Iron Culture presented by MASS
Eric Helms & Eric Trexler
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
24 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 1h 9min
Ep 370 - Calories: Labels vs Reality
They unpack a class-action suit over protein bar calorie claims and why testing methods can mislead. The conversation digs into how food structure, fiber, resistant starch, and dairy matrices change energy absorption. They contrast processed versus whole foods, discuss tracking reliability, and practical strategies to reduce diet variability and improve satiety.
Mar 18, 2026 • 1h 19min
Ep 369 - New Controversy in LDL Research
They unpack a social media backlash over peptides and how miscommunication ignited outrage. The conversation revisits a contested LDL and lean mass hyper responder study and new concerns about CT image analyses. They debate data integrity, retractions versus preprints, and how funding and citizen science shape research narratives.
18 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 1h 15min
Iron Stronger - 1%er Habits The Best Do In Bodybuilding (with Eric Helms & Steve Hall)
Steve Hall, professional natural bodybuilder and coach known for practical training and candid commentary. He and Eric Helms dig into online fitness behavior and pop-science myths. They explore tiny 1% habits that compound in bodybuilding, smart training volume choices, supplement skepticism, blood work and testing, plus simple lifestyle tweaks for better recovery.
Mar 5, 2026 • 1h 20min
Ep 368 - Sheffield 2025 Champ Kjell Bakkelund
Kjell Bakkelund, Norwegian powerlifter and multi-division champion with titles across equipped and raw lifting, reflects on a 19-year career. He discusses covert weight cuts, smarter nutrition and refeeds, and shifting mindset for longevity. Short stories cover scale mishaps, tactical deception for weight classes, and how better prep and coaching transformed performance.
28 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 1h 21min
Ep 367 - Q&A
They tackle who gets to call themselves a bodybuilder and why inclusivity matters. They debate protein intake limits and when extra protein stops helping. They unpack soy research and its unclear effects on male hormones and fertility. They clarify realistic step-count recommendations for fat loss. They explore energy-expenditure models, resistance training costs, and why enhanced athletes diet differently.
11 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 1h 17min
Ep 366 - New Studies: Long Muscle Lengths & Muscle Swelling
They dissect new research on training at long muscle lengths and whether emphasizing stretched positions truly changes growth. They debate how muscle swelling and transient pump can confound hypertrophy measurements. They unpack sampling variance, study limitations, and why small studies sometimes give mixed results. They also compare full range-of-motion training to partials and practical implications for training choices.
11 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 1h 8min
Ep 365 - The Science Behind Toxic Online Fitness Culture
They explore why in‑person gym culture feels healthier than the internet version. They review personality research explaining which traits and types drive toxic online fitness discourse. They contrast grandiose and vulnerable narcissism and discuss how social media can temporarily change personality states. They end with practical strategies to curate a less toxic social feed.
18 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 1h 22min
BONUS - Confidence, Self-Doubt & Thinking Clearly in the Fitness Industry - Eric Helms & Steve Hall
Two industry veterans trade stories about academia, ADHD, and how hyperfocus shaped a career. They debate imposter syndrome, guru culture, and why teaching critical thinking matters. They challenge pessimism about natural muscle limits and promote an optimistic, process-driven mindset for growth.
15 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 1h 11min
Ep 364 - The Evolution of Physical Culture (ft. Dr. Conor Heffernan)
Dr. Conor Heffernan, a sports historian and author of When Fitness Went Global, traces how 19th-century systems standardized exercise around the world. He unpacks early fitness spectacles, marketing playbooks that persist today, the rise of a global body ideal, and how equipment and specialization shaped modern training. The conversation highlights why historical perspective matters for current practices.
7 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 1h 45min
Ep 363 - What Everyone's Getting Wrong About New Dietary Guidelines
The latest changes to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans spark a crucial discussion on the influence of corporate interests and politics. The hosts dive into the complexities of protein recommendations, advocating for higher intake for better health. They critique the confusing visuals in the guidelines that clash with written advice, particularly about fats and whole grains. The impact of these guidelines on vulnerable populations adds to the urgency of clear communication. Despite good intentions, the potential for misunderstanding looms large, making the conversation both timely and essential.
