We’ve all heard the quote, “Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times.” Today, I have the author of that quote, Geoff Hopf on the podcast to talk about what he meant when we penned that phrase.

Today, we talk about moral weakness and lacking skillsets, why masculinity does not need to be redefined, why accepting reality is such a crucial part of men’s growth, why all men want to be part of something great, the 4 pillars of survival, and overcoming illogical belief systems.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Introduction 01:24 – Geoff’s background and law enforcement experience 06:35 – Transitioning to writing and becoming an author 11:18 – Daily writing habits and productivity 15:47 – Finding purpose through creative work 20:26 – Violence, masculinity, and raising boys 26:55 – Personal responsibility and fatherhood 33:10 – Social media, distraction, and mental clarity 39:42 – Freedom of speech and cancel culture 44:51 – Lessons from fatherhood and legacy 50:15 – Final thoughts and where to find Geoff’s work

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

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In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler delivers a powerful message on embracing failure as a catalyst for growth. Drawing from personal experiences, he outlines six actionable strategies to learn from setbacks, including avoiding complacency, focusing on controllables, and forgiving oneself. Michler emphasizes resilience and personal responsibility, urging listeners to let go of past mistakes and build a better future. His candid, motivational approach inspires men to confront challenges head-on and transform adversity into opportunity. 

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction: The Inevitability of Failure 02:53 - Six Strategies to Learn from Failure 05:13 - Complacency Kills 07:33 - Externalities Are Rarely the Problem 11:47 - Build New, Let Go of the Old 15:16 - Do Not Grow Bitter or Label 19:27 - Forgive Yourself 27:04 - Focus on the Controllables 28:52 - Closing: Transform Challenges into Growth

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 episode of Ask Me Anything, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorenson tackle tough, real-world questions from men facing divorce, personal setbacks, and disconnection at home. They dive into how optics impact execution, how to master emotional resilience through stress, and why ego can sabotage your growth. 

From powerful mindset shifts to tactical advice for navigating separation and fatherhood, this episode is packed with hard truths and uplifting insights. Whether you’re healing, leading, or rebuilding—this one hits home.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Technical Troubles and Weekend Recap 05:45 – Viewer Questions Begin 06:02 – What to Do When Divorce Hits 10:07 – Reconnecting Without Shared Interests 15:09 – Rebuilding After a Breakup 21:45 – Divorce Logistics and Legal Readiness 27:59 – How to Apologize to Your Kids 32:23 – Blessings Hidden in Disappointment 44:58 – Would You Want Your Son to Live Your Life? 52:07 – Hierarchical Decision-Making 52:34 – Optics vs. Execution Debate 59:00 – The Brain’s Argument With Itself 01:02:24 – Optics as a Sign of Respect 01:04:50 – Final Thoughts and Hope Through Hard Times

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

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It can be challenging to be faithful towards your goals and objectives in the seemingly endless supply of trials and adversity. Whether you’re dealing with a crippling financial situation, devastating divorce, or something like my guest today, Hal Elrod, dealt with, a life-threatening cancer diagnosis. In spite of all that, and more, you have responsibilities to take care of and duties to fulfill. So, how do you do it? Today, Hal and I talk about being realistic in your pursuits by balancing the line between probable and possible, what is a true miracle and how to create more of them in your life, the powerful connection between mind and body (and, how to use it), and using affirmations in a way that works.

00:00 — Reconnecting After Nearly a Decade 00:45 — Hal’s Cancer Diagnosis and Immediate Challenges 03:35 — Fear of Death vs. Fear for Family 06:14 — The Miracle Equation: Unwavering Faith and Extraordinary Effort 08:17 — Preparing for Death While Fighting to Live 13:08 — The Role of Affirmations in Healing 14:20 — Beating Cancer: Mindset vs. Reality 18:35 — The Mind-Body Connection and Healing Miracles 21:28 — Dr. Bernie Siegel’s Insights on Cancer Survival 23:20 — Choosing Hope Over Despair 24:51 — Fear of Failure and Others' Opinions 27:11 — Defining and Creating "Miracles" 30:09 — Faith Without Works Is Dead 31:25 — The Origin of the Miracle Equation 36:44 — The Sales Miracle: A $20,000 Breakthrough 39:42 — When Other People Influence Your Outcomes 41:29 — Overcoming Major Setbacks with the "Until" Mindset 44:53 — Adjusting Goals Without Losing Faith 45:51 — Michael Jordan and Unwavering Faith in Action 48:13 — Is It Faith or Delusion? 51:08 — What's Next After The Miracle Morning? 55:09 — Hal’s Next Project: Mastering Action and Inner Peace 57:38 — Where to Find Hal Elrod’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

Ryan Michler shares seven essential mindsets for effective money management in this episode of Friday Field Notes. Aimed at men striving to protect, provide, and preside, Michler emphasizes money as a tool and metric of value, urging listeners to overcome emotional pitfalls and societal misconceptions. He outlines a strategic approach—fortify, neutralize, attack—and stresses the importance of professional support. With practical wisdom, Michler empowers men to master their finances and fulfill their potential. Tune in to rethink money and elevate your financial game.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode Introduction 00:37 - Money as a Metric of Value 02:57 - The Duty to Earn 07:45 - Money as a Tool 10:09 - Eliminating Emotions 15:00 - No Room for Amateurs 19:45 - Fortify, Neutralize, Attack 27:03 - Knowing Your Role

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

Join Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen in this week's Ask Me Anything, exploring the pursuit of pleasure versus the pleasure of pursuit, the cultural shift of young men toward the right, and the power of solitude. They tackle listener questions on imposter syndrome, fatherhood, divorce, dating, financial decisions, and personal growth. With humor and insight, they debunk overhyped headlines, like the "astronaut" space crew, and share actionable advice for living purposefully.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Opening Banter and Headlines 01:25 - The Pleasure of Pursuit 06:30 - Space Crew Rant 13:06 - Imposter Syndrome in Job Interviews 20:42 - Lessons from Kids 24:06 - Patience as a Father 28:40 - Why Women Leave Relationships 37:43 - Dating After Divorce 44:36 - Making Financial Decisions 48:08 - Lessons from Hard Times 53:59 - Young Men Moving Right Politically 59:26 - Call to Action

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

It’s no secret that most men want to find love in life and someone they can partner with throughout life. But the reality is that far-fewer men are doing the work required than ever before. And, for those who are actively looking for love, many of them are floundering when it comes to approaching women and building interest that could potentially lead to a long-term relationship. David Meessen is a man who has made it his life’s work to help men understand why they struggle and why society, at large, seems to be continually stacking the deck against the type of relationships the men listening to this podcast are looking for. Today we talk about why men seem to be so intimidated in approaching women, the skills (and, they are learnable skills) you can develop to have a more successful dating life, why “Progressive Desensitization” is such a valuable option in love and in life, the alarming statistics around romantic relationships and young men’s increasing aversion to them, and how radical honestly (not overly-agreeableness) is what creates attraction.

00:00 – Opening & Dating Stats Alarming for Men 01:34 – The Harsh Reality of Dating Apps 03:09 – How Dating Apps Work Against Most Men 04:27 – Learning to Play the Dating Game 05:26 – Sacrificing Values for Connection 06:37 – Approach Anxiety and Desensitization 08:51 – Start Small: Building Momentum Through Socializing 10:01 – Rejection is Often Kind – and Necessary 11:23 – Don’t Pedestalize Her – Have Options 12:46 – We Live in a Friendly or Hostile Universe 14:16 – Oversharing as a Powerful Connection Tool 15:21 – Men Struggle to Share Their Strengths 16:29 – Assume the Burden of the Conversation 17:51 – Bitterness Towards Women & Scarcity Mindset 19:58 – Reality is Better Than Fear-Based Fantasies 22:13 – You Crave the Experience, Not the Person 23:31 – Compatibility vs. Chemistry 25:16 – Communication is a Learnable Skill 26:29 – Influence vs. Manipulation 30:54 – Authenticity in Style & Presence 32:34 – Confidence is Just as Authentic as Humility 33:10 – Radical Honesty and Sharing Values Early 35:42 – Relationships Built on Aligned Values 37:27 – Disagreement is Attractive 39:33 – Common Mistakes in Online & Real-Life Dating 41:39 – Learn Humor to Boost Social Skills 43:03 – Don’t Skip the Ask – Get the Contact 44:59 – Women Get Approached Less Than You Think 46:11 – How to Approach in the Gym the Right Way 47:52 – Meeting Quality Men Matters Too 49:03 – Why Intelligent Men Struggle with Connection 52:15 – Expression Freedom & Compatibility 53:22 – Choose to See the Best in Each Other 54:26 – Final Thoughts & Where to Find David

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 concept of self-betrayal, defining it as failing to act on known responsibilities or instincts. He discusses its consequences, including anxiety, poor relationships, and unfulfilled potential, and identifies emotional signs like frustration and impatience. Ryan provides actionable steps to overcome self-betrayal, such as listing neglected tasks, taking immediate action, and journaling emotions.

Encouraging listeners to align actions with their values, he offers resources at orderofman.com. Tune in to learn how to bridge the integrity gap and live a more fulfilled life.

00:00 - Introduction to Self-Betrayal

02:55 - Sources of Intuition and Emotion

05:19 - Consequences of Self-Betrayal

07:44 - Recognizing Self-Betrayal Symptoms

12:30 - External vs. Internal Factors

19:25 - Actionable Steps to Overcome Self-Betrayal

26:05 - Journaling and Reflecting

28:30 - Additional Resources and Closing

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

Join Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen for an engaging "Ask Me Anything" episode, tackling listener questions on personal growth, trust, and balance. From auditing life’s decisions to rebuilding trust with kids, they dive into coachability, journaling, and managing overwork.

Ryan shares insights from his Texas hunting trip and mentions The Men's Forge event (May 1-4). Expect raw reflections on letting go, choosing yourself, and earning trust, with practical advice for intentional living. 

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 - Episode Introduction 00:20 - Morning Routine Struggles 03:41 - Auditing Life’s Decisions 15:45 - One Principle for Your Son 20:42 - Prioritizing Self vs. Promises 25:33 - Books That Shape You 37:18 - Why Start Journaling 42:06 - Signs of Overworking 47:36 - Rebuilding Trust with Kids 55:03 - Texas Hunting Trip Recap 59:14 - The Men's Forge Event 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

It’s hard to believe that in the year 2025, child sex trafficking is as prolific as it is today. How is that with all the laws, legislation, and awareness that we’re still dealing with the torment of sexual exploitation with our sons and daughters? My guest today, Nate Lewis, has made it his life’s work to combat and overcoming the epidemic that is plaguing every corner of society. And, not only that, he is a huge proponent of finding your own mission and pouring all in on that – whatever it may be. Today, Nate and I talk about the driving factors behind child exploitation, why YOU should address the societal injustices you see in society today, the power of coachability and gritty-ness in your pursuit of your dreams, and why and how to protect yourself, society, and children from the nastiness and perversion of modern culture.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:20 - Welcoming Nate Lewis 00:00:36 - The Reality of Child Trafficking 00:01:46 - Protecting Boys and Girls 00:02:49 - Impact of Pornography 00:08:40 - Operation Underground Railroad 00:09:38 - Nate’s Background in Film 00:10:35 - First Deployment Experience 00:13:37 - Stories of Resilience 00:15:59 - Family and Mission Balance 00:18:31 - The Innocent Logo Origin 00:24:32 - Purpose Through Adversity 00:31:23 - Advice for Pursuing Purpose 00:37:44 - Work Ethic and Grit 00:43:14 - Community Involvement Strategies 00:50:46 - Law Enforcement Priorities 00:57:11 - Confronting Ignorance 01:04:13 - How to Support The Innocent 01:12:08 - 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