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.

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.