Podcasts about spartan

Seán shares his detailed experience of participating in his first Spartan race, the 21k Beast Challenge in Edinburgh, Scotland, over the weekend. Covering obstacles, training insights (and mistakes!), as well as the terrain, Sean talks to Eric about how he got on throughout the course and the lessons he learnedIs he more or less looking forward to the 5k version in Limerick in August, and what does this mean for his Dublin marathon training this year?You can follow us on Instagram:@anygivenrundaypodcastUse 'Run10' to geth 10% off the Ultimate Muscle Rub Recovery Set, which is designed to support post-workout recovery, relaxation, and everyday muscle comfort after exercise, training, or long active days. This premium recovery bundle brings together carefully selected Ultrapure essentials to help you unwind, recharge, and feel refreshed from head to toe.https://ultrapurelabs.ie/products/sports-r You can now get 20% off all Perform Nutrition products, including their new Electrolytes+, using the code 'AGR' at checkoutPerformNutrition.com

A doctor said he needed knee surgery. He said no. Robert Norris is 22 years old, has Down syndrome, and completes Ironman triathlons without a guide. He taught himself to ride a bike, swam with Navy SEALs in the Hudson River, ran the Boston Marathon through bloody blisters, and trains daily with a volume most able-bodied athletes never touch: 80-mile bike rides, 10-mile runs, 2100-yard swims.   Joe De Sena sits down with Robert and his mother, Wanda, a retired Navy veteran, to unpack how a slipped kneecap became a turning point, why Robert refuses to quit under any condition, and what happens when a young man with an extra chromosome decides the hard way is the only way. This episode delivers a direct challenge: if Robert Norris can show up every single day without excuses, what is stopping you?   Things You Will Learn: Why a physical setback can become the trigger for a higher standard instead of a retreat. The structure behind a non-negotiable daily routine that eliminates the need for motivation. What consistent action proves to the people who expect you to stop.   Tools & Frameworks Covered: Setback-to-Standard Conversion: Use injury or adversity as the catalyst for a higher training commitment, not a reason to stop. Non-Negotiable Daily Structure: Wake time, bedtime, training order, and nutrition are locked in. Remove decision fatigue. Execute the plan. Progressive Proof of Capability: Start with one mile. Then eighteen. Then a hundred. Let results silence doubt.   If this episode moved you, do not just listen. Do something about it. Sign up. Show up. Do the work. Spartan.com. No more excuses.   Robert Norris is a Guinness World Record–holding endurance athlete who redefined limits by becoming the first athlete with Down syndrome to complete a full Ironman triathlon independently, setting the fastest time in his category. His journey represents relentless discipline, the breaking of perceived limitations, and the building of an unshakable mindset through years of preparation and adversity.   Connect to Robert: Website: https://www.robertnorrismanofiron.com/about  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertnorrismanofiron/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.norris.432406/ YouTube: http://youtube.com/@GETFITWIthRobert-21 ꚠ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@robertnorrismanofiron?   We gave you the tools, now use them during your next SPARTAN RACE! Use codeword PODCAST on checkout for 10% your next race.  

In this episode of Unashamed, Unafraid, Mason and Sam welcome Mike Farr, a rock photographer, Spartan racer, husband to Jenny, and father to Wesley. Mike shares how his father leaving early, conflict with a stepfather, and feeling unlovable fueled a “character” that chased acceptance through music, drugs, escalating sexual behavior, and crime. He describes immersion in the late '60s–'80s music scene, cocaine dealing, and eventual heroin addiction, repeated arrests, rehab attempts, and a Salvation Army program that helped him rebuild sobriety and career. After a six-year relapse, an overdose coma, and another arrest, he surrendered, returned to meetings, and found sustained recovery and service, including coaching sobriety on the Vans Warped Tour, framing God as his Father and a source of healing.Make a donation and become an Outsider!Follow us on social media! Instagram, Facebook & TikTokSubscribe to our YouTubeCheck out our recommended resourcesWant to rep the message? Shop our MERCH!  For more inspiration, read our blogDo you have a story you are willing to share? Send us an email! contact@unashamedunafraid.com00:43 Recovery Check In02:34 Introducing Mike Farr04:03 How We Met05:23 Childhood Wounds07:49 Music And Drugs12:08 Sex Addiction Escalates15:54 God And Fatherhood19:40 Tahoe Marriage Fallout20:19 Stevie Ray Vaughan Wakeup21:52 Wicked Wanda22:34 Heroin Hooked and Sick24:07 Intervention and Jail26:00 Rehab Fail and Rick28:02 Tank Talk and Release Mistake30:33 Salvation Army Turnaround32:35 Relapse33:45 Overdose and Two Week Coma37:23 Surrender39:30 God's Tender Mercy43:06 Service Life and Father God45:14 Closing Song

A regular nineteen-year-old with no criminal record stabbed his landlord to death with a pocketknife, then later claimed the demon he'd taunted into possessing him — instead of his fiancée's eleven-year-old brother — had crawled out of a well and into his body to commit the murder.EPISODE BLOG PAGE (includes sources and full transcript): https://weirddarkness.com/arnejohnsonREAD or DOWNLOAD the full transcript of this episode:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8n97s9FEATURED STORIES IN THIS EPISODE: The third Conjuring film is based on the true story of Arne Cheyenne Johnson who claimed he committed murder because a demon made him do it. But how much truth is there to that story? (The Devil Made Him Do It) *** A tribe living in the Amazon Jungle tells about a strange encounter they had with an extraterrestrial and a strange beam of light. (That Time An Alien Visited the Kayapo People) *** An elderly man decides he needs to hire someone to help him care for his property… but who he chose would bring only death and a mystery that still goes unsolved. (The Wonnangatta Station Murders) *** Lizard people. Reptilians. It's one of the strangest and most controversial conspiracy theories in existence – and we'll look at some of the history behind the idea, as well as what science says about the possibility of it being a reality. (The Myths and Modern Science of Reptilians) *** A nun who wasn't very good at being a nun ended up being a nun without a head. (The Headless Nun of Watton Priory) *** We've all been asked the question, “How do you want to die when it comes your time?” Aside from the boring but realistic answer of “quietly in my sleep” some would prefer to go out in a blaze of glory, doing something heroic to save a person or persons from imminent doom. But of course that does not happen for most of us. In fact, there are probably more people going out in a blaze of stupidity! (Dumbest Deaths) *** In 1995 Mike Marcum got it in his head to build a time machine. Did he succeed? We may never know – because he disappeared without a trace. (The Mike Marcum Time Machine)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = The Foreboding00:00:16.342 = Show Open00:02:43.182 = The Devil Made Him Do It00:13:06.595 = The Wonnangatta Station Murders ***00:21:13.768 = That Time An Alien Visited The Kayapo People00:31:32.636 = Myths and Modern Science of Reptilians ***00:36:18.232 = Headless Nun of Watton Priory00:50:09.790 = Dumbest Deaths ***01:02:12.268 = The Mike Marcum Time Machine ***01:06:33.695 = Show Close & Bloopers*** = Begins immediately after inserted ad breakLISTEN ON PODCAST APPS: Look for this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and other podcast apps. Get a list of free listening apps here: https://weirddarkness.com/wdapps*No AI Voices Are Used In The Narration Of This Podcast*SOURCES and RESOURCES:“The Myths and Modern Science of Reptilians” from Anomalien: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/b7m27fbr“The Devil Made Him Do It” by Marco Margaritoff for All That's Interesting: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/pxfxa423“That Time An Alien Visited The Kayapo People” by Ellen Lloyd for Ancient Pages: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/sauzjxp2“The Wonnangatta Station Murders” by Brent Swancer for Mysterious Universe: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ceycy3k“The Headless Nun of Watton Priory” from Esoterx: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/x4sknt6r“Dumbest Deaths” by Katie Chilton for ListVerse: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/sm6mwmj7“The Mike Marcum Time Machine” from Earth Chronicles: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/hytc7552(Over time links may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2026, Weird Darkness.Originally aired: November 17, 2021Weird Darkness host Darren Marlar leads listeners through seven dark tales spanning a courtroom plea of demonic possession, an unsolved double murder on a remote Australian cattle station, an Amazon tribe's memory of a sky visitor, the serpent-race conspiracy of reptilians, a centuries-old English haunting, history's most absurd deaths, and a Missouri man who vanished after trying to build a time machine.It opens with the 1981 killing of forty-year-old landlord Alan Bono in Brookfield, Connecticut, the first murder in the town's 193-year history, committed by his nineteen-year-old tenant Arne Cheyenne Johnson with a five-inch pocket knife. Johnson's attorney Martin Minnella attempted a plea of not guilty by reason of demonic possession, tracing the violence to months of torment suffered by eleven-year-old David Glatzel, the brother of Johnson's fiancée Debbie, who described a tormentor with black eyes, animal features, and hooves. Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren declared it a genuine possession and claimed David levitated and stopped breathing across three exorcisms overseen by priests, while psychiatrists countered that the boy had a learning disability. Judge Robert Callahan rejected the supernatural defense as unprovable, Johnson was convicted of first-degree manslaughter on November 24, 1981, and the case later inspired the film The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.From there the episode travels to the remote Wonnangatta Station in Australia's Victorian Alps, where caretaker James Barclay hired English handyman John Bamford in 1917, a man rumored to have killed his own wife. After the two rode to Talbotville to vote on the Reinforcement Referendum in December 1917, mailman Harry Smith found the homestead empty but for the words "Home Tonight" chalked on the kitchen door, and weeks later he and Jack Jebb uncovered Barclay's decomposed body in a shallow creekside grave, dead from a shotgun blast to the back. The following November, Bamford's body surfaced in a log pile on the Howitt Plains with a bullet in the head, leaving investigators with a recently fired shotgun, traces of strychnine in the kitchen pepper, and no answer as to who killed the second man.Next comes the legend of the Kayapo people of the Brazilian Amazon, who tell of a sky visitor named Bep Kororoti who descended from the mountains of Pukato-Ti amid thunder, wielding a weapon that reduced trees and stones to dust and a beam of light that paralyzed anyone who fled his lessons. The being neither ate nor drank, taught the villagers practical skills, and eventually ascended back into the sky, and the account drew international attention when young Kayapo men touring Rio de Janeiro reportedly pointed at an Apollo 11 astronaut display and shouted that he had returned. Erich von Däniken cited photographs of Kayapo men in straw ritual costumes resembling spacesuits, taken by Joao Americo Peret in 1952, nearly a decade before Yuri Gagarin's 1961 spaceflight, as supposed support for the ancient astronaut theory.The discussion then turns to reptilians, tracing serpent-race myths found across Sumeria, Babylonia, India, China, and Mesoamerica, alongside the modern claims of David Icke that some humans are disguised lizard people. Set against the folklore, researcher Bjarke Jensen of Aarhus University lays out the actual biology: the human reptilian brain that governs heart rate and breathing, eyes structured much like a reptile's, and conductive heart tissue whose molecular building blocks Jensen's team located hidden in the spongy hearts of lizards, frogs, and zebrafish.The episode then visits Watton Priory in East Riding of Yorkshire, a Gilbertine community where, according to the twelfth-century account of Saint Aelred of Rievaulx, an orphaned girl named Elfleda fell in love with a young lay brother, was beaten and chained in a dungeon by the nuns, and was forced to watch as the man was mutilated. A second tragedy fastened itself to the same site after the 1644 Battle of Marston Moor, when Parliamentarian soldiers beheaded the Catholic Lady of Watton and killed her child, and over the centuries the two women blurred into a single spectral figure remembered as the Headless Nun, said to stand at the foot of the bed in blood-stained garments before vanishing.From there the show catalogs history's most absurd deaths, beginning with English Channel swimmer Matthew Webb, who drowned in the Niagara rapids in 1883, and the Spartan general Pausanias, sealed inside a temple of Athena and starved until he died moments after his release. The roll continues with Draco of Athens, smothered around 600 BC beneath cloaks and hats thrown in tribute; Sir Arthur Aston, beaten to death with his own wooden leg; the philosopher Heraclitus, who buried himself in cow dung hoping to cure his dropsy; lawyer Clement Vallandigham, who fatally shot himself in 1871 while demonstrating how a victim might have shot himself by accident; the Viking Sigurd the Mighty, killed by an infection from the sev

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-5-2026.1900 ADAMS BOULEVARD LA. Jeff Bliss highlights the stark contrast between Seattle's controlled homelessness and the pervasive crisis in Los Angeles. The discussion transitions to California's jungle primary, where late-arriving ballots in the Los Angelesmayoral race show statistically improbable gains for Karen Bass and Nithya Raman, fueling accusations of election irregularities. Jeff Bliss previews the opening of a massive, multi-story In-N-Out Burger in Las Vegas, predicting it will become a celebrity destination similar to Hollywood's historic clubs or New York's Stork Club. He also reflects on a rare 1955 invitation from Walt Disney, noting its role in establishing Disneyland's enduring cultural legacy. Richard Epstein examines the 14th Amendment's opening clause, distinguishing the robust rights of citizens from the conditional privileges of aliens. He argues that naturalization was historically a federal prerogative, noting that early statutes, influenced by Thomas Jefferson, included explicit racial exclusions for persons of African or Asiandescent. Richard Epstein disputes the "plain meaning" application to the 14th Amendment, arguing that "subject to the jurisdiction" requires natural allegiance rather than mere physical presence. Critiquing the Wong Kim Ark ruling, he suggests that children of legal permanent aliens should inherit their parents' status rather than automatic citizenship. Jim McTague reports on the cautious economic sentiment in Lancaster County, where despite falling gas prices, consumers remain budget-conscious. While tourism remains strong at venues like the Sight and Sound Theatre, local officials recently rejected a proposed data center in Columbia due to technicalities and concerns over its utility. Lorenzo Fiori provides an optimistic update on Italy's economy, noting improved employment rates across various demographics. He highlights a landmark legislative shift toward nuclear energy, with small plants planned by 2034. For travelers, he recommends San Miniato, a strategic, less-crowded Tuscan village famous for its white beans. Bob Zimmerman dismisses NASA's sheltering orders on the ISS as an overreaction to routine Russian repair work on the Zvezda module. He details SpaceX's massive IPO, which aims to raise billions, and observes that private space station firms like Axiom and Vast continue to secure significant capital despite SpaceX's market dominance. Bob Zimmerman surveys global spaceport developments, contrasting Spain's investment in French Guiana with the liquidation of the UK's Sutherland facility due to red tape. He debunks claims that the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas is an alien craft and notes that unpredictable sunspot activity continues to defy scientific models. Andrew Bayliss recounts how Pericles provoked the Peloponnesian War by steering Athens toward confrontation with Sparta. He details the Athenian strategy of retreating behind city walls and relying on naval imports, a move that tragically facilitated a devastating plague, claiming thousands of lives, including Pericleshimself. Andrew Bayliss profiles Lysander, a Spartan general of modest origins who secured crucial Persian funding to challenge Athenian naval supremacy. Lysander achieved victory not through direct combat, but by using deception to capture the Athenian fleet while the crews were uncharacteristically casual and off their ships. Andrew Bayliss explores the aftermath of Sparta's victory, noting that Lysander's immense power and ambition ultimately led to his death during a failed siege. Sparta's dominance eventually collapsed at the Battle of Leuctradue to a dwindling citizen population, reducing the once-mighty superpower to a minor village. Andrew Bayliss critiques the modern application of the "Thucydides Trap" to US-China relations, arguing that the original Peloponnesian War was not inevitable. He suggests the conflict was precipitated by specific provocations and accidental circumstances, drawing parallels to the circumstantial outbreak of the First World War. Henry Sokolski warns of China's fast breeder reactor program, which produces super weapons-grade plutonium capable of fueling efficient nuclear triggers. He also notes South Korea's growing interest in developing independent nuclear capabilities and submarines to counter threats from North Korea and China, despite international non-proliferation standards. Henry Sokolski explains the strategic significance of deploying Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA), such as the F-35, to reinforce NATO's nuclear deterrent in Europe. He observes that while Moscow and Beijing oppose these deployments, the aircraft act as vital "glue" for alliances, ensuring that American nuclear guarantees remain credible. Richard Epstein analyzes the Wong Kim Ark decision, arguing that Justice Horace Gray erroneously applied birthright citizenship to the children of ineligible aliens. He further critiques the expansion of the Equal Protection Clause in the 20th century, claiming it was originally intended for criminal matters rather than civil benefits. Richard Epstein discusses the legal complexities of a proposed executive order to end birthright citizenship for children of illegal aliens. He highlights the rise of "manufactured citizenship" through birth tourism and predicts the Supreme Court may eventually distinguish between transient visitors and those seeking permanent residency.

Andrew Bayliss profiles Lysander, a Spartan general of modest origins who secured crucial Persian funding to challenge Athenian naval supremacy. Lysander achieved victory not through direct combat, but by using deception to capture the Athenian fleet while the crews were uncharacteristically casual and off their ships.1881 LYSANDER ORDERS THE ATHEN WALLS TORN DOWN.

Professor Andrew Bayliss describes the "brutal barracks life" of Spartan education, beginning at age seven. Boys endured physical hardship and were encouraged to steal food to prepare for combat. Women also underwent athletic training to produce strong warriors. This rigorous system created a highly disciplined citizen elite.457 AMBROSIAN ILIAD

SHOW SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-4-2026.1671. Evan Ellis discusses the crisis in Bolivia, where President Rodrigo Paz appointed a new defense minister to counter blockades by Evo Morales's supporters and coca growers. These paramilitary-style tactics have isolated La Paz, causing severe shortages. Ellis analyzes the military's hesitation and the influence of illicit interests on the unrest. Evan Ellis examines upcoming elections in Peru and Colombia. In Peru, hard-left candidate Roberto Sanchezchallenges Keiko Fujimori, raising concerns about radical constitutional changes. In Colombia, security-focused newcomer Abelardo de la Espriella leads against leftist Iván Cepeda, reflecting public frustration with the government's failure to manage internal security. Evan Ellis details regional tensions: former Mexican President AMLO accuses Washington of interference regarding corruption probes into his party. In Cuba, the U.S. employs "carrots and sticks" to pressure the regime. Meanwhile, Brazil's election intensifies as the Trump administration backs Flavio Bolsonaro while imposing trade tariffs on Lula's government. Evan Ellis discusses Argentine President Javier Milei's push for unregulated AI development to attract tech investment, highlighted by Peter Thiel's move to Buenos Aires. The segment also covers social unrest in Mexicoas it prepares to host the World Cup, emphasizing the high costs and potential for disruption. Anatol Lieven analyzes Ukrainian drone strikes on St. Petersburg, which damaged energy infrastructure and embarrassed the Kremlin during an economic forum. Lieven observes that the war has evolved into a "battle of drones," undermining Russia's imperial image and increasing internal pressure on Putin as his original strategic goals remain unfulfilled. Anatol Lieven discusses the civil unrest following the murder of Henry Novak in England. He critiques the police response and explains how Nigel Farage is exploiting the tragedy to fuel nationalist sentiment. Additionally, Lieven assesses the political decline of Keir Starmer and the potential rise of Andy Burnham. Mary Anastasia O'Grady explores the ideological battle in the Andean region. She describes Evo Morales's efforts to paralyze Bolivia through road blockades. O'Grady also analyzes the electoral shifts in Peru and Colombia, where voters increasingly favor right-wing candidates who promise security and economic stability over hard-left institutional change. Veronique de Rugy critiques the feasibility of single-payer healthcare in America. Citing Vermont's failed experiment, she highlights the astronomical tax increases required to fund such systems. De Rugy argues that government-run healthcare leads to rationing and stifles the medical innovation currently driven by the American private market. Professor Andrew Bayliss discusses the origins and geography of Sparta, a fertile but mountain-locked valley. He explains the unique dual kingship and the Spartan "plantation cult" society, which relied on the brutal enslavement of the Helots. Bayliss also notes early military overconfidence, exemplified by their defeat at Tegea. Professor Andrew Bayliss introduces the primary sources for Spartan history: Herodotus, who recorded epic narratives; Thucydides, who focused on clinical analysis and the "Thucydides Trap"; and Xenophon, a student of Socrates who continued Thucydides' unfinished history. Each historian provided a distinct perspective on Sparta's rise and fall. Professor Andrew Bayliss describes the "brutal barracks life" of Spartan education, beginning at age seven. Boys endured physical hardship and were encouraged to steal food to prepare for combat. Women also underwent athletic training to produce strong warriors. This rigorous system created a highly disciplined citizen elite. Professor Andrew Bayliss analyzes the Persian Wars, noting that while Thermopylae created the Spartanlegend, the naval victory at Salamis was strategically decisive. Following the war, Sparta retreated into isolationism due to internal scandals, allowing Athens to transform its defensive alliance into a powerful, tribute-collecting maritime empire. Simon Constable reports from France on volatile commodity markets. While copper prices suggest economic growth, the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatens to spike oil prices and trigger global economic downgrades. Constable also provides updates on regional weather and the health of his puppy, Lyra. Simon Constable discusses the political instability in Britain, where Andy Burnham seeks to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The segment also covers the tragic death of Henry Novak, which has ignited debates over migration and policing, with Nigel Farage utilizing the crisis to bolster his Reform Party's influence. Rick Fisher warns of the rapid militarization of the Earth-Moon system. He highlights China's dual-use space program, run by the People's Liberation Army, and the U.S. Space Command's shift toward "offensive space control." Both powers are deploying lunar vehicles to establish and protect territory in cis-lunar space. Rick Fisher discusses China's 100-year plan to dominate the solar system, specifically the Lunar South Pole's resources. He describes potential "de-confliction" issues as China uses crashing propulsion modules for landings. Fisher concludes that space is becoming an active war-fighting domain involving orbital, electronic, and cyber warfare.

Professor Andrew Bayliss analyzes the Persian Wars, noting that while Thermopylae created the Spartan legend, the naval victory at Salamis was strategically decisive. Following the war, Sparta retreated into isolationism due to internal scandals, allowing Athens to transform its defensive alliance into a powerful, tribute-collecting maritime empire.MINOAN

Professor Andrew Bayliss introduces the primary sources for Spartan history: Herodotus, who recorded epic narratives; Thucydides, who focused on clinical analysis and the "Thucydides Trap"; and Xenophon, a student of Socrates who continued Thucydides' unfinished history. Each historian provided a distinct perspective on Sparta's rise and fall.  1835

Professor Andrew Bayliss discusses the origins and geography of Sparta, a fertile but mountain-locked valley. He explains the unique dual kingship and the Spartan "plantation cult" society, which relied on the brutal enslavement of the Helots. Bayliss also notes early military overconfidence, exemplified by their defeat at Tegea.1949

Herb Thompson had already made it. He was Drill Sergeant of the Year, on a clear path to a top enlisted career, and could have stayed where it was safe. He didn't. In this conversation with Joe De Sena, Special Forces veteran Herb Thompson explains why he walked away from the secure path to chase the dream he had since childhood: becoming a Green Beret.   Herb breaks down fear of failure, why most people talk instead of act, how he survived Special Forces selection without feedback, and what it took to rebuild purpose after retirement. This episode is about ownership, sacrifice, and performance under uncertainty. You will leave with practical rules for taking action, handling discomfort, and building a life around what you are willing to earn.   Things You Will Learn: Why ownership matters more than motivation when the goal gets hard. How to break overwhelming pressure into small, winnable steps. Why sacrifice, not talk, is what turns a dream into a result.   Tools & Frameworks Covered: Own Your Journey Rule: puts responsibility for progress back on you. Small Chunk Execution: breaks hard goals into immediate next steps under pressure. Sacrifice Filter: clarifies what you are willing to give up to earn what you want.   If this episode moved you, don't just listen. Do something about it. Sign up. Show up. Do the work. Spartan.com. No more excuses.   Herb Thompson is the only person in Army history to earn both Drill Sergeant of the Year and the Green Beret, a path built on hardship, childhood trauma, and a refusal to quit under extreme pressure. His journey spans combat missions, brutal selection courses, and a post-military identity rebuild that demanded a new kind of discipline. Herb now helps high performers redefine purpose beyond titles through writing, speaking, and leadership development.    Connect to Herb: Website: https://libertyspeaks.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herb-thompson-libertyspeaks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ownyourjourney_ The Transition Mission Book: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B082RL1SJ2   We gave you the tools, now use them during your next SPARTAN RACE! Use codeword PODCAST on checkout for 10% your next race.  

(3) Finally, the pair shifts to Persian diplomacy and the "dispensation for deception." Germanicus explains how Iranuses strategic deceit to survive existential threats, specifically aiming to separate United States interests from Israel. They speculate that modern leaders may settle conflicts through informal "backdoor handshakes" or social media posts rather than traditional documents. Drawing on Byzantine history, they suggest appeasement and payoffs can be more effective than direct combat. The dialogue ends with the Spartan legend of a boy who allowed a hidden fox to disembowel him to avoid public shame.1716

A visit with Narc Soulie! Lots of topics covered and he has a very interesting Hobby!

On this week's Talkhouse Podcast, we've got a couple of friends who swim in the same punk-inspired scenes but whose musics are pretty different: Barry Johnson and Greg Mendez. Johnson is the singer and guitarist for Joyce Manor, the pop-punk/emo/indie-rock/something-something band that's been blasting out short, to-the-point songs for nearly two decades. There's something perfectly economical about everything the band does: Their records often clock in at under 20 minutes, so there's no fat or filler to be found. The latest is being hailed as their best, which is saying something for a band whose chosen genre rarely seems to age well—something Johnson laughs about in this chat. The album is called I Used to Go to This Bar, and it was produced by Bad Religion's Brett Gurewitz. Check out the song “I Know Where Mark Chen Lives” right here. The other half of today's conversation, Greg Mendez, takes a Spartan approach to songwriting as well, but his songs are much more quiet and reflective—you'll definitely hear Elliott Smith vibes on his new album, Beauty Land. Mendez has actually been making music nearly as long as Joyce Manor, but their shyness didn't really push through into wider view until a self-titled album in 2023. Now he's ready to take the next leap—this new record is on the Dead Oceans label, which has released records by like-minded souls Phoebe Bridgers, Japanese Breakfast, and Bright Eyes. Check out the song “Gentle Love” from Beauty Land right here. In this conversation, Mendez and Johnson talk about how they first met, about the ups and downs of sequencing an album, and about doing the stream-of-consciousness creative practice called “morning pages,” where you just write whatever pops into your head. Johnson doesn't want you to see his pages, and you'll find out why. Enjoy. 0:00 — Intro 2:47 — Start of Conversation 5:16 — On sequencing records 7:58 — On releasing new music and planning modern album rollouts 9:20 — On the benefits of slower rollouts and appreciating singles 10:58 — On how they became friends 13:52 — On living in New York, and midlife crises 15:42 — On surfing, skating, and Long Beach 19:50 — On discovering punk through skating culture 20:28 — On touring's impact on creativity, and finding inspiration from other musicians 23:08 — On overcoming writer's block, exercising your creativity with age, “morning pages,” and Kurt Cobain's diary 32:21 — On upcoming tour plans and keeping audiences' attention while playing solo 34:14 — On seeing musicians transfix an audience, getting emotional at concerts, and live versions of songs Thanks for listening to the Talkhouse Podcast, and thanks to Barry Johnson and Greg Mendez for a great chat. If you liked what you heard, please follow Talkhouse on your favorite podcasting platform, and check out all the great stuff at Talkhouse.com. This episode was produced by Myron Kaplan, and the Talkhouse theme is composed and performed by the Range. See you next time! Find more illuminating podcasts on the ⁠⁠⁠Talkhouse Podcast Network⁠⁠⁠. Visit ⁠⁠⁠talkhouse.com⁠⁠⁠ to read essays, reviews, and more. Follow @talkhouse on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Twitter (X)⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠.

Nine soldiers in a hilltop position. Rocket-propelled grenades and machine gun fire from every direction. Seven killed. One man left on the radio, calling for help that was not coming. That is where this episode begins. In this Memorial Day special of The Hard Way, Joe De Sena sits down with four men who faced the most extreme physical and mental breaking points a human being can endure.   Medal of Honor recipient Ryan Pitts fought alone and was wounded at a remote observation post in Afghanistan after losing seven teammates around him. Navy SEAL leader Leif Babin breaks down how extreme ownership and the refusal to quit create an advantage when everyone else is suffering. Navy pilot Keegan Gill was ejected from a fighter jet at 695 miles per hour, shattered nearly every major bone in his body, and spent two hours drowning in the Atlantic. Green Beret Nick Lavery lost his leg to machine gun fire in Afghanistan, then fought his way back to become the first above-knee amputee to return to active duty special operations.   Each story delivers a concrete lesson in endurance under fire, ownership of outcomes, and the decision to keep going when quitting is the logical choice.    Things You Will Learn: Why the person who hangs on one minute longer is the one who wins. What extreme ownership looks like in combat and why it builds lasting toughness in any environment. Why asking for help is not a weakness, and why the toughest operators on the planet treat mental health the same as a broken ankle.   Tools & Frameworks Covered: Outlast the Field: You do not need to be the best. You need to be the last one still moving when everyone else stops. Extreme Ownership: Own every failure. Share every lesson. The ego hit is temporary. The growth is permanent. Burn the Boats Standard: No Plan B. Meet the standard or die trying. Gray area does not exist at the highest level.   If this episode moved you, do not just listen. Do something about it. Sign up. Show up. Do the work. Spartan.com. No more excuses.   Guests Bios:   Ryan Pitts: Medal of Honor recipient. On July 13, 2008, at a remote observation post in Wanat, Afghanistan, Pitts was wounded in the opening seconds of a massive enemy assault that killed seven of his fellow soldiers. Alone and bleeding, he continued fighting and called for reinforcements on the radio, holding his position until help arrived. He was 22 years old. Pitts spent a year recovering at Walter Reed and has since dedicated himself to sharing the stories of the men who fought beside him and the importance of seeking help when the fight follows you home.   Leif Babin: Former Navy SEAL officer and co-author of Extreme Ownership. Babin led SEAL operations in Ramadi, Iraq, during some of the most intense urban combat of the war. He lost teammates in action and carried those lessons into leadership consulting, teaching that owning your failures — not hiding them — is the foundation of real toughness and lasting performance.   Keegan Gill: Former Navy fighter pilot. During a training exercise over the Atlantic, a system malfunction sent his jet into an unrecoverable dive. He ejected at 695 miles per hour, two seconds from impact. The force shattered both arms, both legs, broke his neck, and caused a traumatic brain injury. His parachute release malfunctioned, and he spent two hours being drowned by his own chute in freezing water before rescue. He woke up two weeks later in a trauma center.   Nick Lavery: Green Beret and the first above-knee amputee to return to active duty special operations. On his third deployment to Afghanistan, machine gun fire destroyed his right leg. From his hospital bed, he committed to returning to his team with no backup plan. After two years of rehabilitation and 14 weeks of assessment, he returned to the same team that was with him when he was wounded and deployed back to Afghanistan seven weeks later. He served 20 years total.   We gave you the tools, now use them during your next SPARTAN RACE! Use codeword PODCAST on checkout for 10% your next race.  

⁠Chikage Windler⁠ and I were connected by mutual friend Rob Rueff. Previously based out of Indy, Chikage is now an award-winning TV meteorologist based in Austin, Texas.During this episode, sponsored by ⁠HUUG⁠ and ⁠Batch⁠, we talk about:Running the canals in Indianapolis on her lunch breaks when she worked at WTHR from 2011–2013How she got into running after moving to Austin — starting with a jogging stroller and a newborn, and showing up to the Cap 10K dressed as the sun

Ronnie Figueroa has not had an easy life full of confidence. However, in his fifties, after hitting rock-bottom, he made the conscious choice to break through his insecurities and challenges and transformed his life from the inside out. At 69, Ronnie stepped into the world of DEKA Strong, a high-intensity, 10-event fitness challenge under Spartan, and placed third in the world in his age group, all after years away from athletic competition. Now at 72, he is no longer on any medications and channels his energy into indoor rowing and senior athletics while dedicating his life to helping others heal through a four-fold way of life as a holistic therapist. After overcoming addiction, serious health challenges, and a near-death experience, Ronnie now teaches a powerful message: it's never too late to believe in yourself, rebuild your life, and thrive.Learn more about Ronnie on his website at ronniefigueroa.com.Send us Fan Mail

The BCSN Nation Podcast is Powered by Buffalo Wild Wings! Thank you to Buffalo Wild Wing's for joining us as we provide Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan local high school sports coverage!Coming up: Breaking down Baseball Brackets for area teams, looking ahead at the Mud Hens Home Run Showcase as well as a pair of Games of the Week.Follow Brandan Carnes on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/CarnesBrandanFollow Justin Feldkamp on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustinFeldkampFollow BCSN on our Social Media:- https://twitter.com/BCSNsports- https://www.facebook.com/bcsnsports- https://www.instagram.com/bcsnsports/- https://www.tiktok.com/@bcsnsports- https://www.youtube.com/bcsnsportsCheck out our website: https://www.bcsnnation.com/podcastThe BCSN Nation Podcast is Powered by Buffalo Wild Wings. 

At 29 years old, Matt Grace weighed 129 pounds and walked into his mother's house after a three-day crack and alcohol binge. She told him that if he was going to die, it would not be in her house. That was the boundary that started everything.   On this episode of The Hard Way, Joe De Sena sits down with Matt Grace, author of God Doesn't Relapse: Sex, Drugs, and the Life That Almost Killed Me, a former ABC TV reporter who overdosed in a newsroom and spent 13 years destroying every relationship through addiction, manipulation, and enabling.   Matt breaks down how his father's well-intentioned spoiling robbed him of grit and ambition, how his family's enabling nearly killed him, and what happened the morning he got on his knees with a rifle beside him and prayed out of sheer desperation. They also dig into why parents loving their kids too much can be a death sentence, why service is the foundation of lasting recovery, and how structured accountability and community pull people out of destruction.   Things You Will Learn: Why enabling and over-providing destroys a young person's ambition and capacity to endure hardship. The difference between a boundary that saves a life and a rescue that ends one, and what it takes to hold the line. Why service and community replace the void that addiction fills, and why recovery without purpose does not hold.   Tools & Frameworks Covered: Hard Boundary Setting: Draw the line. Hold the line. Let consequences teach what words cannot. Service as Structure: Replace self-obsession with outward action. One hour helping someone else is one hour not destroying yourself. Earned Identity Over Given Identity: Stop handing outcomes to your kids. Let them grind. Let them earn. The struggle builds the person.   If this episode moved you, do not just listen. Do something about it. Sign up. Show up. Do the work. Spartan.com. No more excuses.   Matt Grace is an author and transformational recovery expert who has spent more than two decades sober after overcoming addiction himself. With a degree in Addiction Studies and over 10,000 hours mentoring individuals and families, he has dedicated his life to helping people break destructive cycles and rebuild their lives. His work focuses on long-term sobriety, mindset transformation, and guiding people through the difficult but necessary process of reclaiming responsibility and purpose.   Connect to Matt: Website: https://mattgrace.com/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattsavinggrace TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@MattSavingGrace  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattsavinggrace/  God Doesn't Relapse: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/God-Doesnt-Relapse/Matt-Grace/9781637635506   We gave you the tools, now use them during your next SPARTAN RACE! Use codeword PODCAST on checkout for 10% your next race.  

"Be prepared, stay protected — because you never know when you'll need it." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Big Keith and I team up for another round of Chopping It Up, joined by our returning guest, Todd Meeks, CEO of Spartan Armor Systems. We kick things off with some lighthearted stories before diving deep into the world of body armor, ballistic helmets, and evolving safety solutions for civilians, first responders, and law enforcement. We cover industry trends, product innovations, and relevant 2A news, as well as some wild stories about modern espionage, tech surveillance, and an epic Revolutionary War history lesson. Whether you're a firearms enthusiast, law enforcement officer, or just want to stay informed on personal protection and news, this episode has something for you. Call to Action 1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com 2. Subscribe and leave us a comment on Apple or Spotify 3. Follow us on all of our social media: Instagram   Youtube 4. Grab some cool TGE merch 6. Ask us anything at AskMikeandKeith@gmail.com 5. Be sure to support the sponsors of the show. They are a big part of making the show possible. Show Sponsors HSM Ammunition – Reliable ammo with a broad selection, including defensive and cowboy action rounds. Kings River Customs– Hand-built, reliable, and beautiful 1911 pistols from Arkansas, the 1911 capital of the world. Key Takeaways The prevalence and necessity of body armor isn't just for the military; civilians and first responders are increasingly recognizing its value. New product developments at Spartan Armor include ultra-lightweight ballistic helmets made in the USA, thanks to a partnership with Armor Source. Expiration dates on body armor are real, especially for ceramics and composites, particularly under extreme temperature conditions. The civilian body armor market is slowing down, with more focus shifting to government, law enforcement, and first responder contracts. News on 2A rights: Possible changes in USPS handgun shipping regulations and an active DOJ civil rights campaign for the Second Amendment. Concerns about modern surveillance technology, including insect-like drones, highlight the ongoing importance of personal privacy and freedom. An intriguing look at Revolutionary War history, including the Hudson River Chain, showcases American ingenuity and defense. Guest Information Todd Meeks CEO, Spartan Armor Systems Industry leader in body armor and ballistic protection Focused on solutions for civilians, law enforcement, and first responders. Learn more and see Spartan products at spartanarmorsystems.com Keywords gun podcast, body armor, Spartan Armor Systems, Todd Meeks, ballistic helmet, personal protection, ceramic plates, steel plates, 2A news, Second Amendment, USPS handgun shipping, DOJ assault weapons ban, law enforcement, first responders, civilian safety, Kevlar, tactical gear, made in the USA, Kings River Customs, HSM Ammunition, modern surveillance, China espionage, bug drone, Revolutionary War history, Hudson River Chain, civil unrest, home defense.

This week Lindsay chats with Dr. Jordan Frey, who shares his story of being a heavily indebted medical professional to achieving financial freedom through personal finance education and real estate investing. He covers the common financial mistakes made by high-income professionals, the importance of transforming active income into passive income, and the role of his platform, The Prudent Plastic Surgeon, in educating others. Dr. Frey emphasizes the need for budgeting, creating a savings margin, and the realities of real estate investing, including the challenges and mindset differences compared to stock market investing.Connect with Dr. Jordan Frey:The Prudent Plastic SurgeonEmail: jordan@prudentplasticsurgeon.com--To learn more about our full-service turnkey operations, check us out online at www.spartaninvest.comConnect with Spartan!Facebook: @spartanTURNKEYInstagram: @spartaninvestLinkedIn: @spartaninvestConnect with Lindsay!Facebook: @spartanlindsaydavisInstagram: @spartanlindsaydavis

Representative Brett Guthrie (KY-02) on ICE funding struggles, the new $1.8 billion fund to compensate Trump fans who claim that the Biden Administration used lawfare against them, and how Rep. Guthrie will go with a quiet primary victory celebration on Tuesday night.

Full Show Notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/rootsofhealth In this special "Best Of" episode, you'll explore some of my most impactful conversations on what actually builds long-term roots of health. If you're dealing with low energy, hormonal issues, chronic inflammation, or just a nagging sense that something's off despite doing all the right things, this episode gives you a clear roadmap. You'll hear from Daniel Baird on why the synthetic fabric in your underwear may be quietly disrupting your hormones and why microplastics are becoming one of the biggest threats to male reproductive health, while Katy Bowman makes the case that your chair and mattress are doing more damage than you think. Justin Roethlingshoefer shares how a near-death diagnosis at 32 completely rewired his approach to health data and recovery. Dr. Cate Shanahan breaks down how the oils in your kitchen are being incorporated into your cell membranes. Julie Gibson Clark shows how she rebuilt her health from scratch in her 40s. And James Pieratt closes with a deep dive into what Spartan warriors actually trained like, and why it still holds up as one of the most complete blueprints for human performance ever devised. Whether you listen start to finish or jump to the section that speaks to you most, you'll find something in here that changes the way you think about your health. Episode Sponsors: Anthros: Anthros starts with a Precision Posture System at the pelvis so your spine naturally aligns, plus a built-in Clinical Posture Consult. Go to anthros.com and use code BEN for an exclusive $200 discount, risk-free for 60 days. Kettle & Fire: One ingredient Beef Tallow, 100% grass-fed and finished, for better browning, crispier texture, and a higher smoke point. Head to kettleandfire.com/BEN25 and use code BEN25 for 25% off site-wide. Quantum Upgrade: Recent research revealed Quantum Upgrade increased ATP production by 20–25% in human cells. Unlock a 15-day free trial with code BEN15 at quantumupgrade.io. Manukora: Honey with superpowers. Head to manukora.com/ben or use code BEN to get $25 off your Starter Kit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“History is really interesting because it's about people. And people are interesting. So there are plenty of different ways of doing this, and I think there's room for everybody.” — Adrian Goldsworthy The greatest rivalry in antiquity is also uncomfortably relevant to us today. In Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry That Shaped Ancient Greece, the classical scholar Adrian Goldsworthy covers the long fifth century BC, from the Persian Wars that forced Athens and Sparta into alliance, through the Peloponnesian War that set them against each other. The parallels of the rivalry between Sparta and Athens are uncannily relevant today. Goldsworthy traces the NATO-like structure of the Athenian alliance, with its familiar complaint that the allies weren't paying enough. He notes that Athens, which outgrew its ability to grow its own food, had to secure its grain supply from the Black Sea — in the same way as closing the Straits of Hormuz has disrupted modern supply chains. And he observes that the Spartans won the Peloponnesian War by getting Persian money — while the Athenians were doing exactly the same thing. Persia, he notes, is always lurking in the background. There would be no “west” without it. Five Takeaways •       Athens and Sparta: Two Experiments, One Greek Longing: Both city states were driven by the same competitive Greek impulse — the desire to excel, to be the best. But they ran radically different experiments in how to achieve it. Athens: radical democracy, open society, maritime empire, philosophy, drama. Sparta: apartheid military state, in which a tiny Spartan elite was freed from all labour by a vast population of helots, so that they could devote their entire lives to being warriors and citizens. Two models for a polity that still structure political argument today. •       Thucydides: Essential but Embittered: The History of the Peloponnesian War is the essential source — and the problematic one. Thucydides was an Athenian general who failed to save a city from a Spartan-led force and went into exile as a result. He is analytical and apparently balanced in ways that seem modern. But he cannot hide his biases: the demagogue Cleon gets speeches written for him that make him look like a self-interested buffoon. And his silences are as revealing as his words — large events, including an Athenian disaster in Egypt, are mentioned only vaguely. He tells us what he wants to tell. •       The NATO Parallel: They Weren't Paying Enough: The Delian League — the Athenian alliance that emerged after the Persian Wars — has a structural similarity to NATO that Goldsworthy notes carefully. Athens, like the United States, is the dominant naval power that has mobilised for a great threat and then chosen not to demobilise. The allies, like European NATO members in successive administrations' complaints, weren't willing to send ships or men. They'd just send a bit of cash. The Athenian fleet ends up overwhelmingly Athenian. As the threat recedes, the other states increasingly resent the protection they're receiving from it. •       Persia Is Always There: The Spartans won the Peloponnesian War by securing subsidies from the Persian Empire. The Athenians were doing the same thing. The irony: both sides of the Greek world's greatest internal conflict ended up funded by the barbarian power they had united to defeat a generation earlier. Goldsworthy draws the modern parallel delicately: America is now fighting a war in Iran, once known as Persia. Europe chose not to join. The question of who Persia is in any given age is always live. Persia, he says, is always there. It always has been. •       Athens as a Theme Park: The Roman Legacy: In the Roman period, Athens and Sparta became what Goldsworthy calls “university cities or, in Sparta's case, a theme park.” Sparta, having lost any real military or political power, invented a public performance of its old customs — a tourist attraction for Roman visitors who wanted to see the old ways enacted. Athens was a university town for the Roman elite, whose children went there as we might go to Oxford. What we think we know about classical Greece is partly filtered through this late antique nostalgia — a celebration of how great we used to be. About the Guest Adrian Goldsworthy is a historian, novelist, and YouTuber with a DPhil from Oxford. He is the author of Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry That Shaped Ancient Greece (Basic Books, May 12, 2026), Caesar: Life of a Colossus, Augustus: First Emperor of Rome, How Rome Fell, Philip and Alexander, Rome and Persia, and many other books. He lives in Penarth, South Wales. References: •       Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry That Shaped Ancient Greece by Adrian Goldsworthy (Basic Books, May 12, 2026). •       Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War — the essential and problematic source, discussed at length. •       Episode 2897: Patrick Wyman on Lost Worlds — directly referenced in the interview as a contrasting style of history. •       Episode 2892: Jason Pack on the Iran war — the companion episode on the modern Persian conflict, referenced in the interview. About Keen On America Nobody asks more awkward questions than the Anglo-American writer and filmmaker Andrew Keen. In Keen On America, Andrew brings his pointed Transatlantic wit to making sense of the United States — hosting daily interviews about the history and future of this now venerable Republic. With nearly 2,900 episodes since the show launched on TechCrunch in 2010, Keen On America is the most prolific intellectual interview show in the history of podcasting. WebsiteSubstackYouTubeApple PodcastsSpotify Chapters: 

This week's Swift Half is equal parts banter and race talk. Alan, Ian, and Will Chung kick things off with a light‑hearted wedding special chat — champagne, milk, and grey‑hair jokes included — before diving head‑first into the latest obstacle‑racing updates. Will breaks down the London West Tough mudder design tweaks, from flinty ground challenges to revamped obstacles like Augustus Gloop and Shawshank, plus his Tough Mudder Trifecta medal reveal featuring new hex‑token designs and heavyweight belt buckles. The crew reviews London West, where elevation punished even the strongest contenders, and celebrates the global OCR boom with 14,000 racers in attendance and 2,000 athletes in Thailand take on their first Thailand Tough Mudder They cover the British  Championship results — Dan Titcomb and Becky Neal taking top honours — and debate Spartan r pricing policy, calling out the £160 10K controversy. There's also a nod to Rachel's ultrarunning victory, Deadly Dozen updates, and a hilarious world‑record guessing game from the London Marathon (foam clogs, knights, and blindfolds all make an appearance). A packed, fast‑moving episode full of medals, mud, and mayhem — classic Swift Half energy with Will Chung back in the mix. Watch this episode live on Youtube at UKOCR TV   If you have any questions about the show or would like to explore advertising opportunities, feel free to reach out to us at admin@ukocr.com.

Brendan Rice is the VP of Partnerships at Wodify, the all-in-one gym management platform that started in the CrossFit space and has spent the last several years evolving alongside the hybrid fitness boom. Brendan has been with Wodify for over eight years, has competed in Spartan races, HYROX, Ragnars, marathons, and ultras, and brings a genuinely balanced perspective on where the fitness industry has been and where it's heading.How Wodify started in CrossFit and evolved into hybrid fitnessWhy gym owners work harder than any other entrepreneur and where that breaks downThe no passion without profit problem and what technology actually solvesRetention as the number one KPI and why F45 is a cautionary taleCrossFit affiliates, HYROX partnerships, and why it's not a betrayal of valuesTampa selling out in five minutes and what the demand signal meansWhy no major gym brand has launched a competing fitness race formatThe bootstrapped approach, no outside investment, long-term visionWhat Wodify is doing at HYROX New York and affiliate popups and activationsHYROX sponsorship strategy and why naming rights weren't the play for Wodify

Recording Date: May 12, 2026 Location: Capital Region International Airport (LAN) Will Tieman - Play-by-play for MSU Men's Basketball and Owner of Spartan Sports Network Will Tieman is a radio and television broadcaster, and syndication and marketing executive. He began his career broadcasting games for Miami (OH) and serving as Sports Director of WLFI-TV in Lafayette, Indiana. He has created advertising and broadcast programming partnerships with the likes of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Gatorade, Rust-Oleum, Big Ten, SEC, Alberto-Culver, Anheuser-Busch, Grambling State University, Raycom Sports and RCM/Bill Rasmussen, the creator of ESPN. As founder of the Spartan Sports Network in the early 1990's, Will led the effort to bring Michigan State University into the modern era of broadcast media rights partnerships. Will is the long-time radio play-by-play voice for Michigan State Basketball and host of the national radio series The Sports Life on SiriusXM. A member of the Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame, Will has received 15 Best Network Play-by-Play awards from the MAB. He is a past-president of the Detroit Sports Media Association and has been honored with the DSMA's prestigious Ty Tyson Award. He is a member of the United States Football and Basketball Writers Association, The MSU Varsity S Club and is a College Football Hall of Fame voter. For Will Tieman's 2023 interview on Leadership Lowdown go to: https://michiganbusinessnetwork.com/leadership-lowdown-will-tieman-he-got-it-a-leadership-journey-of-a-broadcast-legend-2/ » Visit MBN website: http://www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN's YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: http://www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: http://twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

A Marine intelligence collector walked through rocket blasts, absorbed traumatic brain injuries he never reported, and came home to hallucinations so severe he planned to end his own life. Dennis Connors, a Marine Corps veteran, human intelligence operator for a tier-one unit, Paralympic silver medalist, and world champion cyclist, sits down with Joe De Sena to break apart the moment grit stops working and what has to replace it.   Dennis lays out his four pillars of perseverance: vulnerability, self-love, disciplined action, and community. He explains why toughness without honesty becomes a death sentence, why identity tied to achievement collapses under pressure, and how cycling gave him both a recovery tool and a tribe that pushed him toward the help he refused to ask for.   Things You Will Learn: When grit becomes a liability and what structured perseverance looks like before breakdown hits. The four pillars that replaced white-knuckling it and why each one matters in sequence. Why identity tied to achievement collapses under pressure, and what to anchor self-worth to instead.   Tools & Frameworks Covered: Four Pillars of Perseverance: Vulnerability, self-love, disciplined action, and community. A structured framework for long-term recovery and sustained performance. Grit vs. Perseverance Distinction: Grit handles short-term strain. Perseverance handles the years. Know which mode you are in before it fails. Identity Separation Protocol: Detach identity from a single role so transitions do not destroy self-worth.   If this episode moved you, do not just listen. Do something about it. Sign up. Show up. Do the work. Spartan.com. No more excuses.   Dennis Connors is a U.S. Marine Corps intelligence veteran whose path changed after traumatic brain injuries and a stroke forced him to rebuild his life through adaptive sport. He went on to become a Paralympic silver medalist and world champion, continuing to chase challenge through paracycling and paraclimbing, embodying resilience, reinvention, and purpose through adversity.   Connect to Dennis:  Website: https://dennisconnorsusa.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dc_rides_trikes/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcridestrikes   We gave you the tools, now use them during your next SPARTAN RACE! Use codeword PODCAST on checkout for 10% your next race.  

SEND US FAN MAILIn this episode of the Spartan Nurse Podcast, Mike Martell and Crista Reeves sit down with Jeanette Tanafranca, Assistant Professor and Detroit Campus Director at the Michigan State University College of Nursing.Jeanette shares her journey from ER nurse in Detroit to nursing educator. She also gives an inside look at the Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program, a fast-paced, 15-month pathway for second-degree students.Recorded in the Detroit simulation lab, this episode explores how hands-on, team-based training prepares nursing and medical students for real-world care, plus the impact of interprofessional collaboration and student wellness initiatives.Learn more: https://nursing.msu.eduFollow us: @msuhstnursingTo find your breaking news and latest updates within the College of Nursing, please refer to our website at nursing.msu.edu. You can also find us on all social media platforms @MICHSTNursingIf you have a question for our hosts or a prospective guest, please message us at: MCOM.nursing@msu.edu

On May 8, the DEC hosted Kevin Guskiewicz, Ph.D., President of Michigan State University, and J Batt, Vice President and Director of Athletics, at the MotorCity Casino Hotel. The discussion was moderated by Matt Elliott, Founder and CEO of Blue Lake Ideas.

Send us Fan MailMost small business owners feel like they are fighting impossible battles.Outnumbered.Outspent.Overwhelmed.But what if the answer is not competing everywhere?What if the answer is protecting the one place where your business is strongest?In this Monday Morning Motivation episode of Small Business Survival Conversations, Anna Steinfest shares the powerful story of King Leonidas and the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae — and the surprising business lessons every entrepreneur needs to hear.This is not just a story about war.It is a story about leadership, discipline, positioning, resilience, sacrifice, and surviving when the odds are against you.If you are a business owner trying to stay focused during difficult seasons, this episode will remind you why small businesses still win.Because small businesses do not win by being bigger.They win by being smarter, faster, more human, and deeply connected to the people they serve.One powerful reminder from this episode:“You were not built for the open field. You were built for the pass.”#SmallBusinessSurvival #MondayMorningMotivation #EntrepreneurMindset #SmallBusinessOwner #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #MotivationMonday #BusinessStrategy #Resilience #Mindset #SmallBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessCoach #Podcast #SmallBusinessSurvivalConversations #GrowthMindset #Discipline #StartupLife #EntrepreneurLife

Alpha Warrior sits down with retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Paul Drury for a conversation that starts with an unexpected detour into a factory in Rust Belt Ohio and ends with a challenge coin that could save lives. Paul shares his 23-year journey through Aircraft Armament Systems, three combat tours with the Air Guard, and the F-16 Fini flight he earned the right to enjoy from the back seat. Spoiler: he did not bring a sick bag. The real heart of the episode is the Spartan Pledge. Born from the work of the late Boone Cutler, the pledge is a battle buddy commitment between veterans, a promise to call before crisis becomes catastrophe. Paul walks through how the coin came to be, the people who made it happen, and why the staggering veteran suicide numbers are not a story about weak men. He fought with these guys. They were warriors. Alpha and Paul also dig into the VA system, the loss of mission that hits service members the moment they take off the uniform, and why having something to wake up for matters more than any government program. This Week's Guest: Paul Drury USAF CMSgt (Ret) • https://x.com/PaulWDrury • https://x.com/boonecutler • https://www.givesendgo.com/spartan-pledge-challenge-coin • https://boonecutler.com • Share TSP: https://rumble.com/v79650u-boone-cutler-foundation-spartan-pledge-challenge-coin-fundraiser.html • Help the Boone family: https://www.givesendgo.com/boonecutler  

Starting a company feels like eating glass for breakfast. Every morning. Olympic rowing hopeful turned five-time founder Patrick Sweeney sits down with Joe De Sena to break down exactly what it takes to cross the belief gap that kills most startups before they ever gain traction.   Patrick went from setting rowing records at UNH to finishing second at the Olympic Trials in the single scull, then carried that same pain tolerance straight into building and exiting technology companies. He explains how the OODA loop, a military fighter pilot doctrine, can replace startup chaos with a weekly cadence. Patrick also unpacks why 95% of top CEOs admit to impostor syndrome and how shared belief maps prevent the illusion of alignment that tears founding teams apart.   Things You Will Learn: Build a shared belief map that exposes hidden misalignment before it breaks your team. Run weekly OODA loop stand-ups that replace startup chaos with structured cadence. Apply the belief gap framework to test hypotheses, track market-product fit, and know when to hit the kill switch.   Tools & Frameworks Covered: OODA Loop Stand-Up: A 30-minute weekly cadence to observe, orient, decide, and act so founders stop reacting and start executing. Shared Belief Map: A team alignment exercise that surfaces hidden disagreements between cofounders and forces clarity on core beliefs versus testable hypotheses. Belief Gap Framework: A model for tracking internal believers (employees, partners) and external believers (customers, investors) to measure whether your startup is crossing from conviction to traction.   If this episode moved you, don't just listen. Do something about it. Sign up. Show up. Do the work. Spartan.com. No more excuses.   Patrick Sweeney built a life that looked successful on paper: serial entrepreneur, investor, multiple exits, but beneath it lived a quiet, persistent fear that kept him playing small. A rare leukemia diagnosis forced a confrontation with mortality and sparked a complete mindset rewiring: fear wasn't the enemy, it was fuel.   Since beating cancer, Patrick has turned that philosophy into action, setting cycling world-firsts on Kilimanjaro and Elbrus, competing in extreme endurance races, authoring the Wall Street Journal bestselling book Fear Is Fuel, and teaching leaders how to convert anxiety into calculated risk, resilience, and bold execution.   Connect to Patrick:  Website: https://www.pjsweeney.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefearguru/?_ga=2.160567998.289526298.1772475980-622572230.1772475980  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatrickSweeneyFearGuru/?_ga=2.265952780.289526298.1772475980-622572230.1772475980  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefearguru/?_ga=2.265952780.289526298.1772475980-622572230.1772475980  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9llimdnGK79yk3K_ihYQEQ  X/ Twitter:  https://x.com/PJSweeney?_ga=2.265952780.289526298.1772475980-622572230.1772475980  Book Patrick for an event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MnMjHNo9Bs   We gave you the tools, now use them during your next SPARTAN RACE! Use codeword PODCAST on checkout for 10% your next race.  

Last episode we had Miranda Kilpinski on the show to talk about her return to obstacle course racing, and her win in New Jersey. Jordan McDougal took the win for the men and had a return to Spartan racing for the first time in a while so I invited him on as well! Jordan talks about what he has been doing since we last had him on the show 3 years ago, his torn meniscus, the race itself, plans for the rest of the series, and more! Be sure to check out his McDougal Obstacle Lab as well for some fun fitness ideas for kids! Start – 7:15 – Intro 7:15 – 14:00 – Quick News 14:00 – 14:41 – Content Preface 14:41 – 51:17 - Jordan McDougal Interview 51:17 – End – Outro Next weekend we will be releasing our interviews covering Underdog Fitness DEKA events! ____ News Stories: Spartan Start Time Update New Hyrox Doubles Women Record Becky Neal London Marathon PR Tough Mudder Safety Update Nikolaj Dam Anniversary Biking States World Record Attempt Morgan Schultz Training App WTM Orphan Tent Needs Help Weakest Elite Secret Link Handstand Sing Secret Link Sound Effect Secret Link Interactive Art Secret Link Drum Dance Secret Link ____ Related Episodes: 69. New Jersey Spartan Beast! 95. Tri-State Spartan Super with Elites, Dallas Spartan Ultra, and Another MudGear Giveaway! 148. Tri-State Spartan Super with Elites! 330. Tri-State Spartan Super and More with Chris Marrone! 333. Maryland Savage Point Series Race with Jordan McDougal! 434. Mike's First DNF and reRUN of 17. Tri-State Spartan Ultra Beast and Tri-State Spartan Beast! 486. Spartan USNS Northeast Series, Hydrofoiling, and Exotic Pets with Miranda Kielpinski! ____ The OCR Report Patreon Supporters: Jason Dupree, Kim DeVoss, Samantha Thompson, Matt Puntin, Brad Kiehl, Charlotte Engelman, Erin Grindstaff, Hank Stefano, Arlene Stefano, Laura Ritter, Steven Ritter, Sofia Harnedy, Kenny West, Cheryl Miller, Jessica Johnson, Scott "The Fayne" Knowles, Nick Ryker, Christopher Hoover, Kevin Gregory Jr., Evan Eirich, Ashley Reis, Brent George, Justin Manning, Wendell Lagosh, Logan Nagle, Angela Bowers, Asa Coddington, Thomas Petersen, Seth Rinderknecht, Bonnie Wilson, Steve Bacon from The New England OCR Expo, Robert Landman, Shell Luccketta Jules Estes, and Alan "Muddy Duck" Moore. Sponsored Athletes: Javier Escobar, Kelly Sullivan, Ryan Brizzolara, Joshua Reid, and Kevin Gregory! Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and access to our Facebook group Check out our Threadless Shop Use coupon code "adventure" for 15% off MudGear products Use coupon code "ocrreport20" for 20% off Caterpy products Like us on Facebook: Obstacle Running Adventures Follow our podcast on Instagram: @ObstacleRunningAdventures Write us an email: obstaclerunningadventures@gmail.com Subscribe on Youtube: Obstacle Running Adventures Intro music - "Streaker" by: Straight Up Outro music - "Iron Paw" by: Dubbest

Season 7 of the Be More Today Show continues with Co-Founder and Captain of the Spartan Sundays Run Club Ismael Torres.Join our conversation as we discuss the 2026 Boston Marathon, our six star journey to complete the Abbott World Majors, and lessons learned from being a part of the 1% club. For more information about the Spartan Sundays Run Club follow us on IG @spartansundaysrunclub and join us in Brooklyn for run or a workout!For all other questions visit www.bemoretoday.com. Subscribe today and be a part of the Be More Today family.

Sorry for the late post... someone had some dental surgery done yesterday!On this week's episode, we discuss Final Impact! A movie that has it all... or at least it has Lorenzo Lamas from TV's Renegade!DISCLAIMER: Language and Spoilers!FINAL IMPACTdir. Joseph Merhi; Stephen Smokestarring: Lorenzo Lamas; Kathleen Kinmont; Michael Worth

This week, Lindsay chats with investor Peter Flemming, who shares his journey from a career in wealth management in New York City to building a real estate portfolio in the Southeast. Peter opens up about what sparked his interest in investing, the mindset shifts required to start, and how he overcame the challenges of remote investing. He discusses lessons learned from both renovated and new construction properties, the importance of living below your means, and how real estate fits into a diversified financial strategy. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, this episode offers practical insights on taking action, building trust with the right team, and thinking long-term about wealth building.--To learn more about our full-service turnkey operations, check us out online at www.spartaninvest.comConnect with Spartan!Facebook: @spartanTURNKEYInstagram: @spartaninvestLinkedIn: @spartaninvestConnect with Lindsay!Facebook: @spartanlindsaydavisInstagram: @spartanlindsaydavis

Steve (aka Spartan) shares his raw, unfiltered testimony: growing up in church, spiraling into years of drinking and drug use, and the pivotal moment he surrendered everything to God. Hear the darkest seasons, the hard choices, and the mercy that pulled him back. A powerful story of redemption for anyone who feels far from hope.

A stiff knee looked like a minor problem. Two days later, it was swelling toward the size of a basketball.   Then doctors opened it and found an infection eating him from the inside out. Zachary Garner is a Green Beret, firefighter, and ultra-endurance athlete, and this episode is built around visible stakes: brutal deployments, a catastrophic Ironman crash, traumatic brain injury, seizures, and a fight with flesh-eating bacteria that spread from hip to ankle, into his bloodstream, bones, pelvis, and heart.   He was told it could end fast. He was moved to Mass General, spent time in the ICU, had two strokes, and coded twice. Zachary breaks down what kept him moving forward: discomfort as training, purpose as a stabilizer, loyalty as a standard, and service as the operating system. You'll leave with disciplined rules you can apply when you're stuck, overwhelmed, or looking for excuses.   Things You Will Learn: How to use purpose as a coping mechanism when quitting starts to feel logical. How to normalize discomfort so you don't fold under pressure. How loyalty and service create structure when civilian life feels flat after high-intensity environments.   Tools & Frameworks Covered: Do-It-For-Them Anchor: keeps endurance and resilience steady when motivation drops. Discomfort Reps: builds mental toughness through repeated, controlled exposure to discomfort. Service-First Operating System: aligns discipline, responsibility, and daily actions to a clear purpose.   Let's make it something similar to this: If this episode moved you, don't just listen. Do something about it. Sign up. Show up. Do the work. Spartan.com. No more excuses.   Zachary Garner is a retired U.S. Army Green Beret who's survived traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, a near-fatal car accident, and necrotizing fasciitis that nearly took his life. Instead of giving up, he's turned pain into purpose, riding across the country, carrying weight for miles, and competing in extreme endurance events to raise awareness for veteran mental health.   Connect to Zachary: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-garner-253605170/ St. George Fire Department: https://www.stgeorgefire.com/   We gave you the tools, now use them during your next SPARTAN RACE! Use codeword PODCAST on checkout for 10% your next race.  

The Spartans are believing again — and so are we. On this episode of This Is Sparta Across the B1G, host Jason Strayhorn is joined by co-hosts Sean "Slow Sippa" Taylor and Cedric "Swerve" Irving for a packed show featuring two special guest appearances. First, we sit down with MSU's Big Ten champion men's tennis standout, who became the first Spartan to win matches in both singles AND doubles at a conference championship — and he's just getting started. Then, we welcome a father-son duo from Virginia — Terrence Edwards Sr. and redshirt freshman defensive back Terrence "Deuce" Edwards Jr. — for a hilarious, real, and inspiring conversation about the recruiting journey from Louisville to West Virginia to East Lansing, the energy of this year's Spartan defense, and why Deuce's eyes are already on the Thorpe Award and a national championship. Plus, the crew reacts to the NCAA Tournament expansion to 76 teams, breaks down the NIL effect on the NBA Draft, and celebrates a new four-star defensive lineman commit. Mama Hall's blanket made an appearance too — and it did NOT disappoint.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/this-is-sparta-msu--5664600/support.

We saw that Miranda Kielpinski won the first of the USNS Northeast Series races in New Jersey (where we planned to be for coverage) and we knew that we needed to reach out to have her back on the show! Miranda engages in a variety of fun outdoor activities such as biking, surfing, and hydrofoiling (which Mike just learned about for the first time). It was great to see that she has returned to OCR, took the win and wants to continue to take on the rest of the series this year! Start – 5:44 – Intro 5:44 – 15:00 – Quick News 15:00 – 15:37 – Content Preface 15:37 – 1:09:55 - Miranda Kielpinski Interview 1:09:55 – End – Outro Next weekend we will be at Underdog Fitness covering some DEKA events! ____ News Stories: Colonial Road Runner Fun Runs Starting Karin Karlson Still with Garmin Boston Marathon Double List Viking OCR Returning REI Union "Hyrox Should Cash Out" Teddy Bear Foundation's Bear Den Underdog Fitness Partnered with Neversecond Sebastian Sawe Runs Sub 2 hour Marathon  EquipHer Sports Bra Giveaway  Daddy Pig Successfully Completed the London Marathon  Spartan San Jose Podiums Spartan NJ USNS Podiums: Men and Women Running Couple Secret Link Magician Partner Secret Link Weird Karaoke Secret Link Garbage Art Secret Link Bunny Cashier Secret Link ____ Related Episodes: 69. New Jersey Spartan Beast! 95. Tri-State Spartan Super with Elites, Dallas Spartan Ultra, and Another MudGear Giveaway! 148. Tri-State Spartan Super with Elites! 232. Miranda Kielpinski on Tri-State Spartan Sprint, Surfing, and More! 293. Spartan New England Super and Sprint with Elites! 299. OCR World Championships 3K with Elites and Graham Roberts from NOX! 330. Tri-State Spartan Super and More with Chris Marrone! 434. Mike's First DNF and reRUN of 17. Tri-State Spartan Ultra Beast and Tri-State Spartan Beast! ____ The OCR Report Patreon Supporters: Jason Dupree, Kim DeVoss, Samantha Thompson, Matt Puntin, Brad Kiehl, Charlotte Engelman, Erin Grindstaff, Hank Stefano, Arlene Stefano, Laura Ritter, Steven Ritter, Sofia Harnedy, Kenny West, Cheryl Miller, Jessica Johnson, Scott "The Fayne" Knowles, Nick Ryker, Christopher Hoover, Kevin Gregory Jr., Evan Eirich, Ashley Reis, Brent George, Justin Manning, Wendell Lagosh, Logan Nagle, Angela Bowers, Asa Coddington, Thomas Petersen, Seth Rinderknecht, Bonnie Wilson, Steve Bacon from The New England OCR Expo, Robert Landman, Shell Luccketta Jules Estes, and Alan "Muddy Duck" Moore. Sponsored Athletes: Javier Escobar, Kelly Sullivan, Ryan Brizzolara, Joshua Reid, and Kevin Gregory! Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and access to our Facebook group Check out our Threadless Shop Use coupon code "adventure" for 15% off MudGear products Use coupon code "ocrreport20" for 20% off Caterpy products Like us on Facebook: Obstacle Running Adventures Follow our podcast on Instagram: @ObstacleRunningAdventures Write us an email: obstaclerunningadventures@gmail.com Subscribe on Youtube: Obstacle Running Adventures Intro music - "Streaker" by: Straight Up Outro music - "Iron Paw" by: Dubbest

What if passive income is not about chasing the latest flashy strategy, but about getting clear on what you actually want, understanding the risks, and choosing investments that fit your life?In this episode of Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, Gary Heldt talks with Ryan Gibson, President and Chief Investment Officer of Spartan Investment Group. Ryan shares how his journey from airline pilot to real estate investor led him to build a firm that helps investors participate in self-storage without taking on the day-to-day burden of ownership. The conversation covers common investor mistakes, how self-storage really works, where investment capital can come from, and why clarity matters more than hype when building long-term wealth.→ Ryan explains why many high-income earners jump into real estate before deciding whether they actually want an active business or a passive investment.→ He breaks down several ways investors may fund real estate opportunities, including cash, 401(k) loans, leveraged stock accounts, HELOCs, life insurance strategies, and self-directed IRAs.→ Gary and Ryan discuss the difference between direct ownership in a real estate deal and investing through a REIT, especially when it comes to control, tax treatment, and understanding the actual asset.→ Ryan shares what Spartan looks for in self-storage opportunities, including supply and demand, visibility, density, future buyer interest, and rent growth potential.→ The episode also highlights why self-storage performs across changing economic conditions, driven by life events, business needs, downsizing, moving, and renovation. Ryan says about 70 percent of customers are driven by life transitions, while the other 30 percent are business users.→ Ryan closes with practical advice for high earners who make high income but may not be paying enough attention to what they actually keep after taxes, fees, and poor planning.Listen in for a grounded conversation on passive income, diversification, and why the right professional team can make all the difference.More about Ryan:Ryan Gibson | President & Chief Investment Officer Spartan Investment Group | 1633 Westlake Ave N. Suite 120, Seattle, WA 98109 C: 202.696.5112 Website | Invest in Our Values More about Gary:Visit Gary Heldt's website at https://www.sbadvisors.cc/Connect with Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-d-heldt-jr/

Daniel Buitrago & Brandon Fifield are on-site at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center for the second annual Alaska Wild Sheep Foundation Conservation Night. The guys are joined by local legend Alaskan Outfitter and Master Guide Coke Wallace and his client Joel Tavera to talk about the weekends events, annual AKWSF banquet and Joel's very exciting up coming sheep hunt.   A night at Coke's place, Joel's a Tampa Bay Spartan, Hotdogology, Shout out to AK Wild sheep & Alaska Wild Project for the venue set-up, Fire wood palates, This day in Alaska History brought to you by Northern Waste, Joel's History, Joel's hunting career, Texas, Aoudad, Wyoming Elk, Northern Waterfowl, Moose, getting robbed in a Mexican hunting camp, what is the issue with horse back hunting access,      Visit our website - www.alaskawildproject.com Follow us on Instagram - www.instagram.com/alaskawildproject Watch on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@alaskawildproject $upport the podcast on Patreon - www.patreon.com/alaskawildproject

This episode, we're joined by legendary British hunter and mountaineer Rob Gearing. Nicknamed "Lord G" by none other than Craig Boddington, Gearing designed the Javelin bipod, which I believe is the finest bipod for backcountry hunting that's ever been made. We talk through Spartan's various shooting rests, and tell plenty of stories that examplify just how crucial it is to have the right gear. ENJOY!    FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST!  Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry   Recent brief Patreon-only audio topics include "6.8 Western Survival Forecast" and "Gear List for Hunting Africa." Check 'em out!  Email us questions here: backcountryhuntingpodcast@gmail.com   VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:  https://javelinbipod.com www.swiftbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.siembidacustomknives.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/

Pinned against Arctic cliffs with no way out, Jim Baird realized the truth too late. One bad decision had put him and his brother in a position where no one was coming to help.   In this episode of The Hard Way, Joe De Sena sits down with Alone season 4 winner and extreme explorer Jim Baird to break down remote survival, mental strain, and the consequences of poor judgment in unforgiving environments.   Jim explains why Alone was mentally harder than his most dangerous expeditions, how hardship builds real resilience, and why ownership matters when things go wrong. This episode gives you practical lessons on discipline, endurance, and making better decisions under pressure, grounded in real stakes.   Things You Will Learn: How to recognize when a bad decision becomes a survival problem and what to do next. Why mental endurance breaks faster than physical strength in isolation. How small, daily discomfort builds real resilience and consistency.   Tools & Frameworks Covered: Consequence Ownership: Accept and solve the problem once the decision is made. Controlled Discomfort Training: Use small challenges to build endurance and discipline. Mental Endurance Under Isolation: Manage uncertainty, fatigue, and slow decline.   If this episode moved you, don't just listen. Do something about it. Sign up. Show up. Do the work. Spartan.com. No more excuses.   Jim Baird is a Canadian adventurer and wilderness survival expert best known for winning Alone Season 4, where he and his brother endured 70 brutal days in the remote wilds of Vancouver Island. A filmmaker, ultrarunner, and passionate outdoorsman, Jim has built a life around testing the limits of human endurance and extracting hard-won lessons from nature. His journey embodies resilience, adaptability, and the deep mindset transformation that comes from facing the wild head-on.   Connect to Jim: Website: https://www.theadventurer.com/ Baird Country Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@BairdCountryPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbadventurer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jbadventurer/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/jim-baird-the-adventurer TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jbadventurer?lang=en   We gave you the tools, now use them during your next SPARTAN RACE! Use codeword PODCAST on checkout for 10% your next race.  

https://www.patreon.com/AdeptusRidiculoushttps://www.adeptusridiculous.com/https://twitter.com/AdRidiculoushttps://shop.orchideight.com/collections/adeptus-ridiculousFew names muster up imagery of power and dedication to the Imperium like Commissar Sebastian Yarrick. Known as the Hero of Hades Hive, he is a man so dedicated to the Emperor's light that even the Orks think he's a literal demon. ​In today's episode, we're diving into the full, unredacted (mostly) life of the man, the myth, and the bionic eye. From his brutal upbringing on Taos 3 to his legendary rivalry with Ghazghkull Thraka, we cover why Yarrick is the ultimate "too angry to die" protagonist of the 41st Millennium.​In this episode, we discuss: ​The Vaarden Origins: How a wealthy kid named Sebastian Vaarden became the gritty survivor known as Yarrick.​Grandpa's "Spartan" Training: Why Yarrick's childhood was basically a survival horror game.​The Klaw: The story of how he lost an arm to Warboss Ugulhard and decided to just... take the Warboss's arm as a replacement.​The Bale Eye: Why he got a laser eye specifically to play into Ork superstitions.​The Best Frenemy: That time Ghazghkull threw Yarrick a "celebratory parade" and spoke to him in High Gothic.​The Propaganda Version: We wrap up with the "Authorized Biography" from the Regimental Standard—where Yarrick allegedly did the sign of the Aquila instead of crying at birth.Support the show

Machine gun rounds took his right leg in Afghanistan. Nick Lavery decided that wasn't the end. He's an active-duty Green Beret with 5th Special Forces Group, and he went back to the teams as an above-the-knee amputee after a 14-week assessment designed to answer one question: asset or liability. In this conversation with Joe De Sena, Nick breaks down the hard part people miss. The low points. The doubts. The shift from proving himself to owning responsibility for the men beside him and their families. He explains why standards beat feelings, why emotion and logic can't drive the same decision, and why physical training is the most honest way to build mental toughness. You'll leave with practical rules for discipline, resilience, and performance under pressure, built from real stakes.   Things You Will Learn: How to transition from 'prove it' to ownership so your discipline holds when motivation collapses. How to separate emotion from decisions by letting a team or standard run the logic when you can't. How to use physical training as a daily discipline tool to build mental toughness that you can measure.   Tools & Frameworks Covered: Asset vs. Liability Standard: clarifies performance and responsibility under high stakes. Analysis vs. Dwelling Rule: turns setbacks into usable data instead of emotional loops. Physical Training as an Operational System: builds discipline, endurance, and mental toughness with objective metrics.   If this episode moved you, don't just listen. Do something about it. Sign up. Show up. Do the work. Spartan.com. No more excuses.   Nick Lavery is an active-duty U.S. Army Special Forces Warrant Officer who became the firstabove-the-knee amputee to return tocombat as a Green Beret after losing his leg to an IED in Afghanistan. Instead of accepting retirement, he chose the harder path and rebuilt himself toreturn to war with his team. His story represents elite leadership under extreme adversity, reclaimingidentity after trauma,and radical ownership in the pursuit of high performance.   Connect to Nick: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-lavery-a691871ba/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenicklavery/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nick.Machine.Lavery/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKNVniNJKTYRZpTmfyJJjtA    We gave you the tools, now use them during your next SPARTAN RACE! Use codeword PODCAST on checkout for 10% your next race.