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...

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...

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 imp...

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 l...

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, l...

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...

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...

In this episode of the Squat Plug, the crew is joined by Gabe Inman ( ⁠@swolehousecookie⁠ ) to discus strength training outside of powerlifting, programming within powerlifting, the unique demands of each lifter, and Article 14: a brief history

On this episode of The Squat Plug, the boys circle back last years hit series “Power Grifters” and look into how things have changed after bringing up quite a few scandals and scams too light. 2024 was a wild year...Check out the Top 5 list of the 2023/2024 Power Grifters list. We ain't forget shit. Stanek spoke on his side of the story. Flores makes amends? Sullivan, Haddad, Bailey. What are...

The boys sit with Jan Daurio ( @jandaurio ) and draw out a road map for how to go from being an individual that is just looking to better themselves, up to becoming one of strongest Raw Powerlifters in America, and getting invited to the USAPL Pro Series . Jan also discusses the upcoming events and changes at USA Powerlifting ( @usapowerlifting ) in 2025. From Qualifying totals to international ex...

In this episode the boys are back from 2024 USAPL Raw Nationals. The boys talk about if elevation can affect lifters differently during competitions. They speak about how reconciliation between federations could benefit the entire sport. The boys touch on a key flaw in federation events; Spectator Engagement. It's one more thing that federations need to figure out in order to help grow this sport....

In this episode the boys talk about how James will consider (and will be persuaded) to bring the boys some of those world famous San Antonio Churro Crumble Cookies with him to the 2024 USAPL Raw Nationals, in Salt Lake City, Utah. They also cover several lifters and talk about their expectations. The boys will be out in Salt Lake City, Utah to compete, help, and experience another round of the USA...

In this episode, the Squat Plug goes over the many layers of Nico Flores' shenanigans in detail. Jeff Ko, Nico's former business partner and the man behind Garden Threads' short lived success, joins us to share his side of the story. Join us on the third episode of as we go down this rabbit hole together. And, as usual for Powergrifter episodes, this episode will be a little spicier than usual. Yo...

The Squat Plug takes a breather. Mateo, Mark, and Ylli catch up and talk about what's on their minds at the moment.- The differences between Signature Series and Pro Series- Logistics and Design at White Toe- SponsorshipsLet us know what you think. Send us some questions. Enjoy. You can reach out to TSP if you send us a text through this linkHosts:Mateo Manko @whitetoe_connoisseur Ylli Mujaj @brol...

Ylli ( @brolicgram ) clears up the details of the Ashton Bailey (@toobuff4thisss) insanity that is finally being brought to light. The Mateo and Mark are trying to understand things as they happened by interviewing the whistleblower (Ylli). Mark, Ylli, and Mateo are covering a serious topic and exposing this controversy has been quite an experience. Trying to shed light on this topic has generated...

We start off with Mark ( @mark_collaborativestrength) getting into his experience at the 2024 USA Powerlifting Northeast Regional Championships in Portland, Maine. Check out Mark's Meet Recap - Meet RecapYlli (@brolicgram) and Mateo (@whitetoe_connoisseur) made it to 2024 USA Powerlifting Rising Tide, in New Jersey. How'd it go? Well... They made it. Can you compare SBD Raleigh to The Arnolds ?And...

The Plug Boys compare and contrast the Signature Series versus the Pro Series, coaches who poach clients, and the Bench Debacle in Las Vegas. Tune in and subscribe! You can reach out to TSP if you send us a text through this linkHosts:Mateo Manko @whitetoe_connoisseur Ylli Mujaj @brolicgramMark Doherty @mark_collaborativestrengthProducer:Producer Bestar Mujaj @beunz

In Episode 23 A debacle at the High School Powerlifting Nationals (special Squat Suit competition). We all learn the secret weapon: slingshots! Ylli opens up. You can reach out to TSP if you send us a text through this linkHosts:Mateo Manko @whitetoe_connoisseur Ylli Mujaj @brolicgramMark Doherty @mark_collaborativestrengthProducer:Producer Bestar Mujaj @beunz

In this episode @jandaurio, Technical Manager @ United States of America Powerlifting, meets with the boys at @sportofiron to discuss changes in the @usapowerlifting with regard to their international ambitions, the evolution of their events, new meet requirements and processes among other things. You can reach out to TSP if you send us a text through this linkHosts:Mateo Manko @whitetoe_connoisse...

Hey! This episode of The Squat Plug, our focus is on Joe Stanek and the shit he did behind the scenes with his lifters and to Game Day Barbell. It’s more or less an introduction into what’s taking place there. It shows the enormity of his actions and his actions and his wrongdoings while also showing how people in powerlifting have tried to brush it under the rug for years. What has come to light,...

In this episode we talk about our experiences at the USAPL 2024 the Arnold Sport Festival , the whole crew was there! The Squat Plug touches on momentum in attempt selection, Meet day strategies, and Yllis' Spectacular Bomb-out. Special Guest: Dr. Sophia Veiras, DPT, BRMhttps://www.instagram.com/soph.squats/You can reach out to TSP if you send us a text through this linkHosts:Mateo Manko @whitetoe...

Welcome back to The Squat Plug. Season 2.What murda? You can reach out to TSP if you send us a text through this linkHosts:Mateo Manko @whitetoe_connoisseur Ylli Mujaj @brolicgramMark Doherty @mark_collaborativestrengthProducer:Producer Bestar Mujaj @beunz