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In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler exposes the trap of "mental masturbation" and breaks down ten ways men deceive themselves into thinking they are engaged in self-care and personal development when they are actually stalling. From buying unused courses and hoarding unread books to hiding behind fitness routines and blaming past trauma, Ryan highlights how noble distractions prevent real growth.  Learn why true self-work requires action, accountability, and execution rather than endless planning or talking. Tune in to audit your habits, eliminate comfortable excuses, stop going at it alone, and build the frameworks and network needed to step up and become the man you were meant to be.    SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction & Recapping Real Self-Care 02:10 - 1. Buying Courses You Never Use 02:55 - 2. Doom Scrolling & Social Media Traps 04:20 - 3. Waiting Until You're "Ready" 05:35 - 4. Blaming Others & Making Excuses 07:45 - 5. Going At It Alone 09:55 - 6. Collecting Books You Never Read 12:00 - 7. Chasing Bright & Shiny Objects 14:25 - 8. Talking More Than Doing 17:00 - 9. Hiding in the Gym or Office 18:55 - 10. Quitting When Things Get Hard 21:35 - Self-Assessment Exercise & Scoring 23:30 - Frameworks, Networks & 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 episode of Ask Me Anything, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen discuss the value of taking action, embracing imperfection, and questioning the polished images presented on social media. They debate the promise of Elon Musk's flying car before answering listener questions about career opportunities, family priorities, firearm safety, purpose, screen time, and leadership. They also explore handling envy, rebuilding relationships with adult children, and navigating changing interests with teenage kids. Along the way, Ryan and Kipp share practical advice on setting boundaries, communicating honestly, and becoming more intentional as men, husbands, fathers, and leaders. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode Introduction: Opening 00:17 - Embracing Stress and Taking Action 04:48 - Why Being Real Matters More Than Being Perfect 07:50 - Elon Musk's Flying Car: Innovation or Showboating? 16:46 - Career Opportunities vs. Family Roots 26:00 - Firearms, Family Safety, and Marriage 30:14 - Restlessness, Ambition, and Finding Purpose 34:58 - Setting Boundaries With Your Phone 40:57 - Leading Difficult Parents in Youth Sports 46:28 - Envy, Success, and Personal Growth 53:25 - Becoming a Better Grandfather 56:54 - When Your Child Wants a Different Path 01:02:03 - The War Room: Brotherhood and Connection 01:04:34 - Closing Thoughts 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

Every man will eventually find himself in water over his head. A business that's sinking, a marriage that's struggling, a season of life where you can't see the shore. Most men panic. They thrash around, burn through their energy, and make emotional decisions they regret for years. The men who make it through aren't stronger or more talented. They stay calm, focus on what they can control, and take the next breath. My guest today, former Navy SEAL Andy Stumpf, knows this better than anyone. We talk about the drownproofing evolution at BUD/S and what it really teaches, why you should have emotional responses but never make emotional decisions, and the "chunking" approach he says is the most useful tool he's ever had. We also get into why most guys who quit regret it for decades, the difference between being a quiet professional and a silent one, why telling the truth is always enough, and what real wealth looks like once you stop chasing more. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introduction & Catching Up 01:10 Master Jiu-Jitsu Competitions & Mindset 02:50 The Reality of Jiu-Jitsu Culture 04:15 Demystifying the BUD/S Drownproofing Test 07:15 Emotional Control in Real-World Situations 09:15 Practical Stoicism and Objectivity 12:00 Leveraging Time to Prevent Emotional Decisions 14:15 Technology Usage and Healthy Digital Boundaries 17:00 Gen-Z and Connectivity Fatigue 19:40 The Quiet Professional vs. Silent Professional 21:30 The Importance of Absolute Truth and Integrity 24:00 Taking Personal Ownership vs. Making Excuses 26:50 The Chunking Strategy for Achieving Goals 33:00 Daily Writing Discipline for Drownproof 35:00 Navigating Regret, Failure, and Pivoting 38:30 Talent vs. Relentless Work Ethic 40:25 Mindset for Survival and Overuse Injuries 43:40 Transitioning Out of Military Service & Identity 46:15 Exploring Aviation and Unforeseen Opportunities 49:30 Authentic Relationships vs. Strategic Networking 51:20 Guarding Your Inner Circle 54:00 Snowboarding, Flying, and Lifelong Learning 55:35 The Surprising Origin of Writing Drownproof 57:40 Measuring Impact Beyond Money 59:45 Redefining Wealth and Financial Freedom   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 confronts the growing cultural hostility toward men and dismantles the superficial social media fluff around male "self-care." Instead of empty buzzwords, Ryan delivers ten actionable, non-negotiable daily habits every man must cultivate to lead himself, protect his household, and stand as a true ambassador for masculinity.  From waking up with deliberate intention and physically conditioning the body to maintaining financial stewardship, living by a strict moral code, and embracing intentional hardship, this episode provides the exact framework men need to reclaim focus and master their lives. Pick two habits and start building today. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Reclaiming Masculinity in a Hostile Culture 06:30 - Defining Real Self-Care for Men 08:30 - Rule 1: Wake Up With Intention 11:55 - Rule 2: Train Your Mind, Body, and Soul 14:40 - Rule 3: Read for Application, Not Status 18:40 - Rule 4: Join a Real Brotherhood 21:40 - Rule 5: Track Your Budget and Buy Back Time 25:40 - Rule 6: Be Present in Your Home 26:40 - Rule 7: Own Your Mistakes 27:20 - Rule 8: Accept and Process Your Emotions 29:40 - Rule 9: Live by an Unshakable Code 33:20 - Rule 10: Do Difficult Things With Purpose 35:20 - Pick Two Practices and Take 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 Ask Me Anything, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen discuss the importance of living intentionally, making the most of time with loved ones, and taking responsibility for personal decisions. They debate the death penalty and the public broadcasting of executions before answering listener questions about dating after divorce, fatherhood after children leave home, staying consistent when progress slows, and handling workplace disappointments. The conversation also explores firing a friend who isn't performing, the value of honest feedback, and why clear communication matters in difficult situations. Finally, they discuss how fathers can encourage their children to embrace outdoor adventures and family experiences.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode Opener 00:50 - Making the Most of Life and Time with Loved Ones 03:04 - The Death Penalty and Public Executions 10:33 - Attention, Incentives, and Personal Responsibility 14:37 - Dating After Divorce: When Should Your Kids Meet Someone New? 21:11 - Fatherhood After Your Children Leave Home 27:23 - Staying Consistent When Results Stop Being Exciting 32:22 - Drifting Through Life vs. Acting Intentionally 34:27 - Shackleton's Expedition and the Power of Intentionality 39:55 - Pride vs. Knowing Your Worth at Work 48:55 - The Importance of Honest Feedback 53:54 - Hiring Your Best Friend: Can You Fire Him Without Losing the Friendship? 01:02:01 - Why Uncertainty Creates Stress 01:05:42 - Getting Your Teenager Interested in Outdoor Adventures   Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

Men today are lonelier, more exhausted, and more divided than ever, and most of them won't reach out for help until their world is already falling apart. Today I sit down in person with Ian Wendt to talk about why brotherhood is a necessity and not a luxury. We get into the isolation of men, the decline of the institutions that used to bring us together, and why so many guys only show up once their wife has pushed them through the door. From there, we go into the bigger picture: the forces working to divide us along the most emotional lines possible, why nuance is where the truth lives, how algorithms build our lenses for us, and what it means to be in the world but not of it. Ian also shares what it cost him to speak up when silence would have been easier, and why becoming a father made that choice for him. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Episode Introduction 03:00 Montana Knife Gift 04:53 Growing Up and Hunting Aspirations 11:08 Why Connection is a Necessity, Not a Luxury 17:53 Exhaustion, the Rat Race, and Apathy 22:36 The Men's Mental Health Crisis and Brotherhood 27:11 The Agenda to Isolate Men 34:24 Manufactured Distractions and National Court Cases 41:29 Social Media Algorithms and False Narratives 46:16 The Demoralization of Truth and Society 48:43 Dissecting the True Purpose of Conspiracies 58:24 Politicians, Empty Influencers, and the Future 01:05:26 Leveraging the Digital World Without Being Consumed   Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down why the popular concept of "vulnerability" is being misconstrued in modern culture . By definition, vulnerability means susceptibility to harm and weakness - traits that undermine a man's core responsibility to protect, provide, and preside . Rather than glorifying weakness for sympathy, men should replace vulnerability with humility, honesty, and discernment . Ryan explains how to identify weaknesses to shore them up, share truthful struggles only with trusted brothers who have earned your trust, and avoid the twin traps of total isolation or emotional leaking . Plus, learn details about the upcoming Order of Man War Room event focused on overcoming five foundational fears every man faces . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction: The Problem with "Vulnerability" 02:19 - Defining Vulnerability: Why It Means Weakness 03:10 - The Castle Analogy: Shoring Up Defenses 04:46 - What to Use Instead: Humility and Honesty 07:00 - The Dopamine Trap of Modern Vulnerability 08:00 - Applying Humility in Real Life 10:00 - Living in Honesty and Dealing in Reality 15:36 - Discernment: Who Has Earned Your Trust? 19:12 - Protecting the Skeleton Key 21:00 - The Two Dangers: Walled Off vs. Leaking 26:40 - Order of Man War Room 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

Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle six questions about friendship, marriage, parenting, career, preparedness, and personal growth. They discuss how to confront a friend who is cheating, rebuild credibility after repeatedly abandoning self-improvement efforts, and navigate a teenager's decision to skip college for the trades.  They also explore the line between healthy preparedness and obsession, maintaining boundaries in a co-parenting situation, and whether loyalty to an employer is still worthwhile. Throughout the episode, Ryan and Kipp return to a common theme: consistency, responsibility, and taking ownership of your choices rather than waiting for circumstances or other people to change.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 13:46 - Confronting a Friend Who Is Cheating 18:44 - Rebuilding Credibility Through Consistency 33:07 - College vs. the Trades 42:21 - Preparedness vs. Paranoia 48:58 - Parenting Across Two Households 53:10 - Is Employer Loyalty Worth It? 1:06:18 - The Case for Taking Action Now 1:08:13 - War Room 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

If you forget a man's name two seconds after he says it, your memory isn't the problem. You weren't listening. That's the case my guest today, two-time USA Memory Champion Ron White, makes, and he backs it up with a system any man can use: ask yourself one well-worded question before you shake a hand, pin the name to the most distinctive feature on the face, and review it before the forgetting curve wipes it out. We also build a mind palace in real time using the furniture in my studio. Ron shows how the same method lets you give a speech without notes, retain what you paid to learn at a conference, carry a to-do list in your head, and remember the script when a customer objects. We get into why action and emotion lock things into long-term memory, the major system and character-action-object method he used to memorize a deck of cards in record time, and why memory comes down to training and intention, not talent.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Epsiode Introduction 04:20 - Connecting with Corey 04:44 - The "Brain Athlete" Shirt & Andy Elliott's Advice 07:06 - 3-Minute Street Hacks for Learning Fast 08:13 - The Mind Palace System for Public Speaking 12:07 - Walkthrough: Memorizing Five Speech Points 15:07 - Visuals, Action, & Emotion in Memory 20:30 - Practical Everyday Memory Applications 23:56 - Overcoming the "Bad with Names" Excuse 25:40 - Calming Brain Chatter with Focused Questions 28:13 - Linking Names to Facial Features 32:20 - USA Memory Records & The Major System 38:42 - Advanced Memory Palace: Character-Action-Object (CAO) 46:43 - How Rhythm and Music Lock In Information 48:38 - Body and Vehicle Palaces for Daily To-Do Lists 52:59 - Retaining Key Points from Conferences & Seminars 01:00:15 - Review Systems & The Phone Flashcard Hack 01:04:15 - How a Telemarketing Call Launched Ron's Memory Career 01:06:10 - Keynote Speaking & Memorizing Sales Scripts 01:09:20 - Memorizing 7,500 Fallen Soldiers & Media Audits 01:11:43 - Guest Socials and Course Info   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 dives deep into the high-profile Cornell controversy to break down the critical differences between legal culpability, moral responsibility, and mainstream media narratives. Addressing the ongoing cultural attack on men, Ryan challenges the popular claim that masculinity itself is inherently toxic.  Instead, he explains the distinction between raw, amoral masculinity and mature, righteous manliness grounded in divine principles. Ryan calls on men to stop outsourcing their morality to institutions, start holding their peers accountable, and actively model strength, virtue, and leadership for the next generation. Tune in to explore what it truly takes to restore real men in today's society.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction & The Cornell Controversy 02:35 - Legal Culpability vs. Moral Responsibility 09:50 - Deconstructing Anti-Male Narratives 18:22 - Due Process and the Flaws of Public Opinion 25:50 - Masculinity vs. Manliness Defined 32:00 - The Role of Objective Morality and Righteousness 40:10 - Stop Outsourcing Your Sense of Morality 43:30 - Policing Our Own and Embracing Confrontation 47:09 - Raising the Next Generation & Modeling Virtuous Behavior 54:34 - Joining 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

Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle five questions from the Order of Man community in this episode of Ask Me Anything. They discuss making a major career change after decades in public service, finding forgiveness after betrayal, setting boundaries while serving family and friends, navigating different faiths within a marriage, and protecting a teenage daughter without damaging the relationship. Along the way, Ryan and Kipp explore entrepreneurship, AI, service, martyrdom, grace, parenting, dating, and the importance of maintaining influence through trust rather than control.  The conversation also includes a wholesome discussion about defending the people we care about and a look at Ryan's new studio and Origin gear. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - New Studio, New Setup 10:50 - The Importance of Nuance 17:40 - Origin Boots and Hunting Gear 21:55 - Retirement, Risk and Entrepreneurship 35:00 - Why Retirement Isn't the Goal 39:49 - Forgiveness After Betrayal 50:59 - When Everyone Depends on You 57:00 - The Trap of Martyrdom 1:00:36 - When Spouses No Longer Share a Faith 1:08:32 - Protecting Your Daughter Without Pushing Her Away 1:14:10 - Setting Boundaries With Your Daughter's Dates 1:18:13 - Closing and 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

Most men are chasing a dent in the world, followers, recognition, a bigger stage, while overlooking the one place they can make the biggest difference: the town they live in and the people right next to them. Today's conversation is about impact over income, why being known by ten thousand people in your own community beats being famous online, and why we're robbing our kids by shielding them from the consequences of their bad choices. We also get into giving yourself permission to try new things without committing to them forever, managing risk without letting fear run your life, and knowing when to say no so service doesn't burn you out. My guest, Casey Lofthouse, is a mechanic, tow operator, former search and rescue volunteer, mule packer, country line-dancer, and one of the most capable and generous men I know. He's also someone I'd call first if I were in a pickle. If you've ever felt like you don't matter because you're not "making your mark," this conversation will change how you see your own value. Whether you're broke down, stuck in the sand, or just having a bad day, it's all part of the adventure. What matters is who shows up.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - From Making Money to Making an Impact 04:43 - The Power of Small-Town Accountability 09:09 - Teaching Kids Personal Responsibility 11:19 - Why Authenticity Matters 13:29 - The Importance of Personal Accountability 15:19 - Raising Kids to Be Responsible Adults 19:12 - Learning From the Consequences of Your Choices 25:29 - The Masculine Side of Art, Music, and Dance 29:21 - Give Yourself Permission to Try New Things 34:52 - Understanding Risk and Knowing Your Limits 40:58 - How Community Creates Lifelong Relationships 45:06 - The Impact of Serving Others 49:06 - Being There When People Need You 53:03 - Setting an Example When People Are Watching 56:59 - Living Authentically in a Social Media World 58:32 - The Unexpected Connections That Come From Helping People 01:00:54 - Why Serving Others Is So Rewarding 01:02:50 - Knowing When to Say No 01:05:07 - Knowing When It's Time to Move On 01:06:55 - Raising Kids Who Surpass You 01:08:00 - What's Next for Casey? 01:10:23 - Becoming the Best Version of Yourself 01:12:19 - Casey's Off-Road Recovery and Life in the Community   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 live their lives actively ignoring the pain and suffering they have experienced, leading to destructive behavior, self-sabotage, and sedation. In this solo episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down the five core wounds every man must address to build healthy relationships with himself and his family. Ryan details the unblessed, betrayal, humiliation, abandonment, and failure wounds, explaining exactly how they manifest in our daily lives. Moving beyond theory, he provides simple, highly tactical fixes for each wound so you can begin the healing process immediately. Whether you need to practice delegating a task to build trust or making amends for a past mistake, these steps will help you take back responsibility.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - The Five Wounds Men Ignore 02:05 - The Unblessed Wound 04:26 - The Betrayal Wound 09:06 - The Humiliation Wound 14:26 - The Abandonment Wound 19:10 - The Failure Wound 25:11 - Implementing the Five Fixes 27:37 - The Iron Council and New Studio   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 Sorensen tackle another round of Ask Me Anything questions, covering career ambition, fatherhood, divorce, sobriety, friendship, faith, Stoicism, hunting injuries, masculinity, money and men's brotherhood. They discuss the hidden costs of achieving your goals, how to rebuild trust with your children, why friendships require intentional effort, and how to redefine your sense of worth beyond income.  They also explore whether Christian principles and Stoic philosophy can coexist, adapting outdoor pursuits after injury, and what to do when others misunderstand your men's group. Throughout, the conversation emphasizes intentionality, responsibility, consistency, connection and surrounding yourself with men committed to growth.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Recording Setup & Connection Issues 04:37 - Kipp Returns from Europe 06:30 - The Hidden Cost of Career Success 13:33 - Can You Overdo Affection as a Father? 19:36 - Rebuilding Trust After Divorce 27:57 - Sobriety and Finding Fun Without Alcohol 37:07 - Maintaining Long-Distance Male Friendships 39:55 - Christianity, Stoicism and Truth 46:46 - Staying Connected to the Outdoors After Injury 48:59 - When Your Wife Makes More Money 54:41 - Defending Brotherhood Without Defending It 56:46 - The Iron Council 57:45 - Staying Connected with Order of 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 of us think courage is something you either have or you don't. But what if it's actually a decision you make over and over, the same way you'd train a muscle? Today's conversation is about what happens when you stop asking "what if I fail" and start asking, "let's find out." We get into why 90% of what we fear never happens, how to raise kids with grit in a culture built for convenience, and why the most dangerous thing a man can do isn't the risk he takes…it's the potential he leaves untapped. My guest today, Alex Harris, has summited Everest, walked unsupported to the South Pole, and made the first-ever unsupported crossing of Arabia's "Empty Quarter" on foot. But this isn't a conversation about extreme sports. It's about the mindset that separates the guy who stays inside the fence from the guy who goes and finds out what's on the other side of the wall. If you've ever felt like you're sitting on something you haven't had the guts to go pursue, this one's for you.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction & Hiking the Zion Narrows 04:55 - Changing Risk Profile & Fatherhood 08:45 - Evaluating Risk vs. Reward 09:49 - Broad Peak Expedition & Turning Point 14:18 - Lower-Risk Adventures & Family 18:52 - Cultivating Adventure in Children 22:21 - Building Grit and Life in South Africa 23:51 - Media Narratives vs. South African Realities 26:51 - Reasons for Immigrating to Texas 32:41 - The Journey to US Citizenship 36:56 - Cultural Differences and Adapting to Texas 46:17 - Unplanned Path to Becoming an Extreme Athlete 50:39 - Curiosity and Unlocking Potential 53:57 - Redefining Failure and Managing Fear 01:01:27 - Forging Untrodden Paths & The Arabian Desert 01:06:00 - A Unique Moment in Cave Exploration 01:11:41 - Purpose, Choice, and Stifled Curiosity 01:15:30 - Where to Connect with Alex Harris   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