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

Crafting Beauty in Resin: Emily’s Journey from Bulgaria to the Knife-Making World In this inspiring episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with Emily from CastingCraft, a talented resin artist known for her stunning custom knife handle scales. Emily shares her incredible journey from growing up in socialist-era Bulgaria to immigrating to the United States after winning the green card lottery in 1999. She opens up about the challenges of starting over in a new country, the importance of perseverance, and how her love of creativity eventually led her into the world of knife-making. Emily discusses her path from working as a veterinary technician to becoming a resin entrepreneur, crafting unique and artistic handle scales that have captured the attention of makers across the globe. From embedding fish scales, ostrich feet, and even pet ashes into her resin designs, to developing more than 500 unique patterns, Emily’s innovation and craftsmanship shine through. Michael and Emily also talk about the supportive knife-making community, the value of collaboration over competition, and her experiences attending Blade Shows across the U.S. Emily reflects on her roots, her daughter’s connection to Bulgarian culture, and her growing business that now feels like a true family within the knife world. Join Michael and Emily for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation that celebrates creativity, perseverance, and community—a perfect reminder that every artisan’s story begins with a spark and a willingness to take the first step. Listen now to Episode 21 of Behind The Anvil with special guest Emily from CastingCraft.

Forging Stories and Steel — with Mark Holt... During An Mike's Damascus Knives knife making class for more go to www.mikesdamascusknives.com...

In this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson wraps up a knife-making class with Mark Holt, a programmer and fantasy novelist from Salt Lake City. What started as a simple search for a blacksmithing class turned into a weekend of sparks, steel, and storytelling. Mark shares how he discovered Michael’s shop through Google Maps, chose to take the class after comparing other local options, and ended up not just making a knife—but rediscovering a love for hands-on craftsmanship. The two dive into Mark’s family’s upcoming move, and even his son’s unusual bedtime routine of watching blacksmithing videos to fall asleep. Mark reflects on the knife-making experience, discussing forging techniques, grinding and beveling tips, and the satisfaction of shaping Purple Heart wood handles by hand. This episode captures the rhythm of the forge and the imagination of storytelling—where metal, fire, and creativity meet. Whether you’re a maker, writer, or dreamer, this one’s about finding meaning in the process of creation itself.

Behind The Anvil Podcast with America Garcia In this inspiring episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson welcomes America Garcia, co-owner of Black Rabbit Tattoo in Richfield, Utah. America shares her remarkable journey from her childhood in Honduras to becoming a respected tattoo artist and entrepreneur in the U.S. — a path shaped by courage, faith, and creativity. America talks about growing up with a love for drawing and art, how a childhood sketch eventually became someone’s tattoo, and how that moment lit a fire inside her to pursue tattooing as a career. After immigrating to the United States, she worked hard to build her skills, eventually changing her name to “America” during her naturalization — a symbolic step in embracing her new life and identity. Guided by a spiritual experience and a strong sense of purpose, she and her business partner Kelly opened Black Rabbit Tattoo, a place that blends artistic expression with professionalism and heart. Michael and America dive deep into the artistry and discipline behind tattooing — from design inspiration and safe tattoo practices to the emotional connections built with clients. They discuss how tattoo culture has evolved from taboo to mainstream, and how artists like America are helping redefine it with integrity, style, and creativity. The two also explore Michael’s own tattooing experiences, stories from the shop, and his ongoing work as a bladesmith, touching on their shared values of craftsmanship, passion, and perseverance. Together, they announce plans for future collaborations, including displaying Michael’s custom knives at Black Rabbit Tattoo, joint creative projects, and upcoming community events. This episode is a celebration of art, resilience, and the power of following your calling — no matter where your story begins.

Episode 18: Forging Freedom with Purpose

— Featuring Tim Troyer Behind The Anvil Podcast with Host Michael Peterson In this powerful and inspiring episode, Michael sits down with bladesmith, missionary, and visionary leader Tim Troyer to explore how knife-making and faith can come together to change lives around the world. Tim shares his 24-year journey into knife-making, from being inspired by a Pete Winkler blade to learning under master smith Rick Henderer. What began as a personal craft evolved into a calling — one that now empowers entire communities through his non-profit organization, The Reckoning International. Through The Reckoning, Tim has led life-changing projects — from redeeming slaves in Nepal, to training orphans and blacksmiths in Uganda through Bomba Forge, to helping communities achieve self-sufficiency through tree farming and skills development. He shares miraculous stories of transformation, including a faith-filled harvest in Nepal that brought an entire community to Christ. Michael and Tim also dive into the world of knife-making for charitable impact, discussing how bladesmithing can fuel generosity, build community, and offer “a hand up, not a handout.” They talk about the balance between craftsmanship, faith, and financial stewardship — and how even small acts of giving can ignite global change. The episode wraps up with exciting news about future collaborations, including a potential “Smith vs. Smith” special filmed in Uganda and the Prisoner Freedom Knife Project, which supports rehabilitation through bladesmithing. Whether you’re a bladesmith, missionary, or simply someone seeking purpose through your work, this episode is packed with heart, hope, and hammer hits of wisdom.

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.