily rituals that will make positive change a matter of course. 
 CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan


Lessons:

1. Eliminate excuses.


2. Look for successful moments ins your life to apply to your current struggles.


3. Commit to simple daily rituals that will make positive change a matter of course.


 CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan


Direct download: 139_SUP_MORDACHAI_WEINER-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

One of the most successful women in the venture capital field and dedicated runner, Elizabeth took her cue from her mother. Come hell or high water her mother would be out the door at 4 am to swim or run, and in her 70s she’s still at it. Similarly, Weil never stops driving toward success. Within her hectic schedule of career, and raising twins, she stresses the importance of “non-negotiables.” They are key to a successful career and happy life.  She describes them and her three keys to success in this interview. Weil shows us how it is possible to achieve balance even when you build your life to precipitous heights.

Lessons:

1. Life’s too short. Work in a location you love. 


2. Make the important parts of your life non-negotiable then commit. 


3. Create a personal advisory committee.

CREDITS

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca

Synopsis – Matt Baatz

© 2017 Spartan


Direct download: 138_SUP_edit_Elizabeth_Weil-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Olympic marathoner Rod Dixon believes in the transformative power of physical activity so much that he started the Kids Marathon program. He won the New York Marathon in 1983 and an Olympic Bronze, now his program trains kids to run as soon as they enter school. The schools are realizing that keeping kids active brings test scores up, improves student’s focus and brain power, and reduces the reliance on pharmaceuticals to keep the more rambunctious kids in line. What Dixon also found through his program is that the healthy habits percolate up to the adults.

Lessons:

1. Instead of medicating kids in school, keep them active.

2. Physical and nutritional education are essential.

3. Kids are capable.


Links: Rod Dixon's KiDSMARATHON http://www.kidsmarathonfoundation.org/

CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 137-SUP_Rod_Dixon-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Is it possible to develop a surfing culture without an ocean? What would that mean? Keno Knieriem left the navy and to developing surf parks on man made lakes that simulate Hawaiian waves with his company Honokea. It is either the best thing or worst thing to happen to surfing. Will it nurture a whole new generation of surfers who would not experience the sport otherwise? Will introducing the sport to the masses allow for the proper amount of respect to grow around it? The company hopes to spread not only surfing but the traditional values that com with it.

Lessons:

1. In the spirit of aloha, give all that you can.
      

2. Start at zero, carrying no expectations, everyday.      

3. You must go through a rite of passage to appreciate what you have.

Honokea Surf Parks http://honokea.com/

CREDITS Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc. Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca Synopsis – Matt Baatz © 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 136_SUP_Keno_Knieriem-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

You excel in ANY situation. Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at Cornell University Dr. Greg Eells explains how. In this interview describes how Viktor Frankl created meaning out of senseless and horrific circumstances. Frankl was imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp and not only maintained his wits but retained the wherewithal to help the other prisoners. This shows the vital role that an imperturbable set of values can have in directing a productive life. Eels discusses some easy to follow guidelines to build this same sense of resilience. They may not be as easy to execute and incorporate into a routine, but that’s on you,

Lessons:

1. To be resilient remember SAVES: Social connections, Attitude, Values, Emotional Acceptance, and Silliness.

2. We are not punished for our attitudes we are punished by them.

3. You can make meaning out of even the most trying circumstances and in so doing persist. 


CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 135_SUP_Dr_Greg_Eells-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

His doctor forbade world champion power lifter Robert Herbst to lift anything when he was a child with scoliosis. Eighteen world championships and twenty one consecutive national championships later, what compelled him to rebel? Herbst believes in managing risk but errs on the side of throwing caution to the wind. It’s paid off spectacularly. His MO in all his successes, including his Clark Kentian day job as a lawyer, is that as soon as he identifies a challenge, he burns his ships. He makes an irrevocable commitment. Period.


Lessons:
1. Better to fail on the stage, than fail by staying home.

2. Make an irrevocable commitment to your goal.

3. Be physically active enough that it becomes a need. 



Links:
Make America Fit Again (TM). http://w8lifterusa.com
Robert Herbst on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIT0iclJGOGQ68uKvFgJu1uvYjo50amBu


CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 134_SUP_Edit_Robert_Herbst-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Demali Elliott mentors young women in challenging situations through creative and introspective activities to redirect their stories onto a positive trajectory with her program Petals-N-Belles. It is a rigorous program designed to help those ready to receive that help, sixty- eight young women at last count. The organization, largely staffed by volunteers, utilizes physical and mental challenges like rock climbing, trapeze and yoga to build emotional wellness and resilience. In this podcast Elliott describes three qualities she’s seen in the girls that have most inspired her own success.

Lessons:


1. Model energy that will energize those around you.

2. Bounce back. Be inspired by the ability of children, they fall and get up every day.

3. Dream big, you can fill in the details later.


Link:
Petals-N-Belles http://petalsnbelles.org/


CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2017 Spartan


Direct download: 133_SUP_Damali_ELLIOTT_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Musical prodigy Ray Ushikubo emulated what he saw on television and, contrary to what you might fear, discovered his passion. At five years old and with the help of supportive parents he his calling. Are there days he doesn’t want to practice? Or course. But he practices without fail and is fast approaching the theoretical 10,000 hours of study to reach virtuosity. Ushikubo is already well on his way. Find out what it takes to go so far so fast so young. This young man has advice we can all learn from.

Lessons:

To alleviate anxiety, focus 100% on the task.
Many times when setting out to accomplish a big task it’s beneficial not to know what exactly you’re getting into.
An appreciative audience is a great motivator.


CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2017 Spartan

 

Direct download: 132-SUP-Ray_Ushikubo-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Direct download: 131_SUP_Edit_Devereux_Branson-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Marcello (an author and physics professor at Dartmouth College) and Kari (with a Ph.D focussed on trauma and PTSD,)decided to build an obstacle course in their backyard. What’s the connection? Marcelo, the physicist, sees OCR and physics as a way to go beyond the known boundaries. Kari, the psychologist, sees it as a way to get out of our heads and connect with the physical, a vital way to get past anxiety. Both agree it’s a great way for their family to develop life skills that translate into our personal and professional lives and transcend the inevitable resistance we face each day.

Lessons:
    1.    Get in touch with your physical side to become a whole person.

    2.    Introduce mystery, possibility and the unknown into your world in order to transcend your boundaries.

    3.    The important thing is not to meet your goal but keep trying to meet your goal.

LINKS:
Marcello Gleiser http://marcelogleiser.com/
Kari Gleiser https://www.aedpinstitute.org/faculty/kari-gleiser-phd/

CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 130-SUP_Marcello_Kari_Gleiser-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Son of pioneering Hawaiian surfer “Buffalo” and a living legend in his own right, Brian Keaulana had two mentors. The first was his father who taught him to share the ocean’s bounty. The second was the ocean itself which served as a playground, school and church. Before he and his siblings could walk their father would toss them into the surf. Keaulana, who calls himself a “Waterman,” uses this wisdom as a stunt coordinator on projects like Hawaii-Five-O, teaching ocean risk management and mentoring at risk kids.

Lessons:

    1.    The ocean, through its unpredictability, teaches you to be in a state of constant readiness.

    2.    Transcend fear is through knowledge.

    3.    He shares the brilliant acronym S.S.A.F.E. - protection from any danger.

CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2017 Spartan


Direct download: 129_SUP_Brian_Keaulana_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Starting Health Warrior, a business borne out of a passion for health and fitness, moved Daniel Gluck away from Wall Street. He seized the opportunity to fill a niche in a food industry dominated by overly processed and high sugar offerings with healthful chia based alternatives. He was inspired by the legendary Tarahumara Indians who, fueled with chia seeds, are the ultra endurance runners described in the book “Born To Run.” Gluck talks about what it takes to build something from scratch and how building this business changed his life for the better.

Lessons:

    1.    Follow your passion even if it means struggling through hardship to find it.

    2.    Celebrate the wins; don’t dwell on the losses. 

    3.    Focus on the big picture of how it’s going to work without getting mired in the day to day problems.


CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2017 Spartan


Direct download: 128_sup_Daniel_Gluck-FULL-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Battling addiction late in the Vietnam era, the US Army’s Deputy Chief of Chaplains Brigadier General Thomas Solhjem found redemption through his faith and other’s mentorship. As he realizes now, isolation, though a common strategy, is the worst way to deal with adversity. Reaching out to others and sharing your experiences is an admission of strength. He has spent an extremely long time in the military, forty years with thirty of those as a chaplain, helping others cope with the rigors of battle and drawing strength from trying circumstances. Solhjem sources his vast experiences to tell us how to be better people.

Lessons:
    1.    The person who overcomes adversity is the person who is able to channel strength from outside theirself.

    2.    Post traumatic order  is finding a positive context for hardship and becoming stronger as a result.

    3.    Resilience is the integration of elements into your life that enable you to be flexible.

CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2017 Spartan


Direct download: 127_SUP_Thomas_Solhjem_LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Running across the Sahara, all 4600 miles, 50 miles a day for 111 consecutive days. That’s what Ultrarunner Charlie Engle did to raise 6 million dollars for H20 Africa (now Water.org). In doing so he took his passion and did good with it. Engle overcame addiction and an unexpected jail sentence, but instead of running away from adversity, he embraced it.  He started running marathons which turned into a gateway for more daunting races like ecochallenges. All told he’s been racing for 30 years. His top piece of advice: attempting to make your life easier is a mistake.

Lessons:
    1.    Welcome some suffering when it enters your life, some of the greatest lessons are from hardship.

    2.    Keep forward momentum going. 

    3.    Find a way to use what you love to improve the world. 



CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: S126-UP-Charlie_Engle-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Behavioral scientist & expert on adventure, Jon Levy knows what makes Spartans tick. He wrote a book about it, The 2AM Principle: Discover the Science of Adventure.  A big reason why people undertake challenges outside their comfort zone is to reach flow state, a zen like sense of timelessness, total absorption in an activity, and sense of mastery. The IKEA effect, loving an activity according to the amount of effort you invested in it, also explains how Spartans are made. But the real gift of adventure, Levy explains, is it’s transformative power. In this episode, Levy explains how to live a fun and exciting life and gain success in the process.

Lessons:
    1.    Say yes to experiences.
    2.    Do something a little outside your comfort zone to help induce a state of flow.
    3.    Take advantage of the winner effect by getting some easy victories and building momentum for larger challenges.



CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2017 Spartan

Direct download: 125_SUP_EDIT_Jon_Levy-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Not wanting to spend his life on the sidelines, blind athlete Pete Cossaboon started participating in Spartan events.  He sought out and found a way to achieve this seemingly impossible goal. Nelson Diaz has dedicated himself to facilitating the implausible achievements of adaptive athletes through compassion and action. The events only have meaning and purpose to the degree that they can be applied to life at large and to what extent the athletes can use them to tell their unique story to the world.

Lessons:
- Any new situation, when confronted, evolves from fear to adaptation.
- If life is a dash between you birthday and your death day, measure your value by the lives you have you changed in the interim.
- Avoid distractions to the degree that they are diverting you from the main purpose of your life.



CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2016 Spartan

Direct download: 124_SUP_Pete_Cassaboon_and_Nelson_Diaz-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Trauma care is a creative process for Dr, Jeffrey Upperman. He mentors young surgeons by throwing them in a room together with very little to work with  and let their ingenuity and communication skills come to the fore to solve a problem under duress. He points out that these skills are becoming a lost art in the age of texting and tweeting but they are no less vital in forming a successful person. Upperman in his years as a general surgeon took cues from his father, a man who prided himself in working with his hands, and stresses the importance of upbringing, yet acknowledges that the whole community bears responsibility for nurturing a success.  

Lessons:

    1.    Creativity is key in emergencies, and it can be learned.
    2.    We are all responsible to hold each other accountable.
    3.    We need rites of passage to learn to cope under duress.

Direct download: 123-SUP-Dr._Jeffery_Upperman-FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Cal Fussman, author as well as a writer for Esquire, went on a ten year worldwide journey with little money to his name. He subsisted on the good will of others, most often on those he met on the bus ride to his next destination. It was the perfect way to satisfy his insatiable curiosity and hone his interviewing skills. In this episode Fussman will talk about how to make everyday an opportunity for adventure and connection.

Lessons:
    1.    Ask a canned question and you’ll get a canned answer. Talk to people with authenticity.
    2.    When starting a big project don’t reflect long enough to talk yourself out of it; just keep going forward.
    3.    Treat each day like a unique experience.


CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2016 Spartan

Direct download: 122_SUP_Cal_Fussman_LIBSYN_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

When your business is in trouble, this is the guy you need. Tim Gentry develops people to motivate his own success. As an Ironman competitor he exemplifies strengthening the body as a way to maintain a powerful mind, something he believes many business people neglect to their detriment. His suggestion: keep it simple and do just one thing every day. Listen for more tried and true methods to persevere and thrive. Gentry shares some gems on this week’s podcast.

Lessons:

    1.    Focused on the people in your business,and let hurdles dissolve to white noise.
    2.    To revive someone who is lagging, put them in charge of others.
    3.    Write down all the great things that are happening in your life and read them when you need inspiration.

Direct download: 121-SUP-Tim_Gentry-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Mortgage officer and part of a Vermont family maple sugaring business, Ray Morvan found extreme multi day racing at random, after a battle with alcohol and opiate addiction. By helping him find community and a way to exert and build mental resilience it’s exactly what the doctor ordered . He  went on to compete in nine Peak Death Races which is almost certainly a record. We spoke with him at the Spartan Winter Agoge. Morvan credits stoicism for getting through life challenges that would break a lesser man. He is now championing  the issue of addiction by assisting anyone who is willing to reach out to him. Morvan’s phone line is open.

Lessons:

    1.    Figure it out. There’s always a way.
    2.    Simply put yourself out there, everyday, and have faith that it will get better.
    3.    In addition to PTSD think about PTSG - Post Traumatic Growth.


CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Tim Nye, Dr. Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
Copyright - 2016 Spartan

Direct download: 120-SUP-Ray_Morvan-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Damion Hahn came a hair’s breadth away from making the Olympics and advises those not achieving there goals “be mad about it, then turn your attention to tomorrow.” He channels that drive training a team that has been  near dynasty for the last quarter century of Ivy League wrestling. They got there by honing raw talent. The best persist, the rest need to find their niche elsewhere. Hahn has seen this success translate into the wrestler’s everyday lives and he shares the methods that have built such consistent winners.

Lessons:

    1.    Everybody’s motivated differently; adjust your approach accordingly.
    2.    Enter each day with a purpose!
    3.    Be part of a community that motivates you achieve.

Direct download: 119-SUP-Damion-Hahn-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

This week’s podcast features two Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, Christian Johnson and Chad Grills, disrupting the world of business. Johnson started Fotition a platform to unite brands people and charities to create a positive social outcome. He arrived at this idea by following  his lifelong mantra, “creativity will save the world,” which lead him to a vocation that will leave a legacy. Grills, a former Army infantryman, took note of better ways to do things during deployments in Egypt and Iraq and channeled them into a sharing and trading service for business assets called Twist.com. He discusses the ways he has used the challenges of the military and life to overcome obstacles.

Lessons:

1, The problem is the solution (permaculture principle).
2, Learn to love the word no. Turn it into an opportunity to overcome challenge.
3. Ask yourself if you are living up to your life’s mantra and serving the greater good.

CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra, Col. Tim Nye, Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2016 Spartan

Direct download: 118-SUP_Grills_and_Johnson-LIBSYN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Nini Meyer created Positive Tracks as a way to get kids moving and involved with a cause through athletics. She has witnessed it not only helping the causes, but connecting the youth with each other and teaching them to manage risk, take on challenges and get active. Since not every child enters the program with the same resources, it also teaches them the vital lesson of using what they got at the moment and building from there. A lifelong volunteer who adopted ultra-endurance running well into her adulthood, Meyer found a way to combine the two into something exceedingly positive.

Lessons:

    1.    Whenever you see the hazy outlines of a starting line begin to form, don’t turn away. Run straight towards it.
    2.    You can’t cross the ocean by staring at the sea.
    3.    Achieving challenging acts with groups creates a sense of shared struggle and perseverance propelling you towards your goal through

Direct download: 117-SUP-Nini_Meyers-FULL-LIBSYN_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Helping runners move faster and injury free is the mission of Nathan Helming. A former Ironman qualifier, Nathan Helming runs programming for San Francisco Crossfit with a focus on helping runners and triathletes become better rounded athletes. He’s taking this passion into a startup called The Run Experience which guides athletes through strength, conditioning and problem solving to reach their goals through online webinars. Frustration with chronic injury spurred by a too narrow focus on conditioning caused Helming to seek out SF crossfit with its philosophy of a more balanced approach. He is now adapting his experience to propel athletes past their limitations.

Lessons:

    1.    Be process focused: set aside fear of the outcome and engage in the task at hand.
    2.    Understand that you have a choice at every moment.
    3.    Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Direct download: 116-SUP-Nathan_Helming-FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

The founder of Charity Water, Scott Harrison was a successful nightclub promoter living a life of decadence many might envy. He found himself hobnobbing with the beautiful people on a daily basis, but he had an epiphany on the beaches of Uruguay. Though he didn’t lack materially he was morally, spiritually and emotionally bereft.  He sold everything, took up residence in a friend’s closet and volunteered in war torn Liberia, paying for the privilege. While there he found his mission: He would use his influence to help remediate the lack of clean water that often leads to disease for the 660 million people in third world nations who are affected.

Lessons:

    1.    To change your life, and the life of others, it may be necessary to step into a new story of your life and scrap the old one.
    2.    The best way to motivate change is through the promise of positive action with tangible results and not through shame or guilt.
    3.    Do not compromise your values and morality; maintain your tenacity and you will find a way through the challenge.

Direct download: 115forLibsyn-Scott-Harrison.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

With a military career spanning 26 years, retired Col. Fellinger has become a model of resilience and fitness. He asks that you bring him the hardest problems you have because he lives to overcome them. As he explains, it’s a process and one that can be practiced but not necessarily mastered. After all, if you’re not at least a little off balance, how are you challenging yourself and growing stronger? Joe and he discuss the most vital element to fitness--building mental strength through motivation, risk taking, mental agility and mental resilience.


Lessons:

    1.    Remember the French Paratrooper’s Prayer (to paraphrase): Give me Lord what others don’t want, uncertainty, doubt, torment and battle, but also the courage, the  energy and spirit to face them.
    2.    To stay motivated take the first step and you will soon create irreversible momentum, inertia that will take on a life of it’s own.
    3.    Build mental resilience through facing challenges you didn’t anticipate and generalizing the resultant confidence throughout your life.

Direct download: 114-SUP-Col_Fellinger_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

The “man whisperer” Mammarella-D'Cruz runs men’s groups that set them on a course to fulfillment. Clients, even billionaires, find they need help understanding how to achieve happiness. His ability was honed by the dire circumstances of his own childhood. After his family was placed on the death list in Uganda, Mammarella-D'Cruz spent a significant portion of his formative years on the run. This summoned his survival instincts, which were vital at the time, but when the threat eased were not helping him live the life he had dreamed. After a string of successful endeavours that left him wanting, he learned to live life to it’s fullest and is helping others do the same.

Lessons:

    1.    Find how your life’s “script” impedes you, to move on.
    2.    It’s more efficient to learn from other’s mistakes than to make them yourself.
    3.    If your life is entirely run by your internal protector you are surviving and not living.

Direct download: 113-SUP-Mamma_Rella_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Adaptive athlete Amy Winters, is so resilient she was chosen to help struggling athletes complete the brutal 60+ hour Spartan endurance event Agoge. If you ask her, she won’t credit rugged individualism for her perseverance. She relies on the strength of others to buoy her up as she does the same for them. It may be that the wellspring of grit that her loss summoned helped her to recognize and rouse that same potential in others.

Lessons:

    1.    When you see something different about a person, smile with them.
    2.    Working as a team, as a community, you bring to the fore each other’s strengths and lift each other towards completing the improbable.
    3.    To connect with people, disconnect from the screen.

LINKS:
One Step Ahead Foundation https://onestepaheadfoundation.wordpress.com/
One Step Ahead Foundation on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OneStepAheadFoundation/

Direct download: 112-SUP-Amy_Winters_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Coach of the highly successful wrestling program at Cornell, Rob Koll wasn’t an overnight success. His virtuosity was years in the making, working hard and surrounding himself with the kind of motivating people that would eventually transform the program into a powerhouse. When asked, Koll denies that his methods involve any mystique. He simply doles out his nose to the grindstone, meat and potatoes work ethic with devastating consistency. Those who don’t have the discipline to endure it fall by the wayside. Those who do, find themselves competing with the best and winning often.

Lessons:
    1.    It’s not how much you want to win that day; it’s how much you want to win on all the days leading up to that day.
    2.    Even a mildly active wrestler is going to go through more pain, hardship and sacrifice than the average person on the street.
    3.    A supportive upbringing that instills good values is crucial.

 

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Direct download: 111-SUP-Rob_Koll_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

A restaurateur with 7 NYC restaurants and a passion for fitness, his restaurants have succeeded in large part due to Chernow’s keen sense of emotional intelligence. One of the unique ways he keeps his staff happy is the emphasis he places on fitness in the workplace and the program he started to cultivate this. The interview takes place in Seamore’s which specializes in locally caught species that are delectable but often overlooked. Dogfish, for example, is just as tasty as trendier fare. Chernow is working new projects with a voracious diligence Chernow can trace back to his childhood. As a kid he walked dogs and delivering food to transcend his family’s modest lifestyle.

Lessons
    1.    Don’t underestimate anyone. There’s no way of gauging how valuable a relationship will be down the line.
    2.    Don’t “want,” “need,” or “wish” …. “do.”
    3.    Cultivate a happy, cohesive team and the guests will be made happy as a matter of course.

Direct download: 110-SUP-Michael-Chernow-FULL-for-Libsyn_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

UFC fighter “The Spaniard” and lifelong wrestler, Charlie grew up in normal circumstances. As he puts it “I’m just like you,” he didn’t have to overcome a great deprivation or trauma, he just worked hard and went on to great successes. Brenneman dispels the myth that you must follow a Rocky type trajectory to compete with the best. Instead he shares the simple steps he took, including surrounding himself with good mentors and Consistency. He arrived by realizing that in a sport like wrestling in which “heartbreak far outweighs the triumph” the journey is what matters.

Lessons:
    1.    Being in a normal family that provides good core values and a supportive environment is an underestimated advantage. It doesn’t take extraordinary circumstances to do extraordinary things.
    2.    Every opportunity, no matter how small, counts. Things add up.
    3.    If you don’t move the proverbial line in the sand, you’re never going to get best.

Direct download: 109-Charlie_Brenneman_VOTAG_Audio_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

A former infantry officer Josh Mantz was shot by a sniper in Baghdad.  He flatlined, and his life was in the hands of a nineteen year old medic in the heat of battle. Mantz was revived ten minutes after the period that’s considered survivable. When asked why, the medic said simply that he never gives up.  Mantz moved on to Tesla, pioneers in electric vehicles. The atmosphere there is in some ways as intense as the military.  Why? They too are mission driven. Outside of Tesla Mantz has harnessed his healing to help veterans heal from their trauma.

Lessons:

    1.    You can’t do it all alone, sometimes even your very life is in the hands of others.
    2.    Recognizing and absolving yourself of guilt and shame is the first step in overcoming trauma.
    3.    A solid sense of mission and purpose precedes any great accomplishment.


CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra, Col. Tim Nye, Delle & David Deluca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2016 Spartan

Direct download: 108-SUP-Joshua_Mantz-FULL-AUDIOV_01REV.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Former Olympic downhill skier Doug Lewis decided at 8 he’d compete on the Wold Cup level. Success came very early, but during his first World Cup race at age 17 he broke his back.  Failure, he now says, is critical to building confidence. He went on to win World Cup Bronze and represent the US in 3 Olympic games. The problem with peaking early is the looming question of what to do next - and will anyone care. Lewis chose to pass on the lessons he learned by creating a youth development program called Eliteam. He also chose to stayed close to ski racing and is a Skiing analyst for NBC for World Cup and Olympic games. Lewis is content with his life, but continues every day to look for new adventures and inspire kids to set lofty goals then dig deep to achieve them.

Lessons:
    1.    Good coaches set goals challenging enough to spur growth but not so overwhelming they create despair.
    2.    Students should set goals they may never reach, they will provide direction and inspiration.
    3.    Confidence requires failure.
    4.    In any meaningful life path, ebbs and flows are inevitable.

Direct download: 107_Doug_lewis-FULL-EXP-A_1_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

The founder of a massive sports promotion company Matchroom Sport, started off without a clear direction. He says just start, take a scattershot approach and eventually you’ll find your direction by the process of elimination. Aim high, then adjust. Hearn wanted to be a heavyweight boxing champion, but his path lead him to be a promoter instead. His own passion could comes across as draconian, but that’s only testament to how strongly he believes in the power of the individual to create a meaningful life.

Lessons:
    1.    At first take a scattergun approach in life; don’t set limits and then adjust to find your place.
    2.    Start an hour earlier and end an hour later.
    3.    Champions are impressive, but the people at the back of the field who refuse to give in may be even more impressive.

Direct download: 106-SUP-Bary-Hearn_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

His first memory is the moment his mother gave him away. Former NFL player, Anthony Trucks, wants to matter because his first memory in life was feeling like he didn’t. At 14 a harsh remark by a girl in school shocked him into self awareness. Sheer force of will it set him on a course that has defined his life to the present day as a successful business owner, athlete speaker & author.

Lessons:
    1.    Live a life that will produce a huge turn out at your funeral.
    2.    If you think the hand you’ve been dealt is an excuse, think again.
    3.    Practice effortless effort--that activity that resonates so deeply with you that the work you do starts to feel effortless.

Direct download: 105-SUP-AnthonyTrucks_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Explorer and mountain biker Shannon Galpin brings cycling to Afghan women.  The 2014 National Geographic Explorer believes bicycles are a vehicle for transformation in a society where this simple freedom and pleasure is denied to women and girls. This simple act, easily taken for granted in the West, provides them with a stronger voice so vital in what often appears like an insurmountable obstacle--positioning Afghan women in a place of greater equality.

Lessons:
    1.    Simply doing something right can a powerful form of activism since it will inspire others to mirror you.
    2.    Hope and change prevail over fear.
    3.    Don’t take even the simplest things for granted.

Direct download: 104-SUP-Shannon_Galpin_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

www.spartan.com/103
As a professional recruiter and founder of Executive Athletes Ken Lubin knows what it takes to build a career. As one of the ultra endurance athletes that built the epic Stone Steps in Pittsfield, Vermont he knows grit and hard work too. He says it’s what will get you hired, and what will make you successful once you land a job. Knowing the company culture, offering them what they need is crucial too. Become the indispensable lynch. Building a massive network that includes all types of people, not just those who can obviously help you may be the most important step of all. Garner lots of career development gems in this week’s episode.

Lessons:
    1.    Be the guy that does the hard thing and you’ll distinguish yourself from the rest of the pack.
    2.    Know the culture of where you want to work and find out how you can fit in.
    3.    Realize the power of the network: even when it doesn’t look like a connection has any benefit at the time it may prove to be beneficial down the line.

Direct download: 103-SUP-Ken-Lubin_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

When Amelia Boone isn’t pulling i-beams out of frigid Vermont rivers for the Death Race or winning Spartan Races, she working as a highly competitive attorney. Every day she’s up at 4:07, running trails at 5 and at her desk by 7. Has she always been that way? Yes. As a child, in what must have seemed odd to observers, her family was encouraging her to relax and not take things so seriously.  She believes perseverance and drive can be a habit, don’t let them lapse. It’s harder to start or start again than just keep going.
Lessons:

    1.    Make success part of your routine as regular as brushing your teeth, not allowing yourself to opt out.
    2.    The difficult path is where the growth happens. Choose it often.
    3.    Make one small change a day and let it build into something great.

 

CREDITS
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Host: Joe De Sena with Johnny Waite, Sefra, Col. Tim Nye, Delle & David DeLuca
Synopsis – Matt Baatz
© 2016 Spartan

Direct download: 102-SUP-Amelia_Boone_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

US Pentathletes Nathan Schrimsher and Dennis Bowsher.
The pentathlon has been an Olympic sport for over a century, but chances are most people don’t know much about it. What are the skills a messenger would have needed in wartime? Riding, swimming,running fencing and shooting. It has recently been given a modern upgrade: the guns shoot lasers instead of the original bullets. Joe talks to two of the best American pentathletes to discover what it takes to excel at this intriguing discipline - one on the current Team competing in Rio in a few weeks. Trust us, there are 4 or 5 key lessons that will carry over to whatever challenge you face on the way to your goals.

Lessons:

    1.    Run your own race, the race of life.
    2.    There is no substitute for the internal motivation to practice EVERY day.
    3.    Don’t underestimate the value of wisdom and patience.
    4.    Set aside your wins and your losses, focus only on what is in front of you now.
 

Direct download: 101-SUP-Pentathlon-Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

One hundred episodes in, Joe, Delle, Johnny, Colonel Nye and Sefra talk about the guests that resonated with them the most. Spartan UP! has interviewed writers, athletes, generals, monks, CEOs, entrepreneurs, nutritionists, farmers, lawyers, doctors, explorers...to garner their unique spin on what it takes to succeed. There have been one hundred different answers, one hundred stories on how to live a fulfilling life, but many common threads. These inspiring people are telling us it’s okay to be afraid, but not to live in fear, to have a why, but live in the moment, and to find  a passion (or passions) and follow it with all we got.

Lessons from 100 Episodes:

    1.    Have a why.
    2.    Life is a series of moments. Live each one.
    3.    A challenging life is a satisfying life.
    4.    The first step to success is getting off the couch.
    5.    Surround yourself with good, supportive people. Lose those who aren’t.
    6.    Persevere, but if you find yourself on the wrong path, be prepared to go a different direction.
    7.    Aim to be a whole person, mind, body and soul.
    8.    Those who succeed aren’t afraid to fail, often.
    9.    Experiences are much more valuable than things.
    10.    Whatever you are doing, no matter how big or small, commit to it wholly.

Direct download: 100-SUP-100th-episode-Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Alan Jope, president of Unilever’s Personal Care business, understands how to live. With such an high position many would not be surprised if Jove was a man completely consumed by his work. Though his commitment to his job is complete, it is not the source of his identity. He and four friends are riding stretches of a world spanning motorcycle trip with its share of mishaps and broken bones. What he does is not who he is, but enables him to become the person he always dreamed he could be. In this episode Jope also discusses the benefits of mission driven brands.

Lessons:

    1.    Where you are in the world is more important than what you’re doing in it.
    2.    Concentrate most of your energy into what you’re doing now, not worrying about the future, and opportunities will open up as a matter of course.
    3.    In life, follow the packing rule: put the big thing in first.

Direct download: 099-SUP-Alan_Jope_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Masha Gordon, a mountaineer who completed the seven summits and both poles in record time, ventured to take lessons in grit from the boardroom to the most challenging terrain on earth. Thirty minutes from the summit of Everest she was faced with an executive decision: should she risk getting caught in a storm and possibly putting her life in peril or divest and live to see another day? Luckily the risk was worth taking, but the tough mindedness she earned in business made her decision a sound one. Learn how doing great things has taught Gordon how little it actually takes to be happy and successful.  

Lessons:
    1.    Even when you invested a large amount in an experience the smartest thing could be to divest if it means living to see another day.
    2.    Move counter to stereotypes so that they no longer define you.
    3.    Let a healthy fear and respect complement the excitement of your expeditions.

Direct download: 098-SUP-Masha_Gordon_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

The sole survivor in a vehicle obliterated by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, Earl Granville had to find a way to get up again, but with only one leg remaining. This interview transpired after Granville completed the seventy+ mile, sixty hour adventure known as Spartan Agoge, so clearly he is well on his way.  As if the accident weren’t bad enough, Granville’s twin brother took his own life, but in his greatest tragedy he also found his redemption. As a motivational speaker, he has used his misfortune to be in service to others. Granville’s life so far is a testament to the Nietzsche truism, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”

Lessons:

    1.    Sometimes the most unfortunate people are the ones who are never tested.
    2.    We should honor the privilege of being alive by giving back.
    3.    The upside of adversity is that it can be harnessed to find your passion.

Direct download: 097_SUPEarlGranville_Audio_Revised.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Bob Roth, transcendental meditation teacher of 45 years, has seen the progression of the practice go from a fringe activity to a scientifically backed technique taught widely in such institutions as schools and prisons. As Roth describes it, transcendental meditation allows one to be a better warrior, whether on the OCR circuit or in facing daily life, by bringing you to a state of level headed calm where you can make the best decisions. A large part of building resilience, after all, is finding ways to put the tumultuous highs and lows into the proper frame of reference so you can sail easily past  life’s obstacles.

Lessons:
    1.    No matter how much turmoil exists on the surface of the ocean it is insignificant compared to the depths of calmness that lie underneath. The mind is like an ocean.
    2.    Meditation is Spartan in that it gets to the essentials of your body and mind.
    3.    To the mind that is still, the universe surrenders--Lao Tzu. I.e., If you have a complicated mind, you’ll be a victim to life’s obstacles.

Direct download: 096-SUP-BobRoth-Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

The eastern philosophies that influence the school headed by Master Xi Qi Ling provide a valuable counterbalance to our western ones. In our individualistic culture we often forget that in order for our lives to function optimally we need to consider how they can harmonize with the greater whole. For example, the school realizes that if they merely teach the students and neglect what happens when they go home, then the teachings are at risk of being lost; therefore they teach the parents as well. In short, the universe is more powerful than any one person and if we nurture it, it will nurture us right back.

Lessons:
    1.    Health and well being depend on harmonizing your physical, mental and spiritual being.
    2.    Everything is connected.
    3.    Some problems can be solved very quickly while others can only be solved slowly. Knowing the difference is important.

Direct download: 095-SUP-XingQilin_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Tim Morris, adaptive athlete and SGX coach, didn’t need to get off the couch, his quest for the Spartan Trifecta started from a wheelchair. He powers through a course relying on the strength of his upper body. If, for some bizarre reason, this doesn’t impress you, try the same across your living room floor. He trains an increasing number of adaptive athletes as well as the able bodied. He can teach both groups much about grit. But his teaching by no means ends there--he demonstrates that by the simple act of living passionately those around you will learn what it means to be fully alive.

Lessons:

1.Talking about things merely kicks the can into the future; you have to do them.
2. Build your life around the three “p”s: passion, perspective, and perseverance.
3. Always be aware that your reality affects others and act accordingly.

Direct download: 094-SUP-Tim-Morris-Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Jennifer Gilbert, a wildly successful events entrepreneur, was assaulted to an inch within her life outside her friend’s New York apartment. Not only did she survive but she went on to live a very rich and fulfilling life. How? The struggle was all too real. It wasn’t an overnight transformation. She was able to recognize the vast, and sometimes elusive, source of resilience that she discovered that day and draw on it to create the kind of life she always wanted. Her story is jarring, graphic, visceral, enraging, senseless, but at the same time life affirming, hopeful, and deeply important.

Lessons:
    1.    The resilient person that you are in your most challenging moments is there for life to aid you whenever the need should arise.
    2.    Fear is the worst feeling to make a decision from.
    3.    Beautiful things often grow from dark, ugly places like flowers from compost.
    4.    You cannot control one thing in the world except who you are afterwards, whether you move towards the light or wallow in the darkness.

Direct download: 093-SUP-JenniferGilbert_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Before retiring Sgt. Major Frank Grippe was the senior enlisted Soldier for US Central Command in charge of military operations in 20 countries in Northern Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East. He came out of the subzero weather of the Spartan Agoge to share his wisdom of grit hard earned through his 30 years as a ranger in the army. His is decidedly a no nonsense approach. Grippe knew what he wanted and simply did the job day in and day out, learned all he could from the best mentors he could find and when the opportunities to advance presented themselves, he was ready. He has gone through life with a single minded purpose and one might come away with the impression that he hasn’t entertained  the idea of an alternative livelihood, even for a second.

Lessons:
    1.    Knowing exactly what you want makes getting it that much easier.
    2.    Force of will is everything.
    3.    Positions of responsibility demand complete transparency.

Direct download: 092-SUP-Sgt_Major_Frank_Grippe_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

According to Col. Liam Collins, Phd., Special Forces Qualified Officer, West Point Professor,and past winner of the Best Ranger Competition - approximately one percent of prospective candidates persist to become members of the special forces. Joe’s always looking for these people but, alas, they are elusive. They may not not linger long by the waterfalls, but are always eyeing the craggy terrain just ahead. Understandably, it is difficult to find those who will consciously fling themselves into relative peril. How does Col. Collins find them and train them? That’s what we want to find out.

Lessons:

    1.    The true test of character is the decisions you make under duress.
    2.    You develop your mental fortitude like developing muscles: push to the limit of your capacity; recover, then push to the new limit.
    3.    The key to success in a highly competitive environment is not to wallow in your comfort zone.

Direct download: 091-SUP-LIAMCollins_Audio1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Not too long ago every self respecting long distance runner was toting a dog eared copy of Christopher McDougall’s Born to Run, reconsidering their choice of footwear or forgoing shoes altogether. McDougall’s current explorations have led him to ask new questions such as: what makes a hero, are our vast human skills learned formally or innate and suppressed by culture? Is the ability to survive in dire circumstances unique or is it present in all of us and awaiting the opportunity to be unleashed? You may know Joe’s take on these questions, and in this episode learn if McDougall agrees.

Lessons:

    1.    To be compassionate can also mean to help someone with their problem while it’s small and before it comes back to affect the community at large.
    2.    Many skills are latent, lurking just below the surface, and our mass culture has  limited their full expression.
    3.    Being successful often means identifying and taking that one extra step that no one else is taking.

Direct download: 090_SUP-ChristopherMcDougall_Audio.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT