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

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 predict how much muscle you gain in response to training or your maximum level of muscularity.

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
11:19 Expert Creep and Science Communication
21:22 Responsibly Expanding Your Domain of Expertise
31:42 Exploring Bone Structure and Muscle Growth
32:51 Study Overview: Bone Characteristics and Hypertrophy
41:13 Interpreting the results of a new study
47:50 Methodological nuances
58:30 Hypertrophy versus total muscularity
01:02:48 Finding the right sport for your frame and bone structure
01:12:23 Practical applications

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

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 health, performance, and mental resilience.

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 Connection
02:09 Understanding Supplementation and Third-Party Testing
08:04 Microplastics and Health Concerns
09:58 The Importance of Third-Party Testing for Competitors
15:59 The Risks of Supplements and Marketing Influence
21:56 Polygraphs in Natural Bodybuilding
30:06 Navigating False Positives in Polygraph Testing
37:11 The Stress of Competition and Polygraph Testing
38:45 Personal Struggles with Lifestyle Constraints
40:59 Sleep Quality Challenges and Optimization
43:41 Navigating Workload and Recovery
45:01 Injury Management and Training Adjustments
50:14 Mental Strategies for Performance and Recovery
58:56 Acceptance and Its Role in Bodybuilding and Life

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

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 for dieting and food selection.

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 Updates
08:16 The David Protein Bar Lawsuit
21:43 Labeling Complications and Nutritional Misunderstandings
25:25 The Impact of TEF, Fiber, and Resistant Starches
34:00 The Impact of the Specific Food Matrix
37:22 More Research on Dietary Intake Versus Absorption
40:06 Nuances Behind Calories In vs Calories Out
47:00 Tracking Variable Foods Versus Keeping Food Choices Consistent (IIFYM/Flexible Dieting Implications)
57:06 The Case for "Eating Clean" Within a Flexible Dieting Framework

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, 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 evidence-based practices in coaching and bodybuilding.

Eric shares insights about his new role in academia and the responsibilities that come with it, while also exploring the 1% factors that can lead to success in bodybuilding. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on supplements, health practices, and the importance of being informed about one's health.

If you're in the market for some lifting gear or apparel, please consider supporting our friends over at elitefts.com (and use code "MRR10" for a 10% discount!)

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Naming the Podcast
02:48 The Psychology of Online Fitness Culture
05:39 Personality Traits and Social Media Engagement
08:05 Debunking Pop Psychology Myths
10:48 The Evolution of Online Coaching
13:49 Eric's New Role and Responsibilities
16:40 Leadership in Academia
19:22 The Structure of Academic Institutions
22:10 Reflections on Leadership and Responsibility
37:07 The Pursuit of the 1% in Bodybuilding
40:04 Training Philosophy and Personal Context
43:01 Evaluating Training Volume and Time Management
45:41 Investing in Muscle Growth: The Cost-Benefit Analysis
49:27 The Role of Supplements and Nutrition
55:39 Final Thoughts and Future Discussions