
The Dan John Podcast EP 348 - ABF, Fat Loss, Single KB Training, KB Jerk, Mobility, Squats & More
Apr 23, 2026
Conversations cover high‑rep kettlebell jerks and whether they belong in risk‑managed training. Single kettlebell and single‑side methods for strength, fat loss, and mobility get practical programming tips. Converting the Armor Building Formula to dumbbells and fixing squat limitations are discussed. Travel‑friendly workouts and time‑crunched, family‑friendly routines round out the talk.
34:15
Read Specific Classics To Build Perspective
- Read widely for cultural and moral perspective, including Dickens, The Declaration of Independence, Sherlock Holmes, and Luke to deepen thinking.
- Dan John recommends noting menus, guests, and points of meals in Luke to study social dynamics and human relationships.
Double Kettlebell Jerks Build Extreme Density
- High-rep double kettlebell clean-and-jerk routines are extremely taxing but effective for total-body density work.
- Dan recalls doing up to 20 reps with double 24s/32s and describes the breathing and fatigue like a locomotive.
Garage Prep For High Rep Clean and Jerks
- Dan recounts prepping with double clean-and-jerks and cleaning from the hinge to overhead, noting the noise and exhaustion.
- He describes training in his garage, reaching high reps, and his dog Lexi worrying he might die.
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Intro
00:00 • 7min
Listener Question: Kettlebell Jerk Safety
06:36 • 2min
Pavel's Methods and Clean-and-Jerk Work
08:57 • 3min
Practical Experience With High-Rep Jerks
11:40 • 3min
Single Kettlebell Training Question
14:10 • 59sec
Single-Side ABC Guidance
15:10 • 4min
Dumbbell Version of Armor Building
18:45 • 2min
Travel-Friendly Strength Tips
20:32 • 3min
Squats Limiting ABF Progress
23:45 • 1min
Progressions and Weekly Structure Suggestions
25:10 • 3min
Training with Limited Time and Family Needs
28:02 • 2min
Humane Burpee and Practical Workouts
29:54 • 4min
Outro
33:28 • 19sec
#7832
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
armor building formula


Dan John

#51434
The Russian Kettlebell Challenge

Pavel Satsaline

#138
• Mentioned in 149 episodes
A Christmas carol


Jacqueline Goldfinger
Jacqueline Goldfinger's adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' is a family-friendly version that includes music, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences.
This play retains the core themes and characters of the original while adding a musical element to enhance the storytelling and emotional impact.

#2550
• Mentioned in 19 episodes
The Gospel of Luke


Luke the Evangelist
The Gospel of Luke is the third Gospel in the New Testament and provides a detailed account of Jesus Christ's life, ministry, death, and resurrection.
Luke, who was not an eyewitness to Jesus' ministry but carefully investigated everything from the beginning, wrote this Gospel to give believers an accurate and chronological understanding of Jesus' life.
The book emphasizes Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost (Lk 19:10) and highlights his interactions with various groups, including the poor, outcasts, and marginalized.
It also situates Jesus' life within the broader context of the Roman Empire, contrasting Jesus with the Roman Emperor Augustus to emphasize Jesus' role as the true savior of the world.
#7832
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
armor building formula


Dan John

#
The Complete Calvin and Hobbes


Bill Watterson
The Complete Calvin and Hobbes is a definitive collection of all strips from Bill Watterson's beloved comic series.
Published in October 2005, the hardcover boxset contains three volumes featuring all Calvin and Hobbes strips in both color and black and white, weighing 22.
5 pounds total. A paperback version with four books is also available.

#193
• Mentioned in 122 episodes
The Road


Tom Stechschulte


Cormac McCarthy
The Road is set in a world that has been devastated by an unspecified cataclysmic event, resulting in the extinction of nearly all life on Earth.
The story follows an unnamed father and his young son as they travel south along the road, carrying their meager possessions and a pistol with only two bullets.
The father, suffering from a worsening respiratory condition, is determined to protect his son from the dangers of their new world, including cannibalistic marauders.
Along their journey, they encounter various survivors, some of whom are cruel and others who show kindness.
The novel explores themes of love, survival, and the preservation of humanity in a world devoid of hope.
Ultimately, the father's health fails, and he dies, but not before ensuring his son's safety with a new family who may offer a chance for a better future.

#3255
• Mentioned in 15 episodes
The Declaration of Independence
A Global History


Terence M. Stanton
The Declaration of Independence: A Global History by David Armitage examines the document's global significance and its influence on other declarations of independence.
The book discusses how the American Declaration inspired similar documents worldwide, highlighting its structure, language, and the broader global context in which it was written.
It also delves into the various interpretations and adaptations of the Declaration across different historical periods and regions.
#32369
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Return of the Kettlebell


Pavel Tsatsouline
'Return of the Kettlebell' is a fitness guide that builds on Pavel Tsatsouline’s earlier work, focusing on advanced kettlebell techniques and training methodologies.
The book provides detailed programs for developing strength, power, and endurance using kettlebells, emphasizing the importance of proper form and progressive overload.
Tsatsouline introduces advanced drills and routines designed to challenge experienced kettlebell users, including specialized workouts for specific fitness goals.
The book also covers mobility exercises and injury prevention strategies to ensure long-term training success.
It serves as a comprehensive resource for those seeking to maximize their kettlebell training and achieve higher levels of physical performance.

#14871
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Mass made simple

Dan John
Mass Made Simple is a strength and conditioning program designed to help athletes and individuals gain muscle mass and strength.
The program focuses on simple, effective exercises and a structured approach to nutrition.
It involves high-volume training with compound exercises and emphasizes the importance of proper diet and recovery.
This program can be particularly useful for those seeking to increase their overall size and power.

#416
• Mentioned in 75 episodes
The Godfather


Mario Puzo
Published in 1969, 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo is a crime novel that follows the story of the Corleone family, one of the Five Families of the New York Mafia.
The novel spans from the early life of Vito Corleone to the rise of his youngest son, Michael, as the new Don. The story explores themes of loyalty, power, and violence as the family navigates internal conflicts, external threats, and the transition of leadership.
Michael, initially reluctant to join the family business, becomes deeply involved after an assassination attempt on his father and eventually succeeds Vito as the head of the family.
The novel is known for its realistic portrayal of organized crime and its impact on the characters' personal lives.

#3958
• Mentioned in 13 episodes
The Sign of the Four

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
The Sign of the Four, published in 1890, is the second Sherlock Holmes novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
The story begins with Miss Mary Morstan seeking Holmes' help regarding a series of mysterious pearls she has received.
The investigation leads to a complex plot involving service in India, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, a stolen treasure, and a secret pact among four convicts and two corrupt prison guards.
The novel explores themes of betrayal, revenge, love, and justice, while showcasing Holmes's remarkable sleuthing abilities.
It also introduces Doctor Watson's future wife, Mary Morstan, and humanizes Holmes by revealing his drug habit and personal struggles.

#5836
• Mentioned in 9 episodes
How the Irish Saved Civilization
The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe


Thomas Cahill
In this book, Thomas Cahill explores how Ireland's conversion to Christianity and the efforts of Irish monks and scribes were instrumental in preserving classical knowledge during the Dark Ages.
The book details how St. Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland, leading to a culture of literacy and learning that allowed Irish monks to copy and preserve manuscripts of Greek and Latin writers.
These monks played a pivotal role in maintaining Western civilization by safeguarding classical texts and disseminating knowledge throughout Europe as the Dark Ages gave way to the Medieval Age. The narrative also highlights the influence of Irish Christianity on the continent, including the establishment of monasteries and the spread of Irish culture and learning.

#10615
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
Death on the Nile

Agatha Christie
In 'Death on the Nile,' Hercule Poirot is on a tranquil cruise along the Nile when the tranquility is shattered by the murder of Linnet Ridgeway, a young, wealthy, and beautiful socialite.
Linnet had recently married Simon Doyle, who was previously engaged to her friend Jacqueline de Bellefort, leading to a bitter and vengeful Jacqueline.
As Poirot investigates, he uncovers a complex plot involving multiple suspects, hidden identities, and a series of events that lead to further murders.
The novel is characteristic of Christie's style, with layered character interactions and unexpected revelations that keep the reader guessing until the very end.

#78369
The speckled band
The Speckled Band

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Helen Stoner seeks Sherlock Holmes' help fearing for her life after her sister Julia's mysterious death, marked by a strange whistle and mention of a 'speckled band.
' Holmes investigates the abusive Dr. Grimesby Roylott at Stoke Moran, discovering clues like a dummy bell-rope, ventilator, and saucer of milk.
Roylott used a venomous Indian swamp adder, lured by a whistle, to kill for inheritance; the snake ultimately kills him instead.

#839
• Mentioned in 45 episodes
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone


J.K. Rowling
The story follows Harry Potter, an orphan who lives with his abusive Muggle (non-magical) relatives.
On his eleventh birthday, Harry learns he is a wizard and begins attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
There, he makes friends with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger and together they face the attempted comeback of the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry's parents and seeks the powerful Philosopher's Stone to gain immortality.
Along the way, Harry must navigate the magical world, confront his enemies, and protect the Stone from falling into Voldemort's hands.
00:00 - Intro
00:48 - Dan John's Personal Reading List You Need to Know
06:33 - Are High-Rep Kettlebell Jerks Too Risky?
14:09 - Single Kettlebell Training for Strength, Fat Loss, and Mobility
18:43 - How to Run the Armor Building Formula With Dumbbells
23:43 - Fixing Squats as the Limiting Factor in the Armor Building Formula
27:57 - Building “Dad Armor” with Kettlebells
► Personalized workouts based on your schedule, ability, and equipment options. http://www.DanJohnUniversity.com.
► If you're interested in getting coached by Dan personally, go to http://DanJohnInnerCircle.com to apply for his private coaching group.
► Go to ArmorBuildingFormula.com to get Dan's latest book.
00:48 - Dan John's Personal Reading List You Need to Know
06:33 - Are High-Rep Kettlebell Jerks Too Risky?
14:09 - Single Kettlebell Training for Strength, Fat Loss, and Mobility
18:43 - How to Run the Armor Building Formula With Dumbbells
23:43 - Fixing Squats as the Limiting Factor in the Armor Building Formula
27:57 - Building “Dad Armor” with Kettlebells
► Personalized workouts based on your schedule, ability, and equipment options. http://www.DanJohnUniversity.com.
► If you're interested in getting coached by Dan personally, go to http://DanJohnInnerCircle.com to apply for his private coaching group.
► Go to ArmorBuildingFormula.com to get Dan's latest book.
