Most men don't have a fitness problem as much as they have a "no" problem. Your kid asks you to jump on the trampoline, wrestle, or go for a hike, and you're too tired, too out of shape, or too worried about getting hurt to say yes. Say no enough times and they stop asking. My guest today knows that if you want to protect, provide, and show up for the people who count on you, being physically capable is the price of admission.

Jason Khalipa and I talk about learning new skills well past 40, why tools like TRT and GLP-1s should never become crutches, and what it means to stay ahead of your sons in the weight room for as long as you can. We also get into the Train Hard Men's Club, the free weekly workouts Jason started in a library parking lot that have grown to more than 100 clubs around the world. Men need a reason to get together, and a hard workout followed by a cup of coffee might be exactly the excuse you've been missing.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - Opening: Tactical Fitness and Smith & Wesson Partnership

01:16 - Preparing for First Big Game Hunt in Texas

04:19 - Upcoming Whitetail Hunts & Long Range Shooting

07:03 - Evolving with Age: Police Academy & BJJ at 41

09:25 - Maintaining Physical Capability as You Age

10:53 - Muscle Retention, GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs, and Strength Baselines

13:44 - The "Never Zero" Approach & Modern TRT Tools

16:31 - The Protect and Provide Mandate of Modern Men

18:52 - Training to Always Say Yes to Your Kids

21:31 - Friendly Competition Between Fathers and Sons

24:19 - Inspiring the Next Generation Through Strength

30:40 - Recording Break & Mid-Show Pause

32:44 - The Origin of the Train Hard Men's Club

35:30 - Scaling Free Men's Clubs Worldwide

38:59 - Restoring Real-World Groundedness and Connection

41:09 - The Unique Value of Male Brotherhood and Accountability

45:08 - Why Men Need Purpose-Driven Gathering

51:13 - Breakdown of the Train Hard Burpee Test

52:50 - Breathwork, Heart Rate Control, and Managing Stress at Home

56:45 - How to Join or Start a Local Train Hard Club

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 Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler broadcasts from a whitetail hunting lodge in Minnesota to discuss three insidious habits that are quietly destroying modern men: distraction, isolation, and sedation. It is dangerously easy to justify your distractions when they look like noble work, grinding at the gym, or even church service, but running from your core responsibilities will ultimately destroy your home.

Isolation might feel like the path of an alpha male, but cutting yourself off from a trusted brotherhood makes you significantly weaker. Finally, sedation—whether through drugs, porn, or simply tuning out—is a desperate attempt to regain control when life feels chaotic. Real strength comes from confronting your challenges head-on. Tune in to learn how to break these destructive patterns.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:40 - Episode Opening

00:40 - Broadcasting from the Hunting Lodge

02:22 - The Danger of Noble Distractions

07:05 - The Lie of the Lone Wolf and Isolation

11:40 - Sedation and the Illusion of Control

16:25 - Confronting Challenges Head-On

20:57 - Closing Thoughts and 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

How do you become a better man, lead your family, and navigate life's toughest challenges? Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen explore the power of brotherhood, explaining how meaningful relationships create possibility, accountability, and growth. They answer five listener questions covering freezing during confrontation, leading as a stepfather, helping an adult child become independent, raising resilient children, and moving beyond a troubled past. Along the way, they discuss conflict resolution, personal responsibility, repentance, and the importance of taking action rather than seeking validation. Plus, learn how the Iron Council can help you build stronger connections and become the man you're meant to be.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - Episode Introduction and Opening

00:40 - Brotherhood, Purpose, and Meaningful Conversations

01:44 - Why Men Need a Band of Brothers

04:12 - Inspiration: From Motivation to Action

07:08 - The Power of Accountability and Connection

11:16 - Ideas, Growth, and the Value of Brotherhood

12:56 - Self-Determination: Autonomy, Mastery, and Relatedness

17:10 - Handling Confrontation and Protecting Your Family

21:32 - Preparing for Conflict Through Training

29:16 - Leading as a Stepfather

35:54 - Supporting Adult Children Without Enabling Them

43:25 - Raising Resilient and Grateful Children

47:11 - Moving Beyond Your Past and Reputation

48:17 - Why You Don't Need to Prove You've Changed

50:30 - Repentance, Making Amends, and Personal Growth

53:25 - Iron Council: Take Action Before the Year Ends

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

Most of us were raised to believe that a man is defined by what he's chasing: the money, the woman, the title, the next goal. And for a big part of life, that's exactly right. You should be hungry, and you should be building. But what happens when you get there? When the goal is hit, the purpose fulfills itself, and you're left standing there asking, "Now what?" A lot of men mistake that moment for depression. My guest today says it might actually be a doorway.

David Deida wrote The Way of the Superior Man nearly 30 years ago, and it's shaped a generation of men, including me. His new book, The Man of Zero, picks up where that one left off. We talk about the difference between living from lack and living from fullness, why surrendering to God isn't weakness but a code bigger than you, how a warrior can do hard things with an open heart, and why the less you chase woman and world, the more they come to you. This one goes deep, gentlemen. Let's get into it.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - Episode Introduction

01:30 - From Superior Man to Man of Zero

07:36 - Living Without Goals or Motives

14:52 - Understanding the Deep "I"

21:43 - The Awareness of Animals and Humans

26:10 - Neutralizing Threats from a Place of Love

37:54 - The Three Stages of Men's Development

48:34 - Mastering Sexuality and Integrity

54:57 - Confronting Mammalian and Primal Urges

57:07 - Defining Primal Power and Boundless Sex

01:00:26 - Where to Find David'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 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