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Iron Culture presented by MASS

Iron Culture presented by MASS

By: Eric Helms & Eric Trexler
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About this listen

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.(c) 2024 Eric Helms Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Ep 370 - Calories: Labels vs Reality
    Mar 25 2026

    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

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Ep 369 - New Controversy in LDL Research
    Mar 18 2026

    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

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Iron Stronger - 1%er Habits The Best Do In Bodybuilding (with Eric Helms & Steve Hall)
    Mar 11 2026

    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

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    1 hr and 15 mins
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