RU STRONG

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.

"Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast,where resilience meets reality, and where the pursuit of greatness isn’t just an idea, but a way of life. I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today, we have an incredible guest who embodies everything this podcast is about.Kevin Dunn, a former college diver who took the lessons learned from failure, the power of mindset, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, and built something extraordinary. As the owner of Test Sports Club and Training Facility, Kevindoesn’t just train athletes, he forges them. He pushes themto stay in the moment, embrace the grind, and develop the mental toughness to achieve greatness.There’s no magic pill to success. No shortcuts. No vacations. It’s about setting the tone, being the hammer, not the nail. It’s about having the hard conversations, telling people what they need to hear, and making them better in the process. Because at the end of the day, your path—your struggles,your failures, your moments of doubt, those are whatmake you stronger.Kevin lives by the belief that today is day one. You must believe you’ll make it. You must push forward, survive thestorm and embrace the suck. Hard times don’t break you; they forge you into the person you’re meant to become. And when you do that, you leave a legacy that lasts.This episodeis all about shifting your perspective, staying positive, and never accepting failure. So, if you're ready to level up, to embrace the tough moments, and to create a greater outcome, then let’s dive in. Kevin Dunn is in the house, and this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast,where we dive deep into the journeys of athletes who embrace the grind, face adversity head-on, and come out stronger on the other side.Today, we’re talking quarterbacks, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of greatness with two men who know what it takes to command the huddle, former University of Maine standout Chris Ferguson and current Black Bear quarterback Keegan Andrews.For Chris,the road to success has always been about patience,faith, and an unshakable mindset. From the moment he set his sights on playing college football, he was obsessedwith the process, getting better every day, treating people with respect, and promoting himself to create opportunities. He knows that success isn’t just about talent, it’s about buying in, staying locked in, and giving it your all. Whether it was leading his team, learning from every experience, or staying focused on what’s important now, Chris carried a neutral mindset, refusing to let the past define his future. And most of all? He played with purpose, passion, and the belief that Maine Football could be great.Now, stepping into the spotlight, Keegan Andrews is carrying that same torch. For Keegan, football isn’t just agame, it’s his life, his purpose, his calling. He thrives in the locker room, under pressure, and in the pursuit of getting better every single day. He understands that pressure is aprivilege, and rather than shy away from the expectations, he embraces them with persistence, self-belief, andthe love for his teammates. Keegan knows that success isn’t about avoiding failure, it’s about staying ready, chasing dreams, and surrounding yourself with the right people.Both quarterbacks have walked different paths,but their journeys share one thing in common, a relentless commitment to growth, to leadership, and to the game they love.So, let’s break it all down, the highs, the struggles, the lessons learned, and what comes next. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that will challenge you to work the process, embrace the journey, and go ALL IN on what sets your soul on fire.🔥 This is the RU Strong Podcast.Let’s get to it! 🔥

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the journeys of athletes who have faced adversity head on and come out stronger.I'm your host, Jeff Durr, and today, we have a story of resilience, faith, and personal growth.Joining us is Kya Enos, a former University of Maine softball player whose journey was shaped by unwavering dedication, the guidance of her mother, and an unshakable commitment to self-improvement. From the overwhelming pressures ofthe recruiting process to the struggles of homesickness, anxiety, and the unknown, Kya found herself questioning everything. Four concussions, moments of doubt, and the weight of expectations made her journey anything but easy.But instead of quitting, Kya chose to put in the work, not just on the field, but within herself. She learned that finding balance, routine, and self-discipline was key. She embraced positive self-talk, practiced gratitude, and leaned on her teammates, her army, to push forward. She realized that true success isn’t just about performance; it's about efficiency, patience, and trusting in God’s plan.Kya’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, theimportance of grounding yourself, and the strength in embracing who you are, body, mind, and soul. Ifyou’ve ever doubted your path, struggled with self-expectations, or feared the unknown, this episode is for you.Stick to what you’re good at, trust the process, and remember, success isn’t just about talent, it’sabout the habits you build and the mindset you carry.Let’s get into it, here’s Kya Enos on the RU Strong Podcast.  

Welcome back to the RU Strong Podcast, where we dive deep into the minds of high achievers, game-changers, and those who refuse to settle for anything less than elite. I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today, we have an incredible guest, someone who embodies what it truly means to dream big, set goals, and create the life she envisions. Jen Graffice is an entrepreneur, a seeker of knowledge, and a firm believer in the power of the written word. She doesn’t just talk about possibility, she creates it. Through her Five Q-Life Pillars, Mind, Body, Soul, Community, and Purpose, Jen helps others fuel their souls, reframe their minds, and step into their full potential. She teaches us that we must be our own best friend, not our own worst enemy. That what we allow into our mind's wires what we fire, shaping our beliefs, our confidence, and our ability to push through fear and failure. She reminds us that comparison steals our joy, that vulnerability creates connection, and that doing hard things builds confidence. In this conversation, we’ll uncover what it means to prepare like an elite human, to stay fully present, and to reconnect with your why when challenges arise. We’ll explore the mindset shifts necessary to move from fixed to growth, the importance of morning and night routines, and why courage is the foundation of confidence. So, ask yourself, who do you want to be? What’s your passion? Are you ready to set high expectations and live by them? Because today, we’re not just talking about success, we’re becoming it.

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, where host Jeff Durr dives into the inspiring journeys of athletes, leaders, and game-changers who define resilience and determination. Today’s guest is Anthony Cioffi, a former college standout, professional football player, and a true embodiment of the “all in or not at all” mindset. Anthony’s story is one of relentless preparation, mental toughness, and unwavering commitment to doing things the right way, the first time. Anthony credits his father for instilling in him the drive to push through challenges and always give 100%. He’s a firm believer that confidence, calmness, and preparation are the keys to success, both on and off the field. For Anthony, discipline always outweighs regret, and he strives to control what he can, solve problems, and lift up those around him. He knows that mental strength takes you further than physical abilities and reminds us to lean on our support systems, set goals, and consistently show up, even when the odds are against us. Anthony's brand is built on compassion, hard work, and a passion for making others happy, all while maintaining the discipline to do what others won’t. So, what do you do when you have no choice but to rise? How do you handle pressure, stay grounded, and leave a legacy? Tune in to hear Anthony’s journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way, as we explore what it truly means to be RU Strong.

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, where we share powerful stories of resilience, leadership, and transformation. I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today we have an extraordinary guest who embodies what it means to thrive beyond the game. He’s a former University of Missouri quarterback, a bestselling author of The Sale and Thrive U, and the co-founder of Streamline Books. But beyond the accolades, Alex Demczak is a husband, father of two, and a leader whose journey will leave you inspired. Alex’s story isn’t just about the highs of athletic achievement, it’s about the moments that tested him the most. Stripped of his athletic title, Alex faced the hardest year of his life. He felt rejected, humbled, and questioned his identity. But instead of being defined by that loss, Alex discovered a deeper truth: leadership requires no title. It’s about showing up, caring for others, and building a foundation that goes beyond a football jersey. Through faith, discipline, and an unshakable commitment to integrity, Alex turned challenges into opportunities. He’s on a mission to help others share their unique stories, reminding us that comparison is the thief of joy and that our greatest blessings are meant to be shared. Alex believes that God sharpens us through trials and positions us to make an impact. Today, we’ll dive into Alex’s journey, from overcoming limited beliefs to connecting and elevating others, to the routines and structure that have helped him thrive. We’ll talk about passion, purpose, and how the lessons from athletics translate into every facet of life. So, get ready to laugh, learn, and be inspired as Alex Demczak shares his story of resilience, faith, and leadership. This is a conversation about finding joy, embracing humility, and choosing to lead with no regrets. Let’s get started!

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, where we celebrate resilience, determination, and the incredible journeys of individuals who overcome life’s toughest challenges to emerge stronger. I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today, we’re honored to have a truly inspiring guest, Chloe Timberg. Chloe is a pole vaulter with Olympic aspirations, but her story goes far beyond her incredible athletic achievements. She’s someone who has faced immense personal and mental challenges, from battling anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder to finding the strength to turn her struggles into opportunities for growth. Through her journey, Chloe has discovered the power of self-worth, patience, and leaning on those you trust. With the unwavering support of her coaches and family, Chloe learned to slow down, evaluate her strengths, and find balance in her life. Pole vaulting and weightlifting became her lifelines, helping her rebuild her confidence and reminding her that there’s no such thing as overnight success, it’s all about discipline, persistence, and focusing on what’s going well. In this episode, we’ll explore how Chloe responds to failure, maintains her competitive edge, and finds joy in helping others while preparing for the ultimate goal: the Olympics. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of finding your own path, and the belief that there’s always a place and program for you to thrive. So, join us for an unforgettable conversation as we dive into the heart of Chloe’s journey and uncover what it truly means to be RU Strong!

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, where we uncover the inspiring stories of athletes who redefine resilience and transform challenges into triumphs. I’m your host, Jeff Durr, and today I’m honored to sit down with former Rutgers Baseball standout and now Doctor of Physical Therapy, Carmen Sclafani. Carmen’s journey is a masterclass in self-discipline, dedication, and living life with purpose. From learning to communicate as a good teammate and treating others like family to cherishing every day and living in the moment, Carmen has embraced a mindset that transforms adversity into opportunity. He reminds us that pressure can either form us or destroy us, it’s all about how we respond. By staying laser-focused, embracing delayed gratification, and always working hard, Carmen exemplifies what it means to build a culture of excellence. With an "always have a jersey on" mentality, he strives to be a role model, helping others, earning respect, and treating every task with significance, because no challenge is too great, and no task is too small. Carmen’s philosophy blends grit with grace. Inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi, he sees beauty in imperfection, mending the cracks to make something even stronger. Through gratitude, prayer, and self-reflection, he’s learned to embrace vulnerability, forgive, and grow, showing that true strength lies in turning flaws into strengths. Today, Carmen shares how he builds special relationships, handles pressure, and brings honor, pride, and responsibility to everything he does. Whether it’s studying the Bible, carving out time for fun, or reminding us to force ourselves to chill out, his message is clear: strive to be the best, but know it’s okay not to always be the best. Get ready to be inspired as we dive into Carmen’s story, a story of growth, gratitude, and the relentless pursuit of helping others become stronger. This is RU Strong. Let’s get started.

Welcome to the RU Strong Podcast, where host Jeff Durr dives deep into the stories of athletes, coaches, and leaders who inspire us to stay strong in life, on and off the field. In this episode, Jeff sits down with Trent Clark, former college baseball player, Major League Baseball coach, and author of the transformational book Leading Winning Teams. Trent’s journey is a masterclass in grit, intentionality, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From grinding through the hard lessons of life to embracing the philosophy of "The Pain Exchange"—the willingness to endure discomfort to achieve your dreams. Trent embodies the mindset of a true champion. Trent shares how learning the hard way shaped his success, why the "comparison game" is a death trap, and the importance of taking ownership of your results by looking in the mirror. He emphasizes that performance beats everything, laziness has no place on the path to success, and it's always about the team—not just you. Through his C.A.R. Philosophy—Coachability, Adaptability, and Responsibility, Trent breaks down the key traits for building winning teams and thriving under pressure. With wisdom on poise, mental and emotional preparation, and being a fast learner who brings value, Trent’s message will leave you ready to rise to your own challenges. So, get ready to discover how to push past your pity parties, stay longer, work harder, and become the best version of yourself. Join Jeff Durr and Trent Clark as they explore the mindset, discipline, and grace it takes to lead and win in life. Let’s go All In—this is RU Strong!