Order of Man

In this powerful episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler tackles imposter syndrome, urging men to reject feelings of inadequacy and embrace their divine purpose. He challenges the notion of being an imposter, labeling it as selfish and rooted in insecurity.  Michler provides a candid, no-nonsense perspective, offering five actionable steps to reframe negative self-stories, unpack insecurities, and lean on others’ belief in oneself. With raw honesty, he inspires listeners to recognize their worth and take bold action to become the men they’re meant to be. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:30 - Introduction to Imposter Syndrome 02:56 - The Selfish Nature of Imposter Syndrome 04:42 - Acknowledging Strengths and Weaknesses 06:54 - Value is Subjective 08:56 - The Comparison Trap 11:07 - You’re Not an Imposter, You’re Learning 12:57 - Imposter Syndrome is Just a Story 14:58 - Unpacking Insecurities with the Five W’s 17:07 - Journaling to Confront Insecurities 19:11 - Rewriting Your Past Story 21:22 - Crafting a New Story 24:50 - Leaning on Others’ Belief in You 27:05 - Rejecting Imposter Syndrome 29:11 - Moral Imperative to Be Your Best 31:18 - Closing Thoughts and 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 AMA episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorenson dive into key questions from listeners on navigating relationships, living with purpose, processing intense emotions, and making tough life decisions. They also explore personal family traditions, the importance of frameworks and accountability, and how to know when it's time to pivot. With honest, practical insights and stories from their own experiences, this episode is packed with value for any man seeking growth, clarity, and strength in all areas of life. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Intro and catching up 01:38 – Navigating early relationship struggles 08:05 – Living life unabashedly 16:41 – Family summer traditions 20:17 – Processing strong emotions like anger and sadness 30:11 – Running away or moving toward opportunity 40:11 – What would you prioritize if your life was on the line? 45:06 – What to cut out to move forward 48:31 – Turning knowledge into action 54:24 – Preparing for the Forge event & final thoughts 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

I believe that most men know they’re leaving room on the table for personal and professional growth and while their diagnosis may be correct, the prescription is wrong. Most men seem to believe that if only their circumstances were different (their boss, their wife, their financial prosperity, etc.), their lives would be better. But the reality is a new circumstances, without a change you yourself, will only produce more of the same. My guest today, Andrew Shaw, has made it his life’s work to help men break free from the patterns that are holding them back, many of them subconscious. Today, we talk about discipline, resilience, the importances of what he calls, “choice points,” the critical differences between taking fault and taking responsibility, and how many men have over-corrected against the attack on masculinity. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 00:27 - Discussing Content and Masculinity 02:34 - Cultural Views on Masculinity 06:15 - Overទ - Reactions and Overcorrections 08:17 - Common Issues Men Face 15:17 - Masculine Traits and Relationships 23:24 - Starting with Self-Alignment 28:14 - Embracing Discomfort for Growth 35:42 - Physical and Emotional Integration 46:40 - Connecting with Andrew 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

Ryan Michler delves into the concept of the "integrity gap" — the disparity between what men know they should do and what they actually do. He explores how this gap hinders personal growth, results, and relationships, urging listeners to bridge it through actionable steps. Michler provides six introspective questions to help men align their actions with their aspirations, fostering purpose and impact. Tune in to discover how to close the integrity gap and become the man you’re meant to be. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introducing the Integrity Gap 02:23 - Risks of the Integrity Gap 08:17 - Impact on Your People 10:41 - Who Are You Ideally? 14:56 - Who Are You Currently? 18:22 - What Needs to Happen Daily? 20:14 - What Information Do You Need? 22:38 - What Systems Do You Need? 24:50 - What Do You Need to Do Right Now? 26:34 - Adapting to Life’s Challenges 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 Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle questions around forgiveness, grief, confidence, and masculine responsibility. They explore how to regain momentum after major life setbacks, navigate strained relationships with parents, and balance humility with confidence.  The hosts also discuss toxic masculinity, fatherhood, and the importance of modeling strength and integrity. This episode is a call to rise above a “heart at war” and live as a man of purpose—even in the face of fear, trauma, and adversity. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Opening & News Headlines 03:50 – Forgiving Parents Without Reconnecting 17:18 – Confidence and Humility in One Hand 24:35 – Facing Mortality & Leading Your Family 35:42 – Regaining Momentum After Loss 40:59 – Prioritizing Fitness vs. Financial Goals 48:37 – Why Most Men Stay Stuck 59:05 – Toxic Masculinity, Feminism & Prevention   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  

From the time we were little boys and young men, the topic of sex has always seemed to conjure up thoughts of embarrassment and shame. It’s unfortunate (to say the least) considering that most men equate sex with the woman in their lives an integral part of the relationship and connection. My guest today, Alex Grendi, has made it his life’s work to explore men’s relationships with sex and how we can not only get more of it but make it more meaningful for ourselves and the women in our lives. We talk about porn’s impact on sexual relationships, how to overcome childhood shame around the conversation of sex, how to solicit and ask for feedback in your performance in the bedroom (including how to ask for what you want), why nice guys never get what they want from intimacy, and the psychological and physiological issues men deal with when with their lady. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode Introduction 00:25 - Misconceptions About Men and Sex 00:56 - Shame and Societal Expectations 02:05 - Defining "Good" at Sex 03:22 - Impact of Pornography 04:32 - Healthy Perspective on Sex 06:01 - Creating Safety in the Bedroom 07:44 - Balancing Quickies and Intimacy 09:18 - Pornography and Performance Issues 10:54 - Navigating Religious Shame 12:02 - Talking to Kids About Sex 14:57 - Overcoming Shame and Insecurity 18:19 - Steps to Address Performance Anxiety 22:51 - Managing Stress for Better Intimacy 25:05 - Exploring Non-Genital Pleasure 29:24 - Importance of Foreplay 32:18 - Honoring Your Own Needs 36:14 - Mastering Edging Techniques 41:30 - Removing Ejaculation as the Goal 44:42 - Communicating Desires Effectively 50:28 - Leadership in Intimacy 53:06 - Reframing Sexual Intentions 55:42 - Connecting with Alex Grendi   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 explores the powerful concept inspired by Gladiator and Marcus Aurelius: “What we do echoes in eternity.” Michler emphasizes the importance of adopting a long-term perspective in life to avoid emotional impulsivity, short-term gains, and scarcity mindsets.  He shares three key mindsets for maintaining focus on lasting goals and three practical strategies—pausing before acting, applying the “five-five-five rule,” and prioritizing long-term results—to achieve meaningful outcomes. Michler’s insights inspire listeners to make decisions that resonate beyond the present, fostering a legacy of impact and growth. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:18 - Introduction 02:42 - Why Long-Term Perspective Matters 07:21 - Avoiding Short-Term Thinking Traps 09:38 - Strategy 1: Stop Before You Act 11:56 - Managing Emotional Responses 13:57 - Strategy 2: The Five-Five-Five Rule 16:04 - Strategy 3: Focus on Long-Term Results 18:06 - Building Lasting Relationships 20:27 - Recap 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

In this week’s Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan Michler—joined midway by Kipp Sorensen—tackles questions from listeners about discipline, balance, relationships, and personal growth. They share insights on training consistency in summer, defining identity, healing after breakups, and leading a family with intensity and joy.  Whether you're navigating divorce, redefining your vision, or trying to stay focused in a distracted world, this episode delivers powerful mindset shifts and practical takeaways to help you become the man you're meant to be. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Intro & Memorial Day Reflection 02:49 – Staying Consistent with Training in Summer 05:02 – Balancing Drive and Family Presence 09:46 – Responsibility vs. Enabling in Family 14:28 – Dating After Divorce 22:20 – Discovering Identity and Vision 32:48 – Lessons from Darkest Moments 42:49 – Financial Readiness for Marriage 46:13 – Moving On After a Breakup 50:20 – Closing Remarks & 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 single man listening to this is familiar with discipline and has applied it (to varying degrees) in his life. We generally think of discipline as an overall good thing (and, I think it is) but it can often lead to bouts of frustration and unnecessary suffering if utilized incorrectly. My guest today, Craig Ballantyne, makes the case that discipline, although, a powerful force for productivity comes with strings attached, and isn’t the end-all, save-all it’s often made out to be. Today, we talk about what true discipline is not, why chasing the wrong target is so common and what to do about it, what I call the “self-help hangover” and how to avoid it, why you should know the distinction between standards and expectations, and how to avoid what Craig calls, “The Doom Loop” in your life. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction and Defining Discipline 00:42 - Level 10 Effort and Level 10 Problems 01:48 - Identifying Your Level 10 Problem 04:21 - The Importance of Focus and Self-Reflection 06:32 - Calibration and Goal Setting 07:54 - Facing Difficult Conversations 10:44 - The Hero’s Journey and Overcoming Fears 13:13 - Personal Growth Through Challenges 15:49 - Suffering vs. Sacrifice 18:54 - Reframing Sacrifice for Joy 21:21 - Choices and Personal Responsibility 23:44 - Inspiring Stories of Resilience 25:35 - Motivation and Maximizing Potential 27:54 - Breaking the Doom Loop 30:27 - Effortless Discipline Systems 33:46 - The Power of Systems Over Willpower 37:09 - Accountability as a Life Hack 40:31 - Raising Standards for Success 43:55 - Standards vs. Expectations 46:12 - Controlling Thoughts, Words, and Deeds 48:27 - Identity and Core Values 50:35 - Creating a Vision for Your Future 52:45 - Where to Connect and Learn More 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 shares four strategies to avoid bitterness amid life's challenges. He urges men to take responsibility for their circumstances, emphasizing decision-making, reframing adversity, learning from experiences, and applying lessons for growth. Michler highlights the dangers of victimhood and encourages gratitude and proactive change to transform struggles into opportunities. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, he inspires listeners to rise above frustration and embrace their potential. Visit orderofman.com/battle-ready for tools to implement these principles and become the man you're meant to be. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:10 - Introduction: The Trap of Bitterness 02:30 - Strategy 1: Make a Decision 04:55 - The Stories We Tell Ourselves 07:24 - Strategy 2: Reframe Your Circumstances 09:47 - Gratitude as a Tool for Growth 11:30 - Strategy 3: Learn from Experiences 13:50 - Strategy 4: Apply the Lessons 15:47 - Embracing Discomfort and Responsibility 17:54 - Tools for Improvement: The Battle Planner 20:05 - Closing: Take Action, Rise Above 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 "Ask Me Anything" episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle listener questions on toxic leadership, writing books, jumpstarting motivation, the meaning crisis, and connecting with stepkids. They explore overcoming self-help burnout, emphasizing the power of fun to recharge motivation, and discuss finding purpose in a pleasure-driven culture. With practical advice and personal insights, they inspire listeners to take action, build influence, and live meaningfully. Join the conversation at orderofman.com and themensforge.com. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction and Weekend Recap 02:55 - Dealing with Toxic Leadership 19:06 - Writing Books: Plans and Challenges 23:53 - Jumpstarting Motivation 34:44 - The Meaning Crisis: Causes and Solutions 43:23 - Overcoming Self-Help Burnout 54:41 - Building Influence with Stepkids 01:02:15 - Community Updates and Resources 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

Purpose is a factor of life that every man knows will improve his quality of life. Unfortunately, we seem to be in an era when purpose is increasingly abysmal in the lives of too many men. Men in all walks and stages of life are floundering around aimlessly, wondering why they’re anxious, depressed, and alone. My guest today, Garrett Unclebach, former Navy SEAL, is a man who is intimately familiar with why and how purpose drives men to step up, take charge of their lives, and succeed. We unpack why a man must look beyond himself, how surrendering in certain circumstances could lead you to an incredible place you’ve never considered, the power of equanimity and how to cultivate it, why being faithful when you have nothing leads to a life of prosperity and abundance, and how to judge what you should be doing and who you should be doing it with. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode Introduction 00:35 - Ryan’s Recent Event in St. Louis 01:00 - Garrett’s Men’s Group and Camping Trip 02:40 - Developing Leaders and Train the Trainer 05:00 - Rewarding Leadership Moments 06:27 - Hunting Memories and Mentorship 07:16 - Family and Fatherhood 09:29 - Shared Hunting Experiences in Africa 11:25 - The Impossible Life and Control 12:32 - Mentoring Navy SEAL Tadpoles 14:46 - Finding Peace Beyond Outcomes 16:39 - Balancing Heart and Consequences 19:10 - Joseph’s Dream and Purpose 22:35 - Discovering Purpose Through Heart and Hand 25:09 - God’s Plan and Personal Growth 26:51 - The Question Every Man Asks 29:31 - The Power of Perspective and Beliefs 32:43 - Faith, Works, and Serving Others 35:57 - Transformation Over Behavioral Change 39:13 - Balancing Service and Personal Fulfillment 42:09- Living and Dying for Purpose 45:01 - Equanimity and Staying Under the Weight 47:35 - Taking Responsibility for Choices 49:32 - The Mindset of Inevitability 52:30 - Resilience vs. Delusion 56:33 - Learning from Scars and Pain 58:09 - Chip on the Shoulder Mentality 01:01:28 - Purpose Over Temporary Identity 01:03:13 - Mission vs. Vision 01:05:22 - Connecting with Garrett and Closing 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 explores how creating options leads to true freedom. Expanding on the concept of "discipline equals freedom," Ryan argues that personal responsibility, open-mindedness, and sovereignty are key to unlocking a life of choice. He shares four actionable strategies to cultivate options, emphasizing self-improvement, avoiding rigid thinking, aligning relationships, and prioritizing liberty. Ryan inspires listeners to take control of their lives and pursue their desired path. Join the Iron Council at orderofman.com/ironcouncil for more. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction to Options and Freedom 02:35 - Fix Yourself First 04:59 - Never Pedestalize Anything 09:43 - Coinciding vs. Conflicting Interests 14:05 - Sovereignty as the Path to Liberty 17:45 - Reclaiming Your Sovereignty 20:00 - Closing Thoughts and Call to Action 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

Join Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen for an engaging Ask Me Anything episode, tackling listener questions on sobriety, respect, body image, entrepreneurship, and relationships. From navigating a teen’s insecurities to balancing co-parenting conflicts, they share practical advice and personal insights. With humor and heart, they explore overcoming the comparison trap and building a fulfilling life. Sign up for the Men’s Forge at themensforge.com and join the Iron Council at orderofman.com/ironcouncil. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00:00 - Episode Intro and Roomba Mishap 00:01:50 - Sobriety and Overcoming Past Mistakes 00:07:52 - Respect: Earned vs. Given 00:13:24 - Supporting a Teen’s Body Image Struggles 00:22:25 - Bedros Kulian Event and Personal Growth 00:24:17 - Escaping the Comparison Trap 00:32:55 - Men’s Forge Event Plans 00:35:54 - Starting a Business: Key Tips 00:44:24 - Co-Parenting and Team Commitments 00:49:00 - Fitness Goals and Gym Humor 00:51:51 - Letting Go of Relationships 00:57:53 - Call to Action and Closing   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

Leadership is a word that has become completely bastardized in modern culture. Everywhere you turn, someone is hyping you up on why you need to become a better leader, the benefits of leading versus following, and how exactly you should do it. But what if I told you, it’s not the tactics that make you a leader but the mindsets that spell the difference. My good friend, brother, and leadership coach, Kipp Sorensen, joins me today to talk about what it really means to lead in a world where every man thinks they’re leading well. We address the two types of destructive leaders, the “BAR” acronym (behavior, actions, results) and which to focus on, how 83% of people in the workforce view their position in the company (and what you can do about it), why a “compensation” package is about more than just money, and the do’s and don’t’s of effective leadership. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction and Business Talk   01:48 - Exploring Leadership Challenges   04:30 - How Authority Changes People   06:18 - Persecutors vs. Rescuers in Leadership   10:26 - Stanford Prison Experiment Insights   13:07 - Balancing Motivation and Honesty   17:19 - Becoming a Leader-Coach   21:41 - The Mindset of Great Leadership   23:21 - Applying Leadership at Home   29:49 - Defining the Leader-Coach Role   36:31 - Balancing Accountability and Empathy   41:29 - Focusing on Results, Not Behaviors   49:54 - Ownership and Choice in Leadership   56:00 - Handling Limited Resources   01:02:09 - Leading Family vs. Employees   01:09:20 - Closing and Kipp’s Contact Info 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 poignant episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler delves into the pitfalls of people-pleasing, drawing from personal reflection. He identifies five critical signs—saying yes when you mean no, avoiding conflict, feeling responsible for others’ emotions, tying self-worth to praise, and feeling burned out or resentful. Michler shares candid insights, referencing No More Mr. Nice Guy by Dr. Robert Glover and Let Them by Mel Robbins, offering practical anecdotes to break the cycle. Through raw honesty, he encourages listeners to set boundaries and prioritize self-care to become their authentic selves. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:19 - Introduction to People-Pleasing 04:53 - Recommended Resources 07:21 - Sign 1: Saying Yes When You Should Say No 09:49 - Sign 2: Avoiding Conflict at All Costs 13:25 - Sign 3: Feeling Responsible for Others’ Feelings 18:53 - Sign 4: Struggling with Self-Worth Without Praise 28:04 - Sign 5: Feeling Burned Out, Resentful, and Unseen 34:50 - Actionable Steps and Closing Thoughts 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 "Ask Me Anything" episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen dive into a St. Louis event recap, sharing its triumphs and challenges. They tackle listener questions on sibling conflicts, leaving work stress behind, the pressures of leadership, marriage cycles, discovering personal values, and managing credit scores. With candid insights, Ryan and Kipp explore self-validation, intentionality, and aligning actions with values, offering practical advice for men striving to live purposefully. Join them for an inspiring discussion on growth and resilience. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00.088 - Event Recap: St. Louis Experience 06:40.662 - Handling Sibling Conflicts 13:54.412 - Leaving Work Stress at Home 24:18.870 - The Weight of Leadership 41:44.558 - Marriage Cycles: Fact or Fiction? 51:40.632 - Discovering Your Personal Values 57:09.762 - Credit Scores and Financial Responsibility 01:02:15.275 - Call to Action: Divorce Not Death   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

We’ve all heard the quote, “Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times.” Today, I have the author of that quote, Geoff Hopf on the podcast to talk about what he meant when we penned that phrase. Today, we talk about moral weakness and lacking skillsets, why masculinity does not need to be redefined, why accepting reality is such a crucial part of men’s growth, why all men want to be part of something great, the 4 pillars of survival, and overcoming illogical belief systems. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Introduction 01:24 – Geoff’s background and law enforcement experience 06:35 – Transitioning to writing and becoming an author 11:18 – Daily writing habits and productivity 15:47 – Finding purpose through creative work 20:26 – Violence, masculinity, and raising boys 26:55 – Personal responsibility and fatherhood 33:10 – Social media, distraction, and mental clarity 39:42 – Freedom of speech and cancel culture 44:51 – Lessons from fatherhood and legacy 50:15 – Final thoughts and where to find Geoff’s work   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 delivers a powerful message on embracing failure as a catalyst for growth. Drawing from personal experiences, he outlines six actionable strategies to learn from setbacks, including avoiding complacency, focusing on controllables, and forgiving oneself. Michler emphasizes resilience and personal responsibility, urging listeners to let go of past mistakes and build a better future. His candid, motivational approach inspires men to confront challenges head-on and transform adversity into opportunity.  SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction: The Inevitability of Failure 02:53 - Six Strategies to Learn from Failure 05:13 - Complacency Kills 07:33 - Externalities Are Rarely the Problem 11:47 - Build New, Let Go of the Old 15:16 - Do Not Grow Bitter or Label 19:27 - Forgive Yourself 27:04 - Focus on the Controllables 28:52 - Closing: Transform Challenges into Growth 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 Sorenson tackle tough, real-world questions from men facing divorce, personal setbacks, and disconnection at home. They dive into how optics impact execution, how to master emotional resilience through stress, and why ego can sabotage your growth.  From powerful mindset shifts to tactical advice for navigating separation and fatherhood, this episode is packed with hard truths and uplifting insights. Whether you’re healing, leading, or rebuilding—this one hits home. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Technical Troubles and Weekend Recap 05:45 – Viewer Questions Begin 06:02 – What to Do When Divorce Hits 10:07 – Reconnecting Without Shared Interests 15:09 – Rebuilding After a Breakup 21:45 – Divorce Logistics and Legal Readiness 27:59 – How to Apologize to Your Kids 32:23 – Blessings Hidden in Disappointment 44:58 – Would You Want Your Son to Live Your Life? 52:07 – Hierarchical Decision-Making 52:34 – Optics vs. Execution Debate 59:00 – The Brain’s Argument With Itself 01:02:24 – Optics as a Sign of Respect 01:04:50 – Final Thoughts and Hope Through Hard Times 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