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

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

In this episode of the Ask Me Anything series, Ryan and Kipp discuss the importance of consistency, overcoming personal struggles, and maintaining balance in life. They answer viewer questions on topics such as handling grief, setting boundaries with family, staying disciplined during busy seasons, and dealing with an unruly dog. They also share insights on how small, consistent actions lead to lasting change. Whether you’re looking for practical advice or motivation, this episode has something for you.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 02:45 – Reflecting on 10 years of Order of Man
• 09:25 – How to rest and enjoy without feeling guilty
• 19:32 – Dealing with grief and overcoming divorce
• 32:31 – Strategies to stay focused during busy seasons
• 42:24 – What books Ryan and Kipp are reading right now
• 55:35 – Talking to kids about drugs and addiction
• 60:11 – Setting boundaries with parents
• 01:07:54 – How to break tough news about a pet to a child

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

 

Out of the millions of men I’ve worked with over the last 10 years, I’ve heard everything from a deep disdain and animosity towards God and Jesus to a rich and abiding love for His word. For me, I fall somewhere in the middle as I wrestle with my own relationship with Him and towards my faith and spirituality. And, that’s the reason I really wanted to talk with a huge influence in my life, John Eldredge. Today, John and I cover what faith and spirituality really look like, how the distraction era has hampered our ability to draw close to Christ, whether or not Church is necessary on the path of spirituality, why finding truth is challenging but worth the struggle, how the “Doctrine of Popular Culture” gets it all wrong and how, maybe for the first time ever, you can experience Jesus.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

(00:00) - Exploring Spirituality and Religion Today (13:47) - Father-Son Relationships and Spirituality (20:43) - Fatherhood and Warrior Spirituality (29:15) - Seeking Purpose Beyond Self-Gratification (37:37) - The Masculine Journey (49:48) - Nurturing Individuality and Identity (01:01:42) - Connecting With Spirituality in Everyday Life (01:07:08) - Discovering the Ordinary Mystic  

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 explores a powerful metaphor for masculinity. Drawing from nature, he contrasts the virtuous, leadership-driven traits of lions with the deceptive, self-serving behaviors of hyenas. Through five key distinctions—leading vs. following, earning vs. taking, brotherhood vs. matriarchy, fearlessness vs. deceit, and protection vs. predation—Ryan challenges men to embody the lion’s strength and integrity.

With personal anecdotes and bold insights, he urges listeners to reject parasitic tendencies and pursue a legacy of righteous living. Join Ryan as he unpacks this analogy and offers a path to purposeful manhood.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction to Lions and Hyenas   02:29 - Lions Lead, Hyenas Follow   04:57 - Lions Earn, Hyenas Take   07:18 - Brotherhood vs. Matriarchy   09:40 - Fearless Lions, Deceptive Hyenas   12:03 - Protection vs. Predation   13:30 - Choosing Your Path   15:45 - Iron Council Promotion   17:53 - 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 Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle pressing listener questions on parenting, leadership, and self-improvement. They discuss whether staying together for the kids is truly the best choice, how men often overcomplicate simple solutions, and why discounting others' success is a losing mindset.

Ryan also shares insights on leading former peers, navigating the role of a stepfather, and staying accountable within the Iron Council. Packed with practical advice and tough love, this episode challenges listeners to level up.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Introduction & Weekly Headlines 04:48 – Together for the Kids? 13:02 – Overcomplicating the Uncomplicated 23:38 – The Power of Accountability & Battle Teams 26:59 – Leading Former Peers as a New Manager 33:54 – Navigating Fatherhood as a Stepfather 47:41 – Discounting Other People’s Success & Personal Growth 54:01 – Closing Thoughts & Upcoming Events

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

 

It’s been said that alcohol is the only drug that, if you don’t take it, people think something is wrong with you. And, I know firsthand what it’s like for alcohol use and abuse to take root in your life.

My guest today, James Swanwick makes the case that there is nothing good that comes from drinking alcohol – even in moderation and on occasion. Today, we talk about how quickly it can compromise your quality of life, production, and relationships, why he views alcohol as nothing more than “Attractively Packaged Poison,” how you can adopt the alcohol-free lifestyle, the importance of addressing the internal root of addiction, and how facing your own insecurities, although uncomfortable can help you crack the code.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction and Catching Up 00:24 - Ryan’s Alcohol Struggle and Recovery 01:24 - The Hidden Costs of Drinking 02:52 - Reclaiming Time and Energy 05:25 - Addressing Social Pressure to Drink 08:37 - Alcohol as a Cultural Myth 10:57 - Debunking Alcohol’s Health Benefits 14:09 - The Influence of Big Alcohol 15:59 - Genetic Predisposition to Alcohol 19:20 - Changing Habits, Changing Genes 22:56 - Finding Fulfillment Without Alcohol 25:55 - Starting the Hero’s Journey 28:47 - Building a Like-Minded Community 31:45 - Ryan’s Ongoing Journey 33:18 - Addiction as a Superpower? 37:06 - Balancing Life’s Pillars 40:55 - Leaning Into Personal Development 44:31 - James’s Emotional Breakthrough 48:50 - The Power of Community Support 51:06 - Where to Connect with James

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 discusses why every man must learn to advocate for himself. He explains how setting boundaries, communicating needs, and standing firm in convictions are essential for personal and professional success. Ryan challenges the belief that self-advocacy is selfish and presents compelling research on how men who stand up for themselves experience greater fulfillment, stronger relationships, and better health.

He also shares practical steps for asserting oneself in all areas of life. Tune in to learn how to take control of your mission, command respect, and lead with confidence.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Introduction 02:40 – No One is Coming to Save You 05:02 – Your Mission, Your Responsibility 09:51 – Your Strength Commands Respect 12:15 – Your Family and Community Need a Leader 17:09 – Weak Men Get Walked On, Strong Men Get Results 19:20 – Final Thoughts & 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

 

In this week's Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle pressing questions from listeners on self-improvement, purpose, and resilience. They discuss the importance of discipline, finding passion, and navigating major life transitions like retirement.

They also explore the impact of mindset on success, the dangers of victim mentality, and how small decisions can lead to lasting growth. Plus, Ryan shares a personal story about saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities. Tune in for another insightful and thought-provoking conversation.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Introduction & Monday Mindset 04:35 – Zelensky, Trump, and Diplomacy 11:10 – The Impact of Screen Time on Kids 14:23 – Viewer Question: Am I Enough? 22:52 – Viewer Question: What is My Purpose? 29:48 – Viewer Question: How Do You Get Out of Bed Every Day? 39:26 – Viewer Question: Preparing for Retirement 45:52 – Viewer Question: How to Find Your Passion? 52:29 – Viewer Question: Am I Better Than Yesterday? 58:24 – Viewer Question: How Will I Be Remembered? 1:04:24 – Viewer Question: Are You Doing What You Should Be Doing? 1:10:53 – Viewer Question: What Battle Are You Fighting That Isn’t Yours? 1:15:00 – 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

The way you tap into the matter that represents the 6” between you ears matters. The fact is, all of us have the same amount of time in the day. Sure, some people are born more intelligent, wealthy, or connected than others. But can you level the playing field? That’s the only question that matters.

My guest today, John Assaraf, believes that you can. He’s made it his life’s mission to show you how. Today, we talk about finding out if you’re “interested” or “committed” and the difference, how to turn your possibility into predictability using proven systems, how much time you really need to commit each day to improving (the answer might shock you), breaking free from the expectations of others, and finding what John calls the “Neuroplasticity Switch.”

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Introduction   00:29 – Shifting from Outer to Inner Work   01:51 – Perspective Shift   04:11 – The Power of Thoughts & Neurochemistry   10:31 – Understanding the Cybernetic Mechanism   14:21 – Mentorship & Commitment   21:38 – Visualization & Skill Upgrading   33:14 – The Entrepreneurial Mindset   43:08 – The Agentic AI Revolution   56:31 – Breaking Limiting Beliefs   01:04:27 – 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