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, 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 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 perspectives, fostering a more empathetic political discourse. 

In the final chapters, they shift gears to explore leadership, personal growth, and community engagement. From the formation of regional teams within the Iron Council to the power of delegation and support, they emphasize the importance of creating environments where others can lead and innovate. They examine the balance between external validation and self-worth, providing insights into how personal experiences shape our motivations and resilience. Finally, they highlight the value of regional meetups and the opportunities for connection within the Order of Man community, inviting listeners to join them for future discussions and insights.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS - (00:00) Episode Intro - (00:45) Trump's Election Victory and Policy Impact - (08:49) Government Spending, Reciprocity, and Executive Orders - (15:30) Chain of Command in Iron Council - (25:20) Leadership Through Delegation and Support - (33:23) Balancing External Validation and Self-Worth - (44:58) Exploring New Literature and Political Alignments - (49:09) Political Alignment and Independent Thinking - (01:01:36) Balancing Fun and Exercise - (01:05:18) Regional Meetups and Community Connection

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 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 Challenges (25:29) The Power of Invisible Jiu-Jitsu (40:48) Intuitive Decision Making and Relationships (57:43) The Last Fight of Inspiration

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

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

Ryan Michler 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 in protection, provision, and leadership. He calls on men to be role models who redefine masculinity by embodying strength through positive actions, helping create a culture where authentic masculinity is celebrated and visible.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: (00:00) Episode Intro (00:40) Addressing Toxic Masculinity Misconceptions (16:36) The Principles of Righteous Aggression (29:56) Embodying True Masculinity Through Example

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

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

Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorenson 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) Parenting With Discipline and Love   (53:58) Personal Sovereignty and Agency in Belief

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

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

We 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 Empathy   (30:33) Assessing Emotional vs Pragmatic Conversations   (38:09) Assessing Personalities Beyond Script and Media   (43:57) Assessing People Through Ground Truth   (53:26) Strategizing Trust in Intelligence Operations   (01:04:45) Promoting "Unbreakable Alliances" With Robin Dreeke

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

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) Connecting Through Relatability (23:08) Firm and Fair Approach in Relationships (33:34) Be a Man of Your Word (37:45) Consistency Builds Trust

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

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) Navigating Overthinking and Overaction - (51:43) Maintaining Moral Integrity in Chaos - (57:38) Battle Against the Natural Man - (01:05:24) Man Camp Experience

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’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 Considerate Communication Skills - (34:09) Navigating Egos in Professional Interactions - (46:16) Personal Rules and Self-Advocacy in Communication - (55:04) Parenting and Professional Likability - (01:00:09) Authentic Communication and Self-Evaluation - (01:09:38) Podcast Connection and Shared Mindset

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

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 your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

This Ask Me Anything episode dives into critical themes of election rigging, the burden of owning unnecessary stuff, and showing up powerfully. Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen explore how misleading FBI crime statistics and media manipulation erode public trust, impacting political narratives and elections. 

Transparency and active participation are essential in fighting this, and they challenge listeners to engage fully in the democratic process. Personal growth is also discussed, emphasizing that investing in experiences, relationships, and self-improvement leads to deeper fulfillment than material possessions. 

From political engagement to simplifying life and focusing on what truly matters, Ryan and Kipp encourage everyone to take action and commit to their personal and societal roles with integrity.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS (00:00) Episode Intro (00:42) Trust, Transparency, and Manipulation   (10:47) Importance of Political Involvement   (17:38) Interview Preparation and Taking Initiative   (26:04) National Sovereignty and Financial Control   (38:48) Commitment and Progress in Life   (45:09) Investments in Fulfillment and Happiness   (54:54) Inclusivity in the Iron Council   (01:04:11) Men's Forge Collaboration Event Announcement

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

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