• Physiology Friday: [Bloodwork] High Performance Blood Chemistry w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson
    May 10 2024

    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 when it come to optimizing your health and performance.

    In this episode you will learn:

    • What's the mindset/philosophy of looking at bloodwork for performance if it's classically a health screen?

    • Generally speaking, energy is what every performer needs regardless of their pursuit. How can one look at bloodwork to improve their energy levels?

    • Electrolytes come on every panel, can these be used to look at hydration and performance?

    • You've talked a bunch about the immune system in past podcasts so I'm wondering what a basic blood panel can tell us about the current state of our immunity?

    • What general recommendations do you have in terms of preparation so when someone gets their blood draw they can ensure it's accurate?

    To learn more, please visit rapidhealthreport.com to see Dr. Andy Galpin and Dan Garner do a free lab, lifestyle, and performance analysis.

    Dan Garner on Instagram

    Anders Varner on Instagram

    Doug Larson on Instagram

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    49 mins
  • [Women’s Health] Reproductive Function, Birth Control and Pharmaceutical Steroid Hormones w/Viktoria Felkar, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson #746
    May 8 2024

    Victoria Felkar is a doctoral candidate conducting interdisciplinary research on women’s health, reproductive function, and pharmaceutical steroid hormones. With a unique background in both the hard sciences and humanities, her work offers a novel and critical perspective into the use of drugs for health and performance purposes within the female athlete population. Victoria’s research has achieved international awards and accolades within both academia and industry.

    Beyond academia, Victoria is an internationally respected educator and consultant within the fitness, bodybuilding and strength sector. Her unique multidisciplinary background has provided the perfect platform for pioneering work in athlete-centered coaching methods, integrated health-performance methods, and female athlete health. For the past 13 years, she has worked with a wide range of individuals and organizations, including top-level athletes and competitors, special populations, health professionals and strength coaches, and has lectured at events worldwide.

    Victoria’s professional experience and research are synergistic, providing her with the opportunity to continue to bridge the gap between academia and the industry. Her passion is building and sharing knowledge.

    Work with RAPID Health Optimization

    Viktoria Felkar on Instagram

    Anders Varner on Instagram

    Doug Larson on Instagram

    Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

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    55 mins
  • [Circadian Biology] The Science of Sunshine, Sleep, and Circadian Rhythm w/ Dr Alexis Cowan, PhD, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson #745
    May 1 2024

    Dr. Alexis Cowan received her PhD in molecular biology from Princeton University, specializing in the metabolic effects of nutritional and exercise interventions. She is currently a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Pennsylvania studying microbiome-diet interactions in both health and disease (i.e., cancer).

    Alexis is passionate about health and wellness at a visceral level. Her healing journey led her to overcome childhood obesity--losing over 100lbs during high school--an eating disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome.

    Her health challenges and successes have given her invaluable wisdom into what true healing looks and feels like, and have empowered her to effectively support others on their health journeys. Alexis has deep recognition for and appreciation of the interplay between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels of being, and how harmonization across these levels is absolutely essential to achieving health in a holistic sense.

    She is passionate about spearheading a new paradigm of N=1 personalized medicine into the mainstream, elevating and empowering individuals from all walks of life to find and fuel their vitality so that they may embrace their soul's higher purpose here on the planet.

    Work with RAPID Health Optimization

    Work with Dr Alexis Cowan

    Dr. Alexis Cowan on Instagram

    Anders Varner on Instagram

    Doug Larson on Instagram

    Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

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    1 hr
  • Food Systems, Protein and Amino Acids w/ Peter Ballerstedt, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #744
    Apr 24 2024

    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

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • [Longevity] How to Train for Health and Performance for the Rest of Your Life w/ Dan Garner, Andy Galpin, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner #743
    Apr 17 2024

    In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash dive into periodization models and a framework for longevity through the lens of health and performance.

    Longevity is a common goal. Unfortunately, it is impossible to define.

    How do you know if you are doing it right?

    Do you have to wait 40 years to find out all the at effort gave you 10 extra days?

    Longevity is great what you really want is a long life filled with performance goals that amounts to a life full of high quality experiences.

    In today’s episode we will tackle this exact question so you can stay at the top of your game, while living a long, healthy life.

    Work with RAPID Health Optimization

    Anders Varner on Instagram

    Doug Larson on Instagram

    Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

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    52 mins
  • [Testosterone] How to Naturally Increase Testosterone by 300% w/ Dan Garner, Andy Galpin, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner #742
    Apr 10 2024

    Dan Garner is a co-founder of RAPID Health Optimization which offers high-level, personalized online health and performance coaching for world class results.

    His coaching resume is second to none having worked with dozens of professional athletes, CEO’s, and Investors. Within his clientele he has worked with three superbowl champions, two UFC title winners, an Olympic gold medialist, two Olympic bronze medalists, three hall-of-fame inductees and two all-time world record breakers.

    In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged:

    • Why bloodwork, stool samples, urine, and hair create a full health profile
    • How micros are the secret to ultimate performance
    • How to increase testosterone in the shortest amount of time
    • How confidence can be the secret to increased testosterone
    • Specific supplements for increased testosterone

    Connect with our guests:

    Work with this full team at RAPID Health Optimization

    Dan Garner Instagram

    Dr. Andy Galpin Instagram

    Anders Varner on Instagram

    Doug Larson on Instagram

    Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

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    1 hr and 48 mins
  • [Neuropsychiatry] A Root Cause Approach to Rebuilding Brain, Body and Mind w/ Dr. Michael Miletic, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner #741
    Apr 3 2024

    Dr. Michael Miletic is a former Olympic athlete and a prominent physician specializing in clinical neuroscience and metabolic medicine. Dr. Miletic evaluates the brain, mind, and body and brings the latest science and evidence-based treatments to optimize your health. Specializing in athletes, executives, and adolescents looking to reach their full potential.

    Dr. Miletic’s comprehensive training and evidence-based research have enabled him to understand something many healthcare providers do not: that approaches that treat the body without addressing the mind are limited in their effectiveness. Getting to know you, your life experiences, and the way you think and feel is thus a critical aspect of the care you receive from Dr. Miletic.

    Work with Dr. Miletic

    Anders Varner on Instagram

    Doug Larson on Instagram

    Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

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    56 mins
  • Breaking Mr. Olympia w/ 7x Mr. Olympia Winner Phil Heath, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner #740
    Mar 27 2024

    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

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    59 mins