Barbell Shrugged - Talking Training W/ Crossfit Games Athletes, Strength Coaches & More

Andy Galpin, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Human Performance Center at Parker University. He is the Co-Director of the Center for Sport Performance and Founder/Director of the Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Physiology Laboratory. He is a Human Performance scientist with a PhD in Human Bioenergetics and over 100 peer-reviewed publications and presentations. Dr. Galpin has worked with elite athletes (including All-Star, All-Pro, MVP, Cy Young, Olympic Gold medalists, Major winners, World titlist/ contenders, etc.) across the UFC, MLB, NBA, PGA, NFL, Boxing, Olympics, and Military/Special Forces, and more. He is also a Co-founder of Vitality Blueprint, Absolute Rest, BioMolecular Athlete, and RAPID Health & Performance.   Work with RAPID Health Optimization Links: Dr. Andy Galpin Website Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

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 Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Lacey Dunn is a functional medicine dietitian with a fiery passion for helping women feel and look their very best! People call her their “Hormone Fairy Godmother” as my one mission in life is to help women go from surviving to thriving. Dunn has an obsession for all things hormones, thyroid, gut, and metabolism. Aka - a nerd. Dunn says her job is to help people like you to reclaim their health, hormones, and become the master of their own bodies. I am committed to help my clients take their life back into their control. As a functional medicine dietitian, Dunn is passionate about helping women because she has been in the trenches of hormonal chaos herself. Before discovering functional medicine, she was burnt out. Her hypothyroidism and cortisol issues left her suffering with chronic fatigue, random weight gain, hair loss, anxiety, and depression. Dunn had primary ammennrohea until age 25 (aka no menstrual cycle), and was left frustrated and confused. Her years of bodybuilding and weight training were no lon

In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: The optimal amount of water you need to drink in a day. The role of salt in optimal hydration Why your drinking a ton of water and still dehydrated Why dehydration is killing your progress in the gym Proper hydration and supplementation protocol Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

This week on Barbell Shrugged we are throwing it back to the first show where we met Dan Garner. We take the deep dive into strategies for naturally boosting testosterone levels. Key topics discussed include the importance of creating a comprehensive health profile with blood work, stool, urine, and saliva, which together offer a full picture of an individual's hormonal and metabolic state. By identifying micronutrient deficiencies and other physiological markers, these health professionals aim to address factors that directly impact testosterone production and overall vitality. The hosts discuss how maintaining a healthy body composition is crucial, as excess body fat can convert testosterone into estrogen, which impacts hormone balance. Additionally, managing stress levels and lowering cortisol—known to inhibit testosterone production—is emphasized. The episode also delves into how specific dietary adjustments and targeted supplements can help, along with psychological factors like confidence, which can pos

In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: Understanding the stress response system What is the function of cortisol Why you struggle adapting to stress The myth of adrenal fatigue The difference between chronic and acute stress on your physiology Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

On this episode of Barbell Shrugged, we’re diving into the keys for regaining speed and power—whether you’re coming off an injury, a long layoff, or just looking to level up your performance. Speed and power are foundational for athleticism, and they require a smart approach to rebuild. We’ll explore the science behind explosiveness, focusing on neural adaptations, muscle fiber recruitment, and how to maximize your fast-twitch capabilities. We’ll break down the importance of proper recovery, which is often overlooked but critical for regaining speed. You’ll learn about the best exercises to activate your central nervous system and enhance your power output, including plyometrics, sprints, and Olympic lifts. The podcast will cover progressive programming, designed to gradually increase intensity without overloading your body. We’ll also talk about mindset, discussing how to stay patient during the process and the role of consistency in your training. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just trying to get back

In this episode of Barbell Shrugged: Why micronutrients are the base of all chemical and hormonal reactions in the body Why micronutrients are responsible for total health and how good you feel Why micronutrients are overlooked and how this is detrimental to your health How do you know you are getting optimal micronutrients in your diet What your health is missing if you only track your macros Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Dr. Allan Bacon holds a Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland. He is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a certified nutritionist & physique/bodybuilding coach, a certified coach for USA Powerlifting, and has formulated professionally for industry-leading dietary supplement companies for over 15 years. You can find Allan’s written works in Muscle & Fitness, Sci-Fit, the Alan Aragon Research Review, The Personal Trainer Development Center, and more. His practice focuses on helping working adults master their physique, performance, mindset, and habits for lifelong, sustainable results. Work with RAPID Health Optimization Links: Work with Dr. Allan Bacon MauiAthletics.com Dr. Allan Bacon on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram  

In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: The role of testosterone in health and performance How micronutrient deficiencies can lead to sub-optimal testosterone levels How excess body fat turns testosterone into estrogen The relationship between cortisol and testosterone Practical advice on how to optimize your testosterone levels Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Serial Entrepreneur - Greg Scheinman has had not one but two seven-figure exits. He is a former partner at Insgroup, acquired by BRP (NASDAQ) and the founder and former CEO of Team Baby Entertainment, acquired by Michael Eisner of Disney. He was also the founder and CEO of ROW Studios, producer of two successful feature films, and advisor to multiple CPG brands. He is now the Founder & Face of Midlife Male, the premier digital media platform for middle aged men and the brands that want to reach them. Investor & Brand Ambassador - Greg is an investor in Huron, LMNT, Hone Health, MUDITA and Dish Society, and a brand ambassador for Rhone, Athletic Greens, Sunlighten Saunas, The Cold Plunge, HYDROW, CLIMBR and InsideTracker. Podcaster & Writer - Greg’s podcast The Midlife Male includes interviews with some of the world’s top performers, and is one of the most highly rated podcasts in the world. His weekly Midlife Male Newsletter has earned over 10,000 subscribers. Trusted Coach - Greg has coached more

In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged we introduce our newest coach at RAPID Health Optimization, the one and only, Travis Mash. Travis Mash’s first appearance on Barbell Shrugged dates back 8 years ago. He became a co-host in 2019. And finally, we have found the right opportunity to unite forces and we are fired up. Mash will lead strength and conditioning coaching for our professional athletes, utilizing decades of experience with players across the NFL, Team USA, UFC, and Boxing. Game on. Work with RAPID Health Optimization Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

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 Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Julia Mitchell is a functional nutritionist, bison rancher, and mother of two boys. She combines expertise in Muscle-Centric Medicine®, regenerative agriculture, nutrient density, and food quality to provide personalized nutrition and wellness solutions. She is passionate about helping individuals achieve optimal health, which involves sourcing and consuming the highest quality food, including grass-fed animal proteins and other foods that improve body composition and longevity while building soil and improving land quality. Alongside her husband, she raises grass-fed bison in Alberta, practicing and promoting regenerative practices and land stewardship Work with RAPID Health Optimization Work with Julia: Website Follow Julia on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

David Bidler is the President of Physiology First-an organization dedicated to teaching the science of health and human potential to youth and families around the world. Through partnerships with schools, free programs for youth, and the online Physiology First University platform David and his team are dedicated to creating a revolution in health education for the next generation. Physiology First built their flagship campus for community health and fitness education in Freeport, Maine in 2019. Physiology First is preparing to launch their next campus in the town of Sale, U.K on September 7th! David and his team are training coaches, educators, and healthcare leaders around the world through the Physiology First Certification Program to bring the Physiology First Approach to their communities! Work with RAPID Health Optimization Work with Physiology First Physiology First on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

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 Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Mike Matthews is a certified personal trainer and bestselling author of Bigger Leaner Stronger, Thinner Leaner Stronger, and Muscle for Life, as well as the founder of the #1 brand of all-natural sports supplements, Legion. His simple and science-based approach to building muscle, losing fat, and getting healthy has helped tens of thousands of people build their best body ever, and his work has been featured in many popular outlets including Esquire, Men’s Health, Elle, Women’s Health, Muscle & Strength, and more, as well as on FOX and ABC. Work with RAPID Health Optimization Legion Supplements Mike Matthews on X Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram  

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://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram  

Kirk Parsley served as an Undersea Medical Officer at Naval Special Warfare Group One from June 2009 to January 2013. While there, he led the development and supervised the group’s first Sports Medicine Rehabilitation center. He is a former SEAL, and received his Medical Degree from Bethesda, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS) in 2004. He interned in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Balboa Naval Hospital San Diego in 2005 and subsequently completed a Navy residency in Hyperbarics and Diving Medicine in 2006. Dr. Parsley has been a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine since 2006 and served as Naval Special Warfare’s expert on Sleep Medicine. In addition he is certified in hormonal modulation (Age-Management Medicine). After leaving the Navy he went into concierge medicine and consulting. He continues to consult for multiple corporations, and professional athletes/teams. Doctor Parsley lectures worldwide on sleep, wellness, and hormonal optimization and is currently completing a bo

In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged: Why adding water can help eliminate constipation Why “more fiber” may not be the answer to better bowels. Which magnesium supplement is optimal for reducing constipation. Why you need to buy a squatty potty for your best pooping position. How exercise improves motility. Why coffee and caffeine are important to morning movement The best natural stool bulkers Stool Softeners that you can get through your nutrition What are the best stool lubricants What are Osmotic Laxatives and how to add them to your nutrition Saline Laxatives for improved bowel function To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram