

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

Feb 26, 2025 • 58min
Building a Homestead Nursing Home and Finding the Right Primary Care Physician w/ Dr. Garrett Butler, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #787
Dr. Garrett Butler, a dedicated family physician and medical director of Mansfield Place Nursing Home in rural West Virginia, shares insights on vital patient-physician communication for better health outcomes. He discusses his demanding medical routine and the innovative project transforming a historic building into a holistic nursing home focused on wellness and community. The conversation also highlights health disparities in West Virginia, the importance of lifestyle changes over medication, and creative approaches to elder care that foster physical and mental well-being.

Feb 21, 2025 • 49min
Physiology Friday: [Brain Health] Science and Strategies for Optimizing Brain Health w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash
Dan Garner, an expert in brain health and athletic performance, joins Travis Mash, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson for an engaging discussion on optimizing brain health. They dive into the significant impact of exercise on cognitive function, with walking highlighted as a key activity. Nutrition and supplements for brain support emerge as crucial topics, along with strategies for stress management. The group also explores groundbreaking concussion protocols for athletes, emphasizing the importance of sleep, movement, and innovative preventative measures in contact sports.

14 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 49min
[Caloric Ranges] How to Eat More Food Without Gaining Weight w/ Zach Moore, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #786
Zach Moore, a top nutrition and exercise coach, shares insights into eating more while maintaining weight. The conversation highlights how health and muscle increase caloric needs. They discuss adaptive metabolism and the importance of nutrition tailored to individual goals, especially for athletes. Fun anecdotes from their time in Miami add humor as they explore intermittent fasting benefits and pitfalls. The group emphasizes the need for balanced nutrition, flexible meal planning, and even shares lighthearted moments about snack choices and food allergies.

7 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 45min
Physiology Friday: [Liver Health] Verified Assessment, Optimization + Protocol Design
Discover the vital functions of the liver and its essential role in overall health, from nutrient storage to detoxification. Learn how lifestyle choices impact liver health, with a special focus on diet, exercise, and alcohol consumption. Dive into the significance of biomarkers in assessing liver function, helping detect issues like fatty liver disease early. The conversation also highlights the connection between liver health and hormonal balance, exploring its effects on mood and well-being.
16 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 50min
Tracking and Optimizing Metabolic Fitness w/ Dr. Kamellia Dimitrova, MD, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #785
Dr. Kamellia Dimitrova, a pioneering physician in metabolic health with over 30 years of experience, joins the conversation to unpack innovative tracking methods like heart rate variability (HRV). She explores the heart's critical role in overall health, emphasizing cardiovascular fitness's importance. The discussion delves into optimizing individual performance through precise health metrics and the fascinating connection between exercise, cellular energy, and resilience. Dimitrova's insights empower listeners to take charge of their health through data-driven, personalized strategies.

6 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 47min
Physiology Friday: Metabolic Flexibility and Micronutrients w/ Dr. Mike T Nelson
Dr. Mike T. Nelson, a leading expert in metabolic flexibility and micronutrients with a PhD in Exercise Physiology, shares profound insights into optimizing health and athletic performance. He discusses the significance of heart rate variability and its connection to energy use during exercise. Dr. Nelson emphasizes the need for personalized nutrition strategies and the critical role of micronutrients like vitamin D and B12. He also explores the myths surrounding supplementation, advocating for whole foods to enhance both physical and mental health.

Feb 5, 2025 • 56min
[Health Anxiety] Addressing the Underlying Fears of Injury and Aging w/ Emily Hightower, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #784
In this engaging discussion, Emily Hightower, an Educator and Coach with over 25 years of experience in trauma and resilience, shares valuable insights on health anxiety. She highlights how perfectionism can hinder personal growth and emphasizes self-acceptance. The conversation explores the intricate ties between athletic identity and mental health, urging a shift from external validation to internal balance. Hightower also dives into the connection between trauma and health behaviors, advocating for emotional awareness as a pathway to well-being.

6 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 45min
Physiology Friday: [L-Carnitine] Protocols to Improve Heart Health, Performance, and Turn Fat into Energy w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dan Garner
Dive into the powerful world of L-Carnitine, a vital player in energy production and heart health. Discover its role in fat metabolism and how it can boost exercise performance while aiding in recovery. The podcast explores optimal forms and timing for supplementation, revealing effective strategies for enhancing athletic outcomes. Gain insights into a holistic approach to health, blending internal and external factors for overall well-being. Plus, uncover the importance of androgen receptors in muscle growth and how they interact with L-Carnitine.

5 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 52min
How Your Cardiovascular System Improves Metabolic Health w/ Dr. Nathan Jenkins, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #783
Dr. Nathan Jenkins, a leading authority in cardiovascular health and nutrition coaching, teams up with hosts Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash. They discuss the vital link between cardiovascular and metabolic health, especially in managing diabetes. Practical advice includes incorporating exercise and nutrition strategies into daily life and the importance of post-meal walking to reduce glucose spikes. They also highlight the joys of active play with children and how weather can influence well-being. Tune in for valuable insights on sustainable health habits!

11 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 44min
Physiology Friday: [Oura Ring] Science Based Solutions to Improving Sleep with Dr. Mike Nelson
Join Dr. Michael T. Nelson, an associate professor and sleep science expert, as he dives into the cutting-edge features of the Ōura Ring, a powerful tool for optimizing health and performance. They discuss its unique ability to track sleep metrics with precision, including how heart rate patterns influence sleep quality. Dr. Nelson also challenges common beliefs about alcohol and its impact on sleep, advocating for mindful consumption. Plus, discover how breathing techniques can enhance your sleep and recovery for peak performance!


