In this episode, Ryan and Kipp dive deep into what it means to be a man in modern relationships — how to lead with strength, clarity, and purpose without falling into the "nice guy" trap. They break down how to build trust, create safety and structure for your partner, and why healthy conflict is essential for growth.

You'll hear powerful insights on what truly turns your wife on (it's not what you think), why your marriage needs to feel like a sparring match instead of a competition, and how to help your wife flourish in her feminine role by being consistent, decisive, and dependable.

Whether you're married, dating, or just want to understand masculine leadership on a deeper level, this episode will hit hard.

Join the conversation and learn how to stop being a "nice guy" — and start being a strong, grounded man.

00:00 – Hunting stories and catching up
03:14 – Nice Guy vs. Good Husband: How to tell the difference
05:28 – Compliance vs. Commitment in relationships
07:42 – Marriage as a covenant, not a transaction
10:14 – The importance of defined roles and expectations
13:44 – Vetting your partner before marriage
15:09 – Why your wife is your sparring partner
16:39 – Handling sacrifices that go unseen or unacknowledged
20:36 – The difference between sacrifice and self-pity
24:28 – How to help your wife step into her feminine role
27:55 – The "bowl and water" analogy — structure and flow in marriage
29:38 – How predictability builds trust and safety
33:04 – How to turn your wife on (for real)
37:26 – When one partner wants more kids
42:23 – The future of relationships in a hookup culture
45:25 – The cost of the "I don't need a man" mindset
48:08 – The dangers of red-pill bitterness
50:19 – How to attract the kind of woman you want
50:45 – Iron Council and Divorce Not Death

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

You're listening to a men's self-help podcast so it's safe to assume that you're interested in becoming more disciplined, structured, and productive. But there is a side of discipline that many of the self-help gurus won't talk to you about – when discipline becomes a liability more than an asset.

My guest today, Craig Ballantyne, joins me to talk about what that even means, what it looks like, and what to do about it. We also cover why it's so important that you plan your days out months in advance, how to keep yourself from distractions but building in flexibility to your day, how much a man can get done in what he calls, "slivers of time," and why you should never paint yourself into a box you don't belong.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 - Introduction
01:12 - Discipline and rigidity: the downside of structure
03:30 - Parenthood, resilience, and slivers of time
07:30 - The balance between discipline and flexibility
10:00 - Craig's life in Mexico and bilingual family life
14:30 - Managing distractions and time boundaries
17:30 - The true cost of meetings and decision-focused teams
21:00 - Structuring family and bedtime routines
25:00 - Delegation, priorities, and focusing on purpose
28:00 - Fear of delegation and how to fill your reclaimed time
30:00 - Deep work, planning, and monthly focus blocks
35:00 - Combating boredom and sustaining focus
37:00 - The myth of "always enjoying the grind"
41:00 - Planning the next month and long-term thinking
46:00 - Changing self-talk and removing limiting language
49:00 - Childhood patterns and self-imposed boxes
51:00 - Overcoming introversion and building social confidence
55:00 - Selflessness, service, and growth through discomfort
56:00 - Craig's books and where to connect

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

Most men think the X Factor - that magnetic presence of strong, capable men - is something you're born with. It's not. It's built through five rules that any man can follow.

In this Friday Field Note, Ryan Michler breaks down the simple, actionable formula that will make you more influential, bold, and courageous - and help you create the life and relationships you want.

The 5 Rules Every Man Must Follow:
Be Strong - build the trifecta: physical, mental, and emotional strength
Be Emotionally Stable - create safety and calm for your family and team
Be Kind - true kindness comes from power, not weakness
Be Discerning - not everyone deserves your time or vulnerability
Be Courageous - take action even when you're scared

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 - What Is the X Factor?
00:30 - The Myth of the X Factor
02:58 - Rule #1: Be Strong
07:18 - Rule #2: Be Emotionally Stable
11:11 - Rule #3: Be Kind
13:20 - Rule #4: Be Discerning
18:04 - Rule #5: Be Courageous
24:15 - The Iron Council Promo
24:50 - Closing Challenge

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