Iron Culture presented by MASS
Iron Culture is a podcast hosted by Eric Helms and Eric Trexler that explores physical culture, lifting philosophy, and practical training information. The show features casual conversations, expert panels, and interviews with authoritative figures in the lifting community. It is presented by the MASS Research Review.
Episodes
Ep 389 - What the Erics Actually Do
In this episode, Eric Helms and Eric Trexler share their current approaches to diet, training, and supplementation, emphasizing pragmatic strategies, individualization, and the importance of evidence-based practice. They discuss how constraints, habits, and intrinsic motivation shape their approaches to fitness, offering valuable insights for both athletes and everyday lifters. Catch new Iron Cult
BONUS - Drop Sets & Myo-Reps: The Best Way to Use Them (w/ Eric Helms & Steve Hall)
In this episode, Eric Helms and Steve Hall discuss training strategies, auto-regulation, the role of cardio in bodybuilding, and practical techniques for efficient training. They share insights from their recent training camps and personal experiences to help listeners optimize their workouts and recovery. Catch new Iron Culture episodes every Tuesday at 5:30 pm eastern time! Be sure to use cod
Ep 388 - What Most Bodybuilders and Their Coaches Miss (ft. Richard Collins)
In this episode, Eric Helms and Richard Collins explore the art and science of coaching, emphasizing the importance of motivation, rapport, and tailored strategies in achieving long-term success in fitness and bodybuilding. In this episode, Richard shares his extensive experience in physique sport coaching, mental performance training, and how athletes and coaches can optimize their mindset and pr
Ep 387 - Energy Cost of Building Muscle
In this episode, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms explore the energetic cost of building human skeletal muscle, discussing recent research, practical implications, and misconceptions about muscle growth and energy expenditure. Relevant papers: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31482093/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37914977/ https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.17.745156v1.full.pdf Catch n
Ep 386 - Sleep, Hypertrophy, and Creatine
Trexler and Helms dig into sleep and how it intersects with body composition and supplementation. They open on the sleep-and-lifting landscape, then work through the frequently cited 2010 study on insufficient sleep and fat loss, laying out its design and the details behind its dramatic-sounding numbers. From there they discuss what the broader literature does and doesn't establish, the acute effe
Ep 385 - Do Studies on Untrained Lifters Apply to Trained Lifters?
Trexler and Helms dig into Helms's new MASS article, "Are studies on untrained lifters irrelevant to trained lifters?" It's built around a new umbrella review by Andy Fry and colleagues. The recurring internet claim is that most exercise research is done on untrained people, so a trained lifter is "built different" and the findings don't apply. The hosts unpack why that's mostly wrong. They start
BONUS: Bulking Is Dead - Eric Helms & Steve Hall
In this episode, Eric Helms and Steve Hall explore the nuances of body recomposition, optimal bulking and cutting strategies, and the science behind muscle gain and fat loss. They discuss recent research, practical insights, and debunk common myths to help athletes optimize their training and nutrition. Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review. Mostly because Helms and Trex ar
Ep 384 - Is Ultrasound Lying About Your Gains?
A methods-focused episode about how muscle and body-composition measurements can mislead you when reading the research. The main event is a new Balshaw and colleagues paper concluding that ultrasound muscle thickness is a poor index of MRI-measured muscle growth. Trexler and Helms argue this shouldn't be read as "throw out all ultrasound research" — the real culprit is that muscle thickness is a c
Ep 383 - Q&A: Imbalances, Fatigue, & REDs
In today's Q&A episode, the Erics work through a few listener questions. First they tackle upper/lower body imbalance — why lagging body parts usually call for improving training quality before adding volume, and why standout muscle groups can be maintained on surprisingly little work. Next is a long discussion on managing fatigue and exercise sequencing in high-frequency, non-traditional splits,
Ep 382 - The Science of Building Bone (ft. Dr.Lora Giangregorio)
The Erics sit down with bone health expert Dr. Lora Giangregorio, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Waterloo, to unpack what's actually known about how bone adapts to resistance training. The conversation covers why bone changes so slowly, the many sources of measurement error in DEXA scans, and why so much of the exercise-and-bone literature is underpowered and hard to interpret. Dr
BONUS: Are Fitness Trackers Worth It? - Eric Helms & Steve Hall
In this episode, Steve Hall and Eric Helms explore the nuances of training, recovery, and the use of technology in bodybuilding. They share insights on managing recovery, the limitations of fitness trackers, and the importance of personalized approaches to training and nutrition. If you're in the market for some new (ultra-high-quality) gym gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" for a 10% d
Ep 381 - Q&A: GLP-1s, Tendon Training, & Rep Ranges
Trexler and Helms open with an overview of the new MASS issue (body recomposition, a protein consensus paper, reverse dieting) and a powerlifting World Championships recap before diving into a rapid-fire listener Q&A. Along the way they tackle whether protein needs scale with training volume, the science behind a supplement that's been called "Nature's Ozempic," evaluating protein quality based on
Ep 380 - Bulking, Cutting, and Recomping
In this Q&A episode, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms open with a recap of their trip to Norway and announce a new MASS partnership with AFPT International. They then work through a string of listener questions that end up forming a surprisingly cohesive arc: how much total daily energy expenditure actually varies between people, RED-S and low energy availability, what really drives satiety, and a deep
Ep 379 - Behind the Scenes (Iron Culture Documentary) ft. Omar Isuf
In a monumental moment for the Iron Cult, OMAR RETURNS for a guest appearance. In this episode, Omar Isuf and Eric Helms discuss the journey of creating the ambitious Iron Culture documentary, highlighting behind-the-scenes challenges, personal sacrifices, and the passion driving their project. They reflect on the collaborative effort, funding, and the cultural significance of their work, offering
BONUS: Revive Stronger - Fatigue, Progress & The Psychology of Bodybuilding (ft. Steve Hall)
Eric Helms and Steve Hall discuss training strategies, deloads, body image, and the cultural aspects of bodybuilding, sharing insights from their experiences and recent projects like the bodybuilding documentary. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Banter 03:00 Connecting with Omar and Rascal 05:58 The Essence of Bodybuilding and Community 08:49 The Documentary Journey 12:06 Philosophical Reflections
Ep 378 - Social Media Protein Debates
Eric Trexler and Eric Helms recently found themselves in the middle of a debate about optimal protein intakes, all initiated by a social media post from Stu Phillips (a leading researcher in the area). In this episode, they dive into how that scientific discourse played out, the nuances of protein intake, and the implications for recreational lifters and bodybuilders alike. They discuss the comple
Ep 377 – MRV/MAV, Diet Breaks & Refeeds
Back in episode 375, Helms and Trex briefly mentioned a few "evidence-based fitness" topics for which their views have evolved over the years. In hindsight, they didn't give a few of those topics the time, attention, and explanation they deserve. So in this episode, Helms and Trex take a closer look at two key topics: maximum recoverable (or adaptable) training volume, and various approaches to st
Ep 376 - Weight Loss Resistance
Join us for a rare Iron Culture episode with co-hosts who are not only on the same continent, but actually in the same ROOM. Helms and Trexler are in Australia for the Sports Nutrition Association Annual Conference, so they got together to record an episode about Trex's presentation topic: resistance to weight loss. Specifically, why being a true "outlier" who is resistant to weight loss efforts i
Ep 375 - Humility in Science
Join Drs Eric Helms and Eric Trexler as they discuss the importance of humility in science, and a few key areas where their perspectives have changed over the years. If you're in the market for some new (ultra-high-quality) gym gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" for a 10% discount over at elitefts.com Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review. Mostly because Helms a
BONUS: Stronger Culture - The Protein Ceiling: Real or Not a Needle Mover? (ft Eric Helms & Steve Hall)
Join Steve Hall and Eric Helms as they explore the nuances of bodybuilding, nutrition, and training strategies. From caffeine timing and body composition tracking to posing techniques and mental models, this conversation offers practical insights for athletes and enthusiasts aiming to optimize their performance and physique. Iron Culture is presented by the MASS Research Review massresearchrevie
Ep 374 - Processing, Palatability, and Bingeing
This episode begins with a slightly defensive rant by Eric Trexler, followed by a very defensive rant by Eric Helms. After that, they dive into new research uncovering the complexities of ultraprocessed foods, their impact on obesity, binge eating, and the food industry's role in creating and promoting hyperpalatable ultraprocessed foods. Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Rev
Ep 373 - Does Bone Predict Hypertrophy?
This episode begins with a discussion about the importance of scientific rigor in fitness research and science communication. After that, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss the relationship between skeletal structure and muscle growth, including whether or not your bone structure can predict how much muscle you gain in response to training or your maximum level of muscularity. Iron Culture
Ep 372 - New ACSM Lifting Guidelines
In this episode, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss the latest updates in resistance training research, the evolution of training principles since 2009, and practical applications for trainers and athletes. They explore key points from the new ACSM position stand, the importance of training frequency, volume, and specificity, and reflect on how scientific understanding has advanced over the years
Stronger Culture - The Mental Side of Bodybuilding Nobody Talks About
Join us for an in-depth discussion with Steve Hall & Eric Helms on supplement testing, polygraph use in bodybuilding, sleep optimization, and the power of acceptance in training and life. This episode offers practical insights for natural bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts looking to optimize health, performance, and mental resilience. If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or appa
Ep 371 - Popular Pseudoscience
In this episode, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms delve into the complexities of scientific research integrity, recent controversies in nutrition studies, and debunk common myths in health and fitness. They emphasize the importance of transparency, ethics, and critical thinking in science and everyday beliefs. In this episode, Eric Helms and Eric Trexler debunk popular myths in psychology, medicine, an
Ep 370 - Calories: Labels vs Reality
In this episode, Eric Helms and Eric Trexler explore the complexities of food labeling, energy absorption, and the impact of food choices on energy balance. They discuss a recent lawsuit against David protein bars, delve into scientific research on metabolizable energy, and practical strategies for dieting and food selection. If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to
Ep 369 - New Controversy in LDL Research
Editorial note: We recorded this episode on March 4. This is an important detail for contextualizing the timeline of events discussed in this episode, as well as our understanding of the matter at the time of recording. Since we recorded this episode, the paper discussed has been officially retracted. We will provide additional updates on this story as they become available. Episode summary: J
Iron Stronger - 1%er Habits The Best Do In Bodybuilding (with Eric Helms & Steve Hall)
In this episode, Steve Hall and Eric Helms discuss the evolution of their podcast, the importance of community feedback, and the dynamics of online culture. They delve into personality traits that influence social media behavior, the misconceptions surrounding pop science, and the significance of evidence-based practices in coaching and bodybuilding. Eric shares insights about his new role in ac
Ep 368 - Sheffield 2025 Champ Kjell Bakkelund
In this episode, powerlifter Kjell Bakkelund shares his journey, strategic weight management, and insights into longevity and performance in powerlifting. Discover how he overcame setbacks, optimized nutrition, and maintained motivation over a 19-year career. If you're in the market for some lifting gear or apparel, please be sure to support our friends and save some money by using code "MRR10" fo
Ep 367 - Q&A
In this episode, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms explore a wide range of topics including the culture of bodybuilding, the impact of step counts on health, protein intake nuances, and the effects of various performance-enhancing drugs. They also address common misconceptions and recent research findings, providing practical insights for fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike. Be sure to sup
Ep 366 - New Studies: Long Muscle Lengths & Muscle Swelling
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss perpetually hot topics in the fitness and bodybuilding community, focusing on recent research findings related to training at long muscle lengths and the implications of muscle swelling on hypertrophy reserach. They explore the nuances of lengthened bias training, the importance of sampling variance in research, and the impact of
Ep 365 - The Science Behind Toxic Online Fitness Culture
Have you noticed that real life fitness culture is awesome, but online fitness culture sucks? Yeah, us too. In this episode, the Erics discuss why toxic online fitness culture is the way it is, leaning on actual scientific research on which personality types are dictating discourse and driving engagement. The conversation ends with practical tips for strategically cultivating a better experience o
BONUS - Confidence, Self-Doubt & Thinking Clearly in the Fitness Industry - Eric Helms & Steve Hall
In this episode, Eric Helms and Steve Hall engage in a deep conversation about their experiences in bodybuilding, academia, and personal growth. They discuss the challenges of naming their podcast, the impact of ADHD on Eric's life, and the importance of critical thinking in the fitness industry. The conversation also touches on the concept of imposter syndrome, the black-pilled perspective on
Ep 364 - The Evolution of Physical Culture (ft. Dr. Conor Heffernan)
In this episode of Iron Culture, Dr. Eric Helms and Dr. Conor Heffernan delve into the rich history of fitness and physical culture, exploring how exercise has evolved globally and the impact of historical figures on modern fitness paradigms. They discuss the globalization of exercise practices, the marketing strategies that have persisted since the 1890s, and the importance of understanding fitne
Ep 363 - What Everyone's Getting Wrong About New Dietary Guidelines
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms and Eric Trexler discuss the recent changes to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) and the implications of these updates. They begin by addressing the shift in their podcast schedule, emphasizing the importance of mental health and balance in their work. The conversation then transitions into a detailed analysis of the new dietary guidelines, hig
Ep 362 - WNBF Champ Shreenath Ganesh
In this episode, Eric Helms interviews Shreenath Ganesh, the inaugural world champion in the short classic physique division at the WNBF Worlds. They discuss Shreenath's journey from India to becoming a champion, the rise of natural bodybuilding in India, the challenges faced by athletes, and the cultural perspectives surrounding bodybuilding. Shreenath shares his aspirations to promote natural bo
Ep 361 - Are N = 1 Anecdotes Meaningless?
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms and Dr. Eric Trexler discuss the importance of self-experimentation in fitness, the history and significance of statistics in science, and the balance between skepticism and curiosity in science communication. They explore the claims made about self-experimentation, the role of statistical significance versus meaningful outcomes, and the necessity of int
Ep 360 - WNBF Champs Eddie Saldana and Max Melchard
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms interviews WNBF Pro champions Eddie Saldana and Max Melchard, discussing their journeys in natural bodybuilding, the competitive mindset, and the culture of bodybuilding in Europe. They share insights on training, conditioning, and the importance of enjoying the process of bodybuilding. The conversation highlights the growth of natural bodybuilding and t
Ep 359 - Tribalism in Evidence-Based Fitness
In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss various themes surrounding fitness, nutrition, and the importance of open discourse in the community. The conversation addresses criticism received from listeners, the role of cynicism versus skepticism in fitness discussions, and the necessity of engaging with differing perspectives for personal and professional growth. Th
Ep 358 - WNBF Champs Christine Reinhart and Sarah Oase
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms is joined by natural bodybuilders Christine Reinhart and Sarah Oase, who share their journeys in the sport, their experiences at recent competitions, and the challenges faced in women's bodybuilding. They discuss the importance of camaraderie among competitors, the evolution of their training and competition strategies, and the significance of earning pr
Ep 357 - WNBF Champs Heitor Sousa and Adão Martins
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms is joined by world champions Heitor Sousa and Adão Martins to discuss their journeys in natural bodybuilding. They reflect on their experiences at the WNBF Worlds, the importance of community and support, and the lessons learned from both victories and setbacks. The conversation highlights their friendship, resilience, and the significance of never givin
Ep 356 - Pain-Free Training (ft. Dr. John Rusin)
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler interviews Dr. John Rusin, a personal trainer and strength coach with a doctorate in physical therapy. They discuss Dr. Rusin's journey from working with professional athletes to focusing on general population training, emphasizing the importance of injury prevention and pain management. Dr. Rusin shares insights from his new book, 'Pain-Free Performan
Ep 355 - Mindset of a Bodybuilding Champion (ft. Oscar Moscat)
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms interviews Oscar Moscat, a pro natural bodybuilder who shares his journey in the sport. Oscar discusses the importance of personal motivation, family values, and the balance between competition and self-improvement. He emphasizes the significance of finding what works for each individual in training and the camaraderie within the bodybuilding community.
Ep 354 - All About "Central" or "Systemic" Fatigue
In this episode, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms begin by discussing Helms' competition updates and the sad state of affairs in academic publishing (that is, scientific journals). Eric and Eric then take a deep dive into the complexities of central fatigue, systemic fatigue, the accumulation of fatigue, and deloading strategies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches to
Ep 353 - How To Actually Embrace Long-Term Dietary Changes
In this conversation, Eric Helms reflects on his recent competition experience, discussing the nostalgia of returning to a familiar stage and the significance of competing at a pro level. He emphasizes the importance of mindset during contest prep and the challenges of transitioning from a dieting phase to maintenance. The discussion also covers the psychological aspects of maintaining weight loss
Ep 352 - Q&A (Protein, Mini-Cuts, and More)
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler and Dr. Eric Helms discuss Helms' upcoming bodybuilding competition, his preparation journey, and the importance of nutrition and recovery. They delve into various topics including auto-regulated dieting, GI issues, mini cuts, step counts, energy expenditure, and more. If you're looking for some gym gear or apparel, please be sure to support our friend
Ep 351 - New Research on Constrained Model and NSAIDs
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss significant updates in fitness research, particularly focusing on the constrained energy expenditure model and the effects of NSAIDs on muscle hypertrophy. They also revisit a prior episode about PhDs (how they're obtained and what they mean) by discussing the international differences in PhD programs. If you're in the market for
Ep 350 - Eric Helms Returns
In tonight's episode of Iron Culture, Dr. Eric Helms returns with stories from his competition and associated travels. Topics include jet lag, dehydration, miscalculated use of laxatives and sleep aids, getting stitches in a Taiwan emergency room, autographed Eric Helms trading cards, Eric's 5th place finish at a pro show, autoregulated dieting, and much more. If you're in the market for some new
Ep 349 - Elite Weightlifting: An Inside Look (ft. Wil Fleming)
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler interviews Wil Fleming, a level five senior international coach with USA Weightlifting. They discuss Wil's journey into Olympic weightlifting, the importance of mental resilience, and the technical aspects of teaching Olympic lifts. Wil shares insights on managing arousal levels during competitions, the significance of routines, and many other factors
Ep 348 - What Does Your Favorite Fit Pro's PhD Actually Mean?
A recent dust-up in the evidence-based fitness world has sparked a lot of discussion about credentials. How are they earned, what do they represent, and how do they impact the way we engage with someone's content, recommendations, or products? This episode of Iron Culture discusses all of that (and more). Be sure to support our friends over at elitefts.com by using our discount code (MRR10) to sav
Ep 347 - New Retraction (and What It Means For "Evidence-Based" Fitness)
Helms has neglected to show up yet again, so Ep 347 is a solo show in which Dr Trex details a recent saga in which a paper about apple cider vinegar was retracted. The episode covers what the paper reported, how Trex & co pursued clarification, how the paper was eventually retracted, and (most importantly) what this means for "evidence-based" fitness. Even if you don't care about apple cider vineg
Ep 346 - Helms Updates + Q&A
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler welcomes back Eric Helms, who clarifies recent misunderstandings about his commitment to the iron game. Helms shares insights from his recent travels, including a global education event with TechnoGym in Bali, and discusses the importance of cultural experiences in fitness education. The conversation also covers strategies for managing jet lag during i
Ep 345 - Hot Topics in Fitness (ft. Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple)
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler is joined by Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple to discuss various topics in fitness, particularly focusing on creatine supplementation, female-oriented creatine marketing, the rising popularity of creatine gummies, and several creatine myths. They discuss the importance of understanding the science behind creatine and debunk common misconceptions before moving
Ep 344 - Sports Science In Elite Athletics (ft. Dr. Marc Lewis)
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler interviews Dr. Marc Lewis, the director of Applied Sports Science for the Houston Texans. They discuss the role of sports scientists in maximizing athlete performance through data collection, management, and analysis. Marc shares insights on the day-to-day responsibilities of a sports scientist, the importance of understanding athlete load and stress,
Ep 343 - Q&A: Is Collagen Useful?
In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss recent developments in college football and powerlifting, in addition to introducing their partnership with Elite FTS. The conversation shifts to a Q&A session where they address various topics, including collagen supplementation, creatine dosage, and the relationship between muscular endurance and strength. They also provi
Ep 342 - New Data: Does Growth Really Drive Strength Gains?
In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss various topics including the ongoing debate about the relationship between muscle growth and strength gains. They discuss brand new findings from the largest and longest-running study on resistance training, explore the implications of "apparent" sex differences in strength gains, and emphasize the need for nuanced statisti
Ep 341 - Unpacking Individual Responses to Training Volume
In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Helms and Michael Zourdos engage with Dr. Zac Robinson to discuss his dissertation research on the effects of resistance training volume on muscle adaptations. The conversation delves into the complexities of individual responses to training, the importance of research design, and the implications of findings for coaching practices. They emphasize the ne
Ep 340 - Protein: Valuable, But Overvalued
In this episode, Drs Trexler and Helms discuss various topics including updates on Eric's surgery, the valuable (but very modest) effects of protein intake on muscle gains, incontinence after contest prep, the relationship between sleep quality and nutrient timing, the recent ban on smelling salts in the NFL, and more. Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:11 Preview of next week's episode (non-res
Ep 339 - ECA Stack & Yohimbine
In this episode of Iron Culture, Helms and Trex have a lengthy discussion about the ECA stack and yohimbine. The history, the mechanisms, the regulatory changes, the practical applications – you name it, they cover it. Don't miss this episode if you have an interest in fat loss, stimulants, or dietary supplementation in general. Also, be sure to check out the newest issue of the MASS Research Revi
Ep 338 – The many eras of evidence-based fitness (ft. Dr. Jim Stoppani)
Back when Trex was a 14 year old, his wrestling coach noticed his passion for training and nutrition. This coach took Trex under his wing, and they started absorbing and applying as much information as they could. Their source material, almost exclusively, was the content produced by Dr. Jim Stoppani – primarily from magazine articles, but also from the totally novel medium of online video content
Ep 337 - Is There A Crisis In Exercise Science?
Join hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms as they explore the potential "replication crisis" in exercise science, drawing parallels to the well-documented crisis in psychology. In this episode, they delve into the challenges of replicating research findings, the perils of placing too much confidence in singular studies, the importance of cautious interpretation of new studies, and the value of meta-a
Ep 336 - The Science Of Being Cool & Attractive
In this episode of Iron Culture, Dr. Eric Trexler and Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple discuss science related to attractiveness, coolness, and personality type. They explore scientific studies on the factors associated with perceived attractiveness and "coolness," discussing body fat percentages and societal perceptions. The conversation shifts to how personality traits appear to predict workout prefere
Ep 335: Sticking Points, Exercise Selection, and Long Muscle Length Training (ft. Dr. Stian Larsen)
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms interviews Dr. Stian Larsen, who shares his journey from powerlifting to becoming a researcher in exercise science. They discuss the intricacies of biomechanics, the importance of understanding squat techniques, and the latest research findings on muscle hypertrophy and resistance profiles. Stian emphasizes the need for practical applications in training
Ep 334 - Microplastics: Setting the Record Straight
In this episode of Iron Culture, the Erics provide some updates, corrections, and clarifications related to their recent episode exploring the science of microplastics. After that they take a brief moment to celebrate the 100th issue of the MASS Research Review, then answer listener questions on topics including: tasty meat alternatives, programming supersets, scaling dietary variables for very sm
Ep 333 - Are High-Protein Diets Really Harmless?
In this episode of Iron Culture, Dr. Eric Helms talks about his forthcoming article in the MASS Research Review covering the purported harms of high-protein diets. This isn't your typical oversimplified dunk-fest that readily dismisses concerns about high-protein diets. Instead, Helms reviews a thorough paper that reviews common concerns in detail and assessed their plausibility in an objective ma
Ep 332 - The Most Extreme Metabolic Adaptation Ever Recorded
In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of bodybuilding prep, including caloric intake, metabolic adaptation, and the impact of extreme dieting. They explore historical studies that provide insights into these phenomena and discuss practical strategies for weight loss. The conversation transitions to powerlifting, specifically the recent IPF Worlds, highlighting the competitive dynamics
Ep 331 - Contest Prep and Weight Cutting Across Sports
In this episode of Iron Culture, the Erics begin by discussing Helms' prep updates and the standout performances from the recent powerlifting World Champions. The conversation also touches on body composition and attractiveness, highlighting the misconceptions in the fitness industry regarding ideal body fat levels. After that they take a deep dive into the strategies of cutting weight in various
Ep 330 - Female Health & Fitness Research + Q&A
In this episode of the Iron Culture Podcast, the Erics discuss various topics including updates on Helms' contest prep vlog, a preview of the upcoming Powerlifting World Championships, misconceptions surrounding TRT, the effects of cold exposure, and the concept of lean mass hyper responders. They also discuss the importance of (and misconceptions surrounding) women's health research, and engage i
Ep 329 - What To Do About Microplastics
What's the deal with microplastics? Where do they come from? Are they in our bodies? If so, are they harmful? Also, what's the deal with microwaving Tupperware and other plastic containers? This episode is all about plastics - what we know, what we don't know, and what you can do about it. Key reference: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11800385/ Time stamps: 0:00 Intro 7:20 What are micro
Ep 328 - Bad Fundamentals Lead to Popular Pseudoscience
In this episode of Iron Culture presented by MASS, Dr. Eric Helms and Dr. Eric Trexler dive into a wide-ranging discussion covering updates on the long-awaited 3rd edition of the Muscle & Strength Pyramids, the writing process at MASS, and their recent frustrations with pseudoscientific claims in fitness and health. They dissect recent content related to eccentric training, ketogenic diets, LDL ch
Ep 327 - Fat Loading, Sodium Limits, and More
In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss a variety of topics related to bodybuilding, nutrition, and fitness. First they share updates on Front Page Fitness and discuss some soon-to-be-released articles from the Mass Research Review, with topics including the implications of cold exposure, how much testosterone actually impacts muscle mass, seed oils, the effects
Ep 326 - Daily 1RM Training: Crazy or Constructive? (ft. Dr. Nick Washmuth and Kaylee Chism)
In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Helms and Michael Zourdos reconnect and reflect on their experiences at the 2025 Sports Nutrition Association annual conference. Joined by guests Dr. Nick Washmuth and Kaylee Chism, they delve into the concept of daily 1RM training, discussing its origins, methodology, and findings from a recent study involving participants who maxed out daily. Insights
Ep 325 - Plant-Based Bodybuilding With a World Champ (ft. Maddie McConnell)
In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Helms and Michael Zourdos reconnect and reflect on their experiences at the 2025 Sports Nutrition Association annual conference. Joined by guests Dr. Nick Washmuth and Kaylee Chism, they delve into the concept of daily 1RM training, discussing its origins, methodology, and findings from a recent study involving participants who maxed out daily. Insights
Ep 324 - WORLD PREMIERE: Front Page Fitness
This is a very special episode of Iron Culture because it's the WORLD PREMIERE of "Front Page Fitness," a new podcast hosted by Drs Eric Trexler and Lauren Colenso-Semple. If you're part of the Iron Cult, these folks are no strangers - both have been on Iron Culture numerous times, and both are co-authors of the MASS Research Review. In Front Page Fitness, Eric & Lauren discuss the hottest health
Ep 323 - MASS Makes History
The MASS Research Review started in 2017 and has provided cutting-edge evidence-based fitness content - every single month - ever since. Nearly 1500 articles and videos later, the MASS Crew is all in the same physical location for the first time in history. To commemorate the occasion, the MASS Crew sat down for a roundtable discussion about interpreting, communicating, and applying science in a n
Ep 322- The Science of "Junk Volume" (ft. Jake Remmert)
In this episode of Iron Culture, host Eric Trexler and guest Jake Remmert discuss a new meta regression paper focusing on per session set volume and its impact on hypertrophy and strength. They explore the nuances of per session training volume, the implications of the findings, and address common misconceptions in the fitness community. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding
Ep 321 - Are You Really As Hydrated As You Think?
In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss various topics related to fitness, nutrition, and hydration. They delve into the importance of hydration, the potential for overhydration, and the effects of vitamin C and gelatin on muscle recovery. The conversation also covers the debate between eccentric and concentric training for muscle growth, as well as the relations
Ep 320 - Myths Versus Theories in Exercise Science (ft. James Steele)
In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Helms and Eric Trexler engage in a lively discussion with Dr. James Steele about the evolving landscape of sports science, particularly focusing on the critiques of periodization and the importance of scientific theory in exercise research. They explore the philosophical underpinnings of scientific inquiry, the challenges of conducting robust research, a
Ep 319 - Bodybuilding Mortality Across the Eras (ft. Drs Conor Heffernan and Juan Carlos Cassano)
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms and guests Conor Heffernan and Dr. Juan Carlos Casano delve into the intricate relationship between bodybuilding, performance-enhancing drugs, and athlete welfare. They discuss the historical context of bodybuilding, the cultural norms that have evolved over the years, and the alarming trends in mortality rates among bodybuilders. The conversation emphas
Ep 318 - Resistance Training as a Fat Loss Tool (ft. Dr. Mike Ormsbee)
In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Helms and Michael Zourdos engage in a deep discussion with Dr. Mike Ormsbee about the role of resistance training in fat oxidation and body composition. They explore how resistance training can be an effective tool for fat loss, the physiological mechanisms behind fat metabolism during exercise, and the importance of myokines and hormones in this process
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