Best Michael Esser Podcasts (2026)

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Our New Co-Host Deadlifts 700lbs with Doug Larson, Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #830 1:09:51

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36m ago1:09:51

1:09:51

In this episode of Barbell Shrugged, Doug Larson and Travis Mash officially welcome Dr. Mike Lane as the show's new co-host. Mike shares his full origin story, from growing up a sports-loving kid in St. Louis, to discovering strength and conditioning in college, to earning his PhD and becoming a professor of exercise physiology. Along the way, he r…

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

6d 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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Menopause, Weight Gain and Hormones with Fat Loss Expert Dr. Bill Campbell #828 54:24

20d 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

27d 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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Ben Johns - The Most Dominant Pickleball Athlete In The World #826 50:34

1M 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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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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Precision Muscle Analysis with Matt Brown of Springbok Analytics #824 55:13

2M 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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Measuring Muscle Mass Percentage with Dr. Chris Perry, Anders Varner, Travis Mash and Doug Larson #823 45:41

2M 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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Richard Dawkins: The Atheist Who Wants to Meet Jesus 18:55

2M ago18:55

18:55

Send us a text The World's Most Famous Atheist… Can't Stop Crying at Poetry Famous biologist and atheist Richard Dawkins built his reputation on cold, hard logic. He's also the author of bestsellers The Selfish Gene and The God Delusion, destroys creationists on Twitter, and thinks prayer is a waste of time. But here's the twist: the high priest of…

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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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Michael Douglas: The Cheeky Questions AI Would Never Ask 21:12

2M ago21:12

21:12

Send us a text Oscar winner and Hollywood star Michael Douglas sits down with journalist Malte Herwig... and gets asked the question. The one his publicist would kill. The one Malte's AI co-hosts call "high-risk, zero-reward." This ep is a deep-dive debate on that one interview. We get into it all: The Basic Instinct Legacy: Douglas's very '90s def…

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

3M 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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Christo: Why We Need Useless Art in the Age of AI 26:59

3M ago26:59

26:59

Send us a text What if the most human thing you can make is something that serves no purpose at all? Malte and AI hosts Alex and Isabel plunge into the exhilarating world of Christo and Jeanne-Claude, where national monuments disappear under oceans of fabric, red tape becomes a stage, and the end result can’t be bought, ticketed, or sponsored. Our …

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

3M 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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Ben Ferencz: The fight for justice and peace 20:09

3M ago20:09

20:09

Send us a text We trace Ben Ferenc’s hard line on human accountability from Hell’s Kitchen to Nuremberg and bring it into the age of algorithmic warfare. Stories of audacity, restraint, and selective justice sharpen a live question: where does responsibility sit when machines scale human intent. • Ferenc’s principle that a person must answer for ha…

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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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Rainer Esser: How to turn a failing newspaper into a digital powerhouse 24:17

3M ago24:17

24:17

Send us a text What if the path out of media’s crisis is play, not panic? We sit down with author and journalist Malte Herwig to unpack how Rainer Esser took Germany’s stuffy weekly, Die Zeit, and turned it into a modern, multi-platform powerhouse—without gutting the newsroom. Instead of chasing shortcuts, Esser built a “dolphin culture” where curi…

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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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Clayton Christensen: The Godfather of Disruption 21:22

3M ago21:22

21:22

Send us a text Clayton Christensen's theory of disruptive innovation explains why great companies fail by doing everything right and has found applications far beyond business into military strategy, religion, and personal development. His framework provides a universal pattern that brings clarity to complex problems, creating a common language tha…

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

4M 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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Françoise Gilot: The Woman Who Said No to Picasso 24:06

4M ago24:06

24:06

Send us a text Françoise Gilot was the only woman who ever left Pablo Picasso. She shared her remarkable story with Malte Herwig in many interviews, which became a book: "The Woman Who Says No". Hers is a story of passion, creativity, and courage in the face of artistic genius. In this episode, Malte and his two AI-Hosts Alex and Isabel explore her…

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

4M 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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John Malkovich: From Demon Child to Hollywood Star 24:28

4M ago24:28

24:28

Send us a text Hah! Are our AI hosts gender biased? Malte tells Alex and Isabel about listener feedback to episode 1. What will our lovely pieces of code make of this criticism? This week's topic is John Malkovich, who opened up to Malte about his contrarian perspectives on fame, power, and what truly matters in life while reflecting on his experie…

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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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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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Alfred Brendel: The Pianist Who Walked a Tortoise Through Vienna 20:02

4M ago20:02

20:02

Send us a text Hosts Alex and Isabel talk about a remarkable interview with the legendary pianist and writer, Alfred Brendel, conducted by Malte Herwig eleven years before Brendel's death in 2025. Join us as we discover the surprising wit and wisdom of an extraordinary musical mind and talk about how Malte managed to get the famously cantankerous p…

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Trailer 2:59

4M ago2:59

2:59

Send us a text What makes someone tick? And how do you get them to reveal their truest self? The Art of the Interview goes on an expedition into the human spirit, peeling back the layers of captivating conversations with some of the world’s most fascinating figures. Join hosts Alex and Isabel as they team up with veteran interviewer Malte Herwig to…

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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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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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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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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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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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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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Physiology Friday: [Gut Health] The Epicenter of Health Optimization w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged 45:23

6M ago45:23

45:23

In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: Why the gut is so important for optimal health. What causes poor gut health and how to avoid it How important is a stool sample to find potential hidden stressors What your poop can tell you about your health Ways to improve gut health https://rapidhealthoptimization.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on…

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SORINEX: LEGENDARY STRENGTH TRAINING W/ BERT SORIN, ANDERS VARNER, DOUG LARSON, AND COACH TRAVIS MASH BARBELL SHRUGGED #592 2:17:52

6M ago2:17:52

2:17:52

Bert and his wonderful wife Lesley are the proud parents of three children. Bert and his family, a family rooted in strength, have been entrenched in the human performance world for as far back as he can remember. Growing up with a barbell in his hand has been pivotal in charting the course of his life and leading him to become a 4-time Division 1 …

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How Travis Mash Got a 6-Pack at 50 Years Old w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #807 56:24

6M ago56:24

56:24

The home team is back again and Travis Mash has been posting too many shirtless selfies with all the abs for us not address the nutrition, fitness, and training programs he is up to. Tons of insight into getting back to the basics, simplifying, and making it all work while keeping family at the center of it all. Enjoy. Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID …

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Physiology Friday: [Physique Transformation] How Hormones Help Build Muscle and Burn Fat w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner 58:33

6M ago58:33

58:33

In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: The relationship between testosterone and cortisol The relationship between calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients Why micronutrients matter for achieving a lean physique Optimal hormone ratios for physique transformation How does menstrual cycle affect performance Understanding gut health and it's affects…

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Clockwork Cognition: Engineering the 24-Hour Human for Peak Performance in the Digital-AI Era w/ Dr. Chis Perry, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #806 52:48

6M ago52:48

52:48

Dr. Christopher A. Perry, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo, 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 Exer…

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Physiology Friday: How Your Cardiovascular System Improves Metabolic Health w/ Dr. Nathan Jenkins, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash 51:43

6M ago51:43

51:43

Dr. Nathan Jenkins is the new labs analyst for RAPID Health Optimization. He was previously a tenured professor of exercise science, and has worked for many years as a nutrition coach with over 1000 clients to date. Dr. Jenkins blends evidence-based practices and real-world experience, with academic expertise in lifestyle modification for chronic d…

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Legacy Beyond Labels: Leonard Marshall on Wealth, Purpose, and Life Post-Competition with Leonard Marshall. Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #805 51:03

6M ago51:03

51:03

Leonard Marshall is the oldest of seven children from the rural town of Franklin, Louisiana. Hegraduated from Franklin High School in 1979 and attended Louisiana State University (LSU). Heattended LSU from 1979 until he was drafted from LSU in the spring of 1983. Leonard Marshall was coached by legendary LSU coaches Jerry Stovall and Pete Jenkins. …

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Physiology Friday: Sleep's Role in Cellular and Metabolic Health w/ Dr. Chris Perry, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash 54:01

7M ago54:01

54:01

Dr. Christopher A. Perry, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo, 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 Exer…

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Spine Surgery Preparation, Recovery, and Metal Allergy Testing w/ Dr. Mitch Reiter, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #804 51:08

7M ago51:08

51:08

Dr. Mitchell Reiter is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in spinal surgery who has been in practice in New Jersey managing patients with spinal disorders for more than 20 years. Dr. Reiter is one of those rare individuals that always knew that he wanted to be a physician. Straight out of high school he entered the presti…

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Physiology Friday: [Hormone Dysfunction] Birth Control, TRT, HRT, and Toxicity w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner 55:43

7M ago55:43

55:43

In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: How Birth Control can reduce testosterone by 70% Birth controls affects on your physique How to pick the right birth control What are drug induced nutrient depletions How to best handle menopause and andropause What happens when you do not have a cycle for 5+ years What is wrong with TRT and HRT How heavy metal …

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Cardio and Competition for Mature Meatheads w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #803 47:49

7M ago47:49

47:49

In todays Episode of Barbell Shrugged, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash dive into Mash partnership with Sorinex and the success of Spring Cleaning in April. In addition, Mash is going back to the platform in powerlifting and the team discussed the differences in training and mindset competing in their 40's and 50' vs their 20's. And fina…

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Physiology Friday: [Caloric Ranges] How to Eat More Food Without Gaining Weight w/ Zach Moore, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash 49:25

7M ago49:25

49:25

Zach Moore is a highly sought after nutrition and exercise coach who has personally coached over 1000 clients. His clientele have ranged from top level professional athletes and physique competitors to health enthusiasts of all ages. Moore has worked with some of the most well known companies in the industry including Precision Nutrition, Nourish B…