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.

In this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with Deke Parker of Parker Knives. Deke shares his journey into bladesmithing—starting out with nothing more than an angle grinder, an old file, and a backyard forge, quenching blades in his kitchen. Living in the far southwest corner of Kansas, Deke didn’t know any other bladesmiths until he began traveling to shows, where he met other makers and eventually competed—and won—on Forged in Fire. From there, Deke forged lasting friendships in the blacksmithing community and pursued his American Bladesmith Society journeyman smith stamp. But chasing production deadlines led him to step back from knife-making as a business, returning to it as a hobby so he could focus on pushing his skills and creating true art. After a trip to Blade Show in Atlanta with Shawn Shropshire, the idea of The Wandering Bladesmith was born. Deke also leaves us with some words of wisdom… BUT Deke's phone dies. As Paul Harvey would say—“stay tuned for the rest of the story” in Part 2!

Episode 12 – Forging Dreams with Cowboy & Ilena of Phenix Knives In this episode of Behind The Anvil, Mike sits down with Cowboy and his amazing wife Ilena of Phenix Knives in Bellville, Texas. Together, they share their incredible 28-year journey in knife-making—starting from a historic blacksmith shop and growing into their brand-new 5,000 sq. ft. shop. From Cowboy’s Forged in Fire experience to launching the Texas Select Knife Show, they open up about the lessons learned in running a business, how to stay fluid and pivot when challenges come, and the dedication it took to bring Cowboy’s dream of a bigger shop to life. They also talk about how the knife show has opened doors, built lasting friendships with makers across the USA, and what it means to be part of a growing bladesmithing community. This episode is packed with inspiration, resilience, and the spirit of forging more than just blades—it’s about forging dreams and connections.

In this episode of Behind The Anvil, Mike sits down with bladesmith Sam Waterfield of Samsquatch Forge to share his journey into the world of knife making. From the spark that first ignited his passion for the craft, to how one of Mike’s Damascus knives knife-making classes that Sam took that played a role in forging both blades and a lasting friendship, Sam’s story is filled with “one blade—or one squirrel moment—at a time” adventures. We dive into how Sam got hooked on bladesmithing, his experiences helping with knife-making classes, preparing for his first knife show, and joining the Beat the Smith mini-series. Sam also leaves us with some words of wisdom for makers chasing their own path in the forge and in life.

Episode 10 – Behind The Anvil with Eric Ranks In this episode of Behind The Anvil, Mike sits down with Eric Ranks, CEO and founder of 22 Salute Vodka & Coffee, a brand with a powerful purpose: supporting veterans and first responders through mental health programs and community initiatives. Eric shares the story of how 22 Salute was born, the charities it uplifts, and the deeper motivation that drives his mission to give back to those who have sacrificed for our nation. From the inspiration behind the brand to the impact it’s making today, this conversation is a reminder of how business can be a force for good. Learn how you can join the mission at 22salute.com and be part of honoring and supporting America’s heroes

Episode 9 | Behind The Anvil Podcast In this episode, host Michael Peterson sits down with Shawn Shropshire to dive into the highlights of his bladesmithing journey. From traveling the world and sipping champagne at 1 a.m. in Italy while listening to country music, to crafting folding knives and bringing the Wandering Bladesmith idea to life—Shawn’s story is anything but ordinary. We talk about his taste for bizarre foods , his unique outlook on life, and the wisdom behind his mantra: don’t just say “maybe next year”… go do it. Whether you’re a maker, a dreamer, or just someone who loves a good story, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration forged through experience.