JRE #1514 – Joe De Sena

24-Jul-20

Joe Rogan Experience #1514 – Joe De Sena Topics

This podcast features Joe De Sena, the CEO and founder of “Spartan” and the “Death Race”, and a NY Times best selling author of “Spartan Up”, “Spartan Fit” and “The Spartan Way”. Joe Rogan and Joe De Sena delve into a wide array of topics including fitness, mental toughness, overcoming adversity, and even the bizarre tale of a deer hunt gone wrong.

The podcast highlights De Sena’s unique approach to fitness, emphasizing mental toughness and pushing through discomfort. The conversation explores the power of discipline and the importance of finding things you’re passionate about.

Major Topics:

1. The Kettlebell: A Constant Companion
   • Joe De Sena’s unusual obsession with carrying a kettlebell everywhere he goes.
   • The humorous anecdotes of his kettlebell’s adventures in airports and on flights.
   • The kettlebell’s journey through different countries and cultures, reflecting on varying travel regulations.
   • De Sena’s perspective on the importance of having a “stack” or a constant companion for motivation.
2. The 400-Pound Weight Loss Transformation:
   • De Sena recounts his incredible journey of helping a 696-pound man lose nearly 400 pounds in 18 months.
   • The unconventional methods employed, including raw fruits and vegetables, daily 10-mile hikes, and gradual weight increase.
   • The mental fortitude required to persevere through discomfort and the psychological aspect of weight loss.
   • De Sena’s belief in the importance of pushing through discomfort to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
3. The Spartan Paradox:
   • De Sena explores the concept of the “Spartan Paradox”, where having a deadline or a specific goal motivates people to work harder.
   • The contrasting examples of fighters who excel with discipline versus those who struggle with it.
   • The importance of setting clear goals and schedules to achieve peak performance.
   • The dangers of procrastination and the importance of staying committed to achieving goals.
4. The “Unicorn” Athlete:
   • De Sena discusses the rare combination of natural talent, intelligence, and dedication that creates elite athletes.
   • The discussion highlights the “unicorn” athlete, possessing both innate abilities and the drive to push themselves.
   • The importance of mental intelligence in addition to physical talent, exemplified by Mike Tyson’s strategic mind.
   • The quest for greatness often requires a unique blend of natural gifts and unwavering commitment.
5. The Farm Life:
   • De Sena’s journey from Wall Street to Vermont farm life, reflecting on the allure of a simpler life.
   • His unexpected purchase of the farm after stumbling upon a magazine ad, demonstrating his impulsivity and desire for change.
   • The humorous tale of the “deer in the backhoe” involving a hunting-obsessed excavator operator and a group of Slovakian carpenters.
   • De Sena’s embrace of rural life and his unconventional encounters with both the beauty and absurdity of Vermont.
6. The Birth of Spartan Race:
   • De Sena’s inspiration to create Spartan Race stemmed from his own experiences in challenging races and his desire to share them.
   • The initial struggles to gain traction and the subsequent rivalry with Tough Mudder, pushing De Sena to innovate and grow his business.
   • The evolution of Spartan Race from a small event to a global phenomenon.
   • De Sena’s vision for Spartan Race as a platform for challenging oneself and pushing physical and mental limits.
7. The Impact of Video Games:
   • De Sena’s concerns about the pervasive influence of video games, particularly on children and their lack of real-world experience.
   • His creation of a “14 Days to Hell” camp for children, designed to challenge them and instill a sense of grit and determination.
   • The importance of challenging children and exposing them to discomfort, leading to personal growth and resilience.
   • De Sena’s belief that overcoming adversity leads to a sense of accomplishment and fosters mental strength.
8. The Power of Cold Showers:
   • De Sena’s embrace of cold showers, a practice inspired by a martial arts instructor and later reinforced through cryotherapy.
   • The benefits of cold showers for mental clarity, focus, and overcoming discomfort.
   • The importance of pushing past mental barriers and finding the inner strength to embrace challenges.
   • The transformative power of challenging oneself physically and mentally, leading to personal growth and resilience.
9. The Role of Diet in Health:
   • De Sena’s personal diet philosophy, emphasizing fruits and vegetables with a smaller portion of meat and fish.
   • The importance of understanding individual needs and adapting dietary choices based on genetics and lifestyle.
   • The dangers of vitamin D deficiency and the importance of ensuring proper nutrient intake.
   • The complex relationship between diet, genetics, and health, advocating for a holistic approach to wellness.
10. The Controversial Topic of Cannibalism:
    • De Sena and Joe Rogan explore the historical prevalence of cannibalism and its potential origins in survival and warfare.
    • The discussion delves into the cultural context of cannibalism and its psychological implications.
    • The connection to the human need to adapt to challenging environments and the drive for survival.
    • A glimpse into the darker side of human nature and the complex motivations behind extreme acts of survival.
11. The American Diet and Obesity:
    • De Sena’s concerns about the American diet and its impact on obesity, particularly in comparison to other cultures.
    • The role of readily available processed food and sedentary lifestyles in contributing to weight gain.
    • The importance of educating people about healthy eating habits and promoting a more balanced lifestyle.
    • De Sena’s perspective on the potential benefits of a sugar tax and stricter regulations on factory farming.
12. The Question of Freedom vs. Regulation:
    • De Sena’s strong belief in freedom, even acknowledging its potential for negative consequences.
    • The debate on whether government intervention is necessary to combat unhealthy eating habits and promote a healthier society.
    • The ethical dilemma of balancing individual liberty with the potential benefits of regulating unhealthy food practices.
    • De Sena’s view that while freedom is essential, it should not come at the cost of promoting unhealthy choices.
13. The Role of Military Service:
    • De Sena’s contemplation on the potential benefits of mandatory military service, inspired by Israel’s system.
    • The discussion on whether a year of service could instill a sense of duty, responsibility, and patriotism.
    • The importance of rites of passage and challenges in fostering personal growth and a sense of responsibility.
    • De Sena’s perspective on the need for a sense of purpose and the value of overcoming adversity.
14. The Impact of Social Media:
    • De Sena’s view that social media exacerbates negativity and fosters a culture of judgment and criticism.
    • His belief that social media amplifies negativity and often serves as a platform for people who haven’t been challenged.
    • The importance of introspection and self-reflection in contrast to the tendency to focus on the failings of others.
    • De Sena’s perspective on the need for a more positive and constructive approach to online interaction.
15. The Future of Spartan Race:
    • De Sena’s plans to expand Spartan Race into a broader platform for fitness and community.
    • The vision for a virtual Spartan Race, providing accountability and motivation for individuals seeking a challenge.
    • The potential of virtual events to bridge the gap during times of physical limitations.
    • De Sena’s continued commitment to fostering a culture of health and wellness through Spartan Race and other initiatives.
16. The Overpopulation of Los Angeles:
    • De Sena’s concerns about the overpopulation of Los Angeles, citing the negative impacts on traffic, homelessness, and COVID-19 spread.
    • His belief that overpopulation creates unsustainable conditions, making it difficult to manage essential services.
    • The contrasting perspectives of city life versus rural living, highlighting the pros and cons of each.
    • De Sena’s preference for a less crowded environment and his plans to relocate to Texas.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “The number one motivator for human beings is the avoidance of discomfort.” – De Sena emphasizes the human tendency to avoid discomfort, but argues that a healthy life often requires embracing it.
• “The best thing you could ever do is force yourself to a schedule.” – De Sena advocates for structured routines and discipline to achieve goals, even when motivation is lacking.
• “If you don’t finish it, it leaves a physical gap in the brain.” – A neurosurgeon’s perspective on the importance of finishing tasks, highlighting the neurological benefits of overcoming challenges.
• “You gotta be uncomfortable to be healthy.” – A key takeaway from the conversation, emphasizing the connection between discomfort and a healthy lifestyle.
• “You can’t be in a bad mood. Like, you can’t. And for me, the best solution to a bad mood is hard workouts.” – De Sena’s personal philosophy on how exercise can alleviate stress and improve mental well-being.