PL DEN | The Powerlifter's Den

Cam Smith
  • 5.0 (7)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Powerlifter’s Den — the ultimate hangout for lifters, strength athletes, and iron addicts. Hosted by Cam Smith, this podcast dives deep into the world of powerlifting, featuring real conversations with top lifters, coaches, and industry experts. Whether you're chasing PRs, building your total, or just love talking shop about squats, bench, and deadlifts, you've found your tribe. Check out our official apparel store at PLDEN.COM , built for lifters who live the lifestyle of strength.

  1. Episode 135: EliteFTS Mentoring and Powerlifting in Oklahoma ft. Sam Brown

    1D AGO

    Episode 135: EliteFTS Mentoring and Powerlifting in Oklahoma ft. Sam Brown

    In Episode 135 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Sam Brown — a human performance expert for the United States Air Force, McGill Method Certified Practitioner, and multi-ply lifter with a 2100+ total. Sam shares his journey from training at elitefts and learning under Westside-influenced lifters to working with pilots and aircrew in high-stress environments. We dive into what actually matters in training, why there is no “secret sauce,” and how overcomplicating the process is holding lifters back. We also talk about the realities of equipped lifting, the misconception that gear does the work for you, and what it takes to perform both on the platform and in real-world high-pressure situations. From bombing out at the Arnold to building consistency over time, this episode is all about simplifying the process and focusing on what actually drives progress.

    1h 4m
  2. Episode 134: Monster Drug Free and Masters Total ft. Alejandro Wickham

    APR 10

    Episode 134: Monster Drug Free and Masters Total ft. Alejandro Wickham

    This week on The Powerlifter’s Den, we sit down with Alejandro Wickham—a 40-year-old masters lifter proving that elite performance doesn’t have an expiration date. Alejandro has totaled over 2070 lbs in tested competition while balancing the discipline and mindset forged through his military background. We dive into what it takes to stay competitive at a high level into your 40s, how his time in the military shaped his approach to training and life, and the realities of competing drug-tested while still pushing elite numbers. We also get into longevity in the sport, adapting training as you age, and what separates lifters who last from those who burn out. If you’re chasing strength for the long haul, this one hits

    1h 1m
  3. Episode 133: 4X World's Strongest Woman ft. Erin Murray

    APR 4

    Episode 133: 4X World's Strongest Woman ft. Erin Murray

    In Episode 133 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Erin Murray — 4x World’s Strongest Woman and one of the only athletes in strength sports to hold world titles across multiple weight classes. Erin shares her journey from getting into lifting as part of recovery, to competing on the Arnold stage and becoming one of the most dominant athletes in strongman. We dive into what it takes to reach that level, how she balances high-level competition with life outside the sport, and the mindset behind her mantra: “Disrespect the Impossible.” We also talk about her transition through different phases of strength sports, upcoming competitions across the world, and why being elite doesn’t have to come at the cost of everything else in your life.

    1h 1m
  4. Episode 132: Traveling the World and Smashing Big Totals ft. Karl Wedel

    MAR 27

    Episode 132: Traveling the World and Smashing Big Totals ft. Karl Wedel

    In Episode 132 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Karl Wedel — an international lifter with his sights set on a 1080kg total at ABS Pro 8, where he’ll face off against current title holder Nicolas Du Preez. Karl shares his journey from getting into powerlifting just to compete with a friend, to building elite strength while working full-time shift hours in a windmill factory. We dive into the mindset and grit required to progress in the sport, why he doesn’t believe in overcomplicating training, and the myths around accessories, diet, and what it really takes to get strong. He also opens up about overcoming a grade 2 quad tear, coming back stronger, and why focusing on the long game is the only way to succeed in powerlifting. This episode is raw, direct, and centered around one thing — doing what it takes to keep progressing.

    1 hr
  5. Episode 131: 1000+ Bench and Squat ft. Tony Carlino

    MAR 20

    Episode 131: 1000+ Bench and Squat ft. Tony Carlino

    This week on The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Tony Carlino—elite equipped bencher, full power competitor, and one of the few lifters in history to bench over 1000 pounds in multiply, with a massive 1036 bench in 2024. Tony talks about how he got hooked on powerlifting after watching Road to the Arnold, what it means to be in the tiny group of lifters to bench 1000+ in poly, and becoming just the second person ever to squat and bench 1000+ in the same meet. The two also dive into bench shirts, why people misunderstand equipped lifting, the mindset behind chasing huge numbers, and what still drives Tony to keep pushing the limit. They also touch on EverStrong, the mission he cofounded with his wife Shelly, and the goals he’s still chasing: 1000+ single ply, 1100+ single/multi ply, and 1300+ unlimited. Follow Tony:IG: @sirbenchalot1kTikTok: @sirbenchalot1k Shop merch: plden.comSponsored by Wicked Wolf Beard Co.

    1h 4m
  6. Episode 130: Powerlifting Nutrition and Optimization ft. Connie Nightingale

    MAR 14

    Episode 130: Powerlifting Nutrition and Optimization ft. Connie Nightingale

    In Episode 130 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with Connie to talk about her journey through the sport of powerlifting and what it takes to keep showing up when the work gets hard. We dive into how she found her way into lifting, the lessons learned through training and competition, and the mindset required to continue pushing forward in a sport that demands consistency, patience, and resilience. Connie shares the highs, the struggles, and what keeps her motivated to keep chasing strength. From training philosophy to the realities of competing, this episode is a conversation about growth, persistence, and carving out your own path in the iron game.

    1h 6m
  7. Episode 129: NFL Strength Coaching and 50+ Years Experience ft. Bill Gillespie

    MAR 6

    Episode 129: NFL Strength Coaching and 50+ Years Experience ft. Bill Gillespie

    In Episode 129 of The Powerlifter’s Den, Cam sits down with legendary bench presser Bill Gillespie — a world record holder, elite masters competitor, and former NFL and college strength coach. Bill shares stories from decades in the iron game, from coaching athletes at the highest levels of sport to building one of the most respected bench press legacies in powerlifting. We dive into what it takes to stay competitive for decades, how strength training differs between athletes and powerlifters, and why discipline and consistency are the real keys to longevity in the sport. We also talk about the mindset required to push world-class weights, lessons learned from the coaching world, and how Bill continues to inspire lifters across generations. If you love powerlifting history, elite bench pressing, and hard-earned wisdom from someone who’s truly lived the strength life — this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

    1h 12m
  8. Episode 128: Moderation is for Cowards ft. Bob Merkh

    FEB 27

    Episode 128: Moderation is for Cowards ft. Bob Merkh

    In this episode of The Powerlifter’s Den, we sit down with Bob Merkh to talk about his new book Moderation for Cowards, now available on Amazon, and the mindset behind a lifetime under the bar. Bob breaks down the philosophy that drove the book, why embracing intensity matters in strength sports, and the lessons learned from decades of competing. We also dive into his final meet, Holy Wars III, reflecting on the preparation, the emotions behind closing out a competitive career, and what it means to go out on your own terms. From old-school lifting stories to hard-earned wisdom, this episode captures the mentality of a lifter who never believed in doing things halfway. If you believe moderation is overrated and commitment is everything, this episode is for you. 💪🎙️

    1h 6m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Powerlifter’s Den — the ultimate hangout for lifters, strength athletes, and iron addicts. Hosted by Cam Smith, this podcast dives deep into the world of powerlifting, featuring real conversations with top lifters, coaches, and industry experts. Whether you're chasing PRs, building your total, or just love talking shop about squats, bench, and deadlifts, you've found your tribe. Check out our official apparel store at PLDEN.COM , built for lifters who live the lifestyle of strength.

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