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
Mar 19, 2025 • 1h 40min
Ep 319 - Bodybuilding Mortality Across the Eras (ft. Drs Conor Heffernan and Juan Carlos Cassano)
Join Conor Heffernan, a PhD in sports history, and Juan Carlos Casano, a biochemist and bodybuilding historian, as they dive into the dark side of bodybuilding. They reveal unsettling mortality trends linked to performance-enhancing drugs and explore the cultural norms that have shaped the sport. Discussion touches on the motivations behind bodybuilding, the impact of social media, and the need for better athlete welfare. The conversation advocates for transparency and a cultural shift in how bodybuilding is viewed and practiced.
19 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 1h 40min
Ep 318 - Resistance Training as a Fat Loss Tool (ft. Dr. Mike Ormsbee)
Dr. Mike Ormsbee, a full professor at Florida State University, discusses resistance training's surprising role in fat loss. He explains how resistance training enhances fat metabolism and challenges traditional aerobic exercise beliefs. The conversation dives into the biochemical mechanics of myokines, the importance of nutrition timing, and the complexities of glycogen depletion during weight lifting. Ormsbee also emphasizes collaboration in research and the significance of ongoing studies in understanding nutrition and sleep quality in relation to exercise.
33 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 24min
Ep 317 - Training Volume: How Much Is Enough? (ft. Dr. Eduardo De Souza)
Joined by Eduardo De Souza, a Professor at the University of Tampa and an expert in hypertrophy research, this conversation dives into high-volume training and its effects on muscle growth. Dr. De Souza sheds light on common misconceptions, research challenges, and the importance of individualized training approaches. They discuss the role of baseline strength in training outcomes and the significance of transparent research reporting. Plus, the intriguing link between training volume and sleep quality is explored, opening new avenues for future research in exercise science.
5 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 39min
Ep 316 - Lengthened Biased Training: Time To Cut Bait?
Join a lively discussion on the effects of intense training as the hosts share personal anecdotes of bruises and the toll on their bodies. They analyze the upcoming NFL combine and its athletic wonders, while delving into the intricacies of lengthened-biased training. Caution is urged regarding research interpretation, emphasizing the value of proper statistical understanding. The balance between empirical evidence and theoretical frameworks in fitness is explored, along with exciting insights on protein intake and muscle training dynamics.
26 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 11min
Ep 315 - Training Hard Versus Training Smart
Hosts celebrate a milestone with a lively discussion on testosterone replacement therapy and its complexities. They delve into the benefits of citrulline malate and innovative training techniques for hypertrophy. Personal anecdotes on managing tendinopathy deliver practical insights, while lesser-known exercises like the pullover machine are highlighted. Coffee's health effects spark engaging conversations. The impact of caffeine on training intensity and tailored programming for individuals with obesity round out the discussion, emphasizing enthusiasm in lifting and overcoming plateaus.
Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 12min
Ep 314 - Science Is Broken (But Fixable)
Dive into the world of science and fitness as the hosts tackle the integrity of scientific research, particularly critiquing the contentious claims about apple cider vinegar and weight loss. They explore the advantages of high protein diets for shedding pounds and dissect the role of creatine in strength training while addressing its side effects. The conversation also touches on the health benefits of decaf versus caffeinated coffee and highlights the essential role of fiber in digestion. Lastly, learn optimal strategies for muscle hypertrophy and training.
10 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 43min
Ep 313 - Is More (and More, and More) Protein Better for Muscle Retention?
Dr. Martin Refalo, a recent PhD graduate in exercise science, joins the discussion on the effects of protein intake on muscle retention. He highlights his meta-regression study, detailing the challenges of statistical modeling in nutrition research. The conversation tackles the debate on scaling protein recommendations based on fat-free mass versus total mass and critiques previous research findings. They emphasize the importance of personalized approaches to protein consumption and the ongoing evolution of research in the fitness industry.
4 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 35min
Ep 312 - Muscle Soreness: What Does It Mean? (ft. Dr. Mike Zourdos)
Dr. Mike Zourdos, an exercise science expert and colleague at MASS, joins to unravel the mysteries of muscle soreness and recovery. They discuss how soreness relates to training effectiveness and training volume's role in strength gains. The conversation takes intriguing turns into optimal protein intake for muscle growth, advancements in plant-based protein, and dietary habits for better sleep. With a blend of science and practical insights, Zourdos helps listeners decode their training and nutrition for optimal performance.
6 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 27min
Ep 311 - The Truth About Hormone Replacement Therapy
In this episode, Lauren Colenso-Semple, a women's health expert specializing in hormone therapy, shares invaluable insights about menopause and hormone replacement therapy. She tackles common myths around hormone treatments and discusses recent findings on risks, including breast cancer. The conversation also delves into the evolving perceptions of hormonal contraceptives and emphasizes the importance of individualized care. Colenso-Semple's expertise shines as she clarifies the misconceptions surrounding 'andropause' and male hormone therapies.
Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 33min
Ep 310 - Are People Getting "Metabolic Stress" Wrong?
Discover the fascinating role of metabolic stress in muscle growth and the common myths surrounding it. Delve into the intricacies of blood flow restriction training and its real impact on muscle performance. Enjoy uplifting stories of personal fitness transformations, while debunking misconceptions about aesthetics and steroid use. Learn about the nuanced relationship between fat loss and muscle preservation, and explore the pitfalls of confidence in scientific discussions. Engage with the lively banter and insightful content that challenges the status quo in fitness!
