Iron Culture presented by MASS

This episode will hit your ears like a sonic boom, changing your perspective on "broscience" in a flash. Where do lifting myths come from? Locker room convos between Chad Broseph and Chance Halfsquat? Sometimes. But more often than not, the myths of today were the scientific truths of yesterday. So how do we pursue truth when faced with the reality that some of what we think we know today is incorrect? Well, we must avoid over concluding on the limited evidence we have, seeking to evaluate not only what that evidence can tell us, but also what it can't. Tune into this episode to learn more about this process.

If you don't train to failure, you'll be a failure. It not only sounds good, but it also appeals to the hardcore inner masochist in every serious lifter that's just waiting to strike in the comments section. But, is the saying true? In this episode, we're joined by Zac Robinson from Data Driven Strength to find out. He's a powerlifting coach who did his master's degree specifically on the effects of training to and short of failure on hypertrophy and strength with Dr. Mike Zourdos at Florida Atlantic University. You'll learn that there are in fact pros and cons to training to failure, and there are times, exercises, goals, and situations that may warrant training to failure, or *GASP*….quite far from it! So as you tune in, prepare your inner hardcore masochist for jimmy-rustling, feather-ruffling, and maybe even some gear-grinding.

The cornerstone of scientific thinking is updating your beliefs based on the available evidence. Unfortunately this conflicts with the cornerstone of being a cult of personality guru leader, which requires doubling down and never admitting fault or when you're wrong. In this episode we break the fourth wall, coming down off the top of the pyramid to have a non-canon discussion about all the times we've changed our minds and updated our beliefs. Not only is each instance an opportunity to discuss how specific evidence has changed over time and the nuances of a given topic, but the entire episode serves as a meta-discussion on continually learning. Make sure to tune into this one to hear all the times we've been wrong, but then quickly forget about it because Omar and I are never wrong.

2021 USAPL nationals was just back after a year off due to COVID. So, emotions were high, the competition was fierce and as always, USAPL nationals didn't disappoint. This episode we host the "winner's circle", joined by multiple time national champions Heather Connor, Jonathan Cayco, and Sam Calhoun. Not only do we learn about each of their two-year journeys to nationals, but also about the current challenges facing athletes due to the current conflict between the USAPL and the IPF.

This episode of Iron Culture was a classic. You want lifting-specific introspection which will resonate with anyone in the culture of lifting? Look no further! In this episode the one and only Ryan Doris, pro natural bodybuilding champion, elite powerlifter, and deep thinker joins the cult. In this episode we discuss the nature of what makes athletes tick, and how to balance "Book Bodybuilding and The Dog". Don't miss this one folks, you're guaranteed to have some "ah ha" moments and to come away with a better perspective on your journey with the iron.

Ben Esgro is back on Iron Culture to do another deep dive. This time, we discuss all things stimulants. What are stimulants, exactly? What makes a stimulant stimulating? Which stimulants are most potent? Why do some products use stimulants you've never heard of while others just use caffeine? Why can your experiences with the same stimulant, and even the same dose sometimes differ? Why do some products combine stimulants? Tune into this episode as we cover everything from physiological mechanisms, to formulation strategy, to legal and regulatory changes of stimulants.

Does being a competitor require a competitive mindset? In some sports, yes. But in powerlifting, you arguably could just focus on yourself, progressing, and show up on game day ignorant to your competition, put up the best total you can, and see where you place. Indeed, some world-class competitors do just that. With that said, athletes are human. Some thrive off a competitive mindset and feel it drives them to athletic heights they couldn't achieve on their own. Others, however, feel like this provides pressure, self-judgment, and saps the joy from powerlifting without adding any benefit. Ultimately there isn't a right or wrong answer. Each person has to figure out what is most facilitative to improved performance for them individually. On this episode we're joined by Bryce Lewis and Ashton Rouska, the top two 105kg IPF lifters in the world currently who've battled it out at USAPL nationals twice now, with Bryce coming away as the 2019 National champ and Ashton the 2021 National champ. They have a candid conversation where you'll learn how they each approach competition, what they've learned, and how it can apply to you.

What do the 2015 USAPL Junior National title, the 2017 Yorton Cup Pro Figure Tall title, and the 2017 WNBF Pro Figure Overall title have in common? They were all won by our guest on this episode of Iron Culture: Katie Anne Rutherford. Competing and simply being competent in both strength and physique sport simultaneously is a challenge that few people can overcome, but achieving truly elite performance in both is something truly extraordinary. In this episode, Katie shared her trials, tribulations, perspectives, history, and advice across multiple physical and mental domains as someone who has not only walked the walk but been incredibly successful doing so. Make sure to tune in as there is a lot of insight in this episode!

Omar and Eric are back with another Q&A episode! This time, they go IN on the topic of not just being skeptical but also being rational when thinking about the likelihood of someone being drug-free. As you are probably aware, skepticism abounds on this topic online, which is fine, but the question is: what do you base that skepticism on? Since most of the information on this topic consists of sweeping generalizations that simply don't generalize outside of a specific context, is purposely clickbaity and controversial, and is heavily biased, we do our best to present things logically, from multiple angles, and considering different contexts in this episode.

Sam Okunola has been at the top echelon of the natural bodybuilding competitive circuit for over a decade. Winning his pro card in his first sanctioned show in 2009, he's gone on to win multiple pro shows, culminating in winning the 2017 IPE Overall World title, even NPC regional shows in the classic division, and he's also placed 2nd at the 2012 IFPA Yorton Cup and 2017 and 2019 WNBF worlds. What kind of mindset does an elite natural bodybuilder like Sam have? How does he stay focused on improving? How have his military background, upbringing, and his experience as a coach influenced him? Join us on this episode of Iron Culture to learn the answer to these questions and more!