This Teen Takes on Brutal Swim to Prove Struggle Heals

This Teen Takes on Brutal Swim to Prove Struggle Heals

Author: Joe De Sena July 1, 2025 Duration: 19:32
What happens when a 17-year-old signs up to swim 34km across freezing water—no wetsuit, no excuses—all to raise awareness for men's mental health?
 
In this raw, high-impact episode, Barney Ryder joins Joe De Sena to share how choosing discomfort, facing failure, and embracing the cold shaped his mind more than any victory ever could.
 
They talk resilience, grit, the power of movement over words, and why real change starts where comfort ends.
 
If you've ever needed a push to stop talking and start doing—this is it.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Into
00:38 Meet Swimmer Barney Rider
01:02 Swimming the English Channel
02:12 The Biggest Mental Struggle
04:08 Gaining Weight to Survive
04:42 Overcoming the Failure
05:28 Success Can Be a Trap
06:36 Growth Needs Harsh Conditions
07:29 Mission: Men's Mental Health
09:13 Talk Less, Move More
11:24 Swimming with His Dad
13:15 Advice for Struggling Youth
14:15 Push Past Comfort Zones
15:52 Just Start, Figure Later
16:44 Big Swim Plans Ahead
18:23 How to Support Barney
 
Connect to Barney:
camera with flash Instagram: @barnaby_ryder_

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
Podcast Episodes
The Power of Going Slow: Smarter Training for a Better Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Duration: 28:36
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Duration: 19:01
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Duration: 0:00
What does it take to turn obstacles into opportunities? In this episode, leadership expert Rafael Andrade shares his powerful journey from escaping political turmoil in Panama to thriving as an entrepreneur and mentor. L…
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Duration: 0:00
Joe De Sena sits down with a legendary strength coach Dane Miller to uncover the ultimate formula for building strength, power, and endurance. Whether you're training for a marathon, a Spartan Race, or simply want to be…