Behind The Anvil with Guest Pat Biggin In this episode, Michael sits down with Wisconsin Tech Ed teacher and bladesmith Pat Biggin to dive deep into the art of Cu-Mai Damascus. Pat breaks down his process for forging copper-and-steel layered billets, shares the story behind his Cu-Mai knife featured in Blade Magazine’s 2025 Annual, and talks about his passion for folders, custom stamps, leatherwork, and metal shop education. Pat also opens up about refining stamp-making with a pantograph machine, teaching challenges, running seasonal knife-making classes, and balancing family life with craft. Michael and Pat get candid about social media restrictions on small makers, the rising cost of living, classroom safety, and the everyday realities of both teaching and knife-making. They wrap up with updates on current projects—from WWII knife reproductions to long-running builds—and offer practical tips for makers at every level.

Behind The Anvil Podcast with guest Dr. Justin Abbott In this inspiring and deeply personal episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with Dr. Justin Abbott to explore the powerful connection between knife-making, mental health, and faith. Dr. Abbott shares how his love for blades began with a simple Swiss Army knife from his grandmother in the 1980s—and how forging later became a source of peace and reflection during the long, stressful years of medical school. The conversation dives into the therapeutic side of forging, the importance of creating safe spaces for men, and how community gatherings—like the “fires” movement spreading across the country—are helping men open up, heal, and find purpose through honest conversation and brotherhood. Michael and Justin discuss the weight of societal pressure on men, the struggles of grief, loss, and vulnerability, and the need to bring faith and authenticity back into the conversation about mental health. Together, they explore topics like ketamine-assisted therapy, modern mental health treatments, and the spiritual parallels between forging steel and refining the soul. From the shop to the firepit, this episode reminds us that true strength isn’t found in silence—it’s forged in the heat of struggle, shaped by faith, and strengthened through the support of other men walking the same path.

Episode 22 – Behind The Anvil Podcast: Faith, Forging, and the Supernatural with Pastor Ryan Shaddix In this inspiring and deeply personal episode, host Michael Peterson welcomes Pastor Ryan Shaddix, who moved to Sevier County in 2014 with his wife to plant a church focused on reaching those often overlooked by mainstream religious communities. Together, they explore faith, purpose, and the unseen spiritual realities that shape our lives. Pastor Ryan opens up about his past struggles with addiction and how a life-changing turning point — through the love and support of his wife — led him to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. His story is one of redemption, resilience, and the transforming power of grace. He also shares his heart for youth and those marginalized by religion, and his passion for teaching the Bible in the Calvary Chapel style, including his current study through the Book of Acts. Michael and Pastor Ryan dive into discussions on the supernatural worldview, the influence of spiritual forces in today’s world, and resources like Dr. Michael Heiser’s teachings and The Bible Project. They also explore thought-provoking topics such as the Shroud of Turin, creation, and how faith shapes our understanding of truth and purpose. Filled with honest conversation, deep theology, and powerful testimony, this episode shines a light on how God redeems broken lives and calls believers to live with integrity and courage in a spiritual battle for the soul. Listen to Episode 22 of Behind The Anvil with Michael Peterson and guest Pastor Ryan Shaddix — available Monday morning on all podcast platforms. #BehindTheAnvilPodcast #FaithAndForging #MichaelPeterson #PastorRyanShaddix #CalvaryChapel #TestimonyOfGrace #ChristianPodcast #SpiritualWarfare #RedemptionThroughChrist #SupernaturalFaith