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 need for caution in interpreting data and the evolving nature of sports science, highlighting the sign...
Aug 20, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Season 1Ep. 341
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-responders, hyper-responders, etc) 07:01 Trex's surgery update 12:11 Discussion on Protein Meta-Analyses ...
Aug 13, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 340
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 Review! Learn more at massresearchreview.com Time stamps 0:00 Intro 4:18 New issue of the MASS Research ...
Aug 06, 2025•1 hr 47 min•Season 1Ep. 339
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. Jim was a jacked PhD with tons of “in the trenches” experience - back in 2005 that was a very rare...
Jul 30, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 338
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-analyses in understanding true effect sizes. Whether you're a seasoned lifter or new to the world of ...
Jul 24, 2025•1 hr 50 min•Season 1Ep. 337
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 preferences and engagement in fitness, then they debate the importance of matching exercise to individual c...
Jul 16, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 336
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 and the significance of collaboration in research. The conversation also touches on future research...
Jul 09, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Season 1Ep. 335
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 small/short individuals, the pros & cons of "extended release" caffeine formulations, the utility ...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Season 1Ep. 334
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 manner. The claims include: Claim 1 – protein reduces lifespan Claim 2 – protein makes bones weaker Cl...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 333
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 and standout performances in the event. In this conversation, Eric Helms highlights impressive perf...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 332
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 sports, comparing the approaches of powerlifting, bodybuilding, and combat sports. Finally, they exp...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 331
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 in a Q&A session addressing questions about energy expenditure, body composition, and more. Time ...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 330
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 microplastics and where to they come from? 16:40 How much microplastic is in our bodies? Does it seem to ...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Season 1Ep. 329
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 cholesterol myths, and the fine line between critical thinking and cynicism. Plus, they tackle rap...
May 22, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 328
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 of ketogenic diets on blood lipids, and eccentric training on muscle growth. The conversation also t...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Season 1Ep. 327
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 from the participants reveal varied results and experiences, highlighting the mental and physical ch...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 46 min•Season 1Ep. 326
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms and Trexler welcome Maddie McConnell, a world champion natural physique athlete, to discuss the current trends in natural bodybuilding, her journey into the sport, and the challenges that come with being a world-class physique competitor. Maddie shares her experiences transitioning from a general fitness enthusiast to a physique athlete, the significance of her recent achievements, and insights into training and preparation. In this conversation, Maddi...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 49 min•Season 1Ep. 325
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 and fitness topics that are causing controversy, generating buzz, or dominating headlines. In ot...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 324
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 nuanced manner. Listen along to gain some insights related to strengths, limitations, caveats, and ti...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 323
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 the data and its limitations while providing practical applications for training. Time Stamps: 0:00 ...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 322
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 relationship between cardio and strength training. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the need for e...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 321
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, and the implications of recent studies on training effects. The conversation emphasizes the need for ...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 58 min•Season 1Ep. 320
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 emphasizes the need for transparency in the sport and the impact of social media on perceptions of bodybui...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 40 min•Season 1Ep. 319
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. The conversation challenges common perceptions about fat burning and emphasizes the need for a nua...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 40 min•Season 1Ep. 318
In this episode, Drs Trexler and Helms are joined by Dr. Eduardo De Souza to discuss the complexities and misconceptions surrounding high volume training in the context of hypertrophy research. He shares insights from his extensive research background, emphasizing the importance of understanding participant experiences and the nuances of training volume. The conversation also touches on the challenges of research methodology, the need for improved reporting standards, and the future directions o...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 317
In tonight’s episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss various topics related to fitness, training, and research. They share personal updates, including the toll that Helms' intense training regimen is taking on his face. The discussion then shifts to the upcoming NFL combine, highlighting the impressive athletic feats expected from past combine participants. In the main segment of the show, Trexler and Helms discuss the nuances of lengthened-biased training research – more sp...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Season 1Ep. 316
Iron Culture is officially part of the 3-plate club. In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms celebrate their milestone 315th episode while diving into various topics including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), the efficacy of citrulline malate, training techniques for hypertrophy, managing tendinopathy, the health benefits of coffee, and programming for individuals with obesity. They also discuss how to improve training intensity and the importance of enthusiasm ...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 315
This episode of Iron Culture begins with a rant/story by Dr. Trexler that highlights some issues with scientific publishing. He describes a study on apple cider vinegar, his MASS article criticizing the study, and the subsequent letter to the editor (and response from the original authors). This discussion is followed by a Q&A session with Dr. Helms covering protein during weight loss, headaches from creatine, machines for joint comfort, mixing creatine + caffeine, low volume training for hy...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 314
In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Dr. Eric Helms and Dr. Eric Trexler are joined by Dr. Martin Refalo to discuss their recent meta-regression study on protein intake and its effects on muscle hypertrophy. They cover Martin's background, the initiation of the project, the methods used, and key findings, followed by a discussion of some critiques that have been generating discussion on social media platforms. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding statistical approaches i...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 43 min•Season 1Ep. 313
In today's episode of Iron Culture, co-hosts Eric Helms and Eric Trexler are joined by MASS colleague Dr. Mike Zourdos. After a brief chat about bodybuilding, powerlifting, and college football news, the crew addresses a number of questions about topics including optimal protein intake, what soreness can (or can't) tell us, detraining & retraining, vegan protein sources, heavy metals in protein supplements, training volume recommendations, pre-sleep meal guidelines, and much more. The MASS c...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 312
