In this week's Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores the importance of building meaningful male friendships and creating your own "band of brothers." Drawing from personal experiences, including his annual hunting trip in Minnesota, Ryan breaks down five key principles for cultivating brotherhood - working toward a shared goal, finding common activities, embracing challenge, engaging in banter, and showing up consistently.

He reminds men that strong friendships don't just happen - they're built through shared effort, loyalty, and reliability. Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for deepening male bonds and strengthening their sense of purpose and connection.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 – Introduction: The Power of Male Friendships
02:17 – Work Toward a Common Goal or Enemy
04:38 – Find Shared Hobbies and Activities
07:56 – Embrace Challenge and Growth
09:24 – Banter, Insults, and Testing Bonds
11:54 – Consistency and Predictability
16:35 – Recap: The Five Keys to Male Friendship
17:12 – The Iron Council Brotherhood

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 tackle questions about rebuilding from loss, finding purpose, and leading your family with meaning. They discuss biblical masculinity, staying present with family, being reliable in relationships, and helping kids find purpose.

Ryan also shares lessons from his recent travels and interviews, emphasizing the value of simplicity, responsibility, and action. A thought-provoking, practical conversation for men striving to live intentionally and lead well.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 – Ryan's return and recent adventures
02:40 – YouTube update and setup
03:05 – Losing everything and rebuilding
13:05 – Biblical masculinity and fulfillment
20:59 – Listening, memory, and reliability in marriage
33:10 – Balancing ambition with being present
40:13 – Helping kids find purpose
47:12 – Framing and managing pain
53:48 – Closing thoughts and promotions

On our perpetual quest for bigger, better, faster, wealthier, and stronger, we’re led to believe that more is the answer – more gadgets, advanced technology, connections, resources, money, entertainment, etc. But what if there was a case to be made the answer to fulfillment is not in more but in less?

My guest today, Dewyane Noel, makes that case. We talk about why less is more, how to reduce noise, chaos, and distraction in the modern world, the value of a hard day’s work, what we can learn about human behavior through good horsemanship, and why good men ride good horses.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 – Working Together as Men
04:21 – Teaching the Next Generation of Horsemen
07:49 – “He Rode Good Horses” and Life Lessons
09:16 – A Man’s Epitaph and Legacy
09:59 – The Purpose Behind Becoming a Better Man
13:09 – Hitting Rock Bottom and Choosing Change
17:19 – Guarding Peace and Avoiding Old Patterns
19:53 – Living Off the Grid and Finding Rest
24:38 – Setting Boundaries and Protecting Privacy
25:39 – Why Dwayne Began Sharing His Message
27:47 – The Best Advice: Just Chill
30:55 – Needing Less vs. Always Wanting More
35:38 – Filtering Needs vs. Wants
42:23 – The Easiest Person to Lie to Is Yourself
43:10 – How a Man Learns to Like Himself
48:51 – Weakness, Horses, and Assertiveness
51:25 – Leadership, Trust, and the Alpha Role
57:24 – Teaching Responsibility Before Autonomy
01:04:10 – Redefining Manhood and Discipline
01:07:30 – Fatherhood, Boundaries, and “Toxicity”
01:12:29 – The Benevolent Alpha in Marriage
01:15:34 – Growth, Maturity, and Becoming a Better 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 men are working hard, providing, producing — but not necessarily happy. In this Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler shares six practical principles to help you rediscover joy and meaning in your life. From cutting toxic influences to reconnecting with purpose, this episode helps you break out of burnout and live with more fulfillment.

Whether you’re frustrated, exhausted, or simply drifting, this conversation will help you recalibrate your priorities and bring more joy into every area of your life.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why so many men feel unhappy despite “doing everything right”
• The real reason joy isn’t selfish — it’s essential
• How to identify people who lift you up vs. those who drain you
• Why you must remove toxic activities to make room for happiness
• How minimalism creates margin for peace and purpose
• The importance of saying yes to adventure and interesting experiences
• How to attach your work to a deeper mission
  Why serving others is the ultimate path to joy

Resources & Links Mentioned:

Join The Iron Council – our exclusive brotherhood for men:
www.orderofman.com/ironcouncil

Follow Ryan on Instagram → @ryanmichler

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - Introduction
01:00 - Why so many men are unhappy
02:20 - What’s the point if you’re not joyful?
04:59 - Finding meaningful work
07:08 - Step 1 – Only spend time with people who fulfill you
09:15 - Step 2 – Eliminate toxic activities & find margin
11:38 - Step 3 – Have fewer things
16:29 - Step 4 – Say yes to things that make life interesting
18:59 - Step 5 – Attach your work to a mission
26:09 - Step 6 – Be selfless and serve others
32:06 - Final message – Take action and find joy

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, Kipp Sorensen sits down with Jay Jairdullo from the Iron Council for a powerful conversation about purpose, vulnerability, and growth. They discuss emotional regulation, staying resilient when life feels heavy, and how to lead with authenticity at home and at work.

Listener questions explore fatherhood, leadership, connection, and career challenges. Jay and Kipp also share practical tools for staying grounded, building community, and re-integrating after time apart. Plus, updates on the Iron Council and upcoming Order of Man events.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 – Intro and Iron Council background
02:00 – Reflections on purpose and service
06:57 – Meaning through serving others (Hook)
08:48 – Being vulnerable while maintaining respect
22:03 – Habits for when life feels deflated
31:23 – Building stronger local meetups
38:16 – Rebuilding life and finances
48:10 – Emotional maturity for men
51:25 – Staying connected during military absence
58:42 – Promotions and closing thoughts

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

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

Why do people refuse to say what they see, and, what everyone knows…whether or not they’re willing to acknowledge it? Is there some benefit to keeping quiet, adhering to the “unwritten rules,” and, is there a time and place to break tradition?

Today, I’m joined by Harvard professor, Dr. Steven Pinker to answer these questions. We also discuss the difference between common knowledge and common wisdom, whether or not it’s hypocrisy to stay quiet about the unwritten rules, when to be radically honest or complacently quiet, how to judge risk in your honesty, how the “Abeline Paradox” will serve you, and the importance of male initiation.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Steven Pinker
00:45 – Defining “common knowledge” vs. “common sense”
03:11 – “Don’t ask, don’t tell” and social hypocrisy
07:46 – Cultural shifts and the meaning of hypocrisy
09:41 – Morality, religion, and policy contradictions
11:21 – Hidden hypocrisies: paper bags and escort services
14:07 – How common knowledge shapes power (Taiwan example)
17:05 – “Coming out” and the social costs of honesty
20:10 – Honesty vs. tact in relationships
23:13 – Learning social nuance: autism and empathy
31:00 – Layers of communication and meaning
34:50 – The Abilene paradox and pluralistic ignorance
38:02 – How silence empowers repression
42:42 – Conformity and social conditioning
44:06 – Building virtuous influence as men
47:22 – Civilizing young men and the role of masculinity
51:48 – The crisis of modern manhood
54:08 – Ruthless honesty with compassion (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

In this week’s Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down how men can reclaim masculinity in an overly feminized culture.

He outlines five principles for leading, protecting, and providing in a world that often mislabels masculine virtues as toxic. Ryan challenges modern misconceptions, redefines what strength looks like, and calls men to take responsibility - for themselves, their families, and their communities.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - Intro - The Cost of a Feminized Culture
00:12 - We Live in an Overly Feminized Culture
02:33 - Rule #1 - Reject the Idea That Men and Women Are the Same
05:38 - Rule #2 - Masculinity Isn’t Toxic, It’s How You Use It
08:04 - Masculine vs. Feminine Virtues: Different, Not Opposed
10:27 - Rule #3 - Don’t Take Masculinity Advice from Women
14:31 - Rule #4 - Boys Need Men: Why Male Influence Matters
16:40 - Rule #5 - Read the Room: Strength vs. Compassion
20:15 - Balancing Masculine and Feminine Parenting Roles
22:35 - Rule #6 - Embrace Meritocracy & Earn Influence
26:50 - Next Week: Dr. Steven Pinker Teaser
26:57 - Subscribe & YouTube Growth Promo

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Modern culture has conditioned men to abandon masculine traits.

• Masculinity itself isn’t toxic — it’s how you use it.

• Men and women are equal in worth but different in design and purpose.

• Men must mentor boys to become strong, capable leaders.

• Leadership requires discernment — strength and compassion both matter.

• Reclaiming masculinity means earning influence through merit and integrity.

• Upcoming Guest: Dr. Steven Pinker (next week’s interview)

• Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/orderofman

• Follow Ryan Michler on Instagram: @ryanmichler

• Join the Order of Man Community: orderofman.com

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 Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle a wide range of powerful listener questions—from raising children without a “heart at war” to building better connections with your sons and wives. They dive deep into personal growth, leadership, and balance, discussing authenticity, recovery, and what it means to find peace while still pursuing excellence.
They also explore the realities of career transitions and starting new business ventures. A thoughtful, real, and motivating conversation filled with practical wisdom and relatable life lessons.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 – Opening banter & hunting talk
02:19 – First viewer question (Tony)
12:14 – Staying driven without Iron Council
15:53 – Connecting with teenage sons
26:13 – Reflecting on past podcast episodes
30:41 – Relationship checklists & intentional connection
34:32 – Resources for starting a business
39:32 – When to leave your job
43:17 – Finding peace while still growing
50:08 – Promotions & course announcements
52:22 – 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