PODCAST · health
The Powerlifter's Den
by Cam Smith
Welcome to The Powerlifter’s Den — the ultimate hangout for lifters, strength athletes, and iron addicts. Hosted by Cam Smith, this podcast dives deep into the world of powerlifting, featuring real conversations with top lifters, coaches, and industry experts. Whether you're chasing PRs, building your total, or just love talking shop about squats, bench, and deadlifts, you've found your tribe. Check out our official merch and gear at PLDen.com , built for lifters who live the lifestyle.
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Episode 138: Fatigue Management, VBT, and Elite Performance ft. Mike Tuchscherer
In Episode 138 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with one of the most respected coaches and thinkers in powerlifting, Mike Tuchscherer. As the founder of Reactive Training Systems and a coach with nearly 30 years in the sport, Mike has helped shape modern approaches to training through data driven decision making, individualized programming, and structured experimentation.We dive deep into fatigue management, emerging training strategies, and velocity based training (VBT), discussing how lifters can make better in the moment decisions instead of blindly following a spreadsheet. Mike also breaks down common misconceptions around performance, why you do not need to feel your best to perform your best, and how predictable preparation leads to consistent results on the platform.From world level coaching to long term injury management and building systems that actually work in the real world, this episode is packed with practical insight for lifters, coaches, and anyone trying to train smarter.
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Episode 137: Hometown Homie Totals 2K RAW ft. Alex Freeman
In Episode 137 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Alexander Freeman, someone he actually went to high school with, making this episode a little more personal than most. Since those days, Alex has transformed himself into a serious force in powerlifting, building a 2000 raw total and 500 DOTS while preparing to make the jump into multi ply competition.Alex opens up about how athletics shaped his early years, how powerlifting gave him new direction, and how the loss of one of his best friends became the catalyst for completely changing his life. From grief, growth, and discipline to finding the right crew and learning how to truly live with intention, this episode dives into the mindset behind building not just strength, but a life worth being proud of.We also talk about his evolution in the sport, transitioning into equipped lifting, and why powerlifting can be one of the most powerful tools for personal transformation
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Episode 136: A Big Cycle Isn't the Best Cycle ft. RJ Butcher
In Episode 136 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with RJ Butcher — a lifter who’s been competing since 2009 and has built his career through experience, resilience, and time under the bar.RJ shares his journey from training in old-school gyms to stepping on the platform across multiple weight classes, totaling 2104 at 242 in wraps, and now setting his sights on multiply. We dive into the reality of staying in the sport long-term, the toll injuries take, and why progress isn’t always clean or pretty.From ruptures and tears to continuing to show up anyway, RJ talks about what it really means to push forward when everything hurts — physically and mentally. We also get into gym culture, competition mindset, and lessons learned from being around some of the sport’s most respected lifters.This episode is about longevity, grit, and earning every pound the hard way.
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Episode 135: EliteFTS Mentoring and Powerlifting in Oklahoma ft. Sam Brown
In Episode 135 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Sam Brown — a human performance expert for the United States Air Force, McGill Method Certified Practitioner, and multi-ply lifter with a 2100+ total.Sam shares his journey from training at elitefts and learning under Westside-influenced lifters to working with pilots and aircrew in high-stress environments. We dive into what actually matters in training, why there is no “secret sauce,” and how overcomplicating the process is holding lifters back.We also talk about the realities of equipped lifting, the misconception that gear does the work for you, and what it takes to perform both on the platform and in real-world high-pressure situations. From bombing out at the Arnold to building consistency over time, this episode is all about simplifying the process and focusing on what actually drives progress.
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Episode 134: Monster Drug Free and Masters Total ft. Alejandro Wickham
This week on The Powerlifter’s Den, we sit down with Alejandro Wickham—a 40-year-old masters lifter proving that elite performance doesn’t have an expiration date.Alejandro has totaled over 2070 lbs in tested competition while balancing the discipline and mindset forged through his military background. We dive into what it takes to stay competitive at a high level into your 40s, how his time in the military shaped his approach to training and life, and the realities of competing drug-tested while still pushing elite numbers.We also get into longevity in the sport, adapting training as you age, and what separates lifters who last from those who burn out.If you’re chasing strength for the long haul, this one hits
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Episode 133: 4X World's Strongest Woman ft. Erin Murray
In Episode 133 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Erin Murray — 4x World’s Strongest Woman and one of the only athletes in strength sports to hold world titles across multiple weight classes.Erin shares her journey from getting into lifting as part of recovery, to competing on the Arnold stage and becoming one of the most dominant athletes in strongman. We dive into what it takes to reach that level, how she balances high-level competition with life outside the sport, and the mindset behind her mantra: “Disrespect the Impossible.”We also talk about her transition through different phases of strength sports, upcoming competitions across the world, and why being elite doesn’t have to come at the cost of everything else in your life.
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Episode 132: Traveling the World and Smashing Big Totals ft. Karl Wedel
In Episode 132 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Karl Wedel — an international lifter with his sights set on a 1080kg total at ABS Pro 8, where he’ll face off against current title holder Nicolas Du Preez.Karl shares his journey from getting into powerlifting just to compete with a friend, to building elite strength while working full-time shift hours in a windmill factory. We dive into the mindset and grit required to progress in the sport, why he doesn’t believe in overcomplicating training, and the myths around accessories, diet, and what it really takes to get strong.He also opens up about overcoming a grade 2 quad tear, coming back stronger, and why focusing on the long game is the only way to succeed in powerlifting. This episode is raw, direct, and centered around one thing — doing what it takes to keep progressing.
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Episode 131: 1000+ Bench and Squat ft. Tony Carlino
This week on The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Tony Carlino—elite equipped bencher, full power competitor, and one of the few lifters in history to bench over 1000 pounds in multiply, with a massive 1036 bench in 2024.Tony talks about how he got hooked on powerlifting after watching Road to the Arnold, what it means to be in the tiny group of lifters to bench 1000+ in poly, and becoming just the second person ever to squat and bench 1000+ in the same meet. The two also dive into bench shirts, why people misunderstand equipped lifting, the mindset behind chasing huge numbers, and what still drives Tony to keep pushing the limit.They also touch on EverStrong, the mission he cofounded with his wife Shelly, and the goals he’s still chasing: 1000+ single ply, 1100+ single/multi ply, and 1300+ unlimited.Follow Tony:IG: @sirbenchalot1kTikTok: @sirbenchalot1kShop merch: plden.comSponsored by Wicked Wolf Beard Co.
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Episode 130: Powerlifting Nutrition and Optimization ft. Connie Nightingale
In Episode 130 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Connie to talk about her journey through the sport of powerlifting and what it takes to keep showing up when the work gets hard.We dive into how she found her way into lifting, the lessons learned through training and competition, and the mindset required to continue pushing forward in a sport that demands consistency, patience, and resilience. Connie shares the highs, the struggles, and what keeps her motivated to keep chasing strength.From training philosophy to the realities of competing, this episode is a conversation about growth, persistence, and carving out your own path in the iron game.
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Episode 129: NFL Strength Coaching and 50+ Years Experience ft. Bill Gillespie
In Episode 129 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with legendary bench presser Bill Gillespie — a world record holder, elite masters competitor, and former NFL and college strength coach.Bill shares stories from decades in the iron game, from coaching athletes at the highest levels of sport to building one of the most respected bench press legacies in powerlifting. We dive into what it takes to stay competitive for decades, how strength training differs between athletes and powerlifters, and why discipline and consistency are the real keys to longevity in the sport.We also talk about the mindset required to push world-class weights, lessons learned from the coaching world, and how Bill continues to inspire lifters across generations.If you love powerlifting history, elite bench pressing, and hard-earned wisdom from someone who’s truly lived the strength life — this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
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Episode 128: Moderation is for Cowards ft. Bob Merkh
In this episode of The Powerlifter’s Den, we sit down with Bob Merkh to talk about his new book Moderation for Cowards, now available on Amazon, and the mindset behind a lifetime under the bar. Bob breaks down the philosophy that drove the book, why embracing intensity matters in strength sports, and the lessons learned from decades of competing.We also dive into his final meet, Holy Wars III, reflecting on the preparation, the emotions behind closing out a competitive career, and what it means to go out on your own terms. From old-school lifting stories to hard-earned wisdom, this episode captures the mentality of a lifter who never believed in doing things halfway.If you believe moderation is overrated and commitment is everything, this episode is for you. 💪🎙️
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Episode 127: Building to Top 10 All Time ft. Lyndsay Bramble
In Episode 127 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Lyndsay Bramble — Holy Wars competitor, WPO athlete, and a lifter who has put a 655 lb squat on the platform while climbing into the top ranks of the sport.With a 6th all-time squat and 8th all-time total, Lyndsay opens up about what it takes to compete at the highest level — and what happens when life forces you to reset. She talks about her fallout with the sport in 2022, rebuilding from depression and bad life decisions, and how powerlifting ultimately brought her back to herself.We dive into earning your space in warm-up rooms, chasing top-5 all-time status, the mental side of big-stage competition, and why you don’t need to wait until you feel “ready” to step on the platform. This is an episode about growth, humility, execution, and climbing back stronger than before.
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Episode 126: From CA to EliteFTS and the WPO ft. Jake Seibert
In Episode 126 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Jake Seibert — a lifter who’s totaled over 2400, squatted over 1000 pounds, and tested himself on the WPO stage. This episode is a deep dive into what it really takes to perform at the highest level of powerlifting without losing perspective along the way.Jake breaks down his journey through elite competition, the lessons learned chasing big numbers, and how experience, consistency, and mindset separate lifters who last from those who burn out. We talk multiply lifting, the realities of preparing for world-level meets, and why longevity matters more than hype in a sport that demands everything from you.If you’re interested in what it actually takes to reach the top — and stay there — this episode delivers.
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Episode 125: From Near Death to Elite Strength ft. Carina Davis
In Episode 125 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Carina Davis — former elite full power lifter, bench-only specialist, meet director, and one of the strongest women to ever compete in the sport. Once ranked among the best total, squat, and bench lifters in powerlifting, Carina opens up about what it truly took to reach that level — and the cost that came with it.Carina shares how nearly dying from meningitis in 2016 pushed her to finally chase her dreams, the sacrifices and pain required to become one of the best, and the injuries that ultimately led her to step away from full power lifting. She speaks candidly about surviving a domestic violence relationship, navigating chronic injuries, and finding renewed purpose through bench-only competition and hosting meets like Bummy’s Beatdown in Los Angeles.This episode is about resilience, knowing when to evolve, competing before you feel “ready,” and why ego can be the biggest limiter in strength sports. Honest, emotional, and powerful — this is a conversation every lifter should hear.
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Episode 124: Mental Strength Through Powerlifting ft. Delco Jesus
On Episode 124 of The Powerlifter’s Den, we’re joined by Delco Jesus — a lifter whose journey is built on struggle, discipline, and earned perspective. From losing over 100 pounds to grinding out a 705lb squat on one of the hardest days of his life, Delco opens up about what powerlifting has taken from him — and what it’s given back.We dive into mental health in the sport, the importance of real standards and federations, RPE versus reality, and why time spent spotting, loading, and battling head-to-head matters more than social media hype. Delco shares what it’s like to chase strength while carrying personal weight, navigating the mental toll of competition, and staying grounded when lifting stops being fun.This episode is raw, honest, and unapologetically real — a must-listen for lifters who care about longevity, integrity, and earning their place under the bar.
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Episode 123: World Record Squats and Going Out On Your Shield ft. Shane Haller
On Episode 124 of The Powerlifter’s Den, we’re joined by Shane Haller — former ATWR holder, decade-long competitor, and now full-time coach with an eye on the bigger picture of the sport. Shane dives into his journey from lifting for football and wrestling to totaling 2430 in wraps, squatting 925 raw at 308, and building real credibility both on and off the platform.We get into what competing for 10 years teaches you that social media never will, how a serious back injury shaped his entire career, and why coaching, athlete development, and understanding the landscape of powerlifting matters more now than ever. From insane meet stories (including his first 900lb squat) to hard-earned lessons about longevity, Shane brings experience, honesty, and perspective you don’t hear often enough.This episode is for lifters, coaches, and anyone who wants to understand what it really takes to last in the sport.
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Episode 122: The Truth About Powerlifting Coaching ft. MJ Greeno
In this episode of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Michael “MJ” Greeno, one of the most respected coaches in powerlifting with nearly 30 years in the sport. While MJ downplays his own lifting career, his coaching résumé speaks for itself — his athletes make up 20% of the top raw totals in the world, including 3 of the top 10 biggest raw squats of all time.We dive into the realities of elite coaching, why most people misunderstand what coaching actually is, the future landscape of powerlifting, and why failure — not success — is what builds great lifters. This episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to develop champions and sustain longevity in the sport
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Episode 121: Squat ATWRs and KOTP/QOTP meet ft. Jordan Wong
In this episode of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Jordan Wong — gym owner, meet director, and one of the greatest squatters of all time. A 2x All-Time World Record holder at 220, Jordan is chasing one final run at the ATWR and a 2,000 lb total before hanging it up.Jordan opens up about surviving catastrophic spine injuries, nerve damage, pec surgery, and being told he’d never train again — only to come back and squat 800 lbs just 11 months later. We talk about training for longevity, maximizing your prime years, building life outside the gym, and what powerlifting actually looks like beyond social media.If you care about staying in the sport, building something real, and chasing greatness the right way — this one hits deep.
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Episode 120: Chasing A 3000lb Total ft. Kyle Shreve
In this episode of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Kyle Shreve, a Detroit-based electrician and multi-ply / unlimited powerlifter whose path into the sport was shaped by Westside Barbell influence, hard work, and using the gym as a way out of depression. Kyle talks about starting his training in 2017, stepping on the platform for the first time in 2021, and building himself into a serious competitor through discipline and consistency.We get into training at RPS, the mindset required for unlimited lifting, what separates real training environments from commercial gyms, and what it means to truly establish yourself as a lifter. With a 2920 total at NOTB and bigger goals still ahead, this episode is about grit, identity, and earning everything you get under the bar.
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Episode 119: Heaviest Teen Total Ever! ft. JT Krivinskas
In this episode of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with JT Krivinskas — the University of New Haven football player who also happens to hold the heaviest teenage squat and total of all time. At just 19, JT already has a top-15 all-time total and top-12 squat in the 242 class… and he’s nowhere near done.We get into how he started lifting in his garage at 15, the moment a Facebook-Marketplace bench shirt changed his life, and what it was like building himself into an elite lifter before he was legally allowed to drink. JT opens up about missing 1100, coming back to smoke it when it mattered, balancing college football and powerlifting, and how he thinks young lifters should approach the sport.Raw, driven, and already built like a veteran — this is one of the strongest 19-year-olds to ever touch a barbell.
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Episode 118: ATWR Squat and Texas Powerlifting ft. Tyler Williamson
In this episode of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Tyler Williamson to break down his journey through the sport of powerlifting — from early training days to the mindset it takes to chase long-term success under the bar. Tyler opens up about the discipline, setbacks, and sacrifices required to keep progressing when motivation fades and pressure rises.Whether you’re a competitor or just someone obsessed with getting stronger, this episode dives into what it really takes to level up — mentally and physically.
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Episode 117: From National Gymnastics Champ to ATWR Squat ft. Steph Mager
Steph Mager (@stephm.fit) went from collegiate gymnast to ATWR-holding powerlifter in just a few short years — and she didn’t take the easy route to get there. In this episode, Steph sits down with Cam to talk about walking away from gymnastics after a national title, finding powerlifting by accident, and learning how to fail forward after bombing a meet and immediately signing up for another.We dive into raw vs equipped culture, training in an environment that actually raises your standard, and the mindset shift from “just training” to training to win.
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Episode 116: From Life Support to Liftetime PR ft. Jared Maynard
Jared Maynard (@jared.unbreakable) is a strength coach, physical therapist, and powerlifter whose story is one of the most powerful comebacks in the sport. In 2023, Jared was diagnosed with a rare and often fatal immune condition (HLH), spent weeks in the ICU, lost over 40 lbs of muscle, and had to relearn basic functions — walking, talking, breathing on his own. A year later, he returned to the platform and pulled a lifetime deadlift PR while navigating progressive vision loss.In this episode, Jared and Cam dive into resilience, rebuilding from rock bottom, the flaws in powerlifting rehab, and the mindset behind Jared’s message: “You’re not done yet.”
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Episode 115: 5X Canda's Strongest Woman and ATWRs ft. Sam Belliveau
Sam Belliveau (@sambelliveauu) is a 5x Canada’s Strongest Woman, North America’s Strongest Woman, and a world record holder in the circus dumbbell. In this episode, Sam sits down with Cam to talk about her journey from hockey player to powerlifter to one of the most dominant strongwomen in the world. She opens up about training at Westside Barbell, rebuilding after a major pelvis injury, and the no-excuses mindset that keeps her climbing to the top of every stage she steps on.If you love strength, grit, and athletes who train hard and stay humble — this is your episode.
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Episode 114: Westside Stories and 2900 total ft. AJ Roberts
AJ Roberts is a Westside Barbell legend, former world-record-holding powerlifter, and one of the few lifters to total nearly 2,900 lbs. In this episode, Cam sits down with AJ to talk about his journey under Louie Simmons, the evolution of strength culture, and what happens when you step away from chasing numbers to chase purpose instead.From breaking records at Westside to redefining success beyond the bar, AJ brings perspective, grit, and the lessons learned from a lifetime in strength.
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Episode 113 : Do It Scared Anyway ft. Amanda Smith
Amanda Smith (@thesmithmachine75) is one of powerlifting’s rising stars — a 631 DOTS lifter who’s already competed internationally and has her sights set on the IPF stage and Sheffield. In this episode, Cam talks with Amanda about her comeback from life’s toughest chapters, rebuilding confidence on and off the platform, and keeping the focus on lifting — not the drama.From spotting at the American Pro to competing on it the next year, Amanda’s story is about courage, consistency, and doing it scared anyway.Amanda Smith (@amandanicoleee_) is one of powerlifting’s rising stars — a 631 DOTS lifter who’s already competed internationally and has her sights set on the IPF stage and Sheffield. In this episode, Cam talks with Amanda about her comeback from life’s toughest chapters, rebuilding confidence on and off the platform, and keeping the focus on lifting — not the drama.From spotting at the American Pro to competing on it the next year, Amanda’s story is about courage, consistency, and doing it scared anyway.
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Episode 112: Raw Strength and Real Talk ft. JP Carroll
JP Carroll (@jp_carroll_fyfm) has spent 15 years under the bar — benching 600 raw, totaling 2282 lbs, training with some of the strongest crews in the country, and helping shape powerlifting’s culture from the inside. In this episode, JP joins Cam to talk about his journey from football to powerlifting, what it was really like training at Westside, and the lessons he’s learned running his own gym and hosting meets.Unfiltered, old-school, and brutally honest, JP brings stories, humor, and perspective from a lifetime spent chasing strength.
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Episode 111: Rochester's First 2K Raw Total ft. Kyle Sheridan
Kyle Sheridan (@sheridanstrength) is a 2000+ total lifter, coach, and co-owner of Legends 24/7 Gym. In this episode, Kyle talks about powerlifting through the eras — from his early bodybuilding days and training under Paul Childress to building The Crew at Legends and bouncing back from a string of brutal injuries.We dive into gym culture, learning from legends, old-school vs new-school lifting, and what it takes to stay in the sport when things get tough.
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Episode 110: 29 Years of Powerlifting ft. Rebecca Roberts
Rebecca Roberts (@notmrsdonjohnson) has been competing for nearly three decades as a powerlifter and strongwoman — and she’s still breaking barriers. In this episode, Cam sits down with Rebecca to talk about her journey from early days on the platform to coming back with a 600lb deadlift just 8 months after major surgery.A 29-year veteran, molecular biologist, and pro strongwoman, Rebecca brings a unique perspective on crew culture, recovery, mindset longevity, and what it takes to keep lifting when everyone else burns out.
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Episode 109: Tactical Fitness and 2100 Raw Total ft. Carlos Reyes
Carlos Reyes (@creyes242) has spent nearly two decades in strength sports — from winning 3x amateur national titles in strongman to chasing down a 2101 total in powerlifting. In this episode, Cam talks with Carlos about training under Derek Poundstone’s CT Strength Crew, the long road to finally breaking 2100 after seven years of chasing it, and what those battles taught him about mindset and longevity.Now a Lieutenant and training officer for the Bridgeport Fire Department, Carlos also breaks down the biggest myths in tactical fitness, the differences between tested and untested training, and why consistency will always beat hype.
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Episode 108: 2400+ Raw Total in First Meet ft. Devonte Lewis
Devonte Lewis (@liftsbylew) has been in powerlifting for less than a year, but he’s already rewritten the record books with the third highest drug-tested total ever and the highest drug-tested subtotal in history. In this episode, Cam talks with Devonte about his rapid rise, managing the pressure of expectations, and what it means to qualify for Nationals after just one meet.From his Houston roots to breaking records in Crocs, Devonte’s story proves what raw talent and relentless drive can accomplish in under 12 months.
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Episode 107: 3rd Person to Ever Total 3K ft. Rodney Woodward Jr
Rodney Woodward Jr. (@rwjr1085) just locked in a massive 3,025 lb total, cementing himself among the strongest lifters in the game. In this episode, Cam sits down with Rodney to talk about the journey to one of the biggest totals of all time, competing at Blue Collar Barbell’s Strength of Heroes 5, and what it takes to push the limits in multi-ply powerlifting.From training philosophy to the mindset behind historic numbers, Rodney brings raw insight into life at the very top of the sport.
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Episode 106: ATWR and Mental Health ft. Stacy "Bama" Burr
Stacy “Bama” Burr (@bamaburr) is a world-record-setting powerlifter, strongman competitor, coach, and owner of Bad Dog Barbell. In this episode, Cam sits down with Bama to talk about chasing the highest Wilks score in history, the mindset of becoming the Best in the World, and the battles she faced along the way — including a near-suicide in 2018, brutal weight cuts, and the pressure that comes with living at the top.From leading Bama Brick Squad Training to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Stacy’s story is raw, unfiltered, and all about pushing limits inside and outside the gym.
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Episode 105: Powerlifting, Mental Health, and Moving Forward ft. Chad Aichs
Chad Aichs has been in the game since 1997, with achievements like a 1000lb drug-free squat and decades of competition experience. In this episode, Cam and Chad dive into the mental side of lifting and life, why recovery and sleep matter more than just “training hard,” and the lessons from a career that spans powerlifting, Highland Games, coaching, and podcasting.Chad also opens up about his struggles with narcolepsy, depression, and suicidal battles — and how sharing them has inspired others. From the barbell to building a barndominium gym and writing his upcoming book, Chad’s story is about strength that goes far beyond lifting.
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Episode 104: Strongest 181 Total and Heavy Singles ft. Blake Lehew
Blake Lehew (@deadliftingorangutan) has been competing for over 16 years, breaking John Haack’s 181 record and pushing past a 2K total while building one of the most consistent careers in powerlifting. In this episode, he talks with Cam about the truth behind training heavy singles year-round, why sleep is the most underrated performance tool, and what it really takes to stay elite for nearly two decades.Records fall, careers fade — but Blake’s blueprint for longevity is still climbing.
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Episode 103: From ACL Rupture to ATWR ft. Jenna Odziana
Jenna Odziana (@jodziana) went from rupturing her ACL to breaking an all-time world record squat in the same year. In this episode, she sits down with Cam to talk about resilience, the cardio myths holding lifters back, and what it takes to win the Women’s ProAm while chasing a 700 squat and 700 glossbrenner score at the WPO.Elite totals, comeback stories, and a training philosophy that’s as tough as her lifts.
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Episode 102: Precision, Pain, and Powerlifting ft. Naomi Sheppard
Naomi Sheppard (@naomi.phoenixperformance) joins Cam to talk about breaking multiple all-time world records, rebuilding after a broken back, and why most lifters are wasting time with programs that ignore phases, recovery, and real structure. With over 13 years of coaching experience and a background in biochemistry, Naomi breaks down the science and mindset behind high-level strength — and how she built one of the cleanest squats in the game.This episode is for lifters who want more than numbers — they want mastery.
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Episode 101: WPO Podiums and Self Sufficiency ft. Travis McKinney
Travis McKinney (@tkinneyv2.0) joins Cam to talk about being self-coached, multiply-built, and relentlessly committed to lifting and leading. From a 1124 squat at 220 to coaching a 50-lifter high school program and Special Olympics team, Travis breaks down how to go elite without a crew — and why giving back matters just as much as putting weight on the bar.This one’s for the lifters building alone and showing up for more than totals.
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Episode 100: Canada's Strongest Powerlifter ft. Justin Zottl
Justin Zottl (@fullzottl) joins Cam to talk about being the strongest Canadian powerlifter ever and why overthinking ruins real strength. From a national champion cyclist at 17 to one of the heaviest squats in his class, Justin shares raw stories about lifting through divorce, loss, and why his lifters know: simple standards always win.If you want hype, look somewhere else — if you want honesty, it’s right here.
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Episode 99: 1,452 Pound Bench Press and the Push for 1,500+ ft. Jimmy Kolb
Two years later and hundreds of pounds heavier on the bar — Jimmy Kolb (@kolbstrong) is back on The Powerlifter’s Den. The first human to bench 1,200, 1,300, and now 1,400+ pounds breaks down the mindset it takes to push the impossible even further. From reverse grip secrets to what’s next in his chase for 1,500, Jimmy opens up about staying grounded, staying dangerous, and why he’ll never settle.
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Episode 98: Strength Has No Expiration Date ft. Tommye Arnold
Tommye Arnold (@tommye_teamstorm) joins Cam to prove that strength really doesn’t come with an age limit. As the owner of Perfect Storm Gym, Tommye holds top 10 spots in raw, single-ply, and multiply for women over 60 — and she’s not done. She opens up about switching from bodybuilding to powerlifting at 53, building a community that keeps lifters hooked, and why equipped lifting keeps you in the game longer.From neck injuries to three bomb-outs in a row, Tommye’s comeback mindset is stubborn, real, and exactly what the sport needs.
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Episode 97: WPO Podium, Too Many Feds, Not Enough Pressure ft. Patrick Warren
Patrick Warren (@pdubs1019) joins Cam to break down how a former college cross-country runner turned into a WPO podium finisher. Patrick talks about stepping away and then coming back stronger with the Barbell 4:13 crew, why multiply lifting still matters, and what’s killing real competition in powerlifting today.From steel shop days to Vegas lifts, this one’s about standards, loyalty, and keeping the pressure on the platform — where it belongs.
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Episode 96: 11x Bodyweight Total, Broken Arm, Zero Excuses ft. Heidi Howar
Heidi Howar (@mommy_n_ry_lifts) joins Cam to talk about chasing massive numbers, staying mentally sharp, and what it took to come back from a broken arm to total 11x her bodyweight. Known for her raw and multiply accomplishments — including a 685 squat at 148 and a 535 deadlift at 131 — Heidi brings both power and perspective.From gear talk to first meet advice, this one’s equal parts grit, humor, and straight-up strength.
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Episode 95: BCB, Strength of Heroes, and Multiply Crews ft. Shawna Mendelson
In Episode 95 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam is joined by Shawna Mendelson-Curry (@mendelsonstrength), a veteran of the sport with over 25 years on the platform and 20 years of coaching experience. From stepping out of her brother Scot Mendelson’s shadow to building her own legacy through Blue Collar Barbell, Shawna shares her journey through equipped lifting, coaching philosophy, and the evolution of women in powerlifting.We dive into the myths about gear, what makes a real coach, and what it takes to stay in the game long enough to shape the next generation.
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Episode 94: Powerlifting for the Love, Not the Likes ft. Crystal Tate & Shaun Kopplin
In Episode 94 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Crystal Tate (@ctate87) and longtime teammate Shaun Kopplin to talk about legacy, loyalty, and lifting for the right reasons. Crystal was the first woman to deadlift 600lbs raw and squat 700lbs in wraps — but she’s never chased the spotlight. After spinal reconstruction and a full knee replacement, she’s back chasing single-ply records at Holy Wars with zero ego and all grit.Shaun joins to help share her story — from the early days to what’s next, and why powerlifting is still about team, not followers.
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Episode 93: Squatting 1000lbs and Healing from the Inside Out ft. Behzad "Bear" Bakhshandeh
Behzad “Bear” Bakhshandeh (@behzadbear) joins Cam to talk about squatting 1000+ lbs, self-rehabbing a broken back, and what lifters get wrong about pain and recovery. As the founder of Summit Performance Therapy, Bear breaks down his clinical approach to healing, how he balances strength with intention, and why mindset is everything.We also dig into the gear myths, the scam-filled side of fitness culture, and Bear’s mission to hit 1100lbs — this time, even lighter.
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Episode 92: Deadlift Redemption and the 2K Grind ft. David Cailler
David Cailler (@djc_275) joins Cam to talk about balancing life as a biomedical engineer and elite-level powerlifter with a 2034 total. From federation inconsistencies and the overuse of perfect conditions to overcoming deadlift struggles on meet day, Dave brings sharp insight and personal experience. Tune in for stories from IPL North Americans, a look ahead to King of the Platform, and thoughts on making a debut at ABS in 2025.
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Episode 91: South Africa's First 1000kg Total ft. Nicolaas Du Preez
Elite lifter Nicolaas du Preez (@nicolaas_du_preez_) joins Cam to talk about becoming the first South African to total over 1000kg raw — and why 1100kg is next. With a background in molecular biology and international meet experience, Nicolaas brings a unique blend of science and strength to the platform. Hear about his injury comeback, lifting mindset, and what’s ahead at ABS Pro 7 and Reach Rumble 2.
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Episode 90: 8 Years Of Elite Powerlifting ft. Nick Forte
On this week's episode elite powerlifter Nick Forte (@nforte242) joins Cam to talk about balancing life, lifting, and leadership. From staying ranked in the top 10 for nearly a decade to chasing a 2200+ total, Nick shares raw insights on consistency, injuries, and the mindset that keeps him elite.
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Episode 89: EliteFTS and Multiply Culture ft. Dave Tate
On this week's episode I have on guest Dave Tate to talk about his several decades in the world of powerlifting and how Elite FTS became on of the biggest companies in the sport.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to The Powerlifter’s Den — the ultimate hangout for lifters, strength athletes, and iron addicts. Hosted by Cam Smith, this podcast dives deep into the world of powerlifting, featuring real conversations with top lifters, coaches, and industry experts. Whether you're chasing PRs, building your total, or just love talking shop about squats, bench, and deadlifts, you've found your tribe. Check out our official merch and gear at PLDen.com , built for lifters who live the lifestyle.
HOSTED BY
Cam Smith
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