Order Of Man: Protect | Provide | Preside

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 - Intro: Why Respect Matters 01:55 - #1 Set Clear Boundaries 05:14 - Plan Your Response in Advance 07:39 - #2 Stop Over-Explaining & Apologizing 09:31 - #3 Raise Your Standards 11:47 - Practical Language Shifts 13:46 - #4 Be Reliable 15:43 - Close the Loop on Commitments 17:30 - #5 Address Disrespect Directly 19:25 - How to Respond Calmly in the Moment 21:31 - Final Thoughts + Recap 22:30 - Outro & Call to Action Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

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. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00  - Episode Introduction 01:29  - Episode begins + hunting story 06:07  - Father wounds & relationship with God 13:16  - Boundaries with parents vs. your own family 23:06  - Building your inner circle of men 36:47  - Supporting your wife while working away 45:02  - Overcoming validation-seeking behavior 50:08  - Making yourself and God proud (key moment) 52:

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 talks about. It's about rewriting the stories you tell yourself, honoring your word in the small moments, having the hard conversations you've been avoiding, and building something far more durable than the honeymoon phase. If you're done outsourcing your standards and ready to become the loudest voice in your own life, this one's for you. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introduction & Masculinity Conversation Setup 01:02 Episode Begins – Tony Bova Introduc

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 Quiet Quit at Home 00:40 - Why This Is So Dangerous 01:35 - The Shocking Stats on Fatherlessness 04:05 - Presence vs Engagement 06:20 - Why Men Don't See the Problem 08:05 - How Relationships Quietly Break Down 10:10 - What Quiet Quitting Looks Like 11:50 - The Root Causes (Exhaustion, Avoidance, Identity) 14:15 - Why Men Default to What They Can Measure 15:20 - Step 1: Define a Home Standard 17:00 - Step 2: Create a Threshold Ritual 18:20 - Step 3: Audit Your Attention

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 Knife Company & reflections 17:00 Career checkups & mentorship 26:30 Preparing for marriage & finances 36:30 Learning to be alone 42:20 Can you save a marriage? 50:20 When to leave a relationship 01:01:30 Staying calm under pressure Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron

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 doesn't just endure hardship but actually gets stronger because of it. We're talking about antifragility - the idea that the right stressors don't weaken you, they forge you. If you've been told your whole life to be softer, more agreeable, and easier to be around, this episode is going to challenge everything you think you know about strength. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction & anti-fragility discussion begins 01:11 - Fragility v

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 Intro 00:48 The Problem with "Providing = Money" 02:27 The 7 Forms of Masculine Provision 03:10 #1 Financial Provision (The Floor, Not the Ceiling) 04:52 Are You Hiding Behind Work? 05:30 #2 Physical Provision (Protection + Capability) 08:10 Health, Awareness, and Responsibility 10:23 #3 Emotional Provision (The Hard One) 10:50 Emotionally Checked Out 12:25 Dealing With Your Own Issues 14:45 #4 Intellectual Provision (A Mind Worth Following) 17:01 Leading Through Curio

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 move, this episode delivers clarity and direction. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode intro & Shawn joins 01:08 - Reconnecting with a distant teenage son 13:27 - Why men avoid doing what they know they should 25:52 - Admitting struggle without feeling weak 43:42 - Recovering from betrayal 57:30 - Iron Council & closing thoughts Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity

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 why masculinity is under assault, how to stop painting yourself as a victim, and why there is no virtue in suffering, only in overcoming it. If you're ready to trade your grievances for a mission and your excuses for a legacy, this one's for you. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Reconnecting and General Reflections on Culture 00:54 - Post-Modernism and the Rejection of Objective Truth 01:50 - The Marxist Framework of Oppressor and Oppressed 03:43 - The Concerted Effort to T

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 is a call to step away from performative masculinity and toward a life of purpose, discipline, and service-to become the kind of man others can depend on. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - The Manosphere Is Shaping a Generation 02:10 - Why the Message Is So Seductive 04:32 - The Rise of Performative Masculinity 06:52 - Strength Without Character Is Dangero

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 - Intro & Weekend Recap 03:12 - Jiu-Jitsu Lessons for Life 08:29 - The "Tap" vs Life Crisis Analogy 12:59 - Peptides Discussion 14:13 - Low-Level Anger Explained 22:59 - What It Means to Be a Man Today 26:49 - Fixing Emotional Distance in Marriage 32:22 - Dating Without Becoming Cynical 39:21 - Leading a Stronger Partner 45:11 - Connecting with a Distant Teen 55:05 - Patience

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 system that keeps men stuck. We break down the mindsets that sabotage wealth, the principles that actually create it, and how to give every dollar a job so you can build real assets, real cash flow, and real security for your family. If you've ever felt the weight of responsibility or wondered whether you're truly leading well in this area of your life, this conversation will challenge you. Because this isn't about getting rich. It's about becoming

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 (Here's What It Really Is) 03:50 - Why Conflict Never Gets Resolved 05:50 - Chaos Is a Leadership Problem 06:20 - How You're Creating Chaos in Your Own Life 08:15 - Why Men Feel Lost Today 10:00 - "Just Be Happy" Is a Lie 11:50 - Why Lack of Direction Is Dangerous 12:05 - The 3 Types of Directionless Men 12:15 - The Passive Man 13:50 - The Drifting Man 15:45 - The Undisciplined Aggressive Man 17:05 - From Global Problems to Personal Responsibility 18:20 - Direction Is the Cure 18:40 - Step 1: Define Y

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 self-awareness 16:00 - Transition into listener Q&A 17:18 - The four quadrants of the battle plan 27:40 - Boxing training and fitness consistency 34:12 - How past wounds shape your mission 49:34 - Misconceptions about Order of Man 52:49 - Building brotherhood from scratch 57:58 - Fathers vs culture: the real battle 01:00:25 - Men's Forge event + closing thoughts Battle Planners: Pick yours u

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 of isolation, risk, and mental warfare, and what it takes to prepare - physically, operationally, and emotionally - for something this extreme. From growing up on a fishing boat in Alaska to navigating fear, family, and the unknown, this is about courage through adversity - and what a man discovers when there's nowhere left to hide. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction & Reconnection After 6 Years 00:30 - Speaking Out Against COVID & Losing His Job 01:12 - Fired

We've been sold a dangerous lie - that the goal of life is comfort. In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down why comfort is quietly destroying ambition, discipline, and purpose in modern men. What feels good in the moment is often the very thing holding you back long-term. If you've been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or drifting, this episode will challenge you to rethink everything. Ryan shares 5 practical ways to reintroduce challenge into your life, build discipline, and become the man you're meant to be. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - The Lie of Comfort 00:35 - Why Comfort is an Addiction 01:10 - Life is Too Easy (Not Too Hard) 02:15 - The Slow Fade Into Mediocrity 03:00 - Comfort Mimics Progress 04:20 - Do One Hard Thing Daily 05:30 - Eliminate a Comfort Crutch 06:45 - Stop Hiding (Accountability) 08:40 - Schedule Discomfort 10:05 - When Comfort Destroys Your Life 11:50 - Earn Your Comfort 13:10 - Comfort Creates Weak Men 15:30 - Ask "What's Required?" 17:00 - Final Challenge Battle Planner

In this Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen answer listener questions on masculinity, business, relationships, and personal discipline. They discuss common misconceptions about manhood, why men can't succeed alone, and the hidden "inner work" behind strong masculinity. The conversation also covers social media side hustles, financial decisions, building business networks, and how to break out of destructive habits. Ryan and Kipp also tackle relationship dynamics, including respect in marriage and the real reason attraction fades in long-term relationships. This episode is packed with practical advice on taking ownership, building momentum, and becoming a better man. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Opening conversation 02:33 Iron Council preview call announcement 03:14 Question: Beliefs about manhood that proved wrong 16:50 Question: Is my social media side hustle a waste of time? 25:53 Question: Thoughts on peptides 29:48 Question: Is $2,200 rent on $6K income realistic? 36:00 Question: Building a c

Today I'm joined by Jon Acuff, a New York Times bestselling author who has spent years studying why so many of us procrastinate and how to finally get out of our own way. We talk about the real reasons people stall out—fear, rejection, imposter syndrome, perfectionism—and how comparison, when used correctly, can actually become a source of inspiration rather than insecurity. Jon also shares practical frameworks for focusing on effort instead of obsessing over outcomes, creating your own personal scorecard for success, and adopting a "let's find out" mentality when it comes to pursuing goals and navigating uncertainty. If you've ever felt stuck between what you say you want and what you're actually doing, this conversation will give you some tools to start closing that gap. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Intro & Jon Acuff returns to the podcast 01:14 - Why Ryan hates the term "Imposter Syndrome" 03:12 - Healthy vs destructive comparison 06:01 - "Audition your goals" instead of committing immediately 08:25 - Why m

Life can collapse faster than we expect. A divorce, financial loss, health issues, or the breakdown of relationships can leave a man wondering where to even begin again. In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler shares six strategies for rebuilding your life when everything feels like it's falling apart. Drawing from personal experience and years of working with thousands of men, Ryan explains why rebuilding doesn't start with massive breakthroughs—it starts with small, disciplined actions that restore stability and control. If you're facing rock bottom—or helping someone who is—this episode outlines the mindset and practical steps required to rebuild stronger than before. Ryan covers why stabilizing yourself is more important than rushing into strategy, how taking full ownership restores your personal power, and why rebuilding your body is one of the fastest ways to regain confidence and discipline. He also explains the importance of simplifying your life, stacking small wins, and surrounding yours

In this AMA episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle a wide range of listener questions-from AI and authenticity to divorce, brotherhood, and extreme ownership. Ryan shares lessons from his own divorce about reflection, accountability, and rebuilding your life after a major setback. The conversation also dives into why authenticity builds trust, the danger of labeling words as violence, and how men can start building strong brotherhoods even if they've spent most of their lives alone. If you're feeling stuck in your career, isolated in life, or unsure how to take the next step forward, this episode offers practical guidance and honest perspective. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:04 - Introduction and lacrosse tournament story 03:46 - Listener question: AI and content creation 17:57 - Navigating divorce and staying afloat emotionally 30:17 - New Order of Man merchandise designs 32:14 - Ideals worth fighting or dying for 35:15 - Violence, language, and societal perception 42:16 - Building brotherhood from scratch 51:2