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

28 snips
Nov 16, 2022 • 1h 17min
[Creatine] The #1 Supplement for Bigger Muscles, Brains, and Bones w/ Dr. Darren Candow, Anders Varner and Doug Larson Barbell Shrugged #669
Dr. Darren Candow, PhD, CSEP-CEP, is a Full Professor and Associate Dean-Graduate Studies and Research in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Health Studies, University of Regina. Dr. Candow supervises the Aging Muscle and Bone Health Laboratory and serves on the editorial review board for the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, and Biogerontology. Dr. Candow has received over $1.5 million in research funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation, and the Nutricia Research Foundation and has published over 100 journal and knowledge dissemination articles involving exercise and nutrition. Dr. Candow also serves as the Chief Scientific Officer for TDF Sports. In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: Why creatine is so widely accepted supplement in the scientific community What happens when you digest creatine How creatine increases performance in the gym Why creatine does not cause you to hold on to water The three phases of creatine cycle How creatine affects muscle, brain, and bone tissue How creatine can help with traumatic brain injuries. How creatine can be used for children Creatine’s affect on menstrual cycle How creatine improves bone mineral density To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Dr. Darren Candow on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Nov 9, 2022 • 1h 14min
[Dementia and Alzheimer’s] Evidence Based Strategies to Reduce Risk of Dementia and Alzheimers w/ Dr. Tommy Wood, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dr. Andy Galpin Barbell Shrugged #668
Tommy Wood is a Senior Fellow in the Pediatrics Department at the University of Washington, and Chief Scientific Officer of Nourish Balance Thrive, an online-based company using advanced biochemical testing to optimize performance in athletes. Tommy was born in the US to Icelandic and British parents (which means he has three passports in two different names). He was predominantly raised in the UK, but also spent periods of time at school in Iceland, Germany, and France. Tommy received a bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences and Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge before studying medicine at the University of Oxford. He worked as a junior doctor in central London for two years after medical school, and then moved to Norway to complete a PhD in physiology and neuroscience at the University of Oslo. Tommy is currently President-elect of Physicians for Ancestral Health, he is a director of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine and the Icelandic Health Symposium, and is on the scientific advisory board of Hintsa Performance. Tommy has also coached and competed in multiple sports including rowing, CrossFit, powerlifting, and ultra-endurance racing. Alongside his career in medicine and research, Tommy has published and spoken on multiple topics surrounding functional and ancestral approaches to health, including examining the root causes of multiple sclerosis and insulin resistance. In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: Why brain health is not a fixed state and can be upgraded throughout life Why we are so good at the physical and struggle to understand brain health Early onset vs. late onset cognitive decline Why early onset Alzheimers is not modifiable Why late onset Alzheimers is 90% of cases and can see improvements Differences between Alzheimers and Dementia Why physical fitness is so important to brain health To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Dr. Tommy Wood on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Nov 2, 2022 • 52min
[Testosterone + Gut Health] How to Avoid TRT by Healing Your Gut w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: Understanding the theory of constraints in your physiology Why doctors use testosterone as a catch all for so many symptoms Why TRT is not the answer to low testosterone in your labs Why alcohol can be detrimental to long term gut health and leaky gut How alcohol affects testosterone Why low testosterone is not the root cause of low energy, brain fog, and decreased libido Why testosterone is a system dysfunction and quick fixes will not solve the root cause of the problem To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Nov 1, 2022 • 46min
**Bonus Episode** Metabolism Made Simple w/ Sam Miller and Anders Varner Barbell Shrugged #666
The conventional approach to dieting is fundamentally flawed. Metabolism Made Simple offers a better solution. You can change your body and your health for the better without quick-fix gimmicks or fad diets. In Metabolism Made Simple, health, fitness, and nutrition expert Sam Miller provides a wealth of readily understandable science, easily followed systems, and repeatable strategies. He exposes the real reasons why many diets fail and helps you avoid preventable pitfalls on your way to your goals. Using clear language, he guides you to achieving optimal health or your ideal physique. It’s time for a nutritional intervention that promotes metabolic health, extends longevity, and puts you in control of your body. Ditch the diet fads forever. Instead, take advantage of an individualized, transformational approach. There is no reason to wait. PURCHASE “METABOLISM MADE SIMPLE” In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: The intersection of Diet Culture and Nutrition Stress and Energy as the foundation of your metabolism The S.H.R.E.D.S. formula for Biofeedback The differences between perception and practice in optimizing metabolism 5 M’s of metabolism Pros and Cons of Popular Diet Styles Sam Miller has more than a decade of experience as a health, fitness, and nutrition coach. His programs help coaches and health professionals improve their clients’ results. A popular online educator, podcast host, and mentor, he consistently offers simple, strategic methods for transformation and translates complex concepts into leverage for any health and fitness goal. His workshops, classes, and specialization programs have served over 2,500 coaches worldwide. He has been a featured speaker for companies like LinkedIn and a content contributor for industry titans such as Barbell Shrugged, Muscle Intelligence, T-Nation, Elite FTS, and more. He is a certified nutritionist and licensed, board-certified health practitioner who holds a master’s degree from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor of Science from Elon University. To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Sam Miller on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Oct 26, 2022 • 1h 2min
The Three R’s of Building Resilience w/ Emily Hightower, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dr. Andy Galpin Barbell Shrugged #665
As an Educator and Coach at SH/FT, Emily Hightower leverages her expertise in the neurophysiology of trauma and resilience to help clients master their stress response and improve their quality of life. By combining over 25 years of experience as a breathing expert, yoga teacher, river guide, and wilderness EMT, Emily empowers high performers to disrupt limits, align with nature, and heal their bodies and minds. Emily developed SH/FT’s Skill of Stress course and teaches the N=1 Exposure Experience and Mentorship program with Brian MacKenzie. Her experiential teaching approach enables clients to understand and direct their stress response to drive optimal performance under pressure while promoting long-term balance. Before joining SH/FT, Emily founded Intrinsic, where she helped combat veterans, athletes, and clients recovering from substance abuse resolve past traumas and gain clarity using a science-based approach and tools such as breath, exposure, somatic yoga, archery, and integrative nutrition. Earlier in her career, Emily’s practice was based in a neurology clinic, where she integrated her approach with cutting-edge neuroscience and research. Her clients include the United States Special Operations Command Adaptive Care Unit and other Veterans services in the US and Abroad. She also served as the Education Director for the Headwaters Institute, facilitating river education seminars on 28 watersheds in the US and Chile. Emily is a Master Yoga Teacher with 16,000+ hours of teaching experience specializing in Pranayama Breathing. She lives with her husband, Brian Hightower, and their son and loves to ski, run rivers, and bow hunt. In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: How to participate with you physiology and stop fighting it How respiration affects your state of being How to test CO2 sensitivity How to test your metabolic fitness through breath work How to get someone to calm down without telling them to calm down The three R’s of building resilience Why movement is so important to connect with breathing and bracing Surface work vs. Deep work Should you be meditating or hyperventilating to build resilience To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Emily Hightower on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Dr. Andy Galpin on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Oct 19, 2022 • 56min
[ENERGY] Why You Do Not Have It and How to Get Tons of It w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged #664
In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: Why stimulants and coffee will not solve your energy problems Pros and Cons of “smart” drugs How small efforts of exercise can significantly improve your energy Why exercise is important for energy as you age How morning walks can optimize circadian rhythm and improve energy Melatonin's role in clearing cellular debris and repairing mitochondria Understanding energy systems and how to train them How micronutrient deficiencies effect energy levels To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Oct 12, 2022 • 57min
[TRT] Natural Testosterone Support Without the Shots, Pellets, Creams, and Gels w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged #663
In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: When is the right time to talk to your doctor about TRT Why lower testosterone can be a good thing When is TRT the right decision DHEA and additional androgenic options Recommended dosing if you want to take TRT How gut health affects testosterone efficiency How environmental pollutants and toxicity affect total testosterone levels Is Clomid a healthy alternative to TRT How micronutrient deficiencies affect testosterone levels To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram ———————————————— Please Support Our Sponsors Eight Sleep - Save $150 on the Pod Pro and Pod Pro Cover

5 snips
Oct 5, 2022 • 48min
[NUTRITION 101] The Exact Calories, Macros, and Micronutrients to Fuel Performance and Optimize Health w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged #662
In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: How to determine total calories for your goals Why maintenance calories are important for body composition and health Why calories determine the size of your body Understanding energy balance and finding your activity multiplier How to properly increase and decrease your caloric intake to reach your goals Macronutrient breakdown for aesthetics and performance goals Why macros determine body composition How to find the right amount of protein for your goals Why micronutrients are so easily overlooked and what you are missing How to get all your vitamins and minerals even if you hate vegetables To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram ———————————————— Please Support Our Sponsors Eight Sleep - Save $150 on the Pod Pro and Pod Pro Cover

Sep 28, 2022 • 49min
[STRESS MANAGEMENT] How to Assess Stress, Reduce Injury and Build Confidence Without Burnout w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged #661
In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: Why the depth jump is a great indicator of total stress load Relationship between injury and total stress When should you adjust workout intensity based on stress assessments Benefits of blood flow restriction for hypertrophy and lower volume training days The difference between performance coach and sport psychologist How to develop confidence through preparation To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram ———————————————— Please Support Our Sponsors Eight Sleep - Save $150 on the Pod Pro and Pod Pro Cover

Sep 21, 2022 • 1h 14min
[Listener QA] Alcohol and Brain Size, Increasing Protein and Micronutrient Absorption, and Blood Flow Restriction for Hypertrophy w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged #660
In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: How alcohol affects brain size and the latest research Cognitive changes caused by alcohol volume and frequency Guidelines for improving micronutrient absorption. How to improve protein digestion and absorption How to use blood flow restriction to improve hypertrophy When is the best time to incorporate blood flow restriction Potential issues to BFR and why you need specialized equipment To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram ———————————————— Please Support Our Sponsors Eight Sleep - Save $150 on the Pod Pro and Pod Pro Cover