Order of Man

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler exposes the trap of "mental masturbation" and breaks down ten ways men deceive themselves into thinking they are engaged in self-care and personal development when they are actually stalling. From buying unused courses and hoarding unread books to hiding behind fitness routines and blaming past trauma, Ryan highlights how noble distractions prevent real growth. 
Learn why true self-work requires action, accountability, and execution rather than endless planning or talking. Tune in to audit your habits, eliminate comfortable excuses, stop going at it alone, and build the frameworks and network needed to step up and become the man you were meant to be.   
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction & Recapping Real Self-Care
02:10 - 1. Buying Courses You Never Use
02:55 - 2. Doom Scrolling & Social Media Traps
04:20 - 3. Waiting Until You're "Ready"
05:35 - 4. Blaming Others & Making Excuses
07:45 - 5. Going At It Alone
09:55 - 6. Collecting Books You Never Read
12:00 - 7. Chasing Bright & Shiny Objects
14:25 - 8. Talking More Than Doing
17:00 - 9. Hiding in the Gym or Office
18:55 - 10. Quitting When Things Get Hard
21:35 - Self-Assessment Exercise & Scoring
23:30 - Frameworks, Networks & The Iron Council
 
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 episode of Ask Me Anything, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen discuss the value of taking action, embracing imperfection, and questioning the polished images presented on social media. They debate the promise of Elon Musk's flying car before answering listener questions about career opportunities, family priorities, firearm safety, purpose, screen time, and leadership.
They also explore handling envy, rebuilding relationships with adult children, and navigating changing interests with teenage kids. Along the way, Ryan and Kipp share practical advice on setting boundaries, communicating honestly, and becoming more intentional as men, husbands, fathers, and leaders.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Episode Introduction: Opening
00:17 - Embracing Stress and Taking Action
04:48 - Why Being Real Matters More Than Being Perfect
07:50 - Elon Musk's Flying Car: Innovation or Showboating?
16:46 - Career Opportunities vs. Family Roots
26:00 - Firearms, Family Safety, and Marriage
30:14 - Restlessness, Ambition, and Finding Purpose
34:58 - Setting Boundaries With Your Phone
40:57 - Leading Difficult Parents in Youth Sports
46:28 - Envy, Success, and Personal Growth
53:25 - Becoming a Better Grandfather
56:54 - When Your Child Wants a Different Path
01:02:03 - The War Room: Brotherhood and Connection
01:04:34 - Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
 
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

Every man will eventually find himself in water over his head. A business that's sinking, a marriage that's struggling, a season of life where you can't see the shore. Most men panic. They thrash around, burn through their energy, and make emotional decisions they regret for years. The men who make it through aren't stronger or more talented. They stay calm, focus on what they can control, and take the next breath.
My guest today, former Navy SEAL Andy Stumpf, knows this better than anyone. We talk about the drownproofing evolution at BUD/S and what it really teaches, why you should have emotional responses but never make emotional decisions, and the "chunking" approach he says is the most useful tool he's ever had. We also get into why most guys who quit regret it for decades, the difference between being a quiet professional and a silent one, why telling the truth is always enough, and what real wealth looks like once you stop chasing more.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Introduction & Catching Up
01:10 Master Jiu-Jitsu Competitions & Mindset
02:50 The Reality of Jiu-Jitsu Culture
04:15 Demystifying the BUD/S Drownproofing Test
07:15 Emotional Control in Real-World Situations
09:15 Practical Stoicism and Objectivity
12:00 Leveraging Time to Prevent Emotional Decisions
14:15 Technology Usage and Healthy Digital Boundaries
17:00 Gen-Z and Connectivity Fatigue
19:40 The Quiet Professional vs. Silent Professional
21:30 The Importance of Absolute Truth and Integrity
24:00 Taking Personal Ownership vs. Making Excuses
26:50 The Chunking Strategy for Achieving Goals
33:00 Daily Writing Discipline for Drownproof
35:00 Navigating Regret, Failure, and Pivoting
38:30 Talent vs. Relentless Work Ethic
40:25 Mindset for Survival and Overuse Injuries
43:40 Transitioning Out of Military Service & Identity
46:15 Exploring Aviation and Unforeseen Opportunities
49:30 Authentic Relationships vs. Strategic Networking
51:20 Guarding Your Inner Circle
54:00 Snowboarding, Flying, and Lifelong Learning
55:35 The Surprising Origin of Writing Drownproof
57:40 Measuring Impact Beyond Money
59:45 Redefining Wealth and Financial Freedom
 
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 episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler confronts the growing cultural hostility toward men and dismantles the superficial social media fluff around male "self-care." Instead of empty buzzwords, Ryan delivers ten actionable, non-negotiable daily habits every man must cultivate to lead himself, protect his household, and stand as a true ambassador for masculinity. 
From waking up with deliberate intention and physically conditioning the body to maintaining financial stewardship, living by a strict moral code, and embracing intentional hardship, this episode provides the exact framework men need to reclaim focus and master their lives. Pick two habits and start building today.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Reclaiming Masculinity in a Hostile Culture
06:30 - Defining Real Self-Care for Men
08:30 - Rule 1: Wake Up With Intention
11:55 - Rule 2: Train Your Mind, Body, and Soul
14:40 - Rule 3: Read for Application, Not Status
18:40 - Rule 4: Join a Real Brotherhood
21:40 - Rule 5: Track Your Budget and Buy Back Time
25:40 - Rule 6: Be Present in Your Home
26:40 - Rule 7: Own Your Mistakes
27:20 - Rule 8: Accept and Process Your Emotions
29:40 - Rule 9: Live by an Unshakable Code
33:20 - Rule 10: Do Difficult Things With Purpose
35:20 - Pick Two Practices and Take Action
 
 
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 episode of Ask Me Anything, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen discuss the importance of living intentionally, making the most of time with loved ones, and taking responsibility for personal decisions. They debate the death penalty and the public broadcasting of executions before answering listener questions about dating after divorce, fatherhood after children leave home, staying consistent when progress slows, and handling workplace disappointments.
The conversation also explores firing a friend who isn't performing, the value of honest feedback, and why clear communication matters in difficult situations. Finally, they discuss how fathers can encourage their children to embrace outdoor adventures and family experiences.
 
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Episode Opener
00:50 - Making the Most of Life and Time with Loved Ones
03:04 - The Death Penalty and Public Executions
10:33 - Attention, Incentives, and Personal Responsibility
14:37 - Dating After Divorce: When Should Your Kids Meet Someone New?
21:11 - Fatherhood After Your Children Leave Home
27:23 - Staying Consistent When Results Stop Being Exciting
32:22 - Drifting Through Life vs. Acting Intentionally
34:27 - Shackleton's Expedition and the Power of Intentionality
39:55 - Pride vs. Knowing Your Worth at Work
48:55 - The Importance of Honest Feedback
53:54 - Hiring Your Best Friend: Can You Fire Him Without Losing the Friendship?
01:02:01 - Why Uncertainty Creates Stress
01:05:42 - Getting Your Teenager Interested in Outdoor Adventures
 
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