Podcasts about Iron Council

In this Friday Field Notes episode, Ryan Michler delivers a direct and uncompromising message: success never happens by accident. He challenges listeners to confront the ways they may be drifting through life, reacting to circumstances rather than intentionally leading themselves. Ryan explores how comfort, avoidance, and distraction quietly compound into years of lost potential, and contrasts that with the strength and freedom created through discipline, structure, and brotherhood. This episode calls men to choose hardship on purpose, define their standards, and begin taking directional action immediately instead of waiting for motivation to arrive. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introduction to the Drift 02:29 Weakness as the Default Setting 04:56 The Deceitful Nature of Drift 07:19 Mistaking Activity for Productivity 09:43 Structure, Discipline, and Freedom 13:26 Chaos Versus Ownership 15:03 Drift Creates Weak Default Patterns 16:22 Blindness to the Cliff 18:15 Choosing Your Struggle 19:42 Direction Before Motivation 20:23 Standards and Daily Requirements 21:30 Brotherhood as an Antidote 24:34 Identifying Where You Are Drifting 26:58 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 Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan and Kipp kick things off with a lighthearted but revealing conversation before diving into listener questions on purpose, vision, balance, and meaning. They explore why men struggle to articulate what they want, how early conditioning shapes silence, and what happens when men open up and feel shut down. The discussion also tackles work-life balance, daily meaning versus long-term purpose, and why purpose is built through action, not found through thinking alone. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Christmas Check-In and Opening Banter 01:12 Viral Knife Story and Public Reactions 09:42 AMA Begins: Getting the Most from the Iron Council 16:57 Vision vs Character Traits 19:34 Why Men Are Conditioned Not to Want 20:17 What Happens When Men Open Up 30:53 Work, Home, and Community Balance 39:20 Finding Meaning in the Mundane 47:29 Purpose Is Built Through Action 50:16 Christmas Reflections 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

You know about breath work. You know about cold exposure. It's a thing all the major "influencers" tell you to do. I had some skepticism myself and that's why I wanted to have this man, the original cold exposure and breath work guy on himself, Wim Hof! He is a man who has redefined the limits of the human mind and body. Known globally as The Iceman, Wim Hof has shown millions of people how to take control of their physiology through breath, cold exposure, and mindset. From climbing mountains in nothing but shorts to teaching everyday men how to regulate stress, build resilience, and reconnect with their primal strength, Wim's work challenges everything we think we know about comfort, health, and human potential. Today, we're talking about cold, breath, discipline, and what it really means to return to our factory settings as men. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introduction and Creative Rituals 01:30 Daily Cold and Breathwork Ritual 03:02 Shutting Off the Thinking Brain 05:07 Stress, Cortisol, and Modern Life 07:24 Cold Exposure Myths and Shortcuts 10:05 Minimum Effective Dose of Cold 12:34 Enduring Extreme Cold 14:28 Cold Exposure and Better Sleep 17:09 Breathing, Detox, and Biochemistry 21:35 Carbon Dioxide vs Oxygen 23:45 Ancient Practices, Modern Brains 27:50 Purpose, Presence, and Feeling Alive 30:11 Fulfillment Beyond Words 36:50 Getting High on Your Own Supply 38:11 Faith, Soul, and Inner Purpose 43:26 Motivation, Discipline, and Cold 46:50 Intuition and Better Decisions 50:00 Dopamine, Depression, and Energy 51:02 Final Thoughts and Where to Learn More 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 need more information - they need fewer lies. The most common lie? "I'm fine." In this Friday Field Notes episode, Ryan breaks down why "fine" is how men drift, how standards quietly erode, and why most men wait until catastrophe forces them to take their life seriously. This isn't an emotional exercise. It's a logical, factual audit of your body, relationships, finances, mission, and integrity - with no stories, no excuses, and no rationalizations. Ryan challenges you to stop protecting your weak spots, identify where you're cutting corners, and draw one non-negotiable line in the sand that you enforce daily. You don't rise to your potential. You fall to what you tolerate. This episode will push you to: Take an honest inventory of your life Cut distractions, excuses, and self-deception Set one standard that changes everything Stop waiting for pain to force change Start today - not January 1st SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 - The Lie of "I'm Fine" 01:55 - How Men Drift Without Realizing It 03:02 - Why You Must Audit Your Life 05:21 - Body, Marriage, Finances, Mission 07:01 - Where You're Lying to Yourself 09:02 - You Fall to What You Tolerate 10:41 - What Weakens You Is a Liability 11:23 - One Non-Negotiable Standard 12:13 - Discipline Doesn't Wait 13:14 - Stop Waiting for Catastrophe 15:23 - Audit Your Life Before It's Too Late 17:47 - Iron Council & Final Charge 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 Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle the number one issue facing men today: money. From scarcity mindset and debt to retirement planning, investing, and raising financially responsible kids, the conversation blends practical financial wisdom with deeper insights on discipline, self-belief, and values.  Ryan breaks down Dave Ramsey's baby steps, explains Roth vs. traditional IRAs, challenges popular budgeting rules, and shares how to instill abundance thinking in your family. A must-listen for men looking to build wealth without losing perspective. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Financial stress and the current economy 03:46 Physical baseline and discipline 08:59 Scarcity vs. abundance mindset 19:23 Dave Ramsey's seven baby steps 26:01 Roth IRA vs. traditional IRA 34:45 The 50-30-20 budgeting rule 37:29 Building wealth in an underpaid career 45:08 Teaching kids financial discipline 56:18 Iron Council and end-of-year 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

Too many men today aren't struggling because they lack information. They're struggling because they're drowning in noise. And, I think it's time we start unpacking why the "modern masculinity" space has become obsessed with hot takes, call-outs, online outrage, and performative "accountability" - and why none of it builds strong men, meaningful connection, or lasting improvement. Today I'm joined by my friend, Jack Donovan, to talk about why gossip masquerades as moral authority, how "calling men out" often replaces real accountability, the difference between integrity, honor, and reputation, why social media rewards division, not leadership, the dangers of pedestalizing others—and why men need a code to live by. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Studio Setup & Creative Work 02:24 - Why the Right Needs to Create Culture 04:22 - The Problem With Hot Takes 06:06 - Engagement vs. Building a Movement 08:17 - Writing as Intellectual Discipline 10:16 - AI Art, Aesthetics, and Snobbery 12:01 - Giving People the Benefit of the Doubt 14:11 - Funding Art and Leaving a Legacy 17:07 - Storytelling as Masculine Power 19:33 - Integrity as Aesthetic Congruence 21:09 - Integrity vs. Disintegration 23:14 - Faith, Ritual, and Mental Wholeness 25:16 - Philosophy as a Code of Conduct 26:50 - Honor as Reputation 30:13 - Tribalism and Dehumanization 33:18 - Why Men Gossip 36:49 - Malicious Gossip vs. Accountability 41:14 - Reality TV Culture and Privacy 44:43 - Judging Without Context 46:22 - The Danger of Moral Pedestals 49:32 - Hubris and Public Failure 52:31 - The Trust Recession 55:29 - Projection and False Narratives 58:51 - Redemption and Change 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 obsess over goals - the outcomes, the achievements, the shiny targets. But goals don't build men. Standards do. In today's Field Notes, Ryan breaks down why standards define your identity, how they outperform goals in every way, and why your life only changes when you elevate the rules you live by. He shares powerful examples, including recovering from a major injury, why men fail when they rely on motivation, and how to build standards that make you unshakable. Ryan also outlines a four-step framework to reset your identity, eliminate weak standards, and cement the behaviors that transform your life. If you want 2026 to be different, this episode explains exactly where to start. Key Takeaways Goals are emotionally dependent, standards are identity-based. Standards keep you anchored in the present - goals keep you trapped in the future. Goals collapse under adversity; standards strengthen you because they're non-negotiable. A man becomes powerful when he lives by a code with zero negotiation. Your life changes when your identity upgrades, not when your goals get bigger. Four-step framework to build standards that stick: -Identify the man you refuse to be. -Build non-negotiables in all four quadrants (Calibration, Connection, Condition, Contribution). -Build accountability. -Enforce consequences when you violate your own standards. 00:00 - Introduction   00:09 - Why Most Men Get Goals Backwards   01:20 - Goals Don't Build Men — Standards Do   02:33 - Examples of Weak vs. Strong Standards   04:34 - Ryan's Pec Tear: Standards in Adversity   06:24 - A Man Rises or Falls to His Standards   07:50 - Why Goals Fail Men   09:33 - How Goals Delay Action and Keep Men Stuck   11:23 - Goals Collapse Under Stress   12:57 - Standards Create Structure and Strength   14:38 - How Standards Transform a Man   16:10 - Standards Prevent Moral Drift   17:32 - Building Trust Through Consistency   18:57 - Standards Make Men Anti-Fragile   21:03 - Stop Waiting for "All Green Lights"   22:43 - Identity Before Action   23:28 - Fast Progress Comes From Identity Shifts   24:26 - The "Light Yourself on Fire" Lesson   25:14 - Reverse Engineering Goals Into Standards   25:57 - Step 1: Identify the Man You Refuse to Be   27:38 - Making Weak Behaviors Repulsive   29:31 - Step 2: Non-Negotiables in the Four Quadrants   31:32 - Step 3: Accountability   33:00 - Step 4: Enforce Consequences   33:42 - Final Challenge: Raise Your Standards   35:45 - Iron Council Promotion   36:33 - Preview Call Details   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 and Kipp dive into discipline, motivation, and the realities of staying committed when life gets heavy. They discuss sustaining purpose in long-term work, navigating burnout, and understanding the difference between quitting and evolving.  The conversation takes a powerful turn as Ryan opens up about the passing of his father and what it truly means to forgive and move forward. They also address why men seek validation, how to handle relationship breakdowns, and what books shaped them this year. Practical, grounded, and deeply human - this episode hits every level. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00  Opening & Morning Discipline 01:56  What Keeps You Driven? 11:26  Quitting vs. Evolving 20:02  Burnout and Battle Plans 26:05  Losing a Father & Processing Grief 34:56  Why Men Seek Validation 49:43  Most Impactful Books of the Year 56:12  Iron Council Preview Promotion 58:49  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

In this Friday Field Notes, Ryan explains why so many men have lost the ability to speak up for themselves and how cultural conditioning has silenced masculine confidence and clarity. He covers the cost of silence, how lack of self advocacy leads to resentment and instability, and why reclaiming your voice is a foundational leadership skill. Ryan also provides practical language men can use in relationships, work, friendships, and with themselves to rebuild confidence and assertiveness. This episode is a direct challenge to the mindset that staying quiet keeps the peace. Ryan shows that speaking up is not selfish. It is responsible and necessary if you want to protect, provide, and preside for the people you care about. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Intro 00:53 Why men lost their voice and the conditioning that caused it 03:02 The consequences of silence and suppressed needs 04:48 Self-advocacy is not selfish. It is a responsibility 06:55 The cost of silence and becoming a punching bag 10:22 How suppressed frustration shows up in destructive ways 12:34 Advocating early or resenting later 14:07 How to advocate in relationships 16:18 How to advocate at work 17:17 Advocacy with friends and brothers 17:55 Advocating with yourself and ending excuses 18:58 Clarity equals courage and consistency 19:51 The three-step framework for self-advocacy 23:38 How to communicate needs clearly 26:03 Holding the line and enforcing boundaries 28:23 Self-advocacy and leadership 30:53 Iron Council and the power of counsel from other men 32:38 Final call to action. Get your voice back 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 Sorenson tackle a wide range of listener-submitted questions on leadership, relationships, accountability, confidence, and personal development. They dive into topics such as coming out of difficult life seasons, raising prices in business, being "unarmored" versus vulnerable, navigating age-gap relationships, reclaiming decisiveness in the home, and staying consistent with difficult tasks.  They also discuss communication differences between men and women and how men can lead more effectively with clarity and purpose. A practical, direct, and insightful conversation for men committed to growth. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Intro 01:28 - Ascending out of a difficult season 07:20 - Raising prices with early clients 15:43 - Being unarmored vs. vulnerable 23:01 - Age-gap relationships 28:06 - Regaining accountability leadership 33:00 - Decision making in the home 42:29 - Doing hard, unappealing tasks 47:00 - Iron Council promotion & 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

There is no doubt in my mind that we, as a nation (and, across the world) are facing a moral confusion if not a complete moral crisis. And, unless righteous, bold men step up to the plate, we'll continue to see the moral decay of everything we love from our favorite institutions, to our families, and our neighborhoods, and even the threat of losing this great nation. That isn't hyperbole. Today, I am joined by John Lovell, founder of Warrior Poet Society and former Army Ranger to discuss what we as men can do about it. We talk about mercy and justice (and, how to satisfy both), why we should hate injustice, the dangers of communism and socialism, why we must unite behind Truth (with a capital T), why "happiness" is inferior to "joy," and why we should pursue peace if possible but truth at all costs. 00:00 - Introduction & Catching Up 01:20 - Why John Wrote "The Lions of Mercer" 03:49 - Justice, Fiction, and Catharsis 07:15 - The Cry for Justice 08:07 - Modern Culture and Victimhood 08:51 - Loving the Good vs. Hating the Evil 11:44 - Redemption, Failure, and Public Dogpiling 13:01 - Loyalty, Forgiveness, and Standing by Brothers 16:14 - What Is "The Good"? 18:27 - Justice, Mercy, and the Role of Christ 20:15 - Judgement, Hypocrisy, and Accountability 23:07 - Integrity and Personal Alignment 24:39 - Happiness vs. Joy 26:39 - Teaching Discipline and Long-Term Thinking 27:03 - You Can Only Replicate Who You Are 28:22 - Wrestling With Faith and Christianity 29:02 - The Dangers of Atheism & Moral Relativism 31:05 - America's Moral Foundation 32:42 - Who Decides Morality? 34:12 - Rise of Socialism & Cultural Rejection 35:38 - New York, Ideology, and Consequences 36:36 - Unity vs. Compromise 38:41 - What Makes Someone American? 39:58 - Parenting, Boyhood, and Raising Men 40:45 - Why Boyhood Resurrected Was Written 42:38 - Risk, Adventure, and Rite of Passage 46:14 - Finding Balance in Parenting 47:09 - Trust, Risk, and Leadership in Marriage 51:27 - Why Should Your Wife Trust You? 52:21 - Leadership, Submission, and Marriage Dynamics 55:49 - Biblical Structure for Marriage 59:04 - Loving Leadership and Wise Authority 01:00:54 - Closing Thoughts & Transition to IC Segment 01:01:15 - Where to Find John Lovell 01:02:13 - Q&A Teaser 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 Friday Field Notes episode, Ryan Michler delivers a direct challenge to men who've been giving away their power. He breaks down how modern culture, comfort, and conditioned beliefs push men into outsourcing responsibility - and how reclaiming sovereignty starts with ownership, discipline, and intentional action. Ryan explains why accountability feels heavy, why most men avoid the truth, and why no one is coming to save them. He closes with practical steps to take back control and a reminder that transformative change begins from within. A hard-hitting message for men ready to stop drifting and start leading. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introduction 00:05 Outsourcing Power 02:31 Psychological Slavery 04:49 Responsibility Reveals Truth 06:40 No One Is Coming to Save You 09:29 What Can I Do About It? 11:54 Taking Control of One Domain 14:17 Surround Yourself With Better Men 16:40 Invest in Brotherhood 18:46 Power Comes From Within 20:31 Iron Council Invitation 20:45 Next Week's Episode Preview 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 the Ask Me Anything series, Ryan and Kipp explore what it means to build a meaningful life through  intentional action, structure, and the pursuit of legacy. They tackle listener questions on community, communication, personal  balance, spiritual leadership, and fatherhood - while offering grounded strategies men can apply immediately.  Through stories about friendship, divorce, fatherhood, and growth, they reveal  how to keep life steady when things get  chaotic and how to preserve what matters most. This conversation blends humor, wisdom, and vulnerability in a way only these two can deliver. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Travel recap & St. Louis event 03:52 Introduction to legacy questions 04:12 How to build community from scratch 13:23 Communicating difficult truths 30:41 Getting life back under control 38:17 Signs of spiritual abuse 49:10 Leaving a legacy during divorce 54:56 Avoiding short-term comfort over long-term purpose 58:47 Legacy through connection with your children 01:01:30 Closing thoughts & 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

You ever have the feeling what you see on the news and socials is exactly and only what they want you to hear? Yeah, me too. Turns out it's true. Very rarely do you get the full story so you can make your own informed decisions. And, this practice is skewing and distorting the way we view and interact with the world. My guest today, Jeremy Carey – Founder of IRONCLAD, knows exactly what this is about and in his new series (partnered with Shawn Ryan), Target Intelligence: Psyop, they unpack exactly how this is happening in every aspect of life. We talk about what he calls the "Forgotten Audience" and the "Doer Class," the power of telling good stories – accurately, why authenticity is the key to success in an inauthentic world, and understanding the "Education-to-Entertainment" ratio in consuming content. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Opening 02:03 - Why Ironclad Exists 03:41 - The Content Attention Crisis 05:03 - The Forgotten Audience 06:31 - Storytelling Without Agendas 08:04 - Authenticity in Modern Media 09:10 - Working with Elite Creators 10:28 - Advice for Creators & Entrepreneurs 11:42 - Early Failures and Lessons 14:01 - God's Will, Hard Work, and Obstacles 17:20 - Getting Reps & Evolving Your Craft 18:17 - Inside the Target Intelligence Series 21:16 - Psychological Operations in Everyday Life 22:53 - Useful Idiots & Hidden Influence 24:26 - Conspiracies, Credibility & "They" 27:05 - The Future of Media Consumption 29:19 - AI Disruption in Film & Branding 31:27 - Masculinity Content & Market Saturation 32:37 - Tools, AI & Adding Value 34:00 - Advertising, Trust & Audience Alignment 36:42 - Serving the Right Audience 39:32 - On-Demand Society & Tech Shifts 41:26 - Upcoming Ironclad Projects 43:51 - Turning Podcasts Into Film Series 45:39 - How to Know What's Real Anymore 48:13 - Deepfakes, Trust & Reputation 50:19 - The Importance of Authenticity 53:27 - Where to Find the Series 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 today's Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler shares a powerful message built around a simple but meaningful reminder: your dust, your rust, and your scars do NOT define you - they tell your story. After finding an old, rusted metal grid and working to restore it, Ryan reflects on how men often feel discarded, overlooked, or worn down by life. Through this analogy, he unpacks five key truths about identity, hardship, and resilience. If you've ever felt beat up by life, sidelined by circumstances, or dismissed by others, this episode will remind you of your worth and your purpose. In This Episode: Why your scars are proof that you've lived, not that you're broken How stagnation creates "rust" in your life How to wipe away habits, attitudes, and behaviors that no longer serve you Why rejection doesn't define your value How to turn your scars into stories that help others Five Lessons From This Episode: What clings to you is not who you are Rust only forms when you sit still You can wipe away what no longer serves you Your scars are your stories - your mess is your message Someone's trash is another person's treasure SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Introduction 00:27 – The Rusted Metal Grid Story 02:51 – Men Feeling Discarded 03:20 – Five Lessons About Dust and Rust 03:30 – #1 You Are Not Defined by What Clings to You 05:16 – #2 Rust Only Forms When You Sit Still 07:29 – Stop Wearing Other Men's Names 08:07 – Become the Man Who Leads 09:30 – #3 Wipe Away What No Longer Serves You 10:27 – #4 Your Scars Are Proof You've Lived 12:40 – Turning Scars Into Stories 13:50 – The Restored Rusty Truck Story 14:46 – #5 Someone's Trash Is Another's Treasure 16:04 – Being Valued at Home 17:19 – Recap of the Five Lessons 18:00 – Final Encouragement & Closing 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 week's Ask Me Anything, Ryan and Kipp dive deep into goal setting, New Year's resolutions, discipline, personal systems, and the internal dialogue that derails many men. They discuss practical strategies for building momentum, tracking progress, leading communities, and staying accountable even when motivation fades.  Listeners ask about goal-setting frameworks, balancing long-term and short-term ambitions, and how to prioritize key areas of life. Ryan and Kipp also explore integrity, honesty, and the real influence every man carries - whether he acknowledges it or not. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Discipline, systems & flexibility 03:50 Community goal-setting question 14:27 Internal dialogue & low points 21:46 New Year's resolutions 25:34 Balancing easy vs. long-term goals 30:11 Prioritizing life quadrants 34:19 Daily systems & accountability 45:21 Being influential and showing up 46:50 Promotions & call to action 48:03 Episode close 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

For something that we do every single day, and something that has the power to change every aspect of our life, we sure don't focus on, train, or develop it. And, that thing is conversation. Nothing great ever happened in your life without, first, a conversation – no promotions, no jobs, no clients, no dates, nothing. My guest today, Payam Pakmanesh (known as "The Convo Guy") is here to explain why and, more importantly, how we can build and develop our ability to communicate more effectively. We cover the proper principles of communication, Adlerian Psychology and how it helps you focus on what you can control, the "Zoom Flow" model for deeper connection, how to make yourself more approachable, and becoming aware of how others perceive you. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Conversation as a Life-Changing Tool 01:06 - Why Men Struggle With Communication 02:33 - Nature vs. Nurture in Your Voice 03:18 - How Environment Shapes Language & Identity 04:19 - Film Yourself: The First Breakthrough Exercise 05:30 - Pausing, Filler Words & Leadership Presence 06:55 - Listening Critically to Yourself 07:48 - Buying Time vs. Fear of Silence 09:18 - Authenticity vs. Performance 11:03 - Why Humans Detect Inauthenticity 12:20 - Reading Engagement & Disengagement Cues 13:51 - The Power of Real Listening 15:10 - Faces, Interpretation & Owning Your Identity 16:28 - Getting Out of Your Own Head 17:55 - Fear of Judgement & Perfectionism 18:34 - Social Masks & Status Games 20:32 - Adlerian Psychology & Letting Go of Others' Opinions 21:43 - Book Structure & Thoughts on "Courage to Be Disliked" 22:06 - Biggest Communication Mistakes Men Make 24:25 - Auditing Your Stories & Mental Frameworks 25:19 - Choose Stories that Serve You 27:45 - Tracking Thoughts & Fact-Checking Beliefs 30:18 - Inner Peace as the ROI of Self-Development 31:22 - Misreading Signals from Others 33:44 - Why Hard Conversations Must Be Live 34:50 - Growth Through Discomfort 35:17 - Why Men Avoid Difficult Conversations 37:06 - Nice Guys, Suppressed Emotions & Blowups 38:10 - Joker Example: From Nice to Extreme 40:12 - Standards vs. Expectations 41:14 - Make the Implicit Explicit 42:26 - Experimenting Like a Scientist 43:31 - Everyone Is Human-Even High Status People 44:04 - Scripts vs. Flow in Communication 47:32 - Headphones, Avoidance & Missed Opportunities 48:27 - Disagreement Statements That Build Trust 50:37 - Context Creates Empathy 52:19 - Why Courage Earns Respect 54:01 - The Value of Small Talk 55:48 - The Elevator Test 57:06 - Why Communication Creates Opportunities 58:29 - Movie Character Communication Breakdown 59:55 - How to Work With Payam 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

Welcome to the Strength Connection!I am joined in this episode by Brett Jones, DJ Wittekind and Mark Subias, AKA The Iron Council.We first came together in a roundtable discussion in April 2024 at Queen City Kettlebell, and have reconnected to talk strength, health and all things in the culture of performance and coaching.In this episode, Brett, DJ, Mark and I talk about our personal evolutions of coaching in the information age, how things have changed over the years, and the keys to training for longevity and healthspan.Follow Brett, DJ, and Mark at:Brett: https://www.instagram.com/brettjonessfg/?hl=enDJ: https://www.instagram.com/queencitykettlebell/Mark: https://www.instagram.com/subiasm/?hl=en

In this Friday Field Notes episode, Ryan Michler challenges men to stop drifting through life and confront the apathy holding them back. He breaks down the five core actions that help men regain direction, eliminate complacency, and move with purpose. Ryan speaks candidly about distraction, burnout, and his own past patterns of escape, giving listeners a direct path to clarity and discipline. This episode offers a clear call for men to reclaim their focus, cut the noise, and commit to what actually matters. A powerful, practical reminder for anyone who feels stuck or overwhelmed. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introduction 00:22 Burnout and rising apathy 01:54 Why men are giving up 03:40 Know what you want 06:10 Delegate what drains you 08:45 Remove energy draining people 11:23 Go deep, not wide 14:50 Ryan's story of sedation 16:06 Stop escaping your life 18:34 Final message and 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, Ryan and Kipp dive deep into what it means to be a man in modern relationships — how to lead with strength, clarity, and purpose without falling into the "nice guy" trap. They break down how to build trust, create safety and structure for your partner, and why healthy conflict is essential for growth. You'll hear powerful insights on what truly turns your wife on (it's not what you think), why your marriage needs to feel like a sparring match instead of a competition, and how to help your wife flourish in her feminine role by being consistent, decisive, and dependable. Whether you're married, dating, or just want to understand masculine leadership on a deeper level, this episode will hit hard. Join the conversation and learn how to stop being a "nice guy" — and start being a strong, grounded man. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Hunting stories and catching up 03:14 – Nice Guy vs. Good Husband: How to tell the difference 05:28 – Compliance vs. Commitment in relationships 07:42 – Marriage as a covenant, not a transaction 10:14 – The importance of defined roles and expectations 13:44 – Vetting your partner before marriage 15:09 – Why your wife is your sparring partner 16:39 – Handling sacrifices that go unseen or unacknowledged 20:36 – The difference between sacrifice and self-pity 24:28 – How to help your wife step into her feminine role 27:55 – The "bowl and water" analogy — structure and flow in marriage 29:38 – How predictability builds trust and safety 33:04 – How to turn your wife on (for real) 37:26 – When one partner wants more kids 42:23 – The future of relationships in a hookup culture 45:25 – The cost of the "I don't need a man" mindset 48:08 – The dangers of red-pill bitterness 50:19 – How to attract the kind of woman you want 50:45 – Iron Council and Divorce Not Death 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  

You're listening to a men's self-help podcast so it's safe to assume that you're interested in becoming more disciplined, structured, and productive. But there is a side of discipline that many of the self-help gurus won't talk to you about – when discipline becomes a liability more than an asset. My guest today, Craig Ballantyne, joins me to talk about what that even means, what it looks like, and what to do about it. We also cover why it's so important that you plan your days out months in advance, how to keep yourself from distractions but building in flexibility to your day, how much a man can get done in what he calls, "slivers of time," and why you should never paint yourself into a box you don't belong. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 - Introduction 01:12 - Discipline and rigidity: the downside of structure 03:30 - Parenthood, resilience, and slivers of time 07:30 - The balance between discipline and flexibility 10:00 - Craig's life in Mexico and bilingual family life 14:30 - Managing distractions and time boundaries 17:30 - The true cost of meetings and decision-focused teams 21:00 - Structuring family and bedtime routines 25:00 - Delegation, priorities, and focusing on purpose 28:00 - Fear of delegation and how to fill your reclaimed time 30:00 - Deep work, planning, and monthly focus blocks 35:00 - Combating boredom and sustaining focus 37:00 - The myth of "always enjoying the grind" 41:00 - Planning the next month and long-term thinking 46:00 - Changing self-talk and removing limiting language 49:00 - Childhood patterns and self-imposed boxes 51:00 - Overcoming introversion and building social confidence 55:00 - Selflessness, service, and growth through discomfort 56:00 - Craig's books 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 think the X Factor - that magnetic presence of strong, capable men - is something you're born with. It's not. It's built through five rules that any man can follow. In this Friday Field Note, Ryan Michler breaks down the simple, actionable formula that will make you more influential, bold, and courageous - and help you create the life and relationships you want. The 5 Rules Every Man Must Follow: Be Strong - build the trifecta: physical, mental, and emotional strength Be Emotionally Stable - create safety and calm for your family and team Be Kind - true kindness comes from power, not weakness Be Discerning - not everyone deserves your time or vulnerability Be Courageous - take action even when you're scared SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 - What Is the X Factor? 00:30 - The Myth of the X Factor 02:58 - Rule #1: Be Strong 07:18 - Rule #2: Be Emotionally Stable 11:11 - Rule #3: Be Kind 13:20 - Rule #4: Be Discerning 18:04 - Rule #5: Be Courageous 24:15 - The Iron Council Promo 24:50 - Closing 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 week's Ask Me Anything, Kipp and Shawn tackle listener questions from the Iron Council, diving deep into the practices of visualization, breaking mental limits, embracing mentorship, and persevering through pain.  The conversation turns raw as the hosts address loneliness, depression, and how men can build stronger connections through openness and authenticity. This episode reminds us that growth requires action, awareness, and brotherhood. Join Kipp and Shawn as they offer practical and heartfelt wisdom to help men live more purposefully and powerfully every day. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:05 - Opening & Dodgers Talk 01:08 - Promotion - Iron Council 02:16 - Ken's Question: Visualization Struggles 14:29 - Julian's Question: Breaking Limiting Narratives 28:36 - Dwayne's Question: Master vs Apprentice Learning 37:22 - Brian's Question: Fighting Through Pain 45:29 - Jeremy's Question: Blind Spots in Men 50:14 - Nana's Question: Handling Gossip & Slander 58:37 - Dustin's Question: Coping with Depression & Hopelessness 01:08:27 - 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  

Whether we acknowledge it or not, there are certain behaviors and mindsets that are etched into our psyche by our fathers. And, if we cannot be aware of what they are, we lose any hope of having power over them and charting new paths for ourselves and our children. Today, I'm joined by Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, to talk about the legacy his father left and how he is trying to break the string of mindsets that hindered, not helped. We talk about how do adapt when plans don't work, the power of the meritocracy, how to overcome the victimhood mentality, creating powerful and healthy outlets, and the mantras that have served him well and that he wishes to instill in his children. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – The New York Marathon disaster 02:00 – Pushing through with mantras 03:40 – Planning, pace, and preparation 05:30 – Travel stress and overcommitment 07:37 – The power of mental reframing 08:11 – Continuous forward motion 10:35 – Learning from past failures 11:58 – "On to Cincinnati" mindset 15:23 – Lessons from failure and legacy 20:29 – How his father inspired running 21:34 – Finding identity through running 23:35 – Parenting and discipline 25:32 – Lockdown marathon story 27:40 – Breaking generational cycles 30:57 – Lessons from his father's downfall 33:18 – The danger of victim mentality 37:17 – Teaching resilience to his sons 39:13 – Soccer as a meritocratic equalizer 42:07 – Shared humanity through sport 45:01 – The importance of men talking openly 46:01 – Running as leadership training 48:21 – Endurance, pacing, and goal setting 49:59 – The Running Ground book 50:38 – 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

In this week's Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores the importance of building meaningful male friendships and creating your own "band of brothers." Drawing from personal experiences, including his annual hunting trip in Minnesota, Ryan breaks down five key principles for cultivating brotherhood - working toward a shared goal, finding common activities, embracing challenge, engaging in banter, and showing up consistently. He reminds men that strong friendships don't just happen - they're built through shared effort, loyalty, and reliability. Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for deepening male bonds and strengthening their sense of purpose and connection. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Introduction: The Power of Male Friendships 02:17 – Work Toward a Common Goal or Enemy 04:38 – Find Shared Hobbies and Activities 07:56 – Embrace Challenge and Growth 09:24 – Banter, Insults, and Testing Bonds 11:54 – Consistency and Predictability 16:35 – Recap: The Five Keys to Male Friendship 17:12 – The Iron Council 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

On our perpetual quest for bigger, better, faster, wealthier, and stronger, we're led to believe that more is the answer – more gadgets, advanced technology, connections, resources, money, entertainment, etc. But what if there was a case to be made the answer to fulfillment is not in more but in less? My guest today, Dewyane Noel, makes that case. We talk about why less is more, how to reduce noise, chaos, and distraction in the modern world, the value of a hard day's work, what we can learn about human behavior through good horsemanship, and why good men ride good horses. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Working Together as Men 04:21 – Teaching the Next Generation of Horsemen 07:49 – "He Rode Good Horses" and Life Lessons 09:16 – A Man's Epitaph and Legacy 09:59 – The Purpose Behind Becoming a Better Man 13:09 – Hitting Rock Bottom and Choosing Change 17:19 – Guarding Peace and Avoiding Old Patterns 19:53 – Living Off the Grid and Finding Rest 24:38 – Setting Boundaries and Protecting Privacy 25:39 – Why Dwayne Began Sharing His Message 27:47 – The Best Advice: Just Chill 30:55 – Needing Less vs. Always Wanting More 35:38 – Filtering Needs vs. Wants 42:23 – The Easiest Person to Lie to Is Yourself 43:10 – How a Man Learns to Like Himself 48:51 – Weakness, Horses, and Assertiveness 51:25 – Leadership, Trust, and the Alpha Role 57:24 – Teaching Responsibility Before Autonomy 01:04:10 – Redefining Manhood and Discipline 01:07:30 – Fatherhood, Boundaries, and "Toxicity" 01:12:29 – The Benevolent Alpha in Marriage 01:15:34 – Growth, Maturity, and Becoming a Better 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

Most men are working hard, providing, producing — but not necessarily happy. In this Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler shares six practical principles to help you rediscover joy and meaning in your life. From cutting toxic influences to reconnecting with purpose, this episode helps you break out of burnout and live with more fulfillment. Whether you're frustrated, exhausted, or simply drifting, this conversation will help you recalibrate your priorities and bring more joy into every area of your life. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why so many men feel unhappy despite “doing everything right” The real reason joy isn't selfish — it's essential How to identify people who lift you up vs. those who drain you Why you must remove toxic activities to make room for happiness How minimalism creates margin for peace and purpose The importance of saying yes to adventure and interesting experiences How to attach your work to a deeper mission Why serving others is the ultimate path to joy Resources & Links Mentioned: Join The Iron Council – our exclusive brotherhood for men: www.orderofman.com/ironcouncil Follow Ryan on Instagram → @ryanmichler SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Why so many men are unhappy                            02:20 - What's the point if you're not joyful?                 04:59 - Finding meaningful work                                07:08 - Step 1 – Only spend time with people who fulfill you   09:15 - Step 2 – Eliminate toxic activities & find margin      11:38 - Step 3 – Have fewer things                             16:29 - Step 4 – Say yes to things that make life interesting  18:59 - Step 5 – Attach your work to a mission                 26:09 - Step 6 – Be selfless and serve others                  32:06 - Final message – Take action and find joy           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, Kipp Sorensen sits down with Jay Jairdullo from the Iron Council for a powerful conversation about purpose, vulnerability, and growth. They discuss emotional regulation, staying resilient when life feels heavy, and how to lead with authenticity at home and at work.  Listener questions explore fatherhood, leadership, connection, and career challenges. Jay and Kipp also share practical tools for staying grounded, building community, and re-integrating after time apart. Plus, updates on the Iron Council and upcoming Order of Man events. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Intro and Iron Council background 02:00 – Reflections on purpose and service 06:57 – Meaning through serving others (Hook) 08:48 – Being vulnerable while maintaining respect 22:03 – Habits for when life feels deflated 31:23 – Building stronger local meetups 38:16 – Rebuilding life and finances 48:10 – Emotional maturity for men 51:25 – Staying connected during military absence 58:42 – Promotions 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  

Why do people refuse to say what they see, and, what everyone knows…whether or not they're willing to acknowledge it? Is there some benefit to keeping quiet, adhering to the “unwritten rules,” and, is there a time and place to break tradition? Today, I'm joined by Harvard professor, Dr. Steven Pinker to answer these questions. We also discuss the difference between common knowledge and common wisdom, whether or not it's hypocrisy to stay quiet about the unwritten rules, when to be radically honest or complacently quiet, how to judge risk in your honesty, how the “Abeline Paradox” will serve you, and the importance of male initiation. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Steven Pinker 00:45 – Defining “common knowledge” vs. “common sense” 03:11 – “Don't ask, don't tell” and social hypocrisy 07:46 – Cultural shifts and the meaning of hypocrisy 09:41 – Morality, religion, and policy contradictions 11:21 – Hidden hypocrisies: paper bags and escort services 14:07 – How common knowledge shapes power (Taiwan example) 17:05 – “Coming out” and the social costs of honesty 20:10 – Honesty vs. tact in relationships 23:13 – Learning social nuance: autism and empathy 31:00 – Layers of communication and meaning 34:50 – The Abilene paradox and pluralistic ignorance 38:02 – How silence empowers repression 42:42 – Conformity and social conditioning 44:06 – Building virtuous influence as men 47:22 – Civilizing young men and the role of masculinity 51:48 – The crisis of modern manhood 54:08 – Ruthless honesty with compassion (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 week's Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down how men can reclaim masculinity in an overly feminized culture. He outlines five principles for leading, protecting, and providing in a world that often mislabels masculine virtues as toxic. Ryan challenges modern misconceptions, redefines what strength looks like, and calls men to take responsibility - for themselves, their families, and their communities. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Intro - The Cost of a Feminized Culture                   00:12 - We Live in an Overly Feminized Culture 02:33 - Rule #1 - Reject the Idea That Men and Women Are the Same 05:38 - Rule #2 - Masculinity Isn't Toxic, It's How You Use It    08:04 - Masculine vs. Feminine Virtues: Different, Not Opposed    10:27 - Rule #3 - Don't Take Masculinity Advice from Women        14:31 - Rule #4 - Boys Need Men: Why Male Influence Matters       16:40 - Rule #5 - Read the Room: Strength vs. Compassion          20:15 - Balancing Masculine and Feminine Parenting Roles          22:35 - Rule #6 - Embrace Meritocracy & Earn Influence            26:50 - Next Week: Dr. Steven Pinker Teaser                       26:57 - Subscribe & YouTube Growth Promo                          KEY TAKEAWAYS Modern culture has conditioned men to abandon masculine traits. Masculinity itself isn't toxic — it's how you use it. Men and women are equal in worth but different in design and purpose. Men must mentor boys to become strong, capable leaders. Leadership requires discernment — strength and compassion both matter. Reclaiming masculinity means earning influence through merit and integrity. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Upcoming Guest: Dr. Steven Pinker (next week's interview) Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/orderofman Follow Ryan Michler on Instagram: @ryanmichler Join the Order of Man Community: orderofman.com   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 a wide range of powerful listener questions—from raising children without a “heart at war” to building better connections with your sons and wives. They dive deep into personal growth, leadership, and balance, discussing authenticity, recovery, and what it means to find peace while still pursuing excellence.  They also explore the realities of career transitions and starting new business ventures. A thoughtful, real, and motivating conversation filled with practical wisdom and relatable life lessons. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Opening banter & hunting talk 02:19 – First viewer question (Tony) 12:14 – Staying driven without Iron Council 15:53 – Connecting with teenage sons 26:13 – Reflecting on past podcast episodes 30:41 – Relationship checklists & intentional connection 34:32 – Resources for starting a business 39:32 – When to leave your job 43:17 – Finding peace while still growing 50:08 – Promotions & course announcements 52:22 – 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

It's no secret that men are fascinated with the Roman Empire. Tales of battle, glory, and reign ignite our passion and enthusiasm for exerting our will against our enemies and for the benefit of those we lead. But these tales aren't just an entertaining insight into the way men's minds work – they're also cautionary regarding how every once-great civilization has fallen. Today, I'm joined by Jeremy Ryan Slate to discuss what makes men so attracted to the Roman Empire, in what ways the United States in following in its ill-fated footsteps (and, in which ways it isn't), lessons we can learn from monetary policy, political aspirations, wars and conquests, and how we can avoid the fate (or, at least prolong) every great civilization has eventually faced. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction and setup 00:58 - Technical issues and restart 04:07 - Why men are fascinated by the Roman Empire 07:45 - Monetary policy, inflation, and control in Rome 13:50 - The rise of Julius Caesar and fall of the Republic 21:18 - Augustus and the birth of the Roman Empire 25:00 - Power, propaganda, and lessons from history 28:43 - Modern parallels: populism, media, and literacy 34:06 - Social programs, dependency, and autonomy 36:10 - The real reasons Rome fell 40:20 - Immigration, loyalty, and national identity 43:03 - Decadence, morality, and the weakening of men 46:47 - How modern men can preserve the Republic 48:04 - Closing thoughts and where to find Jeremy Slate 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 deeply personal episode, Ryan opens up about his own divorce - how it unfolded, what he learned, and how men can navigate their own journey with strength and integrity. Drawing from experience and thousands of conversations with men, Ryan shares five things NOT to do and five things TO do when facing divorce. He reminds listeners that divorce, while painful, doesn't have to be the end - it can be the start of rebuilding your life with purpose, clarity, and resilience. Key Takeaways Five Don'ts:  - Don't sedate yourself - Avoid alcohol, porn, or distractions that numb growth.  - Don't stalk your ex - Cut off emotional dependence and focus forward.  - Don't sleep around - Don't use others to fill emotional voids.  - Don't seek vengeance or self-harm - You're needed, and life can get better.  - Don't watch porn - It distorts intimacy and respect for women. Five Do's:  - Build male friendships - Brotherhood is essential for healing and accountability.  - Develop new skills - Strengthen your financial and professional foundation.  - Learn a new hobby - Rediscover fun, joy, and adventure.  - Train your body - Rebuild strength, confidence, and vitality.  - Give back - Serving others heals your own pain. Resources & Mentions Divorce Not Death Program: divorcenotdeath.com Email Ryan: ryan@orderofman.com Follow on Instagram: @ryanmickler SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Intro   00:31 - The Moment It Happened   02:54 - Hitting Rock Bottom   04:54 - The Don'ts: Avoid Sedation   07:17 - Don't Stalk or Chase   09:42 - Don't Sleep Around   12:03 - Don't End It All   13:50 - Don't Seek Vengeance   16:17 - The Do's: Build Brotherhood   18:39 - Develop Skills & Wealth   21:01 - Learn to Have Fun Again   23:19 - Train Your Body   25:18 - Give Back   26:50 - Divorce Not Death   28:30 - 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 week's Ask Me Anything, Ryan Michler and guest co-host Jay Jairdullo tackle powerful questions from members of the Iron Council and the broader Order of Man community. They dive into overcoming complacency after success, saving a struggling marriage, the real key to consistency, and finding clarity amid diet confusion.  Ryan also shares guidance on battling depression, building self-worth, and mastering emotional regulation. This episode is packed with wisdom, frameworks, and honest stories that every man can apply to become stronger and more grounded in purpose. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Intro and catch-up with Jay 01:26 – Setting new goals and avoiding complacency 07:42 – Navigating marital separation and self-improvement 17:31 – Why some men thrive in the Iron Council 34:18 – Using the Pareto Principle 42:51 – Overcoming depression and learning self-love 48:35 – Managing emotions and staying calm 56:21 – Final thoughts and Iron Council 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

Early in my self-development days, I would only consume non-fiction, self-help books. It seemed to be doing the trick but I became more consumed with the amount of books I read at the expense of actually improving my life. Then a friend encouraged me to read fiction every once in a while. Shortly thereafter, my friend Jack Carr, released his first book, Terminal List – which I devoured. And, Jack Carr is back with me again to talk about his newest book, Cry Havoc. But we talk a whole lot more than just the book. We cover how best to cultivate a new skill set (be it writing or something else), the importance of exercising the brain, making yourself better through wisdom, worrying about only what you can control, and the value of fictional work on your self-development journey. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Catching up with Jack Carr and reflecting on The Terminal List beginnings 01:23 - How publishing has changed and the modern author's battlefield 05:21 - Gratitude, readers, and using social media for good 09:21 - Why Jack identifies first and foremost as an author 10:49 - Reading as a foundation: how fiction shaped Jack's life 14:28 - Reading for joy versus studying the craft 18:13 - Military service as a calling before writing 21:46 - Why fiction develops empathy and frees the mind 25:51 - Audiobooks as a “gateway drug” back to reading 26:48 - Fiction versus visual media and the power of imagination 30:10 - Writing for the screen vs. writing for the page 31:02 - The art of storytelling and how Jack builds his novels 33:10 - How to write a better book (and why Jack ignores trends) 40:09 - Creative freedom, editors, and Hollywood contrasts 43:37 - Historical accuracy and the making of Cry Havoc 47:28 - Jack's take on AI and creativity 48:53 - Authentic connection with readers and fans 52:00 - Sharing the author's journey in the digital age 54:03 - The discipline of long-form creation and interruptions 58:23 - What's next: research trips, nonfiction, and new directions 59:38 - Launching Cry Havoc and closing reflections 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 Friday Field Notes, Ryan dives into the inevitable challenges every man faces—and how you can rise above them. Being a male is a matter of birth, but being a man is earned through responsibility, capability, and leadership. Ryan outlines practical ways to prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually so that you can protect, provide, and preside when it matters most. Whether it's solving problems under pressure, anticipating threats, regulating emotions, or empowering others, this episode will challenge you to step up and live as the man you were meant to be. SHOWNOTES 00:00 – Intro 00:10 – Not every male is a man: challenge defines manhood 02:34 – True leadership reveals itself when things go wrong 04:50 – The power of anticipation and situational awareness 09:23 – Building capability in every area of life 11:45 – Manhood as a profession: constantly improving yourself 14:08 – Emotional regulation and creating safety 16:20 – Helping others solve their own problems 18:47 – Sovereignty: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual strength 20:37 – Becoming the man people look to in crisis 22:30 – Promotion: Join the Iron Council 23:45 – Next week's episode preview with Jack Carr 24:30 – Closing and grassroots call to share the podcast What You'll Learn in this Episode: Why challenge is the defining feature of manhood How to adopt the mindset of a problem-solver The importance of anticipation and situational awareness Building capability: financial, physical, and skill-based Regulating your emotions and creating safety for others Helping others solve their own problems Why manhood is a profession that requires constant improvement 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 dig into building and protecting the relationships that matter: how to communicate needs, spot relationships that no longer serve you, rebuild trust with children after long absences, and strike the balance between work, service, and family. Along the way Ryan shares a harrowing (and hilarious) zipline rescue that reinforces why we should hold our loved ones close. Practical advice, real-world boundaries, and quick tactical habits (like rotating one-on-one lunches with kids) make this episode a toolkit for men working to show up better at home and in community. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 — Intro & topic setup 04:26 — Topic: building relationships (Iron Council prompt) 10:20 — Q: William Pennell — communicating needs 15:47 — Q: Jeremy Kofi — when relationships stop serving 20:45 — Q: Travis Gare — reentering your son's life after absence 31:10 — Q: Matthew Jenkins — prioritizing time with family 40:16 — Q: Christopher Jackson — reclaiming masculine energy 45:19 — Q: Eric Tyler — inner work before showing up in relationships 53:15 — Q: James Grayson — politics, faith and difficult conversations 59:39 — Ryan's zipline story & closing thoughts 01:05:55 — Final sign-off / Iron Council promo   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 1992, John Gray released, “Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus.” It was important work then. It is just as (if not, more so) important today. Why do we as men struggle to understand what women are thinking and saying? And, why do women struggle just as much in understanding us? My guest today, Vanessa Bennet, author of “The Motherhood Myth,” and psychotherapist sheds some light on the reasons, including an inside look at what women are thinking and why. Today, we talk about the misunderstandings between men and women, why women aren't interested in being with you as one of their children, why women are looking for leadership and respect from men, what is healthy womanhood and manhood, why safety is a key factor in attractiveness for women, and what it really means when a woman says, “I want a man who is vulnerable.” SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 — Intro & Costa Rica setup 02:02 — Miscommunication Between Men & Women 09:17 — Shadow Work & Shame 13:06 — Myths of Motherhood 18:07 — Finding the Middle (Pendulum Theory) 21:36 — Rupture & Repair in Relationships 30:10 — Choosing vs Needing: Desire & Partnership 33:06 — Leadership vs Dominance (What Women Want) 42:48 — Don't Fix — Build Competence & Autonomy 50:26 — Safety & Parenting (why reliability matters) 59:43 — Preemptive Communication & Vulnerability 1:00:39 — Integrity & Follow-Through (why actions matter) 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 Friday Field Notes episode, Ryan Michler explores what it truly means for men to take risks and why it's essential for growth, leadership, and purpose. He outlines the importance of knowing your “why,” weighing risk versus reward, hedging your bets, and preparing every area of your life before making bold moves. Ryan also emphasizes the need for courage, resilience, and guidance from mentors. This conversation is a practical and powerful guide for men who want to step into greater responsibility, push past fear, and live with meaning while taking calculated, righteous risks. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:14 Big goals and the role of risk 02:24 The importance of knowing your why 07:03 Measuring risk versus reward 09:27 Hedging your bets 11:50 Getting your house in order 14:16 SWOT analysis for decision-making 16:37 The mandate to take righteous risk 18:55 Coaching opportunities and 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

In Part 2 of this Ask Me Anything Ryan and Kipp tackle real listener money questions - from Roth vs. traditional 401(k)s and how to start saving at 48, to scaling rental portfolios, buying land, and running a meat processing business. They also discuss high-income skills, the psychology of debt and “usury,” and whether cashing out investments to pay a low-rate mortgage makes sense. Packed with actionable prudence, blunt honesty, and practical frameworks for financial decisions. Tune in, take notes, and move to action. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Intro 01:33 - Roth vs. Traditional 401(k) (Mike Cole) 04:22 - Biggest moves at 48 with nothing saved (Lonnie McIntyre) 10:57 - Scaling rentals: use equity or let it pay off (Jeremy Fulmer) 14:07 - Considering closing 401(k) to buy land (Mike) 16:57 - Starting a meat processing business (Jeff Kessler) 23:18 - Experience vs. price: creating convenience & premium services 26:21 - High-income skills & why connection matters (Jonathan Webster) 34:05 - Usury, debt culture & values (Jason Cole) 41:51 - Paying off mortgage vs. investing (Chris Edmondson) 47:35 - Iron Council / Order of Man promo & 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

If all it took was a basic understanding of food to get lean and healthy, all men would have visible abs and never need the scale. The reality, however, is that most men don't have the abs and, although they may have the scale, they're not really willing to get on it. It turns out that the science of food and how it reacts with our body goes so much deeper, including the mental and emotional realm. My guest today, author of Eat Smarter, Shawn Stevenson, has spent decades of his life understanding the basics and nuances of the fuel we call food and our relationship with it. We cover why not all calories are the same, how culture impacts our eating decision making process, how placebos are more effective than you'd think in curing illness and disease, why the diversity of what you eat is just as important as how much you eat, and why you are what you eat. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Catching Up & Setting the Stage 01:24 – Changing Family Food Culture 03:25 – Redefining Health & Culture in America 24:31 – Biological Age vs. Chronological Age 37:52 – The Truth About Dairy & Processed Foods 40:31 – Calories, Metabolism & Food Quality 46:20 – Context Matters: Fueling for Your Goals 01:11:36 – Training, Nutrition & Recovery Insights 01:13:34 – TRT, GLP-1 & Lifestyle Foundations 01:18:05 – Vitamin D, Deficiencies & Aging 01:21:14 – Nutrition & Movement After 40 01:24:43 – Rapid Fire: Protein, Food Choices & More 01:30:13 – Supplement Risks & Safe Practices 01:31:43 – Closing Thoughts & 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

In this week's Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down the truth behind the phrase “Nice Guys Never Win.” He explains how the tendency to avoid conflict, suppress needs, and chase approval leads to weak boundaries, indecision, and frustration in relationships and careers.  Ryan outlines the real costs of “nice guy syndrome” and challenges men to reclaim respect through clarity, honesty, and decisive action. He closes with five daily practices to help men stop self-betrayal and start leading with conviction. This episode is a direct, no-fluff call for men to stop playing the victim and step into responsibility. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Defining the Nice Guy 02:13 – Consequences of Nice Guy Syndrome 04:32 – Indecisiveness and People Pleasing 06:53 – Suppressing Needs and Passive Aggression 09:18 – Inauthenticity and Fear of Judgment 11:43 – Playing the Victim 13:51 – Confusion, Distrust, and Frustration 18:43 – The Cycle of Anger and Resentment 20:46 – Five Daily Practices to Overcome 27:58 – Closing 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 week's Ask Me Anything, Ryan and Kipp tackle pressing questions from the Iron Council, all centered on money. From understanding the habits of wealthy men, to real vs. nominal gains, to the psychology of budgeting and investing, they cover practical insights that cut through financial confusion. The guys also dive into real estate, Roth strategies, and why prudence matters more than market timing. Tune in for a candid, actionable conversation on building and stewarding wealth with wisdom. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:05 – Opening and headlines 11:41 – Wealthy habits vs. average habits 21:44 – Real vs. nominal gains 24:49 – Selling a house and liquidity decisions 35:07 – Budgeting and psychology of money 43:23 – Wealth and dishonesty mindset 46:24 – Borrowing against equity 49:14 – Rentals vs. 401k 50:57 – When to sell real estate investments 53:16 – Backdoor Roth explained 59:47 – Iron Council promotion 1:02:57 – Social and community links 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 you think of yourself is directly correlated with the kind of man you are or will become. If you believe yourself to be a victim of circumstances beyond your control, you will be. If, alternatively, you believe the world is conspiring for your benefit, it will be. It is quite literally self-fulfilling prophesy. My guest today, Jay Jairdullo, knows exactly what this is like after spending 25 years in law enforcement and now a college wrestling coach, he has had to redefine himself over and over again. Today, Jay and I talk about what he calls “false masculinity,” avoiding slipping back into old patterns, the importance of core values, overcoming the victimhood mentality, and keeping yourself and others off pedestals you don't belong. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Building Brotherhood and Friendship 04:00 – Self-Image and Overcoming Excuses 10:00 – Shifting Identity and Mindset 14:00 – Lessons from a Career in Law Enforcement 18:00 – Loyalty, Support, and Marriage Dynamics 22:00 – Rebuilding Trust and Reputation 26:00 – Focusing on Positives vs Negatives 30:00 – Emotional Intelligence and Fatherhood 33:00 – Leadership: Autocratic vs Democratic 36:00 – Masculinity, False Masculinity, and Clarity 41:00 – Values, Vision, and Decision-Making 46:00 – Aligning Actions with Identity 48:00 – Retirement, Reflection, and New Purpose 52:00 – Connecting Through 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

In this week's Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler addresses the troubling rise of political violence and cultural hostility, urging men to step up as protectors, providers, and leaders. He lays out a clear roadmap of four key actions—protecting your family, speaking out against destructive ideologies, stepping into positions of influence, and building strong brotherhoods. Ryan also shares upcoming plans for local Order of Man chapters and emphasizes why good men must refuse to stay silent any longer. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Introduction 02:15 – The power of prayer and courage 05:00 – Protecting your family and building skills 07:00 – Financial security as protection 08:30 – Speaking out against dangerous ideologies 14:15 – Stepping into positions of power 16:40 – Building influence through business and community 18:30 – The importance of brotherhoods 21:30 – Call to action and next steps 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

I revisit my 2020 conversation with Charlie Kirk, recorded during a time when we discussed pressing issues around masculinity, responsibility, and the future of our culture. In light of the tragic news of Charlie's passing after the horrific shooting at Utah Valley University on September 10th, 2025, I share this episode in his honor. We cover topics such as the hyper-feminization of boys, the need for strong male role models, and the responsibility men carry to lead with courage and conviction. Let's honor Charlie's legacy by carrying forward the work he dedicated his life to. 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 and Kipp tackle questions from the Order of Man community around productivity, energy management, and living with greater intention. From balancing family responsibilities with work, to eliminating distractions and staying aligned with long-term goals, they dive deep into practical strategies men can apply right now. They also cover tools for planning, handling setbacks with resilience, and the value of family meetings. Plus, updates on the Iron Council and the importance of choosing growth over mere compliance. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 News headlines – Phillies “crazy Karen” 08:32 Shifting AMA format & topics 09:18 Work-life balance & energy 19:07 Refocusing after interruptions 22:36 Full alignment in planning 31:22 Income and spending trackers 32:15 Writing vs. digital planning 34:39 Recommended tools 42:48 Weekly family meetings 47:03 Best time to plan 51:19 Mindset when plans go off track 01:00:29 Iron Council promotion & Facebook group 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've ever heard the dreaded words, “I love you but I am not in love with you,” or, more bluntly, “I want a divorce,” you know what follows is a mental and emotional rollercoaster of epic proportion. But what you probably don't know is what to do if that day comes and what your rights might be when it comes to protecting yourself, your money, and your relationship with your children. My guest today, Attorney David Pissara, has made it his life's work to help men navigate what is likely the most difficult part of his life – post-divorce. Today, we talk about how to avoid conflict during these times while simultaneously protecting your rights, the emotional manipulation many men face and how to confront it, whether or not the family court system is biased and what to expect when dealing with the courts, what indicators to be on the lookout for you to recognize if a divorce is pending, and even how AI may change family law. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:17 – Introduction and Context 01:05 – Why Men Struggle in Divorce 02:58 – Men, Vulnerability, and Leadership 08:33 – Marriage as a Contract 12:37 – The Question of Fairness in Divorce Settlements 17:01 – What Men Should Look for in Women 20:18 – Predictors of Divorce and Commitment 21:27 – The Danger of Social Isolation 25:51 – Balancing Happiness and Sacrifice 28:15 – Feminism, Disney, and Unrealistic Expectations 31:12 – Dating Standards and Preferences 36:12 – The Dreaded “I Want a Divorce” Moment 37:00 – How Women Strategize Divorce 39:23 – Abuse vs. Violence in Relationships 43:40 – How Courts Handle Restraining Orders 46:06 – Why Men Rarely File Restraining Orders 49:40 – Civil vs. High-Conflict Divorces 52:02 – Should Men Stay or Leave the House? 54:38 – Resources for Fathers in Custody Battles 57:46 – Strategies for High-Conflict Personalities 59:39 – No-Fault Divorce and Its Impact 01:04:00 – Handling Loans and Slander in Divorce 01:06:52 – Bias in Family Courts and AI Judges 01:09:59 – Parental Alienation and Legal Strategy 01:11:00 – Wrap-Up and Post-Show Instructions 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 Friday Field Notes episode, Ryan Michler breaks down what it really means to be vulnerable “like a man.” He challenges the popular narrative that vulnerability is strength in itself and instead explains how it should be used as a tool for growth. Ryan outlines why discernment matters, how goals must shape openness, and why solutions must accompany weakness. Listeners will walk away with a sharper, more practical understanding of vulnerability—stripped of fluff and grounded in responsibility. This episode is a call for men to embrace honesty without falling into the trap of empty exposure. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Rethinking vulnerability 02:30 – Vulnerability as weakness 04:40 – Exercising discernment 09:00 – Setting goals for openness 11:20 – Pairing vulnerability with solutions 18:00 – Vulnerability plus solutions equals results 20:20 – Iron Council promotion 22:45 – 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 Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan Michler dives into daily efficiencies, planning systems, and the power of structure in building a productive life. He answers listener questions on balancing flexibility with discipline, handling unexpected events, creating rituals around planning, and becoming an early riser. Ryan also shares practical tactics like using buffers, after-action reviews, and categorizing different types of days to stay consistent and effective. Whether you're aiming for better routines or long-term growth, this conversation offers actionable strategies you can apply immediately. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Introduction and episode setup 02:14 – Balancing flexibility and structure 06:59 – Consistency with non-traditional work schedules 11:44 – Daily tactics for continual growth 16:30 – Handling the unexpected in planning 21:10 – Becoming an early riser 25:50 – Making daily planning a ritual 33:57 – Closing thoughts and 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