OoM 065: Your Ego is the Enemy with Ryan Holiday

Every man is different. Some men are intense and need to learn how to pull back on the reigns. Others are passive and need to learn how to crack the whip. My guest today, former Navy SEAL and French Foreign Legionnaire is a man who more closely resonates with the former but understands the implications of both. Today, Taylor and I talk about how and why men self-sabotage themselves, the importance of internal vs. external validation, how a “Battle Rhythm” helps a man maximize his performance, why success doesn’t “flash,” it “glows,” and why every man is searching for inner peace and clarity. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode Introduction 00:18 - Welcoming Taylor Cavanaugh 00:55 - Taylor’s Early Struggles and Navy SEAL Aspiration 03:55 - Roots of Self-Sabotage 06:04 - Strengths as Weaknesses in Military Life 09:10 - Backsliding Despite Purpose 11:39 - Transition to Civilian Life 14:45 - Building Internal Discipline 16:25 - Addressing Different Personalities 20:40 - Importance of Battle Rhythm 23:12 - Morning Routine for Clarity 25:36 - Turning Point from Despair 29:36 - Joining the French Foreign Legion 31:05 - SEAL Experience in the Legion 34:16 - Lessons in Simplicity and Patience 37:26 - Significance of a New Identity 40:35 - Starting Coaching from the Legion 43:48 - Connecting with Taylor’s Programs 44:50 - Closing Remarks 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 Juli 47min

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores the multifaceted role of a man as a provider, extending beyond financial support. Drawing from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, he outlines fou key provisions: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Michler emphasizes equipping loved ones wit skills, emotional resilience, and a sense of purpose rooted in objective truth. With actionable insights he inspires men to lead their families toward abundance and fulfillment. Tune in to learn how to ste into your role as a protector, provider, and leader. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00- Introduction to Providing for Your People   02:40 - Physical Provision: Meeting Physiological Needs   05:03 - Mental Provision: Ensuring Safety and Skills   09:47 - Emotional Provision: Building Resilience and Belonging   14:41 - Spiritual Provision: Guiding Toward Purpose   19:24 - Framework for Effective Provision   21:07 - Closing and Call to Action Visit orderofman.com/battleready 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 Juli 21min

In this episode of the Ask Me Anything series, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorenson dive into hard-hitting questions from listeners about fatherhood, masculinity, personal growth, and navigating life’s toughest transitions. They discuss what it means to be a man in today’s culture, the power of physical discipline, balancing martial arts training, and overcoming shame and failure. With raw honesty and practical insight, they challenge men to take ownership, build resilience, and lead with purpose—especially when life demands a reinvention from the ground up. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 News & personal updates 14:22 Devotional roles: husband, father, son 22:43 Thoughts on Liver King 28:18 Balancing jiu-jitsu with other martial arts 34:47 Leading yourself through life transitions 42:43 Fitness and its impact on mindset and leadership 52:53 Training goals into your 50s, 60s & 70s 55:34 Identity, inner dialogue, and breakthrough moments 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 Juli 1h 18min

Is there a clear and deliberate agenda against men and boys in culture today? Or, is it simply a byproduct of the relative ease of modern times. My guest today, Pastor Douglas Wilson, makes the case that it’s a combination of both and, more accurately, than “modern times,” a result of “wealthy times.” And, if that is the case, what should men do for ourselves and for the future of our children and this world? Today, Doug and I talk about rebuilding strength and order in our lives and instilling it in our boys, how exactly men can step up against the lunacy and degeneracy we see in modern culture, why men make inferior women and vice versa, why reality calls for us, as men, to reckon with the dangerous times in which we live, and why masculinity cannot (and, should not) be legislated away. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome   01:03 - Softness in Society and Masculinity   03:36 - Exploitation in a Soft Society   04:17 - The Need for Righteous and Hard Men   06:30 - Hard Times Create Strong Men   07:58 - Men's Role as Protectors   09:16 - Historical Context of Church Femininity   14:53 - Corporate vs. Individualized Worship   17:51 - Egalitarianism and Traditional Roles   20:27 - Reclaiming Masculinity in Culture   22:57 - Preaching for Truth vs. Consensus   24:30 - Learning Masculinity Through Imitation   28:54 - Single Mothers and Masculine Role Models   31:19 - Balancing Risk and Safety in Raising Boys   37:06 - The Impact of a Pampered Society   41:49- The Decline of Risk-Taking in Men   46:18 - Male-Female Dynamics and Patriarchy   53:29 - Masculinity as Sacrificial Responsibility   57:13 - Promoting Man Rampant and Other Works   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 Juli 1h 6min

In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler tackles the crisis of male isolation, emphasizing the need for strong male connections. He introduces the "BBQ Test," a framework to evaluate potential brothers-in-arms based on five key questions: enjoyment, resilience, depth, principle, and capability.  Michler challenges men to reject cultural lies about lone masculinity, urging them to build networks of virtuous men. He shares personal insights and offers the Iron Council as a resource for forging these bonds. Join Ryan to discover how to cultivate meaningful, growth-oriented relationships. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - The Struggle of Male Connection 02:39 - Importance of Frameworks and Networks 05:06 - The BBQ Test Concept 07:32 - Question 1 & 2: Enjoyment and Resilience 10:01 - Question 3: Deep Thinker or Stooge 12:21 - Question 4: Principled Man 16:44 - Question 5: Capability 18:43 - Evaluating Your Circle 21:08 - The Iron Council Solution 23:30 - 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

27 Juni 24min

Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen dive into powerful listener-submitted questions around change, brotherhood, leadership, emotional vulnerability, and navigating fear in uncertain times. They explore how desperation and inspiration spark transformation, the traits that make up a strong inner circle, and the importance of vigilance in a chaotic world.  Additionally, they explore spiritual perspectives, navigating major life transitions, and emotional expression as fathers. Real talk, real insight — this episode offers practical and heartfelt guidance for men striving to lead with strength and clarity. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Opening Banter & Headlines 08:08 – Desperation vs. Inspiration: How Change Happens 15:42 – Building Your Inner Circle 32:22 – Dealing with Eternity and Purpose 41:10 – Managing Fear in Uncertain Times 49:15 – Leading Through Major Life Transitions 52:43 – Emotional Expression as Fathers 59:00 – Iron Council Invitation & Wrap-Up 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 Juni 54min

Too many men are wandering around aimlessly through life doing just enough in their existence to make it through one more day. That’s part of the reason I founded Order of Man and bring in incredible men like my guest today, Cody Jefferson. Cody is on a mission to help men find their purpose and live a life they’re called to live. Today, Cody and I talk about why so many men feel they’re always behind and never enough, the pressures a man faces daily and how to relieve them correctly, the source of joy and peace in a man’s life, how your body will tell you a lot about your attitude and efforts in life, why men should focus on who they are, not what they do, and so much more. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction and Friendship 01:11 - Trusting God's Timing 02:59 - Learning from Challenges 05:41 - Being Known vs. Being Seen 07:07 - Overcoming Vices 09:24 - Impact of Self-Sabotage 11:24 - Fear of Success 13:35 - Transition from Ministry 14:38 - Practical Self-Care 19:35 - Lessons from Past Mistakes 23:18 - Health Crisis and Realization 27:04 - Divine Inspiration 30:24 - Importance of Wise Counsel 34:57 - Death and Resurrection 40:13 - Understanding Purpose 43:14 - Calling to Help Others 46:46 - Judging Actions vs. Souls 49:36 - Overcoming Ego 53:16 - Areas of Growth 57:21 - Building a Deeper Connection 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

24 Juni 1h

Ryan Michler shares six essential books for fathers in this heartfelt episode of *Friday Field Notes*. Reflecting on fatherhood’s profound impact, he draws from personal experiences, including a near-death hunting trip with his son. Michler recommends reads like *The Boy Crisis* and *Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters* to help fathers navigate modern challenges, raise resilient sons, and nurture daughters’ self-worth. Emphasizing sovereignty and emotional regulation, he inspires men to lead with purpose,0making this episode a powerful guide for fathers committed to growth.  SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction to Fatherhood’s Importance 02:31 - Father’s Day Reflections 04:52 - Book 1: The Boy Crisis 06:09 - Book 2: Iron John 07:09 - Book 3: Wild at Heart 09:36 - Book 4: Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters 11:02 - Book 5: Men’s Work 12:02 - Book 6: Sovereignty 14:31 - Closing Thoughts and Resources

20 Juni 18min