Iron Radio

Lonnie and Phil find out what muscle science has been breaking at summer 2013 science meetings. Dr. Josh Cotter and soon-to-be Dr. Mike Nelson made the rounds at the International Society of Sports Nutrition meeting and the American College of Sports Medicine meeting. There's lots to learn. Can an athlete simply eat ATP to gain energy and performance? What's the verdict on HMB versus leucine as anabolic agents? What brand new supplement compounds are getting attention? Also learn about the role of good and bad bacteria in the body, brutal undulating training protocols, and more. Join in the geekery!

Phil, Rob and Lonnie share news and listener questions before learning from strength athlete and yoga instructor K Meisel. Topics abound. What's the strongest coffee in the world? How do you know if you have a muscle or tendon tear versus something else? How does the blood work of lifters differ from average people? Then, after the break, everyone discusses the relationships between flexibility, muscle control and strength sports. What are the pros and cons of combining yoga with powerlifting or strongman? Mrs. Meisel shares her expertise. From mind-in-the-muscle focus to getting too much of a good thing, plenty gets discussed. Tune in and see if you could use more balance in your lifestyle!

Phil, Dr. L and Fortress learn about the history, science and recurring themes in powerlifting and bodybuilding from the legendary Fred Hatfield. After discussing the demise of Musclemag International with the guys, Dr. Squat shares stories, scientific observations and an amazing insider view of the history of muscle sports. And the moniker Dr. Squat is not simply an informal distinction. This guy holds a doctorate in sports science-motor behavior and has worked first hand with the founding fathers of scientific strength training. All this still doesn't scratch the surface... Dr. Hatfield was one of the first guys to squat over 1,000 pounds (that's not a typo), launched major muscle magazines, and kicked butt in bodybuilding as well. What a priveledge to have this master on the program!

Lonnie and Phil offer good old gym talk, then move on to news and listener mail. What training split does Dr. L prefer and why? What is Phil doing with sumo squats? And what's the powerlifting parallel to the classic adage mind-in-the-muscle? Later in the show, your ever-sensitive co-hosts discuss the mental anguish associated with gynocomastia, children's self esteem, and the struggles of self-denial lifestyles. If you like to hear about what the guys are doing under the bar, what the Iron Brotherhood is saying, and what events are being planned, this show is for you. Come on in!

First comes LIVE coverage of Coach Stevens' seminar in Northern California, in which the guys field questions from the audience. From Crossfit, to night shift eating, to which supplements are best for lifters, plenty gets answered. Topics also range from recovery for masters-level lifters to what to do when you're stuck on a progress plateau. It's like being on-site! Then, after the break, guest host Mike Nelson talks shop and recent health news with Dr. L. What mistake does the mainstream media make when it tries to teach us about energy balance and weight gain? What's the deal with beet root juice? And what does recent research on leucine and HMB suggest? Tune in for the usual bevy of experience, experiments, and hopefully some entertainment! ...Dosing correction mentioned in this episode... the research-supported leucine dose to enhance low-dose protein to full effectiveness is just 2.1-2.5g! This is going to make anabolic brownies even more do-able!

Have you ever salivated over online food pics? Or tried a meal based on one? Or even posted photos yourself? This week Dr. L gets behind-the-scenes facts on food and fitness photo blogging from Master's-prepared sociologist Jaya Dixt. Not only does Jaya have a considerable athletic and lifting background, she also understands the social implications of online photo blogging better than most. What's really behind these photos and how do they affect us? What does a seemingly simple online food or physique pic say about the author or photographer? Get fresh insight! Also in this episode, learn why size matters regarding whey protien, what different overfeeding strategies do to your metabolism, and how to get involved with Dr. L's anabolic brownie beta test. Thanks for listening!

Phil, Lonnie and Rob get an earful from irrepressible fitness veteran John Davies. Theories, facts, and questions fly. When did marketing supplant the best parts of training, namely quality of life and community? Why does fitness culture change so quickly these days? What's wrong with thinking, skepticism, and sobriety in today's market? This episode is not just for you curmudgeons. It's time to reflect and reconnect with your passion for the game - without feeling the need for a Like button!

Special event coverage... Coach Stevens covers a wide range of audience comments at yesterday's strength and fitness seminar in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Meanwhile, from Iron Radio Recording Studio Number 1 (i.e. Lonnie's home office), commentary on nutrition topics gets interspersed. From the most practical whole food choices, to specialty supplements, to training strategies, to successful weight gain, tons of questions get answered. Don't miss this episode; it's like being there!

Lonnie and Phil share lots of news, info. on upcoming guests, and good old fashioned gym talk. From Dr. Fred Hatfield to an IFBB pro to some fascinating experts in other areas of interest, there's plenty in the May-June lineup! Then... Interested in caffeine? Coffee? Creatine? Learn about one of the lingering controversies regarding how these things interact. There's also talk on maximal protein dose in a meal, getting the best results from biceps tendon surgery, and what plain old milk does to your insulin sensitivity. After the break, the discussion turns to what the diverse duo is doing in the gym. Low-volume, high-frequency, fasting, cookie binges - are they really this varied? And why? Tune in to help choose what YOU will be doing in the gym this summer!

Dr. Lowery and Phil talk news and brands. From artificial organs to gene doping to protein spreads for maximal muscle growth, there's plenty of the usual science. Then Phil shares some lifting progress and the guys move to the day's topic. What brands of gym equipment, gear, clothes, supplements and foods do the guys prefer? What apps and web sites are giving away free stuff that's worth it? If you are interested in good free podcast apps, the crowd-funding craze, nutrition science news, national fitness statistics, free meditation audio, or tracking your diet, this is one practical episode for you!

Phil tells Rob and Lonnie about last week's power meet and explains behind-the-scenes facts on running competitions. Then everyone talks shop. Afterward, mid-show ads be damned... the guys move right to iTunes reviews, listener mail, and science news. Want details? From meet day mindset, to tips on running them smoothly, to mature strategies for contest day success, the tactical trio pontificates. Also, topics range from assessing your potential to whole-body training to red meat and low-carb diets. Join in this week for all things meet... and MEAT!!

The guys cover reader mail and news, then eccentric training as the day's topic. The conversation ranges all over the place. In bodybuilding, which is better - genetics or effort? What does gifted actually mean? In powerlifting, should lifters include walk-outs with super-heavy weights? And how do the guys feel about adolescent mass training and eating? Then, the talk turns to the brutal but effective nature of eccentric training. What are the pros and cons of incorporating negatives? What do they do to muscle tissue that's so interesting? And ultimately, how can we leverage them properly for massive strength and size? Unless you're too sore to reach for your computer, it's time again for Iron Radio!

After the news, Lonnie and Phil spend some more time with Chad Waterbury. Chad, a physiologist who focuses on neurology, is also a strength coach. This time, Chad discusses mechanisms behind HFT and answers devil's advocate questions on the approach. Check out www.hftmuscle.com for more. Also tune in for a spring contest, with new prizes. You will have a blast with this one! Lastly, get new science on body fat reduction and health enhancement from several angles; some of this will surprise you. It's time again for your favorite mix of news, science and all things iron!

Phil and Lonnie are all over the science and industry news, then get to the Topic of the Day. How does one overcome anabolic resistance? What do high protein breakfasts do for late-day indulgers? What new drug stance is Crossfit HQ taking that's controversial? Then, with warm weather approaching, it's time to get your arse outdoors! Tune in to hear tips and stories about what's so good about lifting in the sun! Think outside the box, grab some weights, and go claim a local scenic spot for Iron Radio!

Dr. L and Phil share the usual bevy of news, then talk vices - smoking and drinking in strength sports. First, the news... listeners and Iron Radio friends let the guys know they are competing, needing answers, and reading some science of their own. Also, the passing of two titans, Nasser El Sonbaty and Joe Weider, gets some discussion. Then, Phil and Lonnie give straight facts about what smoking and drinking do to - and for - bodybuilders and strength athletes. Why are competitive bodybuilders walking around smoking? What benefits could a stiff drink have for performance? Going beyond a just-say-no approach, the guys explain what they know from the science world and from training experiences. Don't miss these knowledge bombs and stories!

Episode 200!! Rob, Phil and Lonnie offer tons of news before getting to the Topic of the Day. From science news on coffee and probiotics, to upcoming power meets, to Jim Wendler's new web site, to some great listener mails, there's plenty to discuss. Then, what specific differences exist in the core lifts, as approached by a bodybuilder vs. a powerlifter? The guys discuss bench, squat, deadlift, and select accessory exercises. Going beyond the muscle-vs-movement focus, what aspects of each exercise are altered? And why? Tune in this week and celebrate four years of better Internet programming for all strength athletes!

Phil and Lonnie do their usual thing, but in a unique way - from the floor of the Strength Guild facility. Iron Radio listeners become Iron Radio doers in this episode, joining the guys under the bar and on the podcast too. Find out what can be learned from some intensive coaching, shop talk, and a little lab science. Then, in the Topic of the Day, the guys talk about defining goals. How does one determine what he's good at? What's realistic? What choices and sacrifices must be made? The door to Spring lifting camp is open, all you need to do is come on in!

Phil, Rob and Lonnie rant, brag on listeners, answer listener mails, and chat again with Ken O'Neill. Why is Lonnie railing against science journalists? Who just kicked arse at the Arnold Weekend IPF event? What are the pros and cons of lifting belts? And, after the break, what did the Soviets explore with their athletes and what's lacking in our modern Western approach? Facts and opinions fly. Come listen to Ken's historical and behind-the-scenes commentary. It's time again for your weekly dose of information, discussion, and even a little barbarism. Conan, what is best in life?!

The guys share science news, popular media news, and industry news, followed by the Topic of the Day. From green coffee extracts to steroid hype to valuing extreme athletes of all kinds, facts and opinions fly. How well does green coffee help one lean out? What's the mechanism? And is the mass media once again dredging for a steroid connection to crime? Further, what does the scrawny look of competitive runners say - and NOT say - about them? Finally, after the mid-show break, the discussion turns to how strength sports are judged. From gray areas to apple-vs-orange comparisons to influencing a judge, observations and opinions are offered. Time to enter the discussion!

Lonnie, Phil and Fortress cover a wide variety of news, then talk with olympic Games hopeful Mike Walker. First, in Iron Brotherhood news, a listener comments on last week's popular but controversial show. Then, in industry news, the science vs. practice pendulum swings widely, prompting the guys to chime in. Finally, after sharing spanking new science on myostatin inhibitors, your hosts turn to Big Mike. How does Mike feel his background in Strongman has translated to Olympic lifting? How do the traditions and politics differ in his new sport? Further, what advice do Mike and Phil have regarding the learning curve of transitioning into the sport? And finally, what's up with the new documentary film that's chronicling Mike's Olympic quest? Learn the answers in this week's Iron Radio!