Barbell Shrugged
Barbell Shrugged
Talking training and interviews w/ CrossFit Games athletes!
- 58 minutes 33 secondsPhysiology Friday: [Physique Transformation] How Hormones Help Build Muscle and Burn Fat w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged:
- The relationship between testosterone and cortisol
- The relationship between calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients
- Why micronutrients matter for achieving a lean physique
- Optimal hormone ratios for physique transformation
- How does menstrual cycle affect performance
- Understanding gut health and it’s affects on physique
- Stabilizing hormones as a sign of health
Visit https://rapidhealthoptimization.com
Connect with our guests:
11 July 2025, 7:30 am - 52 minutes 48 secondsClockwork Cognition: Engineering the 24-Hour Human for Peak Performance in the Digital-AI Era w/ Dr. Chis Perry, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #806
Dr. Christopher A. Perry, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo, 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 Science & Sports, Sleep & Circadian Rhythms, and Nutrition.
Chris's current research focuses on sleep, movement analysis, and CO2 tolerance, particularly in tactical populations and collegiate athletes.
His work aims to enhance performance, wellness, and longevity health outcomes, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field of exercise and sports science.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Chris is an executive performance coach, weight loss consultant, fitness entrepreneurship mentor, podcast host, and enjoys engaging in coffee culture and movie discussions.
Enjoy.
Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization
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9 July 2025, 7:30 am - 51 minutes 43 secondsPhysiology Friday: How Your Cardiovascular System Improves Metabolic Health w/ Dr. Nathan Jenkins, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash
Dr. Nathan Jenkins is the new labs analyst for RAPID Health Optimization. He was previously a tenured professor of exercise science, and has worked for many years as a nutrition coach with over 1000 clients to date.
Dr. Jenkins blends evidence-based practices and real-world experience, with academic expertise in lifestyle modification for chronic disease prevention, and a passion for helping clients optimize body composition and develop sustainable health habits for longevity.
Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization
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4 July 2025, 7:30 am - 51 minutes 3 secondsLegacy Beyond Labels: Leonard Marshall on Wealth, Purpose, and Life Post-Competition with Leonard Marshall. Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #805
Leonard Marshall is the oldest of seven children from the rural town of Franklin, Louisiana. Hegraduated from Franklin High School in 1979 and attended Louisiana State University (LSU). Heattended LSU from 1979 until he was drafted from LSU in the spring of 1983.
Leonard Marshall was coached by legendary LSU coaches Jerry Stovall and Pete Jenkins.
Leonard Marshall played in the NFL for 12 seasons. He was drafted in the Second Round of the1983 NFL Draft as a rising Junior at LSU by the New York Giants and played for most of his career in New York. After being drafted in 1983, he initially resided in Secaucus, New Jersey before residing in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Leonard Marshall was coached by Hall of Fame Coach Bill Parcells and former NY Giants Defensive Coordinator and future Hall of Fame Coach Bill Belichick. During his tenure with the Giants, he was part of the “Big Blue Wrecking Crew”, won two Super Bowl rings (1986 & 1990) and was twice Named second-team All-Pro (1985 & 1986) and twice named to the Pro Bowl team (1985 & 1986).
In September 2022, he was inducted into the New York Giants Ring of Honor and recognized for his work bringing awareness to CTE in professional football players. After football, Mr. Marshall attended Seton Hall University towards an MBA in Finance. He previously held his Series 7 and 63 licenses and worked for a number of years as a Registered Investment Advisor.
In 2007, Leonard returned to Seton Hall, as a Professor of Finance and Sports Management. Leonard Marshall also accepted a seat on the Board of Directors for Louisiana State University’s Diversity Board; and serves as a Board member for Carver Bank, Piketx.com, and the Concussion Legacy Foundation. He currently serves in the capacity of Outside Advisor for Moldaver Lee CohenRockefeller Global Family Office.
He is currently mentoring an Autistic child in NJ.
He has a daughter named Arianna and a stepson named Victor and a grandson. He often visits his home state of Louisiana. He is a fan of LSU and loves to visit LSU and its football program. He previously lived in Hudson, Bergen and Passaic Counties of New Jersey and Boca Raton, Florida.
He currently resides with his wife, Lisa Marshall in Ocean County in New Jersey.
Enjoy.
Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization
Links
Visit [www.leonardmarshall.com]
Explore the Concussion Legacy Foundation at https://concussionfoundation.org
Learn more about Bag the Violence at https://www.bagtheviolence.com
2 July 2025, 7:30 am - 54 minutes 1 secondPhysiology Friday: Sleep’s Role in Cellular and Metabolic Health w/ Dr. Chris Perry, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash
Dr. Christopher A. Perry, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo, 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 Science & Sports, Sleep & Circadian Rhythms, and Nutrition.
Chris's current research focuses on sleep, movement analysis, and CO2 tolerance, particularly in tactical populations and collegiate athletes.
His work aims to enhance performance, wellness, and longevity health outcomes, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field of exercise and sports science.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Chris is an executive performance coach, weight loss consultant, fitness entrepreneurship mentor, podcast host, and enjoys engaging in coffee culture and movie discussions.
Work with RAPID Health Optimization
27 June 2025, 7:30 am - 51 minutes 8 secondsSpine Surgery Preparation, Recovery, and Metal Allergy Testing w/ Dr. Mitch Reiter, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #804
Dr. Mitchell Reiter is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in spinal surgery who has been in practice in New Jersey managing patients with spinal disorders for more than 20 years.
Dr. Reiter is one of those rare individuals that always knew that he wanted to be a physician. Straight out of high school he entered the prestigious accelerated six-year combined B.S./M.D. Honors Program in Medical Education at the University of Miami. He then underwent five years of residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at The University of Miami – Jackson Memorial Hospital followed by a year of fellowship training in spinal surgery at Emory University in Atlanta which are two of the busiest spine centers in the country.
Dr. Reiter spent his first ten years in practice at the Rutgers School of Medicine where he remains an Assistant Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Reiter has been elected to Alpha Omega Alpha (the U.S. national medical honor society), has won numerous teaching awards, and has consistently been named as a New Jersey Top Doctor by New Jersey Monthly Magazine for more than 10 years. Dr. Reiter has published numerous journal articles and book chapters in the field of spine surgery.
Enjoy.
Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization
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25 June 2025, 7:30 am - 55 minutes 43 secondsPhysiology Friday: [Hormone Dysfunction] Birth Control, TRT, HRT, and Toxicity w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged:
- How Birth Control can reduce testosterone by 70%
- Birth controls affects on your physique
- How to pick the right birth control
- What are drug induced nutrient depletions
- How to best handle menopause and andropause
- What happens when you do not have a cycle for 5+ years
- What is wrong with TRT and HRT
- How heavy metal and toxicity affect your hormones
Visit https://rapidhealthoptimization.com
Connect with our guests:
Coach Travis Mash on Instagram
20 June 2025, 12:54 pm - 47 minutes 49 secondsCardio and Competition for Mature Meatheads w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #803
In todays Episode of Barbell Shrugged, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash dive into Mash partnership with Sorinex and the success of Spring Cleaning in April.
In addition, Mash is going back to the platform in powerlifting and the team discussed the differences in training and mindset competing in their 40’s and 50’ vs their 20’s.
And finally, the deep dive into getting out of the gym, intelligently training cardiovascular system, and how great it feels for overall health being in nature.
Enjoy.
Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization
Links:
18 June 2025, 7:30 am - 49 minutes 25 secondsPhysiology Friday: [Caloric Ranges] How to Eat More Food Without Gaining Weight w/ Zach Moore, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash
Zach Moore is a highly sought after nutrition and exercise coach who has personally coached over 1000 clients. His clientele have ranged from top level professional athletes and physique competitors to health enthusiasts of all ages.
Moore has worked with some of the most well known companies in the industry including Precision Nutrition, Nourish Balance Thrive, Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (named one of the top 10 gyms in the U.S. by Men’s and Women's Health magazines for multiple years), and consulted with several others. He is currently the Nutrition specialist for our team here at Rapid Health Optimization.
He graduated summa cum laude from Indiana University with his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees, and holds a host of certifications in training and nutrition - Precision Nutrition level 1 and level 2 certifications, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), a coaching certification through USA Weightlifting (USAW), and more.
His past athletic background includes playing college tennis for two years before succumbing to two knee surgeries, which ultimately led him to what he is doing today.
When he is not working with our clients at Rapid, you can find him playing with his 8 year old son, taking care of his backyard chickens, reading research, playing tennis, or lifting weights.
Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization
Links:
Coach Travis Mash on Instagram
13 June 2025, 7:30 am - 50 minutes 41 secondsThe Future of Personalized Medicine w/ Shaun Noorian, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #802
In 2009, Shaun Noorian founded Empower Pharmacy driven by a personal journey. Diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, Noorian discovered the life-changing benefits of compounded medicine. Empower was born from his desire to share this positive impact with others, with a mission to produce innovative medications that help people live healthier, happier lives, addressing the many challenges within the healthcare system.
Every day, Noorian is committed to ensuring his operations align with the dedication to patient safety and satisfaction. Empower serves patients, healthcare providers, and pharmacies nationwide, leveraging advanced technology, automation, and stringent quality control systems to deliver a diverse range of sterile and non-sterile compounded medications.
Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization
Links:
Coach Travis Mash on Instagram
11 June 2025, 7:30 am - 59 minutes 9 secondsPhysiology Friday: [Mental Health] A 6 Step Approach Connecting Mind, Body, and Nutrition w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner
In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged we cover:
- A framework for understanding mental health and physiology
- The relationship between the mind and the body
- How physiology follows psychology
- How to turn your thoughts into character traits
- How come prescriptions and medications can make mental health worse
- How sleep is the gateway to improving mental health
- Blood sugar management and how it affects mood
- Why broad solutions to improve mental health will not work
- Coaching the person before you coach their mental health issues
- Supplementation that positively affect mental health
- The process of creating and excreting dopamine and serotonin
- The impacts of B6 and Magnesium for mental health
To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthoptimization.com
Connect with our guests:
Coach Travis Mash on Instagram
6 June 2025, 5:03 am - More Episodes? Get the App