
Iron Culture presented by MASS
Iron Culture was started as a means of exploring the world of physical culture and attempting to distill a unified philosophy of lifting and to help listeners find greater meaning from the iron. It focuses on dispensing practical, useful information to the listener, bouncing from history, to philosophy, to contemporary lifting culture issues, to science.
Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review.
Latest episodes

Nov 8, 2024 • 1h 30min
MASS Office Hours Episode 61 (The Lost Episode)
The Lost Episode of MASS Office Hours will be discussed for decades to come. Was the episode buried and all copies destroyed because it was simply too controversial? Did the hosts reveal a secret too dangerous to publish? Did Eric accidentally delete the episode by hitting the wrong button after they recorded? We may never know.
In this re-recorded episode of MASS Office Hours, Dr. Eric Trexler is joined by Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple to discuss Trex's surgery recovery, bilateral vs unilateral training for hypertrophy, shifting calories throughout the week while trying to build muscle, what to do after substantial weight loss, micronutrient adequacy, micronutrient testing, sex-based training differences, and arguing with people on the internet.
PLEASE NOTE: We're switching our live streams to Monday nights, effective immediately!
The MASS crew goes live for Office Hours every Monday night at 7pm eastern time. Be sure to join us for a future episode!
If you'd like to submit a question ahead of time, please use this link:
https://massresearchreview.com/office-hours/
Time stamps
0:00 intro
1:18 important announcement about Office Hours schedule
3:27 Trex's surgery recovery
11:50 bilateral vs unilateral training for hypertrophy
21:43 shifting calories throughout the week while trying to build muscle
33:07 what to do after substantial weight loss
45:07 micronutrient adequacy and micronutrient testing
57:26 sex-based training differences
1:10:10 arguing with people on the internet

Nov 1, 2024 • 1h 36min
MASS Office Hours Episode 60 (Concurrent Training)
Explore the latest insights on concurrent training and its impact on muscle gains. The discussion reveals gender differences in how aerobic and resistance training interact. Learn strategies to structure workouts effectively, balancing cardio with strength training. The importance of customizing training volume and recovery methods is emphasized. Discover how explosive strength plays a role for various athletes and the integration of powerlifting into triathlon training. Audience engagement enhances this treasure trove of fitness knowledge!

Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 30min
MASS Office Hours Episode 59 (Maintenance Volume + Q&A)
Dive into the fascinating world of strength training and muscle maintenance! Discover how to tackle strength asymmetries with unilateral exercises. Explore the effectiveness of purported anti-catabolic supplements and insights on managing pain during lifts. You'll learn the optimal training volume needed to keep gains during weight loss. Plus, hear about leg elevation techniques for better recovery and whether daily macro targets are essential. Join the discussion that balances science with practical advice for fitness enthusiasts!

Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 49min
MASS Office Hours Episode 58 (Is More Volume Always Better?)
Josh Pelland, Co-founder and CEO of DeepMind, shares his expertise on training volume and its effects on muscle growth and strength. He presents findings from his meta-analysis, highlighting how increased training volume has diminishing returns for muscle gains. Pelland emphasizes the importance of tailoring training to individual needs, utilizing periodization, and addressing overtraining risks. The conversation delves into practical strategies for optimizing workouts and understanding the nuances of training frequency, making it a must-listen for fitness enthusiasts.

Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 14min
MASS Office Hours Episode 57 (Brain Health, Mobility, and Q&A)
Delve into the latest college football drama and its connection to the serious issue of concussions and CTE. Discover how endurance athletes can balance strength and hypertrophy training effectively. Explore practical mobility tips and the significance of fat timing in diet. Unpack the intriguing effects of creatine on brain health. Lastly, learn about the advantages of unilateral exercises for addressing muscle imbalances, enhancing overall strength. Tune in for dynamic discussions and insightful advice!

Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 14min
MASS Office Hours Episode 56 (Estrogen, Naturalistic Fallacy, and Q&A)
Discover the intriguing role of estrogen in muscle growth and recovery, backed by animal studies despite mixed human research. Uncover the benefits of processed protein sources for vegetarians, challenging common dietary misconceptions. The discussion also delves into the importance of fiber for physique athletes and debunks the naturalistic fallacy in nutrition. You'll learn about the risks of ultra-processed foods and the significance of resistance training and cardiovascular exercises for injury prevention, wrapped in a lighthearted exploration of college football rivalries.

Sep 29, 2024 • 1h 27min
MASS Office Hours Episode 55 (Brain Benefits of Exercise + Q&A)
Dr. Eric Trexler, an exercise science professional, shares his journey of recovery after surgery. Dr. Mike Zourdos, a cognitive benefits expert, discusses his upcoming research linking aerobic exercise to improved memory. They explore the positive effects of both aerobic and resistance training on cognitive function and health. Other intriguing topics include nutrition timing for workouts, the impact of dietary choices on appetite, and the relationship between running and recovery. Listeners are treated to insightful Q&As on training methods and muscle building strategies.

Sep 21, 2024 • 1h 13min
MASS Office Hours Episode 54 (Contraceptives, Menopause, and Q&A)
Dr. Eric Trexler, an expert in exercise and nutrition, is joined by Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, who focuses on female hormonal issues. They dive into how hormonal contraceptives and menopause impact fat loss, revealing that hormonal changes alone aren't necessarily barriers to weight loss. The conversation flows to audience questions about dietary fiber, unique exercise techniques, and the effects of nutrition quality. They also share strategies for motivating older family members to exercise, emphasizing the role of behavior change in fostering a healthier lifestyle.

Sep 13, 2024 • 1h 21min
MASS Office Hours Episode 53 (The Myth of "Generalist Experts" + Q&A)
Celebrate the one-year mark with a dive into nasal breathing and food safety concerns regarding microwaving plastics. Explore the intricacies of energy systems and the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates during exercise. The hosts discuss the pitfalls of 'generalist experts' and emphasize the importance of specialization in health. Gain insights on effective training methods, including supersets for muscle growth and reverse Nordic exercises for quadriceps. Plus, myth-busting on calorie intake and body recomposition make for a lively discussion!

Sep 7, 2024 • 1h 6min
MASS Office Hours Episode 52 (Sleep + Q&A)
Delve into the vital balance between step counts and sleep quality, highlighting the dangers of prioritizing steps over rest. Discover how sleep duration impacts recovery and mortality, and the often-overestimated role of protein in muscle growth. Uncover the significance of sleep optimization in fitness and gain insight into dietary nitrate supplements with quality control tips. Learn about glycogen use in bodybuilding and effective hydration strategies tailored to various athlete needs for peak performance.