In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Burke – coach, creator, and host of The Strength Chick Podcast. Jessica opens up about her journey leaving the collegiate strength & conditioning world after years of sacrifice, low pay, and a toxic culture that too often disrespected athletes, athletic trainers, and support staff. We dive into the moment she knew she had to walk away, how she built her own brand over nearly a decade, and what it took to finally bet on herself.

Now based in Chicago, Jessica is opening her own private training facility while coaching a wide range of clients — from post-PT athletes to women in their 30s–50s who want a healthier, more balanced approach to training and nutrition. She shares her passion for cutting through fitness industry noise, breaking free from diet culture, and creating educational, sustainable solutions that actually fit people’s lives.

We cover:

• Why so many great coaches are leaving college athletics

• The realities of low pay, burnout, and scapegoating in S&C

• Jessica’s philosophy on food noise, macros vs. micros, and eating without shame

• The role of supplements (and which ones are a waste of money)

• How she helps general population clients build consistency and confidence

• Practical, budget-friendly nutrition advice for athletes and young people

If you’ve ever struggled with the transition out of sports, diet culture, or balancing fitness with real life, this conversation will hit home.