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 wo...
Jun 13, 2025•32 min
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 al...
Jun 11, 2025•58 min
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 h...
Jun 10, 2025•54 min
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 ...
Jun 06, 2025•30 min
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...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 15 min
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...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 4 min
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 result...
May 30, 2025•23 min
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...
May 28, 2025•51 min
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 ...
May 27, 2025•1 hr
In this episode of Friday Field Notes , Ryan Michler shares four strategies to avoid bitterness amid life's challenges. He urges men to take responsibility for their circumstances, emphasizing decision-making, reframing adversity, learning from experiences, and applying lessons for growth. Michler highlights the dangers of victimhood and encourages gratitude and proactive change to transform struggles into opportunities. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, he inspires listeners to rise...
May 23, 2025•21 min
In this "Ask Me Anything" episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle listener questions on toxic leadership, writing books, jumpstarting motivation, the meaning crisis, and connecting with stepkids. They explore overcoming self-help burnout, emphasizing the power of fun to recharge motivation, and discuss finding purpose in a pleasure-driven culture. With practical advice and personal insights, they inspire listeners to take action, build influence, and live meaningfully. Join the conversati...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Purpose is a factor of life that every man knows will improve his quality of life. Unfortunately, we seem to be in an era when purpose is increasingly abysmal in the lives of too many men. Men in all walks and stages of life are floundering around aimlessly, wondering why they’re anxious, depressed, and alone. My guest today, Garrett Unclebach , former Navy SEAL, is a man who is intimately familiar with why and how purpose drives men to step up, take charge of their lives, and succeed. We unpack...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 15 min
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores how creating options leads to true freedom. Expanding on the concept of "discipline equals freedom," Ryan argues that personal responsibility, open-mindedness, and sovereignty are key to unlocking a life of choice. He shares four actionable strategies to cultivate options, emphasizing self-improvement, avoiding rigid thinking, aligning relationships, and prioritizing liberty. Ryan inspires listeners to take control of their lives and p...
May 16, 2025•21 min
Join Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen for an engaging Ask Me Anything episode, tackling listener questions on sobriety, respect, body image, entrepreneurship, and relationships. From navigating a teen’s insecurities to balancing co-parenting conflicts, they share practical advice and personal insights. With humor and heart, they explore overcoming the comparison trap and building a fulfilling life. Sign up for the Men’s Forge at themensforge.com and join the Iron Council at orderofman.com/ironcoun...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Leadership is a word that has become completely bastardized in modern culture. Everywhere you turn, someone is hyping you up on why you need to become a better leader, the benefits of leading versus following, and how exactly you should do it. But what if I told you, it’s not the tactics that make you a leader but the mindsets that spell the difference. My good friend, brother, and leadership coach, Kipp Sorensen , joins me today to talk about what it really means to lead in a world where every ...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 19 min
In this poignant episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler delves into the pitfalls of people-pleasing, drawing from personal reflection. He identifies five critical signs—saying yes when you mean no, avoiding conflict, feeling responsible for others’ emotions, tying self-worth to praise, and feeling burned out or resentful. Michler shares candid insights, referencing No More Mr. Nice Guy by Dr. Robert Glover and Let Them by Mel Robbins, offering practical anecdotes to break the cycle. Through...
May 09, 2025•37 min
In this "Ask Me Anything" episode, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen dive into a St. Louis event recap, sharing its triumphs and challenges. They tackle listener questions on sibling conflicts, leaving work stress behind, the pressures of leadership, marriage cycles, discovering personal values, and managing credit scores. With candid insights, Ryan and Kipp explore self-validation, intentionality, and aligning actions with values, offering practical advice for men striving to live purposefully. Jo...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 4 min
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 ...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 19 min
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 chall...
May 02, 2025•31 min
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 rebu...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 5 min
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 th...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 5 min
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 t...
Apr 25, 2025•30 min
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 ...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 1 min
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 l...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 2 min
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 actio...
Apr 18, 2025•29 min
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 HIGHL...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 2 min
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 ma...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 18 min
In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler draws inspiration from Theodore Roosevelt’s iconic speech to explore resilience and masculinity. Michler challenges men to rise above criticism, embrace adversity, and take action despite life’s inevitable setbacks. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, he outlines steps to build confidence, act decisively, and critique oneself constructively without losing identity. Ryan emphasizes that true manhood shines in moments of struggle, ur...
Apr 11, 2025•28 min
In this "Ask Me Anything" episode, Kipp Sorensen and Shawn Villalovos tackle your burning questions with raw, actionable insights. From investing $10K wisely to navigating trivial work tasks, coaching U13 soccer teams, and guiding high-performing teens, they cover it all. Plus, hear candid advice on silencing self-criticism and handling toxic colleagues. Packed with life lessons on leadership, choice, and growth, this episode delivers real talk for real challenges. Tune in for wisdom that cuts t...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 15 min
We are all well-aware, at this point, that there is a very clear and deliberate assault against the concepts of manliness and masculinity. In fact, men are falling behind on some of the most crucial metrics you can image for a healthy society: depression rates, suicide, higher education, income potential, incarceration, substance abuse, committed relationships, workforce participation, and the list goes on and on. My guest today, after an incredibly successful start in Hollywood as Mike Seaver o...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 11 min
