Iron Culture presented by MASS

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.

  1. 2d ago

    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 actually varies between people, RED-S and low energy availability, what really drives satiety, and a deep dive into building or retaining muscle in a calorie deficit. The back half tackles body recomposition head-on, why the rigid "bulk vs. cut" mindset comes largely from competitive and enhanced bodybuilding, and how natural powerlifters demonstrate that recomp is closer to the default state than most people assume. Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review. Mostly because Helms and Trex are co-owners. massresearchreview.com 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 If you'd like to submit a question for a future episode, head over to: massresearchreview.com/ironculture Chapters 0:00 - Intro 10:24 - Q&A begins: Is maintaining 2400 cal "above the mean"? (TDEE variance) 17:00 - RED-S, low energy availability & the female athlete triad 23:10 - What actually drives satiety? 33:14 - Building muscle in a deficit: protein needs & why muscle is lost 49:31 - What bulking studies tell us about surplus size 55:40 - Listener case study: bulk first or recomp while cutting? (Natalia) 1:01:15 - Where the "bulk vs. cut" mindset really comes from 1:12:24 - Powerlifting as a case study in recomposition 1:16:44 - Do drugs break the rules? PEDs & nutrient partitioning 1:18:34 - Wrap-up

    1h 21m

  2. Jun 17

    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. They reflect on the collaborative effort, funding, and the cultural significance of their work, offering insights into the process of producing a self-funded, passion-driven documentary. In this episode, Omar Isuf and Eric Helms reflect on the impactful moments of their recent documentary, the evolution of the fitness community, and the importance of intentionality and community in the space. They share behind-the-scenes stories, insights on social media's influence, and the enduring value of authentic connection. 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 Introduction 01:48 Documentary Journey and Collaboration 13:50 Reflections on the Process 30:35 Documentary Creation and Community Support 42:44 Reflections on Personal Growth and Legacy 57:28 Support throughout the process 01:07:12 The Evolution of Fitness Content and Its Challenges 01:14:06 Navigating the Fitness Landscape Today 01:25:34 Closing Thoughts

    1h 33m

  3. Jun 10 ·  Bonus

    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 The Essence of Bodybuilding and Community 08:49 The Documentary Journey 12:06 Philosophical Reflections on Sports 14:48 The Impact of the Documentary 18:06 Personal Stories and Connections 21:02 Final Thoughts and Future Projects 30:09 The Journey of Giving Back 33:23 Reflections on Life and Legacy 36:12 Future Competitive Aspirations 41:41 The Evolving Perspective on Progress 54:59 Navigating Fatigue and Deloading Strategies 01:07:44 The Importance of Auto-Regulation

    1h 12m

  4. Jun 3

    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 protein intake, and the implications for recreational lifters and bodybuilders alike. They discuss the complexities of scientific data interpretation, public messaging, and practical recommendations for optimal protein consumption. 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 06:13 Social Media Debate on Upper Limits of Protein Intake 13:07 Analysis of Stu Phillips' Post and Scientific Discourse 24:06 Review of Tagawa Meta-Regression Studies 34:58 Nunes Data and Recent Research Insights 39:06 The Refalo et al paper 53:49 Balancing Nuance and Public Messaging 01:03:00 Concluding Thoughts on Science Communication

    1h 19m

  5. May 27

    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 look at two key topics: maximum recoverable (or adaptable) training volume, and various approaches to strategically manipulating leptin levels (such as refeeds and diet breaks).   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 04:11 The origins of MRV/MAV 07:08 Updated perspectives on MRV/MAV 14:26 Practically applying MRV/MAV 17:11 Helms’ current volume adjustments 24:30 Updating models in science 29:20 The importance of leptin 32:42 The origins of Trex’s interest in manipulating leptin 38:47 Running studies on diet breaks and refeeds 44:27 Recent meta-analysis on intermittent dieting strategies 50:19 Trex’s current perspective on refeeds and diet breaks  53:47 Behavioral versus physiological effects 59:09 Contextual use of intermittent dieting 1:06:34 Wrapping up

    1h 12m

  6. May 20

    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: resistance to weight loss. Specifically, why being a true "outlier" who is resistant to weight loss efforts is quite rare, particularly when looking at the energy expenditure side of the equation. 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 Introduction 07:09 Tracking errors and energy absorption 22:21 Myths and realities related to medical conditions 50:48 Metabolic adaptation & exercise energy compensation 56:36 Weight loss friction as a spectrum

    1h 7m

  7. May 13

    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. 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

    54 min

  8. May 6 ·  Bonus

    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 their performance and physique. Iron Culture is presented by the MASS Research Review massresearchreview.com If you're in the market for some new gym gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" for a 10% discount at elitefts.com Chapters 00:00 Morning Rituals: Caffeine Choices and Preferences 02:43 Caffeine Cycling: Strategies for Bodybuilding Performance 05:19 Caffeine and Sleep: Finding the Right Balance 08:27 Diet Sodas: The Hidden Caffeine Dilemma 10:52 Navigating Post-Show Eating: The Recovery Phase 13:53 Protein Intake: Debating the Optimal Amount 16:45 Training vs. Nutrition: Prioritizing Muscle Gain 19:26 Understanding Protein Recommendations: Context Matters 22:17 The Importance of Training Intensity 25:06 Blue Light Blockers: Effects on Sleep Quality 35:20 Blue Light Blockers and Sleep Quality 37:11 Body Weight and Recovery Insights 39:11 Stage Weight and Body Composition Changes 41:34 Tracking Progress: Measurements and Photos 45:10 The Importance of Posing in Bodybuilding 50:39 Online Coaching and Posing Techniques

    1h 13m
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4.9
out of 5
50 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    MASS Research Review
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    146
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © MASS Research Review
  • Show Website
    Iron Culture presented by MASS

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