Order of Man

In today's Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler shares a powerful message built around a simple but meaningful reminder: your dust, your rust, and your scars do NOT define you - they tell your story. After finding an old, rusted metal grid and working to restore it, Ryan reflects on how men often feel discarded, overlooked, or worn down by life. Through this analogy, he unpacks five key truths about i...

In this week's Ask Me Anything, Ryan and Kipp dive deep into goal setting, New Year's resolutions, discipline, personal systems, and the internal dialogue that derails many men. They discuss practical strategies for building momentum, tracking progress, leading communities, and staying accountable even when motivation fades.  Listeners ask about goal-setting frameworks, balancing long-term and sho...

For something that we do every single day, and something that has the power to change every aspect of our life, we sure don't focus on, train, or develop it. And, that thing is conversation. Nothing great ever happened in your life without, first, a conversation – no promotions, no jobs, no clients, no dates, nothing. My guest today, Payam Pakmanesh (known as "The Convo Guy") is here to explain wh...

In this Friday Field Notes episode, Ryan Michler challenges men to stop drifting through life and confront the apathy holding them back. He breaks down the five core actions that help men regain direction, eliminate complacency, and move with purpose. Ryan speaks candidly about distraction, burnout, and his own past patterns of escape, giving listeners a direct path to clarity and discipline. This...

In this episode, Ryan and Kipp dive deep into what it means to be a man in modern relationships — how to lead with strength, clarity, and purpose without falling into the "nice guy" trap. They break down how to build trust, create safety and structure for your partner, and why healthy conflict is essential for growth. You'll hear powerful insights on what truly turns your wife on (it's not what yo...

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, a...

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...

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...

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 s...

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 bante...

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 acti...

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 noi...

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, thi...

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 al...

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 wisd...

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...

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 t...

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 Jerem...

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...

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,...

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...

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....

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,...

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 re...

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 mento...