How Spartan Founder Joe De Sena Almost Died Building a Fitness Empire

Joe De Sena gets into what it really takes to build something great and keep going when things get hard. He shares stories from building Spartan, pushing himself to his limits, raising driven kids, and making it through some of the toughest moments in his life and business.-Matt and Joe also talk about failure, discipline, work-life balance, social media, entrepreneurship, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is keep showing up and doing the work.-Chapters:0:00 What kept Joe going with Spartan2:57 How Spartan started3:44 The scrappiness every entrepreneur needs5:40 Raising driven kids when they already have everything8:32 The wrestling story that changed Joe’s approach to parenting14:49 Why failure and reps matter15:28 The health scare that nearly killed Joe20:18 Getting uncomfortable on purpose21:28 Building resilience through physical hardship23:48 Project 7 and the world’s toughest races26:17 Why work-life balance doesn’t exist29:04 The problem with phone addiction33:52 How COVID nearly destroyed Spartan40:00 The standards don’t change when life gets hard41:22 Persistence, discipline and refusing to quit44:13 Success, significance and gratitude45:32 Matt King on Gobundance and accountability51:40 What’s next for Joe De Sena and Matt KingLearn More About Gobundancehttps://www.gobundance.com/Gobundance is a member-led mastermind built for the chasers, the overachievers, and the perpetual dreamers. Here, we aim to provide the accountability, support, adventure, and education you need in your journey to becoming a better man, husband, father, friend, and entrepreneur.Want to connect with our community?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gobundanceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gobundance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gobundancegblTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gobundanceofficialFollow us on Instagram:Joe De Sena: https://www.instagram.com/realjoedesena/Matt King: https://www.instagram.com/mattking.atx/

Mike Egan pushed 152 miles in 24 hours to set a world record, but for him, the bigger challenge has always been discovering how far he can go. In this episode, Mike shares his journey from adaptive CrossFit to Backyard Ultras, why he chooses discomfort as a way to grow, and how he balances pushing his limits with being a husband and father.-He also opens up about learning to ask for help, the power of the Backyard Ultra community, and why sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you reach the point where you want to quit.-0:00 World record backstory & breaking the cycle as a father7:54 How Mike met his wife10:38 Finding purpose through adaptive fitness12:38 From CrossFit to endurance racing14:57 Breaking the 24-hour world record: 152 miles17:45 Discovering Backyard Ultras21:38 Why goals can become mental limits24:58 Turning grief into growth26:01 Is suffering necessary for growth?31:22 Why we’ve become too comfortable36:58 Getting out of the wheelchair & refusing to quit38:38 Learning to ask for help43:13 The Backyard Ultra community49:09 Balancing extreme goals with family54:01 Training yourself to keep going56:08 What pushing your limits teaches you59:11 Staying grounded through success1:04:44 Closing thoughts & what’s next-Learn More About Gobundancehttps://www.gobundance.com/-Gobundance is a member-led mastermind built for the chasers, the overachievers, and the perpetual dreamers. Here, we aim to provide the accountability, support, adventure, and education you need in your journey to becoming a better man, husband, father, friend, and entrepreneur.-Want to connect with our community?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gobundanceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gobundance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gobundancegblTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gobundanceofficial-Follow us on Instagram:-Mike Egan: https://www.instagram.com/mj_egan/-Matt King: https://www.instagram.com/mattking.atx/

Matt King and Pat Hiban sit down for a new Grab Life Big roundtable to share their perspectives on interest rates, investing, cash, the rise of AI, and whether the market is getting caught up in another bubble.-They also dig into what actually deserves your attention, raising independent kids, family businesses, natural consequences, and why giving your kids your time may matter more than giving them every opportunity.-Chapters:0:00 Intro & the new Grab Life Big format3:00 Interest rates & the economy7:35 The Backyard Ultra & moving forward10:30 Staying scrappy & resourceful20:45 “Cash is trash” & media influence26:00 Having a vision vs. consuming the news32:00 Are we in an AI bubble?40:00 The rising cost of AI44:00 What to do with your money1:00:00 Occam’s razor & logical thinking1:05:30 Should your kids join the family business?1:12:00 Entrepreneurship vs. discipline1:22:00 Why kids struggle in their 20s1:28:15 Failure & helicopter parenting1:38:00 Closing thoughts & what’s next-Learn More About Gobundancehttps://www.gobundance.com/-Gobundance is a member-led mastermind built for the chasers, the overachievers, and the perpetual dreamers. Here, we aim to provide the accountability, support, adventure, and education you need in your journey to becoming a better man, husband, father, friend, and entrepreneur.-Want to connect with our community?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gobundanceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gobundance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gobundancegblTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gobundanceofficial-Follow us on -Instagram:Matt King: https://www.instagram.com/mattking.atx/Pat Hiban: https://www.instagram.com/wiggyhiban/

Matt Johnson joins the Grab Life Big Podcast to unpack Project Seven, his attempt to complete seven Ironmans in seven days while raising money and awareness for veterans. -He shares what happened when his body finally had nothing left to give, why he considers the experience a success despite falling short of seven, and how the journey forced him to confront childhood trauma, faith, giving back, and his constant need to push harder. Now, Matt is learning what it looks like to slow down, be present, and find peace without needing to know what challenge comes next.-Chapters0:00 Project Seven, Cam Hanes & the seawall moment2:00 The power of your why & sharing failure5:00 Was Project Seven a success?6:40 Changing standards & redefining a win8:35 Mental health, childhood trauma & therapy12:15 The road to Project Seven17:10 How Project Seven was conceived19:40 Days 1-4 & hitting the wall23:00 Logistical challenges & adapting the plan28:15 The physical toll of Days 6 & 734:00 The decision to stop38:30 Learning to celebrate & Valor Fit43:00 Giving back & following intuition51:00 Woodbine Elementary & remembering where he came from57:00 What Project Seven was really about & what’s next59:30 Recovery, slowing down & finding peace1:06:00 Being okay with not knowing what’s next1:10:00 Impact, gratitude & buying back your time-Learn More About Gobundance https://www.gobundance.com/Gobundance is a member-led mastermind built for the chasers, the overachievers, and the perpetual dreamers. Here, we aim to provide the accountability, support, adventure, and education you need in your journey to becoming a better man, husband, father, friend, and entrepreneur.-Want to connect with our community?Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gobundanceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gobundance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gobundancegblTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gobundanceofficial-Follow Us on Socials Matt King Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattking.atx/ Matt Johnson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattjohnson__/

2000 Mile Bike Ride From Mexico To Canada https://www.BackTheRide.comMy Personal Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@mattkingatx I’m sitting at the border looking at the road ahead knowing the next 2,000 miles are going to test me in every way possible. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally.theRide was never about proving how tough we are. It’s about proving what’s possible when people come together for something bigger than themselves.In this episode, I share what’s going through my mind the night before we leave Mexico and head toward Canada. You’ll also meet a few of the people behind this mission — the crew helping make this journey possible every single day.We’re riding to raise $1,000,000 and deliver real impact to people and communities who need hope put into motion.Listen On Spotify & Apple https://tr.ee/ta0ZzUejCIConnect With MattWebsite: http://themattking.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattking.atx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattking.atx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingmatthewr/ #gobundance #podcast The Tribe of High-Performing Men: http://gobundance.com/tribe

2000 Mile Bike Ride From Mexico To Canada https://www.BackTheRide.comToday we pulled together the best moments from the episodes leading up to theRide.theRide has become a test of commitment, discomfort, discipline, leadership, and who we become when there’s no easy way out. In this mashup episode, we talk about why hard things matter, what happens when you push past your limits, and why most people never truly test themselves.You’ll hear moments from my conversations with Joey Hassett, Rob Sembiante, theRide crew, and reflections from my own preparation leading into theRide from Mexico to Canada.No turning back now.My Personal Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@mattkingatx Listen On Spotify & Apple https://tr.ee/ta0ZzUejCIConnect With MattWebsite: http://themattking.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattking.atx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattking.atx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingmatthewr/ #gobundance #podcast The Tribe of High-Performing Men: http://gobundance.com/tribe

2000 Mile Bike Ride From Mexico To Canada https://www.BackTheRide.comToday I sit down with endurance coach and nutrition expert Joey Hassett to talk about what it actually takes to prepare for extreme endurance events. We break down the biggest mistakes people make in marathons and ultras, why nutrition matters more than most athletes realize, and what I’ve learned from him while training to ride my bike from Mexico to Canada. This conversation completely changed the way I think about recovery, discipline, and pushing through hard things. If you’ve ever wanted to test yourself physically or mentally, this episode will make you rethink what’s possible.Watch The Episode On YouTubehttps://youtu.be/wuTaaEClmaMConnect With MattWebsite: http://themattking.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattking.atx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattking.atx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingmatthewr/ #gobundance #podcast The Tribe of High-Performing Men: http://gobundance.com/tribe

https://www.BackTheRide.comMy Personal Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@mattkingatx Today I talk about the one moment that actually matters—the moment you say something out loud and it becomes real. I break down why the hardest part isn’t doing the work, it’s living in the loop of “should I or shouldn’t I.” I also get honest about what commitment really costs—your time, your identity, and the low days nobody prepares you for. If you’ve been circling something, this is your push to stop thinking and finally decide.Listen On Spotify & Apple https://tr.ee/ta0ZzUejCIConnect With MattWebsite: http://themattking.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattking.atx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattking.atx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingmatthewr/ #gobundance #podcast The Tribe of High-Performing Men: http://gobundance.com/tribe

My Personal Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@mattkingatx I pulled together some of the most powerful moments from conversations with Hal, Garrain, and Preston around adversity, mindset, and rebuilding your life from nothing. What stood out to me is how each of them faced moments where everything could have ended—but instead became the turning point. We talk about suicide, cancer, losing everything, and what it actually takes to come back stronger. If you’ve ever questioned whether you can turn things around, this is for you.Full Interviewshttps://youtu.be/7uC29jfCxog https://youtu.be/JaBCKDavahohttps://youtu.be/Jo5RlDWgEDgListen On Spotify & Apple https://tr.ee/ta0ZzUejCIConnect With MattWebsite: http://themattking.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattking.atx TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattking.atx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingmatthewr/ #gobundance #podcast The Tribe of High-Performing Men: http://gobundance.com/tribe

Watch on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/oavs81nNAdAI pulled together conversations on parenting, leadership, and the hard truths most men avoid. We get into why silence can damage your relationship with your kids, how values should guide every decision, and what it really looks like to lead your family through struggle. There are moments in here about failure, depression, and rebuilding yourself when everything feels off track. If you're trying to lead better at home and in life, this one will challenge you.Full InterviewsJon Vromanhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/3S5UejrfOp6MuDQZvAstDO?si=CY8GSLuQSo6u1BN5FykfgwWyatt Graves: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1FmcIMn3AjgDPOR1gUzqw6?si=25a50e6b94544bacKen Wimberlyhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/2Cx5HZdMd0tlL8g8EgNZZY?si=29c3ed270b39468dListen On Spotify & Apple https://tr.ee/ta0ZzUejCIConnect With MattWebsite: http://themattking.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattking.atxTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattking.atxLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingmatthewr/ #gobundance #podcast The Tribe of High-Performing Men: http://gobundance.com/tribe