PL DEN | The Powerlifter's Den

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.

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.

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, real, and exactly what the sport needs.

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.

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.

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 takes to stay in the game long enough to shape the next generation.

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.