Best Omar Isuf Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep 351 - New Research on Constrained Model and NSAIDs 1:18:44

Play Pause

1d ago1:18:44

1:18:44

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss significant updates in fitness research, particularly focusing on the constrained energy expenditure model and the effects of NSAIDs on muscle hypertrophy. They also revisit a prior episode about PhDs (how they're obtained and what they mean) by discussing the international differ…

1
Ep 350 - Eric Helms Returns 1:08:24

8d ago1:08:24

1:08:24

In tonight's episode of Iron Culture, Dr. Eric Helms returns with stories from his competition and associated travels. Topics include jet lag, dehydration, miscalculated use of laxatives and sleep aids, getting stitches in a Taiwan emergency room, autographed Eric Helms trading cards, Eric's 5th place finish at a pro show, autoregulated dieting, an…

1
Ep 349 - Elite Weightlifting: An Inside Look (ft. Wil Fleming) 1:13:10

16d ago1:13:10

1:13:10

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler interviews Wil Fleming, a level five senior international coach with USA Weightlifting. They discuss Wil's journey into Olympic weightlifting, the importance of mental resilience, and the technical aspects of teaching Olympic lifts. Wil shares insights on managing arousal levels during competitions, the…

1
Ep 348 - What Does Your Favorite Fit Pro's PhD Actually Mean? 1:19:37

23d ago1:19:37

1:19:37

A recent dust-up in the evidence-based fitness world has sparked a lot of discussion about credentials. How are they earned, what do they represent, and how do they impact the way we engage with someone's content, recommendations, or products? This episode of Iron Culture discusses all of that (and more). Be sure to support our friends over at elit…

1
Ep 347 - New Retraction (and What It Means For "Evidence-Based" Fitness) 1:16:02

30d ago1:16:02

1:16:02

Helms has neglected to show up yet again, so Ep 347 is a solo show in which Dr Trex details a recent saga in which a paper about apple cider vinegar was retracted. The episode covers what the paper reported, how Trex & co pursued clarification, how the paper was eventually retracted, and (most importantly) what this means for "evidence-based" fitne…

1
Ep 346 - Helms Updates + Q&A 1:23:01

1M ago1:23:01

1:23:01

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler welcomes back Eric Helms, who clarifies recent misunderstandings about his commitment to the iron game. Helms shares insights from his recent travels, including a global education event with TechnoGym in Bali, and discusses the importance of cultural experiences in fitness education. The conversation al…

1
Ep 345 - Hot Topics in Fitness (ft. Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple) 1:10:02

1M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler is joined by Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple to discuss various topics in fitness, particularly focusing on creatine supplementation, female-oriented creatine marketing, the rising popularity of creatine gummies, and several creatine myths. They discuss the importance of understanding the science behind creat…

1
Ep 344 - Sports Science In Elite Athletics (ft. Dr. Marc Lewis) 1:22:22

2M ago1:22:22

1:22:22

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler interviews Dr. Marc Lewis, the director of Applied Sports Science for the Houston Texans. They discuss the role of sports scientists in maximizing athlete performance through data collection, management, and analysis. Marc shares insights on the day-to-day responsibilities of a sports scientist, the imp…

1
Ep 343 - Q&A: Is Collagen Useful? 1:28:30

2M ago1:28:30

1:28:30

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss recent developments in college football and powerlifting, in addition to introducing their partnership with Elite FTS. The conversation shifts to a Q&A session where they address various topics, including collagen supplementation, creatine dosage, and the relationship betwee…

1
Ep 342 - New Data: Does Growth Really Drive Strength Gains? 1:29:02

2M ago1:29:02

1:29:02

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss various topics including the ongoing debate about the relationship between muscle growth and strength gains. They discuss brand new findings from the largest and longest-running study on resistance training, explore the implications of "apparent" sex differences in strength …

1
Ep 341 - Unpacking Individual Responses to Training Volume 1:34:14

2M ago1:34:14

1:34:14

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Helms and Michael Zourdos engage with Dr. Zac Robinson to discuss his dissertation research on the effects of resistance training volume on muscle adaptations. The conversation delves into the complexities of individual responses to training, the importance of research design, and the implications of find…

1
Ep 340 - Protein: Valuable, But Overvalued 1:21:10

3M ago1:21:10

1:21:10

In this episode, Drs Trexler and Helms discuss various topics including updates on Eric's surgery, the valuable (but very modest) effects of protein intake on muscle gains, incontinence after contest prep, the relationship between sleep quality and nutrient timing, the recent ban on smelling salts in the NFL, and more. Time stamps: 00:00 Introducti…

1
Ep 339 - ECA Stack & Yohimbine 1:46:35

3M ago1:46:35

1:46:35

In this episode of Iron Culture, Helms and Trex have a lengthy discussion about the ECA stack and yohimbine. The history, the mechanisms, the regulatory changes, the practical applications – you name it, they cover it. Don't miss this episode if you have an interest in fat loss, stimulants, or dietary supplementation in general. Also, be sure to ch…

1
Ep 338 – The many eras of evidence-based fitness (ft. Dr. Jim Stoppani) 1:20:32

3M ago1:20:32

1:20:32

Back when Trex was a 14 year old, his wrestling coach noticed his passion for training and nutrition. This coach took Trex under his wing, and they started absorbing and applying as much information as they could. Their source material, almost exclusively, was the content produced by Dr. Jim Stoppani – primarily from magazine articles, but also fro…

1
Ep 337 - Is There A Crisis In Exercise Science? 1:50:27

3M ago1:50:27

1:50:27

Join hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms as they explore the potential "replication crisis" in exercise science, drawing parallels to the well-documented crisis in psychology. In this episode, they delve into the challenges of replicating research findings, the perils of placing too much confidence in singular studies, the importance of cautious inte…

1
Ep 336 - The Science Of Being Cool & Attractive 1:06:19

4M ago1:06:19

1:06:19

In this episode of Iron Culture, Dr. Eric Trexler and Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple discuss science related to attractiveness, coolness, and personality type. They explore scientific studies on the factors associated with perceived attractiveness and "coolness," discussing body fat percentages and societal perceptions. The conversation shifts to how pe…

1
Ep 335: Sticking Points, Exercise Selection, and Long Muscle Length Training (ft. Dr. Stian Larsen) 1:32:55

4M ago1:32:55

1:32:55

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms interviews Dr. Stian Larsen, who shares his journey from powerlifting to becoming a researcher in exercise science. They discuss the intricacies of biomechanics, the importance of understanding squat techniques, and the latest research findings on muscle hypertrophy and resistance profiles. Stian emphasiz…

1
Ep 334 - Microplastics: Setting the Record Straight 1:29:59

4M ago1:29:59

1:29:59

In this episode of Iron Culture, the Erics provide some updates, corrections, and clarifications related to their recent episode exploring the science of microplastics. After that they take a brief moment to celebrate the 100th issue of the MASS Research Review, then answer listener questions on topics including: tasty meat alternatives, programmin…

1
Ep 333 - Are High-Protein Diets Really Harmless? 1:34:31

4M ago1:34:31

1:34:31

In this episode of Iron Culture, Dr. Eric Helms talks about his forthcoming article in the MASS Research Review covering the purported harms of high-protein diets. This isn't your typical oversimplified dunk-fest that readily dismisses concerns about high-protein diets. Instead, Helms reviews a thorough paper that reviews common concerns in detail …

1
Ep 332 - The Most Extreme Metabolic Adaptation Ever Recorded 1:13:54

5M ago1:13:54

1:13:54

In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of bodybuilding prep, including caloric intake, metabolic adaptation, and the impact of extreme dieting. They explore historical studies that provide insights into these phenomena and discuss practical strategies for weight loss. The conversation transitions to powerlifting, specifically the recent…

1
Ep 331 - Contest Prep and Weight Cutting Across Sports 1:10:25

5M ago1:10:25

1:10:25

In this episode of Iron Culture, the Erics begin by discussing Helms' prep updates and the standout performances from the recent powerlifting World Champions. The conversation also touches on body composition and attractiveness, highlighting the misconceptions in the fitness industry regarding ideal body fat levels. After that they take a deep dive…

1
Ep 330 - Female Health & Fitness Research + Q&A 1:20:05

5M ago1:20:05

1:20:05

In this episode of the Iron Culture Podcast, the Erics discuss various topics including updates on Helms' contest prep vlog, a preview of the upcoming Powerlifting World Championships, misconceptions surrounding TRT, the effects of cold exposure, and the concept of lean mass hyper responders. They also discuss the importance of (and misconceptions …

1
Ep 329 - What To Do About Microplastics 1:31:01

5M ago1:31:01

1:31:01

What's the deal with microplastics? Where do they come from? Are they in our bodies? If so, are they harmful? Also, what's the deal with microwaving Tupperware and other plastic containers? This episode is all about plastics - what we know, what we don't know, and what you can do about it. Key reference: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC118…

1
Ep 328 - Bad Fundamentals Lead to Popular Pseudoscience 1:34:53

5M ago1:34:53

1:34:53

In this episode of Iron Culture presented by MASS, Dr. Eric Helms and Dr. Eric Trexler dive into a wide-ranging discussion covering updates on the long-awaited 3rd edition of the Muscle & Strength Pyramids, the writing process at MASS, and their recent frustrations with pseudoscientific claims in fitness and health. They dissect recent content rela…

1
Ep 327 - Fat Loading, Sodium Limits, and More 1:27:30

6M ago1:27:30

1:27:30

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss a variety of topics related to bodybuilding, nutrition, and fitness. First they share updates on Front Page Fitness and discuss some soon-to-be-released articles from the Mass Research Review, with topics including the implications of cold exposure, how much testosterone act…

1
Ep 326 - Daily 1RM Training: Crazy or Constructive? (ft. Dr. Nick Washmuth and Kaylee Chism) 1:45:47

6M ago1:45:47

1:45:47

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Helms and Michael Zourdos reconnect and reflect on their experiences at the 2025 Sports Nutrition Association annual conference. Joined by guests Dr. Nick Washmuth and Kaylee Chism, they delve into the concept of daily 1RM training, discussing its origins, methodology, and findings from a recent study inv…

1
Ep 325 - Plant-Based Bodybuilding With a World Champ (ft. Maddie McConnell) 1:49:16

6M ago1:49:16

1:49:16

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Helms and Michael Zourdos reconnect and reflect on their experiences at the 2025 Sports Nutrition Association annual conference. Joined by guests Dr. Nick Washmuth and Kaylee Chism, they delve into the concept of daily 1RM training, discussing its origins, methodology, and findings from a recent study inv…

1
Ep 324 - WORLD PREMIERE: Front Page Fitness 1:07:31

6M ago1:07:31

1:07:31

This is a very special episode of Iron Culture because it's the WORLD PREMIERE of "Front Page Fitness," a new podcast hosted by Drs Eric Trexler and Lauren Colenso-Semple. If you're part of the Iron Cult, these folks are no strangers - both have been on Iron Culture numerous times, and both are co-authors of the MASS Research Review. In Front Page …

1
Ep 323 - MASS Makes History 1:10:47

7M ago1:10:47

1:10:47

The MASS Research Review started in 2017 and has provided cutting-edge evidence-based fitness content - every single month - ever since. Nearly 1500 articles and videos later, the MASS Crew is all in the same physical location for the first time in history. To commemorate the occasion, the MASS Crew sat down for a roundtable discussion about interp…

1
Ep 322- The Science of "Junk Volume" (ft. Jake Remmert) 1:34:37

7M ago1:34:37

1:34:37

In this episode of Iron Culture, host Eric Trexler and guest Jake Remmert discuss a new meta regression paper focusing on per session set volume and its impact on hypertrophy and strength. They explore the nuances of per session training volume, the implications of the findings, and address common misconceptions in the fitness community. The conver…

1
Ep 321 - Are You Really As Hydrated As You Think? 1:12:58

7M ago1:12:58

1:12:58

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss various topics related to fitness, nutrition, and hydration. They delve into the importance of hydration, the potential for overhydration, and the effects of vitamin C and gelatin on muscle recovery. The conversation also covers the debate between eccentric and concentric tr…

1
Ep 320 - Myths Versus Theories in Exercise Science (ft. James Steele) 1:57:33

7M ago1:57:33

1:57:33

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Helms and Eric Trexler engage in a lively discussion with Dr. James Steele about the evolving landscape of sports science, particularly focusing on the critiques of periodization and the importance of scientific theory in exercise research. They explore the philosophical underpinnings of scientific inquir…

1
Ep 319 - Bodybuilding Mortality Across the Eras (ft. Drs Conor Heffernan and Juan Carlos Cassano) 1:40:21

8M ago1:40:21

1:40:21

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms and guests Conor Heffernan and Dr. Juan Carlos Casano delve into the intricate relationship between bodybuilding, performance-enhancing drugs, and athlete welfare. They discuss the historical context of bodybuilding, the cultural norms that have evolved over the years, and the alarming trends in mortality…

1
Ep 318 - Resistance Training as a Fat Loss Tool (ft. Dr. Mike Ormsbee) 1:39:45

8M ago1:39:45

1:39:45

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Helms and Michael Zourdos engage in a deep discussion with Dr. Mike Ormsbee about the role of resistance training in fat oxidation and body composition. They explore how resistance training can be an effective tool for fat loss, the physiological mechanisms behind fat metabolism during exercise, and the i…

1
Ep 317 - Training Volume: How Much Is Enough? (ft. Dr. Eduardo De Souza) 1:23:35

8M ago1:23:35

1:23:35

In this episode, Drs Trexler and Helms are joined by Dr. Eduardo De Souza to discuss the complexities and misconceptions surrounding high volume training in the context of hypertrophy research. He shares insights from his extensive research background, emphasizing the importance of understanding participant experiences and the nuances of training v…

1
Ep 316 - Lengthened Biased Training: Time To Cut Bait? 1:38:40

8M ago1:38:40

1:38:40

In tonight's episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss various topics related to fitness, training, and research. They share personal updates, including the toll that Helms' intense training regimen is taking on his face. The discussion then shifts to the upcoming NFL combine, highlighting the impressive athletic feats expected f…

1
Ep 315 - Training Hard Versus Training Smart 1:11:17

8M ago1:11:17

1:11:17

Iron Culture is officially part of the 3-plate club. In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms celebrate their milestone 315th episode while diving into various topics including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), the efficacy of citrulline malate, training techniques for hypertrophy, managing tendinopathy, the health b…

1
Ep 314 - Science Is Broken (But Fixable) 1:12:02

9M ago1:12:02

1:12:02

This episode of Iron Culture begins with a rant/story by Dr. Trexler that highlights some issues with scientific publishing. He describes a study on apple cider vinegar, his MASS article criticizing the study, and the subsequent letter to the editor (and response from the original authors). This discussion is followed by a Q&A session with Dr. Helm…

1
Ep 313 - Is More (and More, and More) Protein Better for Muscle Retention? 1:43:15

9M ago1:43:15

1:43:15

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Dr. Eric Helms and Dr. Eric Trexler are joined by Dr. Martin Refalo to discuss their recent meta-regression study on protein intake and its effects on muscle hypertrophy. They cover Martin's background, the initiation of the project, the methods used, and key findings, followed by a discussion of some critique…

1
Ep 312 - Muscle Soreness: What Does It Mean? (ft. Dr. Mike Zourdos) 1:34:57

9M ago1:34:57

1:34:57

In today's episode of Iron Culture, co-hosts Eric Helms and Eric Trexler are joined by MASS colleague Dr. Mike Zourdos. After a brief chat about bodybuilding, powerlifting, and college football news, the crew addresses a number of questions about topics including optimal protein intake, what soreness can (or can't) tell us, detraining & retraining,…

1
Ep 311 - The Truth About Hormone Replacement Therapy 1:27:19

9M ago1:27:19

1:27:19

In Episode 311 of Iron Culture, hosts Dr. Eric Trexler, Dr. Eric Helms, and Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple deliver a comprehensive exploration of hormones, health, and performance optimization. The episode opens with a deep dive into recent research on stretching protocols and muscle adaptations, examining groundbreaking case studies that challenge conv…

1
Ep 310 - Are People Getting "Metabolic Stress" Wrong? 1:33:17

10M ago1:33:17

1:33:17

In today's episode, Drs Trexler and Helms discuss a wide range of fitness topics including metabolic stress, "the pump," targeting the different heads of the biceps, individualising diets and supplement protocols, maximal rates of fat loss, blood flow restricted training, the philosophy of science, and much more! We had some technical issues while …

1
Ep 309 - Finding the Volume "Sweet Spot" During Plateaus 1:35:11

10M ago1:35:11

1:35:11

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms and Trex discuss a variety of evidence-based fitness topics. In this conversation, Dr. Trexler and Dr. Helms delve into the complexities of muscle gain, recovery, and the role of nutrition in performance. They discuss the nuances of identifying plateaus in training, the impact of training volume, the impo…

1
Ep 308 - The Future of Natural Bodybuilding (w/ WNBF Pros Alberto Nuñez and Steff Noble) 1:34:03

10M ago1:34:03

1:34:03

In this episode, Eric Helms is joined by returning guest, his fellow 3DMJ coach and WNBF Pro bodybuilder, Alberto Nuñez, who is also the male WNBF athlete rep. In addition, they are joined by first time guest Steff Noble, a WNBF Figure pro, experienced coach, and president of WNBF UK. The trio first reflects on what was arguably the most competitiv…

1
Ep 307 - Are Lengthened Partials Overrated? 1:37:03

10M ago1:37:03

1:37:03

In this episode of Iron Culture presented by MASS, Dr. Eric Trexler and Dr. Eric Helms explore the science and debate surrounding lengthened partials, a training technique often celebrated for its hypertrophy and strength benefits. Drawing on recent studies, they discuss how emerging evidence challenges some hyperbolic claims of lengthened partials…

1
Ep 306 - Mental Health, Physique Sports, and Fitness Coaching (ft. Laurin Conlin) 59:46

11M ago59:46

59:46

In this crossover episode of Iron Culture, co-hosts Danny Lennon and Eric Trexler are joined by fitness professional and fellow Sports Nutrition Association (SNA) advisory board member Laurin Conlin. Together, they dive into the complex relationship between mental health, physique sports, and fitness coaching. Laurin shares her personal experiences…

1
Ep 305 - What is Strength? (w/Drs. Adrian Kind, Conor Heffernan & Walter Veit) 1:27:45

11M ago1:27:45

1:27:45

Who is the strongest? Is it the person with the biggest Powerlifting total? Weightlifting total? The current Worlds Strongest Man/Woman Champion? Or, perhaps, the current Arnold Strongman Classic Champion? It's an oft-debated question, typically occurring around the proverbial fitness water cooler. However, recently Dr. Kind, Dr. Veit, Dr. Hefferna…

1
Ep 304 - Beyond "1.6 - 2.2": Evidence-Based Protein Guidelines 1:32:42

11M ago1:32:42

1:32:42

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms begin with a brief discussion of Trex's recent MASS article on the misapplication of modern pain science in the fitness industry. They then discuss the nuances of protein recommendations, debating the merits of using body weight versus fat-free mass as a basis for determining protei…

1
Ep 303 - Is the Obesity Epidemic an Evolutionary "Factory Error"? 1:40:40

11M ago1:40:40

1:40:40

This week we've got a MONSTER episode in the form of a live Q&A episode with Dr. Helms and Dr. Trexler. The Good Doctors begin with a recap of the recent WNBF World Championships, followed by an insightful discussion about whether or not humans have a "factory error" in our design that promotes obesity. This is followed by a number of listeners' qu…

1
Ep 302 - Why We Believe Nutrition Lies 1:25:32

12M ago1:25:32

1:25:32

In this Iron Culture, Sigma Nutrition Radio, SNA crossover, Dr. Joe Klemczewski returns! Dr. Joe, possibly the first online bodybuilding coach and person to advise clients to track macros before IIFYM was an acronym, joins us to reflect on the past and help us navigate the future. In the modern information age, there is more information than ever, …