Iron Culture presented by MASS
by MASS Research Review
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.
Episodes
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Ep 394 - Common Movement Questions
Iron Culture co-hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms answer four common questions about movement and lifting. Topics include anterior pelvic tilt, tibial torsion and asymmetry, butt wink, and Smith machine squats. They explain why recommendations depend on symptoms, experience, and goals, and why...
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Ep 393 - When Science Isn’t Ready for "Prime Time"
Trexler and Helms step back from training specifics to talk about how science gets interpreted, communicated, and applied. Trexler opens with two anecdotes that exposed a blind spot in his own communication — a one-minute clip of a talk on the Minnesota starvation experiment that drew online...
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Ep 392 - Training Frequency for Hypertrophy
Trexler and Helms dig into training frequency and hypertrophy, prompted by a wave of recent discussion and two new papers: a new original study comparing three weekly sessions of three sets against one session of nine, and a new preprint from an independent research team utilizing the openly...
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BONUS: The Missing Dimension to Optimum Sports Nutrition? - Eric Helms & Steve Hall
In this episode, Eric Helms and Steve Hall explore the nature of aging, the importance of self-awareness, and practical insights into nutrition and training for bodybuilders. They share personal stories, scientific perspectives, and coaching tips to help listeners optimize their health and...
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Ep 391 - What Can You REALLY Learn From Pre-Steroid Era Bodybuilders? (with Dr. Conor Heffernan)
This episode looks at bodybuilding before steroids became widespread, arguing that the era is far more useful (and more complicated) than the usual “pure, simple, natty golden age” story. Drs Eric Helms and Conor Heffernan break down how strength sport, judging standards, gym access, and culture...
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Ep 390 - Is Muscle Loss Really a Big Deal?
Bodybuilders are laser-focused on retaining as much muscle as possible while dieting, and for very good reason. In that context, the smallest details matter. But what about everybody else? This episode explores a hot take on weight loss, lean mass loss, and why the usual fear of losing muscle may...
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Ep 389 - What the Erics Actually Do
In this episode, Eric Helms and Eric Trexler share their current approaches to diet, training, and supplementation, emphasizing pragmatic strategies, individualization, and the importance of evidence-based practice. They discuss how constraints, habits, and intrinsic motivation shape their...
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BONUS - Drop Sets & Myo-Reps: The Best Way to Use Them (w/ Eric Helms & Steve Hall)
In this episode, Eric Helms and Steve Hall discuss training strategies, auto-regulation, the role of cardio in bodybuilding, and practical techniques for efficient training. They share insights from their recent training camps and personal experiences to help listeners optimize their workouts and...
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Ep 388 - What Most Bodybuilders and Their Coaches Miss (ft. Richard Collins)
In this episode, Eric Helms and Richard Collins explore the art and science of coaching, emphasizing the importance of motivation, rapport, and tailored strategies in achieving long-term success in fitness and bodybuilding. In this episode, Richard shares his extensive experience in physique…
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Ep 387 - Energy Cost of Building Muscle
In this episode, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms explore the energetic cost of building human skeletal muscle, discussing recent research, practical implications, and misconceptions about muscle growth and energy expenditure. Relevant papers: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31482093/...
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Ep 386 - Sleep, Hypertrophy, and Creatine
Trexler and Helms dig into sleep and how it intersects with body composition and supplementation. They open on the sleep-and-lifting landscape, then work through the frequently cited 2010 study on insufficient sleep and fat loss, laying out its design and the details behind its dramatic-sounding...
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Ep 385 - Do Studies on Untrained Lifters Apply to Trained Lifters?
Trexler and Helms dig into Helms's new MASS article, "Are studies on untrained lifters irrelevant to trained lifters?" It's built around a new umbrella review by Andy Fry and colleagues. The recurring internet claim is that most exercise research is done on untrained people, so a trained lifter…
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BONUS: Bulking Is Dead - Eric Helms & Steve Hall
In this episode, Eric Helms and Steve Hall explore the nuances of body recomposition, optimal bulking and cutting strategies, and the science behind muscle gain and fat loss. They discuss recent research, practical insights, and debunk common myths to help athletes optimize their training and...
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Ep 384 - Is Ultrasound Lying About Your Gains?
A methods-focused episode about how muscle and body-composition measurements can mislead you when reading the research. The main event is a new Balshaw and colleagues paper concluding that ultrasound muscle thickness is a poor index of MRI-measured muscle growth. Trexler and Helms argue this...
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Ep 383 - Q&A: Imbalances, Fatigue, & REDs
In today's Q&A episode, the Erics work through a few listener questions. First they tackle upper/lower body imbalance — why lagging body parts usually call for improving training quality before adding volume, and why standout muscle groups can be maintained on surprisingly little work. Next is a...
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Ep 382 - The Science of Building Bone (ft. Dr.Lora Giangregorio)
The Erics sit down with bone health expert Dr. Lora Giangregorio, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Waterloo, to unpack what's actually known about how bone adapts to resistance training. The conversation covers why bone changes so slowly, the many sources of measurement error in…
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BONUS: Are Fitness Trackers Worth It? - Eric Helms & Steve Hall
In this episode, Steve Hall and Eric Helms explore the nuances of training, recovery, and the use of technology in bodybuilding. They share insights on managing recovery, the limitations of fitness trackers, and the importance of personalized approaches to training and nutrition. Iron Culture is...
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Ep 381 - Q&A: GLP-1s, Tendon Training, & Rep Ranges
Trexler and Helms open with an overview of the new MASS issue (body recomposition, a protein consensus paper, reverse dieting) and a powerlifting World Championships recap before diving into a rapid-fire listener Q&A. Along the way they tackle whether protein needs scale with training volume, the...
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Ep 380 - Bulking, Cutting, and Recomping
In this Q&A episode, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms open with a recap of their trip to Norway and announce a new MASS partnership with AFPT International. They then work through a string of listener questions that end up forming a surprisingly cohesive arc: how much total daily energy expenditure...
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Ep 379 - Behind the Scenes (Iron Culture Documentary) ft. Omar Isuf
In a monumental moment for the Iron Cult, OMAR RETURNS for a guest appearance. In this episode, Omar Isuf and Eric Helms discuss the journey of creating the ambitious Iron Culture documentary, highlighting behind-the-scenes challenges, personal sacrifices, and the passion driving their project....
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BONUS: Revive Stronger - Fatigue, Progress & The Psychology of Bodybuilding (ft. Steve Hall)
Eric Helms and Steve Hall discuss training strategies, deloads, body image, and the cultural aspects of bodybuilding, sharing insights from their experiences and recent projects like the bodybuilding documentary. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Banter 03:00 Connecting with Omar and Rascal 05:58…
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Ep 378 - Social Media Protein Debates
Eric Trexler and Eric Helms recently found themselves in the middle of a debate about optimal protein intakes, all initiated by a social media post from Stu Phillips (a leading researcher in the area). In this episode, they dive into how that scientific discourse played out, the nuances of…
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Ep 377 – MRV/MAV, Diet Breaks & Refeeds
Back in episode 375, Helms and Trex briefly mentioned a few “evidence-based fitness” topics for which their views have evolved over the years. In hindsight, they didn’t give a few of those topics the time, attention, and explanation they deserve. So in this episode, Helms and Trex take a closer...
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Ep 376 - Weight Loss Resistance
Join us for a rare Iron Culture episode with co-hosts who are not only on the same continent, but actually in the same ROOM. Helms and Trexler are in Australia for the Sports Nutrition Association Annual Conference, so they got together to record an episode about Trex's presentation topic:...
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Ep 375 - Humility in Science
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. Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review. Mostly because Helms and Trex are co-owners. massresearchreview.com...
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BONUS: Stronger Culture - The Protein Ceiling: Real or Not a Needle Mover? (ft Eric Helms & Steve Hall)
Join Steve Hall and Eric Helms as they explore the nuances of bodybuilding, nutrition, and training strategies. From caffeine timing and body composition tracking to posing techniques and mental models, this conversation offers practical insights for athletes and enthusiasts aiming to optimize...
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Ep 374 - Processing, Palatability, and Bingeing
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...
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Ep 373 - Does Bone Predict Hypertrophy?
This episode begins with a discussion about the importance of scientific rigor in fitness research and science communication. After that, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss the relationship between skeletal structure and muscle growth, including whether or not your bone structure can…
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Ep 372 - New ACSM Lifting Guidelines
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...
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Stronger Culture - The Mental Side of Bodybuilding Nobody Talks About
Join us for an in-depth discussion with Steve Hall & Eric Helms on supplement testing, polygraph use in bodybuilding, sleep optimization, and the power of acceptance in training and life. This episode offers practical insights for natural bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts looking to optimize...
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Ep 371 - Popular Pseudoscience
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...
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Ep 370 - Calories: Labels vs Reality
In this episode, Eric Helms and Eric Trexler explore the complexities of food labeling, energy absorption, and the impact of food choices on energy balance. They discuss a recent lawsuit against David protein bars, delve into scientific research on metabolizable energy, and practical strategies…
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Ep 369 - New Controversy in LDL Research
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...
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Iron Stronger - 1%er Habits The Best Do In Bodybuilding (with Eric Helms & Steve Hall)
In this episode, Steve Hall and Eric Helms discuss the evolution of their podcast, the importance of community feedback, and the dynamics of online culture. They delve into personality traits that influence social media behavior, the misconceptions surrounding pop science, and the significance of...
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Ep 368 - Sheffield 2025 Champ Kjell Bakkelund
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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 07:57 The...
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Ep 367 - Q&A
In this episode, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms explore a wide range of topics including the culture of bodybuilding, the impact of step counts on health, protein intake nuances, and the effects of various performance-enhancing drugs. They also address common misconceptions and recent research...
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Ep 366 - New Studies: Long Muscle Lengths & Muscle Swelling
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...
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Ep 365 - The Science Behind Toxic Online Fitness Culture
Have you noticed that real life fitness culture is awesome, but online fitness culture sucks? Yeah, us too. In this episode, the Erics discuss why toxic online fitness culture is the way it is, leaning on actual scientific research on which personality types are dictating discourse and driving...
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BONUS - Confidence, Self-Doubt & Thinking Clearly in the Fitness Industry - Eric Helms & Steve Hall
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....
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Ep 364 - The Evolution of Physical Culture (ft. Dr. Conor Heffernan)
In this episode of Iron Culture, Dr. Eric Helms and Dr. Conor Heffernan delve into the rich history of fitness and physical culture, exploring how exercise has evolved globally and the impact of historical figures on modern fitness paradigms. They discuss the globalization of exercise practices,...
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Ep 363 - What Everyone's Getting Wrong About New Dietary Guidelines
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...
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Ep 362 - WNBF Champ Shreenath Ganesh
In this episode, Eric Helms interviews Shreenath Ganesh, the inaugural world champion in the short classic physique division at the WNBF Worlds. They discuss Shreenath's journey from India to becoming a champion, the rise of natural bodybuilding in India, the challenges faced by athletes, and the...
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Ep 361 - Are N = 1 Anecdotes Meaningless?
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...
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Ep 360 - WNBF Champs Eddie Saldana and Max Melchard
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms interviews WNBF Pro champions Eddie Saldana and Max Melchard, discussing their journeys in natural bodybuilding, the competitive mindset, and the culture of bodybuilding in Europe. They share insights on training, conditioning, and the importance of...
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Ep 359 - Tribalism in Evidence-Based Fitness
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...
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Ep 358 - WNBF Champs Christine Reinhart and Sarah Oase
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms is joined by natural bodybuilders Christine Reinhart and Sarah Oase, who share their journeys in the sport, their experiences at recent competitions, and the challenges faced in women's bodybuilding. They discuss the importance of camaraderie among...
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Ep 357 - WNBF Champs Heitor Sousa and Adão Martins
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...
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Ep 356 - Pain-Free Training (ft. Dr. John Rusin)
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler interviews Dr. John Rusin, a personal trainer and strength coach with a doctorate in physical therapy. They discuss Dr. Rusin's journey from working with professional athletes to focusing on general population training, emphasizing the importance of...
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Ep 355 - Mindset of a Bodybuilding Champion (ft. Oscar Moscat)
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms interviews Oscar Moscat, a pro natural bodybuilder who shares his journey in the sport. Oscar discusses the importance of personal motivation, family values, and the balance between competition and self-improvement. He emphasizes the significance of...
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Ep 354 - All About "Central" or "Systemic" Fatigue
In this episode, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms begin by discussing Helms' competition updates and the sad state of affairs in academic publishing (that is, scientific journals). Eric and Eric then take a deep dive into the complexities of central fatigue, systemic fatigue, the accumulation of...
About this show
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.
Hosted by
MASS Research Review