In this episode, Joe De Sena is talking with Rob and Alex, the authors of Warrior to Civilian, on the challenges veterans face after service.

They discuss a hidden veteran suicide crisis and why so many veterans struggle, how we can help them thrive, and the real steps for a successful transition.

Rob and Alex reveal the often-overlooked difficulties of reintegration, the importance of mentorship, and the complex system of VA benefits. They also offer practical advice designed to equip veterans, families, and civilians alike with tools to support and empower our nation’s heroes.

Whether you’re a veteran or simply want to help, this episode offers eye-opening insights and actionable solutions to help our veterans transition successfully into civilian life.

Highlights:

00:47 Transitioning from military to civilian life
02:31 Preparing for civilian integration and finding a purpose
03:59 Recognizing the need for early preparation for veterans
05:19 Veteran suicides and the urgency of support systems
09:38 Mentorship and non-profits with veteran initiative
11:19 How civilians can support veterans’ reintegration
13:39 Ideas for creating veteran events at Spartan races
19:09 The book Warrior to Civilian and its target audience
21:28 Nothing worthwhile is easy
23:21 Message of resilience and hope for veterans

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Get the Book Now! | Warrior to Civilian:

https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Civilian-Field-Manual-Journey/dp/1538769964

In this episode, Mario Kalpou from Man Eats Wild brings you into the world of primal living and real food.

Joe De Sena and Mario dive deep into why modern life has made us lose touch with what really matters, like knowing where our food comes from and learning the skills to survive in the wild. They share stories of hunting, foraging, and reconnecting with nature to fuel the body with real, nutrient-dense food.

From alligator hunting in Florida to sourcing food without relying on grocery stores, they show how ancestral living can build strength and resilience. If you’re curious about the power of going back to basics and challenging the comforts of the modern world, tune in now!

Highlights:

00:00 Intro
00:47 The inspiration behind "Man Eats Wild"
02:20 Alligator hunting & dangerous liver toxicity
03:43 Is eating liver healthy?
04:57 Taking high-net-worth individuals on adventures
06:06 Teaching basic survival skills to kids
07:32 The Importance of struggle & exercise
09:43 Nutritional challenges in the U.S. vs. Europe
11:19 Food industry & RFK’s Perspective
13:07 Health legislation and freedom debate
15:25 Growing up to be a man in the wild
16:52 Living a natural lifestyle vs. modern influences
19:03 The role of exercise in daily life
20:09 Joe’s Training routines over the years
22:01 Where to Watch "Man Eats Wild"

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Kim Pastore, a widow who faced unimaginable loss when her husband, a dedicated SWAT officer, was killed in the line of duty.

Kim opens up about the overwhelming grief and challenges she faced and shares how she found the strength to keep going by turning to the Spartan Way. Through gratitude, resilience, and a commitment to honoring her husband’s legacy, Kim founded a foundation to support the mental and physical wellness of first responders.

Kim’s journey offers hope, showing that even in the darkest times, we can find purpose, strength, and a way to help others. This is a story about love, loss, and the power of never giving up.

Highlights:

00:00 Intro
00:47 Kim’s husband George and his SWAT journey
02:50 George’s tragic death and the grieving process
09:04 The Spartan way of overcoming grief
13:29 The role of adversity in childhood
15:15 Gratitude as a tool in tough times
18:35 Launching the George Pastore Foundation
23:20 Humble warrior games and community support
24:16 How to get involved with the foundation

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Jorge Pastore Foundation | Website:
https://www.jpastorefoundation.org/

In this episode, Joe De Sena explores the powerful lessons of military leadership with Ryan P. Crayne, an experienced Army officer.

Ryan shares how tough training, mental resilience, and leading by example forge exceptional leaders. Learn how the same principles that guide soldiers can help you develop personal discipline, build trust, and tackle challenges head-on in your own life.

Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership skills, improve your physical and mental fitness, or just gain inspiration from military strategies, this episode is packed with actionable tips you can start applying today.

Highlights:

00:41 Major Crane's background in military service and teaching
02:17 The rewards and challenges of military service
03:19 Ranger School experiences and leadership development
05:16 Pushing limits and developing resilience in youth
08:50 Leadership tips: Trust, example, and expertise
12:13 Military recruiting and benefits of military service
16:00 The value of overcoming tough challenges
17:39 Major Crane's future military service plans
18:34 Daily habits inspired by military discipline
21:00 How to connect with Major Crane?

In this eye-opening episode, Joe De Sena sits down with a holistic health practitioner Brett Hawes to explore the incredible capacity we all have to heal ourselves.

They tackle the rising concern of orthorexia and discuss how the obsession with "perfect" eating can actually harm our well-being. Brett emphasizes the importance of simplifying our health journeys, moving away from fad diets, and focusing on whole, nourishing foods that support our bodies.

You will learn practical strategies for combating lifestyle diseases, enhancing sleep quality, and fostering a balanced approach to nutrition. Brett's wealth of experience in functional medicine provides actionable insights that can easily be integrated into daily life.

Highlights:

00:44 Brett's experience in functional medicine
01:43 Balancing traditional and holistic medicine
05:47 Growing popularity of functional medicine
08:01 Challenges of competing with large food companies
09:11 Vision for a healthier future
10:23 Brett’s view on the healthcare system
12:02 Discussing food subsidies and taxes
13:47 Importance of exercise vs. healthy eating
15:42 Three key practices for preventing lifestyle diseases
20:20 Health practices shouldn’t be so complicated
22:21 Brett's current podcast and activism work1

In this powerful episode, Joe De Sena talks with JC Glick, a veteran of 11 combat tours, about the challenges veterans face after leaving military service.

JC opens up about his struggles with identity, purpose, and mental health, while sharing how his Commit Foundation helps veterans and their families rebuild their lives and find new meaning.

Hear the untold stories of military service, learn about the importance of teamwork, and how we can all play a part in supporting veterans after their service.

Highlights:

00:00 Intro
00:42 Introduction to JC Glick, CEO of Commit
01:03 JC Glick’s journey into the military
03:47 The impact of military service on identity and leadership
04:39 The value of service and teamwork in building gratitude and empathy
07:16 The national service initiatives for young people
09:21 Privileges and challenges of living in the U.S
10:49 Finding a new identity and purpose after leaving the military service
15:09 The significance of military spouses and their unique challenges
16:19 How to support the Commit Foundation and their missione

Struggling to break free from unhealthy eating habits?

In this episode, Joe De Sena talks with nutrition coach Mike Millner, who shares his personal story of overcoming years of yo-yo dieting and gaining over 100 pounds. Mike dives deep into the powerful connection between our subconscious thoughts, beliefs, and food choices.

Find out how your beliefs and identity shape your eating habits, and discover actionable strategies to transform your relationship with food for good. Learn practical strategies for rewiring your mind to break free from emotional eating and how mindset shifts are the true foundation for lasting change.

Whether you're battling cravings or trying to lose weight, Mike's unique approach will show you how to break the cycle and finally achieve lasting results!

Highlights:

00:00 Intro
00:48 Mike's journey into nutrition
03:52 How to change a relationship with food
06:30 Joe's personal relationship with food
09:15 Rewiring subconscious thoughts about food
12:34 Success rate in changing eating habits
15:51 How to change a country’s relationship with food
18:30 How to help kids eat healthier
21:51 VIP event in the desert of Abu Dhabi

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Mike's Instagram: @coach_mike_millner
Website: https://neurotypetraining.com/mike-millner/

In this episode, Joe De Sena talks with Tom Farrey, author of Game On: The All-American Race to Make Champions of Our Children, about the state of youth sports in America.

Tom explains that only 1 in 4 kids are active, largely due to barriers in the U.S. sports system. Now leading Project Play, he works to make sports more accessible and fun for all children.

They discuss how Spartan Races promote self-improvement over competition, and how Norway’s child-focused sports model could inspire the U.S.

Tom emphasizes the importance of letting kids enjoy sports rather than pushing them into activities they don’t love. They encourage parents to listen to their children’s interests and prioritize fun and accessibility to keep kids engaged in sports.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
01:03 Mapping the Problem: Why Aren’t More Kids Active?
03:31 Youth Sports Around the World
05:46 Challenging Kids to Do Hard Things
07:46 Screens and Devices as a Competition to Youth Sports
10:23 Rethinking Competition for Kids
11:51 Breaking Through School Bureaucracies to Reach Kids
13:15 How Can Parents Support Their Child’s Interests
16:57 Should You Let Your Kid Quit a Sport?
19:01 Parents Overanalyzing Their Child's Performance
21:29 Norway: The World’s Best Youth Sports System
25:10 - What the U.S. Can Learn from Norway
26:16 - Final Thoughts: Creating Better Youth Sports Systems