Brotherhood and Grit Forged in Combat

Brotherhood and Grit Forged in Combat

Author: Joe De Sena September 30, 2025 Duration: 22:30
Ryan Pitts didn't quit when it mattered most.
Outnumbered, wounded, and under relentless fire, this Medal of Honor recipient kept fighting.
Ryan shares what combat taught him about grit, why brotherhood beats fear, and how to build real toughness in life outside the battlefield. Raw lessons on resilience, sacrifice, leadership, and mental strength, straight from someone who's lived it.
No excuses. Listen, learn, and get tougher.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:25 Meet Ryan, Medal of Honor recipient
01:48 Growing up in New England
02:47 Joining military service
03:56 Enlisting at age 17
04:20 Early Army struggles
04:55 The crucial battle in Afghanistan
06:38 Wounded under heavy fire
08:47 Training instincts kick in
10:58 Incredible acts of heroism
12:32 Challenges of coming home
14:49 Mental health culture shift
16:01 Medal of Honor explained
18:36 Life after military service
19:54 Hard things worth doing
20:49 Coaching kids and values
21:24 Contact details shared
21:30 Upcoming Spartan races
22:09 Closing final notes
 
Connect to Ryan:

Joe De Sena, the founder of Spartan Race and a New York Times best-selling author, believes the most rewarding path is rarely the easy one. In his The Hard Way With Joe De Sena podcast, that philosophy comes to life through raw, unscripted conversations. Joe travels the globe, sitting down with a diverse array of guests-from elite athletes and pioneering entrepreneurs to acclaimed authors and visionary CEOs-to dig for the unvarnished truths about resilience and achievement. These aren't just interviews; they're deep dives into the mental frameworks and physical disciplines that define a Spartan mindset. You'll hear stories that challenge conventional wisdom, practical advice forged through real struggle, and surprising moments of humor that come from shared experience. Each episode is designed to provide tangible tools for improving your health, fitness, and overall approach to life's obstacles. By bringing together this panel of extraordinary thinkers and doers, the podcast creates a unique space where the secrets to success in business, wellness, and personal growth are examined without shortcuts. Tune in for a dose of motivation that’s as actionable as it is inspiring.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Hard Way With Joe De Sena
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