Iron Radio

After listener mail and news - with some remote commentary from Coach Stevens - the guys discuss fitness and nutrition journalism across the years. The opening segment has the guys discussing the explosion of podcasting, twice-weekly training programs, upcoming events, coffee, bogus invitations to supposedly collaborate, and misleading headlines. Indeed, some of what's been happening leads to the Topic of the Day. From fake consumer advocacy to excessive ghost writing to article headlines and lead-ins that appear less than genuine, plenty gets discussed. Although the podcast's no-hate policy is maintained, sometimes you've got to call out attention-grabbing and straight BS. Come on in!

Growth of the podcast once again has the guys covering listener mail and muscle-nutrition news. The range of topics is broad, including quad development, fat loss supplements for middle-aged women, myconutrients, coffee and muscle soreness, the case against juice, sauna and infrared for muscle blood flow, and the advantage that redheads have regarding vitamin D. Finally, sincere thanks to listeners who lend their strength to IronRadio via donations and more - Thomas, Honeyfund, Vicki, Colin, and Alan. You are appreciated!

A crazy weekend leads to a slightly altered format this week. After Drs. Nelson and Lowery tackle news, Dr. Kelsey Scanlon and grad student Kayla Ruffner discuss the menstrual cycle and performance. Plenty of questions get answered. How prevalent are women in sport at various levels? What do monthly hormone changes do to power output and reflexes? Do women on birth control manipulate such changes? And what does science say about mood changes across the month in women? Get answers! Also tune in for discussion on fat loss, inflammation, mushrooms and health, and the gut microbiome. Finally, sincere thanks to supporters Holly, Prasan, David, and Joe. You are appreciated!

As the new year gets underway, so do the IronRadio guys - with 2018 plans and predictions! First, however, in the news segment, topics like cheaper, safer regional drug delivery, the most anabolic way to consume eggs, and an increase in injuries from intense ballistic training get attention. After the mid-show break, everyone discusses trends and prognostications in food, science, medicine, and fitness. Even personal competitive and research plans for the coming year are shared. Get in on this!

IronRadio is experiencing growth - no pun intended! With a backlog of listener mail this week, the guys answer questions and discuss comments. Several topics get attention in this slightly longer episode. Is vitamin D all it's cracked up to be, and do injections help or hurt? Are health coaching certificates worth anything as a career path? What's the deal with TRT for female lifters? Get answers on these issues and tons more! Lastly, much gratitude goes out to long time Iron Radio friend Korey, as well as Matthew, Stephen, Rory, Zafer, and and ASF for supporting the Iron Brotherhood and Sisterhood so strongly. You are appreciated!

Happy New Year! And wow, 450 episodes logged! Rounding out 2017, the guys cover listener mail and news before getting to the topic of testosterone replacement therapy for lifters. The mail involves hip replacement expectations and the news delves into muscle metabolism during high-rep sets, as well as what Harvard is saying about scientific evidence in the media. After the mid-show break, the guys offer facts, opinions, and personal observations about hormone replacement therapy in men who need it. From signs and symptoms to expectations, plenty gets discussed! Lastly, sincere Holiday gratitude goes out to Marek, Alan, Robert, Neil, Jennifer, and Andrew for supporting the Iron Brotherhood and Sisterhood so strongly. You are appreciated!

It's an unusual weekend with Christmas immediately upon us, so this show differs a bit. Dr. L starts off with an email question followed by recipe tips for both bulking and leaning-down this time of year. After the mid-show break the guys engage in a silly roundtable discussion that's based on - wait for it - Festivus. From feasting to an airing of grievances, to feats of strength and miracles, the comical secular holiday gets connected to the fitness industry. Finally, much Holiday gratitude goes out to Marnie, Kurt, Jill, Ryan, and Holly for supporting the Iron Brotherhood and Sisterhood so strongly. You are appreciated!

With competitions in the rear view mirror, the intrepid trio cover the post-contest period from various perspectives. How long does one take off? To what extent? How does a smart lifter return to training? And how does seasonal weather come into play? Find out! Also tune in for career insights for strength coaches, cardiovascular risks that may befall the large mammal, and plenty more! Lastly, much Holiday gratitude goes out to Fred, Colin, Jacob, Cory, Phillip, and Christopher for supporting the Iron Brotherhood and Sisterhood so strongly. You are appreciated!

The how-to series on producing your own fitness and nutrition media continues this week. Once Drs. Lowery and Nelson cover news on dietary supplement company buyouts and creatine, they return to Dr. Danielle Cordaro for insights into media production. With the quality bar set so low in these genres online, the good professor offers gold nuggets on how to bring your A-game. Also, huge appreciation goes out to Anthony, as well as Cale, Joseph, Tom, Michael, and Joe for supporting the Iron Brotherhood and Sisterhood so strongly. You are appreciated!

After covering science news and industry happenings, the guys put in a call to powerlifter and fitness media producer Ryan Soper. Ryan not only shares his personal story, which involves his years in academia while making ends meet, but also insights into his proactive path toward working in his current role. If you've ever wondered about making a living in fitness, this episode will help! Lastly, thanks to IronRadio Fall funds drive donors and existing supporters Jason, Honeyfund, Jon, Neil, and Andrew. You are appreciated!

Ever have an idea for a product worth commercializing? This episode is for you. After mail and news on buffering muscle acidity during high-rep sets, the guys talk shop with entrepreneur Ben Clark. From concept sketch to applying for a patent, to evolving iterations in design, to marketing a final product, tons of topics get attention. Also, thanks to IronRadio Fall funds drive donors and existing supporters Alan, Vicki, Holly, Prasan, Ryan, and Marek. Your support doesn't go unnoticed!

After mail and news ranging from vitamins to vikings, the guys discuss the big meet in California, where Phil's crew at Strength Guild recently traveled to compete. Insights include dealing with famous judges, noting the prevalence of strong women in the sport, and competing after surgical repairs. Also tune in for upcoming food trends, news on FDA regulations, new types of protein products, mushrooms and health, and tons more. Lastly, thanks to IronRadio Fall funds drive donors and existing supporters Jennifer, Robert, Fred, and Cory. You are appreciated!

Bodybuilders and strength athletes often talk about good genes - but for what? Your blueprint underwrites a good portion of your success, but what do we mean when we say good genetics? Tune in as Drs. Lowery and Nelson discuss the various gene-driven structures and systems that help create champions. Also tune in for news on recent developments in ketone supplements, tart cherry usage for athletic recovery, and plenty more. Lastly, thanks to new IronRadio Fall funds drive supporters Steven, Sandy, Kurt and Stuart! Also thanks to existing supporters Christopher, Doug, Joe and Joseph. You are appreciated!

This week, after the mail and news, the guys all talk about Phil's upcoming powerlifting meet. They delve into his peaking philosophy, its evolution over the years, what goes through a veteran's mind, and how it differs from the thoughts of his novice clients. Also tune in for topics like dietary supplement regulations, soy and heart disease, blueberries and mental function, the skin's power to regulate blood flow itself, and tons more. Also, thanks to long-time Iron Brother David, as well as Sandy, Alan and Vicki - all whom help keep the lights on at IronRadio! You are appreciated!

Have you ever considered producing your own writing or other media for strength enthusiasts? After the guys do listener mail and news, Dr. L interviews Danielle Cordaro, a writing professor, to get tips on breaking into fitness and nutrition writing. From story telling, to the role of editors, to resources to get you started, plenty gets discussed. Also tune in for facts and talk on a tea that may help with inflammatory states, unusual red meats and tons more. Finally, thanks to new supporting members and donors Marek, Aaron, and Neil! Huge thanks also go out to Ryan, Jared, David, Prasan and Holly. You are appreciated!

Coach Stevens and Drs. Nelson and Lowery tackle the listener mail and accompanying science, then move on to the Topic of the Day. Several questions get answered. What are the best three dumbbell movements? How do they get used differently in muscle sports? Do dumbbells often get used wrongly? And what's the least favorite dumbbell exercise among the co-hosts? Time to find out! Also, the Fall funds drive is underway. Thanks to new supporting members Nathan, Stuart, Eli and Matt! And we'll never forget existing Iron Brothers and Sisters like Prasan, Holly, Britney, and Bradley. You are appreciated!

This week's special episode turns toward the health and culinary sides of sports nutrition. After some science news gets covered by Dr. Lowery, come onto the floor of a trade convention in New York City that's focused on coffee. From fancy brewing methods that capitalize on science, to newer trends like nitrogenated cold brew coffees, there's plenty to learn! Also tune in for research on how antioxidant foods like coffee and tea interact with gut bacteria, how coffee affects muscle mass, what Dr. Lowery's lab is finding related to adrenaline function, and more. Get in on this!

Do lifters have unique abilities or traits that enable them to give back to the world in particularly strong ways? From physical characteristics to knowledge and skills, there are ways beyond money to support what matters most. After the mail and some talk on Achievements in Training, the guys discuss it. Also tune in for topics such as combined cardio and strength training, hormone replacement therapy for competitors, low-frequency training, and plenty more. Join the conversation!

The listener mail and news is backing up, so it's time to wade through all the cool stuff! Tune in for topics such as smelling salts, ketogenic diets, new devices for non-invasively measuring blood sugar continuously, Olympic lifting doping scandals, weird ways to manipulate caffeine effectiveness in the body, and tons more. Come on in!

This week the guys get performing strongman Dave Whitley back on the show to share insights on both feats of strength and unusual recovery techniques. From driving nails into boards with nothing but his hand, and blowing up hot water bottles to bursting, there are interesting stories. After the mid-show break, tune in for discussion on cold exposure and breathing methods that may surprise you. Also check-in for a spanking new study on how bodybuilding-style training is similar to Olympic-style training regarding recovery. Pull up a bench and get in on this!