Do Hard Things Podcast: Forge Your Mind & Body – Details, episodes & analysis

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What happens when you reclaim the identity you've been running from your entire life? Siegfried Jay Tiegs aka "Sig" takes us on a raw, unfiltered journey from childhood trauma to profound self-discovery in this deeply personal conversation.

Born to a German father carrying the weight of post-WWII trauma and a Dutch mother struggling with mental illness, Siegfried's early years were marked by abuse, poverty, and relentless bullying. Hating his unusual name and battling a severe stutter, he rejected "Siegfried" for "JJ" – a small act of self-preservation that would take decades to understand and ultimately reverse.

Through intensive personal development work and deep shadow exploration, Siegfried made a stunning discovery – his birth name, which he had rejected in shame, means "peaceful warrior" in German. The very identity he had been running from was precisely what he had been seeking to become. This epiphany led to a powerful ceremony at Machu Picchu where he reclaimed not just his name, but his authentic self.

Siegfried “Sig” Jay Tiegs, founder of Do Hard Things Nation, Army veteran, endurance athlete, and certified running coach.

A retired Major with 27 years of service in the U.S. Army, a certified trauma coach, high-performance life coach, breathwork facilitator, speaker, and co-author of Life on Offense: A Tactical Guide to Dominate Life and End Mediocrity. His story is one of resilience, from a difficult childhood to combat deployments, from military injuries to ultramarathons and adventure races.

Today, he combines his experience as a soldier, athlete, and trauma-informed healer to help people push past limitations and create lasting transformation. Inside Do Hard Things Wellness Academy, he leads dynamic coaching sessions that focus on:

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

The Do Hard Things Wellness Academy officially kicks off September 2nd, 2025. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a founding member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book,

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

Forging a New Chapter: Do Hard Things Returns with Brian Larson

The Do Hard Things Podcast is back and we are kicking off Season 5 with a brand new chapter. After years of leading conversations on resilience, mindset, and performance, Siegfried Jay Tiegs is joined by new cohost Brian Larson, a CrossFit coach, breathwork facilitator, nutrition specialist, and movement expert.

Together, Jay and Brian are bringing you raw, unfiltered conversations that blend inspiration with real tactics to help you strengthen both mind and body. In this episode, they share the vision for the future of the podcast, the story behind teaming up, and what you can expect in the weeks ahead.

You will discover how the Do Hard Things ethos is evolving with a stronger focus on mindset, movement, breathwork, and community and how you can be part of the journey.

Whether you are a long time listener or brand new to the tribe, this episode sets the tone for what is next: practical strategies, powerful stories, and a community built on forging resilience together.

Learn more and join the Do Hard Things Nation Wellness Academy at www.dohardthingsnation.com.

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered how an active lifestyle can profoundly shift your mindset? This week, we're joined by the great and powerful Muyiwa Abediyi, host of the Day In and Day Out podcast, who brings his infectious enthusiasm for running and a wealth of insight on the mental fortitude needed to push past personal boundaries. Together, we peel back the layers of what it means to embrace the runner's high and the psychological benefits that accompany setting one foot in front of the other.

As we lace up for this journey, we recognize the importance of forging genuine connections in our digital landscapes. We reflect on the strides we've made over the past three years and the evolution of our content, all while nurturing dreams of what lies ahead. With an unwavering commitment to motivation and growth, we engage in discussions that will inspire and challenge our community. Whether discussing the humbling lessons from a failed marathon or strategies to embracing discomfort, this episode is an invitation to join a collective pursuit of self-improvement and a celebration of life's marathon.

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

Merry Christmas! This time of year is a good time of year to think about your personal growth and development. 

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

In this episode, Angi and Zach have a great conversation about how to avoid being overwhelmed this holiday season. 

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

Angi and Zach Have a great conversation on how to avoid overspending this holiday season. 

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

In this episode, Jay talks about his trip to DC and helping his friend run a 100K.  Help others win! 

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

In this episode, Jay and Angi talk about tips and strategies from the book: Atomic Habits.  

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

COMMITMENT: Staying loyal to what you said you were going to do long after the mood has left you. 

The  for success is: 

Time Frame + Desired Outcome = Goal

Jay Tiegs believes taking on difficult challenges in life with persistence and commitment enables people to find great success in life. He is a Transitioning veteran with over 25 years of service, from private to sergeant first class before commissioning as an officer.  His mantra "Do Hard Things" has enabled him to overcome many struggles in life and achieve success in completing difficult challenges.  This shift in perspective allowed him to go from a directionless teenager who grew up in a fatherless home to a commissioned officer in the United States Army, where he successfully commanded two units that specialize in leadership development of our nation's next generation of emerging military leaders. 

He now shares his outlook on personal transformation as a speaker, trainer, and high-performance coach for audiences ranging from elementary school children to executive-level leaders.

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? Your feedback is important to me and it would also take less than 60 seconds and make a difference in getting those hard-to-get guests as we expand our reach. 

Check out the Do Hard Things Nation:  www.dohardthingsnation.com

Join the Do Hard Things Newsletter: https://www.jaytiegs.com/pl/2147557565

Book A Call with Jay: https://www.jaytiegs.com/book-your-session

Connect with Jay: Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/dohardthings

Join the Do Hard Things Newsletter: https://www.jaytiegs.com/pl/2147557565

Leave a Review/Subscribe:  Do Hard Things on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/do

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events

Send us a text

In this episode, Jay and Angi talk about overcoming fear and how to cultivate Everyday Courage. 

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes. Your feedback is important to me, and it would also take less than 60 seconds and make a difference in getting those hard-to-get guests as we expand our reach. 

Check out the Do Hard Things Nation: 
www.dohardthingsnation.com

Join the Do Hard Things Newsletter: https://www.jaytiegs.com/pl/2147557565

Book A Call with Jay: 
https://www.jaytiegs.com/book-your-session

Connect with Jay: Link Tree: 
https://linktr.ee/dohardthings

Join the Do Hard Things Newsletter: https://www.jaytiegs.com/pl/2147557565

Do Hard Things Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/do-hard-things/id1548334976

Do Hard Things Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LhBESP82YI4Magub30D3D

Leave a Review/Subscribe:  Do Hard Things on Apple Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/do-hard-things/id1548334976

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Do Hard Things Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/dohardthings

Welcome to the Do Hard Things Podcast with your host Jay Tiegs, Are you ready to amplify and improve your life? Then you are in the right place.  On this podcast we have unfiltered conversation with inspiring people who take on challenges and share with us, the wisdom from their journey. We talk about how doing hard things adequately enable all of us to deal with life's struggles and challenges and ultimately improve the quality of our lives. 

Big things are happening inside Do Hard Things Nation, and I want you with us.

Want more support? Join the Do Hard Things Wellness Academy. Four coaches. Weekly mindset training, movement, breathwork, meditation, book club, and challenges. Join as a member here:
👉 skool.com/dohardthings/about

Our book, Life on Offense, is now an Amazon Best Seller! Grab a copy and leave a review.
👉 Get the book on Amazon

Grab Your Do Hard Things Gear and Apparel. Show the world you Do Hard Things with high-quality apparel!

👉Gear — Do Hard Things Nation

And don’t forget—the Do Hard Things 5K, 9.11 Mile Run, and 9.11 Mile Ruck is happening in September. There’s even a virtual option—so no excuses. Sign up here:
👉 dohardthingsnation.com/events