OoM 028: Life Lessons Learned from America's Pastime with Travis Chock

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 Apr 1h 11min

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores what it means to be a comprehensive man, introducing a framework of head, heart, and hands—logic, empathy, and action. Reflecting on his own tendencies and biases, Ryan challenges listeners to identify their strengths and weaknesses across these dimensions. Through personal anecdotes, including a friend’s loss and a poignant Iron Council call, he emphasizes the need for balance to lead effectively in family, business, and community. Ryan invites feedback as he refines this model, urging men to round out their approach to become who they’re meant to be. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:30 - Introducing the Comprehensive Man 02:54 - Head, Heart, and Hands Framework 05:13 - Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Type 07:22 - Adapting to the Moment 09:33 - Pros and Cons of Each Dimension 11:58 - Reflecting for Growth 14:27 - Leading with Purpose 16:28 - 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

4 Apr 14min

In this "Ask Me Anything" episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen dive into a viral morning routine video before tackling listener questions. From the power of comparison and faith in men’s ministries to essentialism in daily tasks and building friendships, they offer practical insights. Ryan shares his half-marathon experience, while Kipp celebrates his son’s jujitsu win. Expect raw, actionable advice on choosing battles, seeking guidance, and property investment, all laced with humor and real talk. Tune in for inspiration and strategies to level up your life. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:04 - Intro and Morning Struggles 01:10 - Headline: Viral Morning Routine 01:19 - Kipp’s Son’s Jujitsu Triumph 03:17 - Ryan’s Half-Marathon Journey 09:34 - Comparison: Thief or Tool? 13:02 - Faith and Men’s Ministry 22:39 - Mastering Essentialism 32:28 - Asking for Guidance Right 46:26 - Property in Apple Valley 49:00 - Choosing Your Battles 54:29 - Forging Male Friendships 58:36 - Wrap-Up and Upcoming Guests 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

2 Apr 1h

My guest today, Scott Payne, spent more than two decades working with some of the most notorious biker gangs, illegal drug operations, and neo-Nazis. And, it would be hard to even imagine some of the things he’s seen and experienced in his decades-long career as an FBI Special Agent. Today, Scott and I talk about what it takes to be a successful undercover agent, the lines that get blurred when working with some of the most dangerous criminals in the world, how to keep your cool under pressure (including the time a notorious biker gang stripped him in a basement to search him for the wire he was wearing at the time), and how a man transitions back into his ordinary life after one of the most dangerous jobs he could do. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 00:52 - Undercover Beginnings 02:25 - First Drug Buy 04:37 - Dark Humor Coping 06:32 - No Honor Among Thieves 15:06 - Infiltrating Neo-Nazis 26:07 - Blurring the Lines 35:31 - Illegal Activity Question 41:08 - Drug Protection Deal 47:59 - Basement Strip Search 01:00:55 - Wife’s Prayer 01:08:34 - Missing the Field 01:12:51 - Book Announcement 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

1 Apr 1h 24min

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores the provocative idea of "making yourself a more dangerous man." Far from advocating volatility, Michler redefines danger as effectiveness—knowing your goals, communicating with precision, and embodying conviction. Through personal anecdotes and actionable insights, he challenges men to reject wishy-washiness, embrace deliberate presentation, and overcome imposter syndrome by simply doing the work. With a blend of tough love and humility, Michler inspires listeners to step boldly into their potential. Tune in for a raw, motivating call to action, and discover how to join the Iron Council at orderofman.com/ironcouncil. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:24 - Introduction: Defining a Dangerous Man 02:45 - Knowing Your Target 05:09 - Clarity Through Journaling 07:09 - Mastering Communication 11:03 - Looking the Part 15:42 - Judging by Appearance 17:47 - Being the Part 21:01 - Stepping Into the Unknown 23:27 - Building Humble Conviction 28:57 - The X Factor Equation 31:20 - Closing: Join 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

28 Mars 25min

In this AMA episode, Shawn and Kipp tackle thought-provoking questions from listeners on personal growth, leadership, and mindset. They discuss teaching kids about success without overwhelming pressure, the role of humor in strong leadership, and the power of service. They also address workplace challenges, helping introverts engage, and balancing social life with family responsibilities. Tune in for deep insights, practical advice, and candid conversations on becoming a better leader, father, and man. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Introduction & Weekly Catch-up 02:08 – Teaching Kids About Personal Growth and Fulfillment 18:16 – The Role of Humor in Leadership and Family Life 23:51 – Voluntary Sacrifice and Service for the Greater Good 31:35 – Handling Workplace Conflict and Leadership Challenges 40:02 – Encouraging an Introvert to Engage with a Group 46:49 – Rebuilding a Social Circle While Managing Family Life 50:54 – Iron Council & Men’s Forge Event Promotion 52:22 – Closing Thoughts & How to Connect   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

26 Mars 53min

We’re all somewhat familiar with our three-letter agencies but rarely, if ever, do we consider what some of the most intelligent people on the planet can teach us about communication, influence, and deception. But my guest is keenly aware of all three and how to implement powerful strategies to build trust, develop credibility, and get people to do what you want. His name is Jeffrey Sanow and he spent years as a Senior Intelligence Office with the CIA. Today, we talk about what the CIA looks for in its officers and assets, how to empower people to fail the right way, removing barriers to communication, the balance between compliance and rebelliousness, and the hard and soft skills of getting people to follow you. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – The Importance of Communication Skills 02:00 – Why We Struggle with Listening 05:20 – The “Reloader” Problem in Conversations 09:15 – How to Interrupt Effectively in a Conversation 12:30 – The Role of Ego in Active Listening 18:00 – Lessons from CIA Training on Communication 21:40 – What It’s Like to Be a CIA Operations Officer 27:45 – Leadership Lessons from Intelligence Work 32:30 – Why Writing Skills Are Critical in Any Career 39:00 – Encouraging Innovation and Thinking Outside the Box 44:20 – How Intelligence Officers Recruit Spies 50:10 – The Psychology Behind Why People Share Secrets 56:30 – Applying CIA-Level Awareness to Everyday Life 1:00:45 – Jeffrey’s Book and Global Experiences 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

25 Mars 1h 9min

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores the vital role brotherhood plays in men’s lives. Drawing from personal struggles like divorce and alcohol abuse, he highlights five key benefits—belonging, usefulness, insight, support, and accountability—and warns of the isolation plaguing modern men. Ryan emphasizes how authentic male connections combat loneliness and foster growth, sharing candid stories and practical wisdom. He also introduces the Iron Council, his brotherhood initiative, inviting listeners to join. This discussion inspires men to build meaningful bonds and reclaim purpose. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:07 - Introduction to Brotherhood 02:34 - The Cost of Isolation 07:27 - Benefit 1: Belonging 12:23 - Benefit 2: Usefulness 18:16 - Benefit 3: Insight 21:38 - Benefit 4: Support 27:42 - Benefit 5: Accountability 36:58 - Invitation to Iron Council 39:56 - Closing 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

21 Mars 41min