Matt and Brian dive into a 16-year-old study examining whether popping melatonin before a workout boosts performance, recovery, or just messes with your sleep cycle. Then, they tackle another classic paper pitting statins’ cholesterol-lowering superpowers against their sneaky side effect of muscle loss—does the heart health win outweigh the gym gains? Expect evidence-based breakdowns, bro-science debunking, and plenty of bar-loading banter.

Join Matt and guest host Bryan Keller on Loading the Bar as they tackle cutting-edge health topics! We explore a groundbreaking Ohio State study showing a ketogenic diet slashing depression symptoms by up to 71% in college students. Then, we dive into a polarizing autopsy review linking 73.9% of 325 deaths to COVID-19 vaccines, unpacking vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) and more. From metabolic psychiatry to vaccine safety debates, this episode is loaded with insights! Tune in and let’s lift the bar on health discussions.

In Episode 62 of Loading The Bar Podcast, Bryan Keller steps in as guest host for Parker, joining Matt to unpack heavy-hitting topics. First, they dive into the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and the unsettling aftermath that’s left them troubled about the future—a stark reflection of the divisive nature gripping society. Then, they shift gears to explore two groundbreaking studies: a 2017 Framingham Heart Study revealing that daily diet soda consumption nearly triples the risk of Alzheimer’s and ischemic stroke, even after adjusting for lifestyle factors, and UNICEF’s 2025 Child Nutrition Report, which exposes a global health crisis where childhood obesity (9.4%) has surpassed underweight (9.2%) for the first time, with 188 million kids obese and $4 trillion in projected health costs by 2035. From corporate-driven junk food ads to the lifelong consequences of early obesity, Matt and Bryan break down these alarming trends and what they mean for our future. Tune in for a raw, thought-provoking discussion that’s equal parts wake-up call and call to action.

Available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more.

In episode 61 of the Loading The Bar Podcast, guest host Bryan Keller joins cohost Matt Wasko for an engaging, highly informative, and thought-provoking conversation. The duo delves into two significant studies with enthusiasm and depth. The first study examines the relationship between protein intake and cancer, thoroughly unpacking its implications for health, mortality, and disease prevention. Bryan brings vibrant energy to this compelling discussion, offering valuable insights. The second study takes center stage, analyzing whether AI could revolutionize or even replace health coaches and personal trainers in the fitness industry. They explore AI’s potential to transform fitness, its current limitations, and the broader societal impacts, including effects on jobs, human interaction, and the future of wellness. This episode stands out as a dynamic and insightful exploration of cutting-edge science and technology, making it a must-listen for those interested in health and innovation.

Join us for Episode 60, where guest cohost Bryan steps in for Parker, and alongside Matt, they kick things off with a tasty discussion about the new Prima protein bar. Then, dive into the science as they break down two fascinating studies: one exploring how ketogenesis combats metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease through mechanisms beyond fat oxidation, and another revealing the links between alcohol consumption and brain gray and white matter volumes from the UK Biobank. Tune in for engaging banter and fitness insights every week! Subscribe now for your dose of health, science, and nutrition. #LoadingTheBar #FitnessPodcast #HealthScience

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Loading the Bar Podcast! In this 59th episode, hosts Matt and Parker dive into their top favorite exercises—sharing personal favorites as well as those that have made a significant impact on their clients' progress. But first, they kick things off with an exhilarating recap of Matt's recent performance at the national championship competition. Tune in as he shares his experiences, challenges faced, and lessons learned from this high-stakes event. Don’t miss out—hit play and discover how to maximize your training with exercises that really work!

Light up your Independence Spirit with Loading the Bar! Hosts Bryan Kelleher and Matt Wasko unpack explosive claims in resistance training and nutrition, determining which are Fireworks (proven winners) or Fizzles (overblown myths). This episode dives into coffee’s role in boosting strength and recovery—does it spark faster muscle refueling and less soreness, or is it just hype? We’ll also tackle training to failure, supersets, and more, ensuring you don’t burn out early in your workouts. Tune in to ignite your fitness journey.

In this thought-provoking episode of Loading the Bar, guest host Brian Keller steps in for Parker as Matt and Brian dive into a critical discussion about vaping and marijuana use, particularly focusing on their effects on mental and physical performance. Drawing from personal experiences, Matt shares poignant stories about family members who have faced significant challenges due to vaping, highlighting its damaging impact on mental health and lung function. Together, they explore the broader implications of these substances in the world of sports and fitness. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that sheds light on the realities behind vaping trends and their potential consequences for athletes at all levels. Don’t miss this enlightening episode that combines personal insights with important health discussions!