Physiology Friday: [Immune System] Why Optimal Nutrition Starts with the Immune System w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner
Release Date: 08/08/2025
The Path to IFBB Pro w/ Aaron Starker, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #814
Barbell Shrugged
Aaron Straker is a N.A.S.N. Licensed Primary Sports Nutritionist. He prefers a pragmatic approach to nutrition that focuses on simple food selection, the importance of nutrient density, and the importance of objectivity in dieting and reporting. Today on Barbell Shrugged we dive into Straker’s path to becoming and IFBB Pro. From injury, setbacks, discipline, and his transparent usage of performance enhancing drugs. He is the cohost of Eat, Train, Prosper podcast with Barbell Shrugged guest, Bryan Boorstein. Operating Straker Nutrition Company, he provides nutrition coaching programs and...
info_outline![Physiology Friday: [Brain Health] Science and Strategies for Optimizing Brain Health w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/192671060?height=50&width=50)
Physiology Friday: [Brain Health] Science and Strategies for Optimizing Brain Health w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash
Barbell Shrugged
In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged, we'll be discussing the various factors that impact brain health and exploring strategies for optimizing brain function. First, we'll be discussing the impact of exercise on brain health. Research has shown that regular exercise can help to improve brain function, enhance cognitive performance, and even reduce the risk of certain neurological disorders. We'll also be discussing the types of exercise that are most beneficial for the brain. Next, we'll be exploring the role of nutrition and supplements in promoting brain health. Certain foods and...
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How to Eliminate Back Pain w/ Dr. Melissa Capurro, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #813
Barbell Shrugged
Melissa is a performance physical therapist and is heavily involved in the CrossFit space as a healthcare provider, as well as an athlete. Melissa grew up in the Metropolitan New York area, but now resides in the Tampa Bay area. Upon graduating from PT school, Melissa started working in an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy practice, but was unsatisfied with what she was able to achieve there and the level of care provided for patients. At the time, she was coaching remotely and decided to break away form the clinic altogether, and opened up her own practice. Melissa is now a remote rehab...
info_outline![Physiology Friday: [Blood Work] High Performance Blood Chemistry w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/192447090?height=50&width=50)
Physiology Friday: [Blood Work] High Performance Blood Chemistry w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson
Barbell Shrugged
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...
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Hard Truths from a Lifetime of Training w/ Bryan Boorstein, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #812
Barbell Shrugged
Bryan Boorstein has 24 years of training and over 13 years of coaching experience. A 3-time CrossFit Regional athlete and CrossFit Games coach, Bryan holds a Bachelor of Science from JMU (2006) and certifications in CrossFit L-2 and Mobility. As the owner and founder of Evolved Training Systems and Paragon Training Methods, he’s a trusted name in fitness. Bryan’s been featured on ESPN Radio and numerous podcasts, and he hosts the Eat Train Prosper podcast, sharing expert insights on training and nutrition. Visit for more. Links:
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Physiology Friday: The Rhythm of Rest: Unlocking Sleep Potential Naturally w/ Dr. Chris Perry, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash
Barbell Shrugged
Dr. Christopher A. Perry, an Assistant Professor at Eastern Kentucky University, 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...
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The Truth About Energy Drinks w/ Flavia Pereira, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #811
Barbell Shrugged
Flavia is a passionate CISSN nutrition coach, full-time Exercise & Sport Science faculty member, and beach volleyball strength & nutrition coach. She has been teaching and coaching for the past 18 years. She graduated with a B.S. and M.S. in Kinesiology - Exercise Science and is pursuing her Ph.D. in Health & Human Performance. Flavia is part of the Rapid Health Optimization team as a nutritionist and a research team for the International Society of Sports Nutrition, participating in different projects related to ergogenic supplements. Flavia has been involved in athletics...
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Physiology Friday: How to Build a Killer Cardiovascular System w/ Dr. Mike T. Nelson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash
Barbell Shrugged
In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis sit down with Anders coach, Dr. Mike T. Nelson. For those that have followed the show, you know Anders has been in pursuit of running a sub-6 minute mile at the age of 40. Dr. Nelson is the coach Anders hired to help with that goal. In this episode the crew walks through program design, initial intake, and execution of how to build cardiovascular fitness. You will learn performance tests used to design Anders training program, how priorities are scheduled into a busy life, understanding higher intensity...
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When to Make Changes to Your Training w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #810
Barbell Shrugged
The crew breaks down how to know when it’s time to pivot your training. From bodybuilding and Olympic lifting to CrossFit, strongman, and martial arts, they share what decades under the bar have taught them about adapting for longevity, avoiding injury, and keeping fitness enjoyable. In this episode, you will learn: How to recognize when your training is no longer serving you Safer alternatives to Olympic lifts for maintaining speed and power Why jiu-jitsu has become the go-to sport for retired strength athletes How strongman-style training and outdoor labor can replace conventional...
info_outline![Physiology Friday: [Immune System] Why Optimal Nutrition Starts with the Immune System w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/191696760?height=50&width=50)
Physiology Friday: [Immune System] Why Optimal Nutrition Starts with the Immune System w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner
Barbell Shrugged
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: What is the immune system Why the immune system is responsible for building muscle How gut health impacts the immune system Understanding recovery and its impact on the immune system How to optimize your immune system for performance Visit Connect with our guests:
info_outlineIn this Episode of Barbell Shrugged:
- What is the immune system
- Why the immune system is responsible for building muscle
- How gut health impacts the immune system
- Understanding recovery and its impact on the immune system
- How to optimize your immune system for performance
Visit https://rapidhealthoptimization.com
Connect with our guests:
Coach Travis Mash on Instagram