There comes a moment when retreat is no longer an option. This episode is about that moment.Inspired by the legendary story of Hernán Cortés, Hans breaks down what it really means to burn the boats, to remove the safety nets, the excuses, and the backup plans. This is a raw conversation about commitment, pressure, ownership, and what happens when your only option is forward.If you are stuck between comfort and growth, this episode will challenge you to make the decision that changes everything. No fallback. No waiting. No retreat.Only forward.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2453265/support">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;There comes a moment when retreat is no longer an option. This episode is about that moment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Inspired by the legendary story of Hernán Cortés, Hans breaks down what it really means to burn the boats, to remove the safety nets, the excuses, and the backup plans. This is a raw conversation about commitment, pressure, ownership, and what happens when your only option is forward.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you are stuck between comfort and growth, this episode will challenge you to make the decision that changes everything. No fallback. No waiting. No retreat.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Only forward.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2453265/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

There comes a moment when retreat is no longer an option. This episode is about that moment. Inspired by the legendary story of Hernán Cortés, Hans breaks down what it really means to burn the boats, to remove the safety nets, the excuses, and the backup plans. This is a raw conversation about commitment, pressure, ownership, and what happens when your only option is forward. If you are stuck between comfort and growth, this episode will challenge you to make the decision that changes everyth...

How To: Burn Your Boat

This episode dives into the quiet truth most people never admit out loud: starting something is easy. Following through is where the battle begins. A lot of people open a business, step into a new career, or launch a big idea… and then freeze. They wait. They assume the world will come to them. They hope momentum will build on its own. It doesn’t.Hans breaks down why “waiting to see how it goes” is one of the most dangerous habits in business and in life, and how it slowly suffocates progress before it even begins. This conversation is about taking ownership, taking control, and refusing to let luck decide your future.You’ll hear real talk on showing up even when motivation is low, building habits that carry you forward, stacking small wins, and why action—consistent, imperfect action—is what separates the successful from the stalled. If you’ve ever felt stuck after starting something important, this episode will remind you that your next level doesn’t appear by watching… it appears by doing.This one is designed to light a fire, push you forward, and get you back into motion. You started for a reason. Now it’s time to make it happen.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2453265/support">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;This episode dives into the quiet truth most people never admit out loud: starting something is easy. Following through is where the battle begins. A lot of people open a business, step into a new career, or launch a big idea… and then freeze. They wait. They assume the world will come to them. They hope momentum will build on its own. It doesn’t.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Hans breaks down why “waiting to see how it goes” is one of the most dangerous habits in business and in life, and how it slowly suffocates progress before it even begins. This conversation is about taking ownership, taking control, and refusing to let luck decide your future.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You’ll hear real talk on showing up even when motivation is low, building habits that carry you forward, stacking small wins, and why action—consistent, imperfect action—is what separates the successful from the stalled. If you’ve ever felt stuck after starting something important, this episode will remind you that your next level doesn’t appear by watching… it appears by doing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This one is designed to light a fire, push you forward, and get you back into motion. You started for a reason. Now it’s time to make it happen.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2453265/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

This episode dives into the quiet truth most people never admit out loud: starting something is easy. Following through is where the battle begins. A lot of people open a business, step into a new career, or launch a big idea… and then freeze. They wait. They assume the world will come to them. They hope momentum will build on its own. It doesn’t. Hans breaks down why “waiting to see how it goes” is one of the most dangerous habits in business and in life, and how it slowly suffocates progres...

WAIT, Broke the Wagon! Here's How:

In this episode, Hans sits down with Chris Brooks — a multi-million-dollar entrepreneur, father, and softball coach who turned early failures into the foundation for massive success. Chris opens up about what it’s like to lose big, rebuild from the ground up, and find balance between business, family, and passion.This is more than a story about entrepreneurship — it’s a masterclass in resilience, discipline, and mindset. Chris shares the hard lessons that shaped his leadership, the habits that rebuilt his confidence, and the mentality that keeps him winning on and off the field.If you’ve ever failed, started over, or felt the pressure to perform, this episode will remind you: success isn’t about how you start — it’s about how you swing back.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2453265/support">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Hans sits down with Chris Brooks — a multi-million-dollar entrepreneur, father, and softball coach who turned early failures into the foundation for massive success. Chris opens up about what it’s like to lose big, rebuild from the ground up, and find balance between business, family, and passion.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is more than a story about entrepreneurship — it’s a masterclass in resilience, discipline, and mindset. Chris shares the hard lessons that shaped his leadership, the habits that rebuilt his confidence, and the mentality that keeps him winning on and off the field.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you’ve ever failed, started over, or felt the pressure to perform, this episode will remind you: success isn’t about how you start — it’s about how you swing back.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2453265/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, Hans sits down with Chris Brooks — a multi-million-dollar entrepreneur, father, and softball coach who turned early failures into the foundation for massive success. Chris opens up about what it’s like to lose big, rebuild from the ground up, and find balance between business, family, and passion. This is more than a story about entrepreneurship — it’s a masterclass in resilience, discipline, and mindset. Chris shares the hard lessons that shaped his leadership, the habits th...

Swinging for More: Chris Brooks on Failure, Fatherhood & Entrepreneurship

In this episode, Hans breaks down what it really means to invest in yourself — not someday, not when it’s convenient, but right now. Winning in business, fitness, and life isn’t luck — it’s built through daily deposits of time, effort, and belief into your own growth account.From learning new skills and leveling up your environment to surrounding yourself with winners and demanding more from your standards — Hans shares the mindset and moves that separate the dreamers from the doers. This episode is a challenge: stop waiting for opportunities and start building them.Because the greatest return on investment will always come from the person in the mirror.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Hans breaks down what it really means to &lt;em&gt;invest in yourself&lt;/em&gt; — not someday, not when it’s convenient, but right now. Winning in business, fitness, and life isn’t luck — it’s built through daily deposits of time, effort, and belief into your own growth account.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From learning new skills and leveling up your environment to surrounding yourself with winners and demanding more from your standards — Hans shares the mindset and moves that separate the dreamers from the doers. This episode is a challenge: stop waiting for opportunities and start building them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Because the greatest return on investment will &lt;em&gt;always&lt;/em&gt; come from the person in the mirror.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, Hans breaks down what it really means to invest in yourself — not someday, not when it’s convenient, but right now. Winning in business, fitness, and life isn’t luck — it’s built through daily deposits of time, effort, and belief into your own growth account. From learning new skills and leveling up your environment to surrounding yourself with winners and demanding more from your standards — Hans shares the mindset and moves that separate the dreamers from the doers. This ep...

How to Invest in YOURSELF and WIN

In this episode, Hans breaks down the five essential levers you can pull right now to change your direction, rebuild your momentum, and reclaim your focus. These aren’t vague motivational ideas — they’re tactical, practical, and immediately actionable. From cleaning up your workspace to organizing your finances, pushing your body harder, sharpening your mind, and tackling the mental clutter that’s been weighing you down — this is your wake-up call.If your ship feels off course, it’s time to grab the wheel. These five levers can re-ignite your fire, realign your discipline, and remind you what it feels like to operate at your highest level. It’s not about tomorrow — it’s about right now.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Hans breaks down the &lt;em&gt;five essential levers&lt;/em&gt; you can pull right now to change your direction, rebuild your momentum, and reclaim your focus. These aren’t vague motivational ideas — they’re tactical, practical, and immediately actionable. From cleaning up your workspace to organizing your finances, pushing your body harder, sharpening your mind, and tackling the mental clutter that’s been weighing you down — this is your wake-up call.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your ship feels off course, it’s time to grab the wheel. These five levers can re-ignite your fire, realign your discipline, and remind you what it feels like to operate at your highest level. It’s not about tomorrow — it’s about right now.&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, Hans breaks down the five essential levers you can pull right now to change your direction, rebuild your momentum, and reclaim your focus. These aren’t vague motivational ideas — they’re tactical, practical, and immediately actionable. From cleaning up your workspace to organizing your finances, pushing your body harder, sharpening your mind, and tackling the mental clutter that’s been weighing you down — this is your wake-up call. If your ship feels off course, it’s time to ...

Pull these FIVE levers to level-up right NOW!

Hustle. Heart. Humor.Hosted by fitness expert and CEO Hans Hartleben (former bodyguard to Henry Hill, famous mobster- Lucchese crime family), mixes high-energy motivation, current events, and raw humor, all while delivering tough love and unfiltered perspectives.&nbsp;With his unique background in entertainment and fitness, Hans brings a comedic touch to his insights, using humor and real talk to inspire listeners to break through barriers and live their best lives.

The Intensity Podcast

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