In this week’s Ask Me Anything, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle a wide range of powerful listener questions—from raising children without a “heart at war” to building better connections with your sons and wives. They dive deep into personal growth, leadership, and balance, discussing authenticity, recovery, and what it means to find peace while still pursuing excellence.  They also explore the realities of career transitions and starting new business ventures. A thoughtful, real, and motivating conversation filled with practical wisdom and relatable life lessons.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Opening banter & hunting talk 02:19 – First viewer question (Tony) 12:14 – Staying driven without Iron Council 15:53 – Connecting with teenage sons 26:13 – Reflecting on past podcast episodes 30:41 – Relationship checklists & intentional connection 34:32 – Resources for starting a business 39:32 – When to leave your job 43:17 – Finding peace while still growing 50:08 – Promotions & course announcements 52:22 – Closing remarks

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It’s no secret that men are fascinated with the Roman Empire. Tales of battle, glory, and reign ignite our passion and enthusiasm for exerting our will against our enemies and for the benefit of those we lead. But these tales aren’t just an entertaining insight into the way men’s minds work – they’re also cautionary regarding how every once-great civilization has fallen.

Today, I’m joined by Jeremy Ryan Slate to discuss what makes men so attracted to the Roman Empire, in what ways the United States in following in its ill-fated footsteps (and, in which ways it isn’t), lessons we can learn from monetary policy, political aspirations, wars and conquests, and how we can avoid the fate (or, at least prolong) every great civilization has eventually faced.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction and setup 00:58 - Technical issues and restart 04:07 - Why men are fascinated by the Roman Empire 07:45 - Monetary policy, inflation, and control in Rome 13:50 - The rise of Julius Caesar and fall of the Republic 21:18 - Augustus and the birth of the Roman Empire 25:00 - Power, propaganda, and lessons from history 28:43 - Modern parallels: populism, media, and literacy 34:06 - Social programs, dependency, and autonomy 36:10 - The real reasons Rome fell 40:20 - Immigration, loyalty, and national identity 43:03 - Decadence, morality, and the weakening of men 46:47 - How modern men can preserve the Republic 48:04 - Closing thoughts and where to find Jeremy Slate

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

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Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

In this deeply personal episode, Ryan opens up about his own divorce - how it unfolded, what he learned, and how men can navigate their own journey with strength and integrity. Drawing from experience and thousands of conversations with men, Ryan shares five things NOT to do and five things TO do when facing divorce.

He reminds listeners that divorce, while painful, doesn’t have to be the end - it can be the start of rebuilding your life with purpose, clarity, and resilience.

Key Takeaways Five Don’ts:  - Don’t sedate yourself - Avoid alcohol, porn, or distractions that numb growth.  - Don’t stalk your ex - Cut off emotional dependence and focus forward.  - Don’t sleep around - Don’t use others to fill emotional voids.  - Don’t seek vengeance or self-harm - You’re needed, and life can get better.  - Don’t watch porn - It distorts intimacy and respect for women.

Five Do’s:  - Build male friendships - Brotherhood is essential for healing and accountability.  - Develop new skills - Strengthen your financial and professional foundation.  - Learn a new hobby - Rediscover fun, joy, and adventure.  - Train your body - Rebuild strength, confidence, and vitality.  - Give back - Serving others heals your own pain.

Resources & Mentions

Divorce Not Death Program: divorcenotdeath.com Email Ryan: [email protected] Follow on Instagram: @ryanmickler

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Intro   00:31 - The Moment It Happened   02:54 - Hitting Rock Bottom   04:54 - The Don’ts: Avoid Sedation   07:17 - Don’t Stalk or Chase   09:42 - Don’t Sleep Around   12:03 - Don’t End It All   13:50 - Don’t Seek Vengeance   16:17 - The Do’s: Build Brotherhood   18:39 - Develop Skills & Wealth   21:01 - Learn to Have Fun Again   23:19 - Train Your Body   25:18 - Give Back   26:50 - Divorce Not Death   28:30 - 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

In this week’s Ask Me Anything, Ryan Michler and guest co-host Jay Jairdullo tackle powerful questions from members of the Iron Council and the broader Order of Man community. They dive into overcoming complacency after success, saving a struggling marriage, the real key to consistency, and finding clarity amid diet confusion. 

Ryan also shares guidance on battling depression, building self-worth, and mastering emotional regulation. This episode is packed with wisdom, frameworks, and honest stories that every man can apply to become stronger and more grounded in purpose.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Intro and catch-up with Jay 01:26 – Setting new goals and avoiding complacency 07:42 – Navigating marital separation and self-improvement 17:31 – Why some men thrive in the Iron Council 34:18 – Using the Pareto Principle 42:51 – Overcoming depression and learning self-love 48:35 – Managing emotions and staying calm 56:21 – Final thoughts and Iron Council invitation

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

Early in my self-development days, I would only consume non-fiction, self-help books. It seemed to be doing the trick but I became more consumed with the amount of books I read at the expense of actually improving my life. Then a friend encouraged me to read fiction every once in a while. Shortly thereafter, my friend Jack Carr, released his first book, Terminal List – which I devoured.

And, Jack Carr is back with me again to talk about his newest book, Cry Havoc. But we talk a whole lot more than just the book. We cover how best to cultivate a new skill set (be it writing or something else), the importance of exercising the brain, making yourself better through wisdom, worrying about only what you can control, and the value of fictional work on your self-development journey.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Catching up with Jack Carr and reflecting on The Terminal List beginnings 01:23 - How publishing has changed and the modern author’s battlefield 05:21 - Gratitude, readers, and using social media for good 09:21 - Why Jack identifies first and foremost as an author 10:49 - Reading as a foundation: how fiction shaped Jack’s life 14:28 - Reading for joy versus studying the craft 18:13 - Military service as a calling before writing 21:46 - Why fiction develops empathy and frees the mind 25:51 - Audiobooks as a “gateway drug” back to reading 26:48 - Fiction versus visual media and the power of imagination 30:10 - Writing for the screen vs. writing for the page 31:02 - The art of storytelling and how Jack builds his novels 33:10 - How to write a better book (and why Jack ignores trends) 40:09 - Creative freedom, editors, and Hollywood contrasts 43:37 - Historical accuracy and the making of Cry Havoc 47:28 - Jack’s take on AI and creativity 48:53 - Authentic connection with readers and fans 52:00 - Sharing the author’s journey in the digital age 54:03 - The discipline of long-form creation and interruptions 58:23 - What’s next: research trips, nonfiction, and new directions 59:38 - Launching Cry Havoc and closing reflections

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 Friday Field Notes, Ryan dives into the inevitable challenges every man faces—and how you can rise above them. Being a male is a matter of birth, but being a man is earned through responsibility, capability, and leadership. Ryan outlines practical ways to prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually so that you can protect, provide, and preside when it matters most.

Whether it’s solving problems under pressure, anticipating threats, regulating emotions, or empowering others, this episode will challenge you to step up and live as the man you were meant to be.

SHOWNOTES

00:00 – Intro

00:10 – Not every male is a man: challenge defines manhood

02:34 – True leadership reveals itself when things go wrong

04:50 – The power of anticipation and situational awareness

09:23 – Building capability in every area of life

11:45 – Manhood as a profession: constantly improving yourself

14:08 – Emotional regulation and creating safety

16:20 – Helping others solve their own problems

18:47 – Sovereignty: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual strength

20:37 – Becoming the man people look to in crisis

22:30 – Promotion: Join the Iron Council

23:45 – Next week’s episode preview with Jack Carr

24:30 – Closing and grassroots call to share the podcast

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• Why challenge is the defining feature of manhood

• How to adopt the mindset of a problem-solver

• The importance of anticipation and situational awareness

• Building capability: financial, physical, and skill-based

• Regulating your emotions and creating safety for others

• Helping others solve their own problems

• Why manhood is a profession that requires constant improvement

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

Ryan and Kipp dig into building and protecting the relationships that matter: how to communicate needs, spot relationships that no longer serve you, rebuild trust with children after long absences, and strike the balance between work, service, and family.

Along the way Ryan shares a harrowing (and hilarious) zipline rescue that reinforces why we should hold our loved ones close. Practical advice, real-world boundaries, and quick tactical habits (like rotating one-on-one lunches with kids) make this episode a toolkit for men working to show up better at home and in community.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 — Intro & topic setup 04:26 — Topic: building relationships (Iron Council prompt) 10:20 — Q: William Pennell — communicating needs 15:47 — Q: Jeremy Kofi — when relationships stop serving 20:45 — Q: Travis Gare — reentering your son's life after absence 31:10 — Q: Matthew Jenkins — prioritizing time with family 40:16 — Q: Christopher Jackson — reclaiming masculine energy 45:19 — Q: Eric Tyler — inner work before showing up in relationships 53:15 — Q: James Grayson — politics, faith and difficult conversations 59:39 — Ryan’s zipline story & closing thoughts 01:05:55 — Final sign-off / Iron Council 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

In 1992, John Gray released, “Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus.” It was important work then. It is just as (if not, more so) important today. Why do we as men struggle to understand what women are thinking and saying? And, why do women struggle just as much in understanding us? My guest today, Vanessa Bennet, author of “The Motherhood Myth,” and psychotherapist sheds some light on the reasons, including an inside look at what women are thinking and why. Today, we talk about the misunderstandings between men and women, why women aren’t interested in being with you as one of their children, why women are looking for leadership and respect from men, what is healthy womanhood and manhood, why safety is a key factor in attractiveness for women, and what it really means when a woman says, “I want a man who is vulnerable.”

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 — Intro & Costa Rica setup 02:02 — Miscommunication Between Men & Women 09:17 — Shadow Work & Shame 13:06 — Myths of Motherhood 18:07 — Finding the Middle (Pendulum Theory) 21:36 — Rupture & Repair in Relationships 30:10 — Choosing vs Needing: Desire & Partnership 33:06 — Leadership vs Dominance (What Women Want) 42:48 — Don’t Fix — Build Competence & Autonomy 50:26 — Safety & Parenting (why reliability matters) 59:43 — Preemptive Communication & Vulnerability 1:00:39 — Integrity & Follow-Through (why actions matter)

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 Friday Field Notes episode, Ryan Michler explores what it truly means for men to take risks and why it’s essential for growth, leadership, and purpose. He outlines the importance of knowing your “why,” weighing risk versus reward, hedging your bets, and preparing every area of your life before making bold moves. Ryan also emphasizes the need for courage, resilience, and guidance from mentors. This conversation is a practical and powerful guide for men who want to step into greater responsibility, push past fear, and live with meaning while taking calculated, righteous risks.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:14 Big goals and the role of risk 02:24 The importance of knowing your why 07:03 Measuring risk versus reward 09:27 Hedging your bets 11:50 Getting your house in order 14:16 SWOT analysis for decision-making 16:37 The mandate to take righteous risk 18:55 Coaching opportunities and 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 Part 2 of this Ask Me Anything Ryan and Kipp tackle real listener money questions - from Roth vs. traditional 401(k)s and how to start saving at 48, to scaling rental portfolios, buying land, and running a meat processing business. They also discuss high-income skills, the psychology of debt and “usury,” and whether cashing out investments to pay a low-rate mortgage makes sense. Packed with actionable prudence, blunt honesty, and practical frameworks for financial decisions. Tune in, take notes, and move to action.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Intro 01:33 - Roth vs. Traditional 401(k) (Mike Cole) 04:22 - Biggest moves at 48 with nothing saved (Lonnie McIntyre) 10:57 - Scaling rentals: use equity or let it pay off (Jeremy Fulmer) 14:07 - Considering closing 401(k) to buy land (Mike) 16:57 - Starting a meat processing business (Jeff Kessler) 23:18 - Experience vs. price: creating convenience & premium services 26:21 - High-income skills & why connection matters (Jonathan Webster) 34:05 - Usury, debt culture & values (Jason Cole) 41:51 - Paying off mortgage vs. investing (Chris Edmondson) 47:35 - Iron Council / Order of Man promo & outro

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