RU STRONG

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast hosted by Jeff Durr, where we dive deep into the journeys of extraordinary individuals who exemplify grit, resilience, and a relentless drive for success. Today, Jeff welcomes Dr. Tommy Wyatt—a former college football player turned Doctor of Physical Therapy—whose story is a masterclass in determination, humility, and the power of a growth mindset. From balancing the demands of the gridiron with academic excellence to proving that limits are meant to be pushed, Dr. Wyatt embodies the mindset of "control what you can control" and "be so good that no one can tell you no." Dr. Wyatt shares how his experiences as an athlete shaped his character, taught him the value of feedback, and helped him build credibility by learning from all walks of life. He lives by the principles of determination, grit, and a refusal to accept excuses, setting daily standards to create new capacities and maximize his talents. He believes in putting yourself in uncomfortable situations, being coachable, and striving to be your best—because playing it safe is not an option. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about pushing past limits, discovering who you truly are, and creating your unique path to success. As Dr. Wyatt says, "There’s more than one way to get to the Super Bowl." Let’s kick things off!

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, where host Jeff Durr dives into conversations with extraordinary individuals who have embraced resilience, grit, and purpose in all aspects of life. Today’s guest, Gian Paul Gonzalez, a former college basketball player and the inspiring force behind the “All In” lifestyle, joins us to share his powerful journey. Gian Paul has built his life around principles that resonate deeply with athletes, coaches, and all who strive for excellence. Growing up, he learned discipline and the value of commitment alongside his father through sports, instilling a drive to push forward when no one else is watching. Gian Paul reminds us that being “All In” isn’t just a momentary choice—it’s an intentional, lifelong journey of discipline, gratitude, and faith. It's about holding yourself to a higher standard and being committed to the little things that shape who we are. His message is clear: to truly go “All In” for others, you must first be “All In” for yourself. This means embracing an attitude of continual growth, accountability, and unshakable faith—in Jesus, in mentors, and in the people who believe in us before we believe in ourselves. Whether it’s about staying focused in the present, holding your own "All In" poker chip, or being intentional with what fuels you, Gian Paul teaches that greatness comes from staying the course, one step at a time, and owning every opportunity. Join Jeff Durr and Gian Paul Gonzalez as they dive into what it means to live with purpose, hold yourself accountable, and bridge connections through the power of sports. Get ready to be inspired to "BE ALL IN."

Welcome to the RU Strong podcast, hosted by Jeff Durr! In this episode, we’re excited to welcome former college basketball player Kayla Richardson. Kayla's journey is all about discipline, intentionality, and pushing the limits to excel both on and off the court. With a commitment to working on her weaknesses and a focus on time management, she embodies what it means to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. Kayla shares insights on staying present, building a routine, and giving yourself a roadmap to success. She emphasizes the importance of listening to yourself, knowing your purpose, and holding high expectations—reminding us all not to forget the hard work we've put in or the incredible qualities we hold beyond the game. Kayla also opens up about the crucial role her mother has played as her biggest supporter, the strength that comes from open communication, and how even in the darkest times, there’s always a light. Join us as Kayla talks about breaking down what you want out of sports, replacing worry with hard work, and staying excited for what’s next after sports. For those navigating their own journeys, her story serves as a powerful reminder to set solid values, do well under pressure, and embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow.

Welcome to the RU Strong podcast, where host Jeff Durr sits down with Sandy Guerrero, a trailblazer in women’s college wrestling. Sandy embodies grit, dedication, and a relentless drive that has positioned her as a rising star in the sport. With a "have to win" attitude and the discipline to reset after every setback, she’s not only a powerhouse on the mat but also a leader among her teammates. Sandy lives by her affirmations: I am strong, fast, tough, enough, and a good wrestler, a mantra that fuels her pursuit of becoming the best in the world. She's known for her accountability, resilience, and unbreakable commitment to excellence. Sandy is the kind of teammate who leads by example, helping others push past their limits, stay focused, and manage the pressures of college life. Her team isn’t just a group of athletes, they’re a family bonded by shared goals and mutual respect. Sandy makes time for her teammates, helping them with any challenges they face, fostering a close-knit community of trust and hard work. She approaches every practice with gratitude, reminding herself, I don’t have to go to practice; I get to go to practice. With Olympic dreams ahead, Sandy Guerrero’s journey is one of passion, resilience, and unwavering focus, and we’re thrilled to have her here to share her story and insights on the RU Strong podcast

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, hosted by Jeff Durr, where we dive deep into the journeys of former athletes who have transformed their competitive drive into life success. Today’s guest is Brian Betz, former college soccer player, who embodies the relentless pursuit of personal growth and achievement. Brian’s story is all about finding opportunities and making things happen. He’s a firm believer in learning from those who’ve walked the path before you – find someone who’s done what you want, and do what they do. With clear goals in mind, he’s always sold out for what he wanted, focusing on time management, building his confidence, and developing his skills to stay prepared. Throughout his journey, Brian has lived by the motto of focusing on what’s next and making the most of every moment, keeping things fun while also working hard. Whether it's showing people he wants to learn, or providing value to others, Brian has always been about the team culture—fighting for common goals while helping others along the way. His passion for a great support system and love for helping others has shaped who he is today. Tune in as Brian shares how he stays focused on his goals every day, lives life to achieve his dreams, and continues to provide value to those around him. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Welcome to the RU Strong podcast, hosted by Jeff Durr. In today’s episode, Jeff sits down with former college and professional football player Mike Devito. Mike’s story is one of grit, discipline, and willpower—doing the difficult things both on and off the field. He shares his journey of transitioning from football to life beyond the locker room, where he deeply misses the brotherhood but finds gratitude in his roles as a Christian, father, and husband. Mike opens up about handling anxiety, stress, and worries, reminding us that it’s okay to seek help—you're not alone in dealing with life’s challenges. He talks about competing against yourself and seizing opportunities, lessons football taught him that prepared him for life. Mike encourages us to have more fun, take more chances, and enjoy the grind, reflecting on how he wishes he had let loose more along the way. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, faith, and the importance of embracing every moment.

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, where host Jeff Durr delves into the journey of athletes who embody resilience, leadership, and strength both on and off the field. Today’s guest is someone who knows what it means to fight for success, not just in sports but in life, former college football player and current college football coach Dan Garrett. Dan has built his teams around core values that go beyond the game: Family, Integrity, Gratitude, Hard Work, and Toughness. In his leadership, he emphasizes the importance of being empathetic, having compassion, and always listening to those around you. His servant leadership style puts the team before self, fostering trust and unity. Driven and goal-oriented, Dan inspires his players to push beyond their comfort zones, reminding them that success requires grit, sacrifice, and resilience. "Your why dictates what you do and how you do it," he often says, urging his athletes not to give up when things get hard but to let their character guide their destiny. In today’s episode, we explore what it takes to lead with discipline, why toughness matters in the face of adversity, and how the values of fight and family lay the foundation for long-term success. Get ready to be inspired by the journey of Coach Dan Garrett, a true example of strength through sacrifice and a commitment to growth. Stay tuned—this is one you won’t want to miss!

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the RU Strong Podcast with your host, Jeff Durr. Today, we’re joined by Kat Palaia, former college women’s lacrosse player, who lives by a set of core values that have shaped her both on and off the field. For Kat, it’s all about showing up—because the way you show up is what you get back. Her journey is defined by service to others, leadership, and making a lasting impact on those around her. Kat’s story isn’t without its challenges. Pain gave her perspective, but she found strength in the people who stood in her corner. She believes in being her own hero, pulling herself out of tough times, and never leaving with regret. Kat teaches us that things happen for you, not to you, and to always prepare to be uncomfortable. Time management, discipline, and gratitude are at the heart of how Kat navigates life. She knows that life is hard, but your attitude determines your outcome. From valuing her time to always being there for others, Kat’s message is clear: don’t give up, don’t let people down, and always find gratitude in all you do. For her, mental strength leads to physical strength, and she practices the discipline of doing what needs to be done, even when it’s tough. Kat is approachable, joyful, and always smiling, bringing positivity to everyone she meets. She reminds us to enjoy the little things, ask ourselves how we show up when no one is looking, and ultimately—be our own hero. Tune in as we dive into Kat’s journey of resilience, leadership, and how she continues to be a beacon of strength to those around her

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, hosted by Jeff Durr, where we explore the journeys of athletes who have not only achieved greatness on the field but have also mastered the art of reinvention in life. We are honored to have former college and professional football player Lancelot Theobald Jr. as our guest. Lancelot lives by his 5 keys to reinvention: 1) Be comfortable in your own skin, 2) Surround yourself with people who have done what you want to do, 3) Educate yourself fully, 4) Be willing to put in the work, and 5) Believe that you can achieve. With a mindset that there's nothing he can't do, Lancelot embodies the belief that anything you can think of, you can achieve. He trains harder than the person next to him, stays focused, and is always prepared for pressure. Lancelot views life as a gift from God, believing that God has orchestrated his journey. He’s been protected by the universe from a plane crash and a near-drowning at the beach, and his father's wisdom—that he had to be twice as good to play college football—has fueled his drive to be great. He knows that you have to want greatness to weather the storms, and he embraces the process of learning and growing as part of the journey. Supported by a great wife and driven by the belief that you can do great things, Lancelot sets goals and is committed to being great at whatever he does. Join us as we dive into his story of resilience, faith, and relentless pursuit of excellence on the RU Strong Podcast.

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, hosted by Jeff Durr, where we bring you the stories and insights of athletes who embody perseverance, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Today, we’re joined by former college wrestler and proud Jersey Boy, Tom Caravela. Tom lives by the mantra that you only get one shot—there are no do-overs. He encourages everyone to look in the mirror, assess who you hang out with, and max out in all you do. With high expectations set for himself, Tom emphasizes focusing on the process, not just the outcome, to avoid regret and wasted time. He’s all about thinking ahead, prioritizing what matters, and making the right choices. In this episode, Tom will talk about the importance of setting clear goals, auditing how you spend your time, and being consistent—because winners are consistent. He believes life is a series of singles and doubles, where developing the right career habits and committing to personal development is key. For Tom, mindset is everything, and he knows that taking the long way is often the real shortcut to success. He’s a firm believer in seeking progress over perfection and putting in the effort to truly find success, not just showing up. With an old-school mentality of grit and doing the work, Tom also reminds us to be good to ourselves along the way. Join us for a powerful conversation about hard work, determination, and the mindset required to be RU Strong.