Iron Culture presented by MASS Ep 319 - Bodybuilding Mortality Across the Eras (ft. Drs Conor Heffernan and Juan Carlos Cassano)
Mar 19, 2025
Join Conor Heffernan, a PhD in sports history, and Juan Carlos Casano, a biochemist and bodybuilding historian, as they dive into the dark side of bodybuilding. They reveal unsettling mortality trends linked to performance-enhancing drugs and explore the cultural norms that have shaped the sport. Discussion touches on the motivations behind bodybuilding, the impact of social media, and the need for better athlete welfare. The conversation advocates for transparency and a cultural shift in how bodybuilding is viewed and practiced.
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Shifting Narratives on PEDs
- The narrative around PED use has shifted from downplaying dangers to normalizing testosterone use.
- This normalization, coupled with targeted marketing, raises concerns about the perceived safety of PEDs.
Cultural Factors in Bodybuilding Deaths
- Bodybuilding deaths are not solely due to PED use but also the culture of extreme leanness and size.
- This cultural pressure, intensified by judging standards, necessitates a broader conversation beyond individual blame.
Inspiration from "History of Mr. America"
- John Fair's book, "History of Mr. America," includes a table showing decreasing lifespans of bodybuilders.
- This sparked the study idea, aiming to analyze mortality trends across different bodybuilding eras.