Stronger is Better by Starting Strength Gyms

Nick Delgadllo
  • 4.9 (18)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS

The Stronger is Better Podcast focuses on principles and process. Host Nick Delgadillo is the CEO of Starting Strength Gyms, longtime Starting Strength Coach, BJJ school owner and Self Defense Coach, specializing in unarmed and armed combatives. In this podcast, Nick will discuss how the lessons learned through hard physical effort apply to coaching, learning, business, and relationships.  Connect With Starting Strength Gyms https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com/https://www.instagram.com/startingstrengthgyms https://www.facebook.com/startingstrengthgyms https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-strength-gyms

  1. What to do after the Starting Strength Program | Stronger is Better Podcast #15

    10/29/2025

    What to do after the Starting Strength Program | Stronger is Better Podcast #15

    Send us a text What happens when you’ve finished your Novice Linear Progression? In this episode, Stronger is Better host Nick Delgadillo joins Ray Gillenwater to discuss what to do next — how to transition intelligently from the Starting Strength Program into effective intermediate training. Nick breaks down how to recognize when it’s time to move beyond novice programming, how to make changes reluctantly and purposefully, and how to manage stress and recovery as you advance. He walks through practical examples for each lift — the squat, press, deadlift, and bench press — explaining how small, deliberate adjustments extend your progress for months or even years. “Programming changes are made because you have to, not because you want to.”“If your programming change makes things easier, it probably wasn’t a good one.” 🗓️ Note: This episode originally aired on the Starting Strength Gyms Podcast on September 11, 2023. ⸻ 🔗 Brought to you by https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com 🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📩 Send feedback or questions to: podcast@ssgyms.com

    1h 9m
  2. A Parent’s Strength: Support for Disabled Children | Stronger is Better Podcast #14

    10/13/2025

    A Parent’s Strength: Support for Disabled Children | Stronger is Better Podcast #14

    Send us a text In this powerful episode of the Stronger is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo is joined by UK-based client and father James Collinge to discuss how strength training has transformed his life—not just in the gym, but in parenting a disabled child.  James shares how barbell training prepared him physically and mentally for the unpredictable demands of caring for his autistic son, and how strength offers freedom, control, and peace of mind in even the most chaotic moments. Whether you’re a parent, a coach, or someone seeking a deeper reason to train, this episode is a must-listen. 00:00 - Intro: Meet James Collinge   01:45 - Training overview and coaching relationship   06:00 - Programming simplicity and advanced progress   09:00 - Current lifts and Dinnie Stones goal   13:20 - Grip work and unconventional lifting prep   18:56 - Specialization vs tradeoffs in strength   21:00 - Daily life with recovery, food, and structure   27:30 - How strength helps parenting a disabled child   30:30 - Real-life travel and care challenges   33:45 - Physical freedom and reduced anxiety   36:30 - Strength makes things easier—not just possible   38:11 - Strength changes social dynamics and confidence   40:40 - Controlling physical situations safely   43:41 - The emotional toll of high-stress parenting   46:00 - A message to parents of disabled children   48:33 - Capability = lower life stress   50:45 - Capability for the long haul: aging with responsibility   53:08 - It's your responsibility to stay strong   55:00 - Final reflections and future of Starting Strength Gyms   ⸻ 🔗 Brought to you by https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com 🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📩 Send feedback or questions to: podcast@ssgyms.com

    1h 11m
  3. Fighting the Lust for Comfort | Stronger is Better Podcast #13

    09/29/2025

    Fighting the Lust for Comfort | Stronger is Better Podcast #13

    Send us a text In this episode of the Stronger is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo shares a talk he delivered at the Starting Strength Cincinnati Member event in August 2025. This talk dives deep into the consequences of modern comfort, the transformative value of hard physical effort, and the role of barbell training in reclaiming your physical existence. Nick outlines how stress, recovery, and adaptation aren’t just for strength gains — they’re foundational to becoming a better human. He also explores the three dimensions of capability: intelligence, connection with others, and connection with your physical body — and how barbell training uniquely activates all three. If you’re looking for meaning in your training — or need a reminder of why it matters — this is the episode to watch. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: The power of community at SS Cincinnati   02:00 – Why strength training is still underrated   05:00 – Better people through hard physical things   07:00 – Stress–Recovery–Adaptation and the S.A.I.D. principle   10:20 – Why lifting gets harder, and why that’s the point   13:00 – Accumulated stress and managing recovery   16:00 – Why performance is non-negotiable   18:00 – The “Three Capabilities” model: Mind, connection, body   21:00 – Why physical capability is a human-level multiplier   25:00 – Strength training as a humbling and clarifying process   28:00 – The law of diminishing returns in real time   30:00 – Why you don’t need to quit lifting for cardio   33:00 – Understanding the physical spectrum   36:00 – Bigger muscles = health, longevity, and looking better   40:00 – Why barbells are the most disruptive and accessible tool   43:00 – Three ingredients for happiness (from Matt Larsen)   46:30 – “The lust for comfort murders the passion of the soul”   48:00 – Final thoughts and closing quote from Rip ⸻ 🔗 Brought to you by https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com 🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📩 Send feedback or questions to: podcast@ssgyms.com

    50 min
  4. Stop Screwing up your Novice Linear Progression | Stronger is Better Podcast #12

    09/15/2025

    Stop Screwing up your Novice Linear Progression | Stronger is Better Podcast #12

    Send us a text In this episode, Nick Delgadillo and Ray Gillenwater revisit one of the most important topics in barbell training: the Starting Strength Novice Linear Progression (NLP). Originally recorded in 2021, this conversation outlines everything you need to know about the NLP — from day one in the gym to transitioning into intermediate programming. Whether you’re brand new to strength training or getting back under the bar after a layoff, this episode will help you understand how to approach programming with confidence. Topics covered: What actually makes someone a “novice” lifterWhy you should not overcomplicate your early trainingProgramming for each lift: squat, press, bench, and deadliftHow to know when to adjust your program — and howWhy most people change things too early (and fail)How NLP builds confidence and transforms livesKey quote: “The change that you actually need to make is probably much smaller than the one you will want to make. So make the small change and then keep progress going.” 🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📩 Send feedback or questions to: podcast@ssgyms.com ⸻ 🔗 Brought to you by https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com 🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📩 Send feedback or questions to: podcast@ssgyms.com

    1h 9m
  5. A Stronger Chassis for Everest with David “Ghost” Phillips | Stronger Is Better Podcast #11

    09/01/2025

    A Stronger Chassis for Everest with David “Ghost” Phillips | Stronger Is Better Podcast #11

    Send us a text On this episode of the Stronger is Better Podcast, Nick talks with David “Ghost” Phillips, a retired Navy veteran, mountaineer, and member at Starting Strength San Antonio. David shares his journey from the Appalachian Trail to summiting Mount Everest, his battle with frostbite, and his ambitious “Project 327”—the pursuit of the Triple Crown of hiking and the Explorers Grand Slam. We dive into: •Why strength training was the key to his success on Everest •The dangers of high-altitude mountaineering, from avalanches to frostbite •How strength provides the foundation for endurance, longevity, and survival in extreme environments •David’s mission to support Disabled American Veterans through his expeditions Follow David’s journey and support his project: https://www.grandexplorerscrown.com/ 00:00 Intro & Guest Background Navy service, trail name “Ghost,” and joining Starting Strength San Antonio. 05:27 The Triple Crown & Appalachian Trail 4 months solo hiking after Navy retirement, leading into bigger goals. 15:07 Preparing for Everest Why barbell training was essential, gaining 30 lbs of muscle, and recovering from injury. 23:42 Dangers on Everest Avalanches, icefall, frostbite, and why most failures happen on the descent. 52:28 The Summit Experience What it’s really like at 29,000 feet — 10 minutes at the top and getting back down. 01:01:23 Frostbite & Recovery Medevac, hospital treatment, hyperbaric therapy, and adapting to long-term effects. 01:09:11 Project 327 & Future Goals Triple Crown + Seven Summits + North/South Poles — documentary and next expeditions. 01:17:53 Giving Back Supporting Disabled American Veterans through fundraising. ⸻ 🔗 Brought to you by https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com 🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📩 Send feedback or questions to: podcast@ssgyms.com

    1h 20m
  6. What if You Want to Learn Self Defense? with John Valentine | Stronger Is Better Podcast #10

    08/18/2025

    What if You Want to Learn Self Defense? with John Valentine | Stronger Is Better Podcast #10

    Send us a text In this episode of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo sits down with John Valentine — BJJ black belt, active-duty military instructor, and founder of the Combatives Association. They discuss the fundamentals of real-world self-defense, the importance of pressure testing in training, and how martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fit into the broader self defense picture. The conversation covers coaching integrity, effective learning methods, and how to build sustainable skills that actually work under stress. John also shares details about the upcoming Combatives Summit (October 24–26 in D’Iberville, MS), plus the launch of the Combatives coaching platform. Whether you’re a coach, martial artist, or someone interested in personal protection, this episode will help you think more clearly about what training really prepares you for. 🔗 Learn more about the Combatives Summit: combativesummit.com ⸻ 00:00 – Introduction and guest background 02:00 – The origin of the Combatives Association 04:30 – Building an honest community around fighting and training 09:00 – Why fighting is simple but training often overcomplicates it 12:00 – Core truths of stand-up clinch, striking, and grappling 16:30 – Positions that matter: parallel vs. perpendicular fighting 18:20 – Weapons considerations and the limits of BJJ 21:00 – Why pressure testing matters more than techniques 24:00 – Wrestling as the foundation of fighting 26:30 – Jiu-Jitsu as the best entry point for most people 28:30 – Has BJJ abandoned self-defense to Krav Maga? 33:30 – Striking, clinching, grappling, and weapons: it’s always “yes” 35:00 – Legal aftermath and what martial arts don’t teach 37:00 – Self-defense vs. fitness classes 39:00 – Why BJJ “on accident” builds fighting ability better than most systems 43:00 – The role of coaching and integrity in self-defense training 46:30 – How most training preserves systems, not effectiveness 48:30 – Why information isn’t the problem — coaching is 51:00 – The dangers of repackaging combatives material 55:00 – Skipping the process gets people hurt 56:00 – Drilling vs. ecological/constraints-based learning 01:00:00 – Good coaching vs. bad teaching in martial arts 01:04:30 – Anecdotes, authority, and developing skill 01:06:50 – Suggested path to becoming self-reliant in self-defense 01:10:30 – John’s advice for beginners starting martial arts 01:13:30 – Situational awareness and reducing vulnerability 01:14:30 – Legal education and concealed carry training 01:15:30 – Combatives Summit 2025 details (Oct 24–26) 01:18:45 – Coaching platform and professional community launch 01:21:20 – Sponsors and community support for the Summit 01:22:30 – The value of surrounding yourself with high-level people 01:23:30 – Closing thoughts and takeaways ⸻ 🔗 Brought to you by https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com 🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📩 Send feedback or questions to: podcast@ssgyms.com

    1h 25m
  7. Better People through Learning to Fight | Stronger is Better Podcast #9

    08/04/2025

    Better People through Learning to Fight | Stronger is Better Podcast #9

    Send us a text In this episode of the Stronger is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo is interviewed by Hari Fafutis of Tavros Strength in Mexico. Nick describes his approach to physical and mental development through hard physical effort.  The discussion dives into: •Why building strength is the foundation of self-defense •The role of martial arts in restoring people’s relationship with controlled violence •The life-changing value of hard physical effort and skill acquisition •The importance of setting an example of capability and resilience for your family Hari and Nick also discuss how strength training and martial arts create more capable, confident people and how that translates into healthier communities. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro and context of this special episode 02:17 – Nick’s professional development and teaching philosophy 07:40 – Why fighting and martial arts became essential 10:53 – Discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and its impact 14:05 – Balancing marriage, career, and physical pursuits 18:13 – Hari’s bar fight wake-up call and pursuit of strength 20:52 – From strength training to self-defense and martial arts 23:34 – Why Jiu-Jitsu is a foundation for self-defense 28:13 – The value of strength as “Phase 0” for capability 31:18 – Ego, hierarchy, and benefits of combat sports 34:36 – Controlled violence and filling the modern void 39:55 – Functional training vs. recreational sports 44:07 – Why hard physical effort builds stronger minds and communities 46:11 – Setting an example for the next generation 47:45 – Final thoughts and next steps in capability development ⸻ 🔗 Brought to you by https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com 🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📩 Send feedback or questions to: podcast@ssgyms.com

    48 min
  8. Golf Performance and Barbell Training with McKenna Murphy | Stronger is Better Podcast #8

    07/21/2025

    Golf Performance and Barbell Training with McKenna Murphy | Stronger is Better Podcast #8

    Send us a text In Episode 8 of the Stronger is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo sits down with elite junior golfer McKenna Murphy and her Starting Strength Coach, Pete Troupos, to discuss how barbell training played a critical role in elevating McKenna’s golf performance. From winning the U.S. Kids Teen World Championship to earning a D1 scholarship at South Alabama, McKenna shares her journey and how lifting—particularly squats and deadlifts—directly improved her club head speed, consistency, and endurance on the course. Pete gives insight into programming for a high-level youth athlete and highlights the value of adapting barbell training to support a primary sport rather than compete with it. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete looking for that performance edge, this episode showcases how strength training can transform golf—and why it might be the X-factor you’ve overlooked. 00:00 – Intro: Meet McKenna Murphy and Coach Pete Troupos 01:16 – The link between barbell training and golf performance 02:51 – Pete’s coaching background and Starting Strength journey 06:05 – McKenna’s athletic background and how she started lifting 10:00 – Winning the U.S. Kids Teen World Championship 13:56 – How competitive junior golf really is 17:14 – Technical vs. mental breakthroughs in tournament play 18:58 – Club head speed, consistency, and fatigue resistance 21:17 – A 10 mph club head speed gain: how rare is that? 24:02 – Pete reflects on tracking performance gains through strength 27:45 – Observations from golf coaches and peers 32:08 – Why strength needs to come before “golf-specific” training 34:00 – Golf as a sport: redefining athleticism 37:51 – McKenna’s college schedule: balancing golf and strength 41:23 – Adjusting programming around tournaments and travel 44:34 – The coach’s role: strength serves the athlete’s goals 46:19 – Is golf hard on the body? 48:34 – Future plans: McKenna’s goal of turning pro 50:51 – 1,400+ swings a week: what elite training volume looks like 53:00 – Strength training as the untapped differentiator in golf 56:04 – Final thoughts: strength + consistency = performance 57:39 – Thanks and closing remarks ⸻ 🔗 Brought to you by https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com 🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📩 Send feedback or questions to: podcast@ssgyms.com

    58 min
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4.9
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About

The Stronger is Better Podcast focuses on principles and process. Host Nick Delgadillo is the CEO of Starting Strength Gyms, longtime Starting Strength Coach, BJJ school owner and Self Defense Coach, specializing in unarmed and armed combatives. In this podcast, Nick will discuss how the lessons learned through hard physical effort apply to coaching, learning, business, and relationships.  Connect With Starting Strength Gyms https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com/https://www.instagram.com/startingstrengthgyms https://www.facebook.com/startingstrengthgyms https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-strength-gyms

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