From Turtle to Triathlete: Breathwork, Grit, and Growth with Josh De Jong

Do Hard Things Podcast: Forge Your Mind & Body

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In this episode of the Do Hard Things Podcast, Jay Tiegs and Brian Larson sit down with Josh De Jong, a Breathwork Coach, Triathlete, and Sales Professional who embodies resilience and transformation. Once nicknamed “Turtle,” Josh turned setbacks into fuel, pushing through spinal fusion surgery and torn labrums to rise as an endurance athlete, coach, and founder of Eldr and Air.

You’ll hear how Josh uses breathwork, mindset, and endurance training to help others unlock their highest potential. He shares practical tools for:

• Building energy, focus, and resilience through breathwork
• Developing mental discipline and clarity under pressure
• Applying endurance frameworks to strengthen grit and consistency

This isn’t just theory—Josh’s story is proof that the hardest challenges can become the foundation for growth, confidence, and authentic empowerment.

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:
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Chapters

1. Introducing Josh de Jong (00:00:00)

2. Josh's Breathwork Journey (00:03:12)

3. Triathlon Career and Athletic Background (00:07:19)

4. Understanding Different Breathwork Techniques (00:17:57)

5. How Breathwork Transforms Daily Life (00:28:40)

6. The Origin of "Turtle" Nickname (00:40:45)

7. Passion for Coaching and Future Vision (00:48:12)

8. Morning Routines and Final Thoughts (00:53:32)