Most men are working hard, providing, producing — but not necessarily happy. In this Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler shares six practical principles to help you rediscover joy and meaning in your life. From cutting toxic influences to reconnecting with purpose, this episode helps you break out of burnout and live with more fulfillment. Whether you’re frustrated, exhausted, or simply drifting, this conversation will help you recalibrate your priorities and bring more joy into every area of your life. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why so many men feel unhappy despite “doing everything right” The real reason joy isn’t selfish — it’s essential How to identify people who lift you up vs. those who drain you Why you must remove toxic activities to make room for happiness How minimalism creates margin for peace and purpose The importance of saying yes to adventure and interesting experiences How to attach your work to a deeper mission Why serving others is the ultimate path to joy Resources & Links Mentioned: Join The Iron Council – our exclusive brotherhood for men: www.orderofman.com/ironcouncil Follow Ryan on Instagram → @ryanmichler SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Why so many men are unhappy 02:20 - What’s the point if you’re not joyful? 04:59 - Finding meaningful work 07:08 - Step 1 – Only spend time with people who fulfill you 09:15 - Step 2 – Eliminate toxic activities & find margin 11:38 - Step 3 – Have fewer things 16:29 - Step 4 – Say yes to things that make life interesting 18:59 - Step 5 – Attach your work to a mission 26:09 - Step 6 – Be selfless and serve others 32:06 - Final message – Take action and find joy 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
--------
33:08
--------
33:08
Strength Through Service: Finding Purpose Beyond Yourself | ASK ME ANYTHING
In this week’s Ask Me Anything, Kipp Sorensen sits down with Jay Jairdullo from the Iron Council for a powerful conversation about purpose, vulnerability, and growth. They discuss emotional regulation, staying resilient when life feels heavy, and how to lead with authenticity at home and at work. Listener questions explore fatherhood, leadership, connection, and career challenges. Jay and Kipp also share practical tools for staying grounded, building community, and re-integrating after time apart. Plus, updates on the Iron Council and upcoming Order of Man events. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Intro and Iron Council background 02:00 – Reflections on purpose and service 06:57 – Meaning through serving others (Hook) 08:48 – Being vulnerable while maintaining respect 22:03 – Habits for when life feels deflated 31:23 – Building stronger local meetups 38:16 – Rebuilding life and finances 48:10 – Emotional maturity for men 51:25 – Staying connected during military absence 58:42 – Promotions and 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
--------
1:02:21
--------
1:02:21
DR. STEVEN PINKER | How Common Knowledge Hurts and Helps Us
Why do people refuse to say what they see, and, what everyone knows…whether or not they’re willing to acknowledge it? Is there some benefit to keeping quiet, adhering to the “unwritten rules,” and, is there a time and place to break tradition? Today, I’m joined by Harvard professor, Dr. Steven Pinker to answer these questions. We also discuss the difference between common knowledge and common wisdom, whether or not it’s hypocrisy to stay quiet about the unwritten rules, when to be radically honest or complacently quiet, how to judge risk in your honesty, how the “Abeline Paradox” will serve you, and the importance of male initiation. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Steven Pinker 00:45 – Defining “common knowledge” vs. “common sense” 03:11 – “Don’t ask, don’t tell” and social hypocrisy 07:46 – Cultural shifts and the meaning of hypocrisy 09:41 – Morality, religion, and policy contradictions 11:21 – Hidden hypocrisies: paper bags and escort services 14:07 – How common knowledge shapes power (Taiwan example) 17:05 – “Coming out” and the social costs of honesty 20:10 – Honesty vs. tact in relationships 23:13 – Learning social nuance: autism and empathy 31:00 – Layers of communication and meaning 34:50 – The Abilene paradox and pluralistic ignorance 38:02 – How silence empowers repression 42:42 – Conformity and social conditioning 44:06 – Building virtuous influence as men 47:22 – Civilizing young men and the role of masculinity 51:48 – The crisis of modern manhood 54:08 – Ruthless honesty with compassion (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
--------
1:03:47
--------
1:03:47
How to Reclaim Masculinity in a Feminized Culture | FRIDAY FIELD NOTES
In this week’s Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down how men can reclaim masculinity in an overly feminized culture. He outlines five principles for leading, protecting, and providing in a world that often mislabels masculine virtues as toxic. Ryan challenges modern misconceptions, redefines what strength looks like, and calls men to take responsibility - for themselves, their families, and their communities. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Intro - The Cost of a Feminized Culture 00:12 - We Live in an Overly Feminized Culture 02:33 - Rule #1 - Reject the Idea That Men and Women Are the Same 05:38 - Rule #2 - Masculinity Isn’t Toxic, It’s How You Use It 08:04 - Masculine vs. Feminine Virtues: Different, Not Opposed 10:27 - Rule #3 - Don’t Take Masculinity Advice from Women 14:31 - Rule #4 - Boys Need Men: Why Male Influence Matters 16:40 - Rule #5 - Read the Room: Strength vs. Compassion 20:15 - Balancing Masculine and Feminine Parenting Roles 22:35 - Rule #6 - Embrace Meritocracy & Earn Influence 26:50 - Next Week: Dr. Steven Pinker Teaser 26:57 - Subscribe & YouTube Growth Promo KEY TAKEAWAYS Modern culture has conditioned men to abandon masculine traits. Masculinity itself isn’t toxic — it’s how you use it. Men and women are equal in worth but different in design and purpose. Men must mentor boys to become strong, capable leaders. Leadership requires discernment — strength and compassion both matter. Reclaiming masculinity means earning influence through merit and integrity. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Upcoming Guest: Dr. Steven Pinker (next week’s interview) Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/orderofman Follow Ryan Michler on Instagram: @ryanmichler Join the Order of Man Community: orderofman.com 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
--------
28:11
--------
28:11
Lead with Curiosity, Don’t Make People Part of Your Checklist, and Exceed Your People’s Expectations | ASK ME ANYTHING
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 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
We are reclaiming what it means to be a man. Each week we interview the world’s most successful men on the planet - elite athletes, warriors, New York Times Bestselling Authors, and world-class entrepreneurs – extract their hard-fought lessons and experiences and deliver them straight to you. Past guests include Jocko Willink, Tim Kennedy, Andy Frisella, Lewis Howes, Grant Cardone, Ryan Holiday, Ben Greenfield, Rich Roll, and so many more. If you’re ready to level up your life as a man, this is the show for you.
Brasil