Eric Helms-On Fighting Scientific Nihilism, The Responsibilities of Science Communicators, & The Intersection Between Academia, Coaching, & Personal Athletic Performance [#41]

Eric Helms is a strength and physique sports scientist who specializes in coaching strength athletes and bodybuilding/physique competitors. He was my first exposure to the science based fitness community and had a profound impact on how I think about evidence based practice, personal performance, and fitness.

[0:15] How Eric positioned himself to be a science communicator, academic, and coach

[10:35] What are the unique mis-incentives for people in Eric’s position as science communicator, academic and coach?

[19:30] Sometimes acknowledging your expert limitations in public may not be enough

[24:15] The value of the renaissance person in science communication

[27:00] The nuance of distinguishing experts from pseudo-experts

[28:15] The importance of asking “What if I’m wrong?”

[29:45] The way you fight science nihilism in the fitness community is by developing an understanding of relevance

[42:15] What does Eric want his legacy to be like in today’s information economy as a science communicator?