In this episode of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, host Nick Delgadillo speaks with Alex Ptacek, Head Coach at Starting Strength Chicago, and his trainee Mike Kelly. Mike shares the gripping and ultimately inspiring story of suffering a catastrophic quad injury—followed by multiple surgeries, setbacks, and an unwavering commitment to recovery. Alex and Mike detail the coaching, rehab, and mindset needed to not only recover but hit PRs after the injury.
This episode is a masterclass in first principles thinking, coaching accountability, and what’s possible when grit meets process. Whether you’re a coach, trainee, or recovering from injury yourself—this one is not to be missed.
00:00 - Intro and guest introductions
01:15 - Alex’s background and entry into coaching
04:55 - Mike’s long training history and CrossFit roots
07:00 - Mike’s first serious injury and how it led to Starting Strength
11:00 - The value of strength and discovering Rip
17:30 - Injury mindset, aging, and training smarter
27:00 - The squat injury and ambulance ride
34:10 - First surgery and complications
42:00 - Training with only one functioning quad
49:00 - Re-injury and second surgery
1:04:50 - Tourniquet bruise, setback, and third surgery
1:14:00 - Training mentality and persistence
1:21:00 - Running again—why movement matters
1:26:00 - Final thoughts: gratitude, recovery, and moving forward
⸻
🔗 Brought to you by https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com
🎧 New episodes every other week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify
📩 Send feedback or questions to: podcast@ssgyms.com
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Law & Order: Criminal Justice System - Season 1 & Season 2
Season Two Out Now! Law & Order: Criminal Justice System tells the real stories behind the landmark cases that have shaped how the most dangerous and influential criminals in America are prosecuted. In its second season, the series tackles the threat of terrorism in the United States. From the rise of extremist political groups in the 60s to domestic lone wolves in the modern day, we explore how organizations like the FBI and Joint Terrorism Take Force have evolved to fight back against a multitude of terrorist threats.