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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 …

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 …

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…

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…