Best Mike Reiter Podcasts (2026)

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How Circadian Rhythms Shape Strength, Recovery, and Health with Dr. Karen Esser #829 51:25

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18m ago51:25

51:25

In this episode, Dr. Karen Esser Professor and Chair of the Department of Physiology and Aging at the University of Florida joins the crew to break down one of the most overlooked performance variables in human physiology: circadian timing. After a career spent studying muscle adaptation, Dr. Esser shifted her research toward the molecular clocks i…

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With Carlos Martinez. 56:08

5h ago56:08

56:08

We're closing out the year with a compelling guest. Carlos Martinez, London‑based writer, researcher, and co‑founder of Friends of Socialist China. Martinez is known for his sharp analysis of global politics, U.S.–China relations, and the shifting landscape of a multipolar world. His work challenges conventional narratives and opens space for deepe…

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With Ilya Sokolov 56:15

14d ago56:15

56:15

On this edition of Hitting Left Mike is joined by Ilya Sokolov, the manager behind two powerhouse acts: the Roma punk energy of Fugu Dugu and the legendary klezmer innovators The Klezmatics. They talk about the politics of music, the labor of keeping bands alive, and how art rooted in tradition can still shake the walls of the establishment.…

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Menopause, Weight Gain and Hormones with Fat Loss Expert Dr. Bill Campbell #828 54:24

8d ago54:24

54:24

In this episode, Dr. Bill Campbell returns to the show to discuss a major pivot in his research from building muscle and optimizing fat loss to understanding menopause and its effects on women's body composition. After watching his wife struggle through a severe perimenopause transition that resisted every traditional fat loss strategy, Campbell un…

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Black Root Recovery: The Multi‑Modality Recovery Sauna Built for Veterans, Athletes, and High Performers #827 45:34

15d ago45:34

45:34

Former Marine and general contractor Andrew Kavanaugh joins the crew to share the origin story of Black Root Recovery, a company he founded after watching too many of his fellow Marines struggle physically, mentally, and emotionally after returning home. What started as a personal quest to rebuild his health led to a 90-pound weight loss, the elimi…

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With Prexy Nesbitt 56:42

20d ago56:42

56:42

Joining Mike on this edition of Hitting Left is Prexy Nesbitt. Prexy is a veteran activist, educator, and internationalist whose decades of work have connected Chicago's struggles with global movements for justice. From fighting apartheid to challenging systemic racism here at home, his voice carries both history and urgency.…

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Ben Johns - The Most Dominant Pickleball Athlete In The World #826 50:34

29d ago50:34

50:34

In this episode, the world's #1 pickleball player, Ben Johns, joins Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to unpack what it really takes to stay at the top of one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet. Ben walks through the insane travel schedule, the perpetual in-season demands, and the growing physical toll of a sport p…

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SOTS Chicago: Timmy No Brakes, John Goblikon, Megan Gailey, Joey Smith & Jeremiah Watkins | Ep 86 1:28:53

1M ago1:28:53

1:28:53

Stand-Up On The Spot! Featuring completely improvised sets from Timmy No Brakes, John Goblikon, Megan Gailey, Joey Smith & Jeremiah Watkins. No material. Comedians create Stand-Up On The Spot off audience suggestions. Everything is covered from Tom Brady's Cloned Dog, The Louvre Heist, Halloween, Slugging, Foreign Prank Shows and more! Jeremiah Wat…

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MRI-based Muscle Analysis with Dr. Doug Goldstein #825 1:00:37

1M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

In this episode, the Barbell Shrugged crew explores how next-generation MRI muscle analysis is transforming the way high-performing athletes train, recover, and prevent injury. Dr. Doug Goldstein walks Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash through Doug Larson's full Springbok Analytics scan a 3D "digital twin" of his musculoskeletal system th…

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With Martha Biondi. 1:00:04

1M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

Joining MIke on this edition of HItting Left is Martha Biondi. Martha is a historian and the Lorraine H. Morton Professor of African American Studies and Professor of History at Northwestern University. She is author of We Are Internationlists: Prexy Nesbitt and the Fight for African Liberation.

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Precision Muscle Analysis with Matt Brown of Springbok Analytics #824 55:13

1M ago55:13

55:13

In this episode, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash sit down with Matt Brown, Director of Business Development at Springbok Analytics, to explore the cutting edge world of MRI based muscle analysis. Matt breaks down the origins of Springbok, how the company grew from a university research lab solving cerebral palsy surgical problems into o…

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SOTS: Kevonstage, Michael Blaustein, Jack Jr, Keon Polee & Jeremiah Watkins | Ep 85 1:33:11

1M ago1:33:11

1:33:11

Stand-Up On The Spot! Featuring completely improvised sets from Kevonstage, Michael Blaustein, Jack Jr, Keon Polee & Jeremiah Watkins. No material. Comedians create Stand-Up On The Spot off audience suggestions. Everything is covered from Trump, the Mexican Cartel, Rave Girls, Adult Chuck E. Cheese and more! Jeremiah Watkins you know from Trailer T…

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Wirth Meredith Shiner. 1:00:24

1M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

Joining Mike in the Lumpen Radio studio is nationally recognized journalist and communications expert, Meredith Shiner. We'll be unpacking the widening rift within the Democratic Party over the vote to end the government shutdown.

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Measuring Muscle Mass Percentage with Dr. Chris Perry, Anders Varner, Travis Mash and Doug Larson #823 45:41

1M ago45:41

45:41

In this week's episode of Barbell Shrugged, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Chris Perry dive deep into the real science of muscle mass, why it's the single most important tissue in the human body and what happens when you don't have enough of it. They cover everything from how muscle mass impacts disease risk, hormone balance…

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Rebuilding Strength and Purpose, Travis Mash's Path Back to the Platform w/ Anders Varner, Travis Mash and Doug Larson #822 41:47

2M ago41:47

41:47

In this episode, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash sit down for a story that is equal parts comeback and evolution. After a hip replacement and years away from competition, Mash, now over 50 years old, stepped back onto the powerlifting platform to go nine for nine and set new age group world records. He breaks down how he rebuilt his bod…

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SOTS NYC: Neal Brennan, Ian Fidance, Geoffrey Asmus, Drew Dunn, Lee Syatt & Jeremiah Watkins | Ep 84 1:32:23

2M ago1:32:23

1:32:23

Stand-Up On The Spot! Featuring completely improvised sets from & Jeremiah Watkins. No material. Comedians create Stand-Up On The Spot off audience suggestions. Everything is covered from Autism to being black for a week, losing your virginity, Gen Z, Presidential Ninja Warrior, and more! Jeremiah Watkins you know from Trailer Tales, Dr. Phil Live,…

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With Bob Reiter, Jr. 56:58

2M ago56:58

56:58

Joining Mike on Hitting Left this week is President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, Bob Reiter, Jr. to discuss the role of organized labor in Chicago and nationally and the fight against Trumpism and fascism.

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The Science of Sleep and Recovery w/ Dr. Allison Brager, Anders Varner, Travis Mash and Doug Larson #821 49:44

2M ago49:44

49:44

In this episode, neuroscientist and U.S. Army sleep expert Dr. Allison Brager joins Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash to explore the real science behind sleep, recovery, and wearable technology. They discuss which devices actually deliver useful data, such as the Oura Ring for sleep tracking and Garmin for cardiovascular measurements, and…

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With brother Fred Klonsky. 1:00:06

2M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Joining Mike in the Hitting Left studio this week is brother Fred Klonsky Zooming in from Brooklyn, taking a deep dive into last week's No Kings protests.

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Gym Culture w/ Kenny Santucci, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #820 56:19

2M ago56:19

56:19

With over a decade of experience, Kenny Santucci has made himself a known as one of New York City's top trainers and a thought leader in the health and wellness industry. Brand ambassador for Michelob Ultra and Fitaid, Technogym Master Trainer, host of the Fitaid Morning Show, Michelob Ultra MOVEMENT Fitness Festival, Model Beach Volleyball, and mo…

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Useful Fitness Standards w/ Dr. Mike Lane, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #819 54:43

2M ago54:43

54:43

In this episode, the team breaks down what it means to build and maintain essential fitness, the baseline level of strength, endurance, and resilience every person should strive for. They discuss how to train efficiently using the minimum effective dose, balancing work, family, and recovery while still progressing. The conversation covers the princ…

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SOTS NYC: Josh Johnson, Jordan Jensen, Jeff Ross, Michael Kosta, Maddy Smith & J Watkins | Ep 83 1:46:15

3M ago1:46:15

1:46:15

Stand-Up On The Spot! Featuring completely improvised sets from Josh Johnson, Jordan Jensen, Jeff Ross, Michael Kosta, Maddy Smith & Jeremiah Watkins. No material. Comedians create Stand-Up On The Spot off audience suggestions. Everything is covered from Tylenol to Diddy, Cuomo, Zohran, Intrusive Thoughts, and more! Jeremiah Watkins you know from T…

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With Jimmy Garrett and Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. 58:02

3M ago58:02

58:02

Joining Mike on this edition of Hitting Left are veteran civil rights activist/educator Jimmy Garrett and movement historian Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz. Jimmy Garrett, A founding force behind the Black Student Union movement, helped ignite a wave of campus activism that reshaped American education. As a SNCC organizer and radical intellectual, Garrett fu…

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Addiction, Recovery and Building a Life of Value w/ Tim Riley, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #818 51:13

3M ago51:13

51:13

Tim Riley is Director of Sports Performance at Kollective in Austin, TX where he trains athletes at the pro, collegiate, and high school level. Most notably, Riley currently oversees and conducts strength and conditioning sessions for NFL, NBA, PLL & AVP athletes. The NFL off-season program at Kollective is one the largest and most respected progra…

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Melanoma, Jungle Gyms, and Strength Tech w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #817 48:11

3M ago48:11

48:11

In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged, Anders, Doug, and Travis dive into Coach Travis' recent melanoma diagnosis, how he found out about it, and his recent surgery to eliminate it. We also dive into Anders' quest to build a gym in the middle of the woods where he plans on lifting giant trees and the latest in strength tech with Travis Mash. Work …

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SOTS: Bobby Lee, Andrew Santino, Tony Baker, Caroline Rhea, Feeney & Watkins |Ep 82 |15 Year Special 1:33:30

3M ago1:33:30

1:33:30

Stand-Up On The Spot! Featuring completely improvised sets from Bobby Lee, Andrew Santino, Tony Baker, Caroline Rhea, Mike Feeney & Jeremiah Watkins. No material. Comedians create Stand-Up On The Spot off audience suggestions. Everything is covered from & more! Jeremiah Watkins you know from Trailer Tales, Dr. Phil Live, his special DADDY, and as t…

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With Colin Kramer. 58:10

3M ago58:10

58:10

Joining Mike in the Lumpen Radio studio is Colin Kramer, an environmental scientist with the EPA's Region 5 office in Chicago, where he monitors pollution, enforces cleanups, and responds to hazardous waste emergencies across the industrial Midwest. He's also an active member of AFGE Local 704, which has been disbanded by Trump.…

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Four Levers of Physiological Flexibility w/ Dr. Michael T. Nelson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #816 54:14

3M ago54:14

54:14

Dr. Mike T. Nelson has spent 18 years of his life learning how the human body works, specifically focusing on how to properly condition it to burn fat and become stronger, more flexible, and healthier. He's has a PhD in Exercise Physiology, a BA in Natural Science, and an MS in Biomechanics. He's an adjunct professor and a member of the American Co…

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With Kathy Tholin and Laura Tanner. 58:36

3M ago58:36

58:36

Mike's guests on this edition of Hitting Left show are two militant voices from Chicago's grassroots resistance. Kathy Tholin and Laura Tanner of Indivisible. Kathy is the Board Chair of Indivisible Chicago. She helped lead the massive "No Kings" protest that brought tens of thousands to Daley Plaza to challenge authoritarian drift and defend immig…

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With Flint Taylor. 58:01

3M ago58:01

58:01

Joining Mike in the Lumpen Radio studio today is Flint Taylor. Flint is a founding partner of the People's Law Office in Chicago. His career has spanned more than five decades of legal resistance to state violence and police misconduct. Flint was part of the original legal team that investigated the assassination of Fred Hampton in 1969, and he's b…

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Four Pillars of Anti-Aging w/ Blair LaCorte, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #815 58:03

3M ago58:03

58:03

Blair LaCorte is the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging—the world's first biomedical research institution dedicated solely to understanding aging and age-related diseases, and the largest independent scientific institute in the Bay Area. A seasoned leader and strategist, Blair has a track record of tran…

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The Path to IFBB Pro w/ Aaron Starker, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #814 55:17

4M ago55:17

55:17

Aaron Straker is a N.A.S.N. Licensed Primary Sports Nutritionist. He prefers a pragmatic approach to nutrition that focuses on simple food selection, the importance of nutrient density, and the importance of objectivity in dieting and reporting. Today on Barbell Shrugged we dive into Straker's path to becoming and IFBB Pro. From injury, setbacks, d…

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SOTS: Harland Williams, Jetski Johnson, Timmy No Brakes, Todd Glass, Chris Estrada & Watkins | Ep 81 1:38:17

4M ago1:38:17

1:38:17

Stand-Up On The Spot! Featuring completely improvised sets from Harland Williams, Jetski Johnson, Timmy No Brakes, Todd Glass, Chris Estrada & Jeremiah Watkins. No material. Comedians create Stand-Up On The Spot off audience suggestions. Everything is covered from Amish Methheads to Sopranos, Waymos, Spread Eagle, Flat Earthers, Billy Joel & more! …

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Physiology Friday: [Brain Health] Science and Strategies for Optimizing Brain Health w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash 49:24

4M ago49:24

49:24

In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged, we'll be discussing the various factors that impact brain health and exploring strategies for optimizing brain function. First, we'll be discussing the impact of exercise on brain health. Research has shown that regular exercise can help to improve brain function, enhance cognitive performance, and even reduc…

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How to Eliminate Back Pain w/ Dr. Melissa Capurro, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #813 49:13

4M ago49:13

49:13

Melissa is a performance physical therapist and is heavily involved in the CrossFit space as a healthcare provider, as well as an athlete. Melissa grew up in the Metropolitan New York area, but now resides in the Tampa Bay area. Upon graduating from PT school, Melissa started working in an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy practice, but was un…

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With Floyd Webb and Fred Klonsky. 58:31

4M ago58:31

58:31

Joining Mike in the studio this week is film maker Floyd Webb. Zooming in from Brooklyn is Fred Klonsky. A brief report on the New York mayoral race is followed by a discussion of the fight against Trump fascism and the role of the Arts in that fight. All this as Trump threatens a military occupation of Chicago and other cities with Black mayors.…

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Physiology Friday: [Blood Work] High Performance Blood Chemistry w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson 47:51

4M ago47:51

47:51

In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged Dan Garner dives into how you can start to analyze your yearly bloodwork for performance. Standard blood tests can be ordered around the globe, in every country, and are the gold standard for understanding basic health. The normal reference ranges, however, are not giving you the answers you are looking for wh…

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Hard Truths from a Lifetime of Training w/ Bryan Boorstein, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #812 59:48

4M ago59:48

59:48

Bryan Boorstein has 24 years of training and over 13 years of coaching experience. A 3-time CrossFit Regional athlete and CrossFit Games coach, Bryan holds a Bachelor of Science from JMU (2006) and certifications in CrossFit L-2 and Mobility. As the owner and founder of Evolved Training Systems and Paragon Training Methods, he's a trusted name in f…

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SOTS Montreal at Midnight: Brad Williams, Casey Rocket, Che Durena & Jeremiah Watkins | Ep 80 57:02

4M ago57:02

57:02

Stand-Up On The Spot! Featuring completely improvised sets from & Jeremiah Watkins. No material. Comedians create Stand-Up On The Spot off audience suggestions. Everything is covered from Mile High Club, Mad Max, Dr. Phil, Bottoms & more! Jeremiah Watkins you know from Trailer Tales, Dr. Phil Live, his special DADDY, and as the host and creator of …

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Physiology Friday: The Rhythm of Rest: Unlocking Sleep Potential Naturally w/ Dr. Chris Perry, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash 54:16

5M ago54:16

54:16

Dr. Christopher A. Perry, an Assistant Professor at Eastern Kentucky University, began his fitness journey at Penn State University, where he developed a robust background in Strength & Conditioning leading to 17 years in the industry to date. His academic path, leading through a PhD at Arizona State University, deepened his expertise in Exercise S…

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The Truth About Energy Drinks w/ Flavia Pereira, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #811 47:06

4M ago47:06

47:06

Flavia is a passionate CISSN nutrition coach, full-time Exercise & Sport Science faculty member, and beach volleyball strength & nutrition coach. She has been teaching and coaching for the past 18 years. She graduated with a B.S. and M.S. in Kinesiology - Exercise Science and is pursuing her Ph.D. in Health & Human Performance. Flavia is part of th…

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Physiology Friday: How to Build a Killer Cardiovascular System w/ Dr. Mike T. Nelson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash 52:24

4M ago52:24

52:24

In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis sit down with Anders coach, Dr. Mike T. Nelson. For those that have followed the show, you know Anders has been in pursuit of running a sub-6 minute mile at the age of 40. Dr. Nelson is the coach Anders hired to help with that goal. In this episode the crew walks through…

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When to Make Changes to Your Training w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #810 51:57

4M ago51:57

51:57

The crew breaks down how to know when it's time to pivot your training. From bodybuilding and Olympic lifting to CrossFit, strongman, and martial arts, they share what decades under the bar have taught them about adapting for longevity, avoiding injury, and keeping fitness enjoyable. In this episode, you will learn: How to recognize when your train…

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SOTS NYC: Ian Fidance, Mark Gagnon, Cipha Sounds, Mike Cannon & Jeremiah Watkins | Ep 79 1:15:42

5M ago1:15:42

1:15:42

Stand-Up On The Spot! Featuring completely improvised sets from Ian Fidance, Mark Gagnon, Cipha Sounds, Mike Cannon & Jeremiah Watkins. No material. Comedians create Stand-Up On The Spot off audience suggestions. Everything is covered from Sydney Sweeney to I.C.E., Girl Scout cookies, Kids & more! Jeremiah Watkins you know from Trailer Tales, Dr. P…

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Physiology Friday: [Immune System] Why Optimal Nutrition Starts with the Immune System w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner 56:46

5M ago56:46

56:46

In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: What is the immune system Why the immune system is responsible for building muscle How gut health impacts the immune system Understanding recovery and its impact on the immune system How to optimize your immune system for performance Visit https://rapidhealthoptimization.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varne…

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Protein and Amino Acids to Become Combat Ready w/ Dr Jess Gwin, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #809 53:46

5M ago53:46

53:46

Dr. Jess Gwin is a PhD in Nutritional Science and post-doctoral fellowship focused on muscle physiology and protein metabolism. Researcher in protein/essential amino acids (EAAs) nutrition, muscle preservation, and energy deficiency. Advocate for using data-driven nutrition to extend health span and performance. Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health …

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With Dick Flacks. 59:59

5M ago59:59

59:59

On this edition of Hitting Left Mike is joined by legendary sociologist and veteran activist Dick Flacks, whose work has shaped generations of movement thinkers and doers. From SDS to Santa Barbara, Flacks is still asking what it means to make history—and how we do it together. Listen in for a conversation on radical scholarship, cultural resistanc…

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Physiology Friday: [Blood Sugar] The Most Optimal Way to Control Blood Sugar w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner 58:46

5M ago58:46

58:46

In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: What to look for in lab work about your glucose levels What Doctors will not tell you about your glucose levels How to know if you are pre-pre-diabetic Why normal range for your glucose levels could be a bad thing How to regulate blood glucose and why it is important Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Ins…

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SOTS: Steph Tolev, Milana Vayntrub, Jiaoying Summers, Usama Siddiquee & Jeremiah Watkins | Ep 78 1:24:21

5M ago1:24:21

1:24:21

Stand-Up On The Spot! Featuring completely improvised sets from Steph Tolev, Milana Vayntrub, Jiaoying Summers, Usama Siddiquee & Jeremiah Watkins. No material. Comedians create Stand-Up On The Spot off audience suggestions. Everything is covered from Tinder Double Dates, to Lebron James son Bronny, King Tut & more! Jeremiah Watkins you know from T…

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With Fred Klonsky 55:46

5M ago55:46

55:46

Brother Fred joins Mike on this edition of Hitting Left. The brothers engage in a lively conversation about New York politics and the race for mayor now that Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist and Muslim, has won the Democratic nomination.