Barbell Shrugged

Victoria Felkar, a doctoral candidate in women's health, discusses reproductive function, birth control, and pharmaceutical steroid hormones. Topics include the impact of birth control pills on health, effects of steroid hormones on athletes, and empowering women in sports through hormonal balance.

Dr. Alexis Cowan, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson discuss the science of sunshine, sleep, and circadian rhythm. They delve into topics like the impact of sunlight on cardiovascular health, the benefits of cold exposure, and the effects of light bulbs on circadian rhythms.

Peter Ballerstedt, forage agronomy expert, discusses the importance of forage-based agriculture in sustainable food systems. Topics include the debate between grass-fed and grain-finished beef, the role of hormones in beef production, and the significance of animal-sourced foods for nutrition.

Nutrition coach and fitness expert Dan Garner joins the hosts to discuss training for health and performance. They cover topics like periodization models, longevity through health and performance, maintaining muscle mass post-competitive career, mental well-being, balancing muscle building and cardio training, enhancing performance with plyometrics, and pushing limits in fitness challenges.

Dan Garner, CEO of RAPID Health Optimization, shares insights on increasing testosterone naturally by 300% in the shortest time, emphasizing micros, confidence, and specific supplements. Topics include bloodwork analysis, removing performance anchors, health optimization, deciphering lab results, optimizing health for sports, effects of sleep on testosterone levels, monitoring training metrics, and future plans for the show.

Former Olympic athlete and physician Dr. Michael Miletic dives into optimizing health with a root cause approach. Topics include intense training regimes, comprehensive health programs, navigating trauma, reframing trauma for success, and pharmaceutical challenges in mental health.

Phil Heath is a renowned American bodybuilder. He gained widespread recognition in the world of professional bodybuilding, particularly for his impressive physique and numerous accolades. Heath's journey into bodybuilding began during his college years at the University of Denver, where he initially pursued basketball. However, he soon redirected his focus towards bodybuilding and started competing in NPC (National Physique Committee) competitions. In 2005, Heath won the NPC USA Championships, earning his IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness) Pro Card, which allowed him to compete at the professional level. He quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing his remarkable genetics, dedication, and work ethic. Heath's competitive career reached its pinnacle when he won the prestigious Mr. Olympia title for the first time in 2011, succeeding bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler. Phil Heath went on to dominate the bodybuilding scene, securing a total of seven Mr. Olympia titles between 2011 and 2017. His reign solidified his status as one of the greatest bodybuilders of his generation. Known for his dense muscle mass, symmetrical proportions, and attention to detail, Heath's physique set a high standard in the sport. Universal Pictures Content Group (UPCG) will release Breaking Olympia: The Phil Heath Story, from director Brett Harvey, on VOD from March 26, 2024. The revelatory documentary unveils the extraordinary life story of the 7-time Mr. Olympia champion, as he rises through the ranks and battles both the top bodybuilders and the scrutiny of the media, in his attempt to cement his legacy and become the greatest Mr. Olympia champion to ever walk the earth. The trailer for Breaking Olympia can be found here. The documentary is the definitive, never-before-told told story of Phil Heath – perhaps the greatest bodybuilder of all time. Featuring interviews with Dwayne Johnson, Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, Kai Greene, Brandon Curry, Dexter Jackson, and many more, Breaking Olympia tracks the pivotal point in Heath’s career when, despite being plagued by injuries that come with 18 years of physical and mental sacrifice, Heath stands on the edge of altering the face of bodybuilding history. Phil Heath on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner of Instagram

Delving into the impact of stress on the body, the podcast covers topics like HRV monitoring, CO2 tolerance tests, and cortisol curves. They explore the autonomic nervous system, stress management, and health optimization programs. Additionally, they discuss cardiovascular training, CO2 tolerance, breath training, and holistic approaches to stress management.

Expert on heart rate recovery Bryan Boorstein discusses the importance of monitoring heart rate after workouts, implications for overall health, and strategies for improving recovery rates. Topics include interval training, optimizing cardio workouts, interpreting HRV scores, and utilizing heart rate data in programming for enhanced fitness. The conversation also touches on endurance training, biking preferences, and the significance of midline support in training goals.

In this episode, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Anders Varner catch up on the Olympic trials, international weightlifting meets, and Anders’ pursuit of a 6-minute mile. Coach Travis Mash has been out for a couple weeks as he has traveled the world for international weightlifting meets leading up to the USA Olympic Qualifiers for weightlifting. We initially discuss Anders' pursuit of the 6-minute mile, with training insights, and move into weight cuts, jet lag, performance and recovery, for athletes. We also dig into the latest research on Olympic weightlifting that offers new insights into speed development vs. top end strength and how Coach Mash is using this in preparation for the Olympic trials. Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram