In this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with Deke Parker of Parker Knives. Deke shares his journey into bladesmithing—starting out with nothing more than an angle grinder, an old file, and a backyard forge, quenching blades in his kitchen. Living in the far southwest corner of Kansas, Deke didn’t know any other bladesmiths until he began traveling to shows, where he met other makers and eventually competed—and won—on Forged in Fire. From there, Deke forged lasting friendships in the blacksmithing community and pursued his American Bladesmith Society journeyman smith stamp. But chasing production deadlines led him to step back from knife-making as a business, returning to it as a hobby so he could focus on pushing his skills and creating true art. After a trip to Blade Show in Atlanta with Shawn Shropshire, the idea of The Wandering Bladesmith was born. Deke also leaves us with some words of wisdom… BUT Deke's phone dies. As Paul Harvey would say—“stay tuned for the rest of the story” in Part 2!

In this episode of Behind The Anvil, Michael Peterson sits down with the one and only SPICY MIKE!!!—aka Michael Kerley—for a wild and inspiring conversation. We dive deep into the art of knife-making, from stepping outside the box with S-grinds to experimenting with stainless steel cores in san-mai blades—the dos, the don’ts, and everything in between. Spicy Mike shares why he loves crafting chef’s knives and how that passion naturally led him into the kitchen, where he’s whipping up incredible Chinese-style dishes like his legendary noodle soups. He even teases the idea of a YouTube series giving a behind-the-scenes look at simplifying cooking—less mess, more flavor, and doing more with what you’ve got. We also get into his love for hot sauce, the story of his pet ducks (from Greg to today’s Allen), and how he once left pro-wrestling legend Goldberg speechless. Plus, Spice Mike opens up about the importance of managing and valuing free time as a maker. This episode has it all—knives, cooking, hot sauce, ducks, and more. You won’t want to miss it!

Episode 12 – Forging Dreams with Cowboy & Ilena of Phenix Knives In this episode of Behind The Anvil, Mike sits down with Cowboy and his amazing wife Ilena of Phenix Knives in Bellville, Texas. Together, they share their incredible 28-year journey in knife-making—starting from a historic blacksmith shop and growing into their brand-new 5,000 sq. ft. shop. From Cowboy’s Forged in Fire experience to launching the Texas Select Knife Show, they open up about the lessons learned in running a business, how to stay fluid and pivot when challenges come, and the dedication it took to bring Cowboy’s dream of a bigger shop to life. They also talk about how the knife show has opened doors, built lasting friendships with makers across the USA, and what it means to be part of a growing bladesmithing community. This episode is packed with inspiration, resilience, and the spirit of forging more than just blades—it’s about forging dreams and connections.

In this episode of Behind The Anvil, Mike sits down with bladesmith Sam Waterfield of Samsquatch Forge to share his journey into the world of knife making. From the spark that first ignited his passion for the craft, to how one of Mike’s Damascus knives knife-making classes that Sam took that played a role in forging both blades and a lasting friendship, Sam’s story is filled with “one blade—or one squirrel moment—at a time” adventures. We dive into how Sam got hooked on bladesmithing, his experiences helping with knife-making classes, preparing for his first knife show, and joining the Beat the Smith mini-series. Sam also leaves us with some words of wisdom for makers chasing their own path in the forge and in life.

Episode 10 – Behind The Anvil with Eric Ranks In this episode of Behind The Anvil, Mike sits down with Eric Ranks, CEO and founder of 22 Salute Vodka & Coffee, a brand with a powerful purpose: supporting veterans and first responders through mental health programs and community initiatives. Eric shares the story of how 22 Salute was born, the charities it uplifts, and the deeper motivation that drives his mission to give back to those who have sacrificed for our nation. From the inspiration behind the brand to the impact it’s making today, this conversation is a reminder of how business can be a force for good. Learn how you can join the mission at 22salute.com and be part of honoring and supporting America’s heroes

Episode 9 | Behind The Anvil Podcast In this episode, host Michael Peterson sits down with Shawn Shropshire to dive into the highlights of his bladesmithing journey. From traveling the world and sipping champagne at 1 a.m. in Italy while listening to country music, to crafting folding knives and bringing the Wandering Bladesmith idea to life—Shawn’s story is anything but ordinary. We talk about his taste for bizarre foods , his unique outlook on life, and the wisdom behind his mantra: don’t just say “maybe next year”… go do it. Whether you’re a maker, a dreamer, or just someone who loves a good story, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration forged through experience.

Episode 8 – Behind The Anvil Podcast In this episode, Mike sits down with Forged in Fire champion and Brother of the Blade, Nate Summer. They dive into the realities of maker burnout and how to push through those tough seasons while keeping the fire alive. Nate also shares plenty of laughs with a few classic dad jokes, and stories of his journey— from crafting his very first knife to selling that first piece. Listeners will hear about the creation of his Friet knife, his background in maker education, and valuable tips of wisdom for anyone walking the bladesmithing path. Whether you’re a seasoned smith or just starting out, Nate’s story is full of insight, grit, and inspiration.

In this episode of Behind the Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with host of Double B Creates Kevin Beck and Brad Caughey to reflect on recent tragic events, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and how they’ve impacted their lives and communities. Together, they discuss the importance of dialogue over hatred, personal freedom, and accountability, while also diving into topics like faith, parenting, education, and the role of critical thinking in today’s world. With honesty and respect, the conversation explores how to find hope, unity, and positivity in challenging times.

Forging Strength: Cheyenne Brown’s Journey In this powerful episode, Mike sits down with bladesmith, blacksmith, and skull carver Cheyenne Brown. She shares her inspiring journey of breaking into the world of metalwork while overcoming the darkness of an abusive marriage. With two special needs children, Cheyenne forged not only blades but also a better life for her family. Listen as she opens up about how her craft became a source of healing, empowerment, and support for her kids, and how she continues to balance the demands of being a single mother with the challenges and triumphs of the bladesmithing world.

In Episode 6 of Behind The Anvil, host Mike Peterson sits down with Jose Roberto Alaniz Jr., owner of 3rd Day Coffee Seguin and a devoted servant of Jesus Christ our Lord. Jose shares his powerful testimony of feeling the Lord’s call—how at first he resisted, and how God turned up the heat to forge him into the man he is today. From personal trials to divine guidance, Jose reveals how his faith and his passion for coffee have intertwined, opening doors to share the Gospel and connect with people from all walks of life. This heartfelt conversation blends the aroma of good coffee with the richness of a life transformed by Christ’s calling