In this episode of Behind the Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with host of Double B Creates Kevin Beck and Brad Caughey to reflect on recent tragic events, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and how they’ve impacted their lives and communities. Together, they discuss the importance of dialogue over hatred, personal freedom, and accountability, while also diving into topics like faith, parenting, education, and the role of critical thinking in today’s world. With honesty and respect, the conversation explores how to find hope, unity, and positivity in challenging times.

Episode 16: Finding Purpose Beyond the Uniform with Richard Kaufman

In this powerful episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with retired disabled veteran, author, and podcast host Richard Kaufman to explore resilience, purpose, and growth after hardship. Richard opens up about his journey from surviving a devastating Humvee accident that left him nearly blind, to battling addiction, homelessness, and eventually rebuilding his life through podcasting and writing. He shares how his show, Vertical Momentum, has grown to over 1,500 episodes and 3 million downloads, with the mission of helping veterans and first responders rediscover their “why.” The conversation weaves through personal stories, from Michael’s knife-making business and teaching experiences, to Richard’s strategies for structuring content, using AI effectively, and building an authentic brand. They dive into topics like: The importance of finding purpose after trauma. Challenges and wins in podcast growth and promotion. Balancing family, technology, and screen time in today’s world. Success philosophies, faith, and the drive to keep moving forward. Plans for collaboration on an upcoming episode about trauma, grief, and healing. With candor, humor, and inspiration, Michael and Richard remind us that success comes not just from grit, but from purpose, humility, and the willingness to keep forging ahead

Episode 15 – Faith, Forging, and Purpose with John Wigger

In this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson reconnects with longtime friend and fellow blacksmith John Wigger. The two catch up on family life, parenting, and the challenges of balancing work with raising kids before diving into John’s inspiring journey. John shares how his path in blacksmithing led to competing on Forged in Fire—and ultimately winning the title of champion. He opens up about the impact of Christian fellowship within the bladesmithing community, his mission work in Africa, and the development of Bamba Forge and Toro Forge in Uganda—initiatives that are empowering local craftsmen with skills, income, and purpose. Michael and John also explore faith and calling, discussing the importance of living out biblical principles in marriage, business, and service. From John’s Hawthorne Forge Foundation to Michael’s vision of teaching knife-making classes for veterans and youth, both men highlight how blacksmithing can forge more than steel—it can forge lives. The conversation also touches on: John’s experiences on Forged in Fire and how editing misrepresented his testimony. The power of mentorship, faith, and mission work in shaping communities. Michael’s plans for his American Bladesmith YouTube series and future projects. Finding balance between God, family, and work while pursuing meaningful ventures. This episode is a heartfelt mix of blacksmithing, faith, family, and purpose—reminding us that the strongest blades, and the strongest lives, are forged in fire.