Behind The Anvil

Host Michael Peterson sits down with author S.L. Kunz for an inspiring conversation about creativity, storytelling, overcoming challenges, and turning lifelong dreams into reality. Stephanie shares how her passion for writing began in middle school, inspired by fantasy classics like The Lord of the Rings, and how she eventually fulfilled her dream of becoming a published author. Together, Michael...

From Warthogs to Writing: USAF Veteran & Author Douglas Berry In Episode 27 of Behind The Anvil Podcast, host Michael Peterson sits down with retired United States Air Force veteran, songwriter, and author Douglas Berry, creator of the beloved Jasper the Rabbit children's book series. Douglas shares stories from his 20-year Air Force career, including four deployments to the Middle East and hi...

Behind The Anvil Podcast – Special Edition Episode 26 Forging the Future: Dustin Rhodes Launches Smoky Mountain Forge Works & Trading Post In this special edition of Behind The Anvil Podcast, host Michael Peterson sits down with bladesmith and educator Dustin Rhodes to discuss an exciting new chapter in his journey. Formerly known as Axes on Main and Dustin Rhodes Forge Works, Dustin shares th...

On this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with Mandy Thomas of Dragon City Resort and Mission Phoenix, along with Mission Phoenix founder Josh Gagne, for a powerful conversation about serving those who have served our nation. Mandy shares the incredible journey of acquiring Dragon City Resort along Tennessee's famous Tail of the Dragon and transforming it into more than...

.From Navy Flight Engineer to Changing Lives: Rebecca Dawn & T14P In this inspiring episode of Behind The Anvil Podcast, host Michael Peterson sits down with Rebecca Dawn, founder of T14P, a Sevier County-based nonprofit dedicated to helping women battling breast cancer regain a sense of normalcy through custom-fitted, medical-grade wigs. Rebecca shares the incredible story behind T14P, explai...

From Fishing Lures to 3D Printing: Building Custom Creations with Spicy Mike In Season 2 Episode 23 of Behind The Anvil Podcast, Host Michael Peterson sits down with Michael “Spicy Mike” Kerley for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from custom fishing lures and boat restoration to 3D printing technology and entrepreneurship. Spicy Mike shares how he got into designing and manufacturi...

Forged Minds & Damascus Dreams with RJ “Hitman” Goble Host Michael Peterson sits down with RJ “Hitman” Goble of Hitman Customz for an in-depth conversation covering everything from Damascus steel and heat treating to mental health, entrepreneurship, and the paranormal. RJ shares his return to full-time bladesmithing after nearly two years away from the forge and discusses the passion behind Hi...

S2 E21 — How God Used Forged in Fire to Forge Redeemed Steel In this powerful episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with bladesmith Billy from Yellow Rose Forge and Redeemed Steel to discuss how a passion for blacksmithing became a worldwide ministry impacting lives across five continents. Billy shares the incredible story of how Yellow Rose Forge began as simple summer proj...

Episode 20 of Behind The Anvil Podcast features Host Michael Peterson going solo behind the mic for a deep dive into knife making, creativity, AI tools, and the stories that shaped the craft. Michael shares updates from the shop, including new blacksmith knife designs, a spring steel letter opener project, and the ongoing build of a custom friction folder knife with handmade spacers and refined me...

Behind The Anvil Podcast host Michael Peterson sits down for an in-depth roundtable discussion with Shawn Shropshire, Brian J Rognholt, and John C. Thunert for a raw and honest conversation about the realities of the modern knife-making industry. From organizing knife shows and small business events to surviving changing market trends after the boom sparked by Forged in Fire, the crew breaks down...

In this episode, host Michael Peterson sits down with Richard Kaufman, known as “The Comeback Kid,” for a real and inspiring conversation about resilience, business, and finding purpose after setbacks. Richard shares how his military experience shaped his approach to entrepreneurship, including using structured planning like the “9-line” in business. He also opens up about overcoming major persona...

The Wandering Bladesmith Returns. Host Michael Peterson sits down once again with Shawn Shropshire, aka the Wandering Bladesmith, for a wide-ranging conversation packed with shop talk, travel stories, and real talk about the knife-making industry. From the Oklahoma Knife Group show to international adventures in Brazil and Italy, Shawn shares insights on building a business, connecting with makers...

Forged in Fire & Life: Brian Rognholt’s Journey Through Steel and Survival Episode Description: In Episode 17 of Behind The Anvil Podcast, host Michael Peterson sits down with Brian J Rognholt for a deep dive into a life shaped by fire, steel, and resilience. Brian shares how his blacksmithing journey began back in 1988, evolving from making simple crosses to tackling complex architectural iro...

In this episode of Behind The Anvil Podcast, host Michael Peterson sits down with bladesmith Dustin Rhodes for a wide-ranging conversation from the forge to the future. Dustin shares exciting plans to expand his business into Tennessee, passing the torch on current operations while building something new from the ground up. The two dive into the realities of today’s knife market—rising costs, shif...

In this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with Chris Jones of Steel Dog Knives to talk about the real journey of building a knife-making business from the ground up. Chris shares how an unexpected season of medical recovery — and binge-watching Forged in Fire — sparked his path into bladesmithing. Eight years later, he opens up about transitioning from hobbyist to full-t...

Atlas Forge: Innovation, Industry & the Modern Bladesmith & Blacksmit In Season 2 Episode 13, host Michael Peterson sits down with Charles, founder of Atlas Forge and creator of the popular Mini Atlas Forge, to talk about the journey from computer repair technician to industry innovator in blacksmithing and knife-making tools. Charles shares how a U.S. Marines commercial in the 1980s spark...

Ink, Integrity & AI with Rodney Jacobson In Episode 12 of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with longtime friend and comic book artist Rodney Jacobson. Mike and Rodney go back over 20 years—long before comics—when they were both starting out driving trucks on the coal haul. From the open road to the drawing board, their journey has been anything but ordinary. Rodney, known for...

Raised by the Shield & Sword – Steel, Story, and Strategy In this episode of Behind The Anvil, Host Michael Peterson sits down with Brian DeMille and Dan DeMille for a dynamic conversation that blends bladesmithing, comic art, and business insight. From childhood stories of being “raised by the shield” and “raised by the sword,” they reflect on the early influences that shaped their creative p...

Back on His Feet & Back to the Bench – Recovery, Rods, and Rockets In this powerful and wide-ranging episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with Brad to talk about his hard-fought recovery from back surgery, workers’ comp battles, and the long road back to work. Brad shares the physical and financial challenges he faced—including nerve damage, medication complications, an...

From Canada to Custom Craft – A Conversation with Glenn Stoneman In this wide-ranging episode of Behind The Anvil, Michael sits down with Canadian-born entrepreneur Glenn Stoneman to talk craftsmanship, citizenship, and cultural contrasts between Canada and the United States. From Glenn’s custom night lights and wax warmers to discussions on education, healthcare, history, and energy, this episode...

Title: From Fire to Fame – J. Neilson & Shelley of Gypsy Soul Knives In Episode 8 of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with knife-making legend J. Neilson of J. Neilson Knives and Shelley of Gypsy Soul Knives. They share their journeys into knife making, how a simple hobby turned into a full-time career, and what it was really like being part of the hit show Forged in Fire. J....

Service Dogs, Responsible Ownership, and the Realities of Training* In this eye-opening episode of Behind The Anvil , host Michael Peterson sits down with Danielle, a seasoned professional dog trainer and sitter with 18 years of hands-on experience. The conversation shifts from the forge to paws as they dive deep into the world of service dogs—exploring the rigorous training required, the challeng...

Collaborative Forges & Standing Firm – Rhiannon & Johnathan Sibley of The Blade Bar Michael Peterson sits down with Rhiannon and Johnathan Sibley of The Blade Bar and Djinn Knives and Jess Stinson of Texas Forges to talk about building blades—and building community. From Johnathan’s start in knife making at just 13 to growing a collaborative, not competitive, shop culture, they share what...

In Season 2, Episode 5 of Behind The Anvil, Michael sits down with Brian for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation that blends faith, fire, and real-world transformation. Brian shares his remarkable journey from Navy veteran and prison manager to missionary, blacksmith, and Forged in Fire competitor—using the forge as a living metaphor for spiritual growth and renewal. Brian opens up about how his...

In this episode, host Michael Peterson sits down with knife maker and fellow podcast host Ryan Coakley for a wide-ranging conversation that goes well beyond the forge. From Ryan start in knife making in 2018 and working under NDAs for other companies, to running the Hustle and Grind Podcast, the two talk shop, steel, workflows, and the realities of making a living in the knife world. Along the way...