Initial Reactions to the New Dietary Guidelines: Insights from Iron Radio Hosts

In this episode of Iron Radio, hosts Coach Phil Stevens, Dr. Lonnie Lowery, and Dr. Mike T. Nelson discuss their first impressions of the new dietary guidelines. They critique the visual representation of the guidelines, debate the role of whole foods and protein in American diets, and explore the practicality of these guidelines for the general population. The conversation delves into how the guidelines compare to past versions and those of other countries, and highlights the challenges in encouraging healthier eating and exercise habits.

00:00 Introduction to Iron Radio

00:34 Hosts Introduction and Credentials

01:05 Initial Reactions to New Dietary Guidelines

02:04 Critique of the Food Pyramid

03:51 Visual and Practical Issues with the Pyramid

05:35 Historical Context and Comparisons

10:11 Global Food Guides and Final Thoughts

16:45 Global Food Guides: A Comparative Look

18:35 Iron Radio's New Broadcast and Syndication

19:46 Dr. Mike T. Nelson's Free Daily Newsletter

20:26 Upcoming Book on Dietary Supplements

21:31 Bodybuilder Diets and Practicality

25:10 The Role of Exercise in Nutrition

32:46 Reactions to the New Dietary Guidelines

Donate to the show via PayPal HERE.

You can also join Dr Mike's Insider Newsletter for more info on how to add muscle, improve your performance and body comp - all without destroying your health, go to www.ironradiodrmike.com

Thank you!

Phil, Jerrell, Mike T, and Lonnie

Gym Characters: The Good, The Bad, and The Hilarious | Iron Radio 2026

In the first episode of 2026, the hosts of Iron Radio— Coach Phil Stevens, Dr. Lonnie Lowery, and Dr. Mike T. Nelson—return with vibrant discussions on strength training and sports nutrition. Starting off, they address an email from a listener about the recent concerns on heavy metals in protein supplements. The episode then dives into a humorous and somewhat critical exploration of various "gym characters" we've all encountered. From "bench bouncers'" to "excessive warm-up guys," and the overlooked but impressive "strong, quiet types," the hosts detail the quirks and etiquettes (or lack thereof) in today's gym culture. Tune in for expert insights, funny anecdotes, and thought-provoking commentary on the evolving landscape of strength sports.

00:00 Introduction to Iron Radio

00:38 Meet the Hosts

01:12 Reflecting on 17 Years of Podcasting

01:30 Listener Email: Heavy Metals in Protein Powders

04:18 Gym Characters: The Warm-Up Enthusiasts

05:43 Gym Characters: The Equipment Campers

07:32 Gym Characters: The Bad Advice Givers

11:16 Gym Characters: The Screamers and the Silent Strong

17:54 A Close Call in the Gym

19:03 Iron Radio's New Broadcast Network

20:14 Dr. Mike T. Nelson's Free Daily Newsletter

20:55 Upcoming Book on Dietary Supplements

21:59 Training Spotters and Gym Etiquette

22:44 Gym Characters and Etiquette

25:51 The Rise of Gym Filming

29:33 Bodybuilding Gym Culture

31:49 Women in Strength Training

33:27 Final Thoughts and New Year Wishes

Donate to the show via PayPal HERE.

You can also join Dr Mike's Insider Newsletter for more info on how to add muscle, improve your performance and body comp - all without destroying your health, go to www.ironradiodrmike.com

Thank you!

Phil, Jerrell, Mike T, and Lonnie

Iron Radio Year in Review 2025 and Predictions for 2026: Peptides, Trends, and More!

Welcome to another episode of Iron Radio! Hosts Coach Phil Stevens, Dr. Mike T. Nelson, and Dr. Lonnie Lowery come together to review the key trends in strength sports and sports nutrition for the year 2025 and make predictions for 2026. They discuss the growing focus on aesthetics over performance, especially among younger athletes, and share insights on the rise of peptide supplements. The conversation also delves into the future of sports nutrition, the role of technology in personal health metrics, and how social media influences the fitness industry. If you're interested in what the future holds for strength training, sports nutrition, and the supplement market, this episode is packed with valuable perspectives and expert analysis.

00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions

01:07 Reflections on Academia and Career Shifts

01:45 Year in Review: 2025 Highlights

03:09 The Peptide Craze and Supplement Market

08:03 Regulations and Market Dynamics

12:53 Aesthetics vs. Performance in Strength Sports

16:43 The Shift from Aesthetics to Strength

17:20 The Rise of CrossFit and Its Impact

17:36 The Arnold vs. The Olympia

18:11 Iron Radio's New Broadcast and Syndication

20:04 Upcoming Book on Dietary Supplements

21:30 Active Nutrition and Market Trends

23:01 The Future of Mitochondrial Health and Longevity

23:49 The Nervous System and Wearable Devices

26:41 The Role of Personalized Nutrition

30:13 Caffeine Alternatives and Their Effects

33:00 Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics

34:01 Predictions for Sports Nutrition Trends

34:57 High Rocks vs. CrossFit

36:34 Listener Feedback and Conclusion

Donate to the show via PayPal HERE.

You can also join Dr Mike's Insider Newsletter for more info on how to add muscle, improve your performance and body comp - all without destroying your health, go to www.ironradiodrmike.com

Thank you!

Phil, Jerrell, Mike T, and Lonnie

Iron Radio: Hypertrophy, Training Strategies, and Nuanced Insights with Ben Mayfield Smith

Welcome back to Iron Radio! In this episode, Dr. Mike T. Nelson covers for the regular hosts and brings on his friend, Australian bodybuilder Ben Mayfield-Smith. Currently prepping for an upcoming bodybuilding competition, Ben dives deep into topics related to hypertrophy, exercise selection, queuing, and more. The discussion covers detailed insights about optimizing hypertrophy through various training strategies, the importance of maintaining body composition, and the role of secondary factors like aerobic capacity. Ben also shares his experiences with new training methodologies and addressing muscle imbalances. Tune in for an in-depth conversation that offers practical tips and advanced knowledge on building muscle, ensuring effective recovery, and refining your training regimen.

00:00 Introduction to Iron Radio

00:34 Special Guest: Ben Mayfield Smith

02:08 Bodybuilding Competition Prep Insights

05:05 Training Techniques and Strategies

14:37 Debating Hypertrophy Research

29:20 Iron Radio Updates and Announcements

43:55 Applying Research to Training

44:37 Misconceptions in Stretch-Based Hypertrophy

45:29 Effective Training Techniques

49:16 Specificity in Training Programs

54:33 Rep Schemes and Muscle Group Responses

01:05:39 Secondary Factors in Hypertrophy

01:13:33 Unconventional Exercises for Hypertrophy

01:19:41 Conclusion and Resources

Donate to the show via PayPal HERE.

You can also join Dr Mike's Insider Newsletter for more info on how to add muscle, improve your performance and body comp - all without destroying your health, go to www.ironradiodrmike.com

Thank you!

Phil, Jerrell, Mike T, and Lonnie

State Regulations Threaten Dietary Supplements: Iron Radio Hosts Discuss the Impact

In this episode of Iron Radio, hosts Coach Phil Stevens, Dr. Lonnie Lowery, and Dr. Mike T. Nelson discuss a recent article by Kyle Turk concerning the growing legislative efforts by states to restrict dietary supplements, notably those used in strength sports. The discussion covers the impact of these regulations on consumer access to supplements like creatine and caffeine, the historical context of such laws, and the potential future of supplement availability. The hosts also touch on the broader implications for research and individual responsibility in navigating supplement choices.

01:11 Discussion on Dietary Supplements

01:30 State Legislation Impact on Supplements

02:50 Consumer Perspective on Supplement Bans

03:09 Historical Context and Regulatory Changes

03:59 Creatine and Misconceptions

06:14 Debate on Supplement Regulation

07:39 Pharmaceutical Influence and Market Dynamics

12:08 Personal Responsibility vs. Regulation

14:12 Understanding Public Education and Legitimate Sources

14:53 Evaluating Health Information Online

16:06 Challenges in Medical Research and Regulation

17:27 Funding and Research Biases

20:52 Legal and Regulatory Issues in Supplementation

Donate to the show via PayPal HERE.

You can also join Dr Mike's Insider Newsletter for more info on how to add muscle, improve your performance and body comp - all without destroying your health, go to www.ironradiodrmike.com

Thank you!

Phil, Jerrell, Mike T, and Lonnie

Iron Radio: Nutrition Missteps, Travel Tales, and Women's Protein Needs - Episode Recap

Welcome to another episode of Iron Radio! Your hosts, Coach Phil Stevens, Dr. Mike T. Nelson, and Dr. Lonnie Lowery dive into a mix of topics from their personal travel stories to critical insights on sports nutrition and training. This episode highlights a recent study on the effects of protein ingestion in recreationally active young females post-resistance exercise, underscoring that an additional 20 grams of whey or canola protein did not significantly increase muscle protein synthesis rates. The team also reflects on their past training and nutrition mistakes, emphasizing the importance of adequate caloric intake, understanding body signals during training, and the differences in protein needs between men and women. Join them for an engaging discussion, full of practical advice for both lifters and coaches.

00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions

00:33 Travel and Personal Updates

02:47 Research Discussion: Protein Synthesis in Females

12:02 Break and Show Updates

15:07 Main Topic: If I Knew Then What I Know Now

28:54 Closing Remarks and Seasonal Greetings

Donate to the show via PayPal HERE.

You can also join Dr Mike's Insider Newsletter for more info on how to add muscle, improve your performance and body comp - all without destroying your health, go to www.ironradiodrmike.com

Thank you!

Phil, Jerrell, Mike T, and Lonnie

Holiday Gratitude and the Power of Coffee: Iron Radio Hosts Share Their Thanks

Join Coach Phil Stevens, Dr. Lonnie Lowery, and Dr. Mike T. Nelson for a special Thanksgiving episode of Iron Radio. The hosts discuss their gratitude for various aspects of strength sports and nutrition, including the benefits of coffee, the resilience of their bodies, and the evolution of fitness technology. Dive into topics ranging from historical coffee anecdotes to the impact of social media on fitness and the importance of maintaining bodily health. Filled with personal insights and practical tips, this episode is a celebration of gratitude in the fitness community.

01:11 Thankfulness and Coffee Talk

03:31 Coffee History and Industry Insights

08:17 Gratitude for Ruminant Animals

10:43 Appreciation for Physical Health

13:59 Lifting and Performance Reflections

15:49 Front Squat vs. Back Squat Debate

17:13 The Evolution of the Fitness Industry

18:27 Supplements and Functional Foods

20:59 The Role of Social Media in Fitness

24:16 Advancements in Fitness Technology

28:35 Thanksgiving Reflections and Cyber Week

Donate to the show via PayPal HERE.

You can also join Dr Mike's Insider Newsletter for more info on how to add muscle, improve your performance and body comp - all without destroying your health, go to www.ironradiodrmike.com

Thank you!

Phil, Jerrell, Mike T, and Lonnie

Iron Radio: Exploring the Science and Applications of Whole Body Vibration Training

Join hosts Coach Phil Stevens, Dr. Mike T. Nelson, and Dr. Lonnie Lowery in this episode of Iron Radio as they dive into the world of Whole Body Vibration Training (WBVT). They discuss a recent meta-analysis on the effectiveness of WBVT for body mass reduction. The hosts share their insights on muscle activation, neuromuscular, and metabolic benefits, and the potential age-related effects. They also explore the importance of mastering basics before tweaking methodologies and the value of learning from experienced professionals. Stay tuned for news, science, and practical insights for strength sports and sports nutrition enthusiasts.

01:57 Whole Body Vibration Training: A Deep Dive

04:59 Practical Applications and Personal Experiences

12:12 Iron Radio's New Format and Future Plans

15:10 The Path to Mastery in Strength and Conditioning

26:24 The Evolution of Supplements and GH Studies

27:28 The Importance of Experience and Learning from Mistakes

29:26 The Value of Mentorship and Direct Learning

32:48 The Role of Conferences and Networking

36:13 Balancing Theory and Practice in Training

39:57 Concluding Thoughts on Continuous Learning

Donate to the show via PayPal HERE.

You can also join Dr Mike's Insider Newsletter for more info on how to add muscle, improve your performance and body comp - all without destroying your health, go to www.ironradiodrmike.com

Thank you!

Phil, Jerrell, Mike T, and Lonnie