PODCAST · health
RU STRONG
by Jeff Durr
Welcome to RU Strong, hosted by Jeff Durr! This podcast is a platform for current and former college athletes to share their stories of resilience, perseverance, and strength. Join us as we delve into the mental and physical challenges athletes encounter both on and off the field. From the intense pressures of competition to the transition out of sports, we'll explore how these experiences shape their lives.
Episodes
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Be Ready When Your Moment Comes - Jason Kaul - Episode 170
What happens when you do everything you can to reach a goal and the outcome still doesn’t come? Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast! Today’s guest is Jason Kaul, a former Stanford University football player whose journey offers powerful lessons in preparation, perseverance, and finding purpose...
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More Than Lacrosse - Kelsey Walker - Episode 169
Today’s guest is Kelsey Walker, a former Rutgers University Division I lacrosse player whose story is about much more than what happened on the field. Growing up in Rumson, New Jersey, Kelsey was a standout two-sport athlete at Rumson-Fair Haven. She was a four-year varsity lacrosse player, team...
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When The Game Ends - Mitch Lyons - Episode 168
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast! Today’s guest is Mitch Lyons, a former NFL tight end whose journey shows what it takes to keep moving forward when life changes your game plan. Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mitch knew his family didn’t have a lot of money, and earning an athletic...
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From Player To Purpose - Michelle Simpson - Episode 167
What if one decision to try something new changed the course of your life? In 2004, Michelle Simpson planned to volunteer at the Olympic Games in Athens. At the last minute, she chose a different adventure: she searched online for a field hockey camp in America, booked a flight from England to…
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Find A Way - Patrick Nugent - Episode 166
What do you do when the future you’ve pictured since childhood suddenly disappears? Growing up in Cleveland, Patrick Nugent saw three photographs above his family’s fireplace: his grandfather in his World War II uniform, his father as a Marine, and an empty frame. Patrick knew he wanted to fill...
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After The Final Whistle - JR Butler - Episode 165
What happens when the sport that has defined you your entire life comes to an end? My guest today, JR Butler, grew up in a competitive hockey family in Massachusetts. His father was a Hall of Fame hockey coach, and both of his younger brothers played college hockey. JR worked his way to Holy…
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She Was Afraid To Jump - Gabi Leon - Episode 164
What if the sport you were most afraid to try turned out to be the one that took you around the world? Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Gabi Leon played all kinds of sports. When she joined the track team as a high school sophomore, she wanted to try the high jump. Her math teacher and…
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Vaulting Through Legacy - Colton, Macey, Reece Emeott - Episode 163
Today’s episode of the RU Strong Podcast is a special one because I’m joined by three members of one remarkable athletic family: Colton, Macey, and Reece Emeott. The Emeott siblings grew up immersed in the championship track-and-field culture their father, Dave, helped build at East Kentwood High...
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Effort Changes Everything - Meg Rembielak - Episode 162
Today’s guest is Megan Rembielak, a former Division I softball standout at Appalachian State University who has turned her passion for the game into a career developing and inspiring the next generation of athletes. Megan grew up in a baseball family with a Division I coach as her father…
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Do It Afraid - Kota Umeda - Episode 161
Today’s guest is Kota Umeda, whose journey is a powerful story of perseverance, faith, and finding an identity beyond sports. Born in Tokyo, Kota moved to Cleveland at eight years old without speaking English. By age 12, he was translating for his parents while his family faced financial…
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Who Coaches The Coaches - Tracy Slusser - Episode 160
Welcome back to another episode of the RU Strong Podcast. Today’s guest is Tracy Slusser, whose journey proves that some of life’s greatest challenges can become the foundation for extraordinary success. Growing up with a learning disability, Tracy struggled in the classroom but found confidence,...
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I Said No - Dr. Jen Fry - Episode 159
Welcome back to another episode of the RU Strong Podcast. Today’s guest is Dr. Jen Fry, a former college volleyball player and coach whose journey proves that sometimes the most meaningful opportunities come from paths you never expected to take. Jen began her education at a junior college before...
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Beyond The Mound - Charlie Ruiz - Episode 158
Welcome back to another episode of the RU Strong Podcast. Today’s guest is Charlie Ruiz, whose journey proves that where you begin does not determine where you can go. Charlie played only one healthy season of varsity baseball and received little attention from college recruiters. He began at...
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Beyond The Game - Erin Sarles Bowers & Thomas Roe - Episode 157
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast. Today, I’m joined by two remarkable leaders who are changing the way athletes, parents, and coaches think about success. Erin Sarles Bowers is an executive and leadership coach, a former corporate leader, and the co-founder and CEO of Blueprint to Blue Chip....
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The Intentional Edge - Jeff Jones - Episode 156
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast. I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today we’re talking about what it means to develop the intentional edge. My guest is Jeff Jones, the Head Football Athletic Performance Coach at the University of Northern Iowa and the author of The Intentional Edge: 10 Reps to...
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Bet On Yourself - Kennedy Muff Episode 155
What happens when you're willing to bet on yourself? This week on the RU Strong Podcast, I'm joined by former collegiate volleyball standout Kennedy Muff, and her journey is one every athlete, coach, parent, and leader needs to hear. Kennedy went from being a four-time conference champion and...
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BUILDING CHAMPIONSHIP CULTURE - Joe Adam - Episode 154
What does it really take to build a championship culture in today's ever-changing world of college football? This week on the RU Strong Podcast, I sit down with Joe Adam, the all-time winningest head football coach in the history of Saint Anselm College. Coach Adam's journey is one of grit,...
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Beyond the Game: Building Your Brand - Sabrina Oostburg - Episode 153
Every once in a while, I have a guest who completely changes the way I think about a topic. Sabrina Oostburg did exactly that. When most people hear "NIL," they think about big contracts, endorsements, and college athletes making money. Sabrina sees something much bigger. She sees opportunities,...
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Building Champions On And Off The Field - Stephen Bienko - Episode 152
You know, occasionally, you meet someone whose story reminds you that success isn't built by taking the easy road, it's built by choosing challenges that most people would run from. Today's guest is one of those people. Stephen Bienko has spent his entire life pushing himself beyond what most...
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From Running at Rutgers to Running for Congress - Walter Kirkland Episode 151
Today's guest is someone I've been looking forward to talking with. Walter Kirkland has lived an incredible life. He came to Rutgers on a full scholarship and went on to become a four-time All-American, an NCAA National Champion, and a member of the Rutgers Athletic Hall of Fame. But what really...
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THE CHAMPION & THE COACH - ROB KOLL- Episode 150
I got to sit down with someone I've been looking forward to talking with for a long time. When people think about the greatest coaches in college wrestling, today's guest is always part of that conversation. But what makes him so impressive isn't just the championships he's won or the…
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Why She Walked Away from a Full Scholarship- Ava Caravela- Episode 149 148
I'm really excited about today's guest because I finally got to complete the Caravela family trifecta. I've had the privilege of interviewing both her father, Tom, and her brother, Dean, and after those conversations, they both told me the same thing: "You've got to have Ava on the show." And…
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Reasons To Believe - Superbowl Champion - Gary Reasons- Episode 148
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we share the stories of athletes who have overcome challenges, achieved greatness, and are now making an impact far beyond the game. Today's guest is someone who truly defines what it means to live with relentless pursuit. Gary Reasons grew up in Texas...
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Overlooked to MLB - Scott Schebler - Episode 147
Today's guest is someone whose journey proves that being overlooked doesn't determine your future. Scott Schebler went from receiving very little recruiting attention out of high school in Iowa to playing one season of junior college baseball before being selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in…
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Wendy Boglioli - From a 17-Yard Pool to Olympic Gold - Episode 146
Welcome back to another episode of the RU Strong Podcast. Today, I’m excited to bring you the story of an athlete whose journey embodies everything this show stands for, resilience, perseverance, discipline, and the courage to pursue a dream when others doubt it can be done. My guest is Wendy...
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How Jack Betts Rewrote the NIL Playbook - Episode 145
Welcome to another episode of the RU Strong Podcast. Today, I have a guest whose story is a powerful example of what can happen when preparation meets opportunity. Growing up in Dallas, Texas, Jack Betts developed a passion for football at an early age. While many athletes dream of playing…
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Matt Simms From The Field To Purpose - Episode 144
Welcome back to another episode of the RU Strong Podcast. I'm your host, Jeff Durr, and today I’m excited to be joined by former Don Bosco Prep standout, college quarterback, NFL veteran, media personality, coach, and entrepreneur, Matt Simms. Growing up in Northern New Jersey as the son of New...
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Kayla Bock: Athlete To Impact Leader- Episode 143
Welcome back to another episode of the RU Strong Podcast. I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today I’m excited to welcome former Rutgers University softball player, athlete leader, and rising star in collegiate athletic development, Kayla Bock. Kayla’s story is all about leadership, resilience,...
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Building Championship Mindsets with Joel Honigford - Episode 142
Former University of Michigan football player and former NFL athlete Joel Honigford joins me on this episode of the RU Strong Podcast for a powerful conversation about leadership, mental toughness, adversity, discipline, and the mindset required to compete at the highest levels of college…
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Beyond The Finish Line: The Real Story - Dave Emeott - Episode 141
Today’s guest is Dave Emeott, Co-Athletic Director and legendary Head Track & Field Coach at East Kentwood High School in Michigan. Since taking over the program in 1998, Dave has built one of the most dominant high school track programs in America, winning 8 State Championships, a National...
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Beyond The Redzone: BJ Daniels’ Story - Episode 140
🏈 The RU Strong Podcast Episode with BJ Daniels is NOW LIVE! 🎙️🔥 From growing up in a dorm room on Florida State’s campus dreaming of one day playing college football to becoming a four-year starting quarterback at University of South Florida to competing in three Super Bowls and winning a...
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From TV Anchor to NIL Leader | Steph Grady’s Powerful Journey
🎙️ New Episode of the RU Strong Podcast! I had an awesome conversation with Steph Grady, former television news anchor, internationally competitive figure skater, founder of The NIL School, and CEO of Influential Athlete, one of the leading NIL education companies focused on helping female...
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Hanging Up The Jersey: The Mental Transition with Caitlin Broadwell - Episode 138
🎙️ I’m excited to share another powerful episode of the RU Strong Podcast featuring former college indoor and beach volleyball player, sports psychology professional, therapist, and founder of the Hanging Up The Jersey Podcast, Caitlin Broadwell. Caitlin’s story is one that so many athletes will...
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Raymont Harris " Control The Controllables" Episode 137
On this episode of the RU Strong Podcast, I sit down with a true competitor, leader, and mindset expert Raymont Harris. From starring at Ohio State Buckeyes football, where he was an All-Big Ten selection, Team MVP, and one of the program’s all-time leading rushers, to competing in the NFL with…
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Aanya Trivedi “Future Doctor. Athlete. Author.”
🎙️ RU Strong Podcast – Featuring Aanya Trivedi On this episode of the RU Strong Podcast, I sit down with an incredibly inspiring young leader, Aanya Trivedi and trust me, this is one you don’t want to miss. At just 17 years old, Aanya is already redefining what it means to be driven, resilient,...
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Dean Caravela From The Mat To Leading Marines Episode 135
This is one of those episodes that truly defines what RU Strong is all about resilience, discipline, and doing things the right way when no one is watching. Today’s guest, Dean Caravela, is a name that represents excellence, both on and off the mat. A standout wrestler out of Caldwell High…
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“Beyond Football: The Blueprint for Life After the Game”- Tobruk Blaine
On this episode of the RU Strong Podcast, we’re joined by one of the most impactful voices in college athletics today, Tobruk “TB” Blaine. From her early days as a multi-sport athlete and collegiate cheerleader to becoming a championship-winning coach and now the Director of Player Development at...
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“FROM DOUBT TO DOMINANCE - Larry Long Jr.”
🔥 Just Dropped: RU Strong Podcast with Larry Long Jr. 🔥 Get ready for one of the most electrifying, high-energy episodes we’ve ever had on the RU Strong Podcast. This week, I sit down with Larry Long Jr. a former University of Maryland baseball standout turned “Chief Energy Officer” who is now...
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“He Was the #1 QB… Then Everything Changed” Max Browne USC QB- ESPN
This is a MUST LISTEN episode. I had the opportunity to sit down with former USC & Pitt quarterback,Max Browne a two-time team captain, former #1 QB recruit in the country,ESPN college football analyst, and host of The Max Browne Show. And I’ll tell you, this one goes way deeper than football.…
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THE TRUTH ABOUT OVERSEAS BASKETBALL- Guest Kevin Owens
On this episode of the RU Strong Podcast, I’m excited to welcome a fellow South Jersey native whose journey through the game of basketball has taken him from local courts to the global stage, Kevin Owens. Kevin was a standout at Monmouth University, where he was a four-year starter, team captain,...
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Episode 130 Nancy LaRocque Pederson College Rowing Coach/ US Rowing
On this episode of the RU Strong Podcast, I sit down with one of the most respected minds in collegiate rowing and athlete development, Nancy LaRocque Pederson. Nancy’s journey is anything but conventional. A former rower at UMass Amherst who didn’t even pick up the sport until college, turned a...
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Episode 129 Roosevelt Boone U-Maine Football/ Player Development/ Dean of Students
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where I spotlight the mindset, mission, and momentum behind athletes and leaders who turn adversity into strength. Today’s episode features a true embodiment of resilience, discipline, and purpose, Roosevelt Boone. A native of Washington, D.C., Roosevelt’s...
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Episode 128 Missy Mitchell-McBeth College Volleyball Player/ Coach/ Director of Performace
On this episode of the RU Strong Podcast, I sit down with a coach who has spent over two decades in the trenches of athletic performance, developing athletes, building systems, and shaping mindsets that extend far beyond the court. Missy Mitchell McBeth brings a powerful blend of experience and...
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Episode 127 Nick Kosko Former Rutgers Wrestling/ESPN/ Behind the Scenes of Broadcasting
On this episode of the RU Strong Podcast, I sit down with a rising voice in the world of sports media, Nick Kosko. A true Jersey product and proud Rutgers alum, Nick’s journey is a powerful example of passion, persistence, and carving your own lane. From his days competing on the Rutgers club...
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Episode 126 Emma Misal Former Rutgers Soccer/The Mindset to Keep Pushing Forward!!
Welcome back to another episode of the RU Strong Podcast, where we share powerful stories from athletes who have pushed themselves to the highest levels of competition while navigating the challenges that come with elite performance. Today’s guest is Emma Misal, an outstanding soccer player whose...
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Episode 125 Lauren Sisler Former Rutgers Gymnast / ESPN Sportscaster/ Author of Shatter Proof
On this episode of the RU Strong Podcast, host Jeff Durr welcomes an extraordinary guest whose story is the definition of resilience and strength, Lauren Sisler. Lauren is a Rutgers University graduate and former Scarlet Knights gymnast, where she was a four-time letter winner and team captain....
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Episode 124 Scott Roussell Former Univ of Virginia Soccer Player/ Founder of After We Play
🎙️ RU Strong Podcast Intro – Scott Roussell Welcome back to another episode of the RU Strong Podcast, where we bring you powerful stories of resilience, identity, and life after the game. Today’s guest is Scott Roussell, a former Division I soccer player from one of the most dominant programs in...
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Episode 123 Matthew Downing Former College Football QBs Athletic Journey of Resilience
🎙️ RU Strong Podcast – Featuring Matthew Downing On this episode of the RU Strong Podcast, we sit down with one of the most resilient quarterbacks in college football, a man whose journey defines what it truly means to bet on yourself. From the state of Georgia to becoming a 4.06 GPA...
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Episode 122 Rachel Maeng Former Rutgers Rower/ Entrepreneur
On this episode of the RU Strong Podcast, we welcome an extraordinary former Rutgers student-athlete whose story goes far beyond the water. Our guest is Rachel Maeng, former Rutgers Women’s Varsity Rowing coxswain, student leader, entrepreneur, and fearless advocate. While competing at the…
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Episode 121 Danny Lokko Former Cornell University Soccer Player from England
Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast! Today’s guest is the definition of global grit, discipline, and belief. All the way from England, this young man crossed the Atlantic to chase two dreams at once, elite soccer and elite academics. Danny Lokko. A product of the English academy system,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to RU Strong, hosted by Jeff Durr! This podcast is a platform for current and former college athletes to share their stories of resilience, perseverance, and strength. Join us as we delve into the mental and physical challenges athletes encounter both on and off the field. From the intense pressures of competition to the transition out of sports, we'll explore how these experiences shape their lives.
HOSTED BY
Jeff Durr
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does RU STRONG have?
RU STRONG currently has 169 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is RU STRONG about?
Welcome to RU Strong, hosted by Jeff Durr! This podcast is a platform for current and former college athletes to share their stories of resilience, perseverance, and strength. Join us as we delve into the mental and physical challenges athletes encounter both on and off the field. From the intense...
How often does RU STRONG release new episodes?
RU STRONG publishes regularly with 169 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to RU STRONG?
You can listen to RU STRONG on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts RU STRONG?
RU STRONG is created and hosted by Jeff Durr.
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