Order Of Man: Protect | Provide | Preside

It’s no secret that, during COVID, we began to see how bad the foreign supply chain crisis was. That woke a lot of people up to the reality of importing cheap products from overseas, adversarial countries. But we’ve spent the last century closing American manufacturing facilities and exporting our American jobs overseas. With new potential tariffs (which I believe are more of an economic bargaining tool to Trump), we again are starring down the barrel of high prices for everyday goods. That’s part of the reason, I love what Josh Smith, Founder of Montana Knife Company is doing in a small town called Frenchtown in Montana. He’s putting Americans to work building American products – specifically, hunting, tactical, and culinary knives. Today we talk about the challenges with starting American-Made companies, what you’re likely to hear from competitors when you do, why growth isn’t always so linear and there are no overnight successes, why foreign markets are unfair business partnerships, and learning to build a

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler dives into the essential steps to earn true respect in every area of life—personal relationships, career, and self-worth. Highlighting the importance of boundaries, effective communication, consistency, and character, he shares actionable advice for building a reputation that commands admiration. From managing your time and commitments to making confident decisions, Ryan unpacks how respect is cultivated through intentional actions rather than empty words. Listeners will also learn the "confidence-competence continuum" and why dressing, speaking, and presenting yourself matter. Whether for work or home, these principles empower you to become a man worthy of respect. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 00:07 - The Love Language of Men is Respect 02:56 - Establishing Boundaries 07:37 - Effective Communication 12:12 - Following Through on Commitments 14:58 - Presenting Yourself Well 23:01 - The Power of Consistency 26:19 - Building Character Through Small Act

In this episode of Ask Me Anything, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen dive into a candid discussion about the relentless cycle of consumerism, exploring how modern holiday traditions have strayed from their meaningful roots. They share insights on battling guilt when taking personal time and the importance of setting boundaries to balance self-care and family commitments. Tackling anxiety in relationships, they offer practical advice for fostering mutual growth and understanding. The duo also discusses the profound impact of teaching responsibility to children and how intentional goal-setting can transform personal and professional lives.  SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 - Intro and Thanksgiving Reflections 02:10 - The Problem with Modern Consumerism 06:15 - Knowledge vs. Application 19:07 - Teaching Kids Responsibility 27:15 - Extreme Ownership: When Is It Too Much? 42:44 - Navigating Anxiety in Relationships 52:15 - Goals That Move the Needle 58:19 - Dealing with Guilt Over Self-Care 1:04:33 - Staying Patient During Ch

One thing I’ve noticed with the over 500 guests I’ve had on the podcast is that they’re all relentless in their chosen pursuit. I’ve also noticed that all of them think they’re too dumb (to some degree) to fail – meaning they realize how crucial it is to be stubborn and hard-headed enough to keep going when all the “smart” people would quit. My guest today, former Navy SEAL and founder of Born Primitive, Bear Handlon, is no exception. Today, Bear and I talk about cutting against the grain, why the VA is failing our veterans, why so many men are unwilling to take risks in their lives, how he would have done things differently, and when to burn the boats. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: (00:00) Episode Intro (01:08) Guest Introduction (04:47) Supporting Veterans Through Debt Relief   (13:53) Navigating VA Healthcare System Challenges   (17:16) Taking Advantage of Veteran Benefits   (24:55) The Realities of Entrepreneurship   (33:34) Balancing Side Hustle and Relationships   (45:13) Following Passion Despite Family Opposition

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler dives into the transformative power of gratitude. Reflecting on personal struggles and triumphs, Ryan shares how gratitude has shaped his journey through life’s challenges.  From personal relationships to professional growth, gratitude serves as a lens to reframe adversity and embrace opportunities. Ryan explores how choosing gratitude can unlock growth, resilience, and connection in both personal and collective pursuits. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00: Episode Intro 00:40: Opening and reflections on Thanksgiving 02:45: Personal gratitude for family and loved ones 03:53: Gratitude in struggles and growth through adversity 06:17: Finding common ground in societal challenges 07:46: Vision for 2025 and community achievements 08:35: Closing thoughts on gratitude and perspective 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 abun

In this episode of Ask Me Anything, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle meaningful networking, managing emotional resilience, balancing parental involvement, and setting boundaries for peaceful family gatherings. They explore what it means to be a man, honoring traditions, and building trust while fostering growth in others. From navigating life’s challenges with empathy to modeling leadership in everyday interactions, this conversation offers actionable insights and thought-provoking discussions for personal and professional growth. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS (00:00) Episode Introduction (00:40) Headlines   (07:42) The Importance of Transparency in Leadership   (18:38) Question: Networking for Success   (30:14) Question: Supporting Others Through Suffering   (38:23) Question: Balancing Parental Involvement   (46:46) Question: Setting Boundaries for Holiday Gatherings   (01:00:16) Question: What It Means to Be a Good Man   (01:09:10) Thanksgiving Traditions and Reflections   (01:16:25) Closing Thoughts and Call to Act

Every man listening to this podcast has been exposed to pornography. I remember the first time I saw a Playboy (it was a certain Baywatch actress) when I was 12-years-old. It changed my life and, not in a good way. At the time, I thought it did but all the research suggests that the sooner a young man is introduced to pornography, the more challenges with it he’ll likely face. Your story is probably not so different. My guest today, Sathiya Sam, has made a movement out of helping men overcome their pornography addictions. And, on today’s podcast, we talk about the crucial distinction between shame and guilt (and, which one you can use to effect change), why porn is considered a “supernormal stimulant,” why tracking abstinence streaks don’t work but tracking trends do, the role of legislation in combating the pornography industry, and the four most damaging factors to your health when consuming porn.  SHOW HIGHLIGHTS (00:00) Episode Intro (03:00) Breaking the Shame Cycle (08:38) Effects of Pornography on Empat

Anger isn’t the enemy—it’s how we respond to it that matters. In this episode, Ryan Michler dives deep into understanding and managing anger, exploring why it arises and how it can be transformed into a productive force. He shares six powerful strategies to help you regulate emotions, bridge the integrity gap, and align your actions with your values. Whether it’s dealing with family, work, or personal challenges, learn how to turn anger into a tool for growth, leadership, and lasting impact. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 - Episode Introduction 00:48 - The Nature of Anger 02:36 - Responding Positively to Anger 04:45 - Courage to Disengage 06:57 - Bridging the Integrity Gap 12:00 - Eliminating Agitators 16:44 - Lowering Expectations, Not Standards 19:49 - Focusing on Internal Locus of Control 25:15 - Keeping Your Eye on the Prize 35:12 - Conclusion and Upcoming Episode Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want ma

In this episode of Ask Me Anything, Ryan Michler tackles tough but essential topics, including how to navigate difficult conversations with loved ones, balance nurturing and discipline as a parent, and build a strong network to reignite your career. He explores strategies for boosting self-esteem through meaningful commitments, setting boundaries in relationships, and handling the emotional challenges of parenting. From tips on starting over professionally to finding common ground in contentious discussions, this Ask Me Anything session delivers actionable insights for personal growth and leadership.  SHOW HIGHLIGHTS (00:00) Episode Intro (00:45) Accountability in Government Spending   (07:52) Morning Routine and Building Confidence   (11:25) Maintaining Commitments and Addressing Anti-Semitism (25:22) Navigating Difficult Conversations and Boundaries   (31:29) Financial Stability and Relationship Communication   (41:53) Parenting and Nurturing Adolescents   (53:54) Family Dynamics and Communication Strategie

Men’s mental health is an issue that is getting a lot more attention than even when I started this podcast just 9 years ago. In fact, men are falling behind in so many metrics from graduation and college attendance rates, to declining health, incarceration, and even suicide rates. But what is causing this rising trend in the demise of men’s mental, physical, and emotion health? My guest, John Delony, is here to explain some of the biggest culprits in the modern issues that plague so many men. Today, we talk about the paradox of empathy and toughness as we relate to each other and children, the importance of making “line-in-the-stand” commitments, the difference between complacency and satisfaction, why men need to work on projects together, and why “all in,” is the only way to live.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: (00:00) Episode Intro (04:15) Father-Son Hunting Adventures   (07:45) Building Emotional Resilience in Parenting   (18:59) Navigating Modern Relationships and Commitment   (28:34) Navigating Risk and Satisfactio

Can recognizing relationship red flags early save a marriage? In this week's Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler reflects on lessons from his 18-year marriage and divorce, emphasizing how minor issues, if ignored, can snowball into major challenges. He highlights the power of proactive communication and self-growth. Ryan shares strategies for navigating divorce with grace, focusing on personal responsibility, parenting, and self-care, while avoiding spiteful behavior. He also explores male empowerment and collective growth, offering insights from friends like Keith Yackey to inspire hope, resilience, and a thriving future. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS (00:00) Episode Intro (00:38) Lessons Learned From Personal Divorce (10:39) Moving Forward After Divorce (15:41) Navigating Divorce With Grace and Purpose (21:50) Empowering Men Through Collective Growth 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, rel

In this week's Ask me Anything, Ryan and Kipp discuss the meticulous preparation required for bow hunting and share a personal story of a missed opportunity that underscores the importance of vigilance and readiness. It's a broader reflection on the life lesson of embracing new opportunities, even when they come with uncertainties. They also touch on the recent political shifts in the U.S., expressing optimism about the change in leadership with Trump's election victory, while also acknowledging some concerns about his character. Next, they tackle the intricacies of government spending and the implications of executive orders, drawing parallels to Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter as a model for efficient operations. The discussion broadens to consider the concept of nationwide reciprocity for concealed carry permits, emphasizing the need for legislative processes to curb presidential overreach. By exploring voter motivations in the 2020 election, they highlight the importance of understanding different pers

You guys have heard me talk about Jiu-Jitsu ad nauseum but what you may not have heard me talk too much about is the often-overlooked invisible form of the martial art that has taken over the world of MMA and combat sports. This is not about submitting or disabling an opponent on the mats but how the lessons learned on the mats apply to your everyday life. I can think of no better person to share his knowledge and depth of experience than one of the toughest men in the “First Family” of Jiu-Jitsu, Rickson Gracie. Today, Rickson and I talk about managing fear, how to find a mission more important than your life, how to keep your identity secure although you may lose one element of who you are, the importance of a balanced approach to being a warrior, why base on the mats and off is so crucial, and the power of respecting and honoring your intuition. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS (00:00) Episode Intro (00:40) Adapting Positively to Life's Challenges (08:43) Harnessing Fear for Success (17:31) Embracing Legacy and Overcoming

Ryan Michler believes traditional masculinity isn’t inherently toxic; it’s simply misunderstood. In this episode, he unravels the complexities surrounding toxic masculinity, challenging the myths that paint masculinity as harmful. Drawing on a pivotal 2019 study by the American Psychological Association, Ryan highlights the critical need for a balanced understanding of masculinity’s role in society, emphasizing that traditional masculine traits—when constructively channeled—can bring comfort, security, and innovation.  Ryan’s discussion explores men and women as complementary forces, underscoring the indispensable contributions of men to societal progress. He delves into “righteous aggression,” a principle that advocates for assertive yet patient action against wrongdoing. By clarifying misconceptions around stoicism, he shows that it’s about emotional regulation rather than suppression, fostering resilience and enhancing communication. Through personal stories, Ryan demonstrates the power of true masculinity

Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorenson explore Hickson Gracie's influence on MMA and how his dominance, despite not competing in early UFC events, laid the foundation for the sport. They discuss the Gracie family’s strategic choice of Royce Gracie to showcase jiu-jitsu’s power through a smaller fighter in the first UFC and examine early MMA's bare-knuckle fighting style and its impact on safety and techniques. The conversation then shifts to men’s mental health, as they advocate for hobbies like jiu-jitsu or hiking as therapy alternatives. They also touch on leadership and parenting, focusing on resilience, autonomy, and stress’s role in growth, while promoting personal agency in belief systems and institutions. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS (00:00) Episode Intro (00:40) Hickson Gracie's Impact on MMA   (07:46) Men's Resistance to Traditional Therapy   (18:21) Parenting and Shaping Resilience in Children   (30:34) Empowering Leadership Through Trust and Respect   (35:55) Leadership Through Autonomy and Ownership   (41:51) Parentin

We all know how crucial it is to build alliances in our lives and, yet, most men aren’t real deliberate and intentional about how they do it. Think about it, most of your connections are a product of default proximity, not rational design – your neighbor, your brother, the guy that works down the hall from you, etc. So, how do you form and nurture these strategic relationships. Robin Dreeke joins me today to share his knowledge as a former FBI behavioral analysist, and spy recruiter. We discuss the power of non-judgmental curiosity, the 4 keys of effective communication, how to analyze a person’s behaviors and motives quickly, including an analysis of the positive and negative characteristics of both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, how to strategize trust with others, and why some men can read people well while others can’t. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS (00:00) Episode Intro (03:40) The Power of Human Connection   (16:06) Building Balanced Reciprocal Relationships   (22:15) Navigating Controversial Conversations With Empa

Is influence different from manipulation, or just a different shade? In this episode, Ryan Michler breaks down the art of building true influence, essential for leaders in any realm—family, business, or community. Through ten practical strategies grounded in integrity, Ryan explores how influence can elevate our interactions by aligning personal goals with broader values, creating outcomes that benefit everyone involved. Influence isn’t just for the workplace; it’s woven into daily life, from guiding your kids to closing deals. With relatable examples—from Donald Trump’s connection with blue-collar voters to Kamala Harris’s attempts at relatability—Ryan uncovers the power of genuine connection, honesty, and setting clear boundaries. By leading with care and maintaining consistency, we can build trust-filled relationships that last. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS (00:00) Episode Intro (00:40) Building Influence With Integrity (04:38) The Power of Honesty and Influence (14:36) Solving Problems Through Connection (19:31) Conne

Navigating life's challenges with integrity and purpose requires a commitment to personal priorities. By allowing children to face their own obstacles, we nurture resilience and growth. Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen explore the importance of honest self-assessment and celebrate others' achievements as sources of inspiration rather than envy. The idea is to stay true to our paths, even amidst external pressures, ensuring that our decisions reflect what truly matters to us.  Finally, Ryan and Kipp embrace the chaos of daily life with strategies that emphasize moral integrity and personal growth. They reflect on the balance between discipline and flexibility, whether it's about maintaining workout routines on vacation or making healthier choices while dining out. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS - (00:40) Episode Intro - (00:40) Hunting Mindset and Resilience Teachings - (09:56) Prioritizing Growth and Personal Development - (17:31) The Power of Pivoting - (29:15) Balancing Discipline and Practical Application - (38:00) Navigat

I’ve made it a personal rule, when I’m offended, to chalk it up to people’s inability to communicate effectively. It’s proven to be useful and, typically, correct. But how can the activity we engage in more than anything else (with the exception of sleep) be something so many men are horribly deficient with? That’s a question my guest, Jefferson Fisher, has spend decades understanding and, over the last several years, teaching over 10,000,000 of his social media followers how to address. Today Jefferson and I talk about avoiding miscommunication, how to be assertive in communication – but not an asshole, when diplomacy and advocacy connect and contradict, why learning not to, “take the bait” of others will serve you, learning the rules of the communication game, and why control, confidence, and connection will set you apart. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS - (00:00) Episode Intro - (03:40) Effective Communication and Assertive Conversations - (18:10) Direct Communication for Difficult Conversations - (22:48) Respectful and C

Unlock the keys to unshakable confidence and self-assurance in this episode of Friday Field Notes, where Ryan Michlers tells us how to harness the power of self-validation over external approval. Discover the profound impact of honoring personal commitments and how they lay the foundation for integrity and resilience, propelling you toward genuine influence and opportunity. Ryan deep dives into the importance of understanding the motives behind your successes and the true value of building confidence through self-awareness and introspection.  Expect actionable insights that will help you reflect on your journey and steer it toward self-growth and improvement. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS (00:00) Episode Intro (00:50) Building Confidence and Security as Men (15:21) Strengthening Confidence and Security (22:43) MensForge 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 y