Shows
Strength 101What Really Happens When You Lift & Drink AlcoholIn this episode of Strength 101, Nick gets real about alcohol — not from a place of judgment, but from a place of curiosity and honesty. He breaks down what actually happens in your body when you drink, how it affects your sleep, recovery, and gym performance, and why it’s not just about willpower or discipline. You’ll hear about the trade-offs that come with drinking, the science behind those brutal “shamesies” after a night out, and how to navigate social life while still chasing your goals. Whether you're training hard or just trying to feel better, this episode will help you t...2025-07-2721 min
Strength 101High School Basketball Star and College Athlete Turned Fitness CoachIn this episode of Strength 101, Nick sits down with Coach Alex to dive into his journey from small-town farm life to the world of college athletics and group fitness. Alex shares stories from his days as a high school basketball standout including how he scored over 1,000 career points, and the shift that led him to compete in college track instead. From long hours in the field to intense workouts on the track, he talks about the values that shaped him, why he fell in love with coaching, and where he hopes to grow next. Whether you’re chasing your ne...2025-07-2055 min
Strength 101Why You’re Always Hurt — Even When You’re Lifting “Right”In this episode of Strength 101, Nick goes solo to break down one of the most frustrating parts of any fitness journey — injuries. From nagging shoulder pain to aching knees and low back tweaks, Nick explains the three most common lifting-related injuries he sees and the simple movement fixes that can help you recover and stay in the game. He shares real coaching cues and examples from Strength Academy members, diving into why bracing, positioning, and body awareness matter more than the weight on the bar. Whether you’re currently sidelined or just want to train smarter, this episode will give...2025-07-1320 min
Strength 101Abs Aren’t Made in the Kitchen — They’re Built in the GymIn this episode of Strength 101, Coach Nick breaks down one of the most talked-about topics in fitness — how to get visible abs. He covers why they’re so rare, what actually works to build them, and how nutrition plays into the process. From loaded crunches and leg raises to the truth about body fat percentages, Nick walks through the practical (and often misunderstood) steps for building a strong core that shows. You’ll learn why abs are more than a kitchen myth, what exercises are overrated, and how to know if the six-pack life is really for you. Whether you're...2025-07-0619 min
Strength 101Start Eating Like This, and Your Workouts Will Never Feel the SameIn this episode of Strength 101, Nick breaks down one of the most overlooked strategies for better workouts and faster recovery: nutrient timing. From the first thing you eat in the morning to how you refuel after a hard training session, Nick simplifies the science behind when to eat carbs, protein, and salt to maximize muscle growth and performance. He dives into the role of water, sugar, and protein — and how each impacts energy, the pump, and recovery. Whether you train at 5 a.m. or 8 p.m., this episode lays out a clear, practical roadmap to fuel smarter and feel st...2025-06-3023 min
Strength 101Stop Overcomplicating Nutrition... It's Just Protein and CaloriesIn this episode of Strength 101, Matraca goes solo to break down one of the most overcomplicated topics in fitness: nutrition. With endless fad diets, conflicting advice, and unrealistic expectations filling up social media, it’s no wonder so many people feel stuck. Matraca simplifies it all by focusing on two key principles — hitting your protein goal and staying in a calorie deficit. She walks through her personal tips for meal prep, food tracking, high-volume eating, and how to make room for your favorite foods (yes, even ice cream). Whether you’re just getting started or trying to get back on tra...2025-06-2216 min
Strength 101Why Rest and Stretching Might Be Making Your Injury WorseIn this episode of Strength 101, Nick goes solo to unpack a topic every lifter eventually faces — muscle tightness, strains, and nagging pains that won’t go away. Fueled by a late-night call from his brother-in-law dealing with rib pain after a workout, Nick shares a simple but game-changing framework for dealing with soft tissue injuries. From understanding the difference between joint damage and muscle strains to why rest and stretching might be making things worse, he lays out a smarter approach to recovery. You’ll hear why movement, blood flow, and smart loading matter more than you think — and how to g...2025-06-1509 min
Strength 101How a 39 Year Old Mom of 3 Got Shredded Without Giving Up DessertIn this episode of Strength 101, Nick sits down with longtime member Jamie Galgowski — a 39-year-old mom of three who’s in the best shape of her life. Jamie opens up about her journey from running endless miles and struggling with postpartum shifts to becoming one of the most shredded members at the gym. She shares how her mindset evolved, the role of tracking and strength training, and how she found balance between family life, career, and personal goals. Whether you’re juggling parenthood, looking to drop weight, or just need proof that it’s possible to feel strong again — this episo...2025-06-0850 min
Strength 101How to Start Lifting the Right Way and Actually See ResultsIn this episode of Strength 101, Coach Nick goes solo to break down the three biggest things no one tells you when you start lifting. From knowing which exercises actually build muscle, to understanding how hard you really need to push, to figuring out how much training your body can handle — this episode lays out a clear roadmap for beginners who are serious about getting results. With a mix of personal reflection and tactical advice, Nick shares the exact principles he wishes he knew at 22. Whether you’re just getting into strength training or not seeing progress despite your efforts, this...2025-06-0117 min
Strength 101How to Actually Get Rid of Your Dad Bod | Ep 2In this episode of Strength 101, Nick tackles one of the most common questions he gets: how do I get rid of my dad bod?With humor, honesty, and a step-by-step breakdown, he explains why the dad bod happens, why age isn’t the real culprit, and exactly what to do if you’re ready to change. From strength training basics to tracking food and hitting protein targets, Nick lays out a realistic path to build muscle, lose fat, and ditch the melted ice cream cone look.Whether you're a busy dad or just tired of hidi...2025-05-2517 min
Strength 101What We Learned From Training at 6+ Different Gyms | Ep 16https://www.strengthacademyrf.comConnect with us!➡︎ IG: / https://www.instagram.com/strengthacademyrf?igsh=MWlsOHZoaWM2NDdkbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr➡︎ Tik Tok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@strength101podcast?_t=ZP-8uz54FwRds6&_r=1⚡️FREE CLASS: Sign up for a FREE class at our gym here: ➡︎ https://strengthacademy.pushpress.com/landing/plans/plan_3b8de81cc61fb7/login⚡️BODY COMPOSITION PROGRAM: Check out our body composition program here:➡︎ https://www.strengthacademy101.com⚡️OUR APP: Check out our app here:➡︎ https://coach.everfit.io/package/UA723379Build mus...2025-05-1847 min
Strength 101I Ate 6000+ Calories for 36 Days! | Ep 15In this podcast, Nick breaks down his wild fast food experiment — a month-long journey of eating over 6,000 calories a day to purposely gain weight, and challenge the narrative around food, health, and transformation. He shares the results from his initial blood tests, how he felt during the process, and why he believes it’s possible to reverse the effects in just 30 days. You’ll hear the mindset behind the experiment, what he’s doing next to drop the weight, and how this all ties into a bigger message about ownership, flexibility, and knowing your body. Whether you’re curious about nutr...2025-05-1117 min
Strength 101Why Discomfort Comes Before Growth | Ep 1In this solo episode of Strength 101, Coach Nick shares a powerful mindset shift that could change how you approach your goals—in the gym and in life. He dives into the idea of the “feeling after the feeling,” explaining why pushing through discomfort now can lead to pride, progress, and long-term success. Whether you're facing gym anxiety, chasing new habits, or just trying to level up, this one’s for you.2025-05-0412 min
Strength 101Episode 14: Build Strength and Power With Our New Workout Program!Our upcoming POWER PROGRAM is almost here—and we’re giving you the inside scoop. Nick and DJ sat down to break down the why, the what, and how behind every exercise! Whether you’re new or a vet, this is your cheat code to crushing this 4 week program!In this episode you'll hear aboutThe thought process behind the designA breakdown of each exerciseHow to attack this program with serious efficiency2025-04-2750 min
Strength 101Episode 13: We Had No Idea What We Were Doing... Now We Coach 350+ PeopleIn this episode of Strength 101, two Strength Academy coaches open up about their personal fitness journeys — from feeling lost on day one in the gym to becoming confident leaders and coaches.They talk through the intimidation of getting started, the setbacks and breakthroughs that shaped them, and the powerful moments that made it click. You’ll hear how pull-ups and deadlifts became more than just lifts, and why coaching became their calling.Whether you're just starting out or deep into your fitness journey, this episode is a reminder that everyone starts somewhere — and growth is always...2025-04-2043 min
Strength 101Episode 12: You Are Being Lied To About Calories and NutritionIn this episode of Strength 101, Nick and Matraca break down the truth behind one of the most misunderstood topics in fitness: nutrition. From the myth of “good” and “bad” calories to why labeling foods as strictly healthy or unhealthy is misleading. They explain why calories are simply energy, and how that understanding can change your entire approach to eating.They also get into topics like metabolic rate, muscle mass, and even grocery store layouts. This episode is part science, part storytelling, and a whole lot of myth-busting. If you’ve ever been confused by food labels, fad diets, or...2025-04-1347 min
Strength 101Episode 12: You Are Being Lied to About Calories and Nutrition!In this episode of Strength 101, Nick and Matraca break down the truth behind one of the most misunderstood topics in fitness: nutrition. From the myth of “good” and “bad” calories to why labeling foods as strictly healthy or unhealthy is misleading. They explain why calories are simply energy, and how that understanding can change your entire approach to eating.They also get into topics like metabolic rate, muscle mass, and even grocery store layouts. This episode is part science, part storytelling, and a whole lot of myth-busting. If you’ve ever been confused by food labels, fad diets, or...2025-04-1347 min
Strength 101Episode 11: Asking a 23 Year Old How He Completely Turned His Life Around! (Part 2)In this episode of Strength 101, Nick sits down with our Strength Coach DJ for a conversation about his journey. You’ll hear real stories about resilience, growth, and the mindset shifts that helped DJ transform his life at just 23 years old. Whether you’re navigating your own challenges or just need a bit of inspiration, this episode is a raw and motivating look at what it means to take control of your path. https://www.strengthacademyrf.comConnect with us!➡︎ IG: / https://www.instagram.com/strengthacademyrf?igsh=MWlsOHZoaWM2NDdkbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 2025-04-0647 min
Strength 101Episode 10: Asking a 23 Year Old How He Completely Turned His Life Around! (Part 1)In this episode of Strength 101, Nick sits down with our Strength Coach DJ for a powerful and honest conversation about his journey through adversity. From his time in the military to the challenges of college life, DJ opens up about the personal struggles and turning points that shaped who he is today.You’ll hear real stories about resilience, growth, and the mindset shifts that helped DJ transform his life at just 23 years old. Whether you’re navigating your own challenges or just need a bit of inspiration, this episode is a raw and motivating look at what...2025-03-3051 min
Strength 101Episode 9: Lower Body Muscle Groups Deep Dive!In this episode of Strength 101, co-hosts Nick and Matraca dive into the key lower body muscle groups – quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. They break down some of their favorite exercises to build strength, power, and size, and share tips for maximizing your lower body gains.Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your lower body workouts or add new moves to your routine, this episode is packed with practical advice and techniques to help you build muscle and see results!2025-03-2334 min
Strength 101Episode 8: Deep Dive Into the Upper Body Muscle Groups!In this episode of Strength 101, co-hosts Nick and Matraca dive into the key upper body muscle groups - chest, arms, shoulders, and abs. They break down some of their favorite exercises to build strength and size, including the new chest crusher movement from our last program.Nick shares tips for getting the most out of pressing movements and how to challenge your shoulders. Matraca talks arm finishers that leave your biceps and triceps pumped, and core exercises that are simple but effective.Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your upper body workouts or find new ex...2025-03-1625 min
Strength 101Episode 7: Interviewing Coach Matraca!In our NEWEST EPISODE of Strength 101, host Nick Byom sits down with Matraca to uncover the journey that shaped her into the person she is today. From her childhood experiences to the pivotal moments that fueled her passion for fitness and personal growth, Matraca shares her story with honesty and insight. They dive into the challenges she's faced, the lessons she's learned, and how those experiences have made her stronger—both mentally and physically.2025-03-021h 02
Strength 101Episode 6: Q&A Part 2!In this episode of Strength 101, we discuss questions asked by our very own listeners. Co-hosts Nick and Matraca answer questions about protein, fasting, creatine, and strategic eating!2025-02-2324 min
Strength 101Episode 6: Q&A Part 1!In this episode of Strength 101, we discuss questions asked by our very own listeners. Co-hosts Nick and Matraca answer questions about macros, volume eating, how to maximize gains, and more!2025-02-1621 min
Strength 101Episode 5: Strength Made Simple!In this episode of Strength 101, we discuss how to make strength training simple. Co-hosts Nick and Matraca break down workouts of their own, and discuss why those workouts will get you the best results!2025-02-0950 min
Strength 101Episode 4: Navigating Eating Out On A Cut!In this episode of Strength 101, we discuss how eating out while trying to stay in a calorie deficit can feel like a challenge—but it doesn’t have to be! Co-hosts Nick and Matraca break down practical strategies for enjoying restaurant meals without derailing your progress.Nick explains why a calorie deficit is the key to weight loss and how to make mindful choices when dining out. Matraca shares simple yet effective tips—like using food tracking apps, scanning menus ahead of time, and making smart swaps—to help you stay on track without sacrificing flavor or fun....2025-02-0332 min
Strength 101Episode 3: Busting Fitness Myths - Part 2!Welcome to Strength 101, the podcast where co-hosts Nick and Matraca bust fitness myths and deliver straight-up advice to help you crush your goals.From debunking common myths about the "anabolic window", "sweat equity" and "no pain no gain" Nick and Matraca cut through fitness fads with humor and science.Subscribe to Strength 101 on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates and more!2025-01-3119 min
Strength 101Episode 3: Busting Fitness Myths - Part 1!Welcome to Strength 101, the podcast where co-hosts Nick and Matraca bust fitness myths and deliver straight-up advice to help you crush your goals.From debunking "Does lifting weights make you bulky?" to "Targeting specific spot on body for fat loss", Nick and Matraca cut through fitness fads with humor and science.Subscribe to Strength 101 on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates and more!2025-01-2420 min
Strength 101Episode 2: Weight Loss 101!In this episode of Strength 101, co-hosts Nick and Matraca tackle the ever-confusing world of weight loss. With so much misinformation out there—like the myths that "carbs are bad" or "fats are the enemy"—they break it all down and explain the science behind shedding pounds the right way.Nick explains the cornerstone of weight loss: a calorie deficit. Learn what calories really are and why understanding the "energy in, energy out" model is crucial. Matraca shares practical tips like using food tracking apps to help simplify your nutrition and ensure you're on the right path.If...2025-01-1748 min
Strength 101Episode 2: Weight Loss 101!In this episode of Strength 101, co-hosts Nick and Matraca tackle the ever-confusing world of weight loss. With so much misinformation out there—like the myths that "carbs are bad" or "fats are the enemy"—they break it all down and explain the science behind shedding pounds the right way.Nick explains the cornerstone of weight loss: a calorie deficit. Learn what calories really are and why understanding the "energy in, energy out" model is crucial. Matraca shares practical tips like using food tracking apps to help simplify your nutrition and ensure you're on the right path.If...2025-01-1748 min
Strength 101Episode 1: Meet Your Hosts!Welcome to the very first episode of Strength 101! Join co-hosts Nick Byom and Matraca Conarro as they introduce themselves and Strength Academy. Get to know Matraca as she shares her journey from a small town in Minnesota to becoming a coach at Strength Academy in River Falls.Nick and Matraca discuss what makes Strength Academy unique—a gym focused on traditional strength training classes for the general population. Whether you're a 40-year-old mom looking to start lifting or someone who wants to master the basics like squats, deadlifts, rows, and bench presses, Strength Academy is the place fo...2025-01-0851 min