In this episode, Joe de Sena and wrestling champion Ben Askren dive into their co-authored book on "Extreme Balance," a concept emphasizing that true excellence comes from balancing hard work, mental skills, and self-care.

Ben opens up about his personal journey, detailing how he shifted from relentless grinding to focusing on strategic thinking and body awareness. He highlights how balancing physical and mental aspects was key to unlocking his full potential.

The discussion includes practical strategies for managing performance anxiety, recognizing when to push through pain versus when to rest, and finding the optimal balance between rigorous training and high-pressure performance.

They also examine the lives of successful individuals who achieved remarkable success but struggled with personal balance, concluding that sustainable excellence demands a holistic approach.

This episode provides valuable insights for elite performers aiming to elevate their game by mastering the principles of "Extreme Balance."

Highlights:

00:00 Intro
00:49 The journey to balance through wrestling
08:24 How to manage performance anxiety
11:54 Balancing hard work and rest
15:30 The role of balance in elite performance
20:45 Extreme success and balance – Spartans, Musk, Jobs
23:44 The importance of family time
26:26 How to find the book and final thoughts

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https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Balance-Paradoxical-Principles-Champion/dp/1642011770

In this episode, we follow the remarkable journey of Marco Robinson - a man who overcame a challenging upbringing marked by poverty, abuse, and adversity to become a highly successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.

From his humble beginnings as a homeless, bullied youth to his meteoric rise in the world of sales and business, Marco's story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and the unwavering pursuit of one's dreams.

Through his candid recollections, we learn how Marco's pivotal moment of self-belief transformed his life, leading him to unprecedented sales success and the creation of thriving enterprises. His willingness to confront personal tragedies and emotional barriers further inspires, showcasing the transformative power of facing one's fears and embracing vulnerability.

Prepare to be captivated and empowered by Marco's extraordinary story of triumph over adversity.

Timestamp:
00:00 Intro
00:44 Marco’s background and childhood
04:02 Transition to sales and his first success
06:42 The importance of believing in yourself
07:53 Career highs and lows in Malaysia
10:10 Marriage problems, writing a book, and the first million
12:47 Flipping properties in the US and TV show
16:01 Resolving a childhood trauma
17:26 Advice to people who are stuck in life
18:23 Struggles make you stronger
19:21 Three things to do for success
20:57 Final thoughts

This episode of the Hard Way Podcast features an inspiring conversation with Nigel Thomas, an entrepreneur who shares his powerful story of overcoming a devastating personal betrayal.

After hitting rock bottom and contemplating suicide, Nigel realized he needed to empower the "champion" within himself, rather than succumbing to the "victim" mindset.

Through discipline, exercise, and rebuilding his support network, Nigel embarked on a remarkable journey of resilience and self-discovery. He now shares his experiences in his popular newsletter, "David to Goliath," inspiring others to believe in themselves and write their own comeback stories.

Nigel's insights on the importance of purpose, community, and consistent self-improvement offer valuable lessons for anyone facing adversity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking the courage and determination to overcome life's challenges and emerge stronger than ever before.

Highlights:

00:00 Intro
02:22 Nigel’s background and personal story
04:41 From corporate job to successful entrepreneurship
05:40 Personal betrayal that led to a mental health crisis
08:49 Meeting yourself and taking the responsibility
10:56 Nigel’s David to Goliath newsletter
12:22 Joe’s invitation and the importance of finding a community
14:12 Fining purpose in helping others
16:26 Opening up but avoiding victim mentality
17:32 The importance of consistency and accountability
18:55 Where can people find Nigel?

In this raw and honest conversation with Joe De Sena, Dr. Samantha Harte shares her incredible journey from addiction and trauma to redemption and healing.

Growing up in a dysfunctional family in Brooklyn, Samantha's path was riddled with substance abuse, shame, and relationship turmoil. But through the power of the 12 steps and her own unwavering resilience, she transformed her life, finding sobriety, self-love, and ultimately, a thriving marriage and business.

Now, Samantha is on a mission to modernize the 12-step approach, using her personal experiences to help others overcome their own challenges and unlock their full potential. Tune in for more!

Highlights:

00:00 Intro
00:45 Dr. Samantha’s childhood, academic struggles, and drug addiction
08:44 Overdosing and decision to recover
13:23 Marriage and recovery challenges
16:52 Finding a sponsor and 12-step program
20:19 The beginning of her fitness business
22:23 Separation from her husband and getting back together
26:31 Miscarriages, postpartum depression, and the loss of her dad
29:13 Losing a sister to overdose and writing a book
32:38 Joe’s support and future plans

Meet Greg Yocom, a real estate investor, and lifelong competitor who has defied age and odds by completing over 100 Spartan Races. Discover the unshakable mental toughness and resilience that propels this 65-year-old to push his limits, even as others his age are retiring.

Dive into Greg's inspiring journey, from overcoming a devastating divorce to developing an unwavering "no excuses" mindset. Learn how he applies the lessons of Spartan Racing to achieve success in business and life and hear his thoughts on instilling the right mindset in the next generation.

Don't miss this amazing conversation with Greg Yocom, the 65-year-old Spartan who refuses to quit. This episode is a must-watch for anyone seeking the secrets to becoming unstoppable, no matter your age or circumstances.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
01:23 Greg’s background
04:11 The importance of preparation
05:29 Failing without being a failure
08:14 Retiring is quitting
11:55 What’s so good about the Spartan Race?
13:36 Applying Spartan Race experience to business
15:05 How to deal with losing motivation
16:00 The use of social media
17:18 What is the first step?
19:23 Greg’s struggles with high cholesterol
22:09 Installing healthy mindset in kids
24:05 How can people find Greg?

Are our freedoms under siege? In this episode, Joe De Sena is talking to an amazing guest - Connor Boyack, an author, speaker, and staunch advocate for personal freedom and education.

They tackle the unsettling rise of Big Government and the danger of becoming a Nanny State. As bureaucratic regulations multiply and control tightens, we’re faced with crucial questions about the erosion of personal liberty. How far will government overreach go, and what are the implications for our future?

Joe and Connor talk about the growing influence of regulations in everyday life, examine the consequences of increased governmental control, and discuss strategies to protect our freedoms.

Tune in for an insightful exploration of how we can safeguard our rights and ensure that personal autonomy remains intact in an increasingly regulated world.

Highlights:

00:00 Intro
00:49 Connor’s background and career path
02:52 Too much freedom vs too restricted laws
07:21 San Francisco's lack of prosecution for small crimes
10:38 Left-right binary and the need to find common ground
14:30 Corporations lobbying against simplification efforts
17:38 The need for decentralization of power
21:11 Using market pressure to rebalance power
23:10 Why the international community loves Trump
25:03 The importance of resilience
25:48 Degrading from freedom to a nanny state
27:51 History's cyclical patterns
29:30 How can people find Connor?

In this episode, Joe de Sena is having a powerful conversation with fitness icon Clark Bartram, who is on a mission to inspire men to embrace a life of resilience, purpose, and health.

This 60-year-old “fitness anomaly” shares his philosophy on making small, daily choices that can have a profound impact on your well-being.

His message is both thought-provoking and actionable, as he challenges listeners to choose the stairs over the escalator, to walk instead of calling an Uber, and to prioritize physical activity in a world that often promotes convenience over health.

Since his recent prostate cancer diagnosis, Bartram is using his platform to empower men to take control of their health and live life to the fullest.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to break free from the "busy dying" mentality and embrace a mindset of living with energy, purpose, and resilience.

Highlights:
00:00 Intro
01:22 Being anomaly on life is the goal
03:10 Get busy living or get busy dying
04:22 Living with energy and purpose
07:32 Laziness and 10,000 steps a day as a goal
10:38 Clark’s motivation for his fitness journey
14:53 Why are we the way we are
17:10 The absurdity of celebrating obesity
19:45 Clark’s personal challenge with prostate cancer
25:26 How can people find Clark?

In this captivating episode, join Joe De Sena, the founder of Spartan, and Frank Schwartz, the CEO of F3 Nation, as they dive deep into the transformative power of fitness, fellowship, and faith.

Discover how these two dynamic leaders are on a mission to inspire men to break free from self-limiting beliefs and unlock their true potential.

Hear the inspiring stories of how F3 Nation's unique approach to community-driven workouts is changing lives, helping men reclaim their health, rediscover their purpose, and become leaders in their own right. Explore the fascinating concept of "nantan" and how it empowers men to take charge of their own growth and development.

Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and empowered to become the best version of yourself.

Highlights:

00:00 Intro
00:43 What are F3 and Nantan?
04:43 Transformative power of challenging oneself with dirty and difficult activities
08:35 Removing self-limiting beliefs and recognizing your true potential
11:31 Pushing beyond limits and find your true purpose
14:10 Mental health and the usefulness of therapy
17:54 What’s next for F3?
21:28 How can people find Frank?
23:34 The main objections and overcoming excuses
26:24 A success story