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We are reclaiming what it means to be a man. Each week we interview the world's most successful men on the planet - elite athletes, warriors, New York Times Bestselling Authors, and world-class entrepreneurs – extract their hard-fought lessons and experiences and deliver them straight to you. Past guests include Jocko Willink, Tim Kennedy, Andy Frisella, Lewis Howes, Grant Cardone, Ryan Holiday, Ben Greenfield, Rich Roll, and so many more. If you're ready to level up your life as a man, this is the show for you.
- 2742 - Cornell: Where Have the Real Men Gone? | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler dives deep into the high-profile Cornell controversy to break down the critical differences between legal culpability, moral responsibility, and mainstream media narratives. Addressing the ongoing cultural attack on men, Ryan challenges the popular claim that masculinity itself is inherently toxic.
Instead, he explains the distinction between raw, amoral masculinity and mature, righteous manliness grounded in divine principles. Ryan calls on men to stop outsourcing their morality to institutions, start holding their peers accountable, and actively model strength, virtue, and leadership for the next generation. Tune in to explore what it truly takes to restore real men in today's society.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction & The Cornell Controversy
02:35 - Legal Culpability vs. Moral Responsibility
09:50 - Deconstructing Anti-Male Narratives
18:22 - Due Process and the Flaws of Public Opinion
25:50 - Masculinity vs. Manliness Defined
32:00 - The Role of Objective Morality and Righteousness
40:10 - Stop Outsourcing Your Sense of Morality
43:30 - Policing Our Own and Embracing Confrontation
47:09 - Raising the Next Generation & Modeling Virtuous Behavior
54:34 - Joining the Iron Council
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 02 Oct 2026 - 56min - 2741 - Daughters Who are Dating, Betrayed in Business, and Divided Faith at Home | ASK ME ANYTHING
Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle five questions from the Order of Man community in this episode of Ask Me Anything. They discuss making a major career change after decades in public service, finding forgiveness after betrayal, setting boundaries while serving family and friends, navigating different faiths within a marriage, and protecting a teenage daughter without damaging the relationship.
Along the way, Ryan and Kipp explore entrepreneurship, AI, service, martyrdom, grace, parenting, dating, and the importance of maintaining influence through trust rather than control.
The conversation also includes a wholesome discussion about defending the people we care about and a look at Ryan's new studio and Origin gear.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - New Studio, New Setup
10:50 - The Importance of Nuance
17:40 - Origin Boots and Hunting Gear
21:55 - Retirement, Risk and Entrepreneurship
35:00 - Why Retirement Isn't the Goal
39:49 - Forgiveness After Betrayal
50:59 - When Everyone Depends on You
57:00 - The Trap of Martyrdom
1:00:36 - When Spouses No Longer Share a Faith
1:08:32 - Protecting Your Daughter Without Pushing Her Away
1:14:10 - Setting Boundaries With Your Daughter's Dates
1:18:13 - Closing and Final Call to Action
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 30 Sep 2026 - 1h 12min - 2740 - CASEY LOFTHOUSE | Creating Impact Over Income
Most men are chasing a dent in the world, followers, recognition, a bigger stage, while overlooking the one place they can make the biggest difference: the town they live in and the people right next to them. Today's conversation is about impact over income, why being known by ten thousand people in your own community beats being famous online, and why we're robbing our kids by shielding them from the consequences of their bad choices. We also get into giving yourself permission to try new things without committing to them forever, managing risk without letting fear run your life, and knowing when to say no so service doesn't burn you out.
My guest, Casey Lofthouse, is a mechanic, tow operator, former search and rescue volunteer, mule packer, country line-dancer, and one of the most capable and generous men I know. He's also someone I'd call first if I were in a pickle. If you've ever felt like you don't matter because you're not "making your mark," this conversation will change how you see your own value. Whether you're broke down, stuck in the sand, or just having a bad day, it's all part of the adventure. What matters is who shows up.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - From Making Money to Making an Impact
04:43 - The Power of Small-Town Accountability
09:09 - Teaching Kids Personal Responsibility
11:19 - Why Authenticity Matters
13:29 - The Importance of Personal Accountability
15:19 - Raising Kids to Be Responsible Adults
19:12 - Learning From the Consequences of Your Choices
25:29 - The Masculine Side of Art, Music, and Dance
29:21 - Give Yourself Permission to Try New Things
34:52 - Understanding Risk and Knowing Your Limits
40:58 - How Community Creates Lifelong Relationships
45:06 - The Impact of Serving Others
49:06 - Being There When People Need You
53:03 - Setting an Example When People Are Watching
56:59 - Living Authentically in a Social Media World
58:32 - The Unexpected Connections That Come From Helping People
01:00:54 - Why Serving Others Is So Rewarding
01:02:50 - Knowing When to Say No
01:05:07 - Knowing When It's Time to Move On
01:06:55 - Raising Kids Who Surpass You
01:08:00 - What's Next for Casey?
01:10:23 - Becoming the Best Version of Yourself
01:12:19 - Casey's Off-Road Recovery and Life in the Community
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 29 Sep 2026 - 1h 22min - 2739 - 5 Wounds Every Man Must Heal | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Most men live their lives actively ignoring the pain and suffering they have experienced, leading to destructive behavior, self-sabotage, and sedation. In this solo episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down the five core wounds every man must address to build healthy relationships with himself and his family. Ryan details the unblessed, betrayal, humiliation, abandonment, and failure wounds, explaining exactly how they manifest in our daily lives.
Moving beyond theory, he provides simple, highly tactical fixes for each wound so you can begin the healing process immediately. Whether you need to practice delegating a task to build trust or making amends for a past mistake, these steps will help you take back responsibility.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - The Five Wounds Men Ignore
02:05 - The Unblessed Wound
04:26 - The Betrayal Wound
09:06 - The Humiliation Wound
14:26 - The Abandonment Wound
19:10 - The Failure Wound
25:11 - Implementing the Five Fixes
27:37 - The Iron Council and New Studio
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 25 Sep 2026 - 29min - 2738 - Bad promotions, Good Cults, and Drunk Friends | ASK ME ANYTHING
Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle another round of Ask Me Anything questions, covering career ambition, fatherhood, divorce, sobriety, friendship, faith, Stoicism, hunting injuries, masculinity, money and men's brotherhood. They discuss the hidden costs of achieving your goals, how to rebuild trust with your children, why friendships require intentional effort, and how to redefine your sense of worth beyond income.
They also explore whether Christian principles and Stoic philosophy can coexist, adapting outdoor pursuits after injury, and what to do when others misunderstand your men's group. Throughout, the conversation emphasizes intentionality, responsibility, consistency, connection and surrounding yourself with men committed to growth.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Recording Setup & Connection Issues
04:37 - Kipp Returns from Europe
06:30 - The Hidden Cost of Career Success
13:33 - Can You Overdo Affection as a Father?
19:36 - Rebuilding Trust After Divorce
27:57 - Sobriety and Finding Fun Without Alcohol
37:07 - Maintaining Long-Distance Male Friendships
39:55 - Christianity, Stoicism and Truth
46:46 - Staying Connected to the Outdoors After Injury
48:59 - When Your Wife Makes More Money
54:41 - Defending Brotherhood Without Defending It
56:46 - The Iron Council
57:45 - Staying Connected with Order of Man
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 23 Sep 2026 - 54min - 2737 - ALEX HARRIS | Why the "Let's Find Out" Mentality Matters to Men
Most of us think courage is something you either have or you don't. But what if it's actually a decision you make over and over, the same way you'd train a muscle? Today's conversation is about what happens when you stop asking "what if I fail" and start asking, "let's find out." We get into why 90% of what we fear never happens, how to raise kids with grit in a culture built for convenience, and why the most dangerous thing a man can do isn't the risk he takes…it's the potential he leaves untapped.
My guest today, Alex Harris, has summited Everest, walked unsupported to the South Pole, and made the first-ever unsupported crossing of Arabia's "Empty Quarter" on foot. But this isn't a conversation about extreme sports. It's about the mindset that separates the guy who stays inside the fence from the guy who goes and finds out what's on the other side of the wall. If you've ever felt like you're sitting on something you haven't had the guts to go pursue, this one's for you.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction & Hiking the Zion Narrows
04:55 - Changing Risk Profile & Fatherhood
08:45 - Evaluating Risk vs. Reward
09:49 - Broad Peak Expedition & Turning Point
14:18 - Lower-Risk Adventures & Family
18:52 - Cultivating Adventure in Children
22:21 - Building Grit and Life in South Africa
23:51 - Media Narratives vs. South African Realities
26:51 - Reasons for Immigrating to Texas
32:41 - The Journey to US Citizenship
36:56 - Cultural Differences and Adapting to Texas
46:17 - Unplanned Path to Becoming an Extreme Athlete
50:39 - Curiosity and Unlocking Potential
53:57 - Redefining Failure and Managing Fear
01:01:27 - Forging Untrodden Paths & The Arabian Desert
01:06:00 - A Unique Moment in Cave Exploration
01:11:41 - Purpose, Choice, and Stifled Curiosity
01:15:30 - Where to Connect with Alex Harris
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 22 Sep 2026 - 1h 28min - 2736 - If You Can't Communicate, You Can't Win | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Communication is one of the most powerful tools we have. It allows us to connect with people, share ideas, build relationships, rally people around a common cause, keep people safe, and create opportunities.
But communication can also become the thing that holds you back.
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan breaks down five practical ways men can become more effective communicators - not by simply talking more, but by becoming more intentional about how they use their words, listen, and connect with others.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - If You Can't Communicate, You Can't Win
00:48 - Why Communication Matters
03:04 - Communication: Your Key or Your Killer
04:15 - #1: Say Less but Mean More
07:41 - #2: Listen to Understand
10:09 - Use Your Two Ears and One Mouth
10:45 - #3: Match Your Tone to the Stakes
15:04 - Why Your Tone Matters
17:25 - #4: Use Small Talk as Leverage
19:32 - Small Talk Creates Connection
21:55 - #5: Own Your Words
24:42 - Express Yourself and Lead
27:04 - Say What You Mean
28:50 - Follow Through on Your Words
31:14 - Words Only Have Weight When You Back Them Up
32:23 - The Five Keys to Better Communication
33:23 - Join the Iron Council
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 - 34min - 2735 - Gifts with Strings Attached, Embarrassing Habits, & Protecting Your Children from the Digital Realm | ASK ME ANYTHING
Ryan Michler and Alan Placer tackle ten questions from men dealing with family, identity, fatherhood, marriage, pain, career, and personal responsibility. They discuss how to set boundaries when financial gifts come with strings attached, what to do when a teenage son is drawn toward extreme online communities, and how to separate identity from a sport or physical ability.
They also explore recognizing your parents as imperfect human beings, building self-respect without external validation, navigating disagreement over having another child, and understanding the limits of financial provision in marriage. The episode closes with a spirited debate over what actually qualifies as a sport.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - The Great Sport Debate
07:03 - When a Financial Gift Comes With Strings
11:35 - Embarrassing Habits at 25
18:19 - Helping a Son in Extreme Online Spaces
28:05 - Chronic Pain: Strength or Stubbornness?
37:31 - Identity After a Physical Setback
44:41 - Don't Punish Your Child for Your Past
52:10 - Building Self-Respect Without Validation
59:05 - When Dad Stops Being a Hero
01:05:59 - When Husband and Wife Disagree About Another Child
01:15:17 - When Providing Hurts Your Marriage
01:22:31 - The Sport Debate Continues
01:26:18 - War Room Invitation
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 16 Sep 2026 - 1h 27min - 2734 - BRETT BARTHOLEMEW | The Flawed Leader Advantage... And How to Make it Work for You
Most of what passes for leadership advice today is polish. You say the right things, avoid conflict, perform confidence until you believe it yourself. This episode is about the opposite. We're talking about what happens when you stop performing and start operating: how to build relationships that are actually real instead of transactional, how to handle conflict without flinching or blowing it up, and why the most effective leaders aren't the cleanest; they're the ones willing to own their flaws and use them.
We get into the idea of the "antihero." He's not a villain, not a saint, but someone pragmatic enough to do what the moment requires instead of what looks good on camera. We talk about credibility versus performative influence, why so much content today is loud but hollow, and how the stories we tell ourselves (culturally and individually), shape whether we actually grow or just look like we are. If you're tired of leadership advice that sounds good and does nothing, this one's for you.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - The Power of Real Relationships
05:44 - Why Transactional Relationships Destroy Trust
07:16 - How to Handle Conflict Like an Adult
10:50 - There Is No Magical Phrase for Communication
12:45 - The Problem With Contrarian Content
16:55 - The Anti-Hero Advantage
21:41 - Why "Regular Guys" Don't Always Get Heard
25:26 - Pragmatism, Influence and Social Capital
28:50 - Understanding Your Conflict Archetype
33:30 - Integrating Your Dark Side
39:14 - Do the Ends Justify the Means?
44:05 - Why You Don't Have to Be Liked
46:17 - Dealing With Internal and External Conflict
50:17 - Why Culture Has Replaced Self-Development
53:55 - The Truth Just Isn't Sexy
55:53 - The Five Skills Everyone Needs
59:35 - The Value of Admitting Your Own Ignorance
01:03:00 - Learning to Challenge Your Own Ideas
01:04:00 - When Communication Goes Wrong and What to Learn From It
Order Ryan's latest book, The Masculinity Manifesto on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Masculinity-Manifesto-Establishes-Influence-Credibility/dp/1684513316
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready.
https://orderofman.link/battle-ready
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Tue, 15 Sep 2026 - 1h 20min - 2733 - Why Culture Loves to Hate Men | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler tackles the cultural double standard between misogyny and misandry. While modern discourse frequently condemns the hatred of women, systemic contempt toward men - misandry - is often ignored or dismissed as simple individual preference.
Ryan breaks down the etymology of these terms and addresses critical disparities facing men today, including family court bias, false accusations, workforce declines, and the alarming male suicide rate. Moving beyond victimhood narratives, he distinguishes raw masculinity from true manliness, demonstrating how masculine traits are not inherently toxic but require proper direction. Tune in to understand why society must evaluate both sides of the aisle to cultivate genuine accountability, strength, and human flourishing.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Defining Misogyny vs. Misandry
02:26 - The Double Standard in Cultural Discourse
04:46 - Etymology and the Power of Words
09:40 - Custody Bias and Courtroom Discouragement
10:45 - The Impact of False Accusations
12:01 - Labor Force Declines and Biological Aptitude
14:30 - The Male Suicide Epidemic and Empathy Gaps
15:45 - Rejecting the Victimhood Scoreboard
18:56 - Masculinity vs. Manliness: Harnessing Raw Power
23:18 - Stop Neutering Young Men
25:21 - Taking Sovereignty Over Your Worth
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 11 Sep 2026 - 29min - 2732 - Failure to Launch, Producing More Than You Consume, and Mentoring Young Men | ASK ME ANYTHING
Ryan Michler is joined by Alan Placer for this week's Ask Me Anything, tackling eight questions about fatherhood, masculinity, family, legacy, grief, mentorship, co-parenting, and business. They discuss when helping an adult child becomes enabling, what it means to be a real man, showing up for a parent with dementia, and navigating a child's relationship with a good stepfather.
They also explore letting go of an inherited business legacy, dealing with infertility, becoming a mentor before you feel ready, and the hidden cost of being constantly available to your business. Along the way, Ryan and Alan return to a common theme: responsibility, boundaries, progress, and choosing to show up as the kind of man you want to be.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Opening & Alan Placer Joins the AMA
01:26 - The Lindsay Clancy Trial & Personal Responsibility
09:26 - Supporting an Adult Child Without Enabling Him
17:01 - What Makes a Real Man?
24:36 - Showing Up for a Parent With Dementia
35:08 - Co-Parenting With a Good Stepfather
43:28 - Letting Go of a Legacy Your Child Didn't Choose
49:01 - Carrying the Grief of Infertility
56:18 - What Qualifies a Man to Be a Mentor?
1:02:16 - The Hidden Cost of Always Being Available
1:10:13 - Wrapping Up With Alan Placer
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 09 Sep 2026 - 1h 14min - 2731 - BRENT OLIVER | You Are the Master of Your Fate
Most men will never come close to the kind of suffering Brent Oliver has lived through. And, that's exactly why this conversation matters. Today we're talking about the difference between a man who lets his circumstances define him and a man who decides, moment by moment, that he's still the one in control. You're going to hear what it actually looks like to rebuild a body and a mind from nothing, and why the story you tell yourself about your pain determines whether it makes you dangerous or makes you soft.
This episode is about the strength to overcome the worst moments of your life and the idea that these moments aren't happening to you, they're shaping you into either a weapon or a victim. Brent breaks down why he refused to let anyone see weakness, why he refuses pain medication to this day, and why "effort equals outcome" isn't a slogan for him; it's the only reason he's alive. If you've ever used your circumstances as an excuse to coast, this conversation is going to make that a lot harder to do.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Episode Introduction
01:04 - Connecting with Ryan
03:58 - The Tragic 1991 Motorcycle Accident
05:59 - The "N of 1" Medical Study
10:12 - Understanding Incomplete Quadriplegia
12:30 - Relearning Muscle Control & Function
15:08 - Rejecting Prognoses & Forging the Mind
16:49 - A Turning Point Night in the Hospital
21:15 - Victim Mentality vs. Becoming a Good Weapon
22:15 - True Strength & Modern Vulnerability
27:26 - Overcoming the Fear of Being a Burden
31:22 - What Separates Warriors from Victims
36:21 - Choosing Mindset Over Pain Medication
38:21 - Dealing with CRPS & Severe Phantom Pain
39:42 - Mind Control, Focus, and Detachment Techniques
46:14 - Finding a Path Forward Through the Outdoors
49:55 - Perspectives on Dark Moments & Hope
55:33 - Advocating for Outdoor Accessibility and the Disabled Community
01:04:33 - How the Artificial Larynx Works
01:07:17 - Brent Oliver Foundation & Closing Thoughts
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 08 Sep 2026 - 1h 19min - 2730 - The Cost of Rescuing Others | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Are you stepping in to fix everyone else's problems at the expense of your own mission, household, and peace of mind? In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler unpacks the Karpman Drama Triangle—a psychological pattern where men rotate between the roles of Victim, Persecutor, and Rescuer.
Ryan reveals why rescuing often stems from ego rather than love, and how stripping people of natural consequences cripples their growth. Learn how to transition into the Empowerment Triangle by practicing true vulnerability, setting clear assertive boundaries, and offering care that builds capability rather than dependency.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - The High Cost of Rescuing Others
01:35 - The Karpman Drama Triangle Explained
01:50 - Role 1: The Powerless Victim
02:22 - Role 2: The Controlling Persecutor
03:20 - Role 3: The Overreaching Rescuer
07:12 - Cycling Between Roles & Covert Contracts
11:45 - Why Consequences Are Essential for Growth
16:26 - Introducing the Empowerment Triangle
18:29 - True Vulnerability vs. Making Excuses
20:47 - Assertiveness and Setting Boundaries
23:07 - When Rescuing Is Actually Appropriate
25:27 - Weekly Challenge & War Room Announcement
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 04 Sep 2026 - 29min - 2729 - Identity After Job Loss, Raising a Daughter, and Overcoming Anger Issues | ASK ME ANYTHING
This week's Ask Me Anything explores the challenges men face when life tests their identity, discipline and relationships. Ryan and Kipp discuss balancing fitness with family, staying sober, managing anger, rebuilding identity after losing a career, navigating divorce and fatherhood, reconnecting with the outdoors, and defining a meaningful legacy.
Along the way, they emphasize personal responsibility, healthy boundaries, reflection, identity, and developing the skills and values that endure beyond circumstances. They also share practical strategies for handling temptation, anger and conflict, while highlighting the importance of brotherhood, challenge and time away from the noise of everyday life.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Jiu-Jitsu Camp and the Importance of Brotherhood
02:03 - Imposter Syndrome, Vulnerability and Earning Your Place
06:34 - Fitness, Marriage and Being Present as a Father
12:56 - Staying Consistent After Quitting Alcohol
19:14 - Getting Control of Anger
30:10 - Identity Beyond Your Career
37:01 - Divorce, Resentment and Protecting Your Kids
40:20 - Why Men Are Drawn to the Outdoors
46:33 - What Legacy Really Means
49:58 - Iron Council and the Upcoming War Room
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 02 Sep 2026 - 52min - 2728 - SATHIYA SAM | How Porn is Destroying Minds, Marriages, and Men
Pornography addiction isn't a willpower problem. It's a brain problem and, understanding the mechanics changes everything about how you fight it. Today, we go deep into the neuroscience: what edging actually does to your reward system, why desensitization and hypo-frontality reshape how your brain processes stress and pleasure, and why getting exactly what you want can leave you more depressed than before you started. We also unpack what "Rat Park" study reveals about addiction and isolation, and why the opposite of sobriety isn't willpower; it's connection.
My guest, Sathiya Sam, and I go beyond the behavior to the coping mechanism underneath it, what porn is really substituting for, what predicts who struggles with it, and why quitting cold turkey rarely works without addressing the root. You'll learn the real skills required to overcome it, why a satisfied heart rarely wanders, and how to build an identity that doesn't need to prove itself through control or escape. If you've ever wondered what's actually happening in your brain when you engage — or how to build something stronger in its place — this episode gives you the science and the path forward.
Contact Sathiya Sam:
www.deepcleancoaching.com/innercircle
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction and AI's Impact on Pornography
03:20 - Emotional Connection and AI Sex Bots
05:39 - Dopamine, Variable Returns, and Edging
08:00 - Supernormal Stimuli and Accessibility
10:32 - Meeting Psychological Needs vs. Physical Drive
14:12 - The Rat Park Experiment & Connection vs. Addiction
18:16 - Meaninglessness as the Primary Driver of Vice
22:00 - Practical Skill Building Beyond Behavior Manipulation
24:52 - Connection, Control, and Validation
27:23 - Mainstream Pornography and Aggressive Content Trends
31:40 - Physical Transformation After Breaking Addiction
33:27 - Overcoming 48 Years of Addiction
38:23 - Identity Shifts and Rethinking 12-Step Frameworks
44:00 - Anchoring Identity Outside of Temporary Roles
47:00 - Who You Are and Who Told You
52:17 - Authentic Conviction vs. People Pleasing
56:30 - Public Apologies vs. Personal Alignment
01:00:02 - The Myth That Pornography Only Affects One Person
01:01:59 - The Four Neurological Effects of Pornography
01:03:33 - How Pornography Distorts Relational Intimacy
01:10:50 - Hypofrontality, Sensitization, and Stress Responses
01:18:45 - Replacing Addiction with Purpose
01:22:00 - Where to Find Sathiya Sam and The Last Relapse
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 01 Sep 2026 - 1h 31min - 2727 - Rebuilding Trust | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Whether caused by a minor slip-up or a major rupture like infidelity or financial betrayal, every man will eventually face the grueling challenge of restoring broken trust. In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler outlines 12 non-negotiable principles for rebuilding trust when it's been shattered.
Time alone won't fix your mistakes - only deliberate, sustained, and unselfish action will. Learn why explaining away your issues destroys credibility, how to stop keeping score during the process, and why true reform requires changing your character without demanding immediate validation. Tune in to discover how to own your failures, match your repair to the break, and lead with unwavering integrity.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction & Recording From Maine
01:35 - 12 Steps to Rebuilding Broken Trust
02:00 - Rule 1: Time Doesn't Fix Trust, Action Does
02:40 - Rule 2: You Don't Decide When Trust Is Restored
04:40 - Rule 3: Explaining Isn't Owning
07:35 - Rule 4: Match the Repair to the Break
08:45 - Rule 5: Privacy Is Not a Privilege
11:15 - Rule 6: Consistency Beats Intensity
14:15 - Rule 7: Your Apology Has an Expiration Date
16:55 - Rule 8: Stop Asking for Trust
19:15 - Rule 9: Tolerate Being Tested
21:15 - Rule 10: Stop Keeping Score
22:50 - Rule 11: Fix the Rupture Where It Happened
25:30 - Rule 12: Accept That Some Trust Never Returns
29:50 - Order of Man War Room Call to Action
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 28 Aug 2026 - 31min - 2726 - First-Time Fatherhood, Protecting Your Peace, and Finding Your Faith | ASK ME ANYTHING
This week's Ask Me Anything tackles real questions about fatherhood, marriage, friendship, faith, addiction, parenting, and personal responsibility. Ryan and Kipp discuss why becoming a first-time father can feel more frightening than exciting, how to reconnect with an emotionally absent father, and how to take surface-level friendships deeper.
They also explore balancing work and family, finding your way back to faith, essential backcountry gear, recovering after an alcohol relapse, and navigating a teenage son's growing independence. Along the way, they share practical frameworks for turning fear into action, building trust, creating deeper relationships, and leading without relying on force or rescue.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Opening and War Room discussion
02:09 Selling through value instead of pressure
06:25 War Room September session
07:23 Wholesome segment: wealth, capitalism and medical innovation
12:32 First-time fatherhood fears
17:04 Reconnecting with an emotionally absent father
22:42 Taking male friendships deeper
28:00 Balancing providing and being present at home
35:41 Finding your way back to faith
42:59 Essential backcountry gear
48:43 Relapsing after sobriety
54:00 Parenting a teenager who is pulling away
59:45 War Room call to action
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 26 Aug 2026 - 1h 00min - 2725 - JIM KWIK | How AI Is Making Us Dumber (And, How to Use it Properly)
Your brain is either getting stronger or getting weaker. There is no neutral, gentlemen. Today Jim Kwik breaks down why comfort, convenience, and cognitive offloading to AI are quietly making men mentally soft, and what it actually takes to build what he calls "cognitive reserve" which is the difference between a man who stays sharp, independent, and capable as he ages and one who doesn't.
We get into why peace comes from capacity, not comfort, why self-trust is built by keeping promises to yourself instead of anybody else, and Jim's personal framework for using AI to sharpen your thinking instead of replacing it. If you feel like your focus is slipping, your discipline softening, or your identity too wrapped up in a job title that could be taken from you tomorrow, this episode might be the reset.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Shift from Achievement to Fulfillment
03:51 Avoiding Modern Distractions & Media Outrage
06:00 Developing Mental Sovereignty in the Age of Information
08:20 The Danger of Cognitive Surrender to AI
11:35 Comfort Crisis and the Value of Struggle
14:01 Building Human Intelligence Through Challenge
18:44 How Modern Conveniences Weaken Mental Muscles
21:33 Navigating Difficult Conversations & Growth
25:50 Building Self-Trust by Keeping Promises
28:08 Character, Wealth Transfer, and Raising Resilient Kids
31:00 Understanding Cognitive Reserve and Brain Health
35:21 Cognitive Offloading vs. Building Real Intelligence
37:40 The B.U.I.L.D. Framework for Using AI
41:02 Overcoming Childhood Labels and Traumatic Injury
46:44 What AI Can Never Replace in Humans
48:38 The H.U.M.A.N. Framework for Personal Evolution
52:27 Decoupling Your Identity From External Roles
57:08 Standing in the Arena and Overcoming Criticism
01:00:03 Why Adaptation is Critical for Modern Leadership
01:03:51 Limitless Daily: The 5-Minute Morning Mental Upgrade
01:09:00 Protecting Your Morning Attention Window
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 25 Aug 2026 - 1h 21min - 2724 - Rivers & Swamps | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Are you consuming endless podcasts, books, and sermons but finding your life stuck in the exact same spot? In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down the critical difference between being a roaring river and a stagnant swamp.
Most men don't have an information problem—they have a direction problem. Unapplied knowledge turns into a shallow, rotting pond that breeds resentment, irritability, and inaction. Discover how to establish rigid boundaries ("banks") in your life, implement the 48-Hour Rule for immediate execution, cap your inputs, and surround yourself with real accountability so your knowledge actually flows into meaningful strength.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 The Analogy of Two Waters
01:30 Why a River Needs Banks to Have Power
02:26 You Don't Have an Information Problem
04:55 What Boundaries and Banks Actually Do
06:05 The Danger of Stagnant Knowledge
08:00 How Unused Insight Rotates into Resentment
09:45 Action Rule 1: The 48-Hour Rule
11:30 Action Rule 2: Single-Point Accountability
12:50 Action Rule 3: Cap Inputs, Raise Outputs
16:00 Feeding Everything Downstream
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 - 18min - 2723 - Adopting a Son, Building Confidence Without Arrogance, and Settling Into Sobriety | ASK ME ANYTHING
Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle four powerful questions in this week's Ask Me Anything, covering stepfatherhood, confidence versus arrogance, addiction and sobriety, and the challenge of coaching your own child. They discuss why a biological father and a dad aren't necessarily the same thing, how confidence is earned, why temptation may never completely disappear, and how fathers can balance high standards with grace.
Ryan also gets candid about a time he pushed a young athlete too hard and reflects on what truly matters when raising and leading children. The episode closes with an invitation to the upcoming Order of Man War Room.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Episode Introduction
00:37 - Wholesome Segment: Guns and Shooting
09:54 - Viewer Questions Begin
10:17 - Stepfatherhood and the Meaning of "Dad"
19:08 - Confidence vs. Arrogance
26:06 - Sobriety, Temptation and Addiction
35:26 - Coaching Your Own Child
46:13 - War Room Invitation and Closing
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 19 Aug 2026 - 46min - 2722 - NICK BRYANT | Are Americans Helpless?
You've been told the Epstein case is closed. It's not. It's a blueprint - for how blackmail, sex, and power get used to buy silence at the highest levels of American government, and why the people who could stop it never do. Today's guest has spent decades chasing this story further than almost anyone alive, and what he's found doesn't end with one dead man in a Manhattan jail cell.
Nick Bryant joins me to talk about the Franklin Scandal, the CIA's fingerprints on decades of cover-ups, why the "uniparty" protects itself no matter who's in office, and what it actually looks like to draw a line in the sand when the people meant to hold power accountable are the ones compromised. If you've ever wondered why nothing changes no matter who you vote for, this conversation is the answer you didn't want but need to hear.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - The Epstein Justice Fight
03:22 - Why Mainstream Media Shut Him Out
06:19 - Nick Bryant's Personal Story
11:27 - Political Division and CIA Blackmail
16:05 - Iraq, Government Lies and No Accountability
24:00 - How Politicians Are Compromised
28:40 - Arrogance, Sex and Greed
35:57 - The Uniparty and Political Corruption
41:35 - The Epstein Cover-Up
45:45 - Sean Combs, Clive Davis and Powerful Networks
49:40 - The "Conspiracy Theorist" Label
52:27 - The Franklin Scandal and Hollywood
56:50 - Bringing the Right and Left Together
59:28 - The Education System Scam
01:00:20 - The Disappearing American Dream
01:03:36 - Inflation, Money Printing and Healthcare
01:05:37 - Why Americans Can't Afford Homes
01:08:48 - Poverty, Food Insecurity and Homelessness
01:10:40 - Homelessness and Cognitive Development
01:19:43 - Drawing the Line
01:20:51 - Fighting for Epstein Justice
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 18 Aug 2026 - 1h 23min - 2721 - Recovering from Vacation Mode | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Summer is ending, and for many men, structure and discipline went out the window right along with it. In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down why waiting for external calendars to rebuild your life is a major mistake. Instead of treating the end of summer like a burden to survive, learn how to systematically reclaim your standards and rebuild your personal routine in three non-negotiable steps: locking in your wake time, adding daily physical movement, and tackling deep work in proper order.
As the leader of your household, setting this cadence isn't just about personal discipline—it's about orchestrating stability for your entire family.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Reclaiming Structure After Summer
01:18 - The Pitfall of Waiting for External Structure
03:46 - Step 1: Lock In Your Wake Time
06:06 - Step 2: Rebuild Your Body with Daily Movement
08:12 - Step 3: Rebuild Your Work Foundation
10:15 - Setting the Household Cadence
13:00 - Raw Masculinity vs. Disciplined Manliness
14:14 - Execute Out of Duty, Not Guilt
15:38 - War Room Announcement & Wrap-Up
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 - 17min - 2720 - Aging Bodies, Defiant Children, and Rejecting Gossip | ASK ME ANYTHING
This episode of Ask Me Anything tackles the real-life challenges men face as they age, lead families, navigate friendships and raise children. Ryan and Kipp discuss making peace with physical decline, giving teenagers room to develop independence, and questioning popular self-help advice.
They also explore how to rebuild trust after betrayal, what masculine leadership looks like when raising daughters, and how to manage anger without repeating the patterns of our fathers. The conversation closes with a deeply personal discussion about lessons inherited from fathers, the danger of confusing exhaustion with productivity, and finding a healthier balance between work, relationships and life.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Weekly Recap & Staying on the Path
02:51 - Wholesome Hero: Training for Real Life
10:17 - Making Peace With an Aging Body
18:26 - Raising a Sixteen-Year-Old
24:22 - The Most Overrated Self-Help Advice
30:44 - Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal
38:43 - Protect, Provide & Preside With Daughters
43:34 - Anger Without Becoming Your Father
50:15 - What We Unlearn From Our Fathers
55:40 - The War Room: Restoring Order
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 12 Aug 2026 - 59min - 2719 - RICK TRIMMER | Win the Game of Money
If you've ever lost everything (a business, a marriage, your sense of who you are) this conversation is proof that the collapse isn't the end of your story. Rick Trimmer walks through the exact math he and his wife used to climb out of $640,000 in debt: the thousand-day stretch with no pay, the decade of living on a thousand dollars a month, and the brutal conversations he had with himself and his wife about what they actually wanted. If you're in the hole right now, or you're scared of ever being in it, this is the blueprint for how a man digs out without excuses and without quitting on his family.
But this isn't just a comeback story; it's a lesson in delayed gratification and what winning the game really looks like. We'll cover how to build passive income, take advantage of opportunities that scare you, and chose freedom over the appearance of success. If you're tired of chasing a lifestyle you can't afford, or you're ready to start building something that actually lasts, this conversation gives you the mindset and the moves to get there.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Episode Introduction
03:05 - Introduction to Rick Trimmer and Real Business Owners
05:08 - What Sets Entrepreneurs Apart: IQ, Drive, and Delusion
07:10 - Overcoming Weaknesses and the Power of Mentorship
09:12 - Leaving Corporate Life and Betting on Yourself
11:23 - The Reality of Financial Risk and Losing It All
13:32 - Repaying $640k Debt and Working 1,000 Days Straight
17:01 - Sacrifice, Top Ramen, and Building a Foundation
23:08 - Living on $1,000 a Month to Buy Freedom
29:05 - Getting Started in Real Estate and Finding Mentors
37:49 - Creative Financing and Acquiring Rental Properties
43:30 - Hitting the Passive Income Goal and Traveling the World
49:19 - Why Financial Freedom and Time with Family is Worth the Grind
54:57 - Consumerism vs. Real Wealth
01:00:55 - The Men's Forge and the Power of Live Events
01:04:29 - Saying "Yes" to New Opportunities
01:08:36 - Where to Connect with Rick Trimmer
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 11 Aug 2026 - 1h 16min - 2718 - You're Trading Your Life Away | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Every single day, you wake up with a finite bank account of time, energy, integrity, and focus. But without realizing it, most men trade away their potential in thousands of unnoticed, micro-decisions.
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down the four dangerous trades men make every day on autopilot - from trading real progress for temporary fake peace, to sacrificing long-term character just to look good to others. If you're ready to stop bleeding your potential through a thousand small cuts and start living with deliberate intentionality, this episode is your wake-up call.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - The Finite Account: What Are You Trading Daily?
02:17 - Death by a Thousand Unintentional Cuts
03:40 - Trade 1: Fake Peace vs. Real Progress
06:27 - Stop Calling Cowardice "Patience"
08:14 - Trade 2: Doom Scrolling vs. Building Your Legacy
12:15 - When the Bill Comes Due: Facing the Receipt
13:00 - Trade 3: Quick Hits of Dopamine vs. Long-Term Satisfaction
15:21 - Trade 4: Outward Appearance vs. Personal Integrity
17:37 - The Cost of Owning Your Reality
19:54 - How to Reclaim Intentionality Today
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 07 Aug 2026 - 23min - 2717 - Dealing with a Health Scare, Finding New Purpose, Offering Grace When it's Hard | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this "Ask Me Anything" episode, Ryan and Kipp explore how men can break through life's transitional slumps and rebuild momentum. They answer viewer questions on keeping motivation alive after a health scare, finding purpose after military service, navigating the loss of a foster child, and handling sudden business success.
They also share practical advice on stepping up as an uncle and owning past mistakes to rebuild a damaged reputation.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Episode Introduction
01:46 - Wholesome Character of the Day: Sophie Cunningham & Standing Up for Women's Sports
11:42 - Maintaining Clarity & Purpose After a Major Health Scare
19:22 - Rebuilding Identity and Mission After Leaving the Military
29:56 - Reconnecting with Family: Who Should Make the First all?
33:43 - Leading a Family Through the Grief of Foster Care
41:25 - What to Chase Next When You've Already Won
47:54 - Stepping Up as a Powerful Role Model Without Being a Dad
51:27 - Rebuilding Your Reputation When Everyone Knows Your Past Mistakes
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 05 Aug 2026 - 1h 00min - 2716 - What I've Learned in a Decade of Podcasting
In this special solo episode of Order of Man, founder Ryan Michler reflects on eleven years of podcasting, building a movement, and navigating personal evolution. Ryan interviews himself to extract actionable lessons for men leading families, starting businesses, or advancing their careers. He dives deep into why consistency beats talent every time, the costly "tuition payments" that come with entrepreneurship, and how to stand out in a saturated market.
Ryan also opens up about his darkest personal battles, including divorce and alcohol recovery, offering a candid look at accountability, resilience, and adaptability. Tune in to learn why maintaining your dignity and affording yourself grace are essential to becoming the man you were meant to be.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction & 11 Years of Order of Man
02:16 - Why Ryan Started the Podcast
06:49 - Business Mindset and Generating Income
09:08 - Why Consistency Beats Talent
11:30 - Paying Tuition: Learning from Costly Business Mistakes
13:58 - How to Stand Out in a Saturated Market
18:44 - Mastering Conversation and Everyday Lessons
23:28 - Evolving Interview Preparation and Adaptability
25:48 - True Accountability vs. Public Criticism
28:09 - Facing Personal Darkness and Choosing Not to Quit
32:55 - The Immutable Mission to Restore Masculinity
35:19 - Adapting to Cultural Shifts and New Technology
37:41 - Core Lessons: Grace, Adaptability, and Maintaining Dignity
39:42 - Conclusion & Call to Action
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 04 Aug 2026 - 41min - 2715 - Strong Backs, Callused Hands, and Bruised Hearts | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Society often celebrates a man's physical labor- his calloused hands and strong back- while instructing him to hide or feel ashamed of his emotional scars. In this episode of Friday Field Notes, host Ryan Michler breaks down why carrying a bruised heart is not evidence of weakness, but proof that you actually showed up and lived.
Drawing from Theodore Roosevelt's famous "Man in the Arena" speech, Ryan reframes past failures, divorces, addictions, and losses as valuable badges of effort. Stop sitting on the sidelines in the cheap seats. Learn how to build calluses on your heart, stop disguising cowardice as wisdom, and take one actionable step back into the arena.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - The Marks of Physical Labor
02:15 - The Unseen Bruises of a Man's Heart
04:50 - Theodore Roosevelt's "Citizenship in a Republic"
06:15 - The Man in the Arena
08:00 - Why Wounds Are Proof of Effort, Not Weakness
10:40 - Responding to Haters and Cheap-Seat Critics
15:45 - What True Sacrifice Looks Like
18:25 - Building Calluses on the Heart Through Resistance
22:30 - Sovereignty: Getting Back in the Ring
29:20 - Wisdom vs. Cowardice: Protecting vs. Avoiding
31:45 - Weekly Challenge: Re-Engage With What Bruised You
33:50 - Iron Council War Room Announcement
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 31 Jul 2026 - 36min - 2714 - Kill Comparison, Keep Calm Under Pressure, and Becoming Your Own Father | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this "Ask Me Anything" episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen answer real questions from men striving for personal growth. They share candid insights on breaking free from social media comparison, staying emotionally present without checking out, and stepping up as a father without a roadmap.
The duo also dives deep into rebuilding trust after business betrayals, finding resilience through backcountry hunting, and overcoming self-doubt in leadership. Tune in for practical advice on building character, dynamic family life, and leading with radical authenticity.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Intro & News Headlines
05:05 - Wholesome Anniversary Segment
11:56 - Beating Social Media Comparison
18:58 - Calm Under Pressure vs. Emotionally Checked Out
30:36 - Fatherhood Without a Father Figure
41:11 - Rebuilding Trust After Business Betrayal
47:07 - Character Lessons in the Backcountry Wilderness
52:40 - Leading Through Faith and Doubt
01:01:38 - The Line Between Providing and Spoiling
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 29 Jul 2026 - 1h 05min - 2713 - RICH COOPER | Become a High-Value Man
Every relationship you're in is running a test you don't even know you're taking. And, most men are failing it in slow motion. Today's guest built his reputation calling out the exact moments men hand over their frame without noticing: the pedestal-building, the concessions that pile up one at a time until there are a thousand of them, the "I appreciate your energy" while she's quietly checking out. This isn't theory. It's the pattern behind every man who woke up one day wondering how he ended up as her Plan B in his own home.
We're getting into "shit tests" and why they never stop, why contempt is the clock counting down on a marriage, and why the "go plan" is the same as the "stay plan" might be the most freeing sentence you hear all year. We'll cover a few of the 7 spokes of a high-value man, some of the the 21 red flags and 16 green flags worth knowing before you commit, and why proximity, familiarity, and exclusivity are what actually build attraction. If you've ever felt like you're auditioning for your own life, this episode is your wake-up call.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction and Social Media Platforms
03:47 - Male Friendships and Testing Boundaries
05:08 - The Rise of the "Boss Girl" Avatar
06:51 - Why Modern Men Struggle with Masculinity
11:09 - Taking Frame Back in Relationships
14:18 - The Process of Betatization and Concessions
17:44 - Decisiveness and Leading in Dating
21:08 - How Cultural Narratives Weaken Men
24:36 - Tuning Into Your Inner Asshole
28:02 - Establishing Boundaries and Determinative Action
33:17 - Addressing Toxic Masculinity Accusations
37:10 - Handling Competency and Shit Tests
39:28 - The Fishing Boat Analogy for Maintaining Attraction
42:45 - The 7 Spokes of a High-Value Man
48:58 - Avoiding Bitterness and the Black Pill Mentality
53:45 - Major Red Flags to Avoid in Dating
55:25 - The Controversy Around Women and Tattoos
57:55 - Green Flags to Look for in a Partner
01:00:48 - Overview of 'Top Shelf Man' and Where to Connect
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 28 Jul 2026 - 1h 09min - 2712 - A Man Only Has Five Types of Friends | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Most men go their entire lives running on substitute friendships without realizing their tank is completely empty. In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down the 5 types of men in your life - from the convenient neighbor to the group chat clown - and reveals why only one of them will actually stand by you in a crisis. Learn how to audit your inner circle, eliminate friction-free surface relationships, and build genuine 2 AM friendships through intentionality and radical honesty.
Ready to surrounding yourself with high-caliber men? Join the Iron Council brotherhood at orderofman.com/ironcouncil.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - The Friendship Trap Most Men Fall For
00:21 - Category 1: The Convenient Friend
04:55 - Category 2: The Default Friend
07:11 - Category 3: The Clown
11:02 - Category 4: The Casual Friend
15:04 - Category 5: The 2 AM Friend
18:10 - Why 2 AM Friendships Still Have Limitations
20:07 - Taking Responsibility for Your Relationships
22:25 - The 80/20 Rule of Male Vulnerability
26:47 - How to Build Intentional Brotherhood
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 24 Jul 2026 - 29min - 2711 - 3 Things That Don't Lie: Bank Account, Calendar, Scale | ASK ME ANYTHING
Ryan and Kipp dive into another Ask Me Anything episode covering friendship, leadership, masculinity, marriage, and purpose. They begin by discussing George Washington's remarkable character and why understanding history matters today. Listener questions lead to conversations about finding true brothers instead of surface-level friends, accepting difficult personal feedback, evaluating modern masculinity influencers, and navigating marriage when a wife earns more than her husband. Along the way, Ryan shares personal stories about leadership, divorce, and conviction, while Kipp offers practical insights on authenticity, self-leadership, and intentional living.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 – Pre-show conversation
11:47 – George Washington discussion
19:21 – Finding brothers instead of casual friends
27:22 – Difficult personal feedback and growth
42:30 – Choosing trustworthy voices on masculinity
51:19 – Should men be the primary provider?
1:03:18 – Iron Council preview invitation
1:04:18 – Closing thoughts
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 22 Jul 2026 - 1h 05min - 2710 - KEITH YACKEY | The 5 Dials of a Better Marriage
Most men think attraction is something that happens to them (a switch their wife either flips or doesn't). Keith Yackey burns that idea to the ground. After two divorces, he built a framework around one brutal truth: you don't get what you want, you get what you are. If she's not leaning in anymore, that's not a mystery. That's a mirror. In this conversation, Keith breaks down the five dials every man is quietly failing (parent, partner, producer, player, and power) and hands you the exact language to rate yourself against them. We get into why scheduling sex builds more desire than spontaneity ever will, why "I did it for you" is the worst thing a man can say, and why the guys who stop chasing anything eventually get left by everything. This isn't theory. It's the same math Keith used to go from a 19 out of 100 to the best marriage of his life. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Welcome to Mickler Manor
01:53 Montana Knife Company Gift & Blood Brothers
04:06 Learning How to Receive Help as a Man
08:23 Do Men Need to Hit Rock Bottom?
10:36 Realizing You Are the Common Denominator
12:55 Becoming a Better Coach Through Failure
14:38 Why Men Need Stories of Struggle
18:42 Purpose, Mission, and Identity Over Ego
22:33 The Raw Truth About Relationship Dynamics
24:42 Extreme Ownership vs. Victim Mentality
28:53 What a "Fulfilled" Woman Wants
32:43 The Power of Boundaries and Saying "No"
36:57 The Importance of Brotherhood and Male Tribes
40:13 Overt vs. Covert Communication in Marriage
42:27 Overcoming Complacency in Relationships
46:20 Creating Novelty & Building Consistency
50:32 Self-Validation and Holding High Standards
54:42 Leading with Intention
58:34 Captain of the Vessel vs. Passengers
01:02:35 Support, Peacemaking, and Shared Joy
01:06:31 Direct Communication and Expressing Desires
01:12:45 Why Scheduling Intimacy Works
01:16:53 The 5 Dials of Long-Term Attraction
01:23:10 Rating Yourself and Fixing Your Relationship Grade
01:29:32 Modeling Love and Setting the Container
01:32:52 Connecting with Keith Yackey & Married Game
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 21 Jul 2026 - 1h 41min - 2709 - Small Talk Creates Big Opportunity | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Most men despise small talk, dismissing it as shallow, fake, or a complete waste of breath. We skip the pleasantries and go straight to the agenda. But in this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down why avoiding small talk is quietly costing you massive life, career, and romantic opportunities.
Small talk isn't about the weather or sports; it's a low-risk reconnaissance mission to establish trust, likeability, and respect. Ryan shares 4 actionable moves to stop trying to be "impressive" and instead leverage genuine curiosity to open doors you've been walking right past. Stop treating small talk like a nuisance - it's the gateway to your next big breakthrough.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - The Real Cost of Skipping Small Talk
02:35 - Low Risk Equates to High Opportunity
04:30 - The Instinctual Mistakes Men Make
06:47 - The True Function of Small Talk
08:34 - Curiosity Over Performance
12:55 - Move 1: Master the Follow-Up Question
16:40 - Move 2: Be Memorable, Not Impressive
18:50 - Move 3: The 48-Hour Follow-Up Rule
20:45 - Move 4: Treat Every Room Like It Matters
28:00 - Why Introversion Is Not an Excuse
29:40 - Your Weekend Assignment
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
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Fri, 17 Jul 2026 - 36min - 2708 - Losing Your Job, Raising a Step-Son, and Making Payroll | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this week's Ask Me Anything, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen kick things off by discussing the latest UFC headlines, Conor McGregor's return, Patty Pimblett's impressive performance, and what happens when people tie their identity to something that eventually expires. They also unpack the recent Yellowstone bison incident and the lessons it teaches about respecting nature and recognizing danger.
Then they answer listener questions on authenticity, difficult conversations in marriage, job loss and identity, misconceptions in the manosphere, seeking a father's approval, dementia, and whether hunting builds better men or simply reinforces lessons learned elsewhere.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Cold Open
01:48 Episode Begins
06:51 UFC Headlines: Patty Pimblett, Conor McGregor & Identity
16:12 Yellowstone Bison Attack & Lessons from Nature
25:30 AMA: How to Live Authentically
42:40 AMA: Job Loss, Identity & Being a Provider
48:31 AMA: The Worst Advice in the Manosphere
52:45 AMA: Making Peace with a Father Facing Dementia
1:04:16 AMA: Does Hunting Build Better Men?
1:09:00 Closing Thoughts
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 15 Jul 2026 - 1h 18min - 2707 - KYLE CARNOHAN | How Fatherhood Will Save Humanity
Men are drowning in a culture that rewards the appearance of strength. You've likely heard the term, "ripped, rich, and rare." It misses the one thing that actually builds it: the willingness to fail, feel it, and let their kids watch them do it. Today's guest calls this the "Upside Down Game," the con every man eventually has to walk away from if he wants to become someone worth following. This conversation goes straight at the blindness most men carry about themselves, the resistance that waits for every man trying to change, and why the hardest thing on earth isn't becoming a warrior; it's accepting your own humanity first.
Kyle Carnohan joins me to talk about the greatest awakening happening among men right now, and what it actually looks like to raise kids who can hold frame in a world built to knock them off it. We get into the difference between being calm and being a pushover, why "non-reactive" doesn't mean passive, and how a strong spine and a soft heart aren't opposites, they're the whole point. If you've ever wondered whether your kids are learning more from your failures than your victories, this episode will answer that question whether you're ready for it or not.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction and Reconnecting
01:09 - The State of Modern Podcasting vs. Real Connection
03:22 - The Great Awakening: Transitioning from Promotion to Realness
05:24 - Embracing Failure, Disaster, and Finding Faith
07:23 - The Struggle for Men to Accept Their Humanity
09:22 - Falling in Love with the Process Over the Outcome
10:00 - Finding Peace in Major Life Hardships
11:51 - Teaching Children Resilience Through Witnessing Hardship
14:38 - Spotting Your Blind Spots and Learning to Continually Reconcile
19:40 - The Importance of Finding an Accurate Mirror in Life
21:30 - Navigating Different Personalities Under One Roof
22:38 - Unconditional Love and Radical Non-Reactivity in Parenting
27:11 - Stripping Away the Tough Guy Persona
30:20 - Overcoming the Need to Force and Strong-Arm Your Family
32:18 - Maintaining a Calm Nervous System Amidst Household Chaos
36:36 - Commanding Respect vs. Demanding Compliance
39:38 - The Societal Shift and Misconceptions of Kindness in Men
41:56 - The Balance: Hard Man with a Soft Heart
45:01 - Maintaining Your Frame vs. Being a Pushover
48:45 - The Courage Required for Calm, Loving Pursuits in Conflict
50:51 - Holding the Line Calmly with Children
54:12 - How Raising Righteous Children Saves the Culture
56:05 - Yielding the Glory and Fighting Alongside Men
58:21 - Connecting with Kyle and Closing Thoughts
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 14 Jul 2026 - 1h 10min - 2706 - The Rise of Vanishing Fatherhood | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, host Ryan Michler tackles a critical societal crisis: the rise of vanishing fatherhood. With nearly half of all men between the ages of 25 and 45 currently childless, Ryan breaks down why this trend isn't just an economic narrative, but a profound crisis of belief.
He exposes the cultural lie that children are a restriction on personal freedom and contrasts it with data showing that 90% of fathers find fatherhood to be their deepest source of joy. True purpose comes from shouldering responsibility, not chasing comfort. Tune in to learn why raising righteous children is the ultimate battlefield for our culture.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Episode Introduction
00:45 - The Fatherhood Statistics Shock
02:24 - Belief Systems vs. Economic Stories
04:27 - The Joy of Fatherhood vs. Societal Expectations
06:37 - The True Cost of Opting Out
08:50 - The Danger of Fragile and Rudderless Men
11:02 - The Birth Rate Collapse and Cultural Decay
13:19 - Reclaiming Culture Through the Next Generation
15:28 - Forfeiting the Cultural Fight
17:28 - Raising Righteous Children as the Mission
19:13 - Shifting from Dopamine to Legacy
19:57 - Step Up and Find the Courage
22:00 - A Call to Action for Modern Fathers
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 10 Jul 2026 - 23min - 2705 - Hope is What Makes America Great, Living 'The Man in the Arena', and Calling Out Your Wife's Secrets | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this week's Ask Me Anything, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen kick things off by reflecting on the Fourth of July and discussing why hope, personal agency, and responsibility are at the heart of what makes America unique. They then answer listener questions on fatherhood without a positive role model, rebuilding trust after discovering a spouse's hidden debt, choosing a simple life over chasing an empire, and whether to confess a long-hidden pornography addiction.
Throughout the episode, they explore integrity, personal responsibility, and what it truly means to live as "the man in the arena"—making difficult choices that lead to lasting character and stronger relationships.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Episode Introduction
01:40 - Hope Is What Makes America Great
13:31 - Fatherhood Without a Blueprint
22:32 - Your Wife's Secret Credit Card: Rebuilding Trust
34:09 - Is It Wrong to Want a Quiet Life?
39:02 - Should You Confess a Hidden Porn Addiction?
51:07 - Final Thoughts & Iron Council
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 08 Jul 2026 - 51min - 2704 - JAKE WOODARD | Building a Strong Spine & A Soft Heart
There's a war being waged on masculinity and femininity, and it's not an accident. Men are being told their strength is toxic. Women are being told their softness is weakness. The result is a generation of frustrated men, disenfranchised sons, and homes with no anchor. Today's guest calls it what it is: a deliberate weaponization of the sexes against each other, and it starts in the home.
Jake Woodard joins me to break down the difference between masculinity and manliness, why cities are quietly stripping men of their edge, and what it actually looks like to raise a son into a man. We get into red flags and green flags for both sexes, what it means to be a "masculine shield" for the woman in your life, and why "strong spine, soft heart" might be the most important phrase you hear all year. If you're a man trying to lead your home, or a woman wondering how to inspire the man in yours, this one's for both of you.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 Masculinity Under Attack
03:53 Can Single Mothers Raise Masculine Boys?
07:48 The Masculine Shield Women Build
13:09 Taking Responsibility Instead of Blame
15:05 Why Nice Guys Lose Attraction
17:32 Leadership During Uncertainty
23:43 The Problem With Red Pill Influencers
27:57 Why Fatherhood Is the Greatest Success
30:10 Healing Childhood Trauma Through Accountability
36:18 Does Change Require Rock Bottom?
39:51 Masculinity vs. Manliness
44:53 Green Flags Every Man Should Develop
48:38 What Women Should Look For In A Man
51:17 The Power of Tenderness in Marriage
54:19 A Man Provides. A Woman Multiplies.
56:08 Women Are Amplifiers
58:00 Your Partner Reflects Your Leadership
01:00:37 Building a Home Instead of Just a House
01:02:13 Why Women Stop Trusting Men to Lead
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 07 Jul 2026 - 1h 14min - 2703 - Men Plant Trees Before They Need Shade | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
As we approach the historic 250th anniversary of America's founding, Ryan Michler delivers a stark, counter-cultural challenge to modern men. We live in a society hyper-focused on immediate gratification, digital clout, and instant feedback loops. But true legacy requires a longer horizon.
By examining the immense, unglamorous sacrifices of George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, Ryan maps out the blueprint for moving past temporary, ego-driven personal empires toward lasting institutions. Discover four actionable strategies to practice delayed returns, extend your time horizon, and aggressively plant the generational trees whose shade you may never personally sit under.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Episode Introduction
00:26 - The 250th Anniversary of America's Founding
01:00 - The Sweltering Reality of Philadelphia, 1776
02:30 - What the Founders Never Lived to See Complete
03:50 - The Ancient Wisdom of Planting Trees for Future Shade
04:21 - Breaking Free from Modern Immediate Gratification Loops
05:50 - John Adams and the True Cost of Generational Freedom
08:00 - Thomas Jefferson: Calculating Decades in the Dirt
10:00 - George Washington's Ultimate Power Move: Stepping Down
12:14 - The Strategy of Extending Your Time Horizon
14:30 - Building Lasting Institutions vs. Fleeting Personal Empires
21:31 - Why "Order of Man" is Not the Ryan Michler Show
24:11 - Tactical Discipline: Training Yourself for True Patience
26:36 - The Field Notes Challenge: Perform a Zero-Payoff Action
28:36 - Changing Your Stars and Redefining Your Family Trajectory
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 - 33min - 2702 - How to Build Purpose, Find Friends Who Support Sobriety, and Hold Brothers Accountable | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this week's Ask Me Anything, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle some of the toughest questions men face today. They discuss whether purpose is something you discover or build, how to find closure after losing a parent, and what it takes to save a struggling marriage before it's too late. They also talk about accountability between friends, rebuilding your life after alcohol, returning to faith, and introducing your children to difficult experiences like hunting without letting your own ego get in the way. Plus, they kick things off with a spirited debate about when, if ever, violence is justified in defense of your family.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Welcome & Recent Iron Council Conversations
03:07 - Is Violence Ever a Wholesome Activity?
14:38 - Grieving an Unfinished Relationship with Your Father
25:08 - Finding Purpose When You Feel Stuck
34:06 - Can a Marriage Be Saved Before It's Too Late?
41:03 - Rebuilding Friendships After Getting Sober
44:54 - Holding Friends Accountable Without Becoming Judgmental
51:26 - Returning to Faith or Just Seeking Structure?
57:29 - Teaching Your Son to Hunt Without Letting Ego Get in the Way
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 01 Jul 2026 - 1h 09min - 2701 - MIKE GLOVER | The Man You're Capable of Being is Dormant Inside of You
Most men think preparedness is a bunker full of gear and ammo. My guest today, Mike Glover, knows better. A Green Beret, former CIA contractor, and founder of Fieldcraft Survival has spent his life teaching men that real readiness is a mindset before it's a skillset and that the hardest terrain you'll ever navigate isn't in the wilderness, it's the purgatory of your own worst chapter. In this conversation, Mike opens up about hardship, redemption, and what it took to pick himself up when the ground gave way beneath him.
We get into why men today aren't weak so much as broken down, physically, hormonally, and spiritually. And, we talk about what it takes to rebuild. We talk about purpose and identity, the difference between the people who scatter and the people who'll always have your back, and why being targeted only sharpened his clarity about who he is and what he's built. This is a raw, unflinching look at accountability, manhood, and the courage to say what needs to be said. Mike doesn't hedge, and neither do we.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Mike's public redemption story
02:23 - Why men think about giving up
05:08 - Is fatherhood enough of a purpose?
07:29 - Rendering yourself obsolete as a father
09:42 - Why mortality gives life meaning
12:35 - Surviving public controversy
15:37 - Why people judge what they don't understand
18:02 - Avoiding bitterness after betrayal
19:23 - The "Three Rows at Your Funeral" lesson
22:42 - Whose criticism actually matters
24:08 - Why criticism often reveals your own insecurities
28:36 - Stress, preparedness, and real-world emergencies
32:12 - American Contingency and government scrutiny
37:00 - The danger of putting influencers on pedestals
39:10 - Tribalism and following the crowd
40:26 - Why not everyone becomes a leader
43:08 - Natural selection and modern society
45:52 - Government investigations and censorship
51:16 - Why prepared citizens matter
55:20 - The Second Amendment and balance of power
58:41 - Why conservatives need to become more vocal
01:00:58 - Rebuilding Fieldcraft Survival
01:03:22 - Mike's mission moving forward
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 30 Jun 2026 - 1h 14min - 2700 - The Father Wound That Shapes Every Man | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Most men carry a wound they rarely talk about—and it often begins with their relationship with their father.
Whether your dad was absent, emotionally unavailable, overly critical, or simply unable to give you what you needed, that experience can quietly shape your identity, relationships, ambition, anger, and even the way you parent your own children.
In this episode, Ryan shares his own story of growing up without a present father and explores how the "father wound" influences countless men long into adulthood. More importantly, he explains why understanding the wound isn't about making excuses—it's about taking responsibility, breaking generational cycles, and becoming the man your children need.
If you've ever found yourself chasing approval, struggling to feel "enough," or determined not to repeat your father's mistakes, this conversation is for you.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 The Father Wound Most Men Never Discuss
02:36 Growing Up Without a Present Father
04:52 The Hidden Cost of Father Absence
06:40 What the Father Wound Really Is
08:54 How the Wound Shows Up in Adult Men
13:21 Understanding Isn't the Same as Blaming
14:45 Grieve It—Don't Bury It
15:52 Becoming Your Own Father
18:43 Stop Waiting for His Approval
21:02 Breaking the Generational Cycle
22:30 Forgiveness Is Not the Finish Line
24:41 Build Your Band of Brothers (Iron Council)
26:06 Final Thoughts
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 26 Jun 2026 - 26min - 2699 - What Society Values in Men, Where Does a Man Start, and Why Humility Makes or Breaks Us | ASK ME ANYTHING
the role of sports, politics, masculinity, and national pride. They then tackle listener questions on building meaningful male friendships later in life, reigniting a flat marriage, overcoming destructive habits, breaking generational patterns in fatherhood, exploring faith beyond traditional religious texts, and preparing mentally for a first archery elk hunt.
Along the way, Ryan shares personal lessons from his divorce and recovery journey while both hosts offer practical guidance on leadership, relationships, personal growth, and becoming a stronger man.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Father's Day Reflections
03:50 UFC at the White House: Wholesome or Not?
11:03 Building Male Friendships After 30
21:45 Marriage Feels Flat: Where Do You Start?
31:39 Ryan on Divorce, Drinking & Real Change
39:16 Breaking Generational Patterns in Fatherhood
48:34 Faith Beyond the Traditional Canon
55:58 Mental Preparation for First Elk Hunt
59:29 Listener Feedback, Social Media & Closing Thoughts
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 24 Jun 2026 - 1h 02min - 2698 - GEORGE from TheTinMen | Why Men Are Killing Themselves
Every day, men are dying. Not in some abstract, far-off statistic, but in your town, in your circles, maybe in your own family. They're isolated, disconnected, and being told the very things that make them men are the things that need to be fixed. Meanwhile, the culture cheers on the idea that hating men is a sign of strength, the family courts treat fathers as optional, and any space built exclusively for men gets torn down before it can do any good. Somewhere along the way, we decided men were the problem.
My guest today says that's a lie, and he's got the platform to prove it. George from The TinMen joins me to talk about why men are checking out, dropping out of therapy, and ending their own lives at staggering rates, and what it actually takes to turn that around. This isn't about coddling men or excusing them. It's about telling the truth: men aren't broken, the system around them is. We get into male friendship, the war on masculinity, the family court system, and why "man up" might be the worst advice we ever gave.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Welcome to The Tin Men & Men's Emotional Expression
03:09 Are Men Talking—Or Are We Failing to Listen?
05:17 Why Therapy Isn't Working for Many Men
07:45 The Power of Shoulder-to-Shoulder Conversations
08:29 Grief, Brotherhood & Opening Up
11:02 Normal Responses to Difficult Experiences
14:00 Men as Individuals, Not Categories
16:53 When Talking Alone Isn't Enough
21:59 Why Society Pushes Back on Men's Issues
24:18 Boys, Education & Cultural Messaging
28:33 Building Better Men in Everyday Life
34:18 Health, Education & Structural Change
38:43 How Boys Learn Differently
43:36 Misunderstanding Boys' Behavior
46:15 Grassroots Solutions vs Government Solutions
48:24 Why Men Need Male Spaces
52:04 The Loss of Men-Only Communities
54:47 Brotherhood, Belonging & Better Outcomes
59:28 Final Thoughts & Where to Find The Tin Men
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 23 Jun 2026 - 1h 10min - 2697 - 7 Strategies for Becoming a Better Father | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Most men never receive training for fatherhood - but that doesn't make the role any less important.
In this week's Friday Field Notes, Ryan shares 7 strategies to become a better father and explains why your presence, discipline, standards, and personal growth matter more than you think.
Your kids are watching how you lead, how you respond to adversity, and how you show up every day. Whether your children are young, grown, or somewhere in between, these principles will help you become the father they remember and respect.
This isn't about perfection. It's about intentional fatherhood.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Why Fatherhood Matters
02:58 Be Present, Not Just Around
04:50 Model the Man You Want Them to Become
07:09 Discipline Without Losing the Relationship
10:28 Let Your Kids Struggle
13:28 Tell Them Who They Are
17:56 Build Something Together
19:48 Father From a Full Tank
28:55 Iron Council & Final Challenge
29:36 Final Father's Day Message & Outro
If one of these principles hits home, choose one and apply it this weekend.
Join Iron Council: https://orderofman.com/ironcouncil
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 19 Jun 2026 - 30min - 2696 - Invest in Self-Improvement, Take a Year For Yourself, and Never Seek Validation | ASK ME ANYTHING
Ryan and Kipp open with a conversation about building, creating, and the satisfaction that comes from seeing your work in the world before diving into another Ask Me Anything. This week, they tackle questions on approval seeking, self-development investments, measuring progress, unpopular opinions, intuition, instant gratification, rebuilding after divorce, and designing an intentional reset year.
They also discuss why progress often feels invisible, how to involve family in personal goals, and why growth requires structure instead of endless information gathering. If you're trying to become more intentional and build a life with purpose, this episode delivers a practical perspective.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Intro & catching up 06:48 - Approval seeking vs being likable 20:10 - Investing in self-development 24:30 - Measuring personal growth 26:42 - Unpopular opinions 35:49 - Escaping instant gratification 39:30 - Taking an adult gap year 45:53 - Showing progress to others 53:00 - Getting spouse buy-in for big goals 01:07:00 - Why systems beat information 01:09:30 - Wrap up
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 17 Jun 2026 - 1h 09min - 2695 - AJ KAZMIERCZAK | The Lost Art of Brotherhood
We've never been more connected, and we've never been more alone. Men have endless ways to reach each other and almost no reason they'll actually use them. We don't reach out. We don't check in. We won't pay another man a compliment without slapping "no homo" on the end of it to make sure nobody mistakes us for caring. And somewhere along the way, we decided that the first flowers a man receives should arrive at his funeral.
This week, AJ Kazmierczak joins the show to tear that pattern apart. We get into why connection is the single most valuable skill a man can build, how to develop it on purpose, and why most guys would rather avoid the discomfort of self-auditing than face what's actually holding them back. We talk accountability, discernment, evolving without losing yourself, and what it really costs to be the kind of man other men want in their corner.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Episode Introduction 01:30 - Reconnecting After Montana Knife Company 05:20 - Why Men Are More Connected Yet More Isolated 08:00 - The Lost Art of Complimenting Other Men 12:57 - Building Relationships Through Small Conversations 16:24 - Accountability and Encouragement in Unexpected Places 21:16 - Why Communication Skills Matter More Than Credentials 24:47 - Whose Opinions Should Actually Matter 31:21 - Creating an Identity Instead of Fitting In 35:49 - Authenticity, Attention, and Standing Out 38:36 - Evolving Without Losing Yourself 42:55 - Why Honest Feedback Is So Rare 45:09 - Self-Auditing and Becoming More Self-Aware 49:08 - Fast Decision Makers vs Overthinkers 51:59 - The Problem With Being the "Nice Guy" 54:14 - Technical Reset + Bringing It Home 55:12 - Redefining What It Means to Be Alpha 57:36 - Family, Purpose, and Building a Meaningful Life 01:00:18 - Connection, Conversation, and Community 01:01:12 - Winter Strong, Sorenex, and Future Plans 01:02:59 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 16 Jun 2026 - 1h 09min - 2694 - How to Forge Masculinity Into Manliness | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Modern culture often treats masculinity as something dangerous that needs to be suppressed, softened, or apologized for. In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler challenges that narrative and draws a critical distinction between masculinity and manliness.
Masculinity, Ryan argues, is the raw, God-given force within men - the drive to compete, build, protect, lead, and conquer. It is neither good nor bad on its own. Manliness, however, is what happens when that force is refined, disciplined, governed by principle, and directed toward a righteous purpose.
Ryan outlines five practical ways to forge masculinity into manliness: attaching your strength to a mission, submitting yourself to discipline, living by a code, serving others, and embracing voluntary hardship. He explains why purpose, responsibility, and self-mastery are essential for becoming the man you're meant to be.
If you've ever wrestled with what it means to be a strong man in today's world, this episode offers a framework for harnessing your natural gifts and turning them into something valuable for yourself, your family, and your community.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Introduction 00:07 The Lie We've Been Told About Masculinity 02:32 Masculinity vs. Manliness 04:58 Why "Toxic Masculinity" Gets It Wrong 07:17 Responsibility Over Shame 09:14 Choosing Who You Become 11:22 1. Attach Your Masculinity to a Mission 15:47 2. Submit Your Masculinity to Discipline 19:11 3. Govern Masculinity with Principles 23:08 4. Aim Your Strength in Service of Others 25:27 5. Embrace Voluntary Difficulty 28:46 Happiness vs. Fulfillment 30:18 Why Men Are Not the Problem 32:09 Becoming a Man in Command of Himself 33:13 Iron Council Invitation 34:02 Final Thoughts
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 12 Jun 2026 - 34min - 2693 - Raising Boys in an Effeminate World, Self-Awareness Strategies, and Paying the Price of Success | ASK ME ANYTHING
Two hosts, five powerful listener questions, and a conversation that moves from comparison and fatherhood to relationships, self-awareness, and personal growth. Ryan and Kipp open with a quick catch-up before diving into questions from listeners on feeling behind in life, protecting children from cultural influence, rebuilding relationships with adult children, navigating difficult conversations with a spouse, and developing greater self-awareness.
Along the way they discuss intentional parenting, accountability, ownership, communication, and why the quality of your questions often determines the quality of your life.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Intro & Hawaii recap 08:29 Comparison and feeling behind 21:00 Protecting your kids from culture 31:35 Rebuilding relationships with adult children 40:09 Talking to your spouse about difficult issues 51:19 Building self-awareness 01:08:59 Men's Forge event announcement 01:11:12 Outro
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 10 Jun 2026 - 1h 11min - 2692 - MICHAEL MILLIN | Break the Cycle of Trauma and Addiction
Every man carries forces that pull against each other. It could be the urge to numb out and the call to face it, the inheritance of his father's failures and the responsibility to break the chain. For Michael Millin, those opposing forces weren't a metaphor. They were the difference between a life lost to addiction and the 17 years of sobriety he's built since hitting bottom with his back against the wall. Today, Michael and I talk about generational trauma, the instability of growing up with a father who came in and out of his life, and what it actually takes to stop running from the pain you've spent your whole life numbing. This is a raw conversation about alcoholism, faith, and the lie that we have to wrap our identity up in being broken. Michael shares how he went from mocking Christianity to wrestling honestly with God, how a single sober friend changed the trajectory of his life, and why enablers do more damage than they'll ever admit. If you've ever told yourself you weren't okay, this one is for you.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Episode Introduction 01:04 - Fatherhood, addiction, and absent fathers 04:06 - Growing up with addiction and instability 05:33 - Ryan's recovery experience and AA discussion 06:28 - Watching a father relapse after 15 years sober 09:24 - Rock bottom, poverty, and getting sober 13:39 - What rock bottom actually looked like 16:03 - Recovery, Indonesia, and spiritual searching 17:18 - Christianity, marriage, and life transformation 20:29 - Finding an outlet and building a meaningful life 21:51 - Addiction, purpose, and destructive patterns 23:37 - Fatherhood and defining a personal mission 26:49 - Turning childhood pain into purpose 28:50 - Faith, doubt, and searching for God 32:43 - Generational cycles and breaking family patterns 35:56 - Accepting hard truths and personal responsibility 39:50 - Addiction, identity, and becoming okay internally 41:50 - Family trauma and inherited suffering 44:20 - Native American heritage and generational impact 50:30 - Spiritual warfare and healing 51:16 - The story behind A Life of Opposing Forces 53:20 - Surfing, sharks, and feeling alive 59:16 - Lessons from being new on the journey 01:00:10 - Relationships, faith, and changing direction 01:01:55 - Where to connect with Michael
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 09 Jun 2026 - 1h 09min - 2691 - 5 Archetypes of Immature Masculinity | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Masculinity isn't inherently good or bad - it's a force. Like fire, it can be used to build or destroy. The real question isn't whether masculinity is the problem; it's whether a man has learned to direct it with discipline, character, and purpose.
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores the critical distinction between masculinity and manliness, then breaks down five immature archetypes that keep men from reaching their full potential. From the Man Child to the Jester, Ryan explains how these patterns show up in everyday life and what it takes to move beyond them.
If you're willing to take an honest look in the mirror, this episode may reveal exactly where you need to grow.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Intro 00:17 Masculinity Is Not Inherently Good or Bad 02:26 Masculinity vs. Manliness 04:33 Being Good vs. Being Good at Being a Man 05:44 Manliness Requires Virtuous Direction 06:40 The Meaning of Arete 08:29 Masculinity Without Refinement 09:27 Archetype #1: The Man Child 15:31 Archetype #2: The Ghost 21:27 Archetype #3: The Tyrant 25:36 Archetype #4: The Martyr 30:49 Archetype #5: The Jester 34:45 Which Archetype Are You? 36:45 Iron Council Preview Invitation 38:05 Final Thoughts and Challenge
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 05 Jun 2026 - 38min - 2690 - Avoid the Mid-life Drift, Conflict Avoidance, and Weak Leadership | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this solo Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan Michler tackles some of the most common challenges men face in midlife: complacency after success, leading a family without becoming controlling, overcoming conflict avoidance, dealing with regret, and building meaningful male friendships.
Ryan shares practical frameworks for finding purpose after you've achieved your goals, developing conviction without coercion, stepping into leadership at home, and letting go of past mistakes through accountability and changed behavior. He also offers candid advice on creating deeper connections with other men and why meaningful struggles are essential for growth and fulfillment.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:12 - Introduction and Iron Council Preview Call 01:20 - Staying Sharp After Success and Comfort 07:09 - Passing Faith to a Teenage Son Without Control 12:32 - The Midlife Emptiness Many Men Experience 15:28 - Overcoming Conflict Avoidance and People-Pleasing 30:50 - Leading Your Family Without a Power Grab 44:18 - How to Deal with Real Regret and Move Forward 55:32 - Why Men Struggle to Build Deep Friendships 01:05:30 - Where to Find Strong Male Relationships 01:06:55 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 03 Jun 2026 - 1h 06min - 2689 - JIMMY REX | The Brotherhood Blueprint: How to Find, Build, and Keep Real Male Friendships
Most men are surrounded by people and completely alone. They've got coworkers, neighbors, guys from high school they still text but nobody who will tell them the truth, call them forward, or sit with them when things go sideways. That's not friendship. That's just proximity. And the difference between those two things might be the most important gap a man can close in his life.
Today I'm sitting down with Jimmy Rex, founder of We Are The They, author of BE ONE, and one of the most intentional men I know when it comes to building real brotherhood. We get into where men actually find high-caliber friends, how to tell the difference between a true friend and a liability, the masculine dynamics that make marriages and relationships work, and why most guys are betraying themselves long before anyone else gets the chance. This is a conversation that will change the way you think about the men in your life - and the ones who should be there but aren't.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
Podcast Introduction and Montana Knife Company Gift Shifting Trip Plans to Montana and Wild Bear Sightings Connecting with Nature and Managing Phone Screen Time High School Pranks and Getting Arrested at a Church Event Exploring Masculine Softness, Vulnerability, and Leadership Tiptoeing into Asshole Territory to Set Healthy Boundaries The Qualifications of Church Leaders and Dating Advice Pitfalls Communication Languages and Understanding The Queen's Code The Role of a Coach and Pushing Boundaries in Sports Taking Action and Establishing Clear Boundaries in Marriage Prioritizing Women's Safety and the True Purpose of Men's Groups Critiques of Modern Vulnerability and the Value of Having a Plan Accountability Through Combat Sports and Jiu-Jitsu Overcoming the Ego and Inviting Friends to Highlight Blind Spots Two Critical Questions for Evaluating Received Feedback Colin Cowherd's Philosophy and Navigating Family Conflict Handling Social Media Group Misunderstandings and the Grace of Repair The Importance of a Sparring Partner and Jiu-Jitsu with Pete Roberts Finding Your Band of Brothers and Letting Go of Unproductive Roommates Household Management and Adam Lane Smith's Household CEO Model Orion Tarabin's Captain and Passenger Relationship Concept Reconciling Navigational Promises and the Power of Pre-Selection Net Worth and Jimmy's Investment Board Role with Dave Bateman Changing Your Personal Environment and Matching Partner Standards Proximity vs true Investment and Jimmy's Real Estate Systems Evaluating Competence, Discernment, and Destructive Patterns in Circles Distancing Low-Performing High School Friends and Surviving a $150,000 Scam Golfing in Southern Utah and Embracing Imperfect ExecutionBattle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 02 Jun 2026 - 1h 12min - 2688 - 5 Ways Men Relinquish Their Sovereignty | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Most men don't lose control of their lives overnight. It happens slowly - through comfort, approval-seeking, distraction, blame, and outsourcing identity to culture and other people.
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down the five most common ways men surrender their sovereignty and explains how to reclaim authority over your life, decisions, standards, and future.
This conversation challenges men to stop living reactively and start becoming the primary author of their lives.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - The Most Powerful Version of Yourself 01:28 - What Sovereignty Really Means 04:46 - Men Are In a Battle 07:01 - Approval-Seeking 11:36 - Addiction to Comfort 15:12 - Digital Dependency 21:24 - Abdication of Responsibility 26:58 - Identity Outsourcing 31:15 - Reclaiming Your Sovereignty 34:29 - Final Challenge & Resources
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 29 May 2026 - 36min - 2687 - Stop Waiting to Be Saved: Ownership, Mission & Growth | ASK ME ANYTHING
Kipp and Jay tackle some of the toughest and most meaningful questions from the Iron Council community in this week's Ask Me Anything episode. They discuss emergency preparedness, victim mentality, ownership, leadership, family mission alignment, and how to navigate unresolved tension in relationships. The conversation also dives into finding purpose in difficult jobs and managing rage when justice feels out of reach. Along the way, they share practical leadership insights, powerful mindset shifts, and personal stories about family, service, and growth. This episode is packed with grounded advice for men trying to lead themselves and others more effectively.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00:00 - Pre-show conversation and traditions 00:12:52 - Emergency preparedness and taking action 00:22:00 - Ownership vs victim mentality 00:35:20 - Why After Action Reviews matter 00:45:05 - Pursuing a bigger family mission 00:57:20 - Do masculine principles apply to women? 01:03:15 - Handling rage when justice fails 01:15:20 - Resolving lingering tension in marriage 01:26:20 - Finding purpose in a job you hate 01:33:45 - Closing thoughts and sign-off
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 27 May 2026 - 1h 09min - 2686 - The Ancient Secret to Modern Discipline
In this episode, Ryan Michler explores the ancient concept known as the "Ulysses Pact" and explains how it can help modern men build discipline, avoid self-sabotage, and stay committed under pressure. Drawing from Homer's Odyssey, Ryan breaks down why willpower alone often fails and how intentional systems, accountability, and pre-commitment strategies create lasting change.
Through practical examples involving finances, alcohol, work-life balance, and relationships, he shows how men can protect themselves from moments of weakness before temptation ever arrives. Ryan also shares the importance of brotherhood, structure, and personal responsibility in becoming the man one is meant to be.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Why Men Break Promises to Themselves 01:56 - The Story of Odysseus and the Sirens 04:15 - The Nature of Temptation and Self-Sabotage 06:06 - Why Willpower Is Not Enough 08:23 - Understanding the Ulysses Pact 10:38 - How Stress Destroys Rational Decision-Making 12:47 - Financial Discipline Through Pre-Commitment 16:03 - Alcohol, Accountability, and Better Decisions 18:10 - The Workaholic Trap and Family Presence 20:10 - Managing Conflict and Emotional Reactions 22:30 - Five Principles of the Ulysses Pact 23:39 - Building Friction Into Bad Habits 25:00 - Why Accountability Is Essential 26:00 - The Power of Specific Commitments 27:00 - Respecting Your Future Self 29:05 - Ryan's Challenge to Build Your Own Pact 30:26 - Brotherhood, Iron Council, and Final Thoughts
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 26 May 2026 - 32min - 2685 - Men and the Myth of Martyrdom | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
What if the sacrifices you make aren't actually about service... but identity?
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down the dangerous trap many men fall into: building their entire identity around suffering, responsibility, and sacrifice. Drawing from philosophy, psychology, and personal experience, Ryan explores how men unconsciously become martyrs - believing their worth is tied to how much pain they can endure.
From Carl Jung's concept of the persona and shadow, to Stoic philosophy and Sartre's idea of "bad faith," this episode challenges men to ask a difficult question:
Are you sacrificing for something... or sacrificing as something?
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - The Question That Changed Everything 01:05 - Becoming "The Responsible One" 03:35 - The Persona Men Build 05:35 - When Suffering Becomes Identity 06:45 - The Trap of Proving Your Worth 07:20 - Sartre and "Bad Faith" 09:20 - The Mindset of the Martyr 10:40 - Stoicism and Virtuous Suffering 12:15 - Why Men Perform Sacrifice 13:20 - Carl Jung and the Shadow 15:15 - The Hidden Patterns of Martyrdom 16:00 - Keeping Score in Relationships 17:10 - Why Martyrs Refuse Help 18:50 - Resentment Disguised as Dedication 21:05 - "I Had No Choice" 22:15 - Why Nobody Loves a Martyr 24:05 - Martyrdom vs Purpose 25:05 - The Story Your Kids Learn From You 26:15 - Losing Yourself in Responsibility 27:30 - How to Break the Pattern 28:00 - Name the Performance 28:50 - Reclaim Your Sovereignty 29:55 - The Boy Still Carrying the Weight 31:20 - Conscious vs Compulsive Sacrifice 32:10 - Building Identity Beyond Suffering 33:20 - A Man Who Knows Who He Is 34:35 - The Epictetus Quote 35:20 - Learning to Put the Weight Down 36:10 - Suffering With Purpose 37:00 - Final Thoughts on Martyrdom 37:45 - Share This With Another Man
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 22 May 2026 - 37min - 2684 - Stop Being Selfish, Build Better Patterns, and Lead Women Well | ASK ME ANYTHING
Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorenson tackle hard truths about masculinity, leadership, discipline, and faith in this AMA episode. They discuss why many men struggle to lead confidently at home, how toxic behavioral patterns become comfortable, and what real brotherhood and accountability look like. The conversation dives deep into self-awareness, responsibility, relationships, and the danger of using faith as an excuse for passivity. Along the way, they share practical advice for helping struggling friends, becoming a man worth following, and building stronger purpose-driven lives.
Packed with candid stories, sharp insights, and actionable takeaways, this episode challenges men to stop avoiding reality and get to work.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Episode kickoff 00:46 Ryan's rant on biohacking culture 04:32 Why men focus on what they obsess over 06:00 Lacrosse fundraiser and leadership lesson 10:19 Ego, purpose, and mission-first thinking 17:16 Leading a wife who doesn't want to be led 27:24 Masculinity resources and recommended books 29:23 Why men repeat destructive patterns 36:07 The power of brotherhood and accountability 48:32 Helping a friend who refuses help 58:26 Faith, responsibility, and ownership 01:03:35 Why men are called to work
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 20 May 2026 - 1h 06min - 2683 - DALE PARTRIDGE | Why Society Has Become Effeminate (and, What to Do About It…)
If you're being honest, you know something has shifted in this culture. Most of us feel it even if we can't name it. The language has changed, the standards have changed, emotional performance has replaced principled conviction, and the men willing to hold a hard line are being told to sit down and apologize. Today's guest, Dale Partridge, doesn't apologize. And. He makes the case for why you shouldn't either.
We cover the philosophical and cultural forces driving the effeminization of men and society, why a man without a defined worldview is a man who can be pushed around, the political and moral landscape men are being asked to navigate right now, and what it practically looks like to reclaim the kind of masculinity this culture is working overtime to erase. We don't pull punches on this one.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode Introduction 01:22 - Reuniting After 8 Years 02:08 - Why Culture Has Become More Polarized 04:22 - The Failure of Multiculturalism 07:01 - "Young Men Are Tired of Being Told Not to Notice Reality" 08:56 - Speaking Honestly in a Politically Correct Culture 09:58 - Feminization of Society & Institutions 12:03 - Masculinity vs Effeminacy 14:26 - "We're in an Era of Masculine Recovery" 16:24 - Reclaiming Masculinity Instead of Redefining It 17:46 - Men, Conflict & Power 20:33 - Weak Leadership in Modern Churches 21:55 - Why Young Men Are Returning to Church 24:20 - The Manliness of Christ 25:33 - Morality, Politics & Trump 26:40 - Creedal vs Confessional Christianity 30:38 - Christian Unity & "Unite the Clans" 33:11 - Protestantism & America's Origins 38:19 - Separation of Church and State Explained 45:58 - Why Morality Requires Authority 48:05 - Politics as Religion 50:10 - Why Men Need a Worldview 52:54 - The Modern Church as a "Social Club" 53:52 - Ryan's Spiritual Experience in Iraq 55:35 - The Biggest Threats to Western Civilization 57:20 - "The Three Dragons" Facing Society 59:33 - Feminism & Repealing the 19th Amendment 01:01:49 - Immigration, Nationalism & Assimilation 01:05:12 - Christian Nationalism Explained 01:06:12 - America's Relationship with Israel 01:08:31 - Why Difficult Conversations Matter 01:10:16 - Launching "American Grit" 01:11:48 - Ryan Praises Dale's Courage 01:13:21 - Social Media Growth & Cultural Shift 01:14:42 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 19 May 2026 - 1h 21min - 2682 - Why Every Man Needs a Mission (And, How to Build One) | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
What happens when a man loses his mission?
In this powerful Friday Field Notes episode, Ryan Michler breaks down why purpose is not optional for men - it's essential. Drawing from military experience, personal stories, and alarming statistics around depression, suicide, addiction, and isolation, Ryan explains why so many men feel lost today and how to reclaim direction.
Using the acronym MISSION, Ryan walks through a practical framework to help men identify meaning, build identity, serve others, develop skills, pursue interests, overcome obstacles, and take the next step toward a purpose-driven life.
If you've felt stuck, numb, disconnected, or unsure of your next move, this episode is a direct challenge to stop drifting and start building a mission worthy of your life.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 00:33 - The Soldier Returning Home 02:58 - The Crisis Facing Men Today 04:32 - Why Men Need Mission 05:05 - M = Meaning 06:55 - I = Identity 08:40 - S = Service 13:05 - The Power of Generational Impact 14:30 - S = Skills 16:20 - I = Interests 18:45 - O = Obstacles 21:23 - N = Next Step 22:55 - Mission, Depression & Isolation 24:20 - Young Men Without Purpose 26:05 - Why Great Men Had Missions 27:20 - Final Challenge to Men 28:25 - Iron Council Invitation & Outro
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 15 May 2026 - 29min - 2681 - The Power of Meritocracy, Conspiracies Debunked, and Elevating Our Standards | ASK ME ANYTHING
Ryan and Kipp switch gears for a lighter Ask Me Anything episode where listeners intentionally submit "dumb questions" - and somehow the conversation turns surprisingly insightful. They cover teenage boys acting feral in public, conspiracy theories, men-only spaces, the psychology behind carrying all the groceries in one trip, and why guys constantly compete with each other. Along the way, they also dive into critical thinking, modern education, AI dependency, and the importance of having friends who can laugh with you through life's chaos.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 01:35 - PLL lacrosse and weekend recap 04:27 - The "dumb questions" AMA begins 05:32 - Killing your ego and thinking well of yourself 13:24 - Why teenage boys go feral in public 17:20 - Moon landing, pyramids, and conspiracy theories 22:53 - Why figuring things out matters more than knowing 28:42 - Why women aren't in the Iron Council 33:49 - Why carrying all groceries in one trip feels amazing 39:45 - Guilty pleasure movies and songs 44:04 - "Hold my beer and watch this" explained 49:00 - The proper way to shake hands 55:10 - When hugs are appropriate 58:46 - Wrapping up and future AMA ideas 59:18 - Iron Council preview call 01:01:20 - Post-show wrap
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 13 May 2026 - 1h 00min - 2680 - CHAD ROBICHAUX | The Battle for Our Boys and America's Soul
As Memorial Day approaches, there's no better time to have a brutally honest conversation about what it means to be a man in America today and why that question has never mattered more. From the assault on boyhood to the spiritual warfare playing out in our homes, our military, and our culture, someone has to name what's really happening. Today, we do exactly that.
I'm joined by former Marine Recon, Chad Robichaux and, today we cover everything from the manufactured collapse of masculinity to what our military is facing in a post-COVID world, what real leadership looks like, and why faith (not politics) is the only thing that holds when everything else falls apart. Whether you're a veteran, a father, or a man trying to figure out where you stand, this one's for you.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction & Shared Mission to Help Men 02:02 - Why Boys Need Roughhousing & Masculine Development 04:45 - Male vs. Man — The Difference Matters 05:06 - Is There a Deliberate War on Boys? 11:31 - America's "Check Engine Light" Problem 12:58 - Trump, Hegseth & Rebuilding Military Strength 16:47 - Lowering Standards in the Military 20:05 - Iran, Venezuela & America's Global Power 24:27 - Why China Is the Bigger Threat 31:35 - Trump's Leadership Style & Strategic Ambiguity 33:56 - Faith Inside the White House 36:33 - Military Morale Is Shifting Fast 39:16 - How COVID Damaged the Military Spirit 42:53 - The Biggest Struggle Veterans Face After Service 46:41 - Chad's Personal Battle After Leaving the Military 48:22 - Chad's New Military Thriller — Riptide 50:15 - Mighty Oaks Foundation & Helping Veterans 51:20 - Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 12 May 2026 - 56min - 2679 - What Is Inner Authority (And How to Build It) | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Most men think they struggle with discipline, confidence, or motivation - but beneath all of it is a deeper issue: the inability to trust themselves.
In this Friday Field Notes episode, Ryan Michler breaks down the concept of inner authority - what it is, why so many men lose it, and how to reclaim it in a world constantly demanding your attention, validation, and compliance.
Ryan explores:
Why modern men outsource their decisions How social media destroys self-trust The hidden resentment created by seeking approval The difference between wisdom and permission How to stop overexplaining yourself Practical ways to rebuild confidence and sovereigntyIf you've ever second-guessed yourself, needed external validation before making a move, or felt disconnected from your own instincts, this episode will challenge you to reclaim ownership of your life.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 00:19 - The Problem Most Men Never Name 02:41 - A Question About Decision-Making 04:13 - Why Men Seek External Validation 06:38 - What Inner Authority Really Means 08:10 - Ownership, Accountability & Agency 10:10 - Criticism, Praise & Self-Trust 12:11 - How Men Lose Their Inner Authority 14:06 - Conditioning, Compliance & Institutions 15:57 - Relationships and Losing Your Voice 17:52 - Social Media and Validation Addiction 19:18 - Indecision and Overthinking 21:23 - Resentment From Outsourcing Your Life 22:02 - Success Without Fulfillment 24:17 - Ryan's Personal Crossroads Story 26:12 - How to Build Inner Authority 26:38 - Make Small Decisions 27:55 - Stop Asking Permission 28:45 - Stop Explaining Yourself 29:52 - Get Alone and Hear Yourself Think 30:43 - Do Difficult Things in Private 31:55 - Disagree Out Loud 33:05 - Track Your Wins 34:02 - You've Already Survived Hard Things 35:40 - Why Inner Authority Matters 36:35 - Iron Council Invitation 37:10 - Preview Call Details & Closing Remarks
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 08 May 2026 - 38min - 2678 - Trust Yourself, Maximize Your Value, and Never Dim Your Light | ASK ME ANYTHING
Ryan and Kipp dive into another AMA episode, tackling real questions from men navigating discipline, purpose, and relationships. They break down how to build self-trust, stay grounded when others resist your growth, and rebuild trust in marriage after years of disconnect. The conversation explores masculinity, emotional regulation, and the importance of personal responsibility - especially as a father. They also unpack how to find purpose without a crisis and why experimenting is key. This episode is packed with practical insights and direct advice for men looking to level up in every area of life.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 07:07 - Episode begins 11:58 - Building trust in yourself 19:57 - Breathwork & adding value 27:56 - Discipline struggles 33:31 - Outgrowing your circle 42:04 - Raising boys the right way 48:02 - Rebuilding trust in marriage 56:41 - Finding your mission 01:00:56 - Choosing your problems
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 06 May 2026 - 1h 00min - 2677 - Safe Doesn't Mean "Soft"
Ryan Michler breaks down what it truly means for a man to be "safe" in a relationship - and why most men get it wrong. Drawing from his own failed marriage, he explains how emotional volatility, inconsistency, and lack of self-mastery can erode trust at home. Ryan challenges the idea that safety equals weakness, arguing instead that it's rooted in strength, discipline, and control. He outlines practical ways men can become more grounded, reliable, and առաջնորդ-driven - through emotional regulation, clear personal standards, accountability, and presence. This episode is a direct, no-excuses call for men to lead themselves first so they can better lead and protect their families.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction: Rethinking "Safe Masculinity" 02:21 - Personal Story: Marriage Breakdown & Accountability 04:49 - The Cost of Being Unsafe as a Man 07:11 - Why Women Need Safety in Relationships 09:38 - What "Safe" Actually Means (Not Weakness) 10:59 - The Problem with the "Nice Guy" 13:22 - Personal Responsibility in Relationships 15:35 - Sovereignty & Emotional Regulation 19:52 - Practical Traits That Create Safety 22:03 - The Importance of Having a Code 24:04 - Protection & Masculine Provision 26:04 - Accountability Without Excuses 28:07 - Presence vs Absence 29:27 - Lion vs House Cat: True Masculinity Defined 31:23 - Final Call to Action
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 05 May 2026 - 32min - 2676 - Why Free Markets Are Masculine | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler tackles a controversial but critical idea: what if free markets aren't the problem—but the proving ground for masculinity?
Ryan breaks down how systems built on risk, accountability, competition, and earned success shape men into capable, resilient leaders. He contrasts this with the growing appeal of dependency-driven systems and explains why outsourcing responsibility may come at a deeper cost—your purpose, identity, and sovereignty.
This is a direct, unfiltered look at what men lose when struggle disappears—and why the free market might be the arena men actually need.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - The Question No One Is Asking 00:34 - Free Markets & Masculinity Explained 02:12 - Struggle Is the Point 04:02 - Masculinity Under Fire 05:20 - The Rise of Dependency Thinking 06:09 - Sovereignty vs Security 07:54 - Personal Responsibility 09:50 - Risk & Reward 11:46 - Purpose, Work, and Male Disengagement 13:40 - Independence & Self-Reliance 15:26 - Earned Respect vs Entitlement 18:20 - The Power of Competition 21:46 - Justice vs Mercy 23:33 - The Lie About Capitalism (Cronyism) 25:40 - Consumerism & Empty Men 27:43 - Comfort Is the Real Threat 29:25 - Final Thoughts & Challenge
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 01 May 2026 - 31min - 2675 - Showing Up When It Counts, Taking Ownership, and Doing the Work | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this AMA episode, Jay and Kipp dive into powerful lessons on fatherhood, presence, and leadership, starting with a moving story about choosing family over business opportunities. They explore the importance of showing up consistently for the moments that matter most, both at home and in life.
The conversation then shifts into listener questions covering engagement in brotherhood communities, balancing confidence with humility, avoiding the trap of passive self-improvement, and handling criticism and comparison. The episode wraps with insights on discipline, personal responsibility, and how to let go of past mistakes while continuing to grow.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Opening & intro 00:30 - Forge event & family priorities 03:30 - The moments that matter for your kids 05:25 - Importance of in-person connection 07:35 - Q1: Driving engagement in the Iron Council 18:10 - Q2: Confidence vs humility 38:30 - Q3: Consuming content vs real growth 48:46 - Q4: Effort vs others not trying 49:15 - Q5: Letting go of past mistakes 1:06:24 - Q6: Navigating societal conflict
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 - 1h 27min - 2674 - Men Are Built: Live From the Men's Forge
Men, most of us are drifting. We've been told to go it alone, to suppress our struggles, and to settle for a life defined by comfort rather than calling. We grind away at work but feel isolated at home, carrying a weight that we were never meant to bear in silence. In this live session recorded at The Men's Forge, Ryan, Larry, and Dwayne sit down to answer the real questions men are facing in the trenches of life.
This isn't about sitting back and taking notes - it's about stripping away weakness and gaining the clarity required to step fully into your role as a husband, father, and leader. We dive deep into the "Trinity of Man," the difference between commitment and compliance, and why most men fail to lead their wives effectively because they mistake dumping baggage for vulnerability.
Whether you are struggling to forgive a distant father or trying to navigate a marriage that has drifted into a "logistical partnership," this conversation is a challenge to stop living passively and start forging a legacy that lasts.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 04:54 - Welcome to the Men's Forge AMA 05:19 - Transforming Your Family Legacy 08:41 - The Trinity of Man: Body, Soul, and Spirit 17:20 - Non-Negotiable Systems for Young Men 21:20 - Leading in Resistant Environments 24:20 - Vulnerability vs. Tenderness: The King's Wall 38:31 - Escaping the Comparison Trap 44:01 - Balancing Overthinking and Overdoing 48:01 - Waiting for the Tide: Preparation and Timing 54:40 - Marriage First: The Foundation of the House 01:04:30 - Leaving Yesterday's Man in the Past 01:07:13 - Affirming and Raising Strong Daughters 01:12:00 - Discipline Through Specificity and Calm 01:18:00 - From Pedestals to Humanizing Your Father 01:21:50 - The Reps of Daily Connection 01:29:35 - Final Charge and Closing Encouragement
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 28 Apr 2026 - 1h 25min - 2673 - 5 Ways to Squash Disrespect and Command Respect | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Most men don't struggle with competence - they struggle with how others treat them.
In this episode, Ryan breaks down five practical, no-BS ways to earn respect without demanding it, begging for it, or pretending to be someone you're not. These are simple shifts in behavior that immediately change how people perceive you - at work, at home, and in every relationship.
If you've ever felt overlooked, talked over, or taken for granted, this episode gives you the tools to take back control and command respect - quietly and effectively.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Intro: Why Respect Matters 01:55 - #1 Set Clear Boundaries 05:14 - Plan Your Response in Advance 07:39 - #2 Stop Over-Explaining & Apologizing 09:31 - #3 Raise Your Standards 11:47 - Practical Language Shifts 13:46 - #4 Be Reliable 15:43 - Close the Loop on Commitments 17:30 - #5 Address Disrespect Directly 19:25 - How to Respond Calmly in the Moment 21:31 - Final Thoughts + Recap 22:30 - Outro & Call to Action
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
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Fri, 24 Apr 2026 - 23min - 2672 - Date with Intention, Choose Your Wife Over Your Mom, and Get Into Your Kids' World | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this AMA episode, Ryan and Kipp tackle powerful listener questions on masculinity, relationships, and personal integrity. They explore how father wounds shape spiritual beliefs, how to set boundaries with family without guilt, and what it really means to lead in difficult moments. The conversation dives into building deep trust with other men, overcoming the need for validation, and modeling strength for your children. They also address modern dating challenges and how to approach relationships with intentionality.
This episode is packed with practical wisdom on leadership, self-respect, and becoming the man others can rely on.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode Introduction 01:29 - Episode begins + hunting story 06:07 - Father wounds & relationship with God 13:16 - Boundaries with parents vs. your own family 23:06 - Building your inner circle of men 36:47 - Supporting your wife while working away 45:02 - Overcoming validation-seeking behavior 50:08 - Making yourself and God proud (key moment) 52:06 - Handling public disrespect in front of your kids 01:02:25 - Dating, discipline, and commitment
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 - 1h 10min - 2671 - TONY BOVA | The Standard You Set Is The Life You Get
Most men sense something is off long before they can name it. They've played by the rules, been agreeable, helpful, conflict-avoidant, and still find themselves feeling invisible, disrespected, or hollow. Today's guest calls it exactly what it is: the nice-guy trap. And he didn't just study it from the outside; he lived it, lost a marriage over it, battled addiction through it, and came out the other side with a clear-eyed framework for what it actually means to step into your manhood.
My guest is Tony Bova and, today, we talk about the internal work that nobody talks about. It's about rewriting the stories you tell yourself, honoring your word in the small moments, having the hard conversations you've been avoiding, and building something far more durable than the honeymoon phase. If you're done outsourcing your standards and ready to become the loudest voice in your own life, this one's for you.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introduction & Masculinity Conversation Setup 01:02 Episode Begins – Tony Bova Introduction 02:05 Red Pill Movement: Truth vs Damage 03:25 What Does "Stepping Into Masculinity" Mean? 04:44 Internal Fulfillment vs External Validation 06:49 Discipline Through Small Daily Choices 09:13 Difficult Conversations & Relationship Growth 10:29 Fear of Confrontation in Modern Men 11:17 Why Avoidance Creates Bigger Problems 13:27 Generational Patterns & Breaking Cycles 14:18 Alcohol, Avoidance & Personal Responsibility 16:30 Talking to Kids About Hard Topics 17:47 Importance of Fathers in Daughters' Lives 19:31 Masculinity & Leadership in Relationships 22:17 Why Men Feel Lost and Confused 22:56 Fear of Being Seen as a Fraud 25:29 Emotional Maturity vs "Boy Psychology" 29:51 Rebuilding Trust & Emotional Safety 33:25 Responsibility vs Fairness in Relationships 34:47 Masculine Standards & Leadership 38:10 Honoring Feminine Energy vs Competing 41:33 Truth vs People-Pleasing in Relationships 46:45 Setting Boundaries & Training Others 49:54 Victim Mentality vs Ownership 52:54 Raising Standards to Regain Control 55:13 Overcoming Fear & Self-Reinvention 57:31 True Meaning of Vulnerability 59:42 Leadership Analogy: The King & The Wall 01:03:01 Where to Find Tony Bova 01:06:27 Closing Thoughts & Final Message
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 - 1h 10min - 2670 - The 'Quiet Quit' is Destroying Your Family | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down what it really means to "quiet quit" your family - being physically present but mentally and emotionally checked out. He explains why this is one of the most dangerous and overlooked problems facing men today, how it happens, and what you can do to fix it before it costs you your marriage and your relationship with your kids.
If you've ever found yourself distracted, disengaged, or just going through the motions at home, this episode is a wake-up call.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - The Quiet Quit at Home 00:40 - Why This Is So Dangerous 01:35 - The Shocking Stats on Fatherlessness 04:05 - Presence vs Engagement 06:20 - Why Men Don't See the Problem 08:05 - How Relationships Quietly Break Down 10:10 - What Quiet Quitting Looks Like 11:50 - The Root Causes (Exhaustion, Avoidance, Identity) 14:15 - Why Men Default to What They Can Measure 15:20 - Step 1: Define a Home Standard 17:00 - Step 2: Create a Threshold Ritual 18:20 - Step 3: Audit Your Attention 20:30 - Step 4: Schedule Hard Conversations 21:30 - Step 5: Build Accountability 22:30 - Final Warning: The Invisible Damage 23:30 - Be the Man Your Family Needs 24:20 - YouTube + Iron Council CTA
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 17 Apr 2026 - 25min - 2669 - Salvaging Sinking Marriages, Career Check-Ups, and Overcoming Isolation | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this AMA episode, Ryan and Kipp dive into what's really keeping men up at night - from purpose and finances to marriage struggles and fatherhood. They tackle listener questions on career growth, preparing for marriage, navigating separation, and knowing when to walk away from a failing relationship. The conversation also explores loneliness, emotional resilience, and how men can build stronger connections through action and brotherhood. With practical advice and honest insights, this episode challenges men to take ownership, lead with intention, and stop waiting for life to change.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Intro & pre-show banter 05:30 Montana Knife Company & reflections 17:00 Career checkups & mentorship 26:30 Preparing for marriage & finances 36:30 Learning to be alone 42:20 Can you save a marriage? 50:20 When to leave a relationship 01:01:30 Staying calm under pressure
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 - 1h 18min - 2668 - SIDNEY ANDERSON | Make Yourself Antifragile
Most men today are being quietly conditioned to break. They're raised in environments that reward niceness over strength, validation over resilience, and comfort over growth. This show exists to push back. We believe masculinity isn't a problem to be solved; it's a force to be developed. Every week we sit down with the men and thinkers who are doing the hard work of building themselves (physically, emotionally, and mentally) so they can stand between their families and destruction and not flinch.
Today's conversation cuts straight to the core of what it means to be a man who doesn't just endure hardship but actually gets stronger because of it. We're talking about antifragility - the idea that the right stressors don't weaken you, they forge you. If you've been told your whole life to be softer, more agreeable, and easier to be around, this episode is going to challenge everything you think you know about strength.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction & anti-fragility discussion begins 01:11 - Fragility vs respect in modern masculinity 02:11 - Impact of single-parent households & upbringing 03:26 - Male role models missing in education 05:07 - Women shaping male identity 06:05 - Dating dynamics & "the ick" 07:12 - Strength as a core masculine trait 08:24 - Misunderstanding between men and women 10:37 - Why we shouldn't fully "understand" the opposite sex 11:58 - What men want in relationships 13:05 - Complementary roles of men and women 15:14 - Stay-at-home dynamics & gender roles 16:40 - Personal story: role reversal realization 18:04 - Cultural narratives about masculinity 19:01 - What male caregiving actually looks like 20:34 - Tough love vs emotional softness in parenting 23:30 - Bike analogy: masculine vs feminine parenting 25:03 - Teaching resilience through experience 27:54 - Conflicting expectations of modern men 28:25 - Masculine vs feminine virtues hierarchy 29:55 - Red pill vs feminism comparison 32:23 - Nice vs kind distinction 33:32 - Capability vs harmlessness 35:21 - Who's more dangerous: men or women? 37:02 - Masculinity's role in building society 39:24 - Women adapting due to weak men 41:14 - Real-world example: security vs "nice guy" 42:38 - Dangerous men who are calm and controlled 44:34 - Why men shouldn't share everything 47:13 - A man's role as protector/filter of chaos 48:16 - Definition of an anti-fragile man 49:42 - Anti-fragility explained (Taleb concept) 52:11 - Core definition of masculinity (teaser clip) 52:54 - Time under tension analogy 53:50 - Tactical application of stress 57:22 - Proper use of anger 59:54 - Where to find Sidney & his books
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 - 1h 08min - 2667 - 7 Forms of Masculine Provision | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down the 7 forms of masculine provision - a complete framework for showing up as a capable, present, and effective man in your family and community.
If you've ever thought that working hard and paying the bills was enough, this conversation will challenge that assumption and give you a more complete standard to live by.
You'll learn why provision goes far beyond finances - and how neglecting the other areas can leave your family lacking, even if the bills are paid.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Intro 00:48 The Problem with "Providing = Money" 02:27 The 7 Forms of Masculine Provision 03:10 #1 Financial Provision (The Floor, Not the Ceiling) 04:52 Are You Hiding Behind Work? 05:30 #2 Physical Provision (Protection + Capability) 08:10 Health, Awareness, and Responsibility 10:23 #3 Emotional Provision (The Hard One) 10:50 Emotionally Checked Out 12:25 Dealing With Your Own Issues 14:45 #4 Intellectual Provision (A Mind Worth Following) 17:01 Leading Through Curiosity and Thinking 19:25 #5 Spiritual Provision (Be the Anchor) 21:41 Creating Meaning for Your Family 23:48 #6 Time Provision (You Only Have So Much) 24:14 You Only Have 10 Summers 26:28 #7 Self Provision (The Foundation) 28:36 The Full Framework Recap 30:40 Iron Council + Forge Event 31:05 Subscribe + Closing
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 10 Apr 2026 - 30min - 2666 - Struggling with Feeling Weak, Recover From Betrayal, and Avoiding the Obvious | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this AMA episode, Ryan and Shawn tackle some of the most common struggles men face today - from disconnect with teenage sons to breaking destructive habits and overcoming betrayal. They explore why men avoid doing what they know they should, how ego gets in the way of growth, and why asking for help is actually a sign of strength - not weakness. The conversation dives deep into mindset shifts, discipline, and emotional resilience, offering practical frameworks for rebuilding trust, improving relationships, and taking ownership of your life. If you've ever felt stuck, isolated, or unsure of your next move, this episode delivers clarity and direction.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Episode intro & Shawn joins 01:08 - Reconnecting with a distant teenage son 13:27 - Why men avoid doing what they know they should 25:52 - Admitting struggle without feeling weak 43:42 - Recovering from betrayal 57:30 - Iron Council & closing thoughts
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 - 57min - 2665 - NICK FREITAS | Why Modern Men Are Deflated, and What to Do About It
In a world that profits from your confusion, real clarity is an act of rebellion. Today we're sitting down with a man who has spent his life in the arena (as a soldier, a statesman, and a straight-talker) to cut through the noise on masculinity, truth, and what it actually means to be free, Nick Freitas. We're talking logical fallacies, the Marxist oppressor/oppressed framework, and why so many men today are disgusted, deflated, and dangerously close to giving up.
But this episode isn't a pity party, it's a plan of attack. We're going to talk about why masculinity is under assault, how to stop painting yourself as a victim, and why there is no virtue in suffering, only in overcoming it. If you're ready to trade your grievances for a mission and your excuses for a legacy, this one's for you.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Reconnecting and General Reflections on Culture 00:54 - Post-Modernism and the Rejection of Objective Truth 01:50 - The Marxist Framework of Oppressor and Oppressed 03:43 - The Concerted Effort to Target Masculinity 04:45 - Debating Traditional Gender Roles and Credentials 06:41 - The Hijacking of Academia and Institutions 09:38 - Understanding the Appeal to Authority Fallacy 12:05 - Christianity and the Epistemological Question 13:57 - Miracles as Evidence for the Truth of Christ 16:21 - Historical Scrutiny and the Verification of Scripture 19:10 - The Relationship Between Love, Freedom, and Justice 21:27 - Logical and Philosophical Arguments for the Cross 22:28 - Responsibility as the True Path to Freedom 24:45 - Self-Actualization Within a Correct Worldview 26:01 - Integrity of Belief and the Misuse of Moral Words 28:34 - Gender Conversion and Affirming Biological Reality 31:52 - Intellectual Manipulation and the Victim Dynamic 34:39 - Critical Theory and the Expansion of State Power 36:54 - The Shift Toward Labeling Speech as Violence 38:56 - State-Run Healthcare and the Devaluation of Life 41:16 - Addressing the Denigration of Modern Men 45:18 - Reclaiming Leadership and Building Godly Families 49:35 - Overcoming Victimhood vs. Identifying as a Victim 51:40 - Overcoming Unjust Circumstances Through Resilience 53:56 - Finding True Identity Through Service to God 56:44 - The Radical Power of Forgiveness and Grace 59:45 - Humility, Maturity, and Leading as a Father 01:01:33 - "The Man Book": A Practical and Philosophical Guide 01:04:37 - Closing Encouragement for the Modern Man
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 - 1h 10min - 2664 - This Isn't Manhood | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
In this episode, Ryan Michler breaks down one of the most influential-and dangerous-movements shaping modern men: the manosphere.
While much of its message contains elements of truth-strength, discipline, success-it ultimately promotes a distorted version of masculinity rooted in ego, domination, and consumption.
Ryan draws a critical distinction between masculinity (amoral traits) and manliness (moral responsibility), arguing that strength without character leads to destruction, not leadership.
He challenges men to reject surface-level success metrics-money, women, status-and instead focus on what truly defines a man: what he builds, carries, and gives.
This episode is a call to step away from performative masculinity and toward a life of purpose, discipline, and service-to become the kind of man others can depend on.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - The Manosphere Is Shaping a Generation 02:10 - Why the Message Is So Seductive 04:32 - The Rise of Performative Masculinity 06:52 - Strength Without Character Is Dangerous 09:17 - Masculinity vs. Manliness Explained 12:29 - What Actually Defines a Man 14:25 - Why Success Doesn't Equal Fulfillment 16:31 - How Culture Is Failing Young Men 18:17 - The True Measure of a Man 21:26 - Men Are Starving for Direction 22:39 - A Question Every Man Must Answer 24:49 - What Real Masculinity Looks Like 26:48 - Iron Council & Final Thoughts
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 03 Apr 2026 - 28min - 2663 - Fix This or Stay Single | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this AMA episode, Ryan and Kipp dive deep into personal growth, relationships, and modern masculinity. They explore lessons from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including humility, grit, and knowing when to "tap" in life before things spiral. The conversation tackles real listener questions on anger, marriage struggles, dating challenges, fatherhood, and leadership at home. They also break down the concept of the "integrity gap" and how misalignment between who you are and who you want to be creates frustration. This episode is a practical guide to self-mastery, emotional awareness, and becoming a more intentional man.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Intro & Weekend Recap 03:12 - Jiu-Jitsu Lessons for Life 08:29 - The "Tap" vs Life Crisis Analogy 12:59 - Peptides Discussion 14:13 - Low-Level Anger Explained 22:59 - What It Means to Be a Man Today 26:49 - Fixing Emotional Distance in Marriage 32:22 - Dating Without Becoming Cynical 39:21 - Leading a Stronger Partner 45:11 - Connecting with a Distant Teen 55:05 - Patience with Kids vs Strangers 01:02:59 - Feeling Stuck Without Direction
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 - 1h 08min - 2662 - RYAN D. LEE | This is Why Most Men Stay Broke
Men, one of the greatest lies of our time is that if you just work hard enough, everything will somehow work itself out. Yet too many men are grinding every day and still feel trapped by debt, fear, and the pressure of provision. They're earning, but they're not building. They're surviving, but they're not creating freedom. Today, I'm joined by Ryan Lee from Cashflow Tactics, and we're talking about what it really means to take command of your financial life as a man. This is bigger than money. It's about leadership, stewardship, and refusing to stay dependent on a system that keeps men stuck.
We break down the mindsets that sabotage wealth, the principles that actually create it, and how to give every dollar a job so you can build real assets, real cash flow, and real security for your family. If you've ever felt the weight of responsibility or wondered whether you're truly leading well in this area of your life, this conversation will challenge you. Because this isn't about getting rich. It's about becoming the kind of man who builds, protects, and leaves something that lasts.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:01 - Intro & podcast setup 00:34 - The burden of being a provider 02:56 - The moment responsibility becomes real 04:25 - Money mindset vs tactics 06:43 - Identifying money "demons" 07:44 - The power of a "major definite aim" 10:55 - Life as a game & learning the rules 13:43 - First financial rule: create value 15:20 - Discovering your unique abilities 19:40 - Fear of failure holding men back 21:36 - The "let's find out" mindset 23:08 - Rule #2: keep the money you make 24:43 - Awareness of spending habits 29:34 - Recording interruption / reset 30:00 - Aligning money with values 32:21 - Why investing advice is broken 33:17 - Cash flow vs net worth 36:12 - Dependency vs ownership economy 38:54 - 2008 wake-up call story 40:24 - Real estate as a wealth builder 44:11 - The 4 wealth forces explained 47:47 - Opportunity cost & leverage 49:02 - Critique of traditional financial advice 50:12 - Building income independent of time 51:52 - Book breakdown & final thoughts
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 31 Mar 2026 - 57min - 2661 - Men Without Direction Create Chaos | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down the real root of chaos - not just on the global stage, but in your own life.
While most people blame politics, religion, or circumstance, Ryan argues that the real issue is far closer to home: a lack of direction, discipline, and leadership among men.
He challenges you to stop looking outward and start looking inward - at your role as a man, husband, father, and leader.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - The Real Cause of Global Chaos 01:40 - It's Not Politics (Here's What It Really Is) 03:50 - Why Conflict Never Gets Resolved 05:50 - Chaos Is a Leadership Problem 06:20 - How You're Creating Chaos in Your Own Life 08:15 - Why Men Feel Lost Today 10:00 - "Just Be Happy" Is a Lie 11:50 - Why Lack of Direction Is Dangerous 12:05 - The 3 Types of Directionless Men 12:15 - The Passive Man 13:50 - The Drifting Man 15:45 - The Undisciplined Aggressive Man 17:05 - From Global Problems to Personal Responsibility 18:20 - Direction Is the Cure 18:40 - Step 1: Define Your Mission 20:05 - Step 2: Set Non-Negotiable Standards 21:40 - Step 3: Control Your Emotions 22:50 - Step 4: Think Long-Term 24:40 - Where Are You Creating Chaos? 26:00 - The World Needs Strong Men 27:00 - Are You Creating Order or Noise?
Because the truth is simple: Chaos isn't accidental - it's the result of poor leadership.
Ryan walks through:
- Why undisciplined leadership leads to destruction (globally and personally) - The 3 types of directionless men - and how to identify where you fall - How modern culture has removed standards without replacing them - Why "just be happy" is terrible advice for men - A tactical framework to build direction, discipline, and purpose
If you feel stuck, frustrated, or like you're drifting through life - this episode will give you the clarity and structure you need to take control.
Key Takeaway: - Direction creates order. - Lack of direction creates chaos.
The question is: Are you leading your life - or reacting to it?
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 27 Mar 2026 - 27min - 2660 - Closing Uncommunicated Loops, Building an Integrity Tour, and Developing a Value System | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this AMA episode, Ryan and Kipp dive deep into integrity, self-sabotage, and what it actually means to live as a man of principle. They break down the four quadrants of the battle plan, discuss why men struggle with consistency, and explore how unresolved guilt and avoidance quietly drain energy.
Listener questions cover everything from building brotherhood and fitness routines to fatherhood and cultural influence. Ryan also shares a powerful story about his "integrity tour" and why owning your mistakes—without excuses—can completely transform your life.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Opening + mindset on agreement and self-awareness 16:00 - Transition into listener Q&A 17:18 - The four quadrants of the battle plan 27:40 - Boxing training and fitness consistency 34:12 - How past wounds shape your mission 49:34 - Misconceptions about Order of Man 52:49 - Building brotherhood from scratch 57:58 - Fathers vs culture: the real battle 01:00:25 - Men's Forge event + closing thoughts
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 25 Mar 2026 - 56min - 2659 - GREG ANDERSON | Isolation, Fear, and the Fight Within
Today, we're talking with a man who chose courage when it would've been easier to stay quiet. Back in May of 2020, during the height of COVID restrictions, he stood up for himself, and paid the price, facing serious fallout including a wrongful termination suit in a time when being a cop was already under fire. This is a conversation about what it means to stop living through other men, to stop outsourcing adventure, and to answer that internal call - even when it costs you everything.
We get into his mission to row the Pacific, the realities of isolation, risk, and mental warfare, and what it takes to prepare - physically, operationally, and emotionally - for something this extreme. From growing up on a fishing boat in Alaska to navigating fear, family, and the unknown, this is about courage through adversity - and what a man discovers when there's nowhere left to hide.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction & Reconnection After 6 Years 00:30 - Speaking Out Against COVID & Losing His Job 01:12 - Fired from the Police Department 03:41 - Failed Lawsuit & Letting It Go 05:52 - From Police Work to Jiu-Jitsu Entrepreneur 07:18 - Faith, Purpose & Looking Back on Hard Times 08:20 - The Idea to Row Across the Pacific 10:14 - From Inspiration to Action 12:05 - The Boat, Gear & No-Support Mission 14:01 - Is This Reckless with a Family? 16:25 - Why Men Need Adventure 19:23 - Commitment, Risk & No Turning Back 21:27 - Survival Logistics: Food, Water, Safety 24:25 - Team Dynamics & Avoiding Conflict 27:50 - Mental Cycles in Extreme Environments 30:03 - The Power of Mission & Purpose 33:52 - Biggest Fears: Ocean, Isolation & Survival 37:40 - Fear vs Excitement Mindset 41:02 - War Stories & Conditioning to Danger 46:21 - Conversations with Family & Wife's Support 49:53 - Why His Wife Believes in Him 52:48 - Identity, Risk & Living Fully 56:43 - The Reality of Life on the Boat 59:04 - Training, Nutrition & Physical Prep 01:00:37 - How to Support the Mission
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 24 Mar 2026 - 1h 14min - 2658 - Comfort is the New Addiction | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
We've been sold a dangerous lie - that the goal of life is comfort.
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down why comfort is quietly destroying ambition, discipline, and purpose in modern men. What feels good in the moment is often the very thing holding you back long-term.
If you've been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or drifting, this episode will challenge you to rethink everything.
Ryan shares 5 practical ways to reintroduce challenge into your life, build discipline, and become the man you're meant to be.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - The Lie of Comfort 00:35 - Why Comfort is an Addiction 01:10 - Life is Too Easy (Not Too Hard) 02:15 - The Slow Fade Into Mediocrity 03:00 - Comfort Mimics Progress 04:20 - Do One Hard Thing Daily 05:30 - Eliminate a Comfort Crutch 06:45 - Stop Hiding (Accountability) 08:40 - Schedule Discomfort 10:05 - When Comfort Destroys Your Life 11:50 - Earn Your Comfort 13:10 - Comfort Creates Weak Men 15:30 - Ask "What's Required?" 17:00 - Final Challenge
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 20 Mar 2026 - 18min - 2657 - Stop Being Lazy, Beat Procrastination, and Eliminate Volatility | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen answer listener questions on masculinity, business, relationships, and personal discipline. They discuss common misconceptions about manhood, why men can't succeed alone, and the hidden "inner work" behind strong masculinity.
The conversation also covers social media side hustles, financial decisions, building business networks, and how to break out of destructive habits. Ryan and Kipp also tackle relationship dynamics, including respect in marriage and the real reason attraction fades in long-term relationships. This episode is packed with practical advice on taking ownership, building momentum, and becoming a better man.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Opening conversation 02:33 Iron Council preview call announcement 03:14 Question: Beliefs about manhood that proved wrong 16:50 Question: Is my social media side hustle a waste of time? 25:53 Question: Thoughts on peptides 29:48 Question: Is $2,200 rent on $6K income realistic? 36:00 Question: Building a construction trade network 43:44 Question: Breaking destructive habits and starting over 49:05 Question: Respect and cooperation in marriage 53:11 Question: Why wives lose attraction
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 18 Mar 2026 - 1h 05min - 2656 - JON ACUFF | Stop Procrastination and Start Moving Forward
Today I'm joined by Jon Acuff, a New York Times bestselling author who has spent years studying why so many of us procrastinate and how to finally get out of our own way. We talk about the real reasons people stall out—fear, rejection, imposter syndrome, perfectionism—and how comparison, when used correctly, can actually become a source of inspiration rather than insecurity.
Jon also shares practical frameworks for focusing on effort instead of obsessing over outcomes, creating your own personal scorecard for success, and adopting a "let's find out" mentality when it comes to pursuing goals and navigating uncertainty. If you've ever felt stuck between what you say you want and what you're actually doing, this conversation will give you some tools to start closing that gap.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Intro & Jon Acuff returns to the podcast 01:14 - Why Ryan hates the term "Imposter Syndrome" 03:12 - Healthy vs destructive comparison 06:01 - "Audition your goals" instead of committing immediately 08:25 - Why men create fictional problems before starting 09:56 - Perfectionism and the "all or nothing" trap 12:21 - Thinking long-term to make better decisions 14:56 - "Noble obstacles" and how we sabotage ourselves 20:57 - The danger of attaching too much to outcomes 23:27 - Holding two opposing truths in leadership 25:26 - The "Let's Find Out" mentality 27:57 - Why men need other men to push them 33:18 - Ryan's story of channeling anger through wrestling 35:15 - The four permissions that beat procrastination 38:48 - Discipline vs desire 43:36 - Hustlers skipping the planning stage 45:12 - Becoming the best salesperson of yourself 49:22 - Why men overcommit their schedules 50:04 - How men hide inside hobbies 55:12 - Measuring success as a father 58:45 - Parenting example: the tattoo story 01:02:13 - Where to find Jon Acuff and his new book
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 17 Mar 2026 - 1h 11min - 2655 - How to Rebuild Your Life When You've Lost it All | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Life can collapse faster than we expect. A divorce, financial loss, health issues, or the breakdown of relationships can leave a man wondering where to even begin again.
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler shares six strategies for rebuilding your life when everything feels like it's falling apart. Drawing from personal experience and years of working with thousands of men, Ryan explains why rebuilding doesn't start with massive breakthroughs—it starts with small, disciplined actions that restore stability and control.
If you're facing rock bottom—or helping someone who is—this episode outlines the mindset and practical steps required to rebuild stronger than before.
Ryan covers why stabilizing yourself is more important than rushing into strategy, how taking full ownership restores your personal power, and why rebuilding your body is one of the fastest ways to regain confidence and discipline. He also explains the importance of simplifying your life, stacking small wins, and surrounding yourself with the right brotherhood so you don't face the rebuilding process alone.
Rock bottom doesn't have to be the end of your story. It can be the foundation for becoming the man you were meant to be.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Intro 00:22 When Life Falls Apart 02:56 Where Do You Even Start? 03:33 Stabilize Before You Strategize 05:05 The Fundamentals: Sleep, Training, Nutrition 07:12 Creating Daily Structure 08:49 Take Ruthless Ownership of Your Life 11:20 Powerful Questions for Self-Reflection 12:40 Simplify Your Life Aggressively 15:28 Rebuild Your Body First 17:25 The Power of Stacking Small Wins 21:00 Why Brotherhood Matters 24:55 Why No Man Rebuilds Alone 25:55 Using Rock Bottom as Your Starting Block 27:19 Who Do You Become Now? 28:00 Iron Council Brotherhood 29:00 Final Thoughts
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 13 Mar 2026 - 29min - 2654 - Men's Tribalism, Using AI effectively, and What to Kill For | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this AMA episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle a wide range of listener questions-from AI and authenticity to divorce, brotherhood, and extreme ownership. Ryan shares lessons from his own divorce about reflection, accountability, and rebuilding your life after a major setback. The conversation also dives into why authenticity builds trust, the danger of labeling words as violence, and how men can start building strong brotherhoods even if they've spent most of their lives alone. If you're feeling stuck in your career, isolated in life, or unsure how to take the next step forward, this episode offers practical guidance and honest perspective.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:04 - Introduction and lacrosse tournament story 03:46 - Listener question: AI and content creation 17:57 - Navigating divorce and staying afloat emotionally 30:17 - New Order of Man merchandise designs 32:14 - Ideals worth fighting or dying for 35:15 - Violence, language, and societal perception 42:16 - Building brotherhood from scratch 51:22 - Extreme ownership when stuck in a job 59:24 - Reflecting on advice given years earlier 59:50 - Episode closing remarks
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 - 1h 00min - 2653 - RYAN MICHLER | The Origin of Order of Man
My good friend Kipp Sorensen interviews me. I'm on the hot seat today and very excited to be talking with you about all things Order of Man, including the origin story of Order of Man, why we need to be careful of falling into the comparison trap, but how it can actually help you by comparing yourself in healthy ways to others. We talk about having healthy relationships with delayed gratification. Any misconceptions about what order of man does what we're doing now and into the future, how we've grown the movement, and how we continue to innovate and come up with new ideas. We talk about some of the tactics and strategies.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Cold Open & Fight Talk 03:12 Reversing the Roles — Ryan on the Hot Seat 05:30 The Origin of Order of Man 11:20 Launching the Iron Council 13:50 Commitment and Delayed Gratification 19:28 Why Ryan Never Quit the Mission 22:00 Lessons From Personal Struggles and Divorce 28:00 Commitment to the Mission vs Results 30:20 The Trap of Always Chasing "What's Next" 34:28 Dealing With Pressure and Escapism 40:32 Handling Leadership Pressure 43:07 The Danger of the Red Pill Movement 48:00 The Problem With Modern Masculinity Influencers 50:53 The Real Men We Should Look Up To 53:25 What Men Often Get Wrong About Masculinity 54:47 The Intangible Side of Protect, Provide, Preside 01:00:37 Tactical vs Strategic Leadership as a Father 01:14:17 Being an Introvert With a Massive Audience 01:15:41 The Impact of Listener Stories 01:22:26 Call to Action for Men
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 10 Mar 2026 - 1h 24min - 2652 - Why the Lone Wolf Dies | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Ryan Michler challenges the cultural myth of the "lone wolf" man and explains why isolation is quietly destroying modern men.
While movies, social media, and modern culture glorify the rugged individual who needs no one, the truth is the opposite - men were built for brotherhood, tribes, and shared struggle.
Ryan breaks down why modern systems incentivize isolation, how loneliness leads to mediocrity and addiction, and what men can do to build real brotherhood again.
From historical examples of men organizing to modern distractions that keep men disconnected, this episode is a powerful reminder that the strongest men aren't lone wolves - they're leaders of packs.
Ryan also shares practical ways to build connection, including where brotherhood naturally forms and how to take the first step in creating it.
In This EpisodeWhy the "lone wolf" myth is a lie
What actually happens to lone wolves in nature
How isolation is affecting modern men
Why systems and incentives push men toward loneliness
How technology simulates brotherhood without delivering it
The dangers of losing accountability and perspective
Why strong men throughout history built tribes
Practical ways to build real brotherhood today
The three environments where men improve together
Why shared struggle builds deeper bonds than conversation
Resources & LinksIron Council Brotherhood https://orderofman.com/ironcouncil
The Men's Forge Event https://themensforge.com
Montana Knife Company https://montanaknifecompany.com Code: ORDERMAN
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 06 Mar 2026 - 37min - 2651 - The 'Let's Find Out Mentality, Establishing Boundaries, and Controlling the Controllables | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this week's Ask Me Anything, Ryan and Kipp tackle powerful questions from the brotherhood. They discuss what lessons they are intentionally teaching their children, why so many men feel life is out of their control, and how to balance purpose with financial opportunity.
They dive into navigating raises, friendships strained by marriage dynamics, changing your mind when confronted with new evidence, and what role men should play in addressing corruption and cultural issues. As always, this episode blends practical advice with direct challenges to step up, take ownership, and live intentionally.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Fireplace Story & Technology Comforts 07:06 - Teaching Kids What We Didn't Learn 14:10 - Control vs Victim Mentality 24:33 - Purpose vs Money 29:48 - Changing Your Mind 37:18 - Investing for Your Kids 41:24 - Asking for a Raise 49:11 - Friendship & Marriage Boundaries 53:35 - Epstein Issue & Civic Responsibility 58:05 - Stop Talking. Start Acting.
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 04 Mar 2026 - 58min - 2650 - RUDY REYES | Improve Your Position, Always
What does it mean to manufacture "do or die" intensity in a world that's built for comfort? How do you improve your position always — not just tactically, but physically, mentally, and spiritually? In this episode, we dig into conditioning as a way of life, why wind is everything, why over-specialization weakens men, and how to build true work capacity through skill, strength, and nervous system development. We talk about leading from the front, refusing to put men on pedestals, removing the mask, and confronting the quiet war of self-deception and self-worth that so many men fight in silence.
To unpack it, I'm joined by Rudy Reyes — Force Recon Marine, warrior-athlete, conservationist, and a man who has lived these principles from jungle warfare to rebuilding coral reefs with Force Blue. Rudy brings a rare blend of intensity and benevolence, tactical precision and spiritual depth. This conversation is about becoming dangerous in the right way — stronger for your family, clearer in your identity, and grounded in the truth that you may never be "enough"… and why that's liberating.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 01:26 - Improve Your Position Always 05:56 - Conditioning vs. Strength 14:20 - The Importance of Wind (Endurance) 20:43 - Position in Space & Neurological Health 22:05 - Rudy's 3-Part Training Philosophy 30:50 - The True Meaning of "Fitness" 32:28 - The Danger of Over-Specialization 38:40 - Sergeant Reyes vs. The Real Rudy 42:53 - Respecting the Recruits on Special Forces 51:38 - How to Lead Men Effectively 56:14 - Taking Off the Armor After Service 01:00:03 - Dropping the Mask & Rebuilding Life 01:04:02 - Shame, Identity & Never Being Enough 01:07:22 - Changing How We Talk to Ourselves 01:11:15 - Building Impact Over Income 01:13:34 - The Man in the Mirror Standard
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 03 Mar 2026 - 1h 21min - 2649 - The Rise and Fall of Shia LaBeouf | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler reflects on the public rise and fall of actor Shia LaBeouf to explore a deeper issue affecting men everywhere: isolation. While fame and success may amplify a man's strengths and weaknesses, they cannot stabilize him. Ryan argues that the real danger is not failure, but a lack of brotherhood and accountability. Through personal insight and hard-earned experience, he challenges men to build strong systems and surround themselves with brothers who will confront, support, and walk with them - especially when life begins to unravel.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - The Rise and Fall of Shia LaBeouf 04:36 - Success Amplifies, It Doesn't Stabilize 07:15 - No TMZ in Your Living Room 09:36 - Untouchable Men Become Unstable 12:05 - What Real Brotherhood Does 16:25 - Systems Over Willpower 18:51 - Fame Didn't Destroy Him 20:09 - Who Can Confront You? 21:02 - Submit to Accountability 22:48 - A Call to Build the Brotherhood
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 27 Feb 2026 - 24min - 2648 - Be a Better Man, Raise Your Sons Right, and Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Body | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this week's Ask Me Anything, Ryan and Kipp dive deep into ancestry, fatherhood, marriage, leadership, depression, and raising strong young men in a modern world. From guiding your kids with better standards, to rebuilding intimacy in marriage, to understanding what real vulnerability looks like, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. They also discuss how men often become their own biggest obstacle - and what to do about it.
Plus, a conversation about movies that shape boys into men.
If you're navigating fatherhood, marriage, or personal growth, this one hits home.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Ironman Training & Weekend Plans 09:05 - Family Ancestry & Legacy 15:51 - Raising Kids with Higher Standards 25:03 - What Women Mean by "Vulnerability" 28:47 - Are Movies a Good Way to Teach Boys? 40:35 - Marriage Struggles & Depression 53:02 - The Power of Brotherhood
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 25 Feb 2026 - 57min - 2647 - FRANK SCHWARTZ | Not Your Fault, But Your Responsibility
There are things that happened to you that weren't your fault. Maybe your dad wasn't there. Maybe no one modeled strength, discipline, or direction. Maybe you were handed confusion instead of clarity and drift instead of standards. But while it may not have been your fault, it is your responsibility. And the moment you understand that is the moment your life begins to change.
Today, my guest Frank Schwartz (Dark Helmet in the F3 Community, and I talk about what it means to stop blaming, stop guessing, and start leading. We'll unpack why so many men feel disconnected from purpose, how to build direction through fitness, fellowship, and faith, and why your community needs you to set the standard - not apologize for it. This isn't about shame. It's about ownership. And ownership is where power begins.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Time Passing & Becoming Grandfathers 01:32 - 100,000 Men & What They're Really Struggling With 02:39 - The Crisis of Purpose in Modern Men 05:01 - Why Brotherhood Changes Everything 06:21 - Leadership Without Pretending You Have It All Figured Out 09:59 - "It's Your Dad's Fault… Now It's Your Responsibility." 11:12 - Fitness as the Tool for Fellowship 14:16 - The Standard: Why Men Must Assimilate, Not Soften It 18:18 - Nice vs. Kind: The Truth About Real Love 20:23 - Candor: Telling Hard Truths & Demanding Them Back 23:58 - Nothing Gets Better Until Men Get Better 38:03 - A Battle to Fight: Turning Pain into Purpose 41:52 - Becoming a Higher Agency Man 44:44 - Changing Your Thinking & Building Momentum 47:47 - From "Can't Do" to "Can't Not Do" 49:31 - The Return to Virtuous Masculinity 52:24 - Why Men Need Tribe, Not Just Information
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 24 Feb 2026 - 1h 04min - 2646 - 5 Lies Women Tell Men | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan dives into five common phrases women say that often don't match what they actually mean. This isn't about deception or manipulation - it's about understanding human nature, attraction dynamics, emotional safety, and relationship leadership.
If men build relationships on what's said instead of what's actually happening beneath the surface, they risk frustration, confusion, and disconnection.
Ryan breaks down: - Why "I'm fine" rarely means fine - The truth behind "He's just a friend" - Why women don't actually want a "nice guy" - The myth of the "dad bod" preference - What's really behind "I don't need a man"
The goal? Stronger relationships, better discernment, and healthier dynamics between men and women.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - Why This Conversation Matters 01:00 - Lie #1: "I'm Fine" 05:10 - Lie #2: "He's Just a Friend" 09:58 - Lie #3: "I Want a Nice Guy" 14:39 - Lie #4: "I Like Dad Bods" 17:55 - Lie #5: "I Don't Need a Man" 23:37 - What This Is Really About 25:05 - The Men's Forge Event 26:02 - Final Thoughts & Outro
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 20 Feb 2026 - 27min - 2645 - Chase Vs. Pursue, Re-Writing Your Scripts, and Leading with Clarity | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this week's Ask Me Anything, Ryan and Kipp dive into powerful listener questions from the Iron Council and Facebook group. They break down the difference between chasing and pursuing, how to handle employee resentment after promotions, and how childhood beliefs silently shape the man you become.
The conversation moves into leading through chaos, navigating marital strain, protecting yourself during divorce, and the real risks and opportunities of AI. Raw, unfiltered, and highly practical - this episode is packed with leadership wisdom for men navigating business, marriage, and modern life.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introduction 02:45 Chasing vs. Pursuing 07:42 Handling Employee Raise Fallout 22:13 Childhood Beliefs That Shape You 32:17 Leading Through Setbacks 41:17 When Is Enough Enough in Marriage? 45:45 The Truth About AI Risks & Leverage 01:06:06 Divorce Strategy & Legal Advice 01:09:17 The Last Time We Laughed Hard
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Wed, 18 Feb 2026 - 1h 04min - 2644 - RICHARD RYAN | Guarding Your Mind in a Digital World
We're living in a digital battlefield and most men don't even know they're fighting. The time we spend on our devices is unreal, and if it's free, you're the product. Algorithms and machine learning are engineered to hijack your attention, erode focus, and create compulsive habits. Today we're talking about auditing your digital life, removing the noise to find the signal, and building the discipline to guard your mind in an age of constant distraction.
Joining me is Richard Ryan, author of The Warrior's Garden, built on the principle that it's better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war. We discuss digital detox, delayed gratification, accountability, and reclaiming the smallest locus of control so you can't be manipulated by the forces competing for your attention.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Recording Begins & Digital Reality Check 00:50 - The Attention Economy: You Are the Product 03:00 - Negativity Bias & Why Outrage Wins Online 07:00 - Screen Time Audit: The Lifetime Cost 10:00 - Subscription Culture & Hidden Digital Leakage 12:30 - AI & Cognitive Atrophy: Guarding Your Mind 14:00 - Digital Detox & Withdrawal Symptoms 16:00 - The "Dead Internet" Theory 20:45 - Expediency & The Death of Delayed Gratification 22:30 - The Marshmallow Study & Impulse Control 28:00 - Compulsive App Use & "First Pickups" 31:00 - Addiction Substitution & Dopamine Traps 36:00 - Accountability & Why 95% Succeed With It 38:00 - Gratitude as Mental Armor 41:30 - Optimism, Awareness & Opportunity 49:00 - Incentives Drive Outcomes (Politics & Power) 55:00 - Personal Responsibility Over Group Dependency 58:00 - True Diversity: Strength Through Capability 1:02:30 - Warriors Garden & Closing Thoughts
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Tue, 17 Feb 2026 - 1h 10min - 2643 - Men Have Lost Initiation | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
Men have lost initiation.
There was a time when boys were tested before becoming men. They faced hardship. They endured pain. They returned changed - recognized as men.
Today, that process is gone.
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down:
Why modern men feel lost The three elements of ancient initiation Why pain is necessary How comfort culture is weakening men Why nobody is coming to initiate you How to initiate yourselfIf you feel stuck, drifting, or chasing validation - this episode is for you.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Men Have Lost Initiation 00:26 When Boys Knew They Became Men 02:50 The Cost of Extended Adolescence 05:10 Comfort Culture Is Weakening Men 07:25 "Where Have All the Real Men Gone?" 08:05 The Three Elements of Initiation 08:30 Removed From Comfort 09:24 The Benefit of Pain 11:15 The Trial: Facing Fear 12:56 Recognition and Acknowledgment 14:49 Drifting, Chasing, and the Integrity Gap 16:35 Nobody Is Coming to Initiate You 17:14 Voluntary Hardship 18:45 What Initiation Looks Like Today 19:45 Brotherhood Is Modern Initiation 20:51 The World Needs Grounded Men 21:15 Questions Every Man Must Ask Himself 22:21 Do Something Difficult This Week 23:47 Steadiness Over Loudness 24:35 Choose the Fire 25:00 Join the Iron Council 25:20 The Men's Forge Event 26:00 Final Challenge
Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!
Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.
For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.
Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready
Fri, 13 Feb 2026 - 25min
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