33:36

In this episode of the You Winning Life Podcast, host Jason Wasser, LMFT, interviews Joe DeSena, founder and CEO of Spartan Race and bestselling author. The conversation weaves together DeSena’s entrepreneurial journey—from selling fireworks as a child to building a multi‑million‑dollar pool‑cleaning business, a Wall Street trading firm, and finally the global Spartan brand—alongside his philosophy on health, mental toughness, and community building. DeSena uses the metaphor of a swimming pool to explain how the human body needs regular maintenance (water, filtration, pump) and shares a set of simple, “back‑to‑basics” habits: drink 90 % water, sweat before breakfast, get adequate sleep, take cold showers, choose stairs over escalators, and eat abundant salads. He stresses the power of committing to a concrete date on the calendar as the primary catalyst for behavior change, arguing that without external pressure most people remain stuck in inaction. The dialogue also explores how to distinguish healthy versus unhealthy coping mechanisms, the role of addiction to comfort, and the importance of turning discomfort into growth. Parenting and family resilience are addressed through DeSena’s recent book “10 Rules for Resilience,” emphasizing mission statements, hard work, recognizing gender differences, and deliberately exposing children to obstacles rather than removing them. A charitable challenge is issued: Wasser must recruit 300 first‑time participants for a Spartan race, with proceeds going to a chosen charity. Throughout, the tone is conversational, enthusiastic, and peppered with personal anecdotes, offering practical advice for entrepreneurs, athletes, and families seeking to build grit and purpose.

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