RU STRONG

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the journeys of elite athletes who redefine resilience, discipline, and purpose, on and off the field.

I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today, we’re joined by a truewarrior in the world of lacrosse, Joe Nardella. A proud Rutgers University alum and current professional lacrosse standout, Joe’s story is about more than just athletic talent, it’s about relentless discipline, a drive to do things right, and the mindset to treat his sport like a full-time job.

Joe believes in a world where nothing is given, and everything is earned. From early mornings to late nights, from injuries to victories, he’s learned to manage time, prepare like a pro, and outworked everyone next to him. He’s not just a player, he’s a difference maker, someone who sets the tone, resets his mind, and commits daily to mastering his craft.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Joe fights through the pain, finds purpose bigger than himself, and never forgets to appreciate the little things, have fun, and surrounds himself with good people. Whether it’s extra reps, trusting the process, or finding a way to get it done when the odds are stacked against him, Joe lives the words: “Earn your spot every day, because the best do that every day.”

If you’re looking for motivation, a blueprint for success, or just a reminder to challenge yourself and take care of what matters most, this one’s for you.

Let’s go, this is the RU Strong Podcast!

https://youtu.be/zx_wR6kWPR8

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, where grit meets growth, and life’s toughest plays become the foundation for something greater. I’m your host, Jeff Durr.

Today’s episode features a man who embodies perseverance, preparation, and purpose Justin “JB” Brashear. JB is a walking example of what it means to lock in, hone your craft, and become the best version of yourself, no matter the circumstance. From the moment he stepped onto a college campus as a freshman, he was thrown into the fire and instead of backing down, he learned how to be a man, how to help the team win, and how to prepare for life beyond the game.

He didn’t rely on luck though he’ll be the first to say he was grateful for great coaches. He relied on discipline, accountability, and the mindset that you get to choose your hard. He didn’t run from adversity he embraced it, letting it shape his patience, resilience, and drive.

In this conversation, JB dives deep into the parable between sports and life, how being mentally locked in, staying ready, and never forgetting how you got here can help you stay on course, even when the path is uncertain. He’ll remind us that the grass is greener where you water it, and that to win, you can’t transfer blame you must own your effort, your standard, and your outcome.

Whether it’s game day or a day in real life, JB lives by a powerful equation: Trust equals time equals effort. You must show up. You must do what you said you were going to do. And when the opportunity comes, you better be ready physically, mentally, and emotionally.

So, tune in as we uncover the mindset of a man who hates to lose, refuses to be outworked, and is building a legacy rooted in value, purpose, and preparation.

This is more than a story, it’s a blueprint.
This is the RU Strong Podcast. Let’s get into it.

https://youtu.be/feZYVLTKU5o

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the mindset, heart, and hustle of athletes who live with purpose, push past adversity, and pursue greatness in everything they do. I’m your host, Jeff Durr and today’s guest is the embodiment of what it means to build from the groundup.

On this episode, we’re joined by Xavier Marcoux a competitor whose journey is fueled by a relentless work ethic, unshakable focus, and the kind of discipline that only comes from knowing exactly what you want in the future.With the unwavering support of his parents and a mindset grounded in humility, Xavier didn’t just talk about the grind—he lived it. From starting at the bottom to climbing to the top, he committed to getting better every single day.

He’s the type of guy who throws himself into the deep end and finds a way to swim. He understands that confidence isn’t given, it’s earned by doing the work when no one’s watching. Xavier’s story reminds us that success is about consistency, structure, and being willing to say no to distractions and yes to your priorities.

In this episode, we’ll talk about the importance of being coachable, staying within your routines, taking care of your mental health, and accepting that being human doesn’t make you weak, it makes you real. Xavier shares how good people skills, surrounding yourself with the right teammates, and focusing on the details can make all the difference.

Whether you're in the middle of your career or approaching your final round, Xavier’s perspective will help you appreciate every chapter of life and remind you that there’s always light at the end of the round. Because at the end of the day, a winner is just a loser that never quits.

So, let’s jump in, talk about staying locked in on your North Star, and learn how to make your mindset stronger through practice.

This is one you don’t want to miss.

https://youtu.be/HUYPxr1JXW0

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, hosted by Jeff Durr , where resilience meets opportunity and strength is forged through adversity.

Today’s guest is the definition of reinvention and resilience — former standout college football player turned rising sports media entrepreneur, Adam Breneman.

Adam’s journey reminds us that in life, you’re going to face adversity. It’s not about avoiding the tough moments; it’s about how you handle them. It’s about learning who you truly are and maybe even more importantly,who you don’t want to be.

Adam has redefined himself, invested in his team, and built an ecosystem centered around transparency, communication, and showing people, you care. He’slearned not to get intoxicated with the college football recruiting process, not to listen to the noise, and to take ownership, telling people what they needto hear, not just what they want to hear.

On today’s episode, we dive deep into the power of your content, the importance of surrounding yourself with great people, and why no one is thinking about you as much as you think they are so you might as well take chances, get at-bats, have fun, and stay consistent.

From turning negatives into positives to overcoming adversity with pride, Adam’s story is a masterclass in building a life of purpose beyond the spotlight.

Get ready, this conversation will challenge you to invest in yourself, believe in your vision, and most of all, stay

RU Strong.

https://youtu.be/fztMeVDnIyY

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the mindset, discipline, and heart it takes to succeed, not just in sports, but in life.

Today, I’m excited to welcome a special guest, former Florida State standout quarterback, first-round NFL draft pick, and lifelong student of the game, Christian Ponder.

Football is in Christian’s DNA. Following in the footsteps of his father, who also played at Florida State, Christian learned early on that success isn’t just about talent, it's about how you respond when things get tough.

In this episode, Christian shares powerful lessons about watching what’s correctible, owning your mental mistakes, and playing every down with confidence. He reminds us that in sports, and in life, you have to control what you can control, put in the work, and be honest with yourself.

Christian talks about the importance of targeted effort, preparation, and finding mentors who push you to be better. He'll tell you straight: great work ethic, a great attitude, coachability, grit, and a relentless drive are non-negotiables if you want to overcome adversity and avoid the trap of playing small.

We’ll dive into self-reflection, self-accountability, andthe critical question: What is your purpose after sports?
Christian’s insights on identity, structure, routine, community, and taking initiative will challenge you to raise your standards and find fulfillment and enjoyment beyond the field.

He reminds us that you are a product of your environment, but you also have the power to create the impact you want to make.

No artificial ceilings. No excuses. Just a relentless pursuit of the life you're meant to live.

Get ready to be challenged, inspired, and motivated to own your journey, because RU Strong is more than a slogan.

It’s a way of life.

Welcome to another powerful episode of the RU Strong Podcast, hosted by Jeff Durr, where real athletes share real stories to inspire real strength in life after sports.

Today, Jeff sits down with Kordell Young, a former standoutfootball player whose journey is all about grit, growth, and grinding with purpose. From day one, Kordell embraced the mindset of doing what's best for the team. He learned early that following structure, keeping an open mind,and adapting to the system weren’t just suggestions, they were necessary for survival. With a dream to play in the NFL and an identity tied deeply to football, Kordell faced a powerful question many athletes wrestle with: “Whoam I without the game?”

In this episode, you'll hear how Kordell built a life rooted in discipline, integrity, and faith where every hour counts, blind spots are acknowledged, and stress becomes a source of strength. He talks about raising your standards, holding yourself accountable, and programming your mind to chase greatness 24/7. His philosophy? Control the controllables. Leave it all on the field. Never quit. Finish what you started.

From manning up as a father to embracing responsibility and focusing on what truly matters, Kordell brings clarity to the chaos and reminds us that even in the toughest moments, there’s always something you can do better.

Get ready to be challenged. Get ready to be sharpened. Get ready to hear what it truly means to be RU Strong.

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast — where grit meets growth and stories of resilience fuel the next generation. I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today, we have a powerhouse guest who embodies what it means to build yourself from the inside out, former University of Washington softball standout, mental performance coach, and author of The Real Work, Morgan Stuart.

Morgan’s journey is a masterclass in outworking the odds, from grinding her way into the starting lineup to creating a life built on intentional reps, not just physical, but mental too.

As she writes in The Real Work:

“If you want to be your best, your work ethic must be intentional, not accidental.”

Morgan’s not just about hustle, she’s about purpose. With her ASAP Training System: Acknowledge failure. Spot your failure personality. Adjust. Practice daily, she challenges athletes to align their goals with their actions and leave the victim mentality behind.

She reminds us that:

“Mental health matters and it’s not the same as your mental game. You only get one brain. Protect it.”

In a world obsessed with results, Morgan champions process:

“Follow the process. Trust the grind. Your dream is built in the quiet, consistent work you do when no one’s watching.”

This episode is packed with truth bombs about mixing mental reps with physical reps, being a good teammate, and mastering the game within the game.

“Bring good energy. Get external. Have better body language. Forget your problems and play free.”

Morgan’s message is a powerful reminder that positive self-talk, consistency, and having fun in your sport aren't just clichés, they’re cornerstones for greatness.

So, whether you're an athlete chasing a dream, a coach building culture, or someone simply trying to level up in life, this conversation is for you.

Let’s dive into the real work with Morgan Stuart, right here on the RU Strong Podcast.

#RUStrong #MentalGame #TheRealWork #AthleteMindset#BuildFromTheInsideOut

Welcome to another powerful episode of the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of resilience, perseverance, and the unbreakable bonds forged through the game of football. Today, we’re honored to have three former University of Maine Black Bear football players, Troy Conquest, Lancelot Theobald Jr., and Duane Ellis Brooks, who share their journey of being Black athletes in Orono, Maine from 1982 to 1988.

For Troy, Maine was a shock, he arrived with a New Yorkattitude and had to navigate a world that was vastly different from where he came from. For Duane, being one of only eight Black athletes among over 10,000 students didn’t faze him, he was comfortable, blended in, and lived by his grandmother’s words: “You are not a minority, you are a majority.” And for Lance, it was all about adapting, being comfortable in his own skin, and learning how to maneuver through life without letting anything or anyone stophim. 

But their experiences weren’t without struggle. Troy, Duane,and Lance all felt the weight of being Black in a place where many had never encountered someone like them. There were no social media platforms to amplify their voices or connect them to a broader community. There were tough moments,times when they had no one to vent to, but through it all, they found strength in each other. A faithful circle. No excuses. No surrender.

They wouldn’t change a thing. The challenges they facedprepared them for life. Duane believes that life is not a straight line, you must be flexible, understand that not everyone is the same, and above all, finish what you start. Troy shares that his mother only wanted to see him graduate, a mission that became his driving force. And Lance? He reminds us that we all share the same struggles as athletes, and the fighter within us allows us to do whatever it takes to succeed.

 Their journey is a testament to resilience and relentlessdetermination. They learned to forgive but never forget. They found their way and refused to get in their own way. They made each other stronger, lifting one another up, giving each other purpose. Troy says it best: "Tell me I can’t, and I’ll show you I can.”

 Today, we’re diving into their incredible brotherhood, theirlessons learned, and their unwavering belief that what we go through, we grow through. Because pain has a purpose, sports is a platform, and time is the enemy.

We are forever Black Bears to the bone!

"Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the journeys of athletes who carry themselves with class, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, on and off the field. Today, we have an incredible guest, someone who embodies resilience, grit, and the power of embracing every lesson life throws at you… Meredith Post.

Meredith is a firm believer that success isn’t just about talent,it’s about showing up, doing the work, and holding yourself accountable. She knows that everyone has a role to play, and when you embrace that ‘welcome to the family’ attitude, you elevate not only yourself but everyone around you.Because real teams? They win together.

Her journey is proof that you don’t stay in a box, you chase your opportunities, knock on doors, and when you get there, you pull others up with you. You bring your A-game 24/7. You set the tone. You don’t just show up, you show up as your best self.

But what happens when the game ends? When the uniform comes off? That’s where the real challenge begins, figuring out who you are beyond sports, finding your voice, and realizing that your identity is always evolving. Meredith understands that happiness isn’t a luxury, it’s a priority. You went to school for more than just the game. And thetruth is, we all land exactly where we’re meant to be.

She knows that failure isn’t the enemy, it’s your best friend. You learn, you adjust, and you move forward, because quitting is never an option. And in those moments when the weight of expectations gets heavy, when you don’talways feel ‘fine’, it’s okay. Therapy is okay. Taking clarity breaks is okay. Being your own coach is essential. Becauseremoving your ceiling? That’s how you dream bigger, push harder, and become unstoppable.

So today, we’re going all in. We’re talking about resilience, identity, and the mindset that sets the great ones apart. It’s time to figure it out, say yes to new experiences, and just do it!

Let’s getinto it. Meredith Post, welcome to the RU Strong Podcast!"

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast,where resilience, grit, and the power of the human spirit take center stage. I'm your host, Jeff Durr, and today, we dive into the extraordinary journey of a man who refused to letadversity define him, Dr. Joe Rinaldi.

Born with a genetic eye condition that left himlegally blind in his right eye, Joe never wanted to be different, he just wanted to be normal. But normalwasn’t in the cards. Instead, he walked onto the Bucknell football team, a decision that became the glueholding his life together. The game shaped him, strengthened him, and gave him an identity, until one day, it was taken away. Told he could no longer play, he was devastated. Sadness. Disbelief. Relief.A whirlwind of emotions, yet another challenge to face head-on. But Joe doesn’t just endure, he rises. He chooses how to respond to adversity. He channeled his passion for helping others into becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy,building Project Endure, a reflection of his core: human,competitor, driven, relentless.

Joe lives as though someone is watching, filming his life, not for applause, but because every moment matters. He believes in choosing your hard, in planting the seed and trusting the process, in making tough decisions with an "I GET to do this" attitude. He reminds us that this is your normal, so own it. Have focus time, create a calendar for the person you want to become, give yourself pep talks, take steps forward, and above all, do the work in silence.

His faith in God fuels his mission, his "it's not about me" mindset inspires others, and his belief that youcan change the world for one person makes an impact that reaches far beyond himself.

Get ready for a conversation that willchallenge you to embrace discomfort, chase a feeling, and push yourself beyond what you think is possible.Because in the end, we can’t control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond.

This is RU Strong. And this is Joe Rinaldi.