The Strength Game

Nick O'Brien
  • 5.0 (25)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Strength Game is a weekly podcast dedicated to discussing all things physical culture with the coaches, athletes, iron enthusiasts, and experts deeply imbedded in the strength game on both sides of the profession; as coaches and as competitive athletes. Hosted by Nick O’Brien, each episode we discuss, rant and dive deep into all things related to strength and conditioning, high performance and training lifestyle. Join us in The Strength Game!

  1. #154 - Alex Dee

    3D AGO

    #154 - Alex Dee

    Alex Dee is an Assistant Sports Performance Coach at the University of Illinois Chicago where he oversees the training for the baseball, track & field/cross country, and swimming programs. Joining the Flames in summer 2025, Dee previously spent the last two year as an assistant director of sports performance at Wichita State University where he worked directly with the baseball, men’s tennis and women’s tennis programs. Dee joined the Shockers staff in 2023 after spending the previous two seasons in a similar capacity at Oral Roberts University. He has had multiple stops early in his career as an intern coach at the University of Denver in 2021, Clemson University with the Olympic staff in 2020, Marquette University in 2019 and his alma mater, the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2018.  A former college baseball player at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is active himself in the weight room and continues to train, explore new ideas and methodologies throughout the collegiate year to stay active and better coach his student-athletes.  Samson EquipmentSamson Equipment provides Professional Weight Room Solutions for all your S&C needs.Cerberus StrengthUse Code: STRENGTH_GAME at Cerberus-Strength.comSport KiltUse Code: TSG at SportKilt.comDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    1h 5m
  2. #153 - Matt Rodriguez

    JAN 27

    #153 - Matt Rodriguez

    Matt Rodriguez is the Associate Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Sacred Heart University. He returned to SHU in 2022 where he directly oversees all aspects of sports performance for both men’s basketball and men’s lacrosse, and assists with the football program. Rodriguez first served as a graduate assistant strength coach at Sacred Heart from 2016-2018 where his responsibilities included baseball, women’s rugby, track and field throwers, bowling, equestrian, and cheerleading as well as assisting with football and men’s basketball. Before returning to SHU, Rodriguez was the Associate Director of Strength & Conditioning and Head of Baseball Sports Performance at Campbell University from 2018-2022 where he helped propel the CU baseball team to reach three Big South Conference Championships that led to three straight NCAA Regional appearances, in addition to having trained 11 MLB draft picks including three first-rounders. He also coached the Camels track and field throwers and assisted with the football program. Rodriguez got his start coaching at Top Speed Performance School in Pennsylvania in 2012 while completing his undergrad degree. He spent four years coaching in the private sector before stepping into the collegiate space as an intern at the University of Pennsylvania from 2015-2016. A former college athlete, Rodriguez was as an infielder on the Montclair State University baseball team. Rodriguez is still very active himself in the weight room and trains 5-6x per week while balancing the rigors of the collegiate coaching schedule. He is an avid lifter and enjoys traveling with his wife when he is not training in the weight room. He has previously competed in Olympic weightlifting.  Samson EquipmentSamson Equipment provides Professional Weight Room Solutions for all your S&C needs.Cerberus StrengthUse Code: STRENGTH_GAME at Cerberus-Strength.comSport KiltUse Code: TSG at SportKilt.comDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    1h 35m
  3. #152 - Kayla Girgen

    JAN 13

    #152 - Kayla Girgen

    Kayla Girgen is a registered dietician, certified personal training, and founder of the online wellness community Sugar + Strength Academy. Her background spans clinical nutrition, personal training, and years of firsthand experience coaching women through transformative lifestyle changes. As a registered dietitian and nutrition entrepreneur she founded KG the RD, LLC in 2020 on a mission to help high-achieving women lose weight without eating “perfectly.” Prior to venturing on her own she worked as a clinical dietician at CentraCare from 2020-2021, a lead dietitian and operations manager at Profile by Sanford Health from 2018-2020, and dietitian assistant at Hy-Vee from 2017-2018 in addition to multiple internships within the weight loss and nutritional space. Girgen is also an ACE personal trainer, certified since 2013.  She is a freelance nutrition writer and has been featured on many popular media outlets including Men’s Health, Insider, Eat This Not That, and Parade. In addition, Girgen is the author of the new book, RUCK FIT: Build Strength and Endurance by Walking with Weight. This practical guide includes beginner-friendly training plans, rucking tips to build strength and endurance, and strategies to prevent injury and fuel your resiliency.  Girgen loves to read, hike, and bike in her home state of Minnesota, and is happily married to her best friend and business/adventure partner, Jeremy.  Samson EquipmentSamson Equipment provides Professional Weight Room Solutions for all your S&C needs.Cerberus StrengthUse Code: STRENGTH_GAME at Cerberus-Strength.comSport KiltUse Code: TSG at SportKilt.comDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    1h 21m
  4. #151 - Erik Hernandez

    12/30/2025

    #151 - Erik Hernandez

    Erik Hernandez is the Associate Director of Sports Performance for Olympic Sports at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Hernandez began his tenure with the Tar Heels in August 2010 as intern coach with a year break in that stint where he served as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Tulsa in 2011 working with football and basketball, before returning to UNC as an assistant strength and conditioning coach. He was later promoted to his current title as the associate director of sports performance for Olympic sports in 2019 where he is currently responsible for the men’s lacrosse, men’s golf, women’s golf and volleyball teams. Throughout his time at Chapel Hill, Hernandez has work with several other teams including the women’s lacrosse team during their 2016 and 2022 NCAA Championship seasons. Hernandez cut his teeth in coaching in 2009 as a student intern at Loyola University Chicago, in addition to garnering experience as an intern at Arizona State University in 2010 and Niles North High School.  In addition to his time working with collegiate athletes, Hernandez is the Owner of Hernandez Health and Performance where he has devised the Athlete Within Project; an online coaching program designed for former athletes who want to reconnect with their strength, and non-athletes who are ready to discover their untapped potential.  Hernandez is no stranger to competitive athletics himself, as he is a former shot putter on the Loyola University Chicago track and field team. He continues to stay active himself training to be a healthy role model for his family, athletes and clients. Nowadays he typically is lifting 3-4 times a week, running 1-3 times a week and training Jiu Jitsu 1-2 times a week with this daughter.  Samson EquipmentSamson Equipment provides Professional Weight Room Solutions for all your S&C needs.Cerberus StrengthUse Code: STRENGTH_GAME at Cerberus-Strength.comSport KiltUse Code: TSG at SportKilt.comDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    1h 14m
  5. #150 - Kristoffer Koerper

    12/16/2025

    #150 - Kristoffer Koerper

    Kristoffer Koerper is the founder of Full Strength Father and co-founder of Built Sports Performance. He is the Director of Facility Design at Samson Equipment, where he leads the design and development of high-performance training facilities for athletic programs nationwide. Full Strength Father is a lifestyle and coaching community dedicated to helping driven, high-performing fathers maximize their physical readiness, lead their families with purpose and integrity, and live with strength in every dimension of life. Founded in 2023, Full Strength Father integrates physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines for men who commit to leading themselves and their families well. Before launching Full Strength Father, Koerper co-founded Built Sports Performance in 2021—a strength and conditioning facility delivering professional-level sports performance resources to Las Cruces, New Mexico. His coaching journey started in 2013, in a one-car garage, training athletes and everyday individuals while still in college. Over the last decade, his passion for coaching and community-building has resulted in a unique blend of high-performance training and personal transformation. A former Division I baseball player, Koerper deferred the 2007 MLB Draft to serve a two-year mission for his church. He later returned to baseball, finishing his collegiate career as a first baseman and outfielder at New Mexico State University. Today, his athletic focus is channeled into training like a champion father—strong, intentional, and fully engaged. Kristoffer is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Precision Nutrition Certified Coach (Pn Level 1). Outside the gym, he enjoys outdoor adventures, and building a strong family culture with his wife and three sons. He is passionate about equipping men with the tools to cultivate strength, resilience, and purpose. Samson EquipmentSamson Equipment provides Professional Weight Room Solutions for all your S&C needs.Cerberus StrengthUse Code: STRENGTH_GAME at Cerberus-Strength.comSport KiltUse Code: TSG at SportKilt.comDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    1h 16m
  6. #149 - Michael Stegemoeller

    12/02/2025

    #149 - Michael Stegemoeller

    Michael Stegemoeller is an Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach at the University of Pittsburgh. Joining Pitt in spring 2025, Stegemoeller works directly with the Panthers women’s lacrosse, and swimming & diving programs. He previously worked in a similar role at the University of Cincinnati, where he was responsible for training for the women’s lacrosse, swimming and diving, and track and field’s sprint and hurdle groups since summer 2022. Stegemoeller began his coaching career as performance specialist at Michael Johnson Performance from 2017-2019 after starting as an intern. From there he moved to the collegiate ranks first interning at the University of Houston in 2019 followed by serving as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Southern Mississippi from 2020-2021. He then moved on to Texas A&M University where from 2021-2022 he was a professional intern in their sports performance department prior to joining the Bearcats at the University of Cincinnati in 2022, where he was quickly promoted form his fellow position to a full-time assistant sports performance coach the same year.  Stegemoeller is active himself in the weight room and trains 5-6x per week while balancing the rigors of the collegiate coaching schedule. He is an avid lifter and enjoys spending time outside when he is not training in the weight room. He has competed in a half marathon and the Deadlift Party at SummerStrong 18 and continues to train as hard as he can for as long as he can. Samson EquipmentSamson Equipment provides Professional Weight Room Solutions for all your S&C needs.Cerberus StrengthUse Code: STRENGTH_GAME at Cerberus-Strength.comSport KiltUse Code: TSG at SportKilt.comDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    1h 33m
  7. #148 - Andrew Clayton

    11/18/2025

    #148 - Andrew Clayton

    Andrew Clayton is the founder of First Called Strength & Performance. First Called Strength & Performance is an online coaching and personal training service based in Jacksonville, FL. Clayton started First Called Strength and Performance on a mission to offer more than just run-of-the-mill coaching but change people’s lives through his God given gifts and ultimately help people to feel strong in all areas of life. Clayton has been a personal trainer since 2011 and online coach since 2013. Throughout his career he has trained and compete with some of the world’s top powerlifters and strongmen. In addition to his experience as a coach, gym owner and consultant, Clayton is a former professional strongman, as well as strength and endurance athlete. He began competing in strongman in 2009 and grew in the sport and rankings earning his pro card as a professional strongman in both the 105kg and Open Divisions. Clayton boasts many accolades over the course of his competitive career including earning the title of 105kg World’s Strongest Man in 2017 and again in 2022 after a three year hiatus after a major knee injury. He podiumed every show as a Professional 105kg Strongman competing in all major shows. Has held numerous world and national strongman records as young as 19, was the U25 USAW Nationals 105kg+ runner up in 2017, and competed internationally as a strongman in both the Arnold Pro Circuit and Giants Live. If massive feats of strength weren’t enough, Clayton also competes as an endurance athlete where on the endurance side of things, he has run multiple half and full marathons (some less than 24 hours after a professional level strongman show). He has done sprint and Olympic distance triathlons, open water swims, a 62 mile ultramarathon while weighing close to 260 pounds, and broke the 24 hour ski erg record while competing adapted (no use of legs) in 2020.  Samson EquipmentSamson Equipment provides Professional Weight Room Solutions for all your S&C needs.Cerberus StrengthUse Code: STRENGTH_GAME at Cerberus-Strength.comSport KiltUse Code: TSG at SportKilt.comDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    1h 45m
  8. #147 - Chad Dunn

    11/04/2025

    #147 - Chad Dunn

    Chad Dunn is the Owner of Move Human Performance Center and Physical Therapy in addition to being a sports performance and exercise specialist specializing in catastrophic injury recovery. Based out of Chandler, AZ, Move Human Performance Center and Physical Therapy was founded in 2017 by Chad and his wife, Jackie. With local community ties, their goal was to help establish a local training and physical therapy clinic where everyone from the inured to the abled are able to reach their physical performance goals and make new goals. Move Human Performance Center offers up to date services and programs for physical therapy, sports medicine, and sports performance from athletes to spinal cord patients and everyone in between. Prior to opening the doors at MOVE, Dunn was an exercise specialist at Rehab Plus Physical therapy for over 20 years.  In addition to his coaching and athlete development responsibilities, Dunn is an inspirational speaker and now author, with the recent release of his book, Mind Over Virtually Everything: 10 Codes to Transform Your Life. A book that shares the 10 codes that fueled his own transformation and now shape the culture at his Move Human Performance Center and Physical Therapy, where elite athletes train side by side with individuals learning to walk again. He also has been a youth counselor, mentor and life coach at Rehab Plus since 2008, working with athletes around the local area, keeping kids active and off the streets or in good homes, engaged in sports, and encouraging them to work hard no matter what life throws at them.  A former BMX racer, skateboarder and extreme athlete, Dunn is active in and out of the weight room, making training more than just a workout, but a lifestyle! Chads hobbies include any extreme sport, playing with his English bulldog, watching people succeed, and hanging out with his wife Jackie and their three kids.  Samson EquipmentSamson Equipment provides Professional Weight Room Solutions for all your S&C needs.Cerberus StrengthUse Code: STRENGTH_GAME at Cerberus-Strength.comSport KiltUse Code: TSG at SportKilt.comDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    1h 12m
See All (155)

5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

The Strength Game is a weekly podcast dedicated to discussing all things physical culture with the coaches, athletes, iron enthusiasts, and experts deeply imbedded in the strength game on both sides of the profession; as coaches and as competitive athletes. Hosted by Nick O’Brien, each episode we discuss, rant and dive deep into all things related to strength and conditioning, high performance and training lifestyle. Join us in The Strength Game!

Information

  • Creator
    Nick O'Brien
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    155
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Strength Game
  • Show Website
    The Strength Game