
Iron Culture presented by MASS
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.
Latest episodes

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.

8 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!

20 snips
May 30, 2025 • 1h 31min
Ep 329 - What To Do About Microplastics
Delve into the world of microplastics—exploring their origins and their surprising presence in our bodies. Discover the challenges researchers face in measuring their health impacts and the complexities of dealing with these tiny particles. Get practical tips on minimizing exposure from everyday items like Tupperware. Lively discussions also touch on hilariously nostalgic beverage choices and the implications of chemicals in our water supply. This engaging conversation balances science with personal anecdotes, making a serious topic more relatable.

26 snips
May 22, 2025 • 1h 35min
Ep 328 - Bad Fundamentals Lead to Popular Pseudoscience
The hosts dive into listener questions with playful banter, touching on the perks of natural bodybuilding and the significance of pro cards. They humorously explore the link between epic fantasy literature and fitness struggles. A discussion on the need for critical thinking in science reveals the emotional terrain surrounding controversial topics. Deloading strategies and their psychological impacts are examined, alongside insights on protein intake and injury prevention. The impact of microplastics on health and the importance of rigorous research is also highlighted.

24 snips
May 14, 2025 • 1h 28min
Ep 327 - Fat Loading, Sodium Limits, and More
Dive into the intriguing world of bodybuilding and nutrition, where fat loading strategies and the nuances of sodium intake take center stage. Discover how cold exposure impacts fat loss and the role of testosterone in muscle growth. Learn about the latest on dietary fats, eccentric training, and managing loose skin after weight loss. Plus, the conversation sheds light on the relationship between alcohol consumption and fitness. Unlock insights on mindfulness in training and the latest research on creatine supplementation for optimal performance.

22 snips
May 7, 2025 • 1h 46min
Ep 326 - Daily 1RM Training: Crazy or Constructive? (ft. Dr. Nick Washmuth and Kaylee Chism)
Join physical therapist Dr. Nick Washmuth, a PhD student whose research touches on the unique benefits of swearing and daily 1RM training, and Kaylee Chism, a first-year physical therapy student studying daily 1RM bench press training. They dive deep into the effectiveness and risks of daily one-rep max training, sharing personal experiences and the mental challenges it brings. Plus, discover the surprising role of swearing in boosting performance and pain tolerance, adding a fascinating psychological twist to athletic training!

4 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 49min
Ep 325 - Plant-Based Bodybuilding With a World Champ (ft. Maddie McConnell)
Maddie McConnell, a world champion natural physique athlete, shares her inspiring journey as a vegan bodybuilder. She delves into her training regimen and unique nutrition strategies, highlighting the significance of high-protein vegan sources. Maddie addresses the growing acceptance of plant-based diets in bodybuilding and discusses the many challenges she faces as a competitor. With humor, she reflects on the amusing trials of competition prep and offers insights into the evolving landscape of natural bodybuilding.

25 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 1h 8min
Ep 324 - WORLD PREMIERE: Front Page Fitness
Discover the world of trending health topics as two experts take you through a lively discussion. They tackle the surprising debate on alcohol consumption and its shifting perception in health circles. Learn about the antics of 'The Ohio State University' and the bizarre Florida Man phenomenon in health trends. Also featured is a cautionary tale about extreme dieting through excessive cheese consumption, mixing humor with serious wellness advice. Tune in for a fresh take on fitness news that’s anything but ordinary.