Iron Culture presented by MASS

Join Drs Eric Helms and Eric Trexler as they discuss the importance of humility in science, and a few key areas where their perspectives have changed over the years. If you're in the market for some new (ultra-high-quality) gym gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" for a 10% discount over at elitefts.com Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review. Mostly because Helms and Trex are co-owners. massresearchreview.com Chapters 00:00 Intro 13:11 The Iron Culture Documentary Release 18:03 Criticism and Public Perception 28:20 Intellectual Humility and Changing Perspectives 38:33 Evolving Views on Nutrition and Training

This episode begins with a slightly defensive rant by Eric Trexler, followed by a very defensive rant by Eric Helms. After that, they dive into new research uncovering the complexities of ultraprocessed foods, their impact on obesity, binge eating, and the food industry's role in creating and promoting hyperpalatable ultraprocessed foods. Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review (massresearchreview.com) If you're in the market for some high-quality gym gear or apparel, be sure to support our friends at elitefts.com and use code "MRR10" for a 10% discount. Chapters 00:00 Intro 10:14 Trexler & Helms respond to social media criticism 15:48 Slightly defensive rant by Trexler 23:10 Extremely defensive rant by Helms 32:25 Roles in The Ecosystem of Science Communication 41:39 Exploring the Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods 46:20 Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods and Their Nuances 51:16 The Role of Food Processing in Feeding a Growing Population 55:53 Hyper-Palatable Foods and Their Effects on Eating Behavior 59:07 The Evolution of Eating Disorder Treatment Perspectives 01:04:30 The Relationship Between Hyper-Palatable Foods and Binge Eating 01:09:05 Neurophysiology of Food Consumption and Addiction 01:12:20 Conclusions & practical applications for food selection

In this episode, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss the latest updates in resistance training research, the evolution of training principles since 2009, and practical applications for trainers and athletes. They explore key points from the new ACSM position stand, the importance of training frequency, volume, and specificity, and reflect on how scientific understanding has advanced over the years. In this engaging discussion, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms explore the evolution of training philosophies, hypertrophy research, and practical applications for lifters. They reflect on past training trends, dissect scientific findings, and share insights on optimizing workout strategies for strength and muscle growth. If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" at elitefts.com for a 10% discount Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 07:37 The new ACSM Position Statement 17:50 Overview 34:47 Key findings 37:44 The Impact of Training Frequency on Strength 44:45 The Role of Volume in Strength Training 59:12 Training For Hypertrophy & Proximity to Failure 01:09:17 Eccentric Training 01:12:57 How Perspectives About Training to Failure Have Changed 01:19:08 The Role of Structured Training Programs 01:25:06 The Evolution of Fitness Communities 01:30:25 "Power Training" 01:39:05 Wrapping Up

In this episode, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms delve into the complexities of scientific research integrity, recent controversies in nutrition studies, and debunk common myths in health and fitness. They emphasize the importance of transparency, ethics, and critical thinking in science and everyday beliefs. In this episode, Eric Helms and Eric Trexler debunk popular myths in psychology, medicine, and animal behavior, exploring the science behind Stockholm syndrome, the hungry judge effect, stress ulcers, sugar hyperactivity, and the Stanford Prison Experiment. They emphasize critical thinking and scientific rigor in understanding complex topics. If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" at elitefts.com for a 10% discount Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:23 Update on LDL Research Controversy 14:30 "Ethics" in the Research Context 26:45 Conspiratorial thinking and communication in science/research 29:45 Pop Science Myths and Misconceptions 39:25 Debunking Learning Styles 48:17 Debunking Stockholm Syndrome 1:02:04 Debunking the "Hungry Judges Study" 1:07:53 Stress Ulcers: The Complex Truth Behind a Common Belief 01:13:42 Debunking the "Sugar Rush" Myth 01:25:23 Other Popular Myths and Misconceptions

Editorial note: We recorded this episode on March 4. This is an important detail for contextualizing the timeline of events discussed in this episode, as well as our understanding of the matter at the time of recording. Since we recorded this episode, the paper discussed has been officially retracted. We will provide additional updates on this story as they become available. Episode summary: Join Eric Trexler and Eric Helms as they dissect the chaotic rollout of a controversial study on LDL cholesterol and lean mass hyper responders, explore issues in science communication, and debate the integrity of research in the age of social media. If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" at elitefts.com for a 10% discount Chapters 00:00 Intro 09:18 Social media dust-up 17:27 Revisiting the "Lean Mass Hyper Responder Study" 23:25 New controversy surrounding the study 33:14 Investigations regarding data integrity 41:43 Historical Context: NUSI and Its Implications 50:55 Steelmanning the argument 55:22 Potential issues with the "citizen science" movement 01:01:50 The death of expertise and the future of science communication

In this episode, powerlifter Kjell Bakkelund shares his journey, strategic weight management, and insights into longevity and performance in powerlifting. Discover how he overcame setbacks, optimized nutrition, and maintained motivation over a 19-year career. If you're in the market for some lifting gear or apparel, please be sure to support our friends and save some money by using code "MRR10" for a 10% discount at elitefts.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction 07:57 The Weight Cut Experience and Its Challenges 15:07 Strategic Deception and Preparation for Sheffield 20:20 Reflections on Training and Dieting 25:29 Kjell's Competitive History and Evolution 37:10 Comparing Past and Present Strength Levels 44:09 The Turning Point: A Podium Decision 49:17 Nutrition and Performance: A Game Changer 56:41 Mindset Shifts: Embracing the Journey 01:02:11 The Importance of Flexibility in Dieting

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss perpetually hot topics in the fitness and bodybuilding community, focusing on recent research findings related to training at long muscle lengths and the implications of muscle swelling on hypertrophy reserach. They explore the nuances of lengthened bias training, the importance of sampling variance in research, and the impact of muscle swelling on hypertrophy measurements. If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use discount code "MRR10" for a 10% discount at elitefts.com Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:39 Research Roundup: Lengthened Bias Training 07:20 Study Findings and Interpretations 10:24 Contextualizing Research in Fitness 13:53 Incremental Improvements in Research 17:10 Understanding Muscle Mechanics and Training Equipment 23:23 Sampling Variance and Its Impact on Research Interpretation 37:33 The Debate on Lengthened vs. Shortened Training 49:20 New Insights on Muscle Swelling and Hypertrophy 58:46 Understanding Muscle Performance and Recovery 01:03:39 The Debate on Training Volume and Hypertrophy 01:12:09 Wrapping up

In this episode, Eric Helms and Steve Hall engage in a deep conversation about their experiences in bodybuilding, academia, and personal growth. They discuss the challenges of naming their podcast, the impact of ADHD on Eric's life, and the importance of critical thinking in the fitness industry. The conversation also touches on the concept of imposter syndrome, the black-pilled perspective on muscle growth, and the significance of maintaining a positive mindset in training. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the value of process over outcome and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the pursuit of fitness goals. If you're in the market for some lifting gear or apparel, be sure to check out EliteFTS.com (and use our code "MRR10" for a 10% discount) Chapters 00:00 Podcast Naming Dilemma 03:04 Personal Reflections and Mutual Respect 06:03 Academic Journey and Self-Discovery 11:47 Understanding ADHD and Personal Growth 18:02 Imposter Syndrome and Its Impact 32:47 Critical Thinking in the Fitness Industry 37:54 The Importance of Self-Review 38:21 Confidence vs. Imposter Syndrome 40:16 Navigating Guru Culture in Fitness 42:22 Critical Thinking and the Role of Gurus 45:23 The Dangers of Blind Trust in Experts 48:17 The Mixed Bag of Fitness Influencers 49:42 Ego and the Quest for Clout 51:39 Teaching Critical Thinking in Fitness 53:32 The Journey of Personal Growth 57:16 Debating Natural Muscle Growth Potential 01:01:23 Understanding Individual vs. Population Data 01:06:05 The Optimistic Bodybuilder's Mindset 01:10:49 Pushing Limits and Personal Growth 01:15:13 The Process Over Outcome Mindset 01:20:54 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms and Eric Trexler discuss the recent changes to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) and the implications of these updates. They begin by addressing the shift in their podcast schedule, emphasizing the importance of mental health and balance in their work. The conversation then transitions into a detailed analysis of the new dietary guidelines, highlighting the complexities of the process behind their formulation. Helms critiques the influence of corporate interests and the political landscape on the DGAs, while also acknowledging the positive aspects of the new recommendations, particularly the increased emphasis on protein intake. The hosts explore the historical context of dietary guidelines, the evolution of public health messaging, and the challenges of effectively communicating nutritional advice to the public. In this episode, Eric Helms and MASS Research delve into the complexities of the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), discussing the implications of the visual representation of food groups and the recommendations for protein, fats, and processed foods. They critique the new guidelines for their lack of clarity and potential confusion, particularly regarding the emphasis on whole foods versus processed foods. The conversation highlights the disconnect between the written guidelines and their visual representation, which may mislead the public about healthy eating patterns. They also explore the political influences on these guidelines and how they may affect vulnerable populations, particularly in school lunch programs and social assistance programs. If you're in the market for some lifting gear or apparel, be sure to check out EliteFTS.com (and use our code "MRR10" for a 10% discount) Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Schedule Changes 07:15 The Dietary Guidelines Controversy 20:56 Understanding the Formation of Dietary Guidelines 32:30 The Influence of Food Industries on Guidelines 33:38 The Role of the Second Committee 43:49 Changes in Protein Recommendations 44:19 The Inverted Pyramid and Dietary Miscommunication 59:55 Understanding Fats in the New Guidelines 01:09:17 The Role of Full-Fat Dairy in Heart Health 01:15:06 Alcohol Consumption: New Guidelines Explained 01:21:52 Processed Foods and Public Health Implications 01:25:03 The Impact of Dietary Guidelines on Vulnerable Populations 01:30:34 Conclusions and Future Directions in Nutrition Guidelines

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms and Dr. Eric Trexler discuss the importance of self-experimentation in fitness, the history and significance of statistics in science, and the balance between skepticism and curiosity in science communication. They explore the claims made about self-experimentation, the role of statistical significance versus meaningful outcomes, and the necessity of integrating various sources of evidence in practice. The conversation emphasizes the importance of humility and open-mindedness in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding in the fitness community. If you're in the market for some lifting gear or apparel, be sure to check out EliteFTS.com (and use our code "MRR10" for a 10% discount) Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Milestones: Personal Reflections 06:33 Housekeeping: Supporting the Podcast 08:20 The Intersection of Science and Lifting 10:43 Self-Experimentation: Claims and Critiques 14:05 The History of Statistics in Science 22:26 Understanding Scientific Consensus and Its Pitfalls 30:10 Navigating Science Communication and Expertise 34:20 The Complexity of Self-Experimentation 39:45 Understanding Individual Responses in Exercise Science 44:24 Navigating the Challenges of Self-Experimentation 49:03 The Importance of Meaningful Outcomes 54:40 Integrating Evidence-Based Practice 01:01:52 The Balance of Skepticism and Curiosity in Fitness Science

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss various themes surrounding fitness, nutrition, and the importance of open discourse in the community. The conversation addresses criticism received from listeners, the role of cynicism versus skepticism in fitness discussions, and the necessity of engaging with differing perspectives for personal and professional growth. The episode concludes with a call for self-awareness and openness in navigating the complexities of fitness discourse. If you're looking for some high-quality lifting gear or apparel, be sure to visit elitefts.com and use our discount code "MRR10" for a 10% discount. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Holiday Greetings 02:18 Tiny Utensils and Eating Behavior 05:40 The Controversy Surrounding Brian Wansink 08:23 Updates and Future Directions for Iron Culture 11:20 Addressing Criticism and Community Discourse 17:20 Navigating Evidence-Based Practice and Guest Selection 30:27 Evaluating Content and Moral Standards 32:35 The Role of Evidence in Interviews 34:11 Career Paths in Fitness and Coaching 36:54 Critiques and Misunderstandings in Fitness 40:34 Navigating Disagreements in Evidence-Based Fitness 46:16 Cynicism vs. Skepticism in Fitness Discourse 55:45 The Shift from Ideas to Personal Attacks 59:03 The Drama of Evidence-Based Fitness 01:01:47 The Importance of Empirical Science 01:06:14 Navigating Cynicism and Skepticism 01:12:21 Engaging with Different Perspectives 01:17:59 Self-Awareness in Fitness Discourse 01:24:08 The Role of Change and Growth in Fitness

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms is joined by world champions Heitor Sousa and Adão Martins to discuss their journeys in natural bodybuilding. They reflect on their experiences at the WNBF Worlds, the importance of community and support, and the lessons learned from both victories and setbacks. The conversation highlights their friendship, resilience, and the significance of never giving up in the pursuit of excellence in bodybuilding. They reflect on their successful competition year, the art of bodybuilding, strategies for competing annually, the importance of health and longevity, and the supportive community within the sport. The discussion emphasizes the balance between on-season and off-season training, the significance of mental health, and the shared passion for bodybuilding that unites athletes across the globe. If you're in the market for some lifting gear or apparel, be sure to check out EliteFTS.com (and use our code "MRR10" for a 10% discount) Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Iron Culture and Competitors 02:52 The Journey of Heitor and Adao in Bodybuilding 05:58 First Competitive Experiences and Challenges 08:53 The Importance of Community and Support in Bodybuilding 12:06 Reflections on Early Competitions and Learning Experiences 15:04 The Growth and Evolution of Heitor and Adao 17:56 The Role of Feedback and Improvement in Competitions 21:00 The Significance of Perseverance in Bodybuilding 23:46 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Aspirations 33:45 Celebrating Wins Together 36:42 Experiences from Major Competitions 39:42 Learning and Growth in Bodybuilding 42:07 The Journey to World Championships 46:12 Reflecting on 2024's Achievements 49:32 Competing Frequently and Its Impact 51:59 The Art of Bodybuilding and Continuous Improvement 57:04 Balancing Competition and Health 1:06:10 Body Composition and Individual Differences 1:08:04 Training and Nutrition Strategies for Competitors 1:10:56 The Importance of Off-Season Planning 1:13:57 Mental Approach to Training and Competition 1:17:59 Community and Relationships in Bodybuilding 1:26:57 Future Plans and Final Thoughts