This episode almost didn't happen. With Omar away, the Erics left to figure out how to do an episode of Iron Culture on their own, and nearly got stuck waiting forever for someone to say "Eric." But, cooler heads prevailed and they found their way into a thoughtful, introspective, and nostalgic conversation. While both Trexler and Helms ended up taking very similar paths in life when you look at the outcome - competitive bodybuilders with PhDs in exercise-related fields who communicate science - their motivations and perspectives are actually quite unique. In this episode, you'll learn how someone can find themself competing in the wacky sport/art we call bodybuilding, and what that experience can become, in terms of a cathartic outlet, a personal identity, a career, or even a science experiment. The meaning, in something as odd as flexing in posing trunks on stage, can be quite impactful, and quite personal. So tune in to this episode to learn about the personal history of and the meaning found in both Erics' competitive journeys.

00:00 The Erics' introduction to bodybuilding and their newbie gains

07:22 Choosing the natural route and closing the door on prohormones and steroids

20:17 Trexler's motivation to compete

27:57 Helms' experience with sports and getting bitten by the iron bug

37:31 Helms' initial obsession with bodybuilding and the turning point

46:09 Helms' academic journey

Kalm 2005 They starved so that others be better fed: remembering Ancel Keys and the Minnesota experiment https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15930436/

59:35 The art, culture, and community of natural bodybuilding

Kind 2023 Is bodybuilding a sport? https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00948705.2023.2234978

1:07:53 The voice of insecurity and believing what is actually possible

1:18:49 What's next for both Erics

1:30:47 Closing out the episode with some imagery