The Powerlifter's Den

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.

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.

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.

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.

On this week's episode I have on guest Nick Fort

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.

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

On this week's episode I have on guest Taylor Schaeffer

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.

On this week's episode I have on guest Andy Polk to talk about his career and powerlifting.

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.

On this week's episode I have on guest Tiny Meeker

On this week's episode...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

On this week's episode I have on guest Dr. Jaime Goguen-Locke to discuss her career in the medical field and how her schooling and has taught her many ways to approach diagnosing and preparing a powerlifter to be equipped with the proper tools for success. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest Brandon Morgan to talk about the details of being a powerlifting coach, gym owner, and more. We also dive deep into the topic of meet day for powerlifting and the many important intricacies to handle, coach, and compete. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

In this week's episode I have on guest Micah Marino to talk about his impressive multi divisional totals and ATWRs in the sport as well as what he has done off the platform with the cofounding of the American Pro as well as Fight or Quit both as the gym and apparel line. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

In this week's episode I have on guest Kelly Schlobohm to talk about her interesting and eventful path that led to the world of multiply powerlifting. We discuss the community, the environment and culture and what powerlifting means to Kelly. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest Katrina Bielomyza to discuss her 4X over ATWR bench press in the unlimited division as well as dive into the importance of a powerlifting crew, the mindset it takes, and how to last a long time in this sport. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest Robert Bain to talk about his very fun career in powerlifting from being involved as the platform manager for many high level meets like the WPO and Women's ProAm to him squatting 1000lbs and more. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest Rodney Woodward to discuss his recent accomplishment of a 2943 unlimited total to make it the 4th heaviest total of all time. We also discuss his background and what his training is like down in Virginia. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this weeks episode I have on guest Tyler Butcher to discuss what led to his ATWR squat as was as many other things in the world of powerlifting such as the culture, training crews, and many other interesting topics. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest Jamie Matta to talk about his long and prestigious career in powerlifting. We delve into topics such as his role in RPS, his achievements as well as breaking down the bench press and how to use a shirt, one of his many passions within the sport. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest Amber Dawn of Kodiak Barbell to discuss the many aspects of being a powerlifting coach and what are some of the best pieces of advice are to become a great coach --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest Amber Dawn of Kodiak Barbell to discuss the many aspects of being a powerlifting coach and what are some of the best pieces of advice are to become a great coach. Tune in! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest Jordan Buchla to discuss her many accomplishments both inside and outside of powerlifting. Some of these accomplishments include getting her doctorate, helping empower women and setting ATWRs on the platform. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest Nick Benerakis to talk about his brand Big Benchas and his powerlifting career that led to a very impressive 820 multiply bench. We discuss a bit about his coaching and some strategies to implement as well as the culture of powerlifting and what makes this sport so great and unique. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest James Strickland to talk about his very impressive career in powerlifting and learn more about what he's been up to and going through these past couple of years. We talk about his bench, his programming, and his future goals! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

This week's episode is short and sweet but covers the interview of the 2024 Reach Rumble champion Zac Meyers and his coach MJ Greeno. We talk about the meet, the prep, the strategy, and the Rumble as a whole. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have have on guest Stuart Locke to talk about his recent gruesome injury and the road to his recovery from that. We also discuss a bit about his brand Kodiak Barbell and the goals he has and the influence of social media on growing the brand and spreading training knowledge. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest Andrew Pfefferle out of Hellbent Barbell to discuss his recent insanely impressive 1200lb multiply squat. We discuss his background and training as well as the prep that led up to that squat and how maintaining a level of recovery while still pushing your body allowed him to accomplish this feat. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest Fernando Arias to talk about his impressive 2275 raw total with only a few years competing under his belt and what it took to get to where he is. We also talk about the upcoming Reach Rumble and his other competitions in the ABS Pro series and why he enjoys their meets so much. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on the multiply legend Shawn Frankl to talk about his massive total and long career in powerlifting. We discuss his role models and influences throughout his journey as well as his time training and becoming the owner of Big Iron. We also discuss about different multiply lessons and his career in bodybuilding as well. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest Joshua Fleming to talk about his amazing total in the raw division as well as discuss his outside life balance. We also talk a bit about his training and background and how great powerlifting is in the Northeast and the strong community behind it. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode me and guest Dr. Derek Wilcox discuss his career in powerlifting as well as his educational background to talk about how those two blend into creating a meticulous and intentional method to performing on the platform. From messing around with equipment to water cutting and more, this episode gives a lot of insight and tricks to put your best performance to the platform. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest Travis Rogers, also known as Papa Bear, to discuss his career in powerlifting under many umbrellas. We discuss his role as a coach, athlete, meet director, writer and may other roles in the world of powerlifting and touch on many topics from training to running a great meet. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest Frank Allen to talk about his insane raw total as well as his background in the military and D1 football. We also discuss a bit about his training and his prep for the upcoming Reach Rumble. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest Jay Farrant, the creator of the ABS Powerlifting Series and the upcoming Reach Rumble in Provo UT. We discuss what made ABS came to be and the details of the upcoming meets of the series. We also discuss about his background in the IPF and the formation or Ireland's team while also talking and joking about the sport as a whole. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest Tony Carlino to talk about his recent feat of benching 1200lbs, something only 1 other person in history has done! We also discuss more about equipped bench press and the upcoming events he is competing. We also talk a bit about his background and what it's like training at CTX in Florida. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this weeks episode I have on Connor Karwowski, a multiply lifter who has totaled over 2500lbs, on to discuss his brand Conjugate String. We dive deep into the conjugate method and how it's applied to many facets as well as discuss equipped lifting from choosing equipment, learning the gear, etc. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support

On this week's episode I have on guest JP Price to talk about his time in strength sports and the journey from a young wrestler to a top level strength athlete and gym owner. We also dive deep into some of the more important parts of powerlifting like the community, inclusivity and the supportive environment it truly brings. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/liftsmith/support