Platform Ready- The official podcast of the USPA

On Episode #18 of Platform Ready, we speak with USPA Meet Director Maggie Kuhn. Maggie and her team are hosting the USPA National Championships in Columbus, OH on June 27-30! She talks about getting into Powerlifting, what it takes to host a large-scale meet, analytics about Nationals and much more.

 On Episode #17, we put an athlete in the spotlight, Andy Huang that “Huge Asian Guy!” We go deep into the mind of an elite level powerlifter, the impact of social media and having a following. We also go back into history to figure out if he was that huge Asian guy all his life. So sit back and relax!! This is definitely fun to listen!

On Episode 16 of Platform Ready, host Ceasar Amado talks with USPA Executive Vice President Mike Tronske. Mike's been involved with the USPA since its inception in 2010, and he gives us some insight into what it means to be Executive VP. We also talk about the growth of the USPA, our Coach Certification course, our Gym Affiliate programs' impact on the community and much more!

On episode #15, we have Lord Elliott, USPA Director of Coaches Certification, and the coach for the USPA National Team. Lord talks about the creation of the USPA Coach Certification Program and the benefits for any coach or athlete looking to improve their knowledge and skills as a Strength/Power athlete

On episode #14, we have Mike Adelmann, owner of LiftingLarge.com. Mike talks about his Powerlifting career and how LiftingLarge.com started off with just three products and has now grown to be an international resource for strength products and apparel. Mike also talks about his keys to running a successful business and how to stand out from his competitors within the industry. 

On this episode of Platform Ready, joining us is 6 time IPF World Champion Kimberly Walford. Find out how Kim transitioned from a track and field athlete into a World Champion. Hear Kim explain how after nearly 2 decades in the sport and multiples world records, she continues to draw motivation to push her limits from her family, friends, and her clients and other lifters.

On episode #12, we talk with Matt Hadden, Owner of General Leather Craft, also popularly know as Pioneer Fit, makers of custom lifting belts. Matt is also the mastermind behind the USPA Tribute Meet which is being held on August 25, 2018; a meet created to give back to the lifters. Find out more about how the Tribute Meet was created and what the process has been like. And see how you can get your own custom made belt. 

On Episode #11, we talk with Stefi Cohen. She recently competed at the Kern U.S. Open leaving with an All-Time World Record. She graduated as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and also runs her own gym business. Listen to learn more about her journey from Venezuela to Miami, her sports background, training philosophy and how she juggles the many roles she has!

On episode #10 we talk with Dr. David Foster, Director of Sports Medicine at Southern California University. Dr. Foster gives us insight on the 5 key steps to recovering from an injury and how to work around injuries. Dr. Foster has also competed in Powerlifting for most of his life and remains active in the sport as a referee, coach, and Medical Director for the USPA. Listen now to learn more about recovering from injuries and staying healthy for a long time in the sport!

On Episode #9 of Platform Ready, we focus on the newer beginning lifters. We interview Arkady U (I’ll get the full last name for you), who recently competed at her first meet and she gives us her account of the competition and how it differed from what she thought going into it. Also host, Andy Huang, gives some advice on when and why new lifters should compete.

On Episode #8 of Platform Ready, we finish the U.S. Open series with our guest, Brandon Allen. Find out how Brandon got into the sport, how his training is structured, and how he coaches and operates his gym in Las Vegas. We also cover how he has battled back from multiple injuries and is now in a position to win his weight class at the U.S. Open. 

On Episode #7 of Platform Ready, we continue with Part 4 of our U.S. Open series with our guest, Stacy Burr. Stacy placed 2nd at the U.S. Open last year in dramatic fashion, where she grinded out a big deadlift PR to come from behind and secure 2nd place. Since that day, she has been 100% focused and obsessed with only one goal for this year's Open, first place. Find out how Stacy got started in the sport, what motivates her, and what kind of mindset it takes to be a world class lifter.

On Episode #6 of Platform Ready, we continue with Part 3 of our U.S. Open series with our guest, Joe Sullivan. Joe placed 2nd at the U.S. Open last year in a close battle with Yuri Belkin. Hear from Joe as he discusses what he's doing differently to win 1st this year and who his toughest opponents will be. He also talks about his tough childhood and all he has overcome, and how much he enjoys lifting and being a coach.

On Episode #5 of Platform Ready, we continue with Part 2 of our U.S. Open series with guest, Chakera (CC) Holcomb. CC has improved leaps and bounds since last years U.S. Open, making her one of the top contenders for this year's Open. Learn how she juggles between school, operating and owning a gym and hosting meets, while preparing for the biggest powerlifting competition of her life.

On episode #3, we have Dave Tate as our guest. Dave is the Founder and CEO of EliteFTS. Dave has been involved in powerlifting for over 30 years as a coach, lifter, consultant, and business owner. Dave also has written over 20 books and over 500 articles related to the sport. His website www.elitefts.com is one of the industry's leading brands for fitness and strength equipment, as well as a database of free articles and videos for athletes across the board. Listen to hear how he started EliteFTS, a dive into his competitive history, and some advice for the intermediate and elite lifters WARNING: Explicit Content for Strong Language

On episode #2, we have Susan Salazar and Leonetta Richardson. Susan is one of the strongest powerlifters of all time. She is a pioneer for female powerlifters, a gym owner, coach, and a USPA National Referee. Leonetta is Susan's training partner, coach, and friend. She has influenced and introduced Susan into the sport of powerlifting.

Welcome to the very 1st episode of Platform Ready, the official podcast of the United States Powerlifting Association. We have with us the President of the USPA himself, Steve Denison. Steve talks about how the organization started and all the passionate hard working team around him that helped make USPA one of the biggest Powerlifting organizations in the world!