Order of 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  

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

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  

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

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. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready  

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  

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  

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  

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  

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 HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 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  

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

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

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

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  

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  

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  

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  

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  

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  

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  

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

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

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  

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

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 Execution      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

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

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

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

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

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

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  

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

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  

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  

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 sovereignty If 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

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  

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

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

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

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

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. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

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

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

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

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  

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  

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

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  

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

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