PL DEN | The Powerlifter's Den

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.