Order Of Man: Protect | Provide | Preside

You're listening to a men's self-help podcast so it's safe to assume that you're interested in becoming more disciplined, structured, and productive. But there is a side of discipline that many of the self-help gurus won't talk to you about – when discipline becomes a liability more than an asset. My guest today, Craig Ballantyne, joins me to talk about what that even means, what it looks like, and what to do about it. We also cover why it's so important that you plan your days out months in advance, how to keep yourself from distractions but building in flexibility to your day, how much a man can get done in what he calls, "slivers of time," and why you should never paint yourself into a box you don't belong. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 - Introduction 01:12 - Discipline and rigidity: the downside of structure 03:30 - Parenthood, resilience, and slivers of time 07:30 - The balance between discipline and flexibility 10:00 - Craig's life in Mexico and bilingual family life 14:30 - Managing distractions and time bound

Most men think the X Factor - that magnetic presence of strong, capable men - is something you're born with. It's not. It's built through five rules that any man can follow. In this Friday Field Note, Ryan Michler breaks down the simple, actionable formula that will make you more influential, bold, and courageous - and help you create the life and relationships you want. The 5 Rules Every Man Must Follow: Be Strong - build the trifecta: physical, mental, and emotional strength Be Emotionally Stable - create safety and calm for your family and team Be Kind - true kindness comes from power, not weakness Be Discerning - not everyone deserves your time or vulnerability Be Courageous - take action even when you're scared SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 - What Is the X Factor? 00:30 - The Myth of the X Factor 02:58 - Rule #1: Be Strong 07:18 - Rule #2: Be Emotionally Stable 11:11 - Rule #3: Be Kind 13:20 - Rule #4: Be Discerning 18:04 - Rule #5: Be Courageous 24:15 - The Iron Council Promo 24:50 - Closing Challenge Battle P

In this week's Ask Me Anything, Kipp and Shawn tackle listener questions from the Iron Council, diving deep into the practices of visualization, breaking mental limits, embracing mentorship, and persevering through pain.  The conversation turns raw as the hosts address loneliness, depression, and how men can build stronger connections through openness and authenticity. This episode reminds us that growth requires action, awareness, and brotherhood. Join Kipp and Shawn as they offer practical and heartfelt wisdom to help men live more purposefully and powerfully every day. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:05 - Opening & Dodgers Talk 01:08 - Promotion - Iron Council 02:16 - Ken's Question: Visualization Struggles 14:29 - Julian's Question: Breaking Limiting Narratives 28:36 - Dwayne's Question: Master vs Apprentice Learning 37:22 - Brian's Question: Fighting Through Pain 45:29 - Jeremy's Question: Blind Spots in Men 50:14 - Nana's Question: Handling Gossip & Slander 58:37 - Dustin's Question: Coping with Depression &

Whether we acknowledge it or not, there are certain behaviors and mindsets that are etched into our psyche by our fathers. And, if we cannot be aware of what they are, we lose any hope of having power over them and charting new paths for ourselves and our children. Today, I'm joined by Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, to talk about the legacy his father left and how he is trying to break the string of mindsets that hindered, not helped. We talk about how do adapt when plans don't work, the power of the meritocracy, how to overcome the victimhood mentality, creating powerful and healthy outlets, and the mantras that have served him well and that he wishes to instill in his children. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – The New York Marathon disaster 02:00 – Pushing through with mantras 03:40 – Planning, pace, and preparation 05:30 – Travel stress and overcommitment 07:37 – The power of mental reframing 08:11 – Continuous forward motion 10:35 – Learning from past failures 11:58 – "On to Cincinnati" mindset 15:23 – Lesso

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

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

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:

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 P

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 powe

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

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

It’s no secret that men are fascinated with the Roman Empire. Tales of battle, glory, and reign ignite our passion and enthusiasm for exerting our will against our enemies and for the benefit of those we lead. But these tales aren’t just an entertaining insight into the way men’s minds work – they’re also cautionary regarding how every once-great civilization has fallen. Today, I’m joined by Jeremy Ryan Slate to discuss what makes men so attracted to the Roman Empire, in what ways the United States in following in its ill-fated footsteps (and, in which ways it isn’t), lessons we can learn from monetary policy, political aspirations, wars and conquests, and how we can avoid the fate (or, at least prolong) every great civilization has eventually faced. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction and setup 00:58 - Technical issues and restart 04:07 - Why men are fascinated by the Roman Empire 07:45 - Monetary policy, inflation, and control in Rome 13:50 - The rise of Julius Caesar and fall of the Republic 21:18 - Augus

In this deeply personal episode, Ryan opens up about his own divorce - how it unfolded, what he learned, and how men can navigate their own journey with strength and integrity. Drawing from experience and thousands of conversations with men, Ryan shares five things NOT to do and five things TO do when facing divorce. He reminds listeners that divorce, while painful, doesn’t have to be the end - it can be the start of rebuilding your life with purpose, clarity, and resilience. Key Takeaways Five Don’ts:  - Don’t sedate yourself - Avoid alcohol, porn, or distractions that numb growth.  - Don’t stalk your ex - Cut off emotional dependence and focus forward.  - Don’t sleep around - Don’t use others to fill emotional voids.  - Don’t seek vengeance or self-harm - You’re needed, and life can get better.  - Don’t watch porn - It distorts intimacy and respect for women. Five Do’s:  - Build male friendships - Brotherhood is essential for healing and accountability.  - Develop new skills - Strengthen your financial and

In this week’s Ask Me Anything, Ryan Michler and guest co-host Jay Jairdullo tackle powerful questions from members of the Iron Council and the broader Order of Man community. They dive into overcoming complacency after success, saving a struggling marriage, the real key to consistency, and finding clarity amid diet confusion.  Ryan also shares guidance on battling depression, building self-worth, and mastering emotional regulation. This episode is packed with wisdom, frameworks, and honest stories that every man can apply to become stronger and more grounded in purpose. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Intro and catch-up with Jay 01:26 – Setting new goals and avoiding complacency 07:42 – Navigating marital separation and self-improvement 17:31 – Why some men thrive in the Iron Council 34:18 – Using the Pareto Principle 42:51 – Overcoming depression and learning self-love 48:35 – Managing emotions and staying calm 56:21 – Final thoughts and Iron Council invitation Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's ne

Early in my self-development days, I would only consume non-fiction, self-help books. It seemed to be doing the trick but I became more consumed with the amount of books I read at the expense of actually improving my life. Then a friend encouraged me to read fiction every once in a while. Shortly thereafter, my friend Jack Carr, released his first book, Terminal List – which I devoured. And, Jack Carr is back with me again to talk about his newest book, Cry Havoc. But we talk a whole lot more than just the book. We cover how best to cultivate a new skill set (be it writing or something else), the importance of exercising the brain, making yourself better through wisdom, worrying about only what you can control, and the value of fictional work on your self-development journey. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Catching up with Jack Carr and reflecting on The Terminal List beginnings 01:23 - How publishing has changed and the modern author’s battlefield 05:21 - Gratitude, readers, and using social media for good 09:21 -

In this Friday Field Notes, Ryan dives into the inevitable challenges every man faces—and how you can rise above them. Being a male is a matter of birth, but being a man is earned through responsibility, capability, and leadership. Ryan outlines practical ways to prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually so that you can protect, provide, and preside when it matters most. Whether it’s solving problems under pressure, anticipating threats, regulating emotions, or empowering others, this episode will challenge you to step up and live as the man you were meant to be. SHOWNOTES 00:00 – Intro 00:10 – Not every male is a man: challenge defines manhood 02:34 – True leadership reveals itself when things go wrong 04:50 – The power of anticipation and situational awareness 09:23 – Building capability in every area of life 11:45 – Manhood as a profession: constantly improving yourself 14:08 – Emotional regulation and creating safety 16:20 – Helping others solve their own problems 18:47 – Soverei

Ryan and Kipp dig into building and protecting the relationships that matter: how to communicate needs, spot relationships that no longer serve you, rebuild trust with children after long absences, and strike the balance between work, service, and family. Along the way Ryan shares a harrowing (and hilarious) zipline rescue that reinforces why we should hold our loved ones close. Practical advice, real-world boundaries, and quick tactical habits (like rotating one-on-one lunches with kids) make this episode a toolkit for men working to show up better at home and in community. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 — Intro & topic setup 04:26 — Topic: building relationships (Iron Council prompt) 10:20 — Q: William Pennell — communicating needs 15:47 — Q: Jeremy Kofi — when relationships stop serving 20:45 — Q: Travis Gare — reentering your son's life after absence 31:10 — Q: Matthew Jenkins — prioritizing time with family 40:16 — Q: Christopher Jackson — reclaiming masculine energy 45:19 — Q: Eric Tyler — inner work before

In 1992, John Gray released, “Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus.” It was important work then. It is just as (if not, more so) important today. Why do we as men struggle to understand what women are thinking and saying? And, why do women struggle just as much in understanding us? My guest today, Vanessa Bennet, author of “The Motherhood Myth,” and psychotherapist sheds some light on the reasons, including an inside look at what women are thinking and why. Today, we talk about the misunderstandings between men and women, why women aren’t interested in being with you as one of their children, why women are looking for leadership and respect from men, what is healthy womanhood and manhood, why safety is a key factor in attractiveness for women, and what it really means when a woman says, “I want a man who is vulnerable.” SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 — Intro & Costa Rica setup 02:02 — Miscommunication Between Men & Women 09:17 — Shadow Work & Shame 13:06 — Myths of Motherhood 18:07 — Finding the Middle

In this Friday Field Notes episode, Ryan Michler explores what it truly means for men to take risks and why it’s essential for growth, leadership, and purpose. He outlines the importance of knowing your “why,” weighing risk versus reward, hedging your bets, and preparing every area of your life before making bold moves. Ryan also emphasizes the need for courage, resilience, and guidance from mentors. This conversation is a practical and powerful guide for men who want to step into greater responsibility, push past fear, and live with meaning while taking calculated, righteous risks. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:14 Big goals and the role of risk 02:24 The importance of knowing your why 07:03 Measuring risk versus reward 09:27 Hedging your bets 11:50 Getting your house in order 14:16 SWOT analysis for decision-making 16:37 The mandate to take righteous risk 18:55 Coaching opportunities and Iron Council Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the I