Barbell Shrugged Barbell Shrugged

Victoria Felkar is a doctoral candidate conducting interdisciplinary research on women’s health, reproductive function, and pharmaceutical steroid hormones. With a unique background in both the hard sciences and humanities, her work offers a novel and critical perspective into the use of drugs for health and performance purposes within the female athlete population. Victoria’s research has achieved international awards and accolades within both academia and industry.
Beyond academia, Victoria is an internationally respected educator and consultant within the fitness, bodybuilding and strength sector. Her unique multidisciplinary background has provided the perfect platform for pioneering work in athlete-centered coaching methods, integrated health-performance methods, and female athlete health. For the past 13 years, she has worked with a wide range of individuals and organizations, including top-level athletes and competitors, special populations, health professionals and strength coaches, and has lectured at events worldwide.
Victoria’s professional experience and research are synergistic, providing her with the opportunity to continue to bridge the gap between academia and the industry. Her passion is building and sharing knowledge.
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Viktoria Felkar on Instagram
Anders Varner on Instagram
Doug Larson on Instagram
Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

Dr. Alexis Cowan received her PhD in molecular biology from Princeton University, specializing in the metabolic effects of nutritional and exercise interventions. She is currently a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Pennsylvania studying microbiome-diet interactions in both health and disease (i.e., cancer).
Alexis is passionate about health and wellness at a visceral level. Her healing journey led her to overcome childhood obesity--losing over 100lbs during high school--an eating disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Her health challenges and successes have given her invaluable wisdom into what true healing looks and feels like, and have empowered her to effectively support others on their health journeys. Alexis has deep recognition for and appreciation of the interplay between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels of being, and how harmonization across these levels is absolutely essential to achieving health in a holistic sense.
She is passionate about spearheading a new paradigm of N=1 personalized medicine into the mainstream, elevating and empowering individuals from all walks of life to find and fuel their vitality so that they may embrace their soul's higher purpose here on the planet.
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Work with Dr Alexis Cowan
Dr. Alexis Cowan on Instagram
Anders Varner on Instagram
Doug Larson on Instagram
Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

Peter Ballerstedt is a prominent figure in the fields of forage agronomy, ruminant nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. With a background in forage production and utilization, Ballerstedt has dedicated his career to promoting the importance of forage-based agriculture in supporting healthy ecosystems and livestock production systems.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Science in Agronomy from Oregon State University, and a Ph.D. in Forage Management from the University of Kentucky.
Ballerstedt has served in various roles within the agricultural industry, including as a forage extension specialist for the University of Georgia and as a forage product manager for a seed company. He has also worked as a dairy forage consultant, providing expertise on optimizing forage production and utilization in dairy operations.
In addition to his practical experience, Ballerstedt is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and has been active in promoting the benefits of grass-fed and forage-based livestock production systems. He is a sought-after speaker and educator, known for his engaging presentations on topics such as the role of ruminants in sustainable agriculture, the nutritional benefits of grass-fed meat and dairy products, and the environmental impact of different farming practices.
Ballerstedt's work emphasizes the importance of incorporating forages into agricultural systems to improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and produce nutritious food in a sustainable manner. Through his research, writing, and outreach efforts, he continues to influence and inspire farmers, ranchers, and policymakers to adopt more environmentally friendly and economically viable farming practices.
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Peter Ballerstedt on Twitter
Anders Varner on Instagram
Doug Larson on Instagram
Coach Travis Mash on Instagram
 

In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash dive into periodization models and a framework for longevity through the lens of health and performance.
Longevity is a common goal. Unfortunately, it is impossible to define.
How do you know if you are doing it right?
Do you have to wait 40 years to find out all the at effort gave you 10 extra days?
Longevity is great what you really want is a long life filled with performance goals that amounts to a life full of high quality experiences.
In today’s episode we will tackle this exact question so you can stay at the top of your game, while living a long, healthy life.
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Anders Varner on Instagram
Doug Larson on Instagram
Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

Dan Garner is a co-founder of RAPID Health Optimization which offers high-level, personalized online health and performance coaching for world class results.
His coaching resume is second to none having worked with dozens of professional athletes, CEO’s, and Investors. Within his clientele he has worked with three superbowl champions, two UFC title winners, an Olympic gold medialist, two Olympic bronze medalists, three hall-of-fame inductees and two all-time world record breakers.
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged:
Why bloodwork, stool samples, urine, and hair create a full health profile How micros are the secret to ultimate performance How to increase testosterone in the shortest amount of time How confidence can be the secret to increased testosterone Specific supplements for increased testosterone Connect with our guests:
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Dan Garner Instagram
Dr. Andy Galpin Instagram
Anders Varner on Instagram
Doug Larson on Instagram
Coach Travis Mash on Instagram
 

Dr. Michael Miletic is a former Olympic athlete and a prominent physician specializing in clinical neuroscience and metabolic medicine. Dr. Miletic evaluates the brain, mind, and body and brings the latest science and evidence-based treatments to optimize your health. Specializing in athletes, executives, and adolescents looking to reach their full potential.
Dr. Miletic’s comprehensive training and evidence-based research have enabled him to understand something many healthcare providers do not: that approaches that treat the body without addressing the mind are limited in their effectiveness. Getting to know you, your life experiences, and the way you think and feel is thus a critical aspect of the care you receive from Dr. Miletic.
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Anders Varner on Instagram
Doug Larson on Instagram
Coach Travis Mash on Instagram