Iron Culture presented by MASS Podcast By Eric Helms & Eric Trexler cover art

Iron Culture presented by MASS

Iron Culture presented by MASS

By: Eric Helms & Eric Trexler
Listen for free

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 372 - New ACSM Lifting Guidelines
    Apr 15 2026

    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

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 44 mins
  • Stronger Culture - The Mental Side of Bodybuilding Nobody Talks About
    Apr 8 2026

    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

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Ep 371 - Popular Pseudoscience
    Apr 1 2026

    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

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 41 mins
No reviews yet