Dr. Mike T Nelson gets geeky with the latest research and scientific findings in the fitness world. Visit www.flexdiet.com to get Flex Diet Certified and www.miketnelson.com for more geeky goodness.
…
continue reading
Physiologic Flexibility Podcasts
New episode every Wednesday! Join the Barbell Shrugged crew in conversations about fitness, training, and frequent interviews w/ CrossFit Games athletes!
…
continue reading

1
Episode 348: Training Physiologic Flexibility with Dr. Mikki Williden
1:19:27
1:19:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:19:27In this episode, I’m sharing a special rebroadcast of my chat with Dr. Mikki Williden all about physiologic flexibility, including how to train your body to handle stress and adapt better. We cover metabolic flexibility, heat and cold exposure, sauna and cold therapy, lactate and buffering systems, plus CO₂ and O₂ tolerance. You’ll learn how these …
…
continue reading

1
Four Levers of Physiological Flexibility w/ Dr. Michael T. Nelson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #816
54:14
54:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:14Dr. 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…
…
continue reading

1
Gym Culture w/ Kenny Santucci, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #820
56:19
56:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:19With 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…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 349: Phys Flex Cert Closes Today, Monday Oct. 20: Expand Your Human Dynamic Range
29:32
29:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:32In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I dive into practical ways to boost muscle growth, enhance performance, and improve body composition — all within a flexible, health-focused framework. I also talk about my Physiologic Flexibility Certification, which is closing for enrollment soon, and unpack key concepts like Human Dynamic Range (HDR) and…
…
continue reading

1
Useful Fitness Standards w/ Dr. Mike Lane, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #819
54:43
54:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:43In 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…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 347: Phys Flex Cert Opens Today: Build a More Adaptable, Resilient Body
33:06
33:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:06In this episode, I break down my Physiologic Flexibility Certification — an advanced course designed to help you build a more adaptable, resilient body. I’ll walk you through the four key pillars of human performance: temperature regulation, pH balance, fuel use, and air/CO₂ control. You’ll hear how this cert expands on my Flex Diet Certification t…
…
continue reading

1
Addiction, Recovery and Building a Life of Value w/ Tim Riley, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #818
51:13
51:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:13
…
continue reading

1
Episdoe 346: From Navy SEAL to Neuroscience: Dr. Blaine Lints on Ibogaine and Performance
1:40:11
1:40:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:40:11By Dr Blaine Lints, Suzie Glassman, Jodie "Fabulous" Nelson, Dr Mike T Nelson
…
continue reading

1
Melanoma, Jungle Gyms, and Strength Tech w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #817
48:11
48:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:11In 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 …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 345: Sleep Like a Beast: Lessons from Jay Wiles and Jeffrey Durmer
1:49:31
1:49:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:49:31In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I’m diving headfirst into the science of sleep with two heavy hitters—Dr. J Wiles and Dr. Jeff Dermer from Absolute Rest. We cover it all: why sleep is such a big deal from an evolutionary standpoint, how your modern lifestyle is probably trashing it, and what you can actually do to fix it. We dig into beha…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 344: Metabolic Adaptations, Lactate, and Training Smarter with Dr. Phil Batterson
1:48:34
1:48:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:48:34On this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I’m joined once again by Dr. Phil Batterson to nerd out on one of my favorite topics: anaerobic metabolism. We dig into what’s really happening during high-intensity training, the role of lactate, and why much of the “anaerobic vs. aerobic” discussion you hear is oversimplified (or just plain wrong). We als…
…
continue reading

1
Four Pillars of Anti-Aging w/ Blair LaCorte, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #815
58:03
58:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:03Blair 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…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 343: Fueling the Corporate Athlete: Stress, Supplements & Performance with Dan Hunter
1:36:10
1:36:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:36:10On this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Dan Hunter to talk all things “corporate athlete.” If you’re trying to crush it at work and not feel like a melted quesadilla by 3 p.m., this one’s for you. We dig into the real-world challenges of staying sharp under stress, from building sustainable habits to fueling your brain with tools …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 342: Balancing Nutrition and Social Life with David Page
48:56
48:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:56On this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I’m joined by award-winning journalist and food nerd David Page, the guy who created Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. We get into the wild evolution of American cuisine, the social role of food, and how to balance eating what you love with not tanking your health. David also shares his personal story with diabe…
…
continue reading

1
The Path to IFBB Pro w/ Aaron Starker, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #814
55:17
55:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:17Aaron 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…
…
continue reading

51
Physiology Friday: [Brain Health] Science and Strategies for Optimizing Brain Health w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash
49:24
49:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:24In 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…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 341: Flexing with EAAs: Muscle, Metabolism, and More with Angelo Keely
1:23:57
1:23:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:23:57On this week’s Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Angelo Keely, co-founder of Kion, to geek out on all things essential amino acids (EAAs). We’ll dig into the nitty-gritty science and—more importantly—what that means for you in the real world. Want to pack on more muscle? Drop some fat without feeling wrecked? Stay strong and sharp as the years tic…
…
continue reading

51
How to Eliminate Back Pain w/ Dr. Melissa Capurro, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #813
49:13
49:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:13Melissa 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…
…
continue reading

1
Physiology Friday: [Blood Work] High Performance Blood Chemistry w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson
47:51
47:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:51In 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…
…
continue reading

1
Hard Truths from a Lifetime of Training w/ Bryan Boorstein, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #812
59:48
59:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:48Bryan 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…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 340: Hybrid Training and Meathead Cardio with Bryan Boorstein
1:20:32
1:20:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:20:32In this week’s Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with fitness expert Bryan Boorstein to dig into the idea of “Meathead Cardio.” Brian has been in the lifting world for years, but over time, he began adding more cardio into his routine—and not only did it stick, it actually improved his performance and health. We talk about why hybrid training isn’t the…
…
continue reading

1
Physiology Friday: The Rhythm of Rest: Unlocking Sleep Potential Naturally w/ Dr. Chris Perry, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash
54:16
54:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:16Dr. 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…
…
continue reading

1
The Truth About Energy Drinks w/ Flavia Pereira, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #811
47:06
47:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:06Flavia 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…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 339: Performance Tracking and AI in Athletics with Coach Troy Beauregard
1:07:55
1:07:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:55Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast. I’m Dr. Mike T Nelson, and today I’ve got a great conversation lined up with Coach Troy Beauregard from Canada. We dig into one of my favorite rabbit holes: performance tracking for athletes. We cover why it’s so important to keep tabs on what’s happening in the gym and how you don’t need super-fancy gear to s…
…
continue reading

1
Physiology Friday: How to Build a Killer Cardiovascular System w/ Dr. Mike T. Nelson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash
52:24
52:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:24In 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…
…
continue reading

1
When to Make Changes to Your Training w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #810
51:57
51:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:57The 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…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 338: Tabata Myths & Flexible Meathead Cardio Level 2: Enroll by Aug 12, 2025
21:27
21:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:27Join me on The Flex Diet Podcast as I break down the iconic 1996 Tabata study that’s been hyped for its fat-burning benefits. Tabata training has become a fitness staple, but is it really all it’s cracked up to be? I’ll uncover the myths, dive into the science, and explain why true Tabata isn’t exactly beginner-friendly. Learn about its real effect…
…
continue reading

1
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
56:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:46In 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…
…
continue reading

1
Protein and Amino Acids to Become Combat Ready w/ Dr Jess Gwin, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #809
53:46
53:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:46Dr. 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 …
…
continue reading

1
Episode 337: Deep Dive into Muscular Hypertrophy with Dr. Mike Roberts
1:21:31
1:21:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:31On this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I chat with Dr. Mike Roberts, a full professor at Auburn University and head of the Nutri Bolt Applied and Molecular Physiology Lab. Mike’s one of the sharpest minds in muscle science, and we go deep into the nitty-gritty of hypertrophy, including everything from rodent studies to human trials to the molecu…
…
continue reading

1
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
58:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:46In 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…
…
continue reading

1
Episode 336: Solocast Anaerobic Chaos Incoming (Level 2 Preview)
19:51
19:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:51In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I break down how to train your cardio without wrecking your strength gains. We’re digging into the real roles of your aerobic and anaerobic systems—why most lifters skip the boring base work, and why that’s a big mistake if you want better performance and recovery. I also share a sneak peek at the upcoming …
…
continue reading