Ep 334 - Microplastics: Setting the Record Straight
In this episode of Iron Culture, the Erics provide some updates, corrections, and clarifications related to their recent episode exploring the science of microplastics. After that they take a brief moment to celebrate the 100th issue of the MASS Research Review, then answer listener questions on topics including: tasty meat alternatives, programming supersets, scaling dietary variables for very small/short individuals, the pros & cons of "extended release" caffeine formulations, the utility & shortcomings of BMI as a health metric, and more. MASS is celebrating its 100th issue, but it's never to late to join in on the fun! Learn more at massresearchreview.com Also, don't miss Iron Culture's sister podcast, @fpfpodcast hosted by MASS's very own Eric Trexler and Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple Time stamps (coming soon): 0:00 Intro 0:58 Revisiting microplastics (updates, corrections, and clarifications) 25:08 MASS celebrates 100th issue 34:00 Well-wishes for bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman 41:37 Tasty meat alternatives 47:12 Programming supersets 49:23 Scaling dietary variables for very small/short individuals 57:10 The utility & shortcomings of BMI as a health metric 1:05:03 Individual response variation to training 1:16:12 The pros & cons of "extended release" caffeine formulations
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1:29:59
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1:29:59
Ep 333 - Are High-Protein Diets Really Harmless?
In this episode of Iron Culture, Dr. Eric Helms talks about his forthcoming article in the MASS Research Review covering the purported harms of high-protein diets. This isn’t your typical oversimplified dunk-fest that readily dismisses concerns about high-protein diets. Instead, Helms reviews a thorough paper that reviews common concerns in detail and assessed their plausibility in an objective manner. The claims include: Claim 1 – protein reduces lifespan Claim 2 – protein makes bones weaker Claim 3 – protein harms kidneys Claim 4 – protein causes diabetes After that, Dr. Eric Trexler discusses a recent Instagram thread that pulled him into arguments against his will. The post was about his recent article on ketogenic diets and seed oils – two topics that are always bound to attract some controversy and heated debate. This conversation discusses the strengths and limitations of different types of scientific research and also touches on bias, objectivity, and the process of seeking the truth with an open mind. Time stamps: 0:00 Intro 3:00 Helms’ new article about the purported harms of high-protein diets 19:25 Claim 1 – protein reduces lifespan 27:48 Claim 2 – protein makes bones weaker 43:38 Claim 3 – protein harms kidneys 50:53 Claim 4 – protein causes diabetes 57:22 Trex’s social media beefs – keto and seed oils 1:03:40 Types of observational studies 1:08:35 Seeking truth versus defending biases 1:17:32 Limitations versus fatal flaws 1:24:19 Limitations of RCTs (randomized controlled trials) 1:32:23 Wrapping up
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1:34:31
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1:34:31
Ep 332 - The Most Extreme Metabolic Adaptation Ever Recorded
In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of bodybuilding prep, including caloric intake, metabolic adaptation, and the impact of extreme dieting. They explore historical studies that provide insights into these phenomena and discuss practical strategies for weight loss. The conversation transitions to powerlifting, specifically the recent IPF Worlds, highlighting the competitive dynamics and standout performances in the event. In this conversation, Eric Helms highlights impressive performances and battles in various weight classes. He emphasizes the growth of the sport and the challenges faced by lifters, particularly in extreme conditions. The subsequent Q&A covers the balance between powerlifting and bodybuilding, exercise order for hypertrophy, and the relationship between energy balance and recovery. Additionally, the practicality and effectiveness of using weighted vests for exercise are examined, providing insights into their potential benefits and drawbacks. Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Helms' Updates on Bodybuilding Prep 01:50 Caloric Intake and Metabolic Adaptation 05:35 Extreme Cases of Metabolic Adaptation: Insights from Historical Studies 25:26 IPF Worlds Recap 44:44 Programming for Powerlifting and Bodybuilding (Simultaneously) 48:26 Exercise Order and Hypertrophy 01:00:23 Energy Balance and Recovery 01:05:44 The Pros and Cons of Weighted Vests
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1:13:54
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1:13:54
Ep 331 - Contest Prep and Weight Cutting Across Sports
In this episode of Iron Culture, the Erics begin by discussing Helms' prep updates and the standout performances from the recent powerlifting World Champions. The conversation also touches on body composition and attractiveness, highlighting the misconceptions in the fitness industry regarding ideal body fat levels. After that they take a deep dive into the strategies of cutting weight in various sports, comparing the approaches of powerlifting, bodybuilding, and combat sports. Finally, they explore the differences in weight cutting techniques across different sports, emphasizing the importance of planning and strategy for optimal performance. Time stamps: 00:00 Helms Prep Update and World Powerlifting Highlights 15:07 Body Composition, Attractiveness, Evolution, and the Fitness Industry 31:16 Trexler's Take On Comparing Weight Cuts in Different Sports (Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, Combat Sports) 40:32 Helms' Take On Comparing Weight Cuts in Different Sports (Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, Combat Sports) 57:11 Electrolyte Management and Hydration Techniques 1:03:05 Final Thoughts on Weight Management and Performance
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1:10:25
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1:10:25
Ep 330 - Female Health & Fitness Research + Q&A
In this episode of the Iron Culture Podcast, the Erics discuss various topics including updates on Helms' contest prep vlog, a preview of the upcoming Powerlifting World Championships, misconceptions surrounding TRT, the effects of cold exposure, and the concept of lean mass hyper responders. They also discuss the importance of (and misconceptions surrounding) women's health research, and engage in a Q&A session addressing questions about energy expenditure, body composition, and more. Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Updates 02:59 Powerlifting World Championships Preview 07:55 New MASS issue; TRT misconceptions 16:50 Cold Exposure and Its Misconceptions 18:00 Lean Mass Hyper Responders (and resulting chaos) 31:20 Women's Health and Fitness Research 46:24 Understanding Training Status in Research 52:52 Core Strengthening and building general athleticism 59:03 Debunking Myths Around Posture and Anterior Pelvic Tilt 01:01:50 Evaluating BIA and BIS for Body Composition 01:10:48 Reconciling Energy Expenditure Models in Active Populations
Iron Culture was started by Eric Helms and Omar Isuf 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's now hosted by Eric Helms and Eric Trexler, who repeatedly beg Omar to return as a guest.
Iron Culture focuses on dispensing practical, useful information to the listener, bouncing from history, to philosophy, to contemporary lifting culture issues, to science. The format includes casual conversations between the two hosts on a variety of topics, discussions with a panel of experts and interviews with authoritative figures in the lifting community.
Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review.