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
5 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 1h 45min
Ep 363 - What Everyone's Getting Wrong About New Dietary Guidelines
The latest changes to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans spark a crucial discussion on the influence of corporate interests and politics. The hosts dive into the complexities of protein recommendations, advocating for higher intake for better health. They critique the confusing visuals in the guidelines that clash with written advice, particularly about fats and whole grains. The impact of these guidelines on vulnerable populations adds to the urgency of clear communication. Despite good intentions, the potential for misunderstanding looms large, making the conversation both timely and essential.
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 9min
Ep 362 - WNBF Champ Shreenath Ganesh
Shreenath Ganesh, the inaugural WNBF short classic physique world champion from India, shares his inspiring journey to success. He discusses the exciting rise of natural bodybuilding in India and the unique challenges faced by athletes, including financial struggles and cultural expectations. Shreenath emphasizes the value of delayed gratification in achieving dreams while highlighting the need for more support for natural athletes. His passion for uplifting fellow competitors shines through as he shares hopes for the future of bodybuilding in his community.
11 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 10min
Ep 361 - Are N = 1 Anecdotes Meaningless?
Explore the fascinating world of self-experimentation in fitness and its role in science. The discussion emphasizes the importance of balancing skepticism with curiosity while navigating the complexities of statistical significance versus meaningful outcomes. Learn about the historical context of statistics and its impact on evidence-based practices. The conversation highlights the value of anecdotal evidence in shaping personalized fitness advice, urging a broader view that integrates individual experiences with scientific rigor.
16 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep 360 - WNBF Champs Eddie Saldana and Max Melchard
Eddie Saldana, a natural bodybuilding champion and 2025 WNBF Pro title holder, and Max Melchard, a dentist who shone in Europe with top placements, discuss their invigorating journeys in competitive bodybuilding. They delve into the significance of a strong work ethic, the evolution of their training styles, and the vibrant natural bodybuilding culture in Europe. Eddie shares insights about balancing life with his budding meal prep business and family aspirations, while Max reflects on the challenges of maintaining fitness amid fatherhood.
5 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 1h 29min
Ep 359 - Tribalism in Evidence-Based Fitness
The hosts dive into the controversy surrounding tiny utensils research and Brian Wansink’s ethics. They discuss the importance of engaging with diverse perspectives and address the pitfalls of cynicism versus skepticism in fitness discourse. The conversation also touches on the need for self-awareness and the dangers of tribalism, urging listeners to navigate disagreements constructively. They emphasize how critical it is to maintain open dialogue while critiquing tendencies toward drama in the evidence-based fitness community.
Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 45min
Ep 358 - WNBF Champs Christine Reinhart and Sarah Oase
Christine Reinhart, a natural bodybuilder and healthcare practitioner, and Sarah Oase, a full-time social worker and competitive bodybuilder, delve into their inspiring journeys in women's bodybuilding. They highlight the importance of camaraderie among competitors and share the challenges faced by women in the sport. The duo also discusses the need for greater visibility, the emotional energy of competitions, and their future advocacy efforts to grow the community. Their discussions aim to inspire more women to join the world of bodybuilding.
9 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 1h 42min
Ep 357 - WNBF Champs Heitor Sousa and Adão Martins
In this engaging discussion, world champions Heitor Sousa and Adão Martins share their journeys in natural bodybuilding. Heitor emphasizes the importance of health and longevity while discussing his meticulous competition strategies. Adão, who navigates offshore work and limited equipment, highlights the significance of community support and consistent improvement. They reflect on their shared experiences at the WNBF, underscoring the value of mentorship and resilience in pursuing excellence. Their camaraderie and dedication serve as an inspiring testament to the sport.
9 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 1h 7min
Ep 356 - Pain-Free Training (ft. Dr. John Rusin)
Dr. John Rusin, a Doctorate-trained physical therapist turned strength coach, shares his journey from pro sports to focusing on pain prevention for the general population. He discusses insights from his book, outlining six foundational movement patterns critical for injury prevention. The conversation highlights a shift from a purely biomedical approach to a biopsychosocial model in pain management. With an emphasis on health, he presents six physical traits essential for longevity and practical strategies for individualized training that prioritizes longevity over flashy performance.
6 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 9min
Ep 355 - Mindset of a Bodybuilding Champion (ft. Oscar Moscat)
Oscar Moscat, a professional natural bodybuilder and WNBF/WMBF competitor, shares his insights on training and the emotional journey of bodybuilding. He highlights the critical role of personal motivation and family values in his life. The conversation delves into the blend of competition and self-improvement, his martial arts background influencing his mindset, and the significance of camaraderie within the bodybuilding community. Oscar emphasizes balancing genetics and hard work, and the need for individualized training approaches, while inspiring the next generation of athletes.
11 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 37min
Ep 354 - All About "Central" or "Systemic" Fatigue
The discussion kicks off with insights on Helms' competition prep and the troubling state of academic publishing. They then explore the nuances of central and systemic fatigue, debating mental versus physical aspects. Personalized deload strategies are emphasized, focusing on nutrition, sleep, and flexibility. The hosts highlight the risks of misinterpreting fatigue in bodybuilding, criticizing current trends that promote minimal effort over effective training. Finally, they tackle modern misconceptions in evidence-based content, warning against a lack of intensity in training.
