Strength Academy Podcast

Strength Academy Podcast

by Nick Byom

Fitness Nutrition

Season 1

How to Choose the Right Type of Muscle Growth for Your Goals

In this episode of Strength 101, Nick goes solo to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in lifting — hypertrophy. From the “pumped-up” size you get through sarcoplasmic hypertrophy to the dense, long-lasting strength built with myofibrillar hypertrophy, Nick explains how each type works and why it matters for your training. He breaks down the rep ranges, rest times, and strategies that target each one, and why pushing every set to failure is the ultimate growth signal. Using simple analogies and real-world examples from Strength Academy programming, Nick shows you how to match your workouts to your goals — whether you want fast, eye-catching muscle for a short-term event or strength and size that stick around for decades. If you’re ready to train with intention and finally understand how muscle actually grows, this episode will give you the blueprint. https://www.strengthacademyrf.com Connect 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/UA723379 Build muscle and strength from your local or home gym with our flagship Iron Hour program or request a personalized program that fits your specific goals. Make exercise substitutions on the fly to match the equipment you have, send questions to your coach, and pop into the community forum to discuss your training with others doing the same workouts – all from your phone! Connect with Nick & Matraca on Social Media: ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/nick__byom?igsh=cTdvZHdodWk3NGZx ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/matracafit?igsh=MTVpNml5enpmYWVkZQ== #strengthacademy #justshowup #strength101podcast

Here’s How to Boost Testosterone Without TRT

In this solo episode of Strength 101, Nick dives into one of the most misunderstood topics in fitness: testosterone. But this isn’t just for the dudes. Nick breaks down why testosterone matters for everyone — and how you can improve it naturally. No needles, no prescriptions — just sleep, lifting heavy, saturated fats, and honest talk. Drawing from his experience with mountain-man mentor Johnny Woodford and stories from inside the gym, Nick unpacks the habits that move the needle: getting quality sleep, training with intensity, eating smarter (yes, even bacon), and managing body fat. Whether you're a competitive lifter or just tired of feeling sluggish, this episode offers a no-BS guide to optimizing your hormones and reclaiming your energy. https://www.strengthacademyrf.com Connect 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/UA723379 Build muscle and strength from your local or home gym with our flagship Iron Hour program or request a personalized program that fits your specific goals. Make exercise substitutions on the fly to match the equipment you have, send questions to your coach, and pop into the community forum to discuss your training with others doing the same workouts – all from your phone! Connect with Nick & Matraca on Social Media: ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/nick__byom?igsh=cTdvZHdodWk3NGZx ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/matracafit?igsh=MTVpNml5enpmYWVkZQ== #strengthacademy #justshowup #strength101podcast

What Really Happens When You Lift & Drink Alcohol

In 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 think differently about your relationship with alcohol — and what you're really willing to trade for progress. https://www.strengthacademyrf.com Connect 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/UA723379 Build muscle and strength from your local or home gym with our flagship Iron Hour program or request a personalized program that fits your specific goals. Make exercise substitutions on the fly to match the equipment you have, send questions to your coach, and pop into the community forum to discuss your training with others doing the same workouts – all from your phone! Connect with Nick & Matraca on Social Media: ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/nick__byom?igsh=cTdvZHdodWk3NGZx ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/matracafit?igsh=MTVpNml5enpmYWVkZQ== #strengthacademy #justshowup #strength101podcast

High School Basketball Star and College Athlete Turned Fitness Coach

In 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 next goal or just getting started, this episode is packed with motivation, grit, and a whole lot of heart. https://www.strengthacademyrf.com Connect 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/UA723379 Build muscle and strength from your local or home gym with our flagship Iron Hour program or request a personalized program that fits your specific goals. Make exercise substitutions on the fly to match the equipment you have, send questions to your coach, and pop into the community forum to discuss your training with others doing the same workouts – all from your phone! Connect with Nick & Matraca on Social Media: ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/nick__byom?igsh=cTdvZHdodWk3NGZx ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/matracafit?igsh=MTVpNml5enpmYWVkZQ== #strengthacademy #justshowup #strength101podcast

Stop Overcomplicating Nutrition... It's Just Protein and Calories

In 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 track, this episode is a refreshing reminder that sustainable change doesn’t have to be complicated.

How a 39 Year Old Mom of 3 Got Shredded Without Giving Up Dessert

In 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 episode is for you. Jamie’s story is proof that change doesn’t require perfection, just persistence. https://www.strengthacademyrf.com Connect 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/UA723379 Build muscle and strength from your local or home gym with our flagship Iron Hour program or request a personalized program that fits your specific goals. Make exercise substitutions on the fly to match the equipment you have, send questions to your coach, and pop into the community forum to discuss your training with others doing the same workouts – all from your phone! Connect with Nick & Matraca on Social Media: ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/nick__byom?igsh=cTdvZHdodWk3NGZx ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/matracafit?igsh=MTVpNml5enpmYWVkZQ== #strengthacademy #justshowup #strength101podcast

What We Learned From Training at 6+ Different Gyms | Ep 16

https://www.strengthacademyrf.com Connect 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/UA723379 Build muscle and strength from your local or home gym with our flagship Iron Hour program or request a personalized program that fits your specific goals. Make exercise substitutions on the fly to match the equipment you have, send questions to your coach, and pop into the community forum to discuss your training with others doing the same workouts – all from your phone! =========================== Connect with Nick & Matraca on Social Media: ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/nick__byom?igsh=cTdvZHdodWk3NGZx ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/matracafit?igsh=MTVpNml5enpmYWVkZQ== #strengthacademy #justshowup #strength101podcast

I Ate 6000+ Calories for 36 Days! | Ep 15

In 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 nutrition or just love a good challenge, this episode will get you thinking differently about what health really means.

Episode 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 about The thought process behind the design A breakdown of each exercise How to attack this program with serious efficiency

Episode 13: We Had No Idea What We Were Doing... Now We Coach 350+ People

In 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 possible.

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