

Barbell Shrugged
Barbell Shrugged
New episode every Wednesday! Join the Barbell Shrugged crew in conversations about fitness, training, and frequent interviews w/ CrossFit Games athletes!
Episodes
Mentioned books

39 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 57min
Physiology Friday: [Immune System] Why Optimal Nutrition Starts with the Immune System w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner
Discover the vital connection between the immune system and muscle growth. Learn how gut health impacts overall performance and fat loss. Explore the roles of stress and nutrition in immune efficiency, emphasizing a holistic approach to health. Uncover the critical insights from blood chemistry that reveal hidden health issues affecting athletic performance. Plus, find out how carbohydrates can enhance recovery and reduce stress hormones after workouts. Prioritize health for optimal training outcomes!

5 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 54min
Protein and Amino Acids to Become Combat Ready w/ Dr Jess Gwin, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #809
Dr. Jess Gwin, a PhD in Nutritional Science specializing in muscle physiology, joins the discussion on the critical role of protein and essential amino acids for military personnel. They delve into the evolution of military nutrition and the importance of diet in maintaining muscle mass under stress. The conversation highlights innovative nutritional strategies and advancements in shelf-stable protein technologies. Additionally, they examine the impact of glycogen and carbohydrates on performance, emphasizing nutrition as key to resilience in demanding environments.

36 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 59min
Physiology Friday: [Blood Sugar] The Most Optimal Way to Control Blood Sugar w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner
Discover what your lab results really mean for blood sugar levels and why the normal range might be misleading. Learn how gut health and lifestyle choices impact glucose regulation more than you think. Explore the complex relationship between diet, stress, and sleep on blood sugar dynamics. Unpack effective strategies for managing insulin sensitivity through strength training and dietary adjustments. Plus, delve into the often-overlooked consequences of recreational drug use on health.

17 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 45min
Physiology Friday: [Gut Health] The Epicenter of Health Optimization w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
Dan Garner, a nutrition coach and gut health expert, joins the discussion on the importance of gut health for overall wellness. He explains how gut health interacts with hormone regulation and mental well-being, emphasizing that stress impacts digestion. The conversation dives deep into what our stool can reveal and how to restore gut health through a four-step process. Garner highlights the link between nutrition and emotional states, advocating for the use of lab testing to assess gut issues and improve health optimization.

Jul 23, 2025 • 2h 18min
SORINEX: LEGENDARY STRENGTH TRAINING W/ BERT SORIN, ANDERS VARNER, DOUG LARSON, AND COACH TRAVIS MASH BARBELL SHRUGGED #592
Bert Sorin, President and Co-Owner of Sorinex Exercise Equipment and a four-time All-American athlete, shares his journey from a young weightlifter to a leader in strength training innovation. He discusses the evolution of strength training culture, emphasizing community and personal connections. Bert delves into the legacy of mentorship in fitness, the challenges of starting a family business, and the design philosophy behind his equipment. He highlights the balance between tradition and modern fitness trends, showcasing how purpose-driven design can elevate performance and foster growth.

Jul 16, 2025 • 56min
How Travis Mash Got a 6-Pack at 50 Years Old w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #807
Join weightlifting coach and former powerlifter Travis Mash as he shares his incredible journey of achieving a six-pack at 50. He discusses the crucial balance between strength training and overall health, emphasizing cardio and family activities. Mash reveals how routine and family bonding play pivotal roles in fitness. He dives into his experiences with mountain biking's challenges and the unique benefits of 'farm strength.' Get inspired by the importance of confronting fears and integrating fitness into daily life while nurturing family connections!

9 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 59min
Physiology Friday: [Physique Transformation] How Hormones Help Build Muscle and Burn Fat w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner
Explore the fascinating interplay between hormones like testosterone and cortisol in building muscle and burning fat. Dive into the significance of micronutrients for achieving a lean physique. Discover how menstrual cycles impact performance and gut health's role in overall wellness. Learn effective strategies for managing nutrition and activity levels during a cutting phase. Plus, hear personal stories of fitness journeys and the challenges of maintaining peak performance as we age.

11 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 53min
Clockwork Cognition: Engineering the 24-Hour Human for Peak Performance in the Digital-AI Era w/ Dr. Chis Perry, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #806
Dr. Christopher Perry, a Clinical Assistant Professor focused on sleep and performance coaching, shares insights into the intersection of technology and rest. He humorously discusses wearables and AI's effects on sleep. The conversation highlights the benefits of aligning workouts with circadian rhythms and the advantages of morning exercise for energy and decision-making. Strategies for crafting an ideal bedtime routine and managing sleep disruptions are explored, alongside fascinating military applications of sleep research.

20 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 52min
Physiology Friday: How Your Cardiovascular System Improves Metabolic Health w/ Dr. Nathan Jenkins, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash
Dr. Nathan Jenkins, a labs analyst at RAPID Health Optimization and former exercise science professor, dives into the vital link between cardiovascular fitness and metabolic health. He discusses how prioritizing cardiovascular training can combat type 2 diabetes and enhance athletic performance. The conversation highlights the importance of personalized training and lifestyle changes to manage blood sugar levels and improve overall health. Jenkins shares insights on integrating family health, daily movement, and post-meal activity to optimize metabolic function and longevity.

Jul 2, 2025 • 51min
Legacy Beyond Labels: Leonard Marshall on Wealth, Purpose, and Life Post-Competition with Leonard Marshall. Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #805
Join former NFL star Leonard Marshall, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants, as he shares his journey from the field to finance and community activism. He discusses the challenges athletes face transitioning to life after sports, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and resilience. Leonard also sheds light on critical issues like CTE in football and the urgent need for youth gun safety education. With personal anecdotes and insights, he advocates for athlete wellness and community responsibility in a rapidly changing landscape.