Barbell Shrugged

Barbell Shrugged

New episode every Wednesday! Join the Barbell Shrugged crew in conversations about fitness, training, and frequent interviews w/ CrossFit Games athletes! read less

Our Editor's Take

The Barbell Shrugged podcast explores every aspect of fitness, from weightlifting to nutrition. Host Anders Varner interviews a different fitness expert on each episode. These guests discuss their methods for diet and exercise. Listeners hear from nutritionists, doctors, and professional trainers. The show offers practical advice that may help listeners improve their fitness.

Anders is a professional trainer and fitness coach. The podcast host is one of the owners of RAPID Health Optimization. The program provides a personalized fitness regimen for each user. Anders has made it his mission to help people master their workout routines. He has trained professional athletes at the highest levels of the NFL and WWE. Ander's training has also helped everyday people change their lives.

Joining Anders is a rotating roster of cohosts like Doug Larson, Dan Garner, and Travis Mash. Doug comes from a background in fighting and weightlifting. He has participated in MMA with a focus on jiu-jitsu and was a competitive weightlifter. Doug coaches clients and has created several fitness programs.

Dan is a renowned nutritionist and personal trainer. His previous clients include Olympic athletes, NBA champions, and fighters. Dan's nutrition advice content gained him an impressive social media following. After partnering with other experts, he became one of the biggest names in the industry.

Travis is a bodybuilder and former powerlifting champion. He coaches lifters of all levels, from novices to Olympians. With over two decades of lifting experience, Travis is an excellent resource on the podcast.

The hosts interview guests like author and fat-loss expert Adam Bornstein. He talks about his book You Can't Screw This Up. Adam has worked with legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Cindy Crawford. Dr. Andy Galpin also joins the podcast to discuss topics like hydration and menopause. The podcast welcomes trainers and coaches from CrossFit, aerobics, and other methods.

Every episode of the podcast gives listeners fitness strategies that are easy to understand. New episodes of Barbell Shrugged premiere every Wednesday.

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Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Episodes

Food Systems, Protein and Amino Acids w/ Peter Ballerstedt, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #744
Today
Food Systems, Protein and Amino Acids w/ Peter Ballerstedt, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #744
Peter Ballerstedt is a prominent figure in the fields of forage agronomy, ruminant nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. With a background in forage production and utilization, Ballerstedt has dedicated his career to promoting the importance of forage-based agriculture in supporting healthy ecosystems and livestock production systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Science in Agronomy from Oregon State University, and a Ph.D. in Forage Management from the University of Kentucky. Ballerstedt has served in various roles within the agricultural industry, including as a forage extension specialist for the University of Georgia and as a forage product manager for a seed company. He has also worked as a dairy forage consultant, providing expertise on optimizing forage production and utilization in dairy operations. In addition to his practical experience, Ballerstedt is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and has been active in promoting the benefits of grass-fed and forage-based livestock production systems. He is a sought-after speaker and educator, known for his engaging presentations on topics such as the role of ruminants in sustainable agriculture, the nutritional benefits of grass-fed meat and dairy products, and the environmental impact of different farming practices. Ballerstedt's work emphasizes the importance of incorporating forages into agricultural systems to improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and produce nutritious food in a sustainable manner. Through his research, writing, and outreach efforts, he continues to influence and inspire farmers, ranchers, and policymakers to adopt more environmentally friendly and economically viable farming practices. Work with RAPID Health Optimization Peter Ballerstedt on Twitter Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram
Breaking Mr. Olympia w/ 7x Mr. Olympia Winner Phil Heath, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner #740
Mar 27 2024
Breaking Mr. Olympia w/ 7x Mr. Olympia Winner Phil Heath, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner #740
Phil Heath is a renowned American bodybuilder. He gained widespread recognition in the world of professional bodybuilding, particularly for his impressive physique and numerous accolades. Heath's journey into bodybuilding began during his college years at the University of Denver, where he initially pursued basketball. However, he soon redirected his focus towards bodybuilding and started competing in NPC (National Physique Committee) competitions. In 2005, Heath won the NPC USA Championships, earning his IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness) Pro Card, which allowed him to compete at the professional level. He quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing his remarkable genetics, dedication, and work ethic. Heath's competitive career reached its pinnacle when he won the prestigious Mr. Olympia title for the first time in 2011, succeeding bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler. Phil Heath went on to dominate the bodybuilding scene, securing a total of seven Mr. Olympia titles between 2011 and 2017. His reign solidified his status as one of the greatest bodybuilders of his generation. Known for his dense muscle mass, symmetrical proportions, and attention to detail, Heath's physique set a high standard in the sport. Universal Pictures Content Group (UPCG) will release Breaking Olympia: The Phil Heath Story, from director Brett Harvey, on VOD from March 26, 2024. The revelatory documentary unveils the extraordinary life story of the 7-time Mr. Olympia champion, as he rises through the ranks and battles both the top bodybuilders and the scrutiny of the media, in his attempt to cement his legacy and become the greatest Mr. Olympia champion to ever walk the earth. The trailer for Breaking Olympia can be found here. The documentary is the definitive, never-before-told told story of Phil Heath – perhaps the greatest bodybuilder of all time. Featuring interviews with Dwayne Johnson, Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, Kai Greene, Brandon Curry, Dexter Jackson, and many more, Breaking Olympia tracks the pivotal point in Heath’s career when, despite being plagued by injuries that come with 18 years of physical and mental sacrifice, Heath stands on the edge of altering the face of bodybuilding history. Phil Heath on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner of Instagram
[DEXA Scans] How to Test, Analyze, and Optimize Body Composition w/ Alan Kenny, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #736
Feb 28 2024
[DEXA Scans] How to Test, Analyze, and Optimize Body Composition w/ Alan Kenny, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #736
Alan Kenny is a performance nutritionist with over 10 years experience supporting teams, athletes and executives to optimize their health. Holding a degree in Exercise Science and a Masters in Sports Nutrition, Alan has also lectured at University level in Ireland and currently heads a performance lab in an executive medical clinic in Vancouver, Canada. His work here is focused on optimizing health over a person’s lifespan using modern tools such as blood-work analysis, VO2 and DEXA scans. He also runs his own virtual nutrition consultancy and acts as a nutrition consultant for the University of British Columbia Sports Medicine Clinic, where he sees people to assess their dietary habits and body composition/bone density through DEXA and nutrition consultations. Alan has also previously worked as Head of Science & Education EMEA at Glanbia Performance Nutrition, the parent company of industry leaders in the Sports Nutrition Supplementation category such as Optimum Nutrition and BSN. When not working, he can be found playing soccer, doing BJJ or exploring the great outdoors that Vancouver offers with his wife and two young daughters.   Work With Allen Kenny Website: www.alankennynutrition.com Instagram - @akennynutrition Linkedin Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Alan Kenny - Preventum: Personalized Health Care | LinkedIn
[Stress Resilience] Navigating Injury and Anxiety w/ Emily Hightower, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #735
Feb 21 2024
[Stress Resilience] Navigating Injury and Anxiety w/ Emily Hightower, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #735
As an Educator and Coach at SH/FT, Emily Hightower leverages her expertise in the neurophysiology of trauma and resilience to help clients master their stress response and improve their quality of life. By combining over 25 years of experience as a breathing expert, yoga teacher, river guide, and wilderness EMT, Emily empowers high performers to disrupt limits, align with nature, and heal their bodies and minds. Emily developed SH/FT’s Skill of Stress course and teaches the N=1 Exposure Experience and Mentorship program with Brian MacKenzie. Her experiential teaching approach enables clients to understand and direct their stress response to drive optimal performance under pressure while promoting long-term balance. Before joining SH/FT, Emily founded Intrinsic, where she helped combat veterans, athletes, and clients recovering from substance abuse resolve past traumas and gain clarity using a science-based approach and tools such as breath, exposure, somatic yoga, archery, and integrative nutrition. Earlier in her career, Emily’s practice was based in a neurology clinic, where she integrated her approach with cutting-edge neuroscience and research. Her clients include the United States Special Operations Command Adaptive Care Unit and other Veterans services in the US and Abroad. She also served as the Education Director for the Headwaters Institute, facilitating river education seminars on 28 watersheds in the US and Chile. Emily is a Master Yoga Teacher with 16,000+ hours of teaching experience specializing in Pranayama Breathing. She lives with her husband, Brian Hightower, and their son and loves to ski, run rivers, and bow hunt.   Emily Hightower on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram
[Biometrics] How to Use Data to Build Your Own Nutrition and Supplementation Program w/ Pratik Patel, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #733
Feb 7 2024
[Biometrics] How to Use Data to Build Your Own Nutrition and Supplementation Program w/ Pratik Patel, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #733
Pratik Patel is a health and performance coach, speaker, advisor, and consultant to sports teams, startups, and VC groups in the health, wellness, and performance realm. Pratik brings unique perspectives gained from his time in high level elite sport (NFL) to enhance the health and performance of individuals in the real world. Using his internal and external health approach and stress adaptation frameworks along with technology and wearables Pratik helps his clients implement effective health improvement strategies for long-term sustained success.   For the past 20 years, he has studied health, nutrition, fitness, recovery, and the interplay between these and health and performance and has had the opportunity to implement his strategies with multiple elite college teams and most recently the New York Football Giants (where they experienced the least number of games lost due to injury in their history during his tenure). Pratik is highly regarded in the field of sports, health, and wellness and teaches his concepts to dozens of other elite college and NFL teams along with presenting to numerous Fortune 500 companies. He is also one of the most featured coaches in the sports, health, and wellness space with features in USA Today, Outside Magazine, ESPN, and has been sought after as a guest on over 60+ podcast episodes. Pratik is also the author of 4 scientific publications through peer reviewed journals. Pratik is a Registered Dietitian and board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) as well as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).   Pratik resides in the Kansas City area with his family and two children (newborn son) and can be reached on his X/Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn social media accounts @pratikxpatel.   Follow Pratik on Twitter Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram
[Juliet and Kelly Starrett] Built to Move w/ Juliet and Dr. Kelly Starrett, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #729
Jan 10 2024
[Juliet and Kelly Starrett] Built to Move w/ Juliet and Dr. Kelly Starrett, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #729
Juliet Starrett and Dr. Kelly Starrett are pioneers of mobility. They’ve spent decades working with athletes of all types, teaching them how to move better to reach peak physical performance. Their revolutionary teachings on movement and the body present an easily achievable roadmap, which they have outlined in their new book Built to Move. Kelly and Juliet teach audiences how to seamlessly implement ten essential mobility habits that can be worked into even the busiest of schedules to alleviate chronic pain, improve range of motion, and break sedentary habits. They advise major companies on how to create a healthier workforce through simple mobility exercises and self-care techniques to alleviate and manage stress. Their teachings apply to all people who want to feel better, work better, and live better. Kelly Starrett, DPT, is a physical therapist and co-author of the New York Times bestseller Becoming a Supple Leopard. He consults with professional athletes and coaches from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and U.S. Olympic team, as well as with all branches of the U.S. elite armed forces. He and Juliet co-founded one of the first CrossFit gyms in San Francisco and co-authored the Wall Street Journal bestseller Deskbound. Juliet Starrett is an attorney and CEO of The Ready State. She co-founded the nonprofit StandUp Kids and is a two-time whitewater rafting world champion, winning five national titles. Work with The Ready State: Website: https://thereadystate.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereadystate Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram
[Indistractable] How to Choose Your Attention and Choose Your Life w/ Nir Eyal, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson #725
Dec 13 2023
[Indistractable] How to Choose Your Attention and Choose Your Life w/ Nir Eyal, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson #725
Nir Eyal writes, consults, and teaches about the intersection of psychology, technology, and business. Nir previously taught as a Lecturer in Marketing at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford.   Nir co-founded and sold two tech companies since 2003 and was dubbed by The M.I.T. Technology Review as, “The Prophet of Habit-Forming Technology.” Bloomberg Businessweek wrote, “Nir Eyal is the habits guy. Want to understand how to get app users to come back again and again? Then Eyal is your man.”   He is the author of two bestselling books, Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products and Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. His books have resonated with readers worldwide, selling over 1 million copies in over 30 languages.   Indistractable received critical acclaim, winning the Outstanding Works of Literature Award as well as being named one of the Best Business and Leadership Books of the Year by Amazon and one of the Best Personal Development Books of the Year by Audible. The Globe and Mail called Indistractable, “the best business book of 2019.”   In addition to blogging at NirAndFar.com, Nir’s writing has been featured in The New York Times, The Harvard Business Review, Time Magazine, and Psychology Today.   Nir invests in habit-forming products that improve users’ lives. Some of his past investments include Eventbrite (NYSE:EB), Anchor.fm (acquired by Spotify), Kahoot! (KAHOOT-ME.OL), Canva, Homelight, Product Hunt, Marco Polo, Byte Foods, FocusMate, Dynamicare, Wise App, and Sunnyside.   Nir attended The Stanford Graduate School of Business and Emory University.   Free Tools and Resources from Nir Eyal: Indistractable the book: http://geni.us/indistractable Indistractable bonus content is here: http://www.nirandfar.com/indistractable/ Indistractable summary article: https://www.nirandfar.com/skill-of-the-future/ Timeboxing article: https://www.nirandfar.com/timeboxing/ Values article: https://www.nirandfar.com/common-values/ Free habit tracker tool: https://www.nirandfar.com/habit-tracker/ Free schedule maker tool: https://www.nirandfar.com/schedule-maker/ List of  top articles: https://www.nirandfar.com/best-articles/ Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram