Inside the Spartan Lifestyle: Joe De Sena’s Take on Endurance, Leadership, and Resilience

Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness

In this episode of The ATFW Podcast, Krissy Vann sits down with Joe De Sena, founder of Spartan and a driving force in the world of endurance events. From his early entrepreneurial ventures—including building a multimillion-dollar pool and construction business in college and creating a Wall Street trading firm—Joe's ambition has always been evident. However, his true mission has been to inspire 100 million people to get active, leading to the creation of Spartan, a lifestyle that has transformed over seven million lives globally.

During the conversation, Joe shares how his move to Vermont ignited his passion for endurance events, eventually giving rise to Spartan, a global fitness brand that now hosts more than 270 events annually across 40+ countries. These events challenge participants of all fitness levels, from beginners to elite athletes, with a focus on both physical and mental toughness.

Key insights from the episode include Joe's views on building mental resilience, the evolving fitness event industry, and the importance of leadership in overcoming obstacles. Joe's personal experience competing in over 50 ultra-events and 14 Ironman races in a single year provides a firsthand perspective on the power of pushing limits. He also discusses his bestselling books and the broader Spartan lifestyle, which includes training programs, partnerships with major fitness brands, and television content, all aimed at promoting a life of endurance and strength.

Tune in to hear more about Joe De Sena's approach to leadership, mental toughness, and his vision for transforming lives through the Spartan lifestyle.

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