Order of Man

As Memorial Day approaches, there's no better time to have a brutally honest conversation about what it means to be a man in America today and why that question has never mattered more. From the assault on boyhood to the spiritual warfare playing out in our homes, our military, and our culture, someone has to name what's really happening. Today, we do exactly that.

I'm joined by former Marine Recon, Chad Robichaux and, today we cover everything from the manufactured collapse of masculinity to what our military is facing in a post-COVID world, what real leadership looks like, and why faith (not politics) is the only thing that holds when everything else falls apart. Whether you're a veteran, a father, or a man trying to figure out where you stand, this one's for you.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - Introduction & Shared Mission to Help Men 02:02 - Why Boys Need Roughhousing & Masculine Development 04:45 - Male vs. Man — The Difference Matters 05:06 - Is There a Deliberate War on Boys? 11:31 - America's "Check Engine Light" Problem 12:58 - Trump, Hegseth & Rebuilding Military Strength 16:47 - Lowering Standards in the Military 20:05 - Iran, Venezuela & America's Global Power 24:27 - Why China Is the Bigger Threat 31:35 - Trump's Leadership Style & Strategic Ambiguity 33:56 - Faith Inside the White House 36:33 - Military Morale Is Shifting Fast 39:16 - How COVID Damaged the Military Spirit 42:53 - The Biggest Struggle Veterans Face After Service 46:41 - Chad's Personal Battle After Leaving the Military 48:22 - Chad's New Military Thriller — Riptide 50:15 - Mighty Oaks Foundation & Helping Veterans 51:20 - Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

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

Most men think they struggle with discipline, confidence, or motivation - but beneath all of it is a deeper issue: the inability to trust themselves.

In this Friday Field Notes episode, Ryan Michler breaks down the concept of inner authority - what it is, why so many men lose it, and how to reclaim it in a world constantly demanding your attention, validation, and compliance.

Ryan explores:

• Why modern men outsource their decisions
• How social media destroys self-trust
• The hidden resentment created by seeking approval
• The difference between wisdom and permission
• How to stop overexplaining yourself
• Practical ways to rebuild confidence and sovereignty

If you've ever second-guessed yourself, needed external validation before making a move, or felt disconnected from your own instincts, this episode will challenge you to reclaim ownership of your life.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 00:19 - The Problem Most Men Never Name 02:41 - A Question About Decision-Making 04:13 - Why Men Seek External Validation 06:38 - What Inner Authority Really Means 08:10 - Ownership, Accountability & Agency 10:10 - Criticism, Praise & Self-Trust 12:11 - How Men Lose Their Inner Authority 14:06 - Conditioning, Compliance & Institutions 15:57 - Relationships and Losing Your Voice 17:52 - Social Media and Validation Addiction 19:18 - Indecision and Overthinking 21:23 - Resentment From Outsourcing Your Life 22:02 - Success Without Fulfillment 24:17 - Ryan's Personal Crossroads Story 26:12 - How to Build Inner Authority 26:38 - Make Small Decisions 27:55 - Stop Asking Permission 28:45 - Stop Explaining Yourself 29:52 - Get Alone and Hear Yourself Think 30:43 - Do Difficult Things in Private 31:55 - Disagree Out Loud 33:05 - Track Your Wins 34:02 - You've Already Survived Hard Things 35:40 - Why Inner Authority Matters 36:35 - Iron Council Invitation 37:10 - Preview Call Details & Closing Remarks

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 dive into another AMA episode, tackling real questions from men navigating discipline, purpose, and relationships. They break down how to build self-trust, stay grounded when others resist your growth, and rebuild trust in marriage after years of disconnect. The conversation explores masculinity, emotional regulation, and the importance of personal responsibility - especially as a father. They also unpack how to find purpose without a crisis and why experimenting is key. This episode is packed with practical insights and direct advice for men looking to level up in every area of life.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 07:07 - Episode begins 11:58 - Building trust in yourself 19:57 - Breathwork & adding value 27:56 - Discipline struggles 33:31 - Outgrowing your circle 42:04 - Raising boys the right way 48:02 - Rebuilding trust in marriage 56:41 - Finding your mission 01:00:56 - Choosing your problems

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 breaks down what it truly means for a man to be "safe" in a relationship - and why most men get it wrong. Drawing from his own failed marriage, he explains how emotional volatility, inconsistency, and lack of self-mastery can erode trust at home. Ryan challenges the idea that safety equals weakness, arguing instead that it's rooted in strength, discipline, and control. He outlines practical ways men can become more grounded, reliable, and առաջնորդ-driven - through emotional regulation, clear personal standards, accountability, and presence. This episode is a direct, no-excuses call for men to lead themselves first so they can better lead and protect their families.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction: Rethinking "Safe Masculinity" 02:21 - Personal Story: Marriage Breakdown & Accountability 04:49 - The Cost of Being Unsafe as a Man 07:11 - Why Women Need Safety in Relationships 09:38 - What "Safe" Actually Means (Not Weakness) 10:59 - The Problem with the "Nice Guy" 13:22 - Personal Responsibility in Relationships 15:35 - Sovereignty & Emotional Regulation 19:52 - Practical Traits That Create Safety 22:03 - The Importance of Having a Code 24:04 - Protection & Masculine Provision 26:04 - Accountability Without Excuses 28:07 - Presence vs Absence 29:27 - Lion vs House Cat: True Masculinity Defined 31:23 - Final 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 Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler tackles a controversial but critical idea: what if free markets aren't the problem—but the proving ground for masculinity?

Ryan breaks down how systems built on risk, accountability, competition, and earned success shape men into capable, resilient leaders. He contrasts this with the growing appeal of dependency-driven systems and explains why outsourcing responsibility may come at a deeper cost—your purpose, identity, and sovereignty.

This is a direct, unfiltered look at what men lose when struggle disappears—and why the free market might be the arena men actually need.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - The Question No One Is Asking 00:34 - Free Markets & Masculinity Explained 02:12 - Struggle Is the Point 04:02 - Masculinity Under Fire 05:20 - The Rise of Dependency Thinking 06:09 - Sovereignty vs Security 07:54 - Personal Responsibility 09:50 - Risk & Reward 11:46 - Purpose, Work, and Male Disengagement 13:40 - Independence & Self-Reliance 15:26 - Earned Respect vs Entitlement 18:20 - The Power of Competition 21:46 - Justice vs Mercy 23:33 - The Lie About Capitalism (Cronyism) 25:40 - Consumerism & Empty Men 27:43 - Comfort Is the Real Threat 29:25 - Final Thoughts & Challenge

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, Jay and Kipp dive into powerful lessons on fatherhood, presence, and leadership, starting with a moving story about choosing family over business opportunities. They explore the importance of showing up consistently for the moments that matter most, both at home and in life.

The conversation then shifts into listener questions covering engagement in brotherhood communities, balancing confidence with humility, avoiding the trap of passive self-improvement, and handling criticism and comparison. The episode wraps with insights on discipline, personal responsibility, and how to let go of past mistakes while continuing to grow.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Opening & intro 00:30 - Forge event & family priorities 03:30 - The moments that matter for your kids 05:25 - Importance of in-person connection 07:35 - Q1: Driving engagement in the Iron Council 18:10 - Q2: Confidence vs humility 38:30 - Q3: Consuming content vs real growth 48:46 - Q4: Effort vs others not trying 49:15 - Q5: Letting go of past mistakes 1:06:24 - Q6: Navigating societal conflict

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

Men, most of us are drifting. We've been told to go it alone, to suppress our struggles, and to settle for a life defined by comfort rather than calling. We grind away at work but feel isolated at home, carrying a weight that we were never meant to bear in silence. In this live session recorded at The Men's Forge, Ryan, Larry, and Dwayne sit down to answer the real questions men are facing in the trenches of life.

This isn't about sitting back and taking notes - it's about stripping away weakness and gaining the clarity required to step fully into your role as a husband, father, and leader. We dive deep into the "Trinity of Man," the difference between commitment and compliance, and why most men fail to lead their wives effectively because they mistake dumping baggage for vulnerability.

Whether you are struggling to forgive a distant father or trying to navigate a marriage that has drifted into a "logistical partnership," this conversation is a challenge to stop living passively and start forging a legacy that lasts.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 04:54 - Welcome to the Men's Forge AMA 05:19 - Transforming Your Family Legacy 08:41 - The Trinity of Man: Body, Soul, and Spirit 17:20 - Non-Negotiable Systems for Young Men 21:20 - Leading in Resistant Environments 24:20 - Vulnerability vs. Tenderness: The King's Wall 38:31 - Escaping the Comparison Trap 44:01 - Balancing Overthinking and Overdoing 48:01 - Waiting for the Tide: Preparation and Timing 54:40 - Marriage First: The Foundation of the House 01:04:30 - Leaving Yesterday's Man in the Past 01:07:13 - Affirming and Raising Strong Daughters 01:12:00 - Discipline Through Specificity and Calm 01:18:00 - From Pedestals to Humanizing Your Father 01:21:50 - The Reps of Daily Connection 01:29:35 - Final Charge and Closing Encouragement

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

Most men don't struggle with competence - they struggle with how others treat them.

In this episode, Ryan breaks down five practical, no-BS ways to earn respect without demanding it, begging for it, or pretending to be someone you're not. These are simple shifts in behavior that immediately change how people perceive you - at work, at home, and in every relationship.

If you've ever felt overlooked, talked over, or taken for granted, this episode gives you the tools to take back control and command respect - quietly and effectively.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Intro: Why Respect Matters 01:55 - #1 Set Clear Boundaries 05:14 - Plan Your Response in Advance 07:39 - #2 Stop Over-Explaining & Apologizing 09:31 - #3 Raise Your Standards 11:47 - Practical Language Shifts 13:46 - #4 Be Reliable 15:43 - Close the Loop on Commitments 17:30 - #5 Address Disrespect Directly 19:25 - How to Respond Calmly in the Moment 21:31 - Final Thoughts + Recap 22:30 - Outro & 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 AMA episode, Ryan and Kipp tackle powerful listener questions on masculinity, relationships, and personal integrity. They explore how father wounds shape spiritual beliefs, how to set boundaries with family without guilt, and what it really means to lead in difficult moments. The conversation dives into building deep trust with other men, overcoming the need for validation, and modeling strength for your children. They also address modern dating challenges and how to approach relationships with intentionality.

This episode is packed with practical wisdom on leadership, self-respect, and becoming the man others can rely on.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Episode Introduction 01:29 - Episode begins + hunting story 06:07 - Father wounds & relationship with God 13:16 - Boundaries with parents vs. your own family 23:06 - Building your inner circle of men 36:47 - Supporting your wife while working away 45:02 - Overcoming validation-seeking behavior 50:08 - Making yourself and God proud (key moment) 52:06 - Handling public disrespect in front of your kids 01:02:25 - Dating, discipline, and commitment

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

Most men sense something is off long before they can name it. They've played by the rules, been agreeable, helpful, conflict-avoidant, and still find themselves feeling invisible, disrespected, or hollow. Today's guest calls it exactly what it is: the nice-guy trap. And he didn't just study it from the outside; he lived it, lost a marriage over it, battled addiction through it, and came out the other side with a clear-eyed framework for what it actually means to step into your manhood.

My guest is Tony Bova and, today, we talk about the internal work that nobody talks about. It's about rewriting the stories you tell yourself, honoring your word in the small moments, having the hard conversations you've been avoiding, and building something far more durable than the honeymoon phase. If you're done outsourcing your standards and ready to become the loudest voice in your own life, this one's for you.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Introduction & Masculinity Conversation Setup 01:02 Episode Begins – Tony Bova Introduction 02:05 Red Pill Movement: Truth vs Damage 03:25 What Does "Stepping Into Masculinity" Mean? 04:44 Internal Fulfillment vs External Validation 06:49 Discipline Through Small Daily Choices 09:13 Difficult Conversations & Relationship Growth 10:29 Fear of Confrontation in Modern Men 11:17 Why Avoidance Creates Bigger Problems 13:27 Generational Patterns & Breaking Cycles 14:18 Alcohol, Avoidance & Personal Responsibility 16:30 Talking to Kids About Hard Topics 17:47 Importance of Fathers in Daughters' Lives 19:31 Masculinity & Leadership in Relationships 22:17 Why Men Feel Lost and Confused 22:56 Fear of Being Seen as a Fraud 25:29 Emotional Maturity vs "Boy Psychology" 29:51 Rebuilding Trust & Emotional Safety 33:25 Responsibility vs Fairness in Relationships 34:47 Masculine Standards & Leadership 38:10 Honoring Feminine Energy vs Competing 41:33 Truth vs People-Pleasing in Relationships 46:45 Setting Boundaries & Training Others 49:54 Victim Mentality vs Ownership 52:54 Raising Standards to Regain Control 55:13 Overcoming Fear & Self-Reinvention 57:31 True Meaning of Vulnerability 59:42 Leadership Analogy: The King & The Wall 01:03:01 Where to Find Tony Bova 01:06:27 Closing Thoughts & Final Message

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