The Rhody Strength Podcast

Dr. Matthew Sweeney, Physical Therapist

Conversations with local athletes, businesses and friends in Rhode Island. Hosted by Dr. Matt Sweeney of Strength & Sport PT. Website: www.strengthandsportpt.com

  1. Aug 29

    #119: Kyle Cox: 2026 Rhode Island Believe Walk and 5k Run

    #119: Kyle Cox: 2026 Rhode Island Believe Walk and 5k Run Had a chance to sit down with Kyle Cox recently - a runner and local member of the Rhode Island community. His son - Luke was diagnosed with Dup15Q, a rare lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder caused by an extra copy of a portion of chromosome 15. Kyle & his wife Elizabeth are hosting the 2026 Rhode Island Believe Walk and 5k Run at Goddard Memorial Park on October 3rd. All proceeds go towards Dup15Q Alliance nonprofit. “An anonymous donor has already pledged a $25,000 matching gift to kickstart fundraising efforts. The fundraiser will be held on Oct. 3 at Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick. Registration will open at 11 a.m. Participants are encouraged to take part in the 5k race or a more relaxed one-mile walk.” “It’s so important to us that everyone feels like they can do it, whether walking, running or rolling in a wheelchair,” said Cox. “Cox also plans to have food trucks, live music by a local band and touch-a-truck opportunities.” “If you’re able, please consider making a donation or becoming a sponsor for the event. Your support would mean so much to our family and to the entire Dup15Q community. We would also be honored to have you join us—whether walking or running—in support of Luke, others affected by Dup15Q, and all children living with disabilities.” @kcoxy2005 @elizabethmicelicox Tickets and more information are available online at ⁠https://charity.pledgeit.org/RhodeIsland⁠

    #119: Kyle Cox: 2026 Rhode Island Believe Walk and 5k Run
  2. May 24

    #114: Karen Toti

    A fun conversation with a great personal trainer (and full time hairstylist & salon owner- Karen's Hair Design) over at BullfrogFit! Follow Karen at https://www.instagram.com/sparklefitness13/ Listen more to hear about Karen's personal journey into fitness and how she takes her own experience and uses it to help her clients. The discussion focuses on balancing a busy professional life with consistent fitness and nutrition habits. Fitness Journey & Community: Karen shares her history with fitness, beginning in her 20s at old-school bodybuilding gyms to her current membership at Bullfrog Fit (4:49 - 13:45). She highlights the importance of finding a supportive community and a gym that offers flexible, 24/7 access (15:09 - 19:08).Overcoming Excuses: A major theme is the misconception that one is "too busy" to exercise. Karen emphasizes that fitness is about maintenance, similar to a car, and that even short 15-minute workouts or consistent daily habits can lead to results (21:45 - 23:15, 31:35 - 32:26).Nutrition Philosophy: The duo discusses the importance of protein intake for satiation and metabolism. Karen advocates for "eating for function" rather than just taste, often preparing lean proteins like chicken and sweet potatoes in advance to ensure she hits her nutritional goals despite a demanding work schedule (24:26 - 25:24, 40:00 - 43:42).Consistency & Mindset: The guests discuss the "80/20 rule" for moderation, the importance of sleep, and the practice of starting the day with a mindful, positive mindset before the day's "chaos" begins (26:38 - 27:30, 34:34 - 35:05).Training Routine: Karen, now in her late 50s, explains how her routine has evolved to include weight training three times a week, active recovery, and mobility work, alongside the use of supplements like creatine to support muscle health (44:00 - 48:35).Reflecting on her professional and personal life, Karen shares her billboard mantra: "Every day is a gift. That's why we call it the present." She encourages listeners to make the most of each day and maintain a consistent, authentic approach to their health (57:26 - 58:57).

    #114: Karen Toti
  3. Mar 26

    #113 Domenic Angelino

    Had a great time sitting down with Domenic- an expert personal trainer, scientist, writer, consultant and media personality right here in Rhode Island. His vast array of projects & work has spanned from Peleton, GQ, Time, Runner's World, Women's Health, Forbes, and the today show. Really fascinating conversation.. give it a listen! This video features an interview with Domenic Angelino, a versatile professional in the strength and conditioning industry, who has a background in public health, kinesiology, and psychology. The conversation highlights his varied career, from working in research and fitness education to consulting as a subject matter expert for major media outlets and developing his own fitness app. Key Discussion Points Industry Education (1:15 - 1:43): Domenic discusses the value of industry certifications and summits, specifically praising Perform Better for providing high-level educational opportunities and networking that online platforms lack.Research & Publishing (50:42 - 1:08:00): He dives into his research on athletic performance, including studies on crossover runs versus backpedaling (50:42), and hypertrophy distribution between squats and leg extensions (55:00). He also discusses his pioneering work on using isometrics for tendon healing and blood flow (1:02:12 - 1:08:00).Media & Consulting (40:13 - 44:02): Domenic shares his experience acting as a subject matter expert for publications like GQ, Time, and Women's Fitness, focusing on fighting misinformation in the fitness space.Fitness Tech & Future Projects (1:26:45 - 1:29:05): He highlights his latest project: creating a fitness video game/app designed for people who struggle with workout consistency.

    #113 Domenic Angelino

About

Conversations with local athletes, businesses and friends in Rhode Island. Hosted by Dr. Matt Sweeney of Strength & Sport PT. Website: www.strengthandsportpt.com