
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

Aug 28, 2024 • 1h 28min
[Ice Baths] Using Cold to Improve Metabolic Resilience w/ Dr. Thomas Seager, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #762
Dr. Thomas Seager, an associate professor at Arizona State University, discusses the engineering of cold plunges to enhance metabolic health. The conversation dives into the connection between environment and health, especially the role of clean water. They explore the impact of cold exposure on brown fat and metabolism, alongside raising questions about public health assumptions during the pandemic. Seager shares insights on how ice baths can improve mental well-being and metabolic resilience, all while highlighting the chilling trend's rise during recent years.

Aug 23, 2024 • 44min
Physiology Friday: [THYROID] Function, Dysfunction, Brain Chemistry, and Autoimmunity w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In this engaging discussion, Anders Varner, a thyroid health expert, joins Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner, who specialize in thyroid-related issues. They delve into the thyroid's profound impact on weight gain and overall well-being. Key topics include the thyroid's role in autoimmune diseases, brain chemistry, and menstrual cycles. The guests also highlight how gut health and vitamin A influence thyroid function, giving vital insights into managing thyroid health for optimal performance.

Aug 21, 2024 • 52min
[Amino Acids] Leucine’s Role in Muscle and Metabolism w/ Dr. Donald Layman, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #761
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Donald Layman, a nutrition expert with decades of research on protein's impact on health and athletic performance, shares key insights. He challenges traditional views on protein intake, emphasizing the significance of amino acids, especially leucine, in muscle metabolism. The conversation explores tailored protein recommendations for various lifestyles, the importance of dietary protein for aging individuals, and the need for whole food sources over supplements. Dr. Layman also discusses the future of nutritional science and its role in fitness.

6 snips
Aug 16, 2024 • 56min
Physiology Friday: [LIBIDO] The Biochemistry of Improving Your Sex Drive w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In this lively discussion, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner dive into the complex biochemistry behind libido. They explore how psychological and hormonal factors intertwine, revealing the impact of stress, aging, and even sleep deprivation on sexual desire. The conversation touches on the effects of supplements, marijuana, and alcohol, along with surprising connections to pornography and dopamine levels. Listeners will also gain insights into nutrition's role in enhancing sexual health, making it a must-listen for anyone curious about boosting their sex drive!

Aug 14, 2024 • 1h 8min
[Parker University] Higher Education for Human Performance: w/ Dr. William Morgan, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #760
Join Dr. William Morgan, a decorated chiropractor with military roots, alongside human performance experts Anders Varner and Doug Larson, and strength coach Travis Mash. They discuss transformative educational approaches in human performance, highlighting their innovative labs and the integration of practical experience. The conversation dives into the impact of exercise on health and longevity, especially for aging populations, while also addressing the psychological effects of combat on veterans. They emphasize the importance of collaboration among health professionals to enhance recovery and performance.

Aug 9, 2024 • 48min
Physiology Friday: [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
Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner share their expertise in nutrition and fitness. They dive deep into the importance of understanding caloric intake and its role in body composition. The discussion covers macronutrient distribution for performance, highlighting protein as a key player. They also underscore the often-overlooked value of micronutrients and why whole foods trump supplements for health. Listeners will gain actionable insights into optimizing nutrition for peak performance and sustainable health.

4 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 55min
Why Your Physiology Loves Going Back to the Basics w/ Sam Miller, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #759
Sam Miller, an Amazon Best-Selling Author and seasoned nutrition coach, joins fitness experts Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash. They delve into the essentials of returning to basic health practices and emphasize the value of simplicity in fitness routines. Personal experiences lead to discussions on holistic health approaches, including the significance of sleep and breathwork. The conversation also critiques misinformation in health and promotes empowering individuals to make informed health choices through personalized coaching strategies.

Aug 2, 2024 • 52min
Physiology Friday: [TRT] Natural Testosterone Support Without the Shots, Pellets, Creams, and Gels w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
This podcast features Anders Varner, a testosterone expert, Doug Larson, a fitness authority, Travis Mash, a strength training specialist, and Dan Garner, a nutrition guru. They tackle the decline of testosterone in men, discussing causes like obesity and lifestyle. The conversation explores the impact of environmental pollutants, the role of sleep in hormone production, and the potential of detox strategies like saunas. Listeners also learn about alternatives to traditional TRT and the significance of micronutrient adequacy for hormonal balance.

Jul 31, 2024 • 51min
[PED's] In Defense of Doping w/ Dr. Alexander Hutchinson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #758
Join Dr. Alexander Hutchinson, a fitness expert and author, as he deep dives into the controversial world of doping in sports. He challenges conventional views on performance enhancers while discussing their historical context and health implications. The conversation covers the ethics of doping regulations, especially around cannabis, and the impact of financial motives in athletics. With tales of personal recovery and a look at upcoming Enhanced Games, Hutchinson and his co-hosts reframe our understanding of fairness and competition in sports.

Jul 26, 2024 • 54min
Physiology Friday: [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
Fitness experts Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner discuss why stimulants and coffee won't solve energy problems, benefits of exercise for energy, optimizing circadian rhythms and melatonin's role, energy systems training, and how micronutrient deficiencies affect energy levels.