Barbell Shrugged

This week on Barbell Shrugged we are throwing it back to the first show where we met Dan Garner. We take the deep dive into strategies for naturally boosting testosterone levels. Key topics discussed include the importance of creating a comprehensive health profile with blood work, stool, urine, and saliva, which together offer a full picture of an individual's hormonal and metabolic state. By ide...

In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: Understanding the stress response system What is the function of cortisol Why you struggle adapting to stress The myth of adrenal fatigue The difference between chronic and acute stress on your physiology Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

On this episode of Barbell Shrugged, we're diving into the keys for regaining speed and power—whether you're coming off an injury, a long layoff, or just looking to level up your performance. Speed and power are foundational for athleticism, and they require a smart approach to rebuild. We'll explore the science behind explosiveness, focusing on neural adaptations, muscle fiber recruitment, and ho...

In this episode of Barbell Shrugged: Why micronutrients are the base of all chemical and hormonal reactions in the body Why micronutrients are responsible for total health and how good you feel Why micronutrients are overlooked and how this is detrimental to your health How do you know you are getting optimal micronutrients in your diet What your health is missing if you only track your macros Con...

Dr. Allan Bacon holds a Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland. He is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a certified nutritionist & physique/bodybuilding coach, a certified coach for USA Powerlifting, and has formulated professionally for industry-leading dietary supplement companies for over 15 years. You can find Allan's written wor...

In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: The role of testosterone in health and performance How micronutrient deficiencies can lead to sub-optimal testosterone levels How excess body fat turns testosterone into estrogen The relationship between cortisol and testosterone Practical advice on how to optimize your testosterone levels Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Insta...

Serial Entrepreneur - Greg Scheinman has had not one but two seven-figure exits. He is a former partner at Insgroup, acquired by BRP (NASDAQ) and the founder and former CEO of Team Baby Entertainment, acquired by Michael Eisner of Disney. He was also the founder and CEO of ROW Studios, producer of two successful feature films, and advisor to multiple CPG brands. He is now the Founder & Face of Mid...

In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged we introduce our newest coach at RAPID Health Optimization, the one and only, Travis Mash. Travis Mash's first appearance on Barbell Shrugged dates back 8 years ago. He became a co-host in 2019. And finally, we have found the right opportunity to unite forces and we are fired up. Mash will lead strength and conditioning coaching for our professional athletes,...

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 on physique Stabilizing hormones as a sign of he...

Julia Mitchell is a functional nutritionist, bison rancher, and mother of two boys. She combines expertise in Muscle-Centric Medicine®, regenerative agriculture, nutrient density, and food quality to provide personalized nutrition and wellness solutions. She is passionate about helping individuals achieve optimal health, which involves sourcing and consuming the highest quality food, including gra...

David Bidler is the President of Physiology First-an organization dedicated to teaching the science of health and human potential to youth and families around the world. Through partnerships with schools, free programs for youth, and the online Physiology First University platform David and his team are dedicated to creating a revolution in health education for the next generation. Physiology Firs...

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 and toxicity affect your hormones Connect with ou...

Mike Matthews is a certified personal trainer and bestselling author of Bigger Leaner Stronger, Thinner Leaner Stronger, and Muscle for Life, as well as the founder of the #1 brand of all-natural sports supplements, Legion. His simple and science-based approach to building muscle, losing fat, and getting healthy has helped tens of thousands of people build their best body ever, and his work has be...

In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged we cover: A framework for understanding mental health and physiology The relationship between the mind and the body How physiology follows psychology How to turn your thoughts into character traits How come prescriptions and medications can make mental health worse How sleep is the gateway to improving mental health Blood sugar management and how it affects m...

Kirk Parsley served as an Undersea Medical Officer at Naval Special Warfare Group One from June 2009 to January 2013. While there, he led the development and supervised the group's first Sports Medicine Rehabilitation center. He is a former SEAL, and received his Medical Degree from Bethesda, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS) in 2004. He interned in Obstetrics and Gynecology...

In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged: Why adding water can help eliminate constipation Why "more fiber" may not be the answer to better bowels. Which magnesium supplement is optimal for reducing constipation. Why you need to buy a squatty potty for your best pooping position. How exercise improves motility. Why coffee and caffeine are important to morning movement The best natural stool bulkers...

Thomas P Seager is an associate professor in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment at Arizona State University. Seager leads research teams working at the boundaries of engineering and social science to understand innovation for resilient infrastructure systems, including the life-cycle environmental consequences of emerging energy technologies, novel approaches to teamwo...

In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged: The Thyroid's impact on weight gain What is the function of the thyroid What causes thyroid dysfunction The relationship between hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and thyroid Thyroids role in autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's and Grave's disease How gut health affects the thyroid How Vitamin A regulates the thyroid Parathyroid and thyroid connection How birt...

Dr. Donald Layman is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Fellow of the American Society for Nutrition. Dr. Layman served on the faculty at the University of Illinois from 1977 – 2012. Dr. Layman has been a leader in research about protein, nutrition for athletic performance, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascu...

In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: The internal mechanisms that create your sex drive. How psychological, hormonal, and functional dysfunction impacts sex drive. The biochemistry of boners The nervous system's response to sexual arousal The psychology of porn addiction Supplementation that can improve your sex drive Impacts of chronic fatigue on sex drive How estrogen and testo...

Chiropractor to Congress, Supreme Court, and the White House, Parker University's Seventh President, Active Texas Chiropractic Association Member, and proud Texan Dr. Morgan has a long history of serving in military healthcare. At age 17, he joined the Navy and served with a Marine Recon company as a special operations technician hospital corpsman. During that time, he qualified in parachuting, mi...

In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: How to determine total calories for your goals Why maintenance calories are important for body composition and health Why calories determine the size of your body Understanding energy balance and finding your activity multiplier How to properly increase and decrease your caloric intake to reach your goals Macronutrient breakdown for aesthetics...

Sam Miller is an Amazon Best-Selling Author and has more than 15 years of experience as a health, fitness, and nutrition coach. A popular online educator, podcast host, and mentor, he consistently offers simple, strategic methods for transformation and translates complex concepts into leverage for any health and fitness goal. His workshops, classes, and specialization programs have served over 5,0...

In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: When is the right time to talk to your doctor about TRT Why lower testosterone can be a good thing When is TRT the right decision DHEA and additional androgenic options Recommended dosing if you want to take TRT How gut health affects testosterone efficiency How environmental pollutants and toxicity affect total testosterone levels Is Clomid a...

Dr. Alexander Hutchison, a prominent figure in fitness and wellness based in Dallas, Texas, stands at the forefront of discussions surrounding doping in sports with the release of his third book, "In Defense of Doping: Reassessing the Level Playing Field." Through this groundbreaking work, Dr. Hutchison offers a thought-provoking reassessment of conventional notions surrounding performance enhance...