In this week’s Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler breaks down how men can reclaim masculinity in an overly feminized culture.

He outlines five principles for leading, protecting, and providing in a world that often mislabels masculine virtues as toxic. Ryan challenges modern misconceptions, redefines what strength looks like, and calls men to take responsibility - for themselves, their families, and their communities.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - Intro - The Cost of a Feminized Culture
00:12 - We Live in an Overly Feminized Culture
02:33 - Rule #1 - Reject the Idea That Men and Women Are the Same
05:38 - Rule #2 - Masculinity Isn’t Toxic, It’s How You Use It
08:04 - Masculine vs. Feminine Virtues: Different, Not Opposed
10:27 - Rule #3 - Don’t Take Masculinity Advice from Women
14:31 - Rule #4 - Boys Need Men: Why Male Influence Matters
16:40 - Rule #5 - Read the Room: Strength vs. Compassion
20:15 - Balancing Masculine and Feminine Parenting Roles
22:35 - Rule #6 - Embrace Meritocracy & Earn Influence
26:50 - Next Week: Dr. Steven Pinker Teaser
26:57 - Subscribe & YouTube Growth Promo

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Modern culture has conditioned men to abandon masculine traits.

• Masculinity itself isn’t toxic — it’s how you use it.

• Men and women are equal in worth but different in design and purpose.

• Men must mentor boys to become strong, capable leaders.

• Leadership requires discernment — strength and compassion both matter.

• Reclaiming masculinity means earning influence through merit and integrity.

• Upcoming Guest: Dr. Steven Pinker (next week’s interview)

• Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/orderofman

• Follow Ryan Michler on Instagram: @ryanmichler

• Join the Order of Man Community: orderofman.com

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

In this week’s Ask Me Anything, Ryan Michler and Kipp Sorensen tackle a wide range of powerful listener questions—from raising children without a “heart at war” to building better connections with your sons and wives. They dive deep into personal growth, leadership, and balance, discussing authenticity, recovery, and what it means to find peace while still pursuing excellence.
They also explore the realities of career transitions and starting new business ventures. A thoughtful, real, and motivating conversation filled with practical wisdom and relatable life lessons.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 – Opening banter & hunting talk
02:19 – First viewer question (Tony)
12:14 – Staying driven without Iron Council
15:53 – Connecting with teenage sons
26:13 – Reflecting on past podcast episodes
30:41 – Relationship checklists & intentional connection
34:32 – Resources for starting a business
39:32 – When to leave your job
43:17 – Finding peace while still growing
50:08 – Promotions & course announcements
52:22 – Closing remarks

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

It’s no secret that men are fascinated with the Roman Empire. Tales of battle, glory, and reign ignite our passion and enthusiasm for exerting our will against our enemies and for the benefit of those we lead. But these tales aren’t just an entertaining insight into the way men’s minds work – they’re also cautionary regarding how every once-great civilization has fallen.

Today, I’m joined by Jeremy Ryan Slate to discuss what makes men so attracted to the Roman Empire, in what ways the United States in following in its ill-fated footsteps (and, in which ways it isn’t), lessons we can learn from monetary policy, political aspirations, wars and conquests, and how we can avoid the fate (or, at least prolong) every great civilization has eventually faced.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction and setup
00:58 - Technical issues and restart
04:07 - Why men are fascinated by the Roman Empire
07:45 - Monetary policy, inflation, and control in Rome
13:50 - The rise of Julius Caesar and fall of the Republic
21:18 - Augustus and the birth of the Roman Empire
25:00 - Power, propaganda, and lessons from history
28:43 - Modern parallels: populism, media, and literacy
34:06 - Social programs, dependency, and autonomy
36:10 - The real reasons Rome fell
40:20 - Immigration, loyalty, and national identity
43:03 - Decadence, morality, and the weakening of men
46:47 - How modern men can preserve the Republic
48:04 - Closing thoughts and where to find Jeremy Slate

Battle Planners: Pick yours up today!

Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto.

For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood.

Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready