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
30 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.
35 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.
6 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 1h 11min
Ep 323 - MASS Makes History
Gathered live at the Sports Nutrition Annual Conference, the hosts dive into the significance of translating science in fitness. They humorously analyze extreme diets, like a man's love for 30 raw eggs. The importance of periodization for strength training gains is highlighted, along with time-efficient workout strategies. They tackle misconceptions in fitness research and the influence of social media. With a focus on bridging research and practical application, the conversation reflects on the ongoing evolution of powerlifting methods.
34 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 35min
Ep 322- The Science of "Junk Volume" (ft. Jake Remmert)
Jake Remmert, a doctoral student focused on strength research, dives into the intriguing world of training volume. He distinguishes between effective and 'junk' volume in bodybuilding, emphasizing how understanding per session set volume can drastically impact hypertrophy and strength gains. The discussion includes the importance of frequency, recovery, and individualized approaches to training intensity. Remmert also navigates the complexities of fitness discourse, urging listeners to critically assess fitness research to optimize their training decisions.
22 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 1h 13min
Ep 321 - Are You Really As Hydrated As You Think?
Dive into the fascinating world of hydration and its surprising impact on athletic performance. Discover the risks of overhydration and how even slight dehydration can hinder workouts. Explore the roles of vitamin C and gelatin in muscle recovery while debunking fitness myths, especially regarding eccentric training. Get practical hydration tips tailored for athletes and learn to interpret urine color as a hydration indicator. Plus, tackle the complexities of using evidence-based science in health discussions. A rich blend of knowledge awaits!
15 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 58min
Ep 320 - Myths Versus Theories in Exercise Science (ft. James Steele)
In this conversation, Dr. James Steele, a sports scientist known for his critiques of periodization, dives deep into the philosophical aspects of exercise research. He discusses the importance of collaboration and causal inference in creating meaningful studies. The chat highlights critiques of existing exercise science models and the need for a theory-driven approach. Steele emphasizes understanding the mechanisms behind training effects and advocates for more rigorous, interdisciplinary research practices to enhance both validity and applicability in the field.
