RU STRONG

Jeff Durr

3.9 (8)
Mental Health
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.

Nov 2

From Green Beret To His Next Mission - Wyatt Todd - Episode 171

From college lacrosse to Army Special Forces, Wyatt Todd knows what it takes to push through adversity and rise to a challenge. A former Rollins College lacrosse player, Army Green Beret, and Ironman finisher, Wyatt joins me for a special episode recorded aboard the beautiful 61-foot Delta Echo yacht! 🛥️ As Chief of Operations at Highmark Charter Group, Wyatt oversees operations and chartering the yacht, helping guests experience everything from luxury fishing trips to sunset cruises with incredible views of the New York City skyline and Statue of Liberty. We talk about the lessons sports taught him, earning his Green Beret, two combat deployments, and the unexpected challenges of finding a new purpose after military service. Today, he’s bringing that same discipline and commitment to building a business with his family and embracing life as a husband. Wyatt’s story is a powerful reminder that the lessons we learn through competition and service stay with us long after one chapter ends.
Nov 1

A Final Shot At Greatness - Brett Ungar - Episode 174

🏆 What does it take to keep chasing your dreams when injuries, setbacks, and self-doubt threaten to derail your journey? On this week's episode of the RU Strong Podcast, I sit down with Brett Ungar, a former Cornell University wrestling standout who is returning home to New Jersey to finish his collegiate wrestling career at Rutgers University! Brett's wrestling résumé is impressive: 🏆 Two-time high school state champion (New Jersey & Pennsylvania) 🏆 143-5 high school career record 🏆 Two-time NCAA Championship qualifier 🏆 NCAA Round of 12 finisher 🏆 Two-time EIWA runner-up 🏆 Unanimous First-Team All-Ivy League selection But what makes Brett's story so powerful isn't just his accomplishments on the mat—it's how he's handled adversity off it. 🎧 In this episode, we discuss: 🔹 Growing up in New Jersey and becoming a state champion in two states 🔹 His journey to Cornell and competing at the NCAA Division I level 🔹 The physical and mental challenges of dealing with injuries 🔹 Overcoming self-doubt and the fear of getting hurt again 🔹 Working with mindset coaches and learning to control what you can control 🔹 Why he chose Rutgers for his final season and what he hopes to accomplish 🔹 Preparing for life after wrestling 💬 One message from Brett really stood out: "You gotta control what you can do and make the best decision going forward." That lesson applies to every athlete, coach, business professional, and anyone facing adversity. Being RU Strong isn't about never facing setbacks. It's about finding the strength to adapt, persevere, and keep moving forward! 🎙️ Hosted by Jeff Durr | RU Strong Podcast #RUStrong #RutgersWrestling #CornellWrestling #NCAAWrestling #Resilience #MentalToughness #StudentAthletes #LifeAfterSports #Mindset #Leadership
Nov 1

From Rejection to Olympic Glory - Terin Humphrey - Episode 173

What happens when one of the most painful disappointments of your athletic career becomes the motivation you need to reach the Olympic stage? My latest guest, Terin Humphrey, was selected for the 2003 World Championship team but was later removed from the lineup. Instead of allowing that rejection to define her, Terin returned to the gym determined to train harder, train smarter and prove that she belonged among the best gymnasts in the world. One year later, she represented the United States at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, where she earned: 🥈 Olympic team silver medal 🥈 Individual silver medal on the uneven bars Her remarkable career also included: 🏆 World Championship team gold medal 🏆 Eleven NCAA All-American honors at the University of Alabama 🏆 Two NCAA uneven bars national championships 🏆 Induction into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame 🏆 Induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame But Terin’s story is about much more than medals. After leaving elite gymnastics, she faced the difficult challenge of discovering who she was without the sport that had defined most of her life. Her next chapters included becoming a police officer, returning to gymnastics as a coach and choreographer, serving on the USA Gymnastics Athletes’ Council and Board of Directors, and competing on American Ninja Warrior. In this episode, we discuss: 🔹 Turning rejection into Olympic motivation 🔹 Performing under pressure on the world’s biggest stage 🔹 Transforming a weakness into a strength 🔹 Navigating identity and purpose after elite competition 🔹 Transitioning from Olympic gymnast to police officer 🔹 Returning to the sport as a coach and leader Terin’s journey is a powerful reminder that a setback does not have to end your story, it may be the moment that prepares you for your greatest accomplishment. #RUStrongPodcast #TerinHumphrey #Olympics #TeamUSA #Gymnastics #Resilience #AthleteTransition #MentalToughness #LifeAfterSports
Oct 25

From Virginia Tech Hall of Famer to Entrepreneur - Kylie Casey - Episode 172

What happens when the jersey comes off and it's time to find your next purpose? My latest guest, Kylie Casey, went from a standout softball career at Virginia Tech to earning a place in the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame! After seven successful years at Stryker in sales and recruiting, Kylie turned her passion for athlete development into a new mission. Today, she's the Founder of The Interview Locker Room and Vice President of Strategy and Development at ProMind Insight, helping athletes prepare for success beyond sports. 🎧 In this episode, we discuss: 🔹 Leadership, character, and elevating teammates 🔹 The challenges of transitioning from sports to business 🔹 Building confidence, communication, and career readiness 🔹 Finding purpose and creating opportunities after the game 💬 One message from Kylie really stood out: "One day the jersey comes off." 💪 Your legacy isn't defined by your statistics, awards, or championships. It's defined by your CHARACTER and the impact you have on others. #RUStrongPodcast #KylieCasey #VirginiaTech #LifeAfterSports #Leadership #AthleteDevelopment #TheInterviewLockerRoom
Oct 11

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 beyond the game. Originally from Ham Lake, Minnesota, Jason was a three-sport athlete and team captain before joining Stanford as a preferred walk-on. He arrived determined to earn an athletic scholarship. Although that scholarship never came, he became a contributor on special teams and defense while graduating with a degree in psychology and a 3.95 GPA. A three-time Pac-12 All-Academic Honor Roll honoree and recipient of the Chris Draft Commitment to Community Outreach Award, Jason learned that the value of his journey extended far beyond his position on the depth chart. In this episode, Jason opens up about questioning whether he belonged, earning the respect of his teammates, and staying ready for an opportunity that could arrive at any moment. He shares the unforgettable play against Washington State when years of preparation met a sudden call to step into a bigger role. We also explore the mental side of performance: responding to pressure, managing your inner critic, focusing on what you can control, and taking action even when you feel scared. Jason’s experience at Stanford helped shape his passion for sports psychology. After earning his master’s in kinesiology at the University of Minnesota, he brought those lessons into his work with athletes through Premier Sports Psychology. In our conversation, he also shares his plans to pursue doctoral training in clinical psychology at James Madison University. Through it all, his personal mission remains simple: “Faith first, fire always, love deeply.” Join us for a conversation about building confidence, embracing who you are beyond your athletic identity, and preparing for the next chapter of life. Listen to the just-dropped episode, subscribe, and share it with an athlete, coach, or anyone working through their next challenge. When life tests you, stay strong!
Oct 4

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 captain, All-Shore selection and two-time Shore Conference Champion before earning the opportunity to continue her lacrosse career at Rutgers University. But when Kelsey arrived at Rutgers, her journey didn't unfold the way she imagined. She went from being one of the best players on the field in high school to struggling for playing time at the Division I level. That experience forced her to confront a question that so many athletes eventually face: If I'm not playing, who am I and what is my purpose? Kelsey opens up about the pressure she experienced as a college athlete, her struggles with anxiety, disordered eating and trying to control parts of her life when so much around her felt out of her control. She also shares why she made the decision to seek therapy and how getting help eventually changed the way she looked at herself, success and her identity as an athlete. Just when she rediscovered her love for lacrosse and was preparing for what she hoped would be a breakthrough senior season, Kelsey tore her ACL bringing her Rutgers playing career to an unexpected end. But that ending became the beginning of something much bigger. Kelsey went on to build a career around the sport she loves. She played box lacrosse, helped build opportunities for women in the game, became a top ticket sales performer in the National Lacrosse League with the San Diego Seals, and built a career in sports marketing, partnerships and athlete development. Today, she is also a Peer Support Specialist with Onrise, using her own experiences to help athletes navigate the mental and emotional challenges that come with competing at a high level. Throughout our conversation, Kelsey shares a philosophy she learned at Rutgers that has stayed with her: “Control the controllables and then relax and enjoy the waves of life.” This is a conversation about mental health, identity, resilience, asking for help, redefining success, and discovering that sometimes the experience you didn't want becomes the experience that prepares you for the rest of your life. Please welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, Kelsey Walker!
Oct 3

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 scholarship became his path to a college education. That determination took him to Michigan State, where he became a four-year letterman, team captain, and All-Big Ten honoree before being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1993. He spent seven seasons in the NFL with the Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers. But behind those accomplishments were years of fighting for playing time, proving his value, and dealing with the pressure of knowing another player could take his spot. Mitch opens up about playing through pain, the anxiety of competing at the highest level, and the physical toll of the game. After recovering from a torn ACL early in his time with Pittsburgh, another devastating knee injury, tearing three ligaments, ended his career. Suddenly, the sport that had shaped his life since childhood was gone. Although Mitch had prepared financially for that possibility, the emotional transition was much harder. He shares the shock of knowing he would never play again, watching teammates return to training camp without him, and the dreams about football that still follow him today. His faith helped him recognize that he had a purpose beyond being a football player. Today, as the founder of Mitch Lyons Wealth, he brings that same discipline and preparation to helping others plan for retirement while building a business alongside his children. We also talk about balancing ambition with being present for family, giving back, and the legacy he hopes to leave. Join me for an honest conversation about resilience, identity, and finding your next chapter with Mitch Lyons!
Sep 26

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 St. Louis, and met the coach who would bring her to the University at Albany. Michelle became Albany field hockey’s first All-American, a two-time America East Player of the Year, and a member of its Sports Hall of Fame. She went on to coach championship teams at Albany and the University of Maine. Then, after nearly 20 years in field hockey, Michelle faced another big decision. She knew it was time to step away from coaching, even though she didn’t yet know what would come next. Today, as The University of Maine’s Associate Athletic Director for Student Success, she helps athletes grow beyond the game. Michelle and I talk about taking chances, building confidence, finding your way through a career transition, and the lasting impact a coach can have on a person. She also shares a simple piece of advice for athletes preparing for life after sports: lift your head, start a conversation, and see where that connection leads. Please welcome Michelle Simpson 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

174
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Jeff Durr
Show Website

RU STRONG