Order of Man

In today's episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler challenges one of modern self-help culture's most sacred ideas: vulnerability. While honesty, humility, and emotional awareness are essential to growth, Ryan makes the case that vulnerability - when practiced without discernment, responsibility, or purpose - often becomes performative, destabilizing, and counterproductive, especially for men in leadership roles. This episode is not an argument against emotion. It's an argument for self-mastery, containment, and earned honesty. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Intro 00:37 - Why Vulnerability Became a Sacred Cow 02:45 - Emotional Awareness vs Emotional Exposure 04:55 - Vulnerability Without Discernment = Emotional Exhibitionism 07:40 - Oversharing Shifts the Emotional Burden 09:50 - Why Emotional Dumping Kills Trust & Attraction 12:55 - Leadership Requires Stability, Not Collapse 14:40 - Transparency vs Discernment 16:30 - Honesty Is Not a Lack of Self-Mastery 17:40 - Regulation vs Repression 19:20 - Lessons from Stoic Men & Great Leaders 21:10 - Earned Vulnerability Explained 23:00 - Secure Containers, Not "Safe Spaces" 25:05 - Responsibility Over Emotional Relief 27:00 - What Men Actually Need More Of 28:20 - Vulnerability Is Not the Goal—Integrity Is 30:20 - Final Thoughts & 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

This episode is being re-released in remembrance of Scott Adams, who has passed away on the 13th of January, 2026. This interview remains a meaningful reflection of his ideas, experiences, and voice, and it deserved to be shared again. My guest today, Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, joins me to talk about exactly why that is and the type of thinking he refers to as "Loserthink." It's also the title of his new book subtitled, How Untrained Brains are Ruining America. Today, we talk about the fact that being right and being wrong feel the same, how to determine what battles to fight online, how shaming and mockery can be used positively, and ultimately how you can avoid thinking like a loser. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Augmenting your intelligence Wrestling with social media A "slippery slope" Linear thinking Predictable variables to success Influencing other people Enlightened selfishness Succeeding at systems Mental addiction Adding to your talent stack There's always a deeper level Engaging in "loser think" Determining a stranger's thoughts SCOTT ADAMS Gents, I am stoked to be able to introduce you to my guest today, Scott Adams. Before I do, I want to make sure I thank my friend, Jordan Harbinger, for introducing us. You may not know who Scott is right away but I'm sure you know Dilbert. Scott is the creator of Dilbert and the bestselling author of Win Bigly and his new book, Loserthink. Although Scott really started to gain attention and traction with Dilbert, his political commentary is, in my mind, just as, if not more, important. If you're interested, you can check out what he has to say on Twitter (@scottadamssays). He's never been afraid to ruffle a few feathers and I think that is why he has gained such a following – his ability to say what needs to be said and his ability to say it in a way that connects with so many of us. SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES Gentlemen, we're all aware of how important systems and processes are on our path to success but how many men have not created those systems in every facet of their lives. These are the same men who often wonder why that cannot seem to get ahead. This month, inside the Iron Council, we'll be exploring and deep-diving into the systems and processes I use and what the 500+ members are using to achieve maximum results. We'll help you unpackage your systems, explore what's working, remove what isn't, and rebuild a strategy that will ensure your success. If you'd like to know more and build your blueprint for success, band with us inside the Iron Council. You'll get the tools, challenges, assignments, camaraderie, and brotherhood needed to thrive. Again, join us at www.orderofman.com/ironcouncil. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/orderofman Connect with us on Instagram and Twitter Please leave us a rating and review Support Order of Man by picking up some new merchandise in our store

In this weekly Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan and Kipp open with reflections on consistency, discipline, and what long-term success actually requires. They then tackle listener questions on deeply held beliefs, fatherhood, masculinity, and how perspectives change with age and experience. The conversation moves into practical advice on building strong male circles, writing and publishing a book, and preparing for marriage with clarity and intention. As always, the episode blends personal insight, hard-earned lessons, and actionable guidance for men committed to growth. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Welcome and Consistency 09:08 - Question on Strong Beliefs and Doubt 17:00 - Fatherhood, Leadership, and Manhood Expectations 29:09 - Finding High-Caliber Men and Brotherhood 36:32 - Writing and Publishing a Book 44:27 - Preparing for Marriage 50:24 - Iron Council Update and Closing 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

Some of the most misunderstood and emotionally charged topics for men are: attraction, compatibility, and what actually creates lasting connection with a woman. My guest, Laurin Ponce, helps us break down the difference between compatibility, connection, and chemistry - and why confusing those three is where most relationships go off the rails. We talk about what women truly find attractive in a grounded man, what it really means when a woman asks for space, why it feels like there are more rules for men, and how respect is built long before it's ever given. From attachment styles and masculine frame to why women's touch is medicine and how peace and respect create a relationship where both people feel safe and free, this conversation cracks open the unspoken dynamics most men are trying to navigate alone. We also explore the practical side: non-negotiables, testing for compatibility, shared values, money, day-to-day living, and why partners are often mirrors and triggers for our own unresolved work. Laurin and I get into anxious versus avoidant dynamics, masculinity and femininity in modern relationships, emotional expression in men, vulnerability, physical attraction, and how connection is built - and rebuilt - over time SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Understanding Men and Women 01:07 - Is There a Line in "Figuring Each Other Out"? 03:22 - Masculine and Feminine Polarity 05:08 - The Bowl and the Water Analogy 06:46 - Why Respect Starts With Self-Respect 08:21 - Non-Negotiables in Relationships 10:05 - Compatibility vs. Chemistry 13:18 - Core Values and Relationship Dealbreakers 14:58 - You Can't Out-Love Incompatibility 17:16 - Chemistry vs. Trauma Bonds 18:46 - What Real Chemistry Feels Like 19:29 - Peace and Respect in Relationships 22:47 - Creating Emotional Safety 26:52 - Masculine and Feminine Imbalance Today 30:30 - Polarity Always Finds Its Way 33:41 - Letting Go of Armor and Control 35:16 - Becoming the Partner You Want to Attract 39:13 - Consistency and Trust 40:10 - Physical Attraction and Discipline 43:02 - Connection Is Built Over Time 46:37 - Scarcity Mindset in Dating 48:02 - Where Men Should Start in Long-Term Relationships 50:32 - Rekindling Attraction and Intentionality 57:12 - "Cracking the Code" of Your Partner 01:00:29 - Never Get Comfortable in Love 01:05:05 - Serving Each Other Without Shame 01:06:23 - Where to Find Laurin's Work 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

As we head into 2026, Ryan Michler breaks down 10 destructive money mindsets that quietly sabotage men's ability to build real wealth. Drawing from his experience as a former financial advisor, Ryan explains why income is not the same as wealth, how debt has been falsely normalized, and why outsourcing responsibility for your finances is a losing strategy. He challenges the belief that "more money will fix everything" and dismantles the idea that your situation is somehow different from everyone else's. This episode is a hard-hitting call to take ownership of your financial decisions, develop discipline, and shift your focus from chasing money to creating real value in the world. Key Topics Covered Why procrastination destroys wealth faster than bad investments The difference between earning money and building wealth How debt has been normalized - and why it's costing you freedom Why outsourcing your finances weakens your sovereignty The danger of entitlement-based spending ("I deserve this") Why more money magnifies problems instead of fixing them Investing vs. gambling - and why doing nothing is the riskiest move Why you must understand money instead of delegating it The myth of being "special" or financially different Why money isn't the problem - behavior and priorities are 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

What does it really mean to lead with integrity when institutions fail and people disappoint? In this Ask Me Anything episode of Order of Man, Ryan Michler answers real questions from the community on leadership, anger and forgiveness, building passive income, physical fitness, accountability, and personal standards. Ryan shares hard-earned insights on responsibility, discipline, and how to operate with clarity in uncertain times. This candid AMA delivers practical guidance and mindset shifts for men committed to growth, strength, and personal ownership. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Ask Me Anything Kickoff 02:42 Asking Better Questions as a Leader 13:36 The Quality Ryan Is Most Proud Of 19:27 Passive Income and Multiple Streams 28:21 Faith, Truth, and Broken Institutions 33:50 Society, Maturity, and Self-Control 41:32 Baseline Physical Aptitude Test Explained 44:16 Letting Go of Anger and Forgiveness 54:52 Dealing With People Who Drop the Ball 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

Leading others doesn't begin with a title—it begins with self-leadership. Too many men chase influence, authority, or recognition before they've learned how to lead themselves. That's where imposter syndrome creeps in—of course you're not as good yet; leadership isn't a destination, it's a discipline. It's not just tactical execution or getting things done—it's service, responsibility, and the relentless pursuit of getting better. Leadership at home, leadership with your kids, leadership over your own habits and standards. In this episode, I talk with leadership expert, Kipp Sorensen. Today, we break down the three traps of self-leadership that quietly sabotage men: the Victim, the Persecutor, and the Rescuer, the dark side of influence, how to get your own wishes and desires met, how to be aware of "polite manipulation," and why honoring agency (yourself and others) is the key to leading well. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Why Self-Leadership Comes Before Leading Others 03:10 - Can Everyone Be a Leader? Mindset vs Skillset 06:15 - Why Ryan Rejects "Imposter Syndrome" 09:00 - Parenting, Projection, and Self-Awareness 12:55 - Jiu-Jitsu, Ego, and the Cost of Pretending 17:45 - Where Men Struggle Most With Self-Leadership 18:05 - The Victim Mindset Explained 22:10 - The Hidden Payoff of Victimhood 26:00 - Taking Ownership and Closing the Integrity Gap 30:30 - Why We Justify Our Worst Behaviors 37:00 - The Persecutor Trap in Leadership 44:15 - How to Have Hard Conversations Without Blame 46:35 - Why Performance Is Emotional, Not Technical 51:20 - The Rescuer Trap and "Nice Guy" Leadership 56:10 - Why Difficulty Is Required for Growth 01:00:40 - Stress as a Catalyst for Learning 01:03:40 - Alignment, Leadership, and Kipp's New Mission 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 and Kipp dig into how men adapt when life throws setbacks their way. From injuries and burnout to financial risk and career pressure, they break down how to adjust without regret and keep moving forward. The conversation covers smart risk management, why momentum doesn't have to die after failure, and how boundaries protect your family, finances, and future. This AMA is a masterclass in resilience, decision-making, and staying productive through uncertainty. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Holiday catch-up 03:49 - BHAGs, quarterly planning, and long-term vision 11:09 - Iron Council changes and system efficiency 18:54 - Injury, momentum, and recalibration 28:42 - Entrepreneurial risk and acceptable loss 38:48 - Masculinity, culture, and cycles of chaos 43:20 - Work overload, boundaries, and family protection 56:42 - Seasonal depression and staying in the game 01:02:28 - Balancing growth across life quadrants 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

It seems anymore that people are operating increasingly out of extremes without any context, nuance, or understanding. I get it – outrage sells. And, to some degree, I've been guilty of it myself. But I've found myself as I get older – wanting to go find a piece of land and work on my canoe – rather than engage in what social media has diminished us too. My guest today, Brady Pesola, would agree and, he's made a life out of studying ancient philosophy combined with practical, nuanced modern insight. Today, we talk about social independence, the "Golden Mean," what he calls "The Stop Light" theory, meta-cognition, and the concept of the Grayman and how it can help you operate as a man. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Welcome Back & Reconnecting 01:03 - The Breakdown of Modern Communication 04:52 - Hive Mind, Social Media & Framing Bias 06:53 - Marketing Yourself vs Manipulating Emotion 09:17 - Finding the Right Tribe 12:27 - Value, Reciprocity & Relationships 14:48 - Technical Interruption & Reset 16:46 - The Golden Mean vs Extreme Success 20:35 - Sacrifices, Success & Contentment 24:55 - Adversity, Resilience & Upbringing 27:11 - Red Light vs Green Light Theory 29:59 - Perspective on Inconvenience & Gratitude 33:18 - When Red Lights Save You 36:47 - Grace for Yourself & Others 38:24 - "I've Never Done This Before" Mindset 41:37 - Road Rage, Ego & Consequences 47:00 - Measuring Self-Awareness 48:20 - Metacognition & Emotional Control 52:49 - The Gray Man Concept 55:42 - Mental Discipline Over Appearance 58:02 - Ego, Posturing & Survival 01:00:13 - Where to Find Brady 01:03:33 - Outro & Recording Wrap 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 Friday Field Notes episode, Ryan Michler delivers a direct and uncompromising message: success never happens by accident. He challenges listeners to confront the ways they may be drifting through life, reacting to circumstances rather than intentionally leading themselves. Ryan explores how comfort, avoidance, and distraction quietly compound into years of lost potential, and contrasts that with the strength and freedom created through discipline, structure, and brotherhood. This episode calls men to choose hardship on purpose, define their standards, and begin taking directional action immediately instead of waiting for motivation to arrive. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introduction to the Drift 02:29 Weakness as the Default Setting 04:56 The Deceitful Nature of Drift 07:19 Mistaking Activity for Productivity 09:43 Structure, Discipline, and Freedom 13:26 Chaos Versus Ownership 15:03 Drift Creates Weak Default Patterns 16:22 Blindness to the Cliff 18:15 Choosing Your Struggle 19:42 Direction Before Motivation 20:23 Standards and Daily Requirements 21:30 Brotherhood as an Antidote 24:34 Identifying Where You Are Drifting 26:58 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  

In this Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan and Kipp kick things off with a lighthearted but revealing conversation before diving into listener questions on purpose, vision, balance, and meaning. They explore why men struggle to articulate what they want, how early conditioning shapes silence, and what happens when men open up and feel shut down. The discussion also tackles work-life balance, daily meaning versus long-term purpose, and why purpose is built through action, not found through thinking alone. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Christmas Check-In and Opening Banter 01:12 Viral Knife Story and Public Reactions 09:42 AMA Begins: Getting the Most from the Iron Council 16:57 Vision vs Character Traits 19:34 Why Men Are Conditioned Not to Want 20:17 What Happens When Men Open Up 30:53 Work, Home, and Community Balance 39:20 Finding Meaning in the Mundane 47:29 Purpose Is Built Through Action 50:16 Christmas Reflections and Closing Remarks 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 know about breath work. You know about cold exposure. It's a thing all the major "influencers" tell you to do. I had some skepticism myself and that's why I wanted to have this man, the original cold exposure and breath work guy on himself, Wim Hof! He is a man who has redefined the limits of the human mind and body. Known globally as The Iceman, Wim Hof has shown millions of people how to take control of their physiology through breath, cold exposure, and mindset. From climbing mountains in nothing but shorts to teaching everyday men how to regulate stress, build resilience, and reconnect with their primal strength, Wim's work challenges everything we think we know about comfort, health, and human potential. Today, we're talking about cold, breath, discipline, and what it really means to return to our factory settings as men. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introduction and Creative Rituals 01:30 Daily Cold and Breathwork Ritual 03:02 Shutting Off the Thinking Brain 05:07 Stress, Cortisol, and Modern Life 07:24 Cold Exposure Myths and Shortcuts 10:05 Minimum Effective Dose of Cold 12:34 Enduring Extreme Cold 14:28 Cold Exposure and Better Sleep 17:09 Breathing, Detox, and Biochemistry 21:35 Carbon Dioxide vs Oxygen 23:45 Ancient Practices, Modern Brains 27:50 Purpose, Presence, and Feeling Alive 30:11 Fulfillment Beyond Words 36:50 Getting High on Your Own Supply 38:11 Faith, Soul, and Inner Purpose 43:26 Motivation, Discipline, and Cold 46:50 Intuition and Better Decisions 50:00 Dopamine, Depression, and Energy 51:02 Final Thoughts and Where to Learn More 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 don't need more information - they need fewer lies. The most common lie? "I'm fine." In this Friday Field Notes episode, Ryan breaks down why "fine" is how men drift, how standards quietly erode, and why most men wait until catastrophe forces them to take their life seriously. This isn't an emotional exercise. It's a logical, factual audit of your body, relationships, finances, mission, and integrity - with no stories, no excuses, and no rationalizations. Ryan challenges you to stop protecting your weak spots, identify where you're cutting corners, and draw one non-negotiable line in the sand that you enforce daily. You don't rise to your potential. You fall to what you tolerate. This episode will push you to: Take an honest inventory of your life Cut distractions, excuses, and self-deception Set one standard that changes everything Stop waiting for pain to force change Start today - not January 1st SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 - The Lie of "I'm Fine" 01:55 - How Men Drift Without Realizing It 03:02 - Why You Must Audit Your Life 05:21 - Body, Marriage, Finances, Mission 07:01 - Where You're Lying to Yourself 09:02 - You Fall to What You Tolerate 10:41 - What Weakens You Is a Liability 11:23 - One Non-Negotiable Standard 12:13 - Discipline Doesn't Wait 13:14 - Stop Waiting for Catastrophe 15:23 - Audit Your Life Before It's Too Late 17:47 - Iron Council & Final Charge 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 tackle the number one issue facing men today: money. From scarcity mindset and debt to retirement planning, investing, and raising financially responsible kids, the conversation blends practical financial wisdom with deeper insights on discipline, self-belief, and values.  Ryan breaks down Dave Ramsey's baby steps, explains Roth vs. traditional IRAs, challenges popular budgeting rules, and shares how to instill abundance thinking in your family. A must-listen for men looking to build wealth without losing perspective. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Financial stress and the current economy 03:46 Physical baseline and discipline 08:59 Scarcity vs. abundance mindset 19:23 Dave Ramsey's seven baby steps 26:01 Roth IRA vs. traditional IRA 34:45 The 50-30-20 budgeting rule 37:29 Building wealth in an underpaid career 45:08 Teaching kids financial discipline 56:18 Iron Council and end-of-year 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

Too many men today aren't struggling because they lack information. They're struggling because they're drowning in noise. And, I think it's time we start unpacking why the "modern masculinity" space has become obsessed with hot takes, call-outs, online outrage, and performative "accountability" - and why none of it builds strong men, meaningful connection, or lasting improvement. Today I'm joined by my friend, Jack Donovan, to talk about why gossip masquerades as moral authority, how "calling men out" often replaces real accountability, the difference between integrity, honor, and reputation, why social media rewards division, not leadership, the dangers of pedestalizing others—and why men need a code to live by. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Studio Setup & Creative Work 02:24 - Why the Right Needs to Create Culture 04:22 - The Problem With Hot Takes 06:06 - Engagement vs. Building a Movement 08:17 - Writing as Intellectual Discipline 10:16 - AI Art, Aesthetics, and Snobbery 12:01 - Giving People the Benefit of the Doubt 14:11 - Funding Art and Leaving a Legacy 17:07 - Storytelling as Masculine Power 19:33 - Integrity as Aesthetic Congruence 21:09 - Integrity vs. Disintegration 23:14 - Faith, Ritual, and Mental Wholeness 25:16 - Philosophy as a Code of Conduct 26:50 - Honor as Reputation 30:13 - Tribalism and Dehumanization 33:18 - Why Men Gossip 36:49 - Malicious Gossip vs. Accountability 41:14 - Reality TV Culture and Privacy 44:43 - Judging Without Context 46:22 - The Danger of Moral Pedestals 49:32 - Hubris and Public Failure 52:31 - The Trust Recession 55:29 - Projection and False Narratives 58:51 - Redemption and Change 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 obsess over goals - the outcomes, the achievements, the shiny targets. But goals don't build men. Standards do. In today's Field Notes, Ryan breaks down why standards define your identity, how they outperform goals in every way, and why your life only changes when you elevate the rules you live by. He shares powerful examples, including recovering from a major injury, why men fail when they rely on motivation, and how to build standards that make you unshakable. Ryan also outlines a four-step framework to reset your identity, eliminate weak standards, and cement the behaviors that transform your life. If you want 2026 to be different, this episode explains exactly where to start. Key Takeaways Goals are emotionally dependent, standards are identity-based. Standards keep you anchored in the present - goals keep you trapped in the future. Goals collapse under adversity; standards strengthen you because they're non-negotiable. A man becomes powerful when he lives by a code with zero negotiation. Your life changes when your identity upgrades, not when your goals get bigger. Four-step framework to build standards that stick: -Identify the man you refuse to be. -Build non-negotiables in all four quadrants (Calibration, Connection, Condition, Contribution). -Build accountability. -Enforce consequences when you violate your own standards. 00:00 - Introduction   00:09 - Why Most Men Get Goals Backwards   01:20 - Goals Don't Build Men — Standards Do   02:33 - Examples of Weak vs. Strong Standards   04:34 - Ryan's Pec Tear: Standards in Adversity   06:24 - A Man Rises or Falls to His Standards   07:50 - Why Goals Fail Men   09:33 - How Goals Delay Action and Keep Men Stuck   11:23 - Goals Collapse Under Stress   12:57 - Standards Create Structure and Strength   14:38 - How Standards Transform a Man   16:10 - Standards Prevent Moral Drift   17:32 - Building Trust Through Consistency   18:57 - Standards Make Men Anti-Fragile   21:03 - Stop Waiting for "All Green Lights"   22:43 - Identity Before Action   23:28 - Fast Progress Comes From Identity Shifts   24:26 - The "Light Yourself on Fire" Lesson   25:14 - Reverse Engineering Goals Into Standards   25:57 - Step 1: Identify the Man You Refuse to Be   27:38 - Making Weak Behaviors Repulsive   29:31 - Step 2: Non-Negotiables in the Four Quadrants   31:32 - Step 3: Accountability   33:00 - Step 4: Enforce Consequences   33:42 - Final Challenge: Raise Your Standards   35:45 - Iron Council Promotion   36:33 - Preview Call Details   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 dive into discipline, motivation, and the realities of staying committed when life gets heavy. They discuss sustaining purpose in long-term work, navigating burnout, and understanding the difference between quitting and evolving.  The conversation takes a powerful turn as Ryan opens up about the passing of his father and what it truly means to forgive and move forward. They also address why men seek validation, how to handle relationship breakdowns, and what books shaped them this year. Practical, grounded, and deeply human - this episode hits every level. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00  Opening & Morning Discipline 01:56  What Keeps You Driven? 11:26  Quitting vs. Evolving 20:02  Burnout and Battle Plans 26:05  Losing a Father & Processing Grief 34:56  Why Men Seek Validation 49:43  Most Impactful Books of the Year 56:12  Iron Council Preview Promotion 58:49  Closing Remarks   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 know you've felt like, in the past, you've been hesitant to share your true feelings and beliefs. Maybe you didn't want to offend that woman you were pursuing. Or, maybe you didn't want to upset your boss and run the risk of losing your job. Or, maybe you were afraid of what society or social media would say if you shared your true thoughts. My guest today, Father Stephen Gadberry, is familiar with all of that in a way that many of us relate with. As a Catholic priest, US Air Force Veteran, and American Ninja Warrior competitor, he knows how compelling public criticism can become. Today, Father Gadberry and I talk about discipline, what "turning the other cheek," really means, how to handle false accusations, what true accountability actually means, the difference between your "vocation," and "occupation," and how God will speak to all of us. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introduction 00:22 Masculinity and the Church 01:20 Growing Up Rural and Military 02:20 Has the Church Become Soft? 04:00 Culture, Covid and Truth 05:40 Truth vs Feeling Good 06:50 What Does "Love at All Costs" Mean? 08:20 Learning to Speak Truth Boldly 10:30 Men and Zero-F Attitudes 11:30 Tempering Instincts and Temptations 13:40 Crash and Burn Lessons 15:40 Discipline and "Doing Hard Things" 17:15 Small Things Shape Big Character 18:45 Christian Persecution Today 21:20 Should Christians Fight Back? 23:40 Violence, Duty, and Discernment 25:20 Bold, Relatable Preaching 27:20 Conviction vs Condemnation 30:00 Accountability Done Right 31:40 Guiding Boys and Raising Men 34:10 Real Discipline and Real Consequences 38:50 Guilt, Shame, and Responsibility 41:15 Preaching While Imperfect 45:10 His Calling and Vocation 53:15 Hearing God's Voice 56:30 Silence and Spiritual Clarity 57:50 Real Masculinity and Faith 59:00 Where to Follow Father Stephen  

In this Friday Field Notes, Ryan explains why so many men have lost the ability to speak up for themselves and how cultural conditioning has silenced masculine confidence and clarity. He covers the cost of silence, how lack of self advocacy leads to resentment and instability, and why reclaiming your voice is a foundational leadership skill. Ryan also provides practical language men can use in relationships, work, friendships, and with themselves to rebuild confidence and assertiveness. This episode is a direct challenge to the mindset that staying quiet keeps the peace. Ryan shows that speaking up is not selfish. It is responsible and necessary if you want to protect, provide, and preside for the people you care about. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Intro 00:53 Why men lost their voice and the conditioning that caused it 03:02 The consequences of silence and suppressed needs 04:48 Self-advocacy is not selfish. It is a responsibility 06:55 The cost of silence and becoming a punching bag 10:22 How suppressed frustration shows up in destructive ways 12:34 Advocating early or resenting later 14:07 How to advocate in relationships 16:18 How to advocate at work 17:17 Advocacy with friends and brothers 17:55 Advocating with yourself and ending excuses 18:58 Clarity equals courage and consistency 19:51 The three-step framework for self-advocacy 23:38 How to communicate needs clearly 26:03 Holding the line and enforcing boundaries 28:23 Self-advocacy and leadership 30:53 Iron Council and the power of counsel from other men 32:38 Final call to action. Get your voice back 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