

The Dan John Podcast
Dan John
Conversations on strength, health, fitness, life, coaching, and anything else that comes up.Dan John has spent his life with one foot in the world of lifting and throwing, and the other foot in academia. An All-American discus thrower, Dan has also competed at the highest levels of Olympic lifting, Highland Games and the Weight Pentathlon, an event in which he holds the American record.Dan has written 14 books and has been coaching for over 40 years. He is a wealth of knowledge and is happy to share it freely.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 1, 2026 • 1h
EP 332 - ABF, Minimalist Training, Rebuilding Strength, Clean, Press, and Snatch & More
The discussion dives into whether elite athletes really need to lift weights, sparking debate with fascinating examples. Minimalist training is explored, highlighting efficiency with a six-movement program. Dan shares wisdom on rebuilding strength after injuries, emphasizing patience and progressive resistance. He offers actionable tips for maintaining consistency in workouts during hectic times. The clean, press, and snatch are presented as a versatile training program, with insights on mastering techniques and alternatives.

Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 8min
EP 331 - Heavy KB Swings, ABF, Offset vs DB KBs, Mobility, KB Press, Goblet Squats & More
Discover the art of transitioning to the barbell Armor Building Formula with expert tips on easing into new movements. Explore the advantages of using offset kettlebells for enhanced stability and proper techniques. Dan shares effective warm-up routines tailored for young athletes and the dynamic use of kettlebells on recovery days. Learn about the Goblet Squat Hold as a foundation test and strategies for improving hip mobility. Delve into the nuances of heavy kettlebell swings and the benefits of controlled versus explosive pressing.

Dec 22, 2025 • 57min
EP 330 - ABF Progression, Barbells, Lift & Sprint Training, Marathons, Practical Strength & More
Discover the value of investing in an Olympic barbell for your home gym. Explore the unique benefits of lift-and-sprint training and get practical advice on shoe choices. Dan shares insights from his lifelong athletic journey and the importance of quests. Learn how to blend marathon training with strength work effectively. Plus, find out how to train effectively with just one kettlebell and different ways to progress in workouts. Finally, get tips on helping young athletes handle competition nerves.

Dec 11, 2025 • 40min
EP 329 - Planning Your Next Training Year, Squats, Dad Strength, ABC, Bench Press & More
00:00 - Intro00:43 - Planning Your Training Year12:36 - Are Squats Dangerous for Your Knees?18:51 - Building Carrying Strength for Family26:07 - Progressing ABC Without Heavier Bells30:12 - Who Really Needs the Bench Press?► 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.

Dec 4, 2025 • 42min
EP 328 - Easy Strength, Maintaining Muscle, Fat Loss, Walking, ABF, Loaded Carries & More
00:00 - Intro00:47 - Dan John on Loaded Carries on the Back09:22 - The Benefit of Olympic Lifts for Performance16:06 - Alternatives to Walking After Lifting23:05 - Easy Strength Success Story26:17 - Balancing Easy Strength for Fat Loss and Armor Building Formula32:00 - Maintaining Muscle After 50► 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.

Nov 27, 2025 • 32min
EP 327 - Norwegian 4×4, ABF, Double vs Single ABC, Easy Strength, Uneven KB Training & More
00:00 - Intro00:34 - Which Programs to Use With Limited Weights08:19 - Combining Easy Strength, ABF, and Norwegian 4×413:21 - Strength Training After Paralysis17:46 - Fixing Shoulder Pain With Daily Hanging22:03 - Double vs Single ABC24:48 - Simple Nutrition Tracking With Journals28:11 - Using Uneven Kettlebells in the ABC► 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.

Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 3min
EP 326 - Longevity, Switching Programs, WTH Effect, ABC, Fat Loss, Loaded Carries
Explore dynamic strategies for longevity and strength training, including a two-day Armor Building strategy and rest tips for loaded carries. Discover the 'What the Heck Effect' for aging athletes and practical longevity habits like sleep and hydration. Learn why switching programs every 6-8 weeks can boost progress and how to balance general strength with specialized training. Whether you're a seasoned lifter or just starting, get valuable insights tailored for all ages!

Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 10min
EP 325 - ABF, Building Strength After 55, Losing Fat, Bulletproof Joints, Sleep & Recovery
00:00 - Intro00:52 - Dan John on the Value of the Chest Expander06:24 - Easy Strength and Armor Building Formula for Pickleball14:15 - Overhead Squat Mobility16:01 - Building Strong Tendons and Ligaments Over Time22:51 - Improving Sleep and Recovery with Sauna30:58 - Armor Building Formula for Adult Athletes34:17 - Dan John's Training Journals for Progress50:38 - The Right Way to Train and Lose Fat59:21 - Building Strength and Fitness After 55► 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.

Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 1min
EP 324 - KB Press, Rite of Passage, Easy Strength, ABC, Walking, Minimalism, Fat Loss & More
Discover the benefits of walking after lifting for fat loss and back health. Learn how to transition from single to double kettlebell training and explore optimal rep schemes for fat loss. Identify your fitness gaps for lifelong health with practical assessments. Dive into minimalist kettlebell workouts tailored for busy schedules and find out how to combine various lifts with other training elements. Plus, hear insights on defining 'enough' to avoid diminishing returns in your fitness journey.

Oct 30, 2025 • 51min
EP 323 - ABF, Squats, Original Strength, Loaded Carries, Rack & Deficit Deadlifts & More
00:00 - Intro01:07 - Rack Deadlifts, Deficit Deadlifts, and Quarter Squats10:44 - Combining ABF with Original Strength 19:22 - Working Out Twice a Day28:21 - Dan John's Workout Structure for His Training Groups35:58 - Best Squat Alternatives41:17 - How a Well-Knitted Life Makes You Leaner and Healthier► 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.


