After some science news on a muscle mass breakthrough, Phil and Lonnie have

a discussion with professional Highland Games competitor Jake Sullivan. Then, to cap

it all off, Fortress and Lonnie field thematic Christmas questions from listeners.

In the news, a real myostatin inhibitor has been awarded breakthrough recognition by

the FDA. In the Topic of the Day, Jake tells the guys how he likes to train to

maintain a balance between size and skill. And in the bonus X-mas segment, topics

range from egg nog gains to anabolic steroids to gifts for gym employees. Enjoy this

90-minute Christmas mega-episode!

After some news, Dani Shugart joins the guys for a discussion on dieting

gone wrong. Dani is a physique competitor with personal experiences involving

disordered eating. She has also published a brand new book on the topic. News topics

range from ways to rebuild lost muscle tissue to a new record powerlifting total to

huge guys who die young. Questions that get addressed in the Topic of the Day with

Dani include... What is it about physique athletes that makes them prone to eating

disorders? How do men and women tend to differ in relation to food? What types of

eating disorders exist and how do they overlap? And how does one return to normalcy

after months of strict target date dieting? If you've dieted hard or have loved ones

who struggle with disordered eating, this extra-long show is for you.

Dr. Lowery and Coach Stevens share industry news on anabolic steroids, then

learn from Dr. Dan Ogborn. First, what kinds of doses of performance enhancing drugs

are professional level bodybuilders using nowadays? Then, Dan has a long list of

credentials and works in some world famous muscle physiology labs, so the guys get

some juicy information. Specifically this week, Dr. Ogborn has plenty to share on

eccentric training (negatives). How valuable are supra-maximal lifts? Is extreme

muscle soreness requisite for maxing-out protein synthesis? How do aging,

inflammation, fish oils, ibuprofen, and antioxidants affect the muscle building

process? Come on in and find out!

Let's eat! Dr. Lowery and Phil unsurprisingly focus on FOOD. From meat

substitutes to perfectly cooking the actin and myosin proteins in your turkey, to

cooking tips and favorite dishes, the guys bring plenty to the table. The untimely

death of a top strongman is also in the news, as is an FDA issue concerning genetic

testing for consumers. The Topic of the Day deals with following natural rhythms to

make mass gains during winter months. With harvest time upon us, and food-focused

holidays everywhere, it's time to get serious. Bon appetit!

We all deal with inflammation and soft tissue damage during training. It

can hurt progress. Is there a new way out? After some dietary supplement news, Phil

and Dr. L learn about new kinds of injection therapy. Dean Reeves, MD, pain expert,

and Associate Professor, shares his insights and experiences with prolotherapy and

related treatments. With the growing buzz about these novel approaches to nerve,

tendon, muscle, and cartilage repair, it's time to get it from the expert himself.

Can simple dextrose, injected into a tendon or ligament, really regenerate tissue

without scarring? And further, what nearly instantaneous results can reportedly be

seen when nerves themselves are targeted? Tune in for your weekly injection of

knowledge!

Many changes occur in this episode of Iron Radio, but with your help, the

aural goodness is still rocking! Bear with the audio level variations and mic pops

as the guys get it down - and let everyone know what you think on the Iron Radio

Facebook Page. Rob, occasionally absent nowadays, submits his first ever CD review

from the Great White North. There is no escaping the Mighty Fortress! Dr. L covers

some actual science about the interaction between musical stimuli and the nervous

system, and Phil lays down some ways that he uses music at Strength Guild. Get in on

the info., tips and suggestions. Lonnie and Phil also offer some of their own

favorite bands and tunes. What's motivating them lately? Find out! Tune in for a

discussion of all things music and metal!

Do you take supplements or stimulants before training? Which ones work?

Doctoral Candidate Jon Mike joins the guys to discuss a large list of pre-workout

ingredients, nutrients and drugs. Substances that get attention include caffeine,

ephedrine, clenbuterol, synephrine, arginine, creatine, carnosine, bicarbonate,

beta-alanine, ammonia smelling salts, and more. The focus is on the scientific

evidence and the conversation sticks to products that are specifically used for

performance boosts. Time for some sciencey and practical knowledge bombs!

This week has the guys swinging the pendulum back to straight up metal

talk. Phil just had his big meet, that's been months in the making, and he shares

his experiences. The Topic of the Day is a spin off of Coach Stevens' meet, and

delves into peaking for events. There's plenty to ponder. What's the best time frame

for a final peaking cycle? Are there simple tips and tricks for the final two days

before a contest? What does the science say about burning out adrenalin receptors

prematurely? There's also discussion on the trade off between feeling good

orthopedically versus neurally, last minute goofball mistakes that some guys do to

make up for poor preparation, and more. Grab a Monster energy drink and pull up a

bench for some shop talk!

Join a travel-weary Dr. Lowery as he interviews Professor Jeremy Fransen

about the recent ASEP conference, and about research happening at his university.

Before getting into too much science, Dr. Fransen shares his background and

interests in competitive strongman events and in bodybuilding. Then listen for gold

nuggets in the science that ensues. Topics include carb metabolism, inflammation,

creatine, testosterone, multiple tips to acutely boost strength, intermittent

fasting, and caffeine. This is a longer episode, despite the lack of sleep for both

of these gentlemen, so enjoy!

Who were your mentors? What did they teach you? After some news, Dr. L,

Phil, and Fortress talk about influences and guides that affected them. News topics

range from controversy over ibuprofen as a strength booster, to high-glycemic carb

concerns, to Fortress' public opinions on metal and bodybuilding, to Olympic lifters

on the Biggest Loser show. Then, during the Topic of the Day, the guys wax

philosophical about their own role models and mentors. The experience of disciplined

instruction, the importance of multiple mentors, the power of music, and plenty more

get attention. Join the conversation and think about who has influenced YOU!