
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

Jul 24, 2024 • 54min
[The Enhanced Games] Redefining Athletic Boundaries w/ Dr. Guillermo Escalante, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #757
Dr. Guillermo Escalante, a kinesiology professor, joins the hosts to discuss the concept of Enhanced Games post-2025 Olympics, debating the ethics of performance-enhancing drugs. They explore the intersection of science and experience in athletics, the history of doping in sports, and the potential future of genetic advancements in athletics.

Jul 19, 2024 • 52min
Physiology Friday: [Testosterone + Gut Health] How to Avoid TRT by Healing Your Gut w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
Health and fitness expert Anders Varner discusses the theory of constraints in physiology, why TRT is not the solution for low testosterone, the impact of alcohol on gut health and testosterone, and why quick fixes won't solve hormone imbalances. The podcast explores the connection between gut health and testosterone levels, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying gut issues for overall well-being.

Jul 17, 2024 • 50min
[HIIT] A Minimalist Approach to Building Muscle and Vo2Max w/ Dr. Martin Gibala, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #756
Dr. Martin Gibala discusses high-intensity interval training, optimizing efficiency with short workouts, and the importance of hypertrophy training. The podcast explores enhancing VO2 max, interval training benefits for muscle building, and the concept of exercise snacks for overall fitness.

4 snips
Jul 12, 2024 • 46min
Physiology Friday: [Cholesterol] How to Read Bloodwork for Lipids, Triglycerides, and Fatty Acids w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
Fitness and nutrition experts Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dan Garner discuss interpreting bloodwork for lipids and cholesterol. They cover optimal cholesterol numbers, HDL/LDL ratios, triglycerides, and the role of saturated fats in hormone production. The podcast emphasizes understanding lab results for health optimization.

Jul 10, 2024 • 58min
The Mission After: Finding Purpose After Military Service w/ Michael Bledsoe, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #755
Veterans finding purpose post-military service discussed in a podcast featuring Michael Bledsoe. Topics include weightlifting education, personal growth, coaching styles, supporting veterans, and podcast promotion. Engaging banter and shoutout to Rapid Health Report included.

4 snips
Jul 5, 2024 • 48min
Physiology Friday: [Recovery] How to Build a Resilient Physiology w/ Anders Varner Doug Larson, and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
Anders Varner, physiology expert, discusses resilience in physiology, stress response, recovery, balance, purpose, and the interplay between psychology and physiology. The podcast explores cortisol levels, lifestyle protocols, and strategies for building resilience through purpose, energy management, and identifying deficiencies.

Jul 3, 2024 • 50min
The Roll of Skill Development for Improving Fitness and Longevity w/ Jordan Syatt, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #754
Elite Powerlifter Jordan Syatt discusses the importance of skill development in fitness for longevity. Topics include evolution of fitness advice, cyclical trends in the industry, mobility training benefits, and embracing skill development for personal improvement.

Jun 28, 2024 • 59min
Physiology Friday: [Body Transformation] Simple Strategies to Getting Shredded w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
Join fitness experts Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dan Garner in discussing physique transformation goals, muscle building strategies, realistic fat loss expectations, and maintaining muscle mass. Discover tips on planning bulk and cut cycles, addressing lagging body parts, and prep cycles for peak week.

Jun 26, 2024 • 55min
Sleep’s Role in Cellular and Metabolic Health w/ Dr. Chris Perry, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #753
Dr. Christopher A. Perry, an Assistant Professor at Eastern Kentucky University, began his fitness journey at Penn State University, where he developed a robust background in Strength & Conditioning leading to 17 years in the industry to date. His academic path, leading through a PhD at Arizona State University, deepened his expertise in Exercise Science & Sports, Sleep & Circadian Rhythms, and Nutrition. Chris's current research focuses on sleep, movement analysis, and CO2 tolerance, particularly in tactical populations and collegiate athletes. His work aims to enhance performance, wellness, and longevity health outcomes, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field of exercise and sports science. Beyond his academic pursuits, Chris is an executive performance coach, weight loss consultant, fitness entrepreneurship mentor, podcast host, and enjoys engaging in coffee culture and movie discussions. Work with RAPID Health Optimization Dr. Christopher Perry on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

Jun 21, 2024 • 56min
Physiology Friday: [Optimal vs. Normal Health] Why Normal Reference Ranges Will Not Lead You to Optimal Health w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner
Health experts Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner discuss the importance of aiming for optimal health markers rather than settling for normal blood panel readings. They explain the differences between optimal and normal health, explore the limitations of normal reference ranges in healthcare, and highlight the significance of individualized optimal health markers for peak performance and well-being.