Very few men think of relationships in the frame of the "sexual marketplace," although the rules and principles of attraction and connection can very much be understood as an economic model, of sorts, of perceived value. And, the man who offers the most perceived value, is the man who gets the girl. Whether you're married or single, understanding the intricacies and nuance of what makes a man attractive to a woman will help him get more of what he wants from her.

My guest today, psychologist Orion Taraban joins me to discuss these dynamics between men and women so we all get more of what we're after in relationships. We cover the importance of knowing your value and knowing what is valuable to the opposite sex, why love has little or nothing to do with attraction, what is known as the "Madonna-Whore Complex," the concepts of Captains and Passengers as it relates to dating and mating, the difference between talking and communicating, and how best to make yourself more attractive.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction to Captain and Passenger Roles 00:30 - Orion Taraban's Background and Book Success 01:30 - The Role of YouTube in Building an Audience 03:24 - Orion's Communication Style and Credentials 07:04 - The Captain and Passenger Metaphor 11:33 - Prerogatives of the Captain 12:23 - Liabilities of Female Captaincy 15:29 - Sexual Marketplace Dynamics 18:38 - Love and Relationships 20:15 - Male Sexuality and Objectification 26:16 - Attraction and the "Bad Boy" Myth 28:12 - The Two Women Concept 32:21 - Communication vs. Talking in Relationships 37:24 - Self-Knowledge and Attraction 41:14 - Double Standards in the Sexual Marketplace 47:20 - Body Count and Sexual Novelty 51:17 - The Coolidge Effect and Male Drive 56:13 - Monogamy and Historical Context 59:54 - Relationships as Economic Transactions 1:03:36 - Marriage as a Business Partnership 1:09:48 - What Women Want in Men 1:16:01 - Standing Out in the Sexual Marketplace 1:23:12 - Where to Connect with Orion

In this powerful episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler tackles imposter syndrome, urging men to reject feelings of inadequacy and embrace their divine purpose. He challenges the notion of being an imposter, labeling it as selfish and rooted in insecurity.

Michler provides a candid, no-nonsense perspective, offering five actionable steps to reframe negative self-stories, unpack insecurities, and lean on others' belief in oneself. With raw honesty, he inspires listeners to recognize their worth and take bold action to become the men they're meant to be.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:30 - Introduction to Imposter Syndrome 02:56 - The Selfish Nature of Imposter Syndrome 04:42 - Acknowledging Strengths and Weaknesses 06:54 - Value is Subjective 08:56 - The Comparison Trap 11:07 - You're Not an Imposter, You're Learning 12:57 - Imposter Syndrome is Just a Story 14:58 - Unpacking Insecurities with the Five W's 17:07 - Journaling to Confront Insecurities 19:11 - Rewriting Your Past Story 21:22 - Crafting a New Story 24:50 - Leaning on Others' Belief in You 27:05 - Rejecting Imposter Syndrome 29:11 - Moral Imperative to Be Your Best 31:18 - Closing Thoughts 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 this AMA episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorenson dive into key questions from listeners on navigating relationships, living with purpose, processing intense emotions, and making tough life decisions. They also explore personal family traditions, the importance of frameworks and accountability, and how to know when it's time to pivot. With honest, practical insights and stories from their own experiences, this episode is packed with value for any man seeking growth, clarity, and strength in all areas of life.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 – Intro and catching up 01:38 – Navigating early relationship struggles 08:05 – Living life unabashedly 16:41 – Family summer traditions 20:17 – Processing strong emotions like anger and sadness 30:11 – Running away or moving toward opportunity 40:11 – What would you prioritize if your life was on the line? 45:06 – What to cut out to move forward 48:31 – Turning knowledge into action 54:24 – Preparing for the Forge event & final 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

I believe that most men know they're leaving room on the table for personal and professional growth and while their diagnosis may be correct, the prescription is wrong. Most men seem to believe that if only their circumstances were different (their boss, their wife, their financial prosperity, etc.), their lives would be better. But the reality is a new circumstances, without a change you yourself, will only produce more of the same. My guest today, Andrew Shaw, has made it his life's work to help men break free from the patterns that are holding them back, many of them subconscious. Today, we talk about discipline, resilience, the importances of what he calls, "choice points," the critical differences between taking fault and taking responsibility, and how many men have over-corrected against the attack on masculinity.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 00:27 - Discussing Content and Masculinity 02:34 - Cultural Views on Masculinity 06:15 - Overទ - Reactions and Overcorrections 08:17 - Common Issues Men Face 15:17 - Masculine Traits and Relationships 23:24 - Starting with Self-Alignment 28:14 - Embracing Discomfort for Growth 35:42 - Physical and Emotional Integration 46:40 - Connecting with Andrew

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 Michler delves into the concept of the "integrity gap" — the disparity between what men know they should do and what they actually do. He explores how this gap hinders personal growth, results, and relationships, urging listeners to bridge it through actionable steps. Michler provides six introspective questions to help men align their actions with their aspirations, fostering purpose and impact. Tune in to discover how to close the integrity gap and become the man you're meant to be.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introducing the Integrity Gap 02:23 - Risks of the Integrity Gap 08:17 - Impact on Your People 10:41 - Who Are You Ideally? 14:56 - Who Are You Currently? 18:22 - What Needs to Happen Daily? 20:14 - What Information Do You Need? 22:38 - What Systems Do You Need? 24:50 - What Do You Need to Do Right Now? 26:34 - Adapting to Life's Challenges

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 questions around forgiveness, grief, confidence, and masculine responsibility. They explore how to regain momentum after major life setbacks, navigate strained relationships with parents, and balance humility with confidence.

The hosts also discuss toxic masculinity, fatherhood, and the importance of modeling strength and integrity. This episode is a call to rise above a "heart at war" and live as a man of purpose—even in the face of fear, trauma, and adversity.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Opening & News Headlines 03:50 – Forgiving Parents Without Reconnecting 17:18 – Confidence and Humility in One Hand 24:35 – Facing Mortality & Leading Your Family 35:42 – Regaining Momentum After Loss 40:59 – Prioritizing Fitness vs. Financial Goals 48:37 – Why Most Men Stay Stuck 59:05 – Toxic Masculinity, Feminism & Prevention

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

From the time we were little boys and young men, the topic of sex has always seemed to conjure up thoughts of embarrassment and shame. It's unfortunate (to say the least) considering that most men equate sex with the woman in their lives an integral part of the relationship and connection. My guest today, Alex Grendi, has made it his life's work to explore men's relationships with sex and how we can not only get more of it but make it more meaningful for ourselves and the women in our lives. We talk about porn's impact on sexual relationships, how to overcome childhood shame around the conversation of sex, how to solicit and ask for feedback in your performance in the bedroom (including how to ask for what you want), why nice guys never get what they want from intimacy, and the psychological and physiological issues men deal with when with their lady.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode Introduction 00:25 - Misconceptions About Men and Sex 00:56 - Shame and Societal Expectations 02:05 - Defining "Good" at Sex 03:22 - Impact of Pornography 04:32 - Healthy Perspective on Sex 06:01 - Creating Safety in the Bedroom 07:44 - Balancing Quickies and Intimacy 09:18 - Pornography and Performance Issues 10:54 - Navigating Religious Shame 12:02 - Talking to Kids About Sex 14:57 - Overcoming Shame and Insecurity 18:19 - Steps to Address Performance Anxiety 22:51 - Managing Stress for Better Intimacy 25:05 - Exploring Non-Genital Pleasure 29:24 - Importance of Foreplay 32:18 - Honoring Your Own Needs 36:14 - Mastering Edging Techniques 41:30 - Removing Ejaculation as the Goal 44:42 - Communicating Desires Effectively 50:28 - Leadership in Intimacy 53:06 - Reframing Sexual Intentions 55:42 - Connecting with Alex Grendi

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 powerful concept inspired by Gladiator and Marcus Aurelius: "What we do echoes in eternity." Michler emphasizes the importance of adopting a long-term perspective in life to avoid emotional impulsivity, short-term gains, and scarcity mindsets.

He shares three key mindsets for maintaining focus on lasting goals and three practical strategies—pausing before acting, applying the "five-five-five rule," and prioritizing long-term results—to achieve meaningful outcomes. Michler's insights inspire listeners to make decisions that resonate beyond the present, fostering a legacy of impact and growth.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:18 - Introduction 02:42 - Why Long-Term Perspective Matters 07:21 - Avoiding Short-Term Thinking Traps 09:38 - Strategy 1: Stop Before You Act 11:56 - Managing Emotional Responses 13:57 - Strategy 2: The Five-Five-Five Rule 16:04 - Strategy 3: Focus on Long-Term Results 18:06 - Building Lasting Relationships 20:27 - Recap 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

In this week's Ask Me Anything episode, Ryan Michler—joined midway by Kipp Sorensen—tackles questions from listeners about discipline, balance, relationships, and personal growth. They share insights on training consistency in summer, defining identity, healing after breakups, and leading a family with intensity and joy.

Whether you're navigating divorce, redefining your vision, or trying to stay focused in a distracted world, this episode delivers powerful mindset shifts and practical takeaways to help you become the man you're meant to be.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Intro & Memorial Day Reflection 02:49 – Staying Consistent with Training in Summer 05:02 – Balancing Drive and Family Presence 09:46 – Responsibility vs. Enabling in Family 14:28 – Dating After Divorce 22:20 – Discovering Identity and Vision 32:48 – Lessons from Darkest Moments 42:49 – Financial Readiness for Marriage 46:13 – Moving On After a Breakup 50:20 – Closing Remarks & 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 single man listening to this is familiar with discipline and has applied it (to varying degrees) in his life. We generally think of discipline as an overall good thing (and, I think it is) but it can often lead to bouts of frustration and unnecessary suffering if utilized incorrectly.

My guest today, Craig Ballantyne, makes the case that discipline, although, a powerful force for productivity comes with strings attached, and isn't the end-all, save-all it's often made out to be. Today, we talk about what true discipline is not, why chasing the wrong target is so common and what to do about it, what I call the "self-help hangover" and how to avoid it, why you should know the distinction between standards and expectations, and how to avoid what Craig calls, "The Doom Loop" in your life.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction and Defining Discipline 00:42 - Level 10 Effort and Level 10 Problems 01:48 - Identifying Your Level 10 Problem 04:21 - The Importance of Focus and Self-Reflection 06:32 - Calibration and Goal Setting 07:54 - Facing Difficult Conversations 10:44 - The Hero's Journey and Overcoming Fears 13:13 - Personal Growth Through Challenges 15:49 - Suffering vs. Sacrifice 18:54 - Reframing Sacrifice for Joy 21:21 - Choices and Personal Responsibility 23:44 - Inspiring Stories of Resilience 25:35 - Motivation and Maximizing Potential 27:54 - Breaking the Doom Loop 30:27 - Effortless Discipline Systems 33:46 - The Power of Systems Over Willpower 37:09 - Accountability as a Life Hack 40:31 - Raising Standards for Success 43:55 - Standards vs. Expectations 46:12 - Controlling Thoughts, Words, and Deeds 48:27 - Identity and Core Values 50:35 - Creating a Vision for Your Future 52:45 - Where to Connect and Learn More

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