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.
Jul 25, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 100
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.
Jul 18, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 99
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, ...
Jul 11, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 98
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.
Jul 04, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 97
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.
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 96
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 ...
Jun 20, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 95
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 ...
Jun 17, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 94
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.
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 93
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.
May 30, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 92
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.
May 23, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 91
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.
May 16, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 90
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.
May 09, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 89
On this week's episode I have on guest Mike Skiba to discuss legacy in powerlifting and making an impact more than just putting up a big total. We also dive into Covenant Conjugate and Hellbent origins
May 02, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 88
On this week's episode I have on guest Taylor Schaeffer
Apr 25, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 85
On this week's episode I have on guest Alex Donald who has a monster raw total of 1400+ in the women's 220 weight class to discuss her training and why conjugate works for everyone.
Apr 18, 2025•50 min
On this week's episode I have on guest Andy Polk to talk about his career and powerlifting.
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 2 min
On this week's episode I have on guest Ben Pauli to discuss many different parts of training such as auto regulation, adapting to different types of multiply gear and more.
Apr 04, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 84
On this week's episode I have on guest Tiny Meeker to discuss his incredible accomplishments such as his 1100 poly bench. We also discuss many of his other firsts in powerlifting history as well as dive into the different intricacies of various shirts.
Mar 28, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 83
On this week's episode...
Mar 21, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 82
On this week's episode I have on guest Logan Varner to talk about his monster raw total and some of the setbacks he's overcome to achieve it.
Mar 14, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 81
On this week's episode I have on guest Meghan Scanlon to discuss about her later than average start into powerlifting and how it led to 2 time IPF and 4 time National champion titles. We also discuss managing life and powerlifting as well as building coach and athlete relationships.
Mar 07, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 80
On this week's episode I have on guest Jason Legrand who is a raw powerlifter who totaled over 2200 at 242. We discuss his career as well as dive into how powerlifting culture has changed during his time as an athlete as well as meets.
Feb 28, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 79
On this week's episode I have on guest Shaun Kopplin to talk about his career in powerlifting as a coach and gym owner as well as call out some people in powerlifitng and talk that talk.
Feb 21, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 78
On this week's episode I have on guest John Ruoppo to talk about his recent accomplishments, our training crew at Evolve, as well as other important aspects of powerlifting outside of competing
Feb 14, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 77
On this week's episode I have on guest Priyanka Santiago to discuss her career in powerlifting as being a mother, military, and high level multiply lifter. We also discuss motivation to compete and how to surround yourself with a supportive crew! Shout out to Gage 🤘🏻
Feb 07, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Feb 01, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 75
On this week's episode I have on guest Vinny Dizenzo to talk about his long and prestigious career in powerlifting. We discuss things throughout his 40 years of experience, his accomplishments, as well as his journey from over 300lbs to under 200lbs.
Jan 24, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 74
On this week's episode I have on guest Maurice Moody to talk about how his dreams of bodybuilding turned into a reality of a 2055 raw total. We also discuss about about culture, mindset, and training.
Jan 17, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 73
On this week's episode I have on guest Amber Hansen to discuss her powerlifting career in both raw and multiply. We not only discuss her background in roller derbies, military, and cross-functional fitness, but we dive into the culture of powerlifting and the quirks of multiply.
Jan 10, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 72
On this week's episode I have on guest Jaymi Morris to talk about her incredible raw + wraps total and the journey that got her to where she is. We also discuss women in the sport as well as mindset differences and ways to improve all aspects of your mental game in the sport.
Jan 03, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 71
