The Squat Plug

October, 2025

Ever wonder what goes on behind the curtain of a major powerlifting meet? USAPL Technical Manager Jan Daurio joins us to break it all down.

We’re talking:

• The Logistics: The chaos and triumphs of running the Southeast Regionals.

• The Business: The truth about pro payouts, meet production costs, and keeping the sport sustainable.

• The Culture: Why better coaching etiquette is a must for the platform.

• The Future: How the Arnold is leading the charge for inclusive, adaptive lifting.

It’s a deep dive into where the sport is now—and exactly where it’s headed.

In this episode, the boys discuss their experiences at the 2025 USAPL Northeast Regionals with Brian Bellitto (⁠⁠@brianbellitto⁠⁠), who is one of the coaches at Connecticut's Gleason Performance Training (⁠⁠@teamgpt3).

Please feel free to comment, like, subscribe and share.If you have questions or want to let us know your thoughts on any of the topics covered, you canalways drop a comment on the platform you're hearing/viewing us this episode through or you canalso DM us @thesquatplug

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Muir, former president of the APU. We discus how the Federation came to be, what it did during its brief existence, the controversy during that time, and how ultimately unraveled and how the social media hype train can be a very destructive force.

In this episode of The Squat Plug, Sean Koch (@seankoch_official) discusses his journey as a powerlifter from Liechtenstein, his experiences and the implications of Article 14 on athletes' rights, and the ongoing legal battles against the IPF.

Sean shares insights into his recent competition at the USAPL Collegiate Nationals (@usapowerlifting), his transition to Midland University, and the implications of Article 14 on athletes.

The conversation delves into the challenges of funding his legal fight and the broader impact of these issues on the sport of powerlifting.

In this episode, we sit down with Brooke Reynolds ( @powerbrookie ) and discuss her experience with domestic abuse at the hands of a popular lifter in the community and its reception within the community: the support, the denial, and the rug brushing that took place.

On this episode of the Squat Plug, Mark and Ylli are joined by Powerlifting coach Sean Collins and recent Article 14 alumnus Zack Larmer to discus Zack’s sudden suspension 2 weeks out from PLA Nationals after competing at a local meet last November.We discuss their decision making process, what they expected would happen, and what their thoughts about the whole situation are.Should coaches and lifters support Federations that act so selfishly? Tune in…

On this episode of The Squat Plug, Mark and Ylli are joined by repeat guest Gabe Inman (@swolehousecookie⁠⁠) and discuss strength training outside of powerlifting, how conditioning aids strength training, Gabe’s trip to Brazil, a high ass and fake ass world record squat, and Gabe’s decision to intentionally reduce his aura before the episode.Tune in. Like, comment, subscribe, and Auramaxx.

In this episode the boys speak with Son Ngo (@_15for15) and Minh Dang (@md_after_dusk), the co-chairs of USAPL Vietnam.

We go over the discrepancies in rule enforcement and corruption & favoritism in the IPF's dealings in Vietnam and elsewhere. We also discuss the Vietnam IPF affiliate's legal woes and some ridiculous fraudster shenanigans.

Also: Supertotals.

Please feel free to comment, like, subscribe and share.

If you have questions or want to let us know your thoughts on any of the topics covered, you can always drop a comment on the platform you're hearing/viewing us this episode through or you can also DM us ⁠@thesquatplug⁠

A few helpful links:

⁠Minh Dang @md_after_dusk

Son Ngo @_15for15⁠

The Squat Plug ⁠@thesquatplug

In Part One of a Two Part series:

Gaston Parage has officially resigned as president of the IPF.

Rumors swirl, screenshots have been shared, and the complicity of the rest of the IPF’s leadership in sweeping these allegations under the rug is being brought into question.
Join the boys and @train.true as they discuss the recent and tumultuous history of the POSK (Powerlifting of South Korea) and IPF in Episode 35 of The Squat Plug

Danny Torres (@dltgains) joins the boys on this episode of The Squat Plug to do a recap of the Sheffield 2025.The boys analyze the performance of the key lifters, the impact of the venue and the equipment, and the importance of attempt selection strategies.

They speak about the consequences of ref’s decisions on the athletes’ performances, showing the need for consistency in judging.Danny Torres is a powerlifter, a Powerlifting Coach, and a Novice Strongman athlete.

Tune in!