Joe Sullivan has been powerlifting for more than half his life. Starting as a young teen, Joe has been in and amongst the culture, starting with the USAPL, and eventually migrating to the untested side of the sport where he’s made his mark for the better part of the last decade. Most recently he set the all-time world record squat in the 100kg class at an astonishing 380kg, but it was a long road to get here. He’s overcome catastrophic injury, mental hurdles, and adversity that tie him deeply to powerlifting, and we were honored to have him on Iron Culture to share his candid perspective. He came from an era where raw powerlifting wasn’t the default, and when raw lifters identified with one another first and foremost, rather than with their federation. So sit back and enjoy this conversation where you get an insider’s viewpoint on the rapidly changing sport we know and love. 

0:00 Introducing Joe

Jeremey Hamilton record-breaking meet @220lb/100kg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHkMYQhoOVE

Iron Culture Episode 180: Cultural Shifts in Lifting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRvaakZ4y6A

13:10 The rapid turnover and rise in raw/tested powerlifting

24:05 Joe’s perspectives on changes in competition judging standards

33:32 Powerlifter stereotypes from a decade ago and Joe’s shift to untested competition

39:53 Joe’s journey and lifting career

1:01:08 Joe’s comeback from injury and breaking squat records – “Adapt and Overcome”

Joe’s bar bending squat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neYyq_ubavg

1:24:42 Reframing your mindset through your journey and separating yourself from where you once were

1:27:55 Where can you find Joe?

https://www.theaodcollective.com/

https://www.instagram.com/joesullivan_aod/