Stronger is Better by Starting Strength Gyms

What to do after the Starting Strength Program | Stronger is Better Podcast #15

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2470340/open_sms] What happens when you’ve finished your Novice Linear Progression? In this episode, Stronger is Better host Nick Delgadillo joins Ray Gillenwater to discuss what to do next — how to transition intelligently from the Starting Strength Program into effective intermediate training. Nick breaks down how to recognize when it’s time to move beyond novice programming, how to make changes reluctantly and purposefully, and how to manage stress and recovery as you advance. He walks through practical examples for each lift — the squat, press, deadlift, and bench press — explaining how small, deliberate adjustments extend your progress for months or even years. > “Programming changes are made because you have to, not because you want to.”“If your programming change makes things easier, it probably wasn’t a good one.” 🗓️ Note: This episode originally aired on the Starting Strength Gyms Podcast on September 11, 2023. ⸻ 🔗 Brought to you by https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com [https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com/] 🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📩 Send feedback or questions to: podcast@ssgyms.com

A Parent’s Strength: Support for Disabled Children | Stronger is Better Podcast #14

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2470340/open_sms] In this powerful episode of the Stronger is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo is joined by UK-based client and father James Collinge to discuss how strength training has transformed his life—not just in the gym, but in parenting a disabled child.  James shares how barbell training prepared him physically and mentally for the unpredictable demands of caring for his autistic son, and how strength offers freedom, control, and peace of mind in even the most chaotic moments. Whether you’re a parent, a coach, or someone seeking a deeper reason to train, this episode is a must-listen. 00:00 - Intro: Meet James Collinge   01:45 - Training overview and coaching relationship   06:00 - Programming simplicity and advanced progress   09:00 - Current lifts and Dinnie Stones goal   13:20 - Grip work and unconventional lifting prep   18:56 - Specialization vs tradeoffs in strength   21:00 - Daily life with recovery, food, and structure   27:30 - How strength helps parenting a disabled child   30:30 - Real-life travel and care challenges   33:45 - Physical freedom and reduced anxiety   36:30 - Strength makes things easier—not just possible   38:11 - Strength changes social dynamics and confidence   40:40 - Controlling physical situations safely   43:41 - The emotional toll of high-stress parenting   46:00 - A message to parents of disabled children   48:33 - Capability = lower life stress   50:45 - Capability for the long haul: aging with responsibility   53:08 - It's your responsibility to stay strong   55:00 - Final reflections and future of Starting Strength Gyms   ⸻ 🔗 Brought to you by https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com [https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com/] 🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📩 Send feedback or questions to: podcast@ssgyms.com

Fighting the Lust for Comfort | Stronger is Better Podcast #13

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2470340/open_sms] In this episode of the Stronger is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo shares a talk he delivered at the Starting Strength Cincinnati Member event in August 2025. This talk dives deep into the consequences of modern comfort, the transformative value of hard physical effort, and the role of barbell training in reclaiming your physical existence. Nick outlines how stress, recovery, and adaptation aren’t just for strength gains — they’re foundational to becoming a better human. He also explores the three dimensions of capability: intelligence, connection with others, and connection with your physical body — and how barbell training uniquely activates all three. If you’re looking for meaning in your training — or need a reminder of why it matters — this is the episode to watch. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: The power of community at SS Cincinnati   02:00 – Why strength training is still underrated   05:00 – Better people through hard physical things   07:00 – Stress–Recovery–Adaptation and the S.A.I.D. principle   10:20 – Why lifting gets harder, and why that’s the point   13:00 – Accumulated stress and managing recovery   16:00 – Why performance is non-negotiable   18:00 – The “Three Capabilities” model: Mind, connection, body   21:00 – Why physical capability is a human-level multiplier   25:00 – Strength training as a humbling and clarifying process   28:00 – The law of diminishing returns in real time   30:00 – Why you don’t need to quit lifting for cardio   33:00 – Understanding the physical spectrum   36:00 – Bigger muscles = health, longevity, and looking better   40:00 – Why barbells are the most disruptive and accessible tool   43:00 – Three ingredients for happiness (from Matt Larsen)   46:30 – “The lust for comfort murders the passion of the soul”   48:00 – Final thoughts and closing quote from Rip ⸻ 🔗 Brought to you by https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com [https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com/] 🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📩 Send feedback or questions to: podcast@ssgyms.com

Stop Screwing up your Novice Linear Progression | Stronger is Better Podcast #12

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2470340/open_sms] In this episode, Nick Delgadillo and Ray Gillenwater revisit one of the most important topics in barbell training: the Starting Strength Novice Linear Progression (NLP). Originally recorded in 2021, this conversation outlines everything you need to know about the NLP — from day one in the gym to transitioning into intermediate programming. Whether you’re brand new to strength training or getting back under the bar after a layoff, this episode will help you understand how to approach programming with confidence. Topics covered: * What actually makes someone a “novice” lifter * Why you should not overcomplicate your early training * Programming for each lift: squat, press, bench, and deadlift * How to know when to adjust your program — and how * Why most people change things too early (and fail) * How NLP builds confidence and transforms lives Key quote: > “The change that you actually need to make is probably much smaller than the one you will want to make. So make the small change and then keep progress going.” 🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📩 Send feedback or questions to: podcast@ssgyms.com ⸻ 🔗 Brought to you by https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com [https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com/] 🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📩 Send feedback or questions to: podcast@ssgyms.com

A Stronger Chassis for Everest with David “Ghost” Phillips | Stronger Is Better Podcast #11

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2470340/open_sms] On this episode of the Stronger is Better Podcast, Nick talks with David “Ghost” Phillips, a retired Navy veteran, mountaineer, and member at Starting Strength San Antonio. David shares his journey from the Appalachian Trail to summiting Mount Everest, his battle with frostbite, and his ambitious “Project 327”—the pursuit of the Triple Crown of hiking and the Explorers Grand Slam. We dive into: •Why strength training was the key to his success on Everest •The dangers of high-altitude mountaineering, from avalanches to frostbite •How strength provides the foundation for endurance, longevity, and survival in extreme environments •David’s mission to support Disabled American Veterans through his expeditions Follow David’s journey and support his project: https://www.grandexplorerscrown.com/ [https://www.grandexplorerscrown.com/] 00:00 Intro & Guest Background Navy service, trail name “Ghost,” and joining Starting Strength San Antonio. 05:27 The Triple Crown & Appalachian Trail 4 months solo hiking after Navy retirement, leading into bigger goals. 15:07 Preparing for Everest Why barbell training was essential, gaining 30 lbs of muscle, and recovering from injury. 23:42 Dangers on Everest Avalanches, icefall, frostbite, and why most failures happen on the descent. 52:28 The Summit Experience What it’s really like at 29,000 feet — 10 minutes at the top and getting back down. 01:01:23 Frostbite & Recovery Medevac, hospital treatment, hyperbaric therapy, and adapting to long-term effects. 01:09:11 Project 327 & Future Goals Triple Crown + Seven Summits + North/South Poles — documentary and next expeditions. 01:17:53 Giving Back Supporting Disabled American Veterans through fundraising. ⸻ 🔗 Brought to you by https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com [https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com/] 🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📩 Send feedback or questions to: podcast@ssgyms.com