Order Of Man: Protect | Provide | Preside

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

My good friend Kipp Sorensen interviews me. I'm on the hot seat today and very excited to be talking with you about all things Order of Man, including the origin story of Order of Man, why we need to be careful of falling into the comparison trap, but how it can actually help you by comparing yourself in healthy ways to others. We talk about having healthy relationships with delayed gratification. Any misconceptions about what order of man does what we're doing now and into the future, how we've grown the movement, and how we continue to innovate and come up with new ideas. We talk about some of the tactics and strategies. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Cold Open & Fight Talk 03:12 Reversing the Roles — Ryan on the Hot Seat 05:30 The Origin of Order of Man 11:20 Launching the Iron Council 13:50 Commitment and Delayed Gratification 19:28 Why Ryan Never Quit the Mission 22:00 Lessons From Personal Struggles and Divorce 28:00 Commitment to the Mission vs Results 30:20 The Trap of Always Chasing "What's Next" 34:28 De

Ryan Michler challenges the cultural myth of the "lone wolf" man and explains why isolation is quietly destroying modern men. While movies, social media, and modern culture glorify the rugged individual who needs no one, the truth is the opposite - men were built for brotherhood, tribes, and shared struggle. Ryan breaks down why modern systems incentivize isolation, how loneliness leads to mediocrity and addiction, and what men can do to build real brotherhood again. From historical examples of men organizing to modern distractions that keep men disconnected, this episode is a powerful reminder that the strongest men aren't lone wolves - they're leaders of packs. Ryan also shares practical ways to build connection, including where brotherhood naturally forms and how to take the first step in creating it. In This Episode Why the "lone wolf" myth is a lie What actually happens to lone wolves in nature How isolation is affecting modern men Why systems and incentives push men toward loneliness How tec

In this week's Ask Me Anything, Ryan and Kipp tackle powerful questions from the brotherhood. They discuss what lessons they are intentionally teaching their children, why so many men feel life is out of their control, and how to balance purpose with financial opportunity. They dive into navigating raises, friendships strained by marriage dynamics, changing your mind when confronted with new evidence, and what role men should play in addressing corruption and cultural issues. As always, this episode blends practical advice with direct challenges to step up, take ownership, and live intentionally. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Fireplace Story & Technology Comforts 07:06 - Teaching Kids What We Didn't Learn 14:10 - Control vs Victim Mentality 24:33 - Purpose vs Money 29:48 - Changing Your Mind 37:18 - Investing for Your Kids 41:24 - Asking for a Raise 49:11 - Friendship & Marriage Boundaries 53:35 - Epstein Issue & Civic Responsibility 58:05 - Stop Talking. Start Acting. Battle Planners: Pick yours up to

What does it mean to manufacture "do or die" intensity in a world that's built for comfort? How do you improve your position always — not just tactically, but physically, mentally, and spiritually? In this episode, we dig into conditioning as a way of life, why wind is everything, why over-specialization weakens men, and how to build true work capacity through skill, strength, and nervous system development. We talk about leading from the front, refusing to put men on pedestals, removing the mask, and confronting the quiet war of self-deception and self-worth that so many men fight in silence. To unpack it, I'm joined by Rudy Reyes — Force Recon Marine, warrior-athlete, conservationist, and a man who has lived these principles from jungle warfare to rebuilding coral reefs with Force Blue. Rudy brings a rare blend of intensity and benevolence, tactical precision and spiritual depth. This conversation is about becoming dangerous in the right way — stronger for your family, clearer in your identity, and grounded

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler reflects on the public rise and fall of actor Shia LaBeouf to explore a deeper issue affecting men everywhere: isolation. While fame and success may amplify a man's strengths and weaknesses, they cannot stabilize him. Ryan argues that the real danger is not failure, but a lack of brotherhood and accountability. Through personal insight and hard-earned experience, he challenges men to build strong systems and surround themselves with brothers who will confront, support, and walk with them - especially when life begins to unravel. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - The Rise and Fall of Shia LaBeouf 04:36 - Success Amplifies, It Doesn't Stabilize 07:15 - No TMZ in Your Living Room 09:36 - Untouchable Men Become Unstable 12:05 - What Real Brotherhood Does 16:25 - Systems Over Willpower 18:51 - Fame Didn't Destroy Him 20:09 - Who Can Confront You? 21:02 - Submit to Accountability 22:48 - A Call to Build the Brotherhood Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new

In this week's Ask Me Anything, Ryan and Kipp dive deep into ancestry, fatherhood, marriage, leadership, depression, and raising strong young men in a modern world. From guiding your kids with better standards, to rebuilding intimacy in marriage, to understanding what real vulnerability looks like, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. They also discuss how men often become their own biggest obstacle - and what to do about it.  Plus, a conversation about movies that shape boys into men. If you're navigating fatherhood, marriage, or personal growth, this one hits home. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Ironman Training & Weekend Plans 09:05 - Family Ancestry & Legacy 15:51 - Raising Kids with Higher Standards 25:03 - What Women Mean by "Vulnerability" 28:47 - Are Movies a Good Way to Teach Boys? 40:35 - Marriage Struggles & Depression 53:02 - The Power of Brotherhood Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brot

There are things that happened to you that weren't your fault. Maybe your dad wasn't there. Maybe no one modeled strength, discipline, or direction. Maybe you were handed confusion instead of clarity and drift instead of standards. But while it may not have been your fault, it is your responsibility. And the moment you understand that is the moment your life begins to change. Today, my guest Frank Schwartz (Dark Helmet in the F3 Community, and I talk about what it means to stop blaming, stop guessing, and start leading. We'll unpack why so many men feel disconnected from purpose, how to build direction through fitness, fellowship, and faith, and why your community needs you to set the standard - not apologize for it. This isn't about shame. It's about ownership. And ownership is where power begins. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Time Passing & Becoming Grandfathers 01:32 - 100,000 Men & What They're Really Struggling With 02:39 - The Crisis of Purpose in Modern Men 05:01 - Why Brotherhood Changes Everything

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan dives into five common phrases women say that often don't match what they actually mean. This isn't about deception or manipulation - it's about understanding human nature, attraction dynamics, emotional safety, and relationship leadership. If men build relationships on what's said instead of what's actually happening beneath the surface, they risk frustration, confusion, and disconnection. Ryan breaks down:  - Why "I'm fine" rarely means fine  - The truth behind "He's just a friend"  - Why women don't actually want a "nice guy"  - The myth of the "dad bod" preference  - What's really behind "I don't need a man" The goal? Stronger relationships, better discernment, and healthier dynamics between men and women. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - Why This Conversation Matters 01:00 - Lie #1: "I'm Fine" 05:10 - Lie #2: "He's Just a Friend" 09:58 - Lie #3: "I Want a Nice Guy" 14:39 - Lie #4: "I Like Dad Bods" 17:55 - Lie #5: "I Don't Need a Man" 23:37 - What This Is

In this week's Ask Me Anything, Ryan and Kipp dive into powerful listener questions from the Iron Council and Facebook group. They break down the difference between chasing and pursuing, how to handle employee resentment after promotions, and how childhood beliefs silently shape the man you become. The conversation moves into leading through chaos, navigating marital strain, protecting yourself during divorce, and the real risks and opportunities of AI. Raw, unfiltered, and highly practical - this episode is packed with leadership wisdom for men navigating business, marriage, and modern life. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introduction 02:45 Chasing vs. Pursuing 07:42 Handling Employee Raise Fallout 22:13 Childhood Beliefs That Shape You 32:17 Leading Through Setbacks 41:17 When Is Enough Enough in Marriage? 45:45 The Truth About AI Risks & Leverage 01:06:06 Divorce Strategy & Legal Advice 01:09:17 The Last Time We Laughed Hard Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Mani

We're living in a digital battlefield and most men don't even know they're fighting. The time we spend on our devices is unreal, and if it's free, you're the product. Algorithms and machine learning are engineered to hijack your attention, erode focus, and create compulsive habits. Today we're talking about auditing your digital life, removing the noise to find the signal, and building the discipline to guard your mind in an age of constant distraction. Joining me is Richard Ryan, author of The Warrior's Garden, built on the principle that it's better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war. We discuss digital detox, delayed gratification, accountability, and reclaiming the smallest locus of control so you can't be manipulated by the forces competing for your attention. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Recording Begins & Digital Reality Check 00:50 - The Attention Economy: You Are the Product 03:00 - Negativity Bias & Why Outrage Wins Online 07:00 - Screen Time Audit: The Lifetime Cost 10:00 - Su

Men have lost initiation. There was a time when boys were tested before becoming men. They faced hardship. They endured pain. They returned changed - recognized as men. Today, that process is gone. In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down: Why modern men feel lost The three elements of ancient initiation Why pain is necessary How comfort culture is weakening men Why nobody is coming to initiate you How to initiate yourself If you feel stuck, drifting, or chasing validation - this episode is for you. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Men Have Lost Initiation 00:26 When Boys Knew They Became Men 02:50 The Cost of Extended Adolescence 05:10 Comfort Culture Is Weakening Men 07:25 "Where Have All the Real Men Gone?" 08:05 The Three Elements of Initiation 08:30 Removed From Comfort 09:24 The Benefit of Pain 11:15 The Trial: Facing Fear 12:56 Recognition and Acknowledgment 14:49 Drifting, Chasing, and the Integrity Gap 16:35 Nobody Is Coming to Initiate You 17:14 Voluntary Hardship 18:45 What Initiation

In this Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen answer powerful questions from the Iron Council on leadership, fatherhood, faith, discipline, and personal responsibility. They explore how to eliminate noise and live an integrated life, coach teenage boys through cultural conflict, raise resilient children, and avoid bureaucratic leadership traps. The conversation also confronts modern church culture, challenges the pursuit of comfort over growth, and defines what it truly means to be present as a father - even when work demands time away. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode Introduction 03:50 - Signal vs Noise and Life Integration 14:27 - Coaching Teens Through Cultural Conflict 22:52 - Leadership Systems vs Human Judgment 34:41 - Faith, Masculinity, and the Modern Church 47:29 - Helping Kids Find Their Passion 52:31 - Defining Presence as a Working Father 56:19 - Men's Forge Event Announcement Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more infor

In a world that constantly pressures men to outsource responsibility, comfort has become a substitute for competence and dependence is sold as safety. But sovereignty isn't something given to you by institutions, culture, or circumstance. It's secured through discipline, ownership, and a commitment to lead yourself first. In this episode, we're talking about what it really means to secure your sovereignty—mentally, physically, financially, and morally—so no one else gets to dictate the terms of your life. My guest today, Ian Wendt, joins me for a powerful conversation on reclaiming authority over your decisions, your time, and your future. We dig into the hidden trade-offs men make when they surrender control, the systems that quietly erode independence, and the practical steps required to stand firm as a self-governed man in an increasingly unstable world. This isn't about rebellion, it's about responsibility. If you're serious about protecting what you've built and leading with clarity and conviction, this

Most men believe confidence comes after certainty - once they make more money, gain more experience, or eliminate risk. In this Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler challenges that belief and explains why clarity, not certainty, is the real source of confidence. Ryan breaks down how ambiguity quietly drains a man's energy, why indecision exhausts the nervous system, and how avoiding clarity eventually leads to resentment, broken relationships, and missed opportunities. He also explains why most men don't lack clarity - they lack the courage to act on what they already know. This episode is a call to action: stop negotiating with clarity, make decisions, and move forward calmly, deliberately, and decisively. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Confidence vs Certainty 00:38 - Why Ambiguity Drains Men 02:32 - How Indecision Exhausts Your Energy 04:34 - Clarity Calms the Nervous System 05:45 - Confidence Is Calm, Not Loud 06:30 - Why Men Avoid Clarity 08:08 - Clarity Requires Courage 10:16 - "Patience" as Avoidance 12:19 - What

In this Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle real-world questions from men across the globe. They discuss staying on the path after divorce, resisting the urge to chase new systems, and why consistency matters more than quick results. The conversation dives into parenting sons and daughters, raising boys through real-world apprenticeship, navigating estranged relationships with adult children, and how emotional regulation shapes leadership and influence. From fitness and fatherhood to boundaries, patience, and embodiment, this episode offers grounded wisdom for men committed to growth. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Weekend banter and life updates 03:35 - Systems after divorce and consistency 14:12 - Predictions, expectations, and relationships 21:26 - Taking young children into the outdoors 29:29 - Connecting with daughters as a father 35:55 - Teaching young men leadership and decisions 42:46 - Estrangement from children and self-leadership 51:48 - Men's Forge event announcement and CTA  

What does it mean to truly protect something you love? And, what are you willing to sacrifice to do it? Today's guest has gone farther into the wild than most people ever will, not for thrill or ego, but to defend one of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. From the depths of the Amazon rainforest to the front lines of conservation, this is a conversation about courage, responsibility, and confronting fear head-on. My guest today is Paul Rosolie, a renowned explorer, conservationist, and storyteller whose life's work is rooted in protecting the Amazon and the creatures that inhabit it. We talk about what the jungle teaches you about yourself, the modern war on nature, and his powerful new book, Junglekeeper, which challenges us to stop outsourcing responsibility and start defending what matters, personally and globally. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 01:15 - Encounter With an Uncontacted Amazon Tribe 04:10 - The Amazon Rubber Boom and Tribal Genocide 06:45 - Protecting the Last Wild Places 08:20 - L

Healthy boundaries are essential - but most men don't know what they actually look like. In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down eight practical boundaries every man must establish in his personal, professional, and romantic relationships to build respect, alignment, and long-term success. These boundaries aren't about control or ultimatums - they're about clarity, self-respect, and creating relationships that truly work. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Why Boundaries Matter 01:10 - Why Men Struggle with Boundaries 02:38 - Grace, Communication, and Relationships 03:05 - High Fences Make Great Neighbors 05:05 - Alignment in Healthy Relationships 06:15 - Boundary #1: Reciprocity 07:26 - Boundary #2: Initiation 08:50 - Boundary #3: Flow 10:55 - Boundary #4: Capacity 12:08 - Boundary #5: Self-Abandonment 14:45 - Boundary #6: Regulation 17:30 - Boundary #7: Exit Boundary 22:55 - Boundary #8: Potential 24:10 - Identifying Triggered Boundaries 26:05 - Communicating Boundaries Effectively 28:40 - Join