RU STRONG

Jeff Durr

3.9 (8)
Mental Health
Updated Daily

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.

2d ago

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 people think is possible. As a young athlete, he earned the opportunity to attend the United States Air Force Academy, where he competed in Division I football, track and field, and even boxing, all while balancing one of the toughest academic and military environments in the country. Later, he transferred to Villanova, where he continued competing as a Division I athlete. But athletics were just the beginning. Stephen went on to build the Institute of Athletic Performance, where he's helped develop NFL, MLB, NBA, Olympic-level, and hundreds of collegiate athletes. Today, as the co-founder of 42U, he's helping student-athletes navigate the ever-changing world of NIL, personal branding, career development, and life beyond sports. What I enjoyed most about this conversation wasn't just his accomplishments, it was his honesty. We talk about what it feels like to be overwhelmed, leaving home at 18, struggling mentally at the Air Force Academy, making one of the toughest decisions of his life, and the lessons that shaped the man he is today. We also dive into leadership, fatherhood, resilience, and why he believes today's athletes have opportunities that previous generations never imagined. So, sit back, enjoy the conversation, and as always Be encouraged. Be inspired. And most importantly, Be RU Strong. Please help me welcome my guest, Stephen Bienko.
2d ago

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 impressed me is that he didn't stop competing when his track career ended. He took that same work ethic, discipline, and competitive drive into the business world, where he built an outstanding career with companies like Xerox, Honeywell, Samsung, and GE Healthcare. Everywhere he went, he found success because he approached business the same way he approached competition with preparation, consistency, and an attitude that said, I'm going to outwork everyone else. But here's what I appreciate most about Walter, He believes success isn't just about what you accomplish, it's about what you give back. Today he's mentoring hundreds of young people, helping them build confidence, leadership skills, and hope for their future. And now, he's taken on one of the biggest challenges of his life by stepping into the political arena and running for Congress. In this conversation, we talk about his journey from Rutgers to corporate America, why athletes have such an advantage in business, the importance of mentorship, the lessons he's learned through success and adversity, and what it really takes to lead when the stakes are high. Whether you're an athlete, a coach, a business professional, or someone chasing a big dream, I think you're going to take something away from Walter's story. So let's get after it. Here's my conversation with Walter Kirkland.
3d ago

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 All-Americans he's coached, it's the impact he's had on thousands of athletes over the course of his career. As a wrestler, he was a National Champion at North Carolina, a four-time All-American, and one of the best to ever wear a Tar Heel singlet. Then he took over at Cornell and completely transformed that program into a national powerhouse. Along the way, he won 20 conference championships, coached dozens of All-Americans and NCAA finalists, developed multiple National Champions, and built a culture that became the standard for college wrestling. After helping rebuild Stanford Wrestling, he returned home to North Carolina, where he's once again building something special. But here's what I really wanted to talk to him about... How do you stay motivated after you've already accomplished so much? How do you build a championship culture year after year? How do you lead young people through adversity, through change, and now through an era of NIL and the transfer portal? Those are the conversations that matter. Whether you're a coach, an athlete, a business leader, or someone who's simply trying to become the best version of yourself, I think you're going to take something away from this episode. So sit back, enjoy the conversation, and help me welcome one of the most respected coaches in the history of college wrestling. Coach Rob Koll.
3d ago

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 they were right. Ava's story is about so much more than gymnastics. It's about sacrifice, resilience, and having the courage to keep moving forward when life throws unexpected challenges your way. She dedicated her childhood to one of the toughest sports in the world, earned the opportunity to compete at the University of Pennsylvania, battled through serious injuries, and then successfully transitioned into the demanding world of investment banking in New York City. In today's conversation, we'll talk about the discipline it takes to pursue excellence, how she handled adversity throughout her athletic career, what she learned as an Ivy League student-athlete, and how those same lessons continue to drive her success in business today. If you're an athlete, a coach, a parent, or someone striving to be your best, I think you'll take something away from Ava's journey. Please join me in welcoming gymnast, Ivy League graduate, investment banker, and an outstanding young professional, Ava Caravela.
Jun 29

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 and earned a football scholarship to Northwestern State University, where he became a three-time First Team Division I-AA All-American and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and the Northwestern State Hall of Fame. He was selected by the New York Giants in the fourth round of the 1984 NFL Draft and went on to become a two-time Super Bowl Champion, an NFL All-Rookie Team selection, and one of the Top 100 Players in New York Giants history. He played alongside legends like Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson during one of the greatest eras in NFL history. After football, Gary built an incredible second career with more than 30 years as a broadcaster for FOX, ESPN, and ABC Sports, while also spending over 20 years in business leadership and technology sales. Today, he continues to inspire leaders and teams through his platform, Reasons to Believe, where he teaches the principles of leadership, culture, preparation, accountability, and relentless effort. In this episode, Gary shares what it was like growing up as the first athlete from his hometown to earn a Division I football scholarship, the lessons he learned from Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick, what made those New York Giants championship teams so special, and why preparation and effort remain the foundation of success in sports, business, and life. Whether you're an athlete, coach, business leader, or simply someone striving to become the best version of yourself, this conversation is filled with timeless lessons you won't want to miss. Please help me welcome two-time Super Bowl Champion, College Football Hall of Famer, leadership expert, and my friend, Gary Reasons.
Jun 28

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 the 26th round of the MLB Draft. Most people would have seen the odds against him. Scott saw an opportunity. Over the next 13 years, he built an incredible professional career, spending seven seasons in Major League Baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta Braves, and Colorado Rockies. Along the way, he earned multiple Minor League All-Star selections, was named Minor League Player of the Year, and developed into one of the game's most respected competitors. But this episode isn't just about baseball. It's about perseverance, resilience, being overlooked, trusting the right mentors, handling adversity, and what it really takes to turn potential into performance. Today, Scott is helping athletes navigate the transition into their next careers, giving back by sharing the lessons he learned throughout his own journey. If you're an athlete, coach, parent, or anyone chasing a dream that others may not see yet, this conversation is for you. Please join me in welcoming former Major League Baseball player, Scott Schebler, to the RU Strong Podcast.
Jun 6

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 Boglioli, an Olympic Gold Medalist, Olympic Bronze Medalist, Hall of Famer, former American record holder, and one of the most accomplished swimmers in American history. From her beginnings in a small town of Wisconsin to competing on the world’s biggest stage, Wendy’s path to Olympic success was anything but ordinary. A standout swimmer at Monmouth University, Wendy went on to capture Olympic Gold in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay and Olympic Bronze in the 100-meter butterfly at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. She is also a member of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame and the International Swimming Hall of Fame. In this episode, Wendy shares the powerful influence of her parents, the lessons she learned through years of training and competition, the sacrifices required to chase an Olympic dream, and the mindset that helped her overcome obstacles both in and out of the pool. We also discuss the historic 1976 Olympics, the challenges faced by Team USA, and how one conversation with a coach changed the trajectory of her life forever. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, business professional, or someone pursuing a dream of your own, Wendy’s story will remind you of the impact that belief, hard work, and the right people can have on your journey. Please help me welcome Olympic Gold Medalist, Hall of Famer, motivational speaker, and healthy aging advocate, Wendy Boglioli, to the RU Strong Podcast.
Jun 6

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 Division I football, Jack chose a different path, traveling nearly 1,800 miles from home to attend Amherst College, one of the most academically prestigious institutions in the country. There, he became a two-way football player, competing as both a wide receiver and defensive back while earning degrees in English and Native American Studies. Like many athletes, Jack faced adversity throughout his journey. Injuries challenged his playing career, COVID disrupted his college experience, and he was forced to navigate uncertainty at a time when many athletes were simply trying to survive. But instead of viewing those challenges as setbacks, Jack used them as springboards. When NIL launched in 2021, Jack saw an opportunity that most Division III athletes believed didn't exist. Through relentless networking, self-advocacy, creativity, and professionalism, he built relationships with more than 40 brands and became one of the most successful NIL pioneers in Division III athletics. His success wasn't built on fame, follower counts, or playing at a Power Four school, it was built on relationships, consistency, and the willingness to bet on himself. His passion for helping other athletes led him to found the Make Your Own Legacy Academy, where he helped athletes from Division II, Division III, NAIA, and JUCO programs learn how to build their personal brands and maximize their NIL opportunities. Today, Jack has come full circle. After earning his master’s degree in Sport Management from SMU, he now serves as the NIL Partnership Solutions Coordinator for SMU Athletics, helping hundreds of student-athletes navigate one of the most rapidly changing landscapes in college sports. In this episode, we'll discuss leadership, adversity, athlete identity, the realities of NIL, building a personal brand, and why some of life's greatest opportunities often come disguised as challenges. If you're an athlete, coach, parent, or someone navigating change in your own life, I think you'll find a lot of value in Jack's journey. Please join me in welcoming Jack Betts to the RU Strong Podcast.

3.9

out of 5

8 Ratings

This podcast is great!

12/14/2024

Roxy NM

Fantastic content and insights from the host and guests. Highly recommend!

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.

Creator

Jeff Durr
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

152
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Jeff Durr
Show Website

RU STRONG