Order of Man

Every day, men are dying. Not in some abstract, far-off statistic, but in your town, in your circles, maybe in your own family. They're isolated, disconnected, and being told the very things that make them men are the things that need to be fixed. Meanwhile, the culture cheers on the idea that hating men is a sign of strength, the family courts treat fathers as optional, and any space built exclusively for men gets torn down before it can do any good. Somewhere along the way, we decided men were the problem.

My guest today says that's...

Most men never receive training for fatherhood - but that doesn't make the role any less important.

In this week's Friday Field Notes, Ryan shares 7 strategies to become a better father and explains why your presence, discipline, standards, and personal growth matter more than you think.

Your kids are watching how you lead, how you respond to adversity, and how you show up every day. Whether your children are young, grown, or somewhere in between, these principles will help you become the father they remember and respect.

This isn't about perfection. It's about...

Ryan and Kipp open with a conversation about building, creating, and the satisfaction that comes from seeing your work in the world before diving into another Ask Me Anything. This week, they tackle questions on approval seeking, self-development investments, measuring progress, unpopular opinions, intuition, instant gratification, rebuilding after divorce, and designing an intentional reset year.

They also discuss why progress often feels invisible, how to involve family in personal goals, and why growth requires structure instead of endless information gathering. If you're trying to become more intentional and build a life with purpose, this episode delivers a...

We've never been more connected, and we've never been more alone. Men have endless ways to reach each other and almost no reason they'll actually use them. We don't reach out. We don't check in. We won't pay another man a compliment without slapping "no homo" on the end of it to make sure nobody mistakes us for caring. And somewhere along the way, we decided that the first flowers a man receives should arrive at his funeral.

This week, AJ Kazmierczak joins the show to tear that pattern apart. We get into why connection is the...

Modern culture often treats masculinity as something dangerous that needs to be suppressed, softened, or apologized for. In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler challenges that narrative and draws a critical distinction between masculinity and manliness.

Masculinity, Ryan argues, is the raw, God-given force within men - the drive to compete, build, protect, lead, and conquer. It is neither good nor bad on its own. Manliness, however, is what happens when that force is refined, disciplined, governed by principle, and directed toward a righteous purpose.

Ryan outlines five practical ways to forge masculinity...

Two hosts, five powerful listener questions, and a conversation that moves from comparison and fatherhood to relationships, self-awareness, and personal growth. Ryan and Kipp open with a quick catch-up before diving into questions from listeners on feeling behind in life, protecting children from cultural influence, rebuilding relationships with adult children, navigating difficult conversations with a spouse, and developing greater self-awareness.

Along the way they discuss intentional parenting, accountability, ownership, communication, and why the quality of your questions often determines the quality of your life.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Intro & Hawaii recap
08:29 Comparison a...

Every man carries forces that pull against each other. It could be the urge to numb out and the call to face it, the inheritance of his father's failures and the responsibility to break the chain. For Michael Millin, those opposing forces weren't a metaphor. They were the difference between a life lost to addiction and the 17 years of sobriety he's built since hitting bottom with his back against the wall.

Today, Michael and I talk about generational trauma, the instability of growing up with a father who came in and out of his life, and what...

Masculinity isn't inherently good or bad - it's a force. Like fire, it can be used to build or destroy. The real question isn't whether masculinity is the problem; it's whether a man has learned to direct it with discipline, character, and purpose.

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores the critical distinction between masculinity and manliness, then breaks down five immature archetypes that keep men from reaching their full potential. From the Man Child to the Jester, Ryan explains how these patterns show up in everyday life and what it takes to move...

In this solo Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan Michler tackles some of the most common challenges men face in midlife: complacency after success, leading a family without becoming controlling, overcoming conflict avoidance, dealing with regret, and building meaningful male friendships.

Ryan shares practical frameworks for finding purpose after you've achieved your goals, developing conviction without coercion, stepping into leadership at home, and letting go of past mistakes through accountability and changed behavior. He also offers candid advice on creating deeper connections with other men and why meaningful struggles are essential for growth and fulfillment. 

SHOW H...

Most men are surrounded by people and completely alone. They've got coworkers, neighbors, guys from high school they still text but nobody who will tell them the truth, call them forward, or sit with them when things go sideways. That's not friendship. That's just proximity. And the difference between those two things might be the most important gap a man can close in his life.

Today I'm sitting down with Jimmy Rex, founder of We Are The They, author of BE ONE, and one of the most intentional men I know when it comes to building real...

Most men don't lose control of their lives overnight. It happens slowly - through comfort, approval-seeking, distraction, blame, and outsourcing identity to culture and other people.

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down the five most common ways men surrender their sovereignty and explains how to reclaim authority over your life, decisions, standards, and future.

This conversation challenges men to stop living reactively and start becoming the primary author of their lives.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - The Most Powerful Version of Yourself
01:28 - What Sovereignty R...

Kipp and Jay tackle some of the toughest and most meaningful questions from the Iron Council community in this week's Ask Me Anything episode. They discuss emergency preparedness, victim mentality, ownership, leadership, family mission alignment, and how to navigate unresolved tension in relationships. The conversation also dives into finding purpose in difficult jobs and managing rage when justice feels out of reach. Along the way, they share practical leadership insights, powerful mindset shifts, and personal stories about family, service, and growth. This episode is packed with grounded advice for men trying to lead themselves and others more effectively.

In this episode, Ryan Michler explores the ancient concept known as the "Ulysses Pact" and explains how it can help modern men build discipline, avoid self-sabotage, and stay committed under pressure. Drawing from Homer's Odyssey, Ryan breaks down why willpower alone often fails and how intentional systems, accountability, and pre-commitment strategies create lasting change.

Through practical examples involving finances, alcohol, work-life balance, and relationships, he shows how men can protect themselves from moments of weakness before temptation ever arrives. Ryan also shares the importance of brotherhood, structure, and personal responsibility in becoming the man one i...

What if the sacrifices you make aren't actually about service... but identity?

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down the dangerous trap many men fall into: building their entire identity around suffering, responsibility, and sacrifice. Drawing from philosophy, psychology, and personal experience, Ryan explores how men unconsciously become martyrs - believing their worth is tied to how much pain they can endure.

From Carl Jung's concept of the persona and shadow, to Stoic philosophy and Sartre's idea of "bad faith," this episode challenges men to ask a difficult question:

...

Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorenson tackle hard truths about masculinity, leadership, discipline, and faith in this AMA episode. They discuss why many men struggle to lead confidently at home, how toxic behavioral patterns become comfortable, and what real brotherhood and accountability look like. The conversation dives deep into self-awareness, responsibility, relationships, and the danger of using faith as an excuse for passivity. Along the way, they share practical advice for helping struggling friends, becoming a man worth following, and building stronger purpose-driven lives. 

Packed with candid stories, sharp insights, and actionable takeaways, this episode challenges men to s...

If you're being honest, you know something has shifted in this culture. Most of us feel it even if we can't name it. The language has changed, the standards have changed, emotional performance has replaced principled conviction, and the men willing to hold a hard line are being told to sit down and apologize. Today's guest, Dale Partridge, doesn't apologize. And. He makes the case for why you shouldn't either.

We cover the philosophical and cultural forces driving the effeminization of men and society, why a man without a defined worldview is a man who can be...

What happens when a man loses his mission?

In this powerful Friday Field Notes episode, Ryan Michler breaks down why purpose is not optional for men - it's essential. Drawing from military experience, personal stories, and alarming statistics around depression, suicide, addiction, and isolation, Ryan explains why so many men feel lost today and how to reclaim direction.

Using the acronym MISSION, Ryan walks through a practical framework to help men identify meaning, build identity, serve others, develop skills, pursue interests, overcome obstacles, and take the next step toward a purpose-driven life.

If...

Ryan and Kipp switch gears for a lighter Ask Me Anything episode where listeners intentionally submit "dumb questions" - and somehow the conversation turns surprisingly insightful. They cover teenage boys acting feral in public, conspiracy theories, men-only spaces, the psychology behind carrying all the groceries in one trip, and why guys constantly compete with each other. Along the way, they also dive into critical thinking, modern education, AI dependency, and the importance of having friends who can laugh with you through life's chaos.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction
01:35 - PLL lacrosse and weekend recap
04:27...

As Memorial Day approaches, there's no better time to have a brutally honest conversation about what it means to be a man in America today and why that question has never mattered more. From the assault on boyhood to the spiritual warfare playing out in our homes, our military, and our culture, someone has to name what's really happening. Today, we do exactly that.

I'm joined by former Marine Recon, Chad Robichaux and, today we cover everything from the manufactured collapse of masculinity to what our military is facing in a post-COVID world, what real leadership looks...

Most men think they struggle with discipline, confidence, or motivation - but beneath all of it is a deeper issue: the inability to trust themselves.

In this Friday Field Notes episode, Ryan Michler breaks down the concept of inner authority - what it is, why so many men lose it, and how to reclaim it in a world constantly demanding your attention, validation, and compliance.

Ryan explores:

Ryan and Kipp dive into another AMA episode, tackling real questions from men navigating discipline, purpose, and relationships. They break down how to build self-trust, stay grounded when others resist your growth, and rebuild trust in marriage after years of disconnect. The conversation explores masculinity, emotional regulation, and the importance of personal responsibility - especially as a father. They also unpack how to find purpose without a crisis and why experimenting is key. This episode is packed with practical insights and direct advice for men looking to level up in every area of life.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00...

Ryan Michler breaks down what it truly means for a man to be "safe" in a relationship - and why most men get it wrong. Drawing from his own failed marriage, he explains how emotional volatility, inconsistency, and lack of self-mastery can erode trust at home. Ryan challenges the idea that safety equals weakness, arguing instead that it's rooted in strength, discipline, and control. He outlines practical ways men can become more grounded, reliable, and առաջնորդ-driven - through emotional regulation, clear personal standards, accountability, and presence. This episode is a direct, no-excuses call for men to lead themselves first so they...

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler tackles a controversial but critical idea: what if free markets aren't the problem—but the proving ground for masculinity?

Ryan breaks down how systems built on risk, accountability, competition, and earned success shape men into capable, resilient leaders. He contrasts this with the growing appeal of dependency-driven systems and explains why outsourcing responsibility may come at a deeper cost—your purpose, identity, and sovereignty.

This is a direct, unfiltered look at what men lose when struggle disappears—and why the free market might be the arena men ac...

In this AMA episode, Jay and Kipp dive into powerful lessons on fatherhood, presence, and leadership, starting with a moving story about choosing family over business opportunities. They explore the importance of showing up consistently for the moments that matter most, both at home and in life.

The conversation then shifts into listener questions covering engagement in brotherhood communities, balancing confidence with humility, avoiding the trap of passive self-improvement, and handling criticism and comparison. The episode wraps with insights on discipline, personal responsibility, and how to let go of past mistakes while continuing to grow.

...

Men, most of us are drifting. We've been told to go it alone, to suppress our struggles, and to settle for a life defined by comfort rather than calling. We grind away at work but feel isolated at home, carrying a weight that we were never meant to bear in silence.  In this live session recorded at The Men's Forge, Ryan, Larry, and Dwayne sit down to answer the real questions men are facing in the trenches of life.

This isn't about sitting back and taking notes - it's about stripping away weakness and gaining the clarity r...

Most men don't struggle with competence - they struggle with how others treat them.

In this episode, Ryan breaks down five practical, no-BS ways to earn respect without demanding it, begging for it, or pretending to be someone you're not. These are simple shifts in behavior that immediately change how people perceive you - at work, at home, and in every relationship.

If you've ever felt overlooked, talked over, or taken for granted, this episode gives you the tools to take back control and command respect - quietly and effectively.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00...

In this AMA episode, Ryan and Kipp tackle powerful listener questions on masculinity, relationships, and personal integrity. They explore how father wounds shape spiritual beliefs, how to set boundaries with family without guilt, and what it really means to lead in difficult moments. The conversation dives into building deep trust with other men, overcoming the need for validation, and modeling strength for your children. They also address modern dating challenges and how to approach relationships with intentionality.

This episode is packed with practical wisdom on leadership, self-respect, and becoming the man others can rely on.

...

Most men sense something is off long before they can name it. They've played by the rules, been agreeable, helpful, conflict-avoidant, and still find themselves feeling invisible, disrespected, or hollow. Today's guest calls it exactly what it is: the nice-guy trap. And he didn't just study it from the outside; he lived it, lost a marriage over it, battled addiction through it, and came out the other side with a clear-eyed framework for what it actually means to step into your manhood.

My guest is Tony Bova and, today, we talk about the internal work that nobody...

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down what it really means to "quiet quit" your family - being physically present but mentally and emotionally checked out. He explains why this is one of the most dangerous and overlooked problems facing men today, how it happens, and what you can do to fix it before it costs you your marriage and your relationship with your kids.

If you've ever found yourself distracted, disengaged, or just going through the motions at home, this episode is a wake-up call.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - The...

In this AMA episode, Ryan and Kipp dive into what's really keeping men up at night - from purpose and finances to marriage struggles and fatherhood. They tackle listener questions on career growth, preparing for marriage, navigating separation, and knowing when to walk away from a failing relationship. The conversation also explores loneliness, emotional resilience, and how men can build stronger connections through action and brotherhood. With practical advice and honest insights, this episode challenges men to take ownership, lead with intention, and stop waiting for life to change.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Intro & pre-show banter
05:30 Montana...

Most men today are being quietly conditioned to break. They're raised in environments that reward niceness over strength, validation over resilience, and comfort over growth. This show exists to push back. We believe masculinity isn't a problem to be solved; it's a force to be developed. Every week we sit down with the men and thinkers who are doing the hard work of building themselves (physically, emotionally, and mentally) so they can stand between their families and destruction and not flinch.

Today's conversation cuts straight to the core of what it means to be a man who...

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down the 7 forms of masculine provision - a complete framework for showing up as a capable, present, and effective man in your family and community.

If you've ever thought that working hard and paying the bills was enough, this conversation will challenge that assumption and give you a more complete standard to live by.

You'll learn why provision goes far beyond finances - and how neglecting the other areas can leave your family lacking, even if the bills are paid.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00...

In this AMA episode, Ryan and Shawn tackle some of the most common struggles men face today - from disconnect with teenage sons to breaking destructive habits and overcoming betrayal. They explore why men avoid doing what they know they should, how ego gets in the way of growth, and why asking for help is actually a sign of strength - not weakness. The conversation dives deep into mindset shifts, discipline, and emotional resilience, offering practical frameworks for rebuilding trust, improving relationships, and taking ownership of your life. If you've ever felt stuck, isolated, or unsure of your next...

In a world that profits from your confusion, real clarity is an act of rebellion. Today we're sitting down with a man who has spent his life in the arena (as a soldier, a statesman, and a straight-talker) to cut through the noise on masculinity, truth, and what it actually means to be free, Nick Freitas. We're talking logical fallacies, the Marxist oppressor/oppressed framework, and why so many men today are disgusted, deflated, and dangerously close to giving up.

But this episode isn't a pity party, it's a plan of attack. We're going to talk about...

In this episode, Ryan Michler breaks down one of the most influential-and dangerous-movements shaping modern men: the manosphere.

While much of its message contains elements of truth-strength, discipline, success-it ultimately promotes a distorted version of masculinity rooted in ego, domination, and consumption.

Ryan draws a critical distinction between masculinity (amoral traits) and manliness (moral responsibility), arguing that strength without character leads to destruction, not leadership.

He challenges men to reject surface-level success metrics-money, women, status-and instead focus on what truly defines a man: what he builds, carries, and gives.

This episode...

In this AMA episode, Ryan and Kipp dive deep into personal growth, relationships, and modern masculinity. They explore lessons from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, including humility, grit, and knowing when to "tap" in life before things spiral. The conversation tackles real listener questions on anger, marriage struggles, dating challenges, fatherhood, and leadership at home. They also break down the concept of the "integrity gap" and how misalignment between who you are and who you want to be creates frustration. This episode is a practical guide to self-mastery, emotional awareness, and becoming a more intentional man.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00...

Men, one of the greatest lies of our time is that if you just work hard enough, everything will somehow work itself out. Yet too many men are grinding every day and still feel trapped by debt, fear, and the pressure of provision. They're earning, but they're not building. They're surviving, but they're not creating freedom. Today, I'm joined by Ryan Lee from Cashflow Tactics, and we're talking about what it really means to take command of your financial life as a man. This is bigger than money. It's about leadership, stewardship, and refusing to stay dependent on a...

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down the real root of chaos - not just on the global stage, but in your own life.

While most people blame politics, religion, or circumstance, Ryan argues that the real issue is far closer to home: a lack of direction, discipline, and leadership among men.

He challenges you to stop looking outward and start looking inward - at your role as a man, husband, father, and leader.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - The Real Cause of Global Chaos
01:40 - It's Not Politics...

In this AMA episode, Ryan and Kipp dive deep into integrity, self-sabotage, and what it actually means to live as a man of principle. They break down the four quadrants of the battle plan, discuss why men struggle with consistency, and explore how unresolved guilt and avoidance quietly drain energy. 

Listener questions cover everything from building brotherhood and fitness routines to fatherhood and cultural influence. Ryan also shares a powerful story about his "integrity tour" and why owning your mistakes—without excuses—can completely transform your life. 

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Opening + mindset on agreement and se...

Today, we're talking with a man who chose courage when it would've been easier to stay quiet. Back in May of 2020, during the height of COVID restrictions, he stood up for himself, and paid the price, facing serious fallout including a wrongful termination suit in a time when being a cop was already under fire. This is a conversation about what it means to stop living through other men, to stop outsourcing adventure, and to answer that internal call - even when it costs you everything.

We get into his mission to row the Pacific, the realities...