In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler draws inspiration from Theodore Roosevelt’s iconic speech to explore resilience and masculinity. Michler challenges men to rise above criticism, embrace adversity, and take action despite life’s inevitable setbacks. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, he outlines steps to build confidence, act decisively, and critique oneself constructively without losing identity. 

Ryan emphasizes that true manhood shines in moments of struggle, urging listeners to live boldly as the "man in the arena." Tune in for an inspiring call to courage and purposeful action.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:10.082 - Introduction to Man in the Arena 02:02.508 - Reading the Man in the Arena Excerpt 04:28.674 - Preparing for Life’s Battles 06:51.744 - Stop Seeking Approval 11:10.03 - The Confidence Continuum 13:30.466 - Do What You Can 17:50.552 - Action as the Antidote 20:14.158 - Critique Without Self-Destruction 22:13.102 - Take More Action 26:42.7 - Closing and Battle Ready Program

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, Kipp Sorensen and Shawn Villalovos tackle your burning questions with raw, actionable insights. From investing $10K wisely to navigating trivial work tasks, coaching U13 soccer teams, and guiding high-performing teens, they cover it all. Plus, hear candid advice on silencing self-criticism and handling toxic colleagues. 

Packed with life lessons on leadership, choice, and growth, this episode delivers real talk for real challenges. Tune in for wisdom that cuts through the noise—perfect for anyone ready to level up in work, family, and beyond.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:03 - Intro Banter 03:02 - Investing $10K Smartly 10:26 - Escaping the Trivial Whirlwind 24:18 - Leading a U13 Soccer Team 36:41 - Guiding Teenage Sons 46:21 - Overcoming Self-Criticism 58:30 - Dealing with Toxic Colleagues 01:12:53 - 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

We are all well-aware, at this point, that there is a very clear and deliberate assault against the concepts of manliness and masculinity. In fact, men are falling behind on some of the most crucial metrics you can image for a healthy society: depression rates, suicide, higher education, income potential, incarceration, substance abuse, committed relationships, workforce participation, and the list goes on and on. 

My guest today, after an incredibly successful start in Hollywood as Mike Seaver on Growing Pains, Kirk Cameron, has made it his life’s mission to reclaim masculinity, not only in his home but to become a champion of manliness for all men who are working to unpack what it means to be a man. 

Today, we talk about the biggest threats to masculinity, how we can lead well within the walls of our home, how righteousness and truth are the foundation of manliness, how to reclaim our power, work with our women, and lead the next generation who will eventually lead us.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

(00:12) Introduction (00:12) Reclaiming Masculinity (03:50) Defining True Masculinity Today (11:18) Embracing Authentic Masculinity Today (21:23) Building Emotional Security in Relationships (29:28) Redefining Masculinity for Today's World (41:57) Legacy of Courage and Parenthood (54:20) The Power of Moral Compass (01:05:12) Igniting Imagination (01:10:34) Discovering True Masculinity Today

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

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

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores what it means to be a comprehensive man, introducing a framework of head, heart, and hands—logic, empathy, and action. Reflecting on his own tendencies and biases, Ryan challenges listeners to identify their strengths and weaknesses across these dimensions.

Through personal anecdotes, including a friend’s loss and a poignant Iron Council call, he emphasizes the need for balance to lead effectively in family, business, and community. Ryan invites feedback as he refines this model, urging men to round out their approach to become who they’re meant to be.

• 00:30 - Introducing the Comprehensive Man
• 02:54 - Head, Heart, and Hands Framework
• 05:13 - Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Type
• 07:22 - Adapting to the Moment
• 09:33 - Pros and Cons of Each Dimension
• 11:58 - Reflecting for Growth
• 14:27 - Leading with Purpose
• 16:28 - 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 Michler and Kipp Sorensen dive into a viral morning routine video before tackling listener questions. From the power of comparison and faith in men’s ministries to essentialism in daily tasks and building friendships, they offer practical insights. Ryan shares his half-marathon experience, while Kipp celebrates his son’s jujitsu win. Expect raw, actionable advice on choosing battles, seeking guidance, and property investment, all laced with humor and real talk. Tune in for inspiration and strategies to level up your life.

• 00:04 - Intro and Morning Struggles
• 01:10 - Headline: Viral Morning Routine
• 01:19 - Kipp’s Son’s Jujitsu Triumph
• 03:17 - Ryan’s Half-Marathon Journey
• 09:34 - Comparison: Thief or Tool?
• 13:02 - Faith and Men’s Ministry
• 22:39 - Mastering Essentialism
• 32:28 - Asking for Guidance Right
• 46:26 - Property in Apple Valley
• 49:00 - Choosing Your Battles
• 54:29 - Forging Male Friendships
• 58:36 - Wrap-Up and Upcoming Guests

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

My guest today, Scott Payne, spent more than two decades working with some of the most notorious biker gangs, illegal drug operations, and neo-Nazis. And, it would be hard to even imagine some of the things he’s seen and experienced in his decades-long career as an FBI Special Agent.

Today, Scott and I talk about what it takes to be a successful undercover agent, the lines that get blurred when working with some of the most dangerous criminals in the world, how to keep your cool under pressure (including the time a notorious biker gang stripped him in a basement to search him for the wire he was wearing at the time), and how a man transitions back into his ordinary life after one of the most dangerous jobs he could do.

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 00:52 - Undercover Beginnings
• 02:25 - First Drug Buy
• 04:37 - Dark Humor Coping
• 06:32 - No Honor Among Thieves
• 15:06 - Infiltrating Neo-Nazis
• 26:07 - Blurring the Lines
• 35:31 - Illegal Activity Question
• 41:08 - Drug Protection Deal
• 47:59 - Basement Strip Search
• 01:00:55 - Wife’s Prayer
• 01:08:34 - Missing the Field
• 01:12:51 - Book 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

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores the provocative idea of "making yourself a more dangerous man." Far from advocating volatility, Michler redefines danger as effectiveness—knowing your goals, communicating with precision, and embodying conviction. Through personal anecdotes and actionable insights, he challenges men to reject wishy-washiness, embrace deliberate presentation, and overcome imposter syndrome by simply doing the work.

With a blend of tough love and humility, Michler inspires listeners to step boldly into their potential. Tune in for a raw, motivating call to action, and discover how to join the Iron Council at orderofman.com/ironcouncil.

• 00:24 - Introduction: Defining a Dangerous Man
• 02:45 - Knowing Your Target
• 05:09 - Clarity Through Journaling
• 07:09 - Mastering Communication
• 11:03 - Looking the Part
• 15:42 - Judging by Appearance
• 17:47 - Being the Part
• 21:01 - Stepping Into the Unknown
• 23:27 - Building Humble Conviction
• 28:57 - The X Factor Equation
• 31:20 - Closing: Join the Iron Council

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

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

In this AMA episode, Shawn and Kipp tackle thought-provoking questions from listeners on personal growth, leadership, and mindset. They discuss teaching kids about success without overwhelming pressure, the role of humor in strong leadership, and the power of service.

They also address workplace challenges, helping introverts engage, and balancing social life with family responsibilities. Tune in for deep insights, practical advice, and candid conversations on becoming a better leader, father, and man.

00:00 – Introduction & Weekly Catch-up 02:08 – Teaching Kids About Personal Growth and Fulfillment 18:16 – The Role of Humor in Leadership and Family Life 23:51 – Voluntary Sacrifice and Service for the Greater Good 31:35 – Handling Workplace Conflict and Leadership Challenges 40:02 – Encouraging an Introvert to Engage with a Group 46:49 – Rebuilding a Social Circle While Managing Family Life 50:54 – Iron Council & Men’s Forge Event Promotion 52:22 – Closing Thoughts & How 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

We’re all somewhat familiar with our three-letter agencies but rarely, if ever, do we consider what some of the most intelligent people on the planet can teach us about communication, influence, and deception. But my guest is keenly aware of all three and how to implement powerful strategies to build trust, develop credibility, and get people to do what you want. His name is Jeffrey Sanow and he spent years as a Senior Intelligence Office with the CIA. Today, we talk about what the CIA looks for in its officers and assets, how to empower people to fail the right way, removing barriers to communication, the balance between compliance and rebelliousness, and the hard and soft skills of getting people to follow you.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – The Importance of Communication Skills 02:00 – Why We Struggle with Listening 05:20 – The “Reloader” Problem in Conversations 09:15 – How to Interrupt Effectively in a Conversation 12:30 – The Role of Ego in Active Listening 18:00 – Lessons from CIA Training on Communication 21:40 – What It’s Like to Be a CIA Operations Officer 27:45 – Leadership Lessons from Intelligence Work 32:30 – Why Writing Skills Are Critical in Any Career 39:00 – Encouraging Innovation and Thinking Outside the Box 44:20 – How Intelligence Officers Recruit Spies 50:10 – The Psychology Behind Why People Share Secrets 56:30 – Applying CIA-Level Awareness to Everyday Life 1:00:45 – Jeffrey’s Book and Global Experiences

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

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

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores the vital role brotherhood plays in men’s lives. Drawing from personal struggles like divorce and alcohol abuse, he highlights five key benefits—belonging, usefulness, insight, support, and accountability—and warns of the isolation plaguing modern men.

Ryan emphasizes how authentic male connections combat loneliness and foster growth, sharing candid stories and practical wisdom. He also introduces the Iron Council, his brotherhood initiative, inviting listeners to join. This discussion inspires men to build meaningful bonds and reclaim purpose.

• 00:07 - Introduction to Brotherhood
• 02:34 - The Cost of Isolation
• 07:27 - Benefit 1: Belonging
• 12:23 - Benefit 2: Usefulness
• 18:16 - Benefit 3: Insight
• 21:38 - Benefit 4: Support
• 27:42 - Benefit 5: Accountability
• 36:58 - Invitation to Iron Council
• 39:56 - Closing Call to Action

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

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

In this episode of the Ask Me Anything series, Ryan and Kipp discuss the importance of consistency, overcoming personal struggles, and maintaining balance in life. They answer viewer questions on topics such as handling grief, setting boundaries with family, staying disciplined during busy seasons, and dealing with an unruly dog. They also share insights on how small, consistent actions lead to lasting change. Whether you’re looking for practical advice or motivation, this episode has something for you.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 02:45 – Reflecting on 10 years of Order of Man
• 09:25 – How to rest and enjoy without feeling guilty
• 19:32 – Dealing with grief and overcoming divorce
• 32:31 – Strategies to stay focused during busy seasons
• 42:24 – What books Ryan and Kipp are reading right now
• 55:35 – Talking to kids about drugs and addiction
• 60:11 – Setting boundaries with parents
• 01:07:54 – How to break tough news about a pet to a child

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