Respect Earned vs. Respect Given, Getting Over Failure, & Choosing Your Influence | ASK ME ANYTHING

Join Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen in this week's Ask Me Anything, exploring the pursuit of pleasure versus the pleasure of pursuit, the cultural shift of young men toward the right, and the power of solitude. They tackle listener questions on imposter syndrome, fatherhood, divorce, dating, financial decisions, and personal growth. With humor and insight, they debunk overhyped headlines, like the "astronaut" space crew, and share actionable advice for living purposefully. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Opening Banter and Headlines 01:25 - The Pleasure of Pursuit 06:30 - Space Crew Rant 13:06 - Imposter Syndrome in Job Interviews 20:42 - Lessons from Kids 24:06 - Patience as a Father 28:40 - Why Women Leave Relationships 37:43 - Dating After Divorce 44:36 - Making Financial Decisions 48:08 - Lessons from Hard Times 53:59 - Young Men Moving Right Politically 59:26 - 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

23 Huhti 1h 1min

It’s no secret that most men want to find love in life and someone they can partner with throughout life. But the reality is that far-fewer men are doing the work required than ever before. And, for those who are actively looking for love, many of them are floundering when it comes to approaching women and building interest that could potentially lead to a long-term relationship. David Meessen is a man who has made it his life’s work to help men understand why they struggle and why society, at large, seems to be continually stacking the deck against the type of relationships the men listening to this podcast are looking for. Today we talk about why men seem to be so intimidated in approaching women, the skills (and, they are learnable skills) you can develop to have a more successful dating life, why “Progressive Desensitization” is such a valuable option in love and in life, the alarming statistics around romantic relationships and young men’s increasing aversion to them, and how radical honestly (not overly-agreeableness) is what creates attraction. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Opening & Dating Stats Alarming for Men 01:34 – The Harsh Reality of Dating Apps 03:09 – How Dating Apps Work Against Most Men 04:27 – Learning to Play the Dating Game 05:26 – Sacrificing Values for Connection 06:37 – Approach Anxiety and Desensitization 08:51 – Start Small: Building Momentum Through Socializing 10:01 – Rejection is Often Kind – and Necessary 11:23 – Don’t Pedestalize Her – Have Options 12:46 – We Live in a Friendly or Hostile Universe 14:16 – Oversharing as a Powerful Connection Tool 15:21 – Men Struggle to Share Their Strengths 16:29 – Assume the Burden of the Conversation 17:51 – Bitterness Towards Women & Scarcity Mindset 19:58 – Reality is Better Than Fear-Based Fantasies 22:13 – You Crave the Experience, Not the Person 23:31 – Compatibility vs. Chemistry 25:16 – Communication is a Learnable Skill 26:29 – Influence vs. Manipulation 30:54 – Authenticity in Style & Presence 32:34 – Confidence is Just as Authentic as Humility 33:10 – Radical Honesty and Sharing Values Early 35:42 – Relationships Built on Aligned Values 37:27 – Disagreement is Attractive 39:33 – Common Mistakes in Online & Real-Life Dating 41:39 – Learn Humor to Boost Social Skills 43:03 – Don’t Skip the Ask – Get the Contact 44:59 – Women Get Approached Less Than You Think 46:11 – How to Approach in the Gym the Right Way 47:52 – Meeting Quality Men Matters Too 49:03 – Why Intelligent Men Struggle with Connection 52:15 – Expression Freedom & Compatibility 53:22 – Choose to See the Best in Each Other 54:26 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find David 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

22 Huhti 1h 1min

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores the concept of self-betrayal, defining it as failing to act on known responsibilities or instincts. He discusses its consequences, including anxiety, poor relationships, and unfulfilled potential, and identifies emotional signs like frustration and impatience. Ryan provides actionable steps to overcome self-betrayal, such as listing neglected tasks, taking immediate action, and journaling emotions. Encouraging listeners to align actions with their values, he offers resources at orderofman.com. Tune in to learn how to bridge the integrity gap and live a more fulfilled life. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction to Self-Betrayal 02:55 - Sources of Intuition and Emotion 05:19 - Consequences of Self-Betrayal 07:44 - Recognizing Self-Betrayal Symptoms 12:30 - External vs. Internal Factors 19:25 - Actionable Steps to Overcome Self-Betrayal 26:05 - Journaling and Reflecting 28:30 - Additional Resources 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

18 Huhti 29min

Join Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen for an engaging "Ask Me Anything" episode, tackling listener questions on personal growth, trust, and balance. From auditing life’s decisions to rebuilding trust with kids, they dive into coachability, journaling, and managing overwork. Ryan shares insights from his Texas hunting trip and mentions The Men's Forge event (May 1-4). Expect raw reflections on letting go, choosing yourself, and earning trust, with practical advice for intentional living.  SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 - Episode Introduction 00:20 - Morning Routine Struggles 03:41 - Auditing Life’s Decisions 15:45 - One Principle for Your Son 20:42 - Prioritizing Self vs. Promises 25:33 - Books That Shape You 37:18 - Why Start Journaling 42:06 - Signs of Overworking 47:36 - Rebuilding Trust with Kids 55:03 - Texas Hunting Trip Recap 59:14 - The Men's Forge Event Promo 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

16 Huhti 1h 1min

It’s hard to believe that in the year 2025, child sex trafficking is as prolific as it is today. How is that with all the laws, legislation, and awareness that we’re still dealing with the torment of sexual exploitation with our sons and daughters? My guest today, Nate Lewis, has made it his life’s work to combat and overcoming the epidemic that is plaguing every corner of society. And, not only that, he is a huge proponent of finding your own mission and pouring all in on that – whatever it may be. Today, Nate and I talk about the driving factors behind child exploitation, why YOU should address the societal injustices you see in society today, the power of coachability and gritty-ness in your pursuit of your dreams, and why and how to protect yourself, society, and children from the nastiness and perversion of modern culture. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:20 - Welcoming Nate Lewis 00:00:36 - The Reality of Child Trafficking 00:01:46 - Protecting Boys and Girls 00:02:49 - Impact of Pornography 00:08:40 - Operation Underground Railroad 00:09:38 - Nate’s Background in Film 00:10:35 - First Deployment Experience 00:13:37 - Stories of Resilience 00:15:59 - Family and Mission Balance 00:18:31 - The Innocent Logo Origin 00:24:32 - Purpose Through Adversity 00:31:23 - Advice for Pursuing Purpose 00:37:44 - Work Ethic and Grit 00:43:14 - Community Involvement Strategies 00:50:46 - Law Enforcement Priorities 00:57:11 - Confronting Ignorance 01:04:13 - How to Support The Innocent 01:12:08 - 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

15 Huhti 1h 17min

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler draws inspiration from Theodore Roosevelt’s iconic speech to explore resilience and masculinity. Michler challenges men to rise above criticism, embrace adversity, and take action despite life’s inevitable setbacks. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, he outlines steps to build confidence, act decisively, and critique oneself constructively without losing identity.  Ryan emphasizes that true manhood shines in moments of struggle, urging listeners to live boldly as the "man in the arena." Tune in for an inspiring call to courage and purposeful action. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:10.082 - Introduction to Man in the Arena 02:02.508 - Reading the Man in the Arena Excerpt 04:28.674 - Preparing for Life’s Battles 06:51.744 - Stop Seeking Approval 11:10.03 - The Confidence Continuum 13:30.466 - Do What You Can 17:50.552 - Action as the Antidote 20:14.158 - Critique Without Self-Destruction 22:13.102 - Take More Action 26:42.7 - Closing and Battle Ready Program 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

11 Huhti 28min

In this "Ask Me Anything" episode, Kipp Sorensen and Shawn Villalovos tackle your burning questions with raw, actionable insights. From investing $10K wisely to navigating trivial work tasks, coaching U13 soccer teams, and guiding high-performing teens, they cover it all. Plus, hear candid advice on silencing self-criticism and handling toxic colleagues.  Packed with life lessons on leadership, choice, and growth, this episode delivers real talk for real challenges. Tune in for wisdom that cuts through the noise—perfect for anyone ready to level up in work, family, and beyond. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:03 - Intro Banter 03:02 - Investing $10K Smartly 10:26 - Escaping the Trivial Whirlwind 24:18 - Leading a U13 Soccer Team 36:41 - Guiding Teenage Sons 46:21 - Overcoming Self-Criticism 58:30 - Dealing with Toxic Colleagues 01:12:53 - 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

9 Huhti 1h 14min

We are all well-aware, at this point, that there is a very clear and deliberate assault against the concepts of manliness and masculinity. In fact, men are falling behind on some of the most crucial metrics you can image for a healthy society: depression rates, suicide, higher education, income potential, incarceration, substance abuse, committed relationships, workforce participation, and the list goes on and on.  My guest today, after an incredibly successful start in Hollywood as Mike Seaver on Growing Pains, Kirk Cameron, has made it his life’s mission to reclaim masculinity, not only in his home but to become a champion of manliness for all men who are working to unpack what it means to be a man.  Today, we talk about the biggest threats to masculinity, how we can lead well within the walls of our home, how righteousness and truth are the foundation of manliness, how to reclaim our power, work with our women, and lead the next generation who will eventually lead us. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS (00:12) Introduction (00:12) Reclaiming Masculinity (03:50) Defining True Masculinity Today (11:18) Embracing Authentic Masculinity Today (21:23) Building Emotional Security in Relationships (29:28) Redefining Masculinity for Today's World (41:57) Legacy of Courage and Parenthood (54:20) The Power of Moral Compass (01:05:12) Igniting Imagination (01:10:34) Discovering True Masculinity Today 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

8 Huhti 1h 11min