Iron Culture presented by MASS
Eric Helms & Eric Trexler
Iron Culture was started by Eric Helms and Omar Isuf as a means of exploring the world of physical culture and attempting to distill a unified philosophy of lifting and to help listeners find greater meaning from the iron. It's now hosted by Eric Helms and Eric Trexler, who repeatedly beg Omar to return as a guest.
Iron Culture focuses on dispensing practical, useful information to the listener, bouncing from history, to philosophy, to contemporary lifting culture issues, to science. The format includes casual conversations between the two hosts on a variety of topics, discussions with a panel of experts and interviews with authoritative figures in the lifting community.
Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review.
Iron Culture focuses on dispensing practical, useful information to the listener, bouncing from history, to philosophy, to contemporary lifting culture issues, to science. The format includes casual conversations between the two hosts on a variety of topics, discussions with a panel of experts and interviews with authoritative figures in the lifting community.
Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 47min
Ep 339 - ECA Stack & Yohimbine
This discussion dives into the intriguing world of the ECA stack and yohimbine. The hosts cover the stack's history, its impact on weight loss, and the regulatory shifts that shaped it. They explore how ephedrine, caffeine, and aspirin work together for fat loss. The conversation also reveals yohimbine's unique effects, from fat mobilization to its implications for male performance. With humor and insight, they reflect on the evolution of fitness supplements and doping in sports, making for an engaging and informative listen.
Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 21min
Ep 338 – The many eras of evidence-based fitness (ft. Dr. Jim Stoppani)
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Jim Stoppani, a PhD in exercise physiology and founder of his own supplement line, shares his journey from academia to fitness communication. He reflects on how the fitness industry and science communication have evolved over the years. They delve into the challenges of maintaining integrity in a digital age filled with misinformation, emphasizing the significance of transparent, evidence-based communication. Jim also discusses fostering audience engagement and promoting a positive approach to fitness education, offering a fresh perspective on navigating the changing landscape.
12 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 50min
Ep 337 - Is There A Crisis In Exercise Science?
This discussion tackles the replication crisis in exercise science, drawing parallels with the issues in psychology. The hosts examine the challenges of research reproducibility and the risks of over-relying on individual studies. They emphasize the significance of meta-analyses for understanding true effects and urge cautious interpretation of new findings. Additionally, they highlight the systemic barriers to research transparency in exercise science and stress the importance of collaboration and critical evaluation in the fitness community.
18 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ep 336 - The Science Of Being Cool & Attractive
In this engaging talk, Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, a psychologist and co-author of the Mass Research Review, dives into the science of attractiveness and coolness. They explore how body composition influences perceptions of attractiveness and discuss the irony of societal expectations. The conversation shifts to how personality traits shape workout preferences, examining the link between fitness habits and individual characteristics. Humor and insight abound as they advocate for a tailored approach to fitness based on psychological traits.
6 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 33min
Ep 335: Sticking Points, Exercise Selection, and Long Muscle Length Training (ft. Dr. Stian Larsen)
In this discussion, Dr. Stian Larsen, Director of Education at Norway's AFPT, shares insights from his transition from powerlifting to exercise science research. He delves into the biomechanics of squats, highlighting the significance of sticking points. Stian discusses the complexities of muscle training, including practical applications of recent hypertrophy research. Intriguing findings on bicep training angles challenge previous assumptions, while his innovative approaches to measuring muscle growth point to exciting future directions in strength training.
17 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 334 - Microplastics: Setting the Record Straight
The hosts tackle updates on microplastics, debunking myths while highlighting consumer safety through beverage packaging. Celebrating the 100th issue, they also explore tasty meat alternatives like plant-based chicken and discuss the importance of personalized dietary choices. The limitations of BMI are critiqued, alongside insights into individual training responses and the effectiveness of supplements. Join them for a blend of science, humor, and fitness wisdom!
15 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 35min
Ep 333 - Are High-Protein Diets Really Harmless?
Delve into the scientific debate surrounding high-protein diets as experts examine claims about their potential harms, including impacts on lifespan, bone health, and kidney function. Unpack the nuanced relationship between protein intake and type 2 diabetes, addressing common misconceptions in the fitness community. The conversation also tackles the validity of dietary research, discussing biases and the importance of critical thinking in nutrition. Plus, hear about contentious social media discussions on ketogenic diets and seed oils.
16 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 14min
Ep 332 - The Most Extreme Metabolic Adaptation Ever Recorded
The discussion dives into the intriguing world of metabolic adaptation and the extreme effects of dieting, referencing historical studies like the Minnesota starvation experiment. Powerlifting highlights provide a thrilling recap of recent competitions, showcasing standout athletes and intense performances. The hosts dive deep into the integration of bodybuilding and powerlifting training, emphasizing exercise order for optimal results. They also critique the use of weighted vests and explore how energy balance impacts recovery, urging listeners to consider sustainable nutrition approaches.
6 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ep 331 - Contest Prep and Weight Cutting Across Sports
The hosts tackle the ups and downs of fitness prep, focusing on recent powerlifting highlights and impressive performances. They dive into body composition, challenging the industry's flawed beauty standards. Exploring weight cutting strategies, they compare approaches in powerlifting, bodybuilding, and combat sports, stressing the importance of planning. Listeners will gain insights into hydration techniques and the often overlooked impact of mental health on weight management. Get ready for a blend of humor, science, and real talk about athletic performance!
12 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 20min
Ep 330 - Female Health & Fitness Research + Q&A
Explore the fascinating world of female health and fitness research, highlighting the need for more gender-inclusive studies. Discover insights into testosterone replacement therapy and cold exposure, along with the intriguing concept of lean mass hyper responders. Engage with a lively Q&A covering energy expenditure, body composition, and training nuances. Get the scoop on the upcoming Powerlifting World Championships, as well as the latest trends and research in weightlifting. Debunk common myths surrounding posture and understand athletic performance better!
