#353 Building a Powerlifting DYNASTY | Bradley Bechel
Release Date: 06/20/2025
Dave Tate's Table Talk
Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Shop Bands: We welcome John Quint to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast! John Quint holds a Bachelors of Health and Promotion Fitness with a minor in Coaching from Otterbein University. He graduated from the American Institution of Alternative Medicine in Neuromuscular Therapy. He is a Functional Range Systems Instructor and travels throughout the world teaching and lecturing. In addition to maintaining a private practice located in Columbus, Ohio, he co-owns/maintains a virtual internal strength...
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Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Shop Bands: Chris Duffin is a world-class strength athlete, inventor, and entrepreneur known for pushing life to the extremes—performance, competence, and achievement. He is the founder of Kabuki Strength and advisor to companies like Bearfoot Shoes and LiftLab, blending engineering, biomechanics, and human performance into transformative products and education. A record-holding powerlifter, Chris is the only person to squat and deadlift 1000+ lbs for reps and holds the Guinness...
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Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Shop Bands: We welcome Chad Coy to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast! Chad Coy is a veteran of the iron game and a true powerhouse in the world of strength sports. A 1991 graduate of Purdue University, Chad has spent decades building a legacy in strongman, coaching, and athletic development. His resume includes being the U.S. alternate for the World’s Strongest Man in 2001 and dominating the Masters divisions with multiple titles: 3x America’s Strongest Man (Masters, 2013, 2014, 2017), 2x...
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Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Shop Bands: We welcome Eric Helms to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast! Eric Helms, PhD, CSCS, is a WNBF Pro Natural Bodybuilder and internationally respected coach, scientist, and educator in the strength and physique sport world. Since 2009, he has coached with 3D Muscle Journey, where he now serves as Chief Science Officer. His coaching résumé includes national champions and world team athletes from five countries—three of whom became IPF World Champions. Eric has coached for Team USA, New...
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Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Shop Bands: We welcome Craig Foster to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast! Craig Foster is one of the most accomplished raw powerlifters in the world today. At just 36 years old, Craig has achieved a massive 2298-pound raw total, placing him among the elite ranks of the sport. With a current position as 4th all-time in the raw squat category, his strength and consistency are undeniable. Craig has squatted over 1000 pounds 13 consecutive times, with 10 of those being in competition—a...
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Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Shop Bands: Pete Rubish takes a seat in this 363rd podcast episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk. Welcome back, Pete! Pete is a competitive 242-pound powerlifter with best lifts of 772 pounds on squat, 485 pounds on bench, and 920 pounds on deadlift. For the last ten years, he has been coaching and training lifters. His passion is helping others get stronger and realize just how much more capable they can be as they pursue their true potential – and their next PR. After being off PEDs for four years, Pete has found...
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Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Shop Bands: Welcome Dan Goodman and Joe Riggio to the 362nd episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast. Dan Goodman and Joe Riggio are standout figures in the fitness industry, each bringing unique strengths to their partnership at Varsity House, a prominent gym brand they've developed together. Dan began his career at the front desk of Parisi Speed School at 16 and quickly ascended the ranks, eventually partnering with Joe in 2009 to establish Varsity House. Known for his strategic vision in business...
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Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Shop Bands: We welcome Kyle Sheridan to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast! Born and raised in Webster, NY, Kyle Sheridan has built a name for himself in the strength world through pure grit and community building. He’s the co-owner of Legends 24/7 Gym in Webster and runs his own coaching business, The Crew (formerly Sheridan Strength Crew), helping lifters push their limits together. A former sprinter and track captain at Webster Thomas High School, Kyle’s love for lifting began...
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PLOT TWIST: Special Guest Dave Tate features a mix of humor, philosophy, and deep discussion about powerlifting, with a central theme around the concept of intent—the idea that success in lifting comes not just from effort and discipline but from being mentally present and purposeful in execution. Dave emphasizes that most lifters lack true intent, even if they have all other elements like consistency and motivation. The conversation also explores topics like wrestling, training philosophies, ridiculous fitness advice, and hypothetical scenarios, often laced with humor and...
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Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Shop Bands: We welcome Luka Hocevar to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast! Born and raised in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Luka Hocevar credits basketball, fitness, and great coaches for steering him away from crime and onto a path that took him to the elite European Leagues and the NBA Summer Pro League. After hanging up his professional basketball jersey, Luka dedicated himself to transforming lives just like his coaches did for him. With over 19 years of coaching experience, Luka has become a...
info_outlineWe welcome Brad Bechel to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!
Brad Bechel is the Head Coach of the McKendree University Powerlifting Team and a cornerstone in the collegiate powerlifting scene. With a lifting career dating back to the early 2000s, Brad has worn many hats in the strength world—athlete, coach, gym owner, physical therapist assistant, and Army veteran. His well-rounded background and relentless work ethic have fueled one of the most consistently successful collegiate programs in the country.
Since taking over as head coach in 2021, Brad has led McKendree University to multiple top-five national finishes at Collegiate Nationals and helped produce standout athletes, including two collegiate national champions and two IPL world champions. His team also secured an IPL North American Team Championship under his guidance. Prior to that, he served as the team’s assistant coach from 2019 to 2021, helping to lay the groundwork for their current dominance.
Brad’s coaching philosophy centers around developing strong foundations, especially among youth and junior athletes. He sees strength training as more than just lifting—it’s a tool for discipline, confidence, and lifelong growth. His passion for mentoring the next generation is evident both on the platform and off.
Beyond McKendree, Brad serves as the USAPL Illinois State Chair, actively shaping the sport at a regional level. His experience spans federations and athlete levels, making him a well-rounded and respected leader in powerlifting. From 2014 to 2018, Brad worked as a physical therapist assistant and gym owner, which gave him a deep understanding of movement quality, recovery, and athlete longevity.
Brad’s educational background includes a B.S. in Healthcare Management and an A.A.S. in Physical Therapist Assisting. He also served in the U.S. Army from 2005 to 2009, a period that helped forge the discipline and leadership he brings to every coaching role.
Follow Brad’s coaching and team updates on Instagram: @coach_bradly_bechel
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