The Platform: a Michigan High School Powerlifting Association Podcast

Chris Whittaker

The Michigan High School Powerlifting Association Podcast is the official show dedicated to growing and supporting high school powerlifting across the state of Michigan. Hosted by members of the MHSPLA Board of Directors, this podcast highlights the athletes, coaches, and programs building the sport from the ground up. Episodes will feature interviews with coaches, athlete spotlights, meet previews and recaps, and practical advice for starting and running successful high school powerlifting programs. Whether you're a coach looking to grow your team, an athlete chasing new personal records, or a parent supporting a lifter, this podcast brings you inside the community that is shaping the future of high school powerlifting in Michigan. Our mission is simple: Grow the sport. Support coaches. Celebrate lifters. Build stronger programs across Michigan.

  1. 1h ago

    The Art of the Deadlift with Tod Miller & Jason Kaminski | The Platform Ep. 32

    Coaches Tod Miller and Jason Kaminski return to The Platform for a detailed conversation about coaching the deadlift. Chris Whittaker and Chris Gilliam guide the discussion from choosing a stance and grip through building tension, breaking the bar off the floor, and finishing the lift. The coaches compare conventional and sumo pulling, discuss mobility and limb lengths, and share how they teach repeatable setups. They also explore belt placement and bracing, foot pressure, resetting between reps, and training variations including deficits, pause deadlifts, bands, chains, rack pulls, and isometric holds. Three takeaways: • Match stance and setup to the individual lifter rather than forcing one approach on everyone. • Build tension and reset deliberately between reps instead of bouncing or yanking the bar. • Choose variations around the lifter’s sticking point while preserving sound positioning. Support the MHSPLA and shop association gear: https://mhspla-shop.fourthwall.com/ Follow The Platform, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with a coach or lifter. Where the stories weigh a ton.

  2. Oct 29

    Road to Nationals with Ron Roberts | The Platform Ep. 31

    Think you're ready for Nationals? Getting strong enough is only half the battle. On Episode 31 of The Platform, Chris Whittaker and Chris Gilliam welcome Coach Ron Roberts of Goodrich High School, MHSPLA Board Member and USAPL Liaison, to explain how to prepare for the 2027 USA Powerlifting High School National Championships in Albany, New York. With Nationals just two weeks after the MHSPLA Varsity State Championship, start planning early! IN THIS EPISODE • Qualifying totals, eligibility, registration deadlines and the 750-lifter cap • USAPL memberships, fees and team entries • Singlets, approved equipment and equipment checks • Weigh-ins, rack heights and opening attempts • Kilograms, squat depth, bench commands and judging differences • Flights, warm-up rooms and staging • Travel, lodging and budgeting • Why athletes should try a USAPL meet before Nationals GOODRICH USAPL QUALIFIER January 16, 2027 at Goodrich High School. Registration details are available through the meet organizer and LiftingCast. Check USA Powerlifting's official website for current qualifying totals, rules and registration requirements. MHSPLA HALL OF FAME: NOMINATIONS OPEN Help recognize those who built Michigan high school powerlifting. Eligibility: • Lifters: Graduated in 2021 or earlier • Coaches: 10+ years of active MHSPLA coaching • Contributors: 15+ years of active MHSPLA involvement A committee will recommend 10 candidates; the Board will select 3-5 inductees annually. The inaugural class will be honored during Varsity State Championship weekend. Official criteria: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1CDakaiJtMPf1SMaZ4JgRK6xGd1qONDdSUCl8KDBVBIE COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Congratulations to Addie Stiverson on her commitment to Penn State University for track and field! Best wishes to Adam Stiverson and the entire Stiverson family. Your Michigan powerlifting community is behind you! 2026-27 COACHES INFORMATION Coach registration is open on the MHSPLA website. The virtual Coaches Meeting is Saturday, December 5, 2026, covering rule changes, registration and season preparation. Follow MHSPLA social media for clinics and updates. WEEKLY REGIONAL RECAPS During the 2026-27 season, tune in Wednesday evenings for regional champions, outstanding performances and meet director interviews. SUPPORT THE PLATFORM & MHSPLA Subscribe, follow, rate, review and share! Shop MHSPLA and Platform gear to support the podcast and association: https://mhspla-shop.fourthwall.com/ The Platform - where the stories weigh a ton.

  3. Oct 13

    Year-Round Training Blocks w/ Coach Derek Shell, Napoleon HS | The Platform Ep. 29

    High school athletes don't always have an offseason. Their training programs still need a plan. On Episode 29 of The Platform, hosts Chris Whittaker and Chris Gilliam welcome Coach Derek Shell from Napoleon High School to discuss developing stronger athletes while balancing multiple sports, limited training time, and year-round competition. Coach Shell shares how Napoleon Powerlifting grew from just eight athletes in 2021 to approximately 50–60 lifters, becoming one of the school's largest athletic programs and awarding its first varsity letters. The coaches dive into training blocks, linear periodization, and the conjugate method, exploring how to structure training around competition schedules, manage fatigue, and keep athletes progressing. Derek also discusses his own experience with conjugate training, his pursuit of a

  4. Oct 8

    Building a Legacy: Michigan Powerlifting History with Coach Mike Holes| The Platform Ep. 28

    The conversation revolves around Mike's experiences in coaching powerlifting at Croslex and Ionia, highlighting the development of athletes and the camaraderie within the sport. Key themes include the evolution of powerlifting programs, memorable athletes, and the emotional connections formed through competition. The conversation delves into the evolution of powerlifting, particularly focusing on the experiences of coaches and athletes in Michigan. It highlights the growth of female participation, the transition from equipped to raw lifting, and the challenges faced in organizing meets and ensuring fair competition. The conversation delves into the accomplishments and challenges faced by Mike during his presidency in the Michigan High School Powerlifting Association, highlighting significant policy changes and the evolution of the sport. Takeaways Powerlifting fosters communityCoaching impacts athlete development Growth of female participationTransition from equipped to raw lifting Significant policy changesChallenges in board dynamics Chapters 00:00 Foundations of Powerlifting at Croslex02:47 Return to Croslex: A Teacher's Journey06:04 Ionia: Building a Powerlifting Legacy08:56 Influences and Mentorship in Powerlifting12:03 Memorable Athletes and Their Journeys14:54 The Emotional Side of Competition17:47 Experiences at National Competitions20:57 The Duality of Equipped and Raw Lifting23:58 Shane Nutt: A Powerlifting Phenomenon26:44 Journey to Nationals: A Powerlifting Story27:00 The Impact of Coaching on Lifters32:27 The Evolution of Female Powerlifting44:21 Standardizing Regional Meets and Competitions52:05 Leadership and Challenges in Powerlifting Governance54:49 Proud Accomplishments in Powerlifting57:14 Navigating Administrative Challenges59:30 Future Challenges for the Board01:04:15 Embracing New Hosts and Technology01:07:24 Lightning Round: Quickfire Insights01:10:25 Acknowledgments and Reflections

  5. Oct 6

    Building the Big Three: The Art of Accessory Work with Andrew Clute| The Platform Ep. 27

    Building the Big Three: The Art of Accessory Work with Andrew CluteEverybody loves the big lifts. But what happens after the squat, bench and deadlift may determine how much those lifts actually improve. On this episode of The Platform, Chris Whittaker and MHSPLA Executive Director Chris Gillum are joined by Andrew Clute, Head Powerlifting Coach at Onsted High School, for a deep dive into the role of accessory work in powerlifting and strength development. The guys start by defining the difference between a competition lift, supplemental movement and true accessory exercise before getting into the real question: Why does accessory work matter? From there, it's a full coaching discussion on identifying weak points and selecting movements that actually address them. They break down common problems in the squat, bench and deadlift — knees collapsing, the chest falling forward, poor shoulder stability, weak triceps, hips shooting up during the deadlift and difficulty finishing at lockout — and discuss how accessory programming can help build stronger, more technically sound lifters. The conversation also goes beyond high school powerlifting. The coaches discuss training age versus biological age, programming for adult lifters, managing recovery as athletes get older, training around busy schedules and why the amount of work you can recover from matters more than the amount of work you can survive. IN THIS EPISODE• Main lifts vs. supplemental exercises vs. accessory work • Why accessories matter for the Big Three • Building General Physical Preparedness • Teaching athletes to buy into the "boring" work • Using video to diagnose technical weaknesses • Fixing knee cave and the "stripper squat" • Knowing when the weight is simply too heavy • Building the posterior chain • Face pulls, rows and upper-back development • Developing shoulder stability and healthy rotator cuffs • Building triceps for a stronger bench press • GHRs and reverse hypers • RDLs, hip thrusts and hamstring work • Deficit deadlifts, block pulls and rack pulls • Fixing deadlift speed off the floor and lockout • Bands and accommodating resistance • Accessory programming for high school athletes • Training age vs. biological age • How accessory training changes as lifters get older • Recovery, joint health and mobility • Keeping ego out of accessory exercises • Training to failure vs. leaving reps in the tank • Tracking progress beyond the competition lifts • Managing accessory work when training time is limited • Why good reps matter more than impressive-looking weight • And a challenge for Michigan's powerlifting coaches to get back on the platform themselves The message is simple: your weak points don't disappear because you ignore them. Identify them. Train them. Track them. Get stronger. SUPPORT THE PLATFORM & MHSPLAEnjoying The Platform? Subscribe, follow, rate, review and share the podcast. Every share helps us reach more athletes, coaches and supporters of high school powerlifting. Support The Platform Podcast and the Michigan High School Powerlifting Association by visiting the MHSPLA Fourthwall Shop for MHSPLA and Platform gear. Shop: mhspla-shop.fourthwall.com Follow the MHSPLA on social media for meet information, records, results, association updates and more. The Platform — where the stories weigh a ton.

  6. Sep 16

    Flipping the Script: Chris Whittaker, Iron Dread & Building a Strength Culture| The Platform Ep. 26

    Flipping the Script: Chris Whittaker, Iron Dread & Building a Strength CultureUsually he's asking the questions. This time, he's answering them. On this episode of The Platform, regular co-host Chris Whittaker moves into the guest chair. MHSPLA Executive Director Chris Gilliam and Coach Brian Litten flip the script to learn more about the coach behind Iron Dread Strength and Conditioning, Iron Dread Powerlifting and the microphone. Chris takes us back to his roots in Kingston, New York, and the coaches and experiences that shaped his career. He shares his journey through education and strength and conditioning, eventually landing at Dexter High School and building the Iron Dread program. Chris explains how Dexter entered Michigan high school powerlifting in 2019 with just 13 lifters, how the program grew, his journey onto the MHSPLA Board of Directors and why he believes high school strength and conditioning and powerlifting should work together. Then we talk training. Chris breaks down Dexter's conjugate system, including Max Effort and Dynamic Effort training, three-week waves, bands and chains, specialty bars, deadlift programming, meet preparation and Circa-Max training leading into the S

    Flipping the Script: Chris Whittaker, Iron Dread & Building a Strength Culture| The Platform Ep. 26

  7. Sep 3

    THE ART OF THE BENCH PRESS w/ Dennis Reinhart and Bruce Edwards| The Platform Ep. 25

    THE PLATFORM — THE ART OF THE BENCH PRESS How do you build a bigger bench press — and, more importantly, how do you teach it safely and effectively to high school athletes? On this episode of The Platform, Chris Whitaker and MHSPLA Executive Director Chris Gilliam sit down with two veteran coaches and accomplished competitive bench pressers: returning guest Dennis Reinhart and former Goodrich High School powerlifting coach Bruce Edwards. This one turns into a bench press master class. Dennis and Bruce draw from decades of coaching and competition experience to break down the technical, physical and psychological pieces of building a successful bench press. The crew discusses everything from creating a stable setup and finding the right grip width to bar path, leg drive, weak-point training and meet-day preparation. The conversation also goes old school. Dennis and Bruce explain the sixes-and-threes training system, board presses, close-grip work, incline and decline pressing, floor presses and the accessory work they've used to build stronger benchers. They also discuss how training has changed as they've gotten older and why lifters and coaches shouldn't be afraid to adjust volume while keeping the objective the same. IN THIS EPISODE: • Building a safe and effective bench press arch • Finding the right grip width for each athlete • Scapular retraction and creating upper-body stability • Bench press bar path and elbow position • Where the bar should touch the chest • Leg drive and staying locked into the bench • Why sinking the bar into the chest can create problems • Finding your bench press "power zone" • Volume vs. intensity • The old-school sixes-and-threes training system • Fixing weakness off the chest • Building a stronger lockout with triceps and close-grip work • Board presses, floor presses, incline and decline variations • Tracking progress beyond your one-rep max • Proper spotting and lift-off technique • Upper-back work and structural balance • Warming up on competition day • Dennis and Bruce's competitive powerlifting careers • Raw vs. equipped bench pressing • Why experienced coaches still have something to learn The episode finishes with a challenge to Michigan's powerlifting coaches: stop standing on the sideline and get back underneath the bar. Whether you're an athlete chasing your next PR or a coach responsible for teaching the bench press to the next generation, this episode is packed with lessons earned through decades under the bar. Subscribe to The Platform, leave a rating and review, and share the episode with a lifter or coach who needs to hear it. The Platform — where the stories weigh a ton.

    THE ART OF THE BENCH PRESS w/ Dennis Reinhart and Bruce Edwards| The Platform Ep. 25

  8. Aug 26

    Eric Jennings: Building Champions, Coaching Through Failure & Growing the Sport |The Platform Ep. 24

    Longtime Lake Orion powerlifting coach and MHSPLA board member Eric Jennings joins co-hosts Chris Whittaker and Chris Gilliam, along with former Lake Orion lifter and MHSPLA board member Brian Litten, for a conversation covering more than two decades of Michigan high school powerlifting. Coach Jennings helped build Lake Orion powerlifting from a group of just eight lifters into one of the state’s most recognizable programs, winning three straight boys varsity state championships from 2008–2010 and becoming a fixture in the growth of the MHSPLA. In this episode: Jennings’ path from Oxford to coaching rival Lake Orion; how powerlifting gave him the opportunity to coach athletes he may never have reached through football or baseball; more than two decades serving on the MHSPLA board and his desire to make the sport cleaner, more efficient, and less subjective; the explosion of girls powerlifting and the move from equipped to raw competition; the mentors who shaped him, including high school band and choir teacher Lewis Wilson; why the lifters finishing fourth, fifth, sixth, or even tenth can be the “glue” that wins championships; building a successful girls program; teaching squat technique through video, mirrors, and repetition; his preferred four-day upper/lower training schedule; building muscle memory through multiple sets and reps; what he learned from trying to do everything himself while hosting major meets; the army of coaches, volunteers, administrators, and former athletes behind Lake Orion’s state meets; learning how to coach athletes through failure instead of teaching them to fear it; the story of a senior finally pulling the deadlift he needed to qualify for states; the infamous towel-over-the-head trick for breaking through mental barriers; the chaos of Lake Orion’s first state meet; and why Jennings still believes the deadlift may be the best overall lift for athletes. The coaches also hit the Speed Set, where Jennings talks high-bar squatting, sumo versus conventional deadlifting, three-rep maxes, triceps work, Romanian deadlifts, and why Lake Orion will gladly take its chances against anybody when it comes time to pull. The conversation closes with the coaches and former athletes who helped build the Lake Orion program, Jennings’ favorite lifters from over the years, the importance of continuing to learn from coaches in every sport, and the impact one coach can have on athletes long after competition ends. A few lines that stuck with us: “Anyone can power lift.” • “You win it with fourth, fifth, and sixth places.” • “That’s just a piece of metal. Let’s go.” • “We’re going to fail. So let’s not be afraid to.” • “Deadlift is the best lift for athletes.” Support the MHSPLA and rep The Platform: Head over to the official MHSPLA Fourthwall Shop at mhspla-shop.fourthwall.com to grab your MHSPLA and The Platform Podcast gear. Follow the Show: Instagram: @mhspla Sponsors: Jocko Fuel West Coast Driving School Subscribe, follow, and leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, and wherever you listen. Questions, guest suggestions, or topics for the show? Email info@mhspla.com.

    Eric Jennings: Building Champions, Coaching Through Failure & Growing the Sport |The Platform Ep. 24
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The Michigan High School Powerlifting Association Podcast is the official show dedicated to growing and supporting high school powerlifting across the state of Michigan. Hosted by members of the MHSPLA Board of Directors, this podcast highlights the athletes, coaches, and programs building the sport from the ground up. Episodes will feature interviews with coaches, athlete spotlights, meet previews and recaps, and practical advice for starting and running successful high school powerlifting programs. Whether you're a coach looking to grow your team, an athlete chasing new personal records, or a parent supporting a lifter, this podcast brings you inside the community that is shaping the future of high school powerlifting in Michigan. Our mission is simple: Grow the sport. Support coaches. Celebrate lifters. Build stronger programs across Michigan.

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