Beyond the Third Attempt
Powerlifting gives you just three attempts but this sport is about far more than what happens on the platform.
The lift ends but the conversation continues.
The conversation off the platform
Powerlifting gives you just three attempts but this sport is about far more than what happens on the platform.
Beyond the Third Attempt explores the people, ideas, culture, and moments that shape powerlifting. From training and coaching to competition, rules, business, and the stories behind the athletes themselves, Andrew and CJ dive into the parts of the sport that don't always make it to the score table.
The lift ends but the conversation continues.
Hosted by Andrew & CJ
A Top Set Podcast
Latest from the show
- October 18, 20261 hr 12 min
Episode 3 - Hosting Our First USAPL Meet
In the third episode of Beyond the Third Attempt, Andrew and CJ reflect on their experience organizing and hosting their first sanctioned USA Powerlifting meet, The Executioner’s Platform, in Grand Junction, Colorado. They discuss the journey from an ambitious idea to a completed competition, including the challenges of securing equipment, finding sponsors, managing expenses, and preparing for meet day. They also share their different experiences throughout the process, from the responsibilities of meet directing and coaching to officiating and navigating the demands of competition day. Along the way, the conversation turns to the people and experiences that made the event possible, the lessons learned from previous competitions, and the importance of building opportunities for powerlifters on Colorado’s Western Slope. The Executioner’s Platform was more than their first meet as directors. It was an opportunity to put years of learning into practice, recognize the community that helped make it possible, and begin building something that extends beyond the third attempt.
Episode page - September 20, 20261 hr 9 min
Episode 2 - USAPL West Regionals
In the second episode of Beyond the Third Attempt, Andrew and CJ recap their trip to Las Vegas for USA Powerlifting West Regionals and reflect on their first experience at a national-level powerlifting meet. They discuss the event from both the spectator and handler perspectives, including meet-day coaching, attempt selection, officiating, technical standards, and the different ways athletes approach competition. They also reflect on the organization behind a larger meet and the often overlooked role spotters, loaders, referees, and other volunteers play in creating a safe and successful competition. Along the way, the conversation turns to lessons they hope to carry into future competitions, Collegiate Nationals, and the continued development of powerlifting on Colorado’s Western Slope. Regionals may have been the reason for the trip, but the experience offered a much broader look at the people and work that exist beyond the third attempt.
Episode page - August 26, 202655 min
Episode 1 - Welcome to Top Set
In the first episode of Beyond the Third Attempt, Andrew and CJ introduce the purpose behind the show and the community they hope to build through it. They discuss the human side of powerlifting, from comparison and self-doubt to confidence, belonging, and personal growth. They also explore the challenges of developing the sport on Colorado’s Western Slope and how Top Set is working to create more opportunities through coaching, education, media, meet hosting, and inclusive participation. This is more than a conversation about totals and competition results. It is an introduction to the people, experiences, and communities that exist beyond the third attempt.
Episode page
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