

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

Dec 4, 2023 • 1h 29min
Ep. 251 - Making Gains as an Advanced Lifter
We're back. We're so back (except for Dr. Trexler, he's sick …but he will be so back). Omar is getting his body composition tested in July and he has publicly guaranteed that he's going to have increased his lean mass by then. Likewise, Dr. Helms just publicly announced his monogamous commitment to bodybuilding and his push to become a pro champion now that he's turned pro. How are these not-so-spring chickens going to do it? More importantly for you dear listener, how are you going to do it if you've been in the game a while? It's a complex question, requiring us to define what advanced even means, to understand whether there actually is such a thing as a "natural limit", both technically and functionally, and to understand the complexity of such an assessment. Does it apply to your whole physique, or is it body part specific? Is there a limit on your muscle mass that is universal, or does it differ at various levels of body fat? More so, one must figure out what tools we even have to assess one's proximity to your natural potential and also how to assess diagnosis, and ultimately overcome plateaus. It's a lot! But don't worry, we get into all of it! 00:00 They tried to stop us… Introducing another monster episode 6:23 Speaking of working… the natural limit and advanced hypertrophy 14:26 The definitions of being an advanced lifter Kouri 1995 Fat-free mass index in users and nonusers of anabolic-androgenic steroids https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7496846/ Abe 2018 Skeletal Muscle Mass and Architecture of the World's Strongest Raw Powerlifter: A Case Study https://brieflands.com/articles/asjsm-61763 28:55 Measuring and tracking your progress Straddling the line 35:35 Your limitations and how an advanced competitive bodybuilder may approach their training Believe 2024 - Forging the Unlikely Pro Champion: Episode 1, Physique Assessment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_S9u1suE70 49:25 Gaining weight for non-competitors Helms 2023 Effect of Small and Large Energy Surpluses on Strength, Muscle, and Skinfold Thickness in Resistance-Trained Individuals: A Parallel Groups Design https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37914977/ Rozenek 2002 Effects of high-calorie supplements on body composition and muscular strength following resistance training https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12094125/ 1:05:15 Specialisation cycles and bringing up weak parts 1:14:26 The quasi-transactional mindset and the motivation behind it all 1:25:08 Where can we find Eric? https://3dmusclejourney.com/ https://massresearchreview.com/ Instagram @helms3dmj https://www.instagram.com/helms3dmj/

Nov 27, 2023 • 1h 60min
Ep. 250 - WNBF Worlds, Pathological Bodybuilding, Muscle Loss
Dr. Helms recaps WNBF Worlds and explores motivations of bodybuilders. Dr. Trexler discusses muscle loss during weight loss and the misconceptions surrounding it.

Nov 20, 2023 • 1h 51min
Ep. 249 - The Spirit of Bodybuilding (with Dr. Mike Israetel)
Dr. Mike Israetel, a sports scientist in bodybuilding, discusses the spirit of bodybuilding in this episode. They talk about the highs and lows of a competitor's journey, the personal growth through criticism, the significance of perseverance, and the motivations behind competing. They also touch on the negative effects of using steroids and the potential use of myostatin inhibitors in bodybuilding.

Nov 13, 2023 • 1h 4min
Ep. 248 - Does Leucine Actually Matter?
This podcast episode dives into the significance of leucine in muscle protein synthesis and the recent doubts cast on its importance. It explores conflicting outcomes of protein consumption studies and the boundaries of optimal protein strategies. The hosts also discuss the importance of pre-digested information in the fitness space and the desire for optimization in fitness journeys.

Nov 6, 2023 • 1h 33min
Ep. 247 - A Tale of Two Bodybuilders
Two bodybuilders-turned-scientists share their personal journeys in bodybuilding, exploring motivations, self-discovery, and the fusion of athleticism and art. They discuss the mindset of competitive bodybuilding and powerlifting, as well as overcoming challenges such as excessive training, concussions, and persistent nerve injuries. The podcast also touches on the early years of lifting, bodybuilding preparation, and the meaning found in a wacky sport like bodybuilding.

Oct 30, 2023 • 1h 8min
Ep. 246 - Why BULKING is NOT the Answer
Exploring the misconceptions around bulking for muscle growth, a recent study reveals surprising results about the impact of different size surpluses on muscle gains. The podcast also delves into the significance of tattoos, congratulates one speaker on turning pro, and discusses the peer review process and study design. Analyzing weight gain protocols, the effects of bulking on muscle growth are examined, along with the importance of identifying problems and finding solutions in training programs.

Oct 23, 2023 • 1h 26min
Ep. 245 - Is BMI Useless?
The podcast explores controversies surrounding the hosts' identities. They discuss the limitations of using BMI as a clinical metric and advocate for considering other factors. The speakers also delve into bodybuilding experiences, challenges of peaking for shows, and the discrepancies between lab mice and humans. They touch upon the importance of advocacy, social change, empathy in weight loss journeys, and the impact of weight loss drugs on appetite.

16 snips
Oct 16, 2023 • 1h 43min
Ep. 244 - Does Your Body Composition Affect Your Testosterone Levels? (ft. Eric Trexler)
Dr. Eric Trexler examines the impact of macronutrient changes and body composition on testosterone levels. Topics include the relationship between fat & carbohydrate intake and testosterone, the effects of caloric restriction and adiposity on hormone production, and the misconception that high adiposity impairs muscle growth.

Oct 9, 2023 • 1h 45min
Ep. 243 - Exercise Energy Compensation: It's Not JUST About Calories (ft. Eric Trexler)
Newly added co-host Eric Trexler discusses exercise energy compensation, the complexities of calories in and calories out, and the future of research in this field. They also talk about the utility of doubly labelled water and the potential negative effects of low energy availability. A light-hearted conversation includes personal anecdotes and perspectives on bodybuilding competitions.

Oct 2, 2023 • 1h 52min
Ep 242 - The NEW Powerlifting King (feat Austin Perkins)
Fresh off his historic performance at USAPL Mega Nationals 2023, Austin Perkins joins Iron Culture to share his story of how in just two short years he exceeded Taylor Atwood's 2021 record performance which many thought would stand for years to come. Austin Perkins totalled 851kg in the under 75kg raw men's division, totalling more than the 82.5kg winner, and importantly 12.5kg more than Taylor Atwood's 2021 record of 838.5kg, which importantly, resulted in Taylor beating Austin by 68.5kg. What's the story behind Austin's rise, and is he the new pound for pound king of raw, tested powerlifting? Join us on Iron Culture for the full story! 00:00 Introducing Austin Perkins (a top-tier hunk) to Iron Culture and his dominant performance at USAPL Mega Nats Iron Culture Ep. 241- The End of Iron Culture (As You Know It) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ckvqnB-Ueg 12:18 The younger generation of powerlifters and long-term progression 17:25 Austin's backstory 25:43 The Austin Perkins story continued Iron Culture Ep. 82- Becoming A Respected Strength Coach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E9hM_jyOLs 44:56 The road to 800kg 59:35 "Ya'll think you're close, but you have no idea" - Austin's comeback from injury and breaking records 1:33:03 The USAPL split and the battle for Worlds 1:42:47 Thanking and showing our respect for Austin Instagram @the75kg https://www.instagram.com/the75kg/?img_index=1 YouTube @Perkthe75kg https://www.youtube.com/@Perkthe75kg TikTok @the75kg https://www.tiktok.com/@the75kg Online Coaching https://www.gamedaybarbell.com/online-coaching


