
Ep 378 - Social Media Protein Debates
In this episode Eric Trexler and Dr. Eric Helms dissect a heated Instagram debate about the upper limit of protein intake, focusing on a claim that 1.6 g/kg body weight is the ceiling for benefits. They walk through the underlying meta‑regression studies—including their own work—and discuss nuances such as the role of calorie deficit, lean mass measurement methods, and whether higher protein offers marginal gains for muscle preservation. The hosts also reflect on the dynamics of online scientific discourse, emphasizing the value of private, charitable conversations over public flame‑wars. Their expertise in sports nutrition and research methodology provides listeners with a balanced view of how much protein is truly optimal for lifters.

Ep 377 – MRV/MAV, Diet Breaks & Refeeds
In this episode Eric Trexler and Dr. Eric Helms dive deep into the evolving concepts of Minimum Recoverable Volume (MRV) and Maximum Adaptive Volume (MAV), clarifying how modern research has merged these ideas and redefined recovery for hypertrophy. They discuss...
BONUS: Stronger Culture - The Protein Ceiling: Real or Not a Needle Mover? (Ft Eric Helms & Steve Hall)
In this bonus episode, Eric Helms and Steve Hall discuss the role of caffeine—particularly diet sodas like Pepsi Max—in bodybuilding routines, debating optimal timing, dosage, and its impact on performance and sleep. They critique popular “science communicator” advice that discourages...

Ep 373 - Does Bone Predict Hypertrophy?
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler and Dr. Eric Helms discuss the challenges of returning to training after long-term detraining and injury, emphasizing the importance of habit formation and auto‑regulation. They explore whether bone geometry can predict muscle...

Ep 372 - New ACSM Lifting Guidelines
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler and Dr. Eric Helms discuss the newly released ACSM resistance training position stand, highlighting how the field has evolved since the last 2009 guidelines. They break down the updated recommendations on training...

Stronger Culture - The Mental Side of Bodybuilding Nobody Talks About
In this episode of Stronger Culture, hosts Eric and his guest dive into the often‑overlooked mental side of bodybuilding, focusing on supplement safety, third‑party testing, and the psychological pressures that drive athletes to chase every new product. They compare testing...

Ep 370 - Calories: Labels vs Reality
In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Dr. Eric Helms dissect a class‑action lawsuit alleging that David protein bars dramatically under‑report calories and fat due to the use of a novel fat replacer (EPC). They explain how...

Ep 369 - New Controversy in LDL Research
In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler and Dr. Eric Helms discuss a mix of personal milestones and the latest controversy surrounding LDL research and peptide use. They celebrate Trexler's wife's Ph.D. achievement, delve into the challenges of university...

Ep 368 - Sheffield 2025 Champ Kjell Bakkelund
Powerlifter Kjell Bakkelund, the 2025 Sheffield champion, details his 19‑year journey, focusing on strategic weight cuts and performance longevity. He describes the challenges of cutting weight, the use of tactical deception to gain a competitive edge, and how refined nutrition...

Ep 367 - Q&A
In episode 367 of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms dissect the evolving culture of bodybuilding, clarify who truly qualifies as a “bodybuilder,” and dive deep into nutrition science. They examine protein intake’s role in muscle protein synthesis, debunk...