“Tough” is an adjective we often associate with our perception of manliness. But in the relative ease of modernity, men are becoming increasingly soft and pathetic. Being tough is no longer amatter of survival but a matter of choice. And, why wouldn’t you choose to be tough? It’s rhetorical but why are so many men weak? My guest today, founder of MTNTOUGH, Dustin Diefenderfer is a man who knows what it means to be tough. He’s also training thousands of men to do the same though physical fitness that matters in the mountains and in everyday life. Today, we talk about the importance of brotherh ..read more

In this week’s FRIDAY FIELD NOTES, Ryan Michler tackles the often-unspoken side of communication—the receiver’s role. He unpacks the concept of a 100-100 approach, where both parties carry equal weight in ensuring the success of a conversation. He explores how being aware of the intended outcome can shape our understanding and responses, and why it’s crucial to set personal and time boundaries for a respectful and fruitful dialogue. As he dissects these responsibilities, he also addresses the need to actively strive for comprehension rather than feign ignorance, shedding light on how these pr ..read more

If you’ve never experienced an anxiety attack, it’s hard to articulate the sense of fear and dread one can elicit. It wasn’t until earlier this year when I experienced an anxiety attack, did I fully realize how difficult it can be to understand and process. My guest today is ABC News’ chief national correspondent, Matt Gutman, and author of No Time to Panic: How I Curbed My Anxiety and Conquered a Lifetime of Panic Attacks. We talk about destigmatizing men’s mental health issues, what anxiety truly is and how to curb it when it sneaks up, powerful mindfulness techniques to keep you present i ..read more

Ever wrestle with the specter of past mistakes? In this week’s FRIDAY FIELD NOTES, Ryan Michler guides you to breaking free from guilt and embracing a future of self-growth. He delves into the transformative act of self-forgiveness, laying out a roadmap for freeing oneself from the chains of regret. Through heartfelt discussion, he unpacks the power of acknowledging our missteps and the impact they’ve had on others, as well as the subtle art of making amends. Learn five actionable strategies to forgive yourself, and discover how to offer sincere apologies without falling into the trap of mani ..read more

Most men live soft, sedated lifestyles. Then, they expect themselves to perform at the highest possible standard when life gets real. At best, they wonder why they can’t seem to get ahead in their personal and professional lives and, often, chalk it up to luck or poor external circumstances. My guest today, Bedros Keuilian, makes the case that only in adversity is a man revealed to himself and why it’s so crucial every man learns to develop the mental fortitude required to succeed in life. We also discuss the how the work we do in private shows itself in public, how to avoid the destructive d ..read more

In this week’s FRIDAY FIELD NOTES, Ryan Michler delves into the heart of reclaiming masculinity and fortifying communities. Unpack personal growth strategies, from fitness to meditation, and learn how to enhance family bonds and societal ties. Hit Ryan up on Instagram at @ryanmichler and share what’s working in your life. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS – Threats to Cultural Traditions – Improving Health Through Daily Exercise – Building Skills for Personal Growth – Building Strong Community Connections – Impactful Men Serving Those Closest Get more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Battle planner ..read more

Do you feel like you’re not reaching your full potential? So many men know there is more to life and more to what they’re capable of doing. But, at times, we all fail to realize what we know, deep down within us, that we can accomplish. So, what then do we lack if we know what we want but fail to obtain it. I believe the answer is systems to ensure that we’re on the path to success. My guest believes that as well. His name is Jeff Karp. He is a biomedical engineer at Harvard Medical School and MIT and the author of his latest book, LIT (Life Ignition Tools). Today we talk about the power of q ..read more

In this week’s FRIDAY FIELD NOTES, Ryan Michler discusses the six key things you can incorporate into your life in order to get yourself back on track when you screw up. Hit Ryan up on Instagram at @ryanmichler and share what’s working in your life. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Looking like a slob will deter someone from reaching out and trying to further engage with you Make sure what you are wearing is in alignment with who you want to be Investing in your appearance WILL make a difference, and is worth the time put forth Price vs cost Considering and communicating your why When your office l ..read more

Men are called to lead. But too many men lack the skillset to do it effectively. That’s the bad news. The good news is that much of the skillset required to lead can be learned, developed, and harnessed to serve the people you care about. It’s just a matter of whether or not men decide to invest in the tools available to better their lives and the lives of the people around them. My guests today, Ryan Hawk and Brook Cupps, know a lot about the tools required as they are both extremely successful in leading others in their own right. Today, we talk about the three most powerful ways to build t ..read more

In this week’s FRIDAY FIELD NOTES, Ryan Michler discusses the six key things you can incorporate into your life in order to get yourself back on track when you screw up. Hit Ryan up on Instagram at @ryanmichler and share what’s working in your life. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS You must realize that you can’t undo the past—own the mistake Begin to make amends Ask for expectations when it is appropriate Changing your behavior Have check ins Having your own personal after action review Get more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Battle planners are back in stock. Pick yours up today. O ..read more