Wolf & Iron | Virtues, Skills, Manliness!: Recent Episodes
Mike Yarbrough
Wolf & Iron was created to spur men on towards the High Call of Manful Living, through articles and podcasts which inspire manly thought and manly action. Join us!
There has been a lot of talk about aliens lately. Unfortunately, more talk than actual aliens, but it's still a fun topic of discussion, particularly among Christians. Most, if not all, of us have wondered how they would fit within the context of our Christian worldview if they did indeed exist. In this episode I share some different perspectives on this that I've heard over the years.
Every Christian and Jew has heard the stories of the early Israelites. Led out of Egypt in a most awesome manner, then complained, worshiped other gods, and complained some more. It's safe to say that our view of the Israelites is not favorable, though many lessons have certainly been learned from them.
But, what if that isn't the whole story? In this episode I talk about a recent revelation I had on who the Israelites really were. No, not aliens, but practically who these former slaves were if you were to meet them back then. I think we might get a much different impression than the one we got from Sunday School.
Hell. It's a pretty big topic among Christians and you might think that there is a solid and universally agreed upon idea of what it actually is. At least, with all of the talk about Heaven and Hell, you would think this would have been one of the major issues for us to have nailed down at this point.
Most likely, your own view of hell has changed over the years. You had a childhood version of it and then perhaps several different adult versions as well. Does anyone really know what it is? How far off are some of our concepts?
In this episode, I have more questions than answers, but at least you'll realize that you're not the only one wondering about this topic.
Many men that didn't serve in the military have a sense of regret or shame. They wonder, do I have what it takes to have been a good soldier, airman, or seaman? Impressed by Hollywood visions of the military, they go through life feeling like they missed out on something incredibly manly. Maybe you did, but maybe not. Here's my take on it and some thoughts on how you can still challenges yourself as a civilian.
We've grown too accustomed to treating nature like a supplement instead of recognizing it as the most natural standard of our being. In this episode I talk to those dealing with anxiety, some of the reasons it has increased in modern times, and how nature can help heal it.
Navigating in-laws or your own parents involvement in a newly married relationship can be a challenge. We're called to honor our mother and father and certainly that extends into adulthood. But we also called to leave and cleave as it were to our new family. As men, it's our responsibility to lead those dynamics and ensure boundaries of our new primary family are honored.
Unlike the way social media portrays success, for those of us who life in reality life has a lot of ups and downs and unexpected twists. As men, we need to respond to those as gracefully as possible without completely losing our perspective on the bigger picture.
The history of achievement is the history of skeptics buried with their disbeliefs, nameless and unknown to the common man who daily enjoys the fruits of the visionary.
My generation, Gen X and Xennials, are still thinking that our lifespan will be around 100 years old, with the latter years not being so great. It's time to change that perspective and start preparing for a much longer lifespan than our parents and grandcestors.
Just when I dared to hope that wokeness was on it's final breath, I experienced it in both subtle and not so subtle ways in a group of Christians. Third Way Christianity is something we need to be very aware of.
Giving advice or tough feedback doesn't always go as planned. Many men avoid it altogether until it absolutely has to be addressed. In this episode, I'll share some tips on how to give tough love that has helped me in many instances over the years.
There is a modern trend toward cynicism and it's not just old guys on their porches yelling about teenagers. It's an infectious mindset that settles in and robs us of our joy in life.
There has been a growing, unsettled relationship between Christian men and the typical church experience. Does church need to change? Do we need to change? What can be done to keep us and our families grounded in Christian community while also not disenfranchising men?
America needs a reinvigoration of its masculine spirit, grounded in Christ. In order to do this, we need brotherhoods. No more of the lone wolf mentality that has had a grip on us for the last few decades. It's time for men to lead again. Guilds is one of the ways we get there.
We all know that helicopter parenting is a bad idea. It leads to children and adults that lack the confidence and commonsense necessary to thrive. So then, should we ever rescue our kids from challenges?
Being in the wedding industry through Rustic & Main, we hear quite a lot of proposal stories. They don't always go as planned and there seems to be a trend of failures this episode can help you avoid.
2026 marks 10 years of Rustic & Main. From garage startup to nearly 40 employees spread across 4 buildings, it's fair to say that life has gotten pretty busy. Here's an inside look into life as an entrepreneur.
A lot of guys, looking to grow as men, find ways to overcomplicate their life. More diet focused, specific exercises, sleep apps, etc. But, what if a big part of our problem is that we are doing too much and need to simplify our lives?
Poor doesn't always mean poor. I share my experiences having grown up in both the city and the country and tell you which one I prefer and why.
In a previous episode I talked about how to slow life down, take the time to smell the roses and have new experiences, count your blessings and so on. In this episode, I talk about the unique power of time seeming to move by more quickly and how you can apply that to your life for some big wins you may have avoided when you were younger.
AI doesn't seem to be slowing down. While the robots plot our destruction, here are a few ways to use them to better yourself, as a man, and be prepared for the oncoming apocalypse of unimaginable prosperity and havitude (my word for an attitude of having it all).
Just a quick note to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all! I'm looking forward to a very manly 2026!
Abraham Maslow created his hierarchy of needs, which most of us are familiar with. But there are some important aspects he didn't consider which relate to how we mature and find steadiness in modern life.
One logical fallacy I often see -- and have likely committed -- is moving between the possible vs the ideal. What is possible may not always be ideal, but what we promote should always be ideal.
It's important for a man to have hobbies, work, people, and other interests that moves his heart. As we get older, cynicism can set it and we begin to focus on what was instead of what is and is to come. This episode is all about finding new loves in your life.
Wolf & Iron is now Wolf & Iron Foundation. As a nonprofit there will be some changes, but many things will stay the same. The biggest difference is that we are now mission forward and capable of so much more than before.
In this episode I share some thoughts on gender and gender identity. I also talk about how we often run from an argument or select an opposing view rather than thoughtfully responding to our critics.
To the new Christians out there, welcome! There's been a boom in the number of Christians over the last weeks and months since Charlie Kirk's assassination. Here are some thoughts for new Christians that I hope you will find helpful.
Every man goes through seasons in life: Kids, marriage, job changes, injuries etc. But, it's key to not let those seasons become the standards for how you live. If you lose ground, it's important to regain it.
Here in the South, we seem to have a gentler approach when it comes to negotiating or even asking for simple things. We don't like to offend folks and we also don't like rejection. This results in a lot of hemming and hawing that could be avoided by simply being more direct.
Big shoutout to an excellent book Never Split the Difference. Give it a read!
There are typically two sides discussed when it comes to God's sovereignty and man's free will, having one or the other be the only options available.
But, what if there was a way God could be both sovereign and man to have free will?
Here's a quick introduction on Molonism.
I'm all for self-improvement -- which should be obvious given the mission of Wolf & Iron -- but there is a side to it which can lead to self-absorbed, individualism which is never a good thing.
Focusing too much on ourselves can lead to selfishness. Don't wait to be perfect in order to have someone in your life to grow with.
Raising kids can be tough. I'd give it an overall 7.5/10. But when they begin making it on their own, it really pays off.
Growing up in an undistracted world was such a blessing. It's a shame most young men won't experience it these days. It's yet another thing that we have to be intentional about. Boredom increases creativity and relaxes the mind (after a bit of frustration) and we could all use more of it.
As I mentioned a while back in the podcast titled, "Changes" Wolf & Iron is going to become a nonprofit.
The new 501c3 will be titled The Wolf & Iron Foundation. Some initial approvals by the state and fed have already taken place! Now we wait for the final approval by the feds.
In this episode I talk a bit about why I am making this change as well as what will change and what will remain the same about Wolf & Iron!
I remember reading, when I was just turning about 28 myself, that the average man's brain doesn't mature until age 27. I could feel it happening for myself at that time. Although I had been in the Navy, married with kids and had an actual career at that point, certain aspects of life were just starting to "click" for me. The next decade would be a time of incredible personal growth.
For most of my life I have unknowingly put "style" in the category of "Vanity". Many of the examples of style these days are from over-done, posh get ups in magazines and the like. However, being a photographer has really changed my thoughts on this and I've moved from thinking of style as vanity to considering it a responsibility that every many should take seriously.
Wow, 2 years! That was my first thought when realizing I had been taking Krav Maga for that long. It's a good amount of time. I should definitely be lethal by now, right? Probably, but the more you train the more you realize the different ways a fight can go sideways and how many situations you've never thought of. That being said, my confidence has never been better and my physical and mental stamina have significantly improved.
I really hope I'm not alone on this question. Sometimes events occur that seem to us to have been particularly arranged. If the event is in our favor, it must be God, right? If the event smotes some bad people (tornado, earthquake) it must be God, right? Of course it can't be that simple, so then how can we tell when it's God moving in a particular way in our lives?
Men are made to roam. Even when we "settle down" and have kids, we still yearn for new sights and to sample the various bacons of the world. I didn't travel much as a kid, so most of my experience on the road has been after my late 20s. I've learned a few things that aren't so much about the road as they are about life.
We're living through some crazy times! Trump just survived an assassination attempt and his reaction in that moment has emboldened a lot of existing supporters as well as change the minds of others. In this episode, I give some thoughts, man to man, on how this event has changed my thoughts on Donald Trump.
Quick episode today. As I move forward with Wolf & Iron becoming a non-profit, mission-driven organization, I could use some prayer in finding the right people to fill the various roles.
Over the years I've met a lot of burned out entrepreneurs. But, as it turns out, they really aren't entrepreneurs at all. They are self-employed hard workers that have taken on the responsibility of an entire business.
Maybe this is you, or someone you know. There is a difference between the self-employed individual and the mindset of an entrepreneur.
For those of us who remember the early days of social media, there was a thought that we had. I'm here to say that we were correct about our early assumptions.
Now that social media is ubiquitous and is part of every day life, very few people I talk to actually enjoy it. Correction, no one I talk to enjoys it.
Whether it's weight loss, gaining muscle and flexibility, or growing in your career, most success isn't as difficult as we make it out to be. While we continue to research and gain information about dreams, someone else is busy making them a reality.
Russell Brand recently announced his acceptance of Jesus Christ as his savior! I'm excited for him and glad to see him profess Christ and not simply "God" in a generic sense. How should we handle folks like Brand and Jordan Peterson (who is still on a journey of sorts)?
While we use the terms boss, manager, and leader interchangeably, there is actually an important difference between them. Different personality types and skillsets are required to be a manager vs a leader and there are times when a business needs one over the other.
Increasing testosterone naturally should be the first step on your journey to more optimal levels of testosterone. In this episode I share some of the supplements and lifestyle changes that may help.
Note: I'm not a doctor and this is not medical advice.
Testosterone. Every man needs it and the average man is short on supply. How do we increase it and what about Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?
In this episode I share some of my journey with increasing my testosterone naturally and also why I decided to go on a TRT program.
Note: I'm not a doctor and this is not medical advice. I'm just a man sharing his experience.
I've been fairly absent from the scene since the last podcast drop in July of 2023. In this episode, I catch you guys up to what's been going on in my world and some thoughts on the future of Wolf & Iron.
There are a lot of books on entrepreneurship, marriage, and raising kids. In fact, you're likely to gain some needed wisdom on any of these subjects just by being with and observing people who are in that season of life. However, when it comes to the second half of life, let's say 40 onward, it can feel pretty lonely.
My guest today is Chris Bruno and he's the author of Sage: A Man's Guide into His Second Passage. Chris brings focus into the oftentimes nebulous second stage of a man's life. In our conversation we talk about mid-life crises, reconnecting with our boyhood as we grow older, and avoiding the pitfalls so many men fall into as they begin to realize their youth is a thing of the past.
In this episode I share my experience of one year as a student of Krav Maga, the Israeli Self-Defense system taught all over the world to Special Forces, military, and individuals like myself. I'll go through why I chose Krav and how it's increased my situational awareness and confidence.
Every man needs to be training to defend his life or the lives of those he could protect. This includes weapons training -- firearms in particular -- but also hand-to-hand, multiple attackers, car jackings, active shooters, and so on. Be ready, not just willing. Krav Maga can get you there.
There are two complimentary natures in manhood; the warrior and the poet. Today, the man who can simultaneously appreciate the finer arts and yet stand strong in adversity seems to be a rare breed. My guest on this episode, John Lovell, calls men to this noble undertaking and shares his guiding principles in his book The Warrior Poet Way.
This is the book I wish i had when I was in my early 30s and starting my journey of manhood in earnest. The Warrior Poet Way keeps the reader engaged while also imparting much needed wisdom in a man-to-man, relatable. Listen to the episode, then get a copy of the book. You'll be a better man for it.
Vivek Ramaswamy is a presidential candidate worth listening to. He has the right ideas for America and is pushing for a dismantling of many agencies, including the FBI and CIA, and believes that America needs a common identity.
I agree. We do.
But, he is Hindu. While he has been open about being raised Hindu and still considers himself and his family Hindus, he was also raised with a good deal of knowledge and influence from Christianity.
The questions I pose in this episode are these:
- If an American President is 99% of what you want -- Conservative, Independent, beholden to the people, etc. -- does it matter if he is a Christian or not?
- What are the implications for a non-Christian President?
- Does the American identity need to be explicitly Christian or can it be more of a set of ideals and principles apart from a specific religion?
I give my answers at the end of the podcast, but these are great questions and ones we need to answer. Vivek isn't the first and he certainly won't be the last.
Eugen Sandow is a name most men ought to know. He also had a physique people believed could only be achieved in the imagination or sculpted in marble. He's known as the father of bodybuilding, but in this episode I don't want to focus on how jacked he was. Rather, I use his story to drive home a deeper point. One that we've been missing for most of our lives.
It's far too easy to get caught up in the latest scandal, political issue, hot topic, etc. It's also easy to go down the rabbit hole of self-improvement, learning more than we are actually doing. We can begin to feel that the path to success is too difficult because of all the nuances we've put into our heads instead of focusing on the practical...the basics.
As our other business, Rustic and Main, can attest people are still getting married. Nearly 2 million weddings happen in the US every year. However, the median age for marriage is now 30 and the divorce rate is still very high at nearly 40%. What people want from marriage and what they bring to a marriage have changed dramatically in the last 25+ years.
AI is here and to be honest, I'm both amazed and a bit terrified. It's astonishingly brilliant and at the same time deeply concerning. It's key that we, as men, don't bury our head in the sand on this and just assume the worse will happen. This is rapidly changing our world and we need to be up to speed on this and involved in the development.
Currently, the AI that we have access to doesn't have the reasoning capabilities that AI of the sci-fi movies displays. It mimics reason but it doesn't understand truth in the same way that we do. As AI moves in this direction, though, it will need some basis of truth -- how the world actually works -- and with truth comes the need for a necessary bias.
It's important for parents to realize two things: 1. Our kids are experiencing a different world and a higher degree of temptation than we did. 2. They think that it's normal.
Our job, as people who grew up in a different time, is to remind them of how things used to be and to let them know that the world they have been born into misses out on some very human experiences.
Although I still have a lot to learn, I've picked up a few helpful tips in writing and publishing 2 books. If you're getting started on your own book or you're just interested in the topic, you'll love this episode.
Plus, I have a special thank you for all of you who have purchased from the Wolf & Iron store AND something special to be watching for!
Check out both books here:
Tending the Fire: Ignite Your Heart and Live Life as a Man
The Guy's Guide to Pocket Knives
When you look around do you see the need for more rule followers or independent, free-thinking men and women with an ingrained rebellious nature?
I think we know the answer to that! Rebels are needed. They've always been needed but without training -- either by consequences or by parents -- they'll set fire to anything that burns. It's our job as fathers, uncles, etc. to help them to see the good in their fiery spirit and to use it to pursue justice.
Unless you've been under a rock you've probably heard about something called ChatGPT. And if you have heard of it, some of you would like to go back under the rock rather than see what the world is becoming. AI is here and it's going to change things. ChatGPT just happens to be the eye-opening tool that makes this undeniable. In truth, it's pretty incredible...and it's only getting started.
As the world progresses with technology we have seen so many of the blessings of living in a modern age. But we've also seen the pull towards laziness and ease. Men have a quiet desire to live their lives more fully and yet give in to the world of entertainment and abdication of responsibility so readily. AI will definitely present new challenges for men, but also incredible opportunities for those of us who can wield it.
Growing up both poor and middle class, I gained a mindset that actually limited me in many ways. I didn't realize how deeply inset certain thoughts patterns were and how they impacted so many areas of my life. In this episode, I talk about the ingrained beliefs we carry with us when we come from limited means.
There's a common quote which has the best of intentions, but also has a serious error. Some men believe they can be good in their heart and yet never display the actions to back up their belief. Belief is always backed by action.
Speaking of action: https://wolfandiron.com/foundry
While our native tongue should always be Peace, a man needs to be a capable and willing defender of life. In this episode I share some insights from my first 6 months in Krav Maga and the first 2 weeks of concealed carry.
If you're thinking about getting started in self-defense and/or firearms training then be sure to subscribe to the podcast and check out the Wolf & Iron YouTube channel. I'll be posting more content out there shortly.
Regardless of how crazy the world seems at times, we truly live in a remarkable time. The world is filled with possibilities and many of them are within reach.
But, with all of the paths available to us, we can still only select one or two. The potential we see can often stall us in our takeoff. In this episode I talk about why purpose should be our focus and how as Christians we can trust in God's plan for our lives.
p.s. I mention my book, Tending the Fire, in this episode. You can get a signed copy here.
I've noticed something: women have more natural markers for time and the seasons of life. They are the ones who typically bring out the different dishes or clothes, or get together to celebrate a new life entering the world.
Men...not so much. But we need to. We need markers on our timeline of life. In this episode I talk about how, as men, we need to take the time to celebrate the seasons of life instead of just letting them all rush by.
There is a real power in your willingness to acknowledge the decisions that you made when you were not aware you were making them. Perhaps it's because you were a kid at the time, or maybe you went through a traumatic experience that shaped who you are.
In this episode, I share some personal details from my own life that has helped me grow as a man and I hope can help you as well.
Let's face it, most men are disengaged from the vitality they should have in life. They're asleep at the wheel, content to let life pass them by while they take it easy.
It may sound cliché, but life is meant to be lived and lived to the fullest.
It's far too common for us to use certain phrases that excuse the true work we're not doing to grow. Adding a warrior status to the challenges you face doesn't do any good unless you're truly fighting a battle.
Society is sorely lacking an innate culture of masculinity. There used to be clubs, communities, and social standards for men. I'm not saying all of it was good, but the standards and community it forged was something we're missing today.
This episode is more of a question than a solution. What would the elements of a modern day man culture include?
From anxiety and depression to fear of anything untried and unknown...fear is having its way with people these days. There's a simple reason for it and a solution that we can all employ.
It's official! Guilds have been launched! If you're new to The Foundry or you're just curious as to what a Guild looks like, this one is for you.
America hasn't bounced back from the hit we took due to COVID regulations. Employers are having a hard time finding people to work, and the people that are showing up aren't the same quality as the ones who left.
We've seen this coming for some time, but it appears that it has finally arrived: Our culture is catching up with us.
You and I are seeing the fallout we predicted. The good news is that it's easier than ever before to be a standout star.
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! After more than a year of planning, testing, and preparing, we have launched Guilds inside The Foundry. I'm looking for more Guild leads and men to band together and take this to the next level!
Reaching midlife is a time for celebration and a time for reflection. It's also a good time to own the direction of your life and get real about the man you want to be for your remaining years.
We truly live in an amazing time. We're advancing so quickly that we are living to see our sci-fi dreams come true -- and will likely live to see them become nightmares. Humanity gets the credit for getting us this far. It was us that sailed around the world, visited the moon, built robots for Mars and so on. The list of accomplishments are many and we will continue to be part of our achievements in the future, but we won't get all the credit.
Men are sentimental by design. God put within us a heart that connects with the idea of legacy and the meaning of things beyond the superficial. But, our current culture promotes a life of transient pleasures -- a life without attachments or lasting significance. This mindset is making men miserable. We need to get back to thinking long term and appreciate the sentimental nature within us.
Media is severely disrupting out ability to attach to a family the way we should and it's leading to an epidemic of anxiety and depression. Here's what you need to know.
"The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation..." - Henry David Thoreau
It's true. By the time a man reaches his late 20s he often feels missionless. He drifts around, with a lot of things to do but without that sense of deep fulfillment and purpose. In this episode I talk about how our missions change in life and how there is one mission most men should be about.
Although the true best age to get married is when you find the lady who's right for you, there are some reasons why a man should get married sooner than later.
So many people in our culture today are focused on themselves, be really they are only focused on their present self, not their future self. Marriage and family are one of the greatest missions a man can have in his life, and yet the majority put it off for as long as possible.
I started following Maj Toure over a year ago after seeing one of his shirts with a simple, but provocative phrase: Make Politicians Afraid Again. He has a heart to help black Americans understand the rights inherent to all men and declared in our Constitution. He's the founder of Black Guns Matter and the Solutionary Lifestyle and is a firm believer in the independent spirit that was so popular at the start of our nation. And he's not afraid to call out those who vie for our attention while doing little or nothing to actually make a difference.
What happens when we remove ourselves from nature for a few generations? How is our thinking about life, death, and reality compromised when we no longer have the foundational teachings of nature? I discuss these things in this episode and hopefully inspire you to spend time in the great out of doors.
I wanted to use a cool title for this one like Cutting Edge Marketing, Honed in Marketing Strategies, or Stabby Marketing Stab Stab, but I know that no one is going to search for that (although that last would have been a winner!) The truth is, marketing has been changing at a rapid pace but there are some strategies never fail. In this episode I talk to Montana Knife Company Co-Owner and Marketing Director Brandon Horoho. We discuss marketing a USA made knife brand, Montana Knife Company's growth and ethos, and strategies that work when popular advertising platforms don't allow your products.
It's hard to find a movie or TV show these days that isn't pumped full of the woke agenda. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if the rest of the movie was good, but unfortunately, seeing the world through a woke filter changes how you view relationships and reality, thus making it nearly impossible for woke writers to create a story that really hits home.
Men love movies! We're moved by the epic battles and struggles -- but also by the friendships and the thought of having something to really fight for. David Dusek gets it. His ministry Rough Cut Men helps guys connect through the films we love. To slow things down a bit and help us discover our heart as men. In this conversation, David Dusek and Mike Yarbrough discuss how to connect with a brotherhood in a world that is pushing isolationism.
My first lesson in Krav Maga began this past Monday and it was a lot of fun! I'll keep you guys posted as a progress until I'm at the Steven Seagal level and then I'll just ghost everyone. 😁
It's painfully obvious that men are lacking the "fire in the belly" that they ought to have. They long for it, but many of them don't have a clear understanding of the spirited drive that a man should have in different areas of his life.
Regardless of how the internet makes it look, business is never easy. Sure, there are seasons where things are swimming along, but most of the time there are new problems to solve. That's a lot of fun, but for a guy with a lot of irons in the fire, limited time makes it difficult to grow as quickly as I would like.
What if what we know about relationships is mostly wrong? What if our expectations for how a relationship should work are way off? That's what 2x podcast guest and author Eric Barker writes about in his new book, Plays Well With Others. We dive into a few topics from the book, I share some personal stories, and we laugh at his wall coverings!
Many Christians will be familiar with Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
While we most likely have heard that the "pattern of this world" is the sinful world in which we live, there may be more of a personal pattern that we need to replace with a new, transformed mind.
The recent shootings in Uvalde along with the many tragedies over the last 2 decades should be bringing us closer together when it comes to gun rights, but of course politicians and the media uses it to divide us. However, when these tragedies happen we are all bumping up against the same undeniable conclusion, one that should unite us as Americans rather than divide us.
Most men allow life to come to them, while others run after it, making the most of the time we're granted. Bert Sorin is a man on a mission, and in this episode we talk about building on an American dream, hard work, life at the top, and how to have a legendary life.
I love running barefoot. There was a time when I thought I may never be able to run again without enduring a week of painful walking afterwards. Graham Tuttle gets this and coaches people on how to run, move, and listen to their bodies to become the best advocates for their health.
Every man wants to be more rugged, resilient, and self-reliant. It's in our bones to be competent providers regardless of the situation. Clint Emerson's new book The Rugged Life is a great resource to learn how to care for yourself and your family whether in the suburbs or the wilderness.
So, Elon has bought Twitter, making Twitter a potentially awesome comeback story. In this Foundry Friday episode I share some thoughts on this and some cautions if you decide to jump back into Twitter now that it's more open to free speech.
We just ironically celebrated Mother's Day while simultaneuously seeing women protest to have the right to have abortions. It looks like the abortion debate is about to become relevant again with the SCOTUS decision looming. Here are some thoughts to help clarify the issue and cut through the language we've used for so long.
I took a trip out west to pick up a 31 year old vehicle at the height of gas prices. Worth it? Listen to this special episode to find out!
Dang, I missed an episode last week! But, we have some good stuff on the way. Here's a quick episode to help you guys stay in the know about my new van (it's awesome), a new line of coffee based on the life and legend of Theodore Roosevelt, upcoming podcast guests, and more.
We all need to learn the difference between something we truly desire vs something we only wish could happen. Otherwise, we'll end up with too many options and a lot of disappointment.
While you may have told yourself that, "It's just a piece of paper" the real reasons you're not getting married are the very reasons you should.
Social media is absolutely wrecking our kids. In just about every measurable way it is having a negative impact on them. It's harming their ability to connect in the real world, their sleep, their moods (depression/anxiety numbers are soaring), and even their health.
And while it's not just our kids who have an issue , it is their generation that doesn't know a life without social media.
Parents need to wake up and take this seriously.
Wolf & Iron has been going for about 8 years now. In that time I've had to pause this venture and often move more slowly than I've wanted. But I always keep coming back and pushing forward.
Why? Because I believe in this mission.
For those who are new to the podcast, and I suppose those who've been with me on this journey for a while now, -- and for myself -- here is why I continue to do Wolf & Iron.
Now that COVID is unofficially done -- at least until it's needed again for a crisis -- people are beginning to celebrate the victory of making it through the last 2 years. But this has been a telling time for all of us. We've been tested and some of us have fought or stood our ground while others allowed themselves to be led by the nose. Which camp are you in?
Christian Watson is living his dream and sharing his values through the work he does. He and his wife Elle own 1924us, a branding business that has a very nostalgic feel. In this episode, Christian and I talk about how 1924 got started, his venturing life, fatherhood, and the future of social media.
What does it mean to be an American? It's not a concept that we've really defined, but we have a history that helps us begin to piece together the roots of Americanism. In this episode I talk about our rustic heritage, using a cool story from history, and how US made brands like Origin USA are helping restore the American story of industry and creative independence.
I think every guy is fascinated by the life of a stuntman. We love to see the behind-the-scenes of movies and watch as these guys get blown up, beat up, bounced around...and then get up and do it again. Chris Romrell had his heart set on being a stuntman from an early age and he took action to ensure that happened. Now, as Chris Pratt's trusted stunt double, he's living out his calling and enjoying the heck out of life!
Now that I'm interviewing folks again, I've noticed some changes in the world of podcasting. Things aren't as straightforward as they used to be. Here's a bit of what goes on behind the scenes to make a podcast really stand out these days.
Every man knows in his gut that he needs to be more prepared for surviving -- and thriving -- in a world turned upside down. Whether it is a car accident or a societal collapse, we must be ready. My guest today, Mike Glover, is an expert in this area and shares his insights on both preparedness and what it's like to start a business that focuses on survival.
When I really think about it, I'm amazed at how intimate God is with us, his creation. Even from the very beginning, he is uniquely close to us and involved with us. I belive this says something about Him and also about the closeness we are intended for.
My guest today, Vic Verdier, is proof that age is just a number and that most men can experience their prime well into their 50s and 60s. In this episode we talk about what it takes to keep your body and testosterone operating at a high level as you age.
Here we are, mid-February, and most guys have already fallen off the wagon. Those new years goals are being left behind in favor of what we are used to and life is about to look like a repeat of previous years. But it dosen't have to be this way. In this episode I talk about how our brains work and why forming new habits, better habits, is so difficult.
I tried it. Hated it. But there's more to TikTok than it simply not being a good fit for me. Here are some thoughts on what it's doing to us and why I believe it's wrong for the future of human social interactions.
Henry David Thoreau famously wrote, "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to their grave with the song still in them." In this episode, I talk about what this means and focus on the "quiet desperation" part of this.
At this point, every parent worth their salt ought to know that our public education model is not working. Not only are our kids not learning the valuable lessons needed to make them the healthy and high-functioning adults of their generation, they are being indoctrinated with the principles that will ultimately lead many of them to a life that's destructive.
The Foundry kicked off in August of 2021 and since then we've grown and have some pretty awesome guys involved. Here is an inside look at what we have going on currently and what is coming up in 2022.
The good ol' days -- the last 5 years -- of advertising on Facebook and Google are behind us. Or, I can at least say that the strategy we've been used to is no longer going to work. Whether you are an entrepreneur or just interested in what's happening with marketing, this episode will be of interest to you.
People generally go with the flow. Whatever the easiest path is, or the most popular path, that's the one they take. We've already seen folks making jumps to other popular alternative platforms like Gettr, Rumble, and Parler (if that is still a thing).
But, is this enough change to really make a difference?
Own your morning, rule the day! A manifesto is a public declaration of an aim or purpose. You've seen these in movies. Bad guys love manifestos. But you can -- and should -- create a manifesto for your morning routine. What will you cut out and what will you begin doing to make the most of each day.
We all see the mess that is social media, even before they began openly deplatforming and banning conservative voices. Big social made a quick shift from simply a means of connecting with people and brands we admire, to being a marketplace that is aggressively pushing a liberal agenda and squashing free speech.
In order for any social platform to be successful -- even real life ones -- it has to be based on shared values. Otherwise, it will end up with folks fighting about their disagreements rather than positively engaging with their community.
Hint: 2022 is not going to crush itself! Intentionality separates the men from the boys -- and those who feel fulfilled and purposeful from those who complain about the state of their life.
If you want 2022 to be a great year, you're going to have to do some things differently.
In this last podcast episode of 2021, I talk about some of the challenges 2021 brought to Wolf & Iron and also how YOU all helped straighten things out.
I also spend some time talking about 2022, make a few predictions, and finish with a bit of what will be happening over in The Foundry in the new year.
There's simply nothing like meeting people IRL (in real life). Even a short exchange can add gravity to our online relationships and should be something we pursue. Don't allow online relationships to become the new standard of friendship. True friends make time for one another and are willing to go the extra mile (or miles) to connect.
In this episode I use my powers of prognostication to predict the future of social media. Interestingly enough, the future looks a lot like the past and removes power from the big tech companies.
COVID has caused a lot of families to reevaluate their expenses and income strategies. I've heard of an increase in men deciding to stay home with the kids while the mom goes to work at a higher paying job. While just about anything can work for a season, I have some warnings about doing this long term. Men are made to work. Here's why.
Growing up in the 80s, as I did, television was meant for families. So many of the shows were geared towards showcasing family values and generally had a moral for each episode. They were incredibly entertaining, but also added value. Valuetainment. We need more of this and less twaddle.
Many men are wandering through their life, unsure of what their purpose is. They believe they are created for something greater, but have a hard time determining what that is. The Spiral of Significance is an easy way to think about how you approach life and what is ultimately going to help you find a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
When we first showed up to social media, we likely had a common intent: to share our lives and connect with others doing the same. But the progressive platforms had a different intent, one that began to reveal itself about 3 years ago.
For any online community to work, there has to be a value alignment. We currently don't have that with FB, IG, TW, and others. It's time for a change.
Boundaries are extremely important for any healthy relationship. Setting them and keeping them can be a challenge for some men who have a more compliant nature or fear of being disliked. Here are some tips on how to set and keep boundaries in your life.
Introducing Foundry Fridays! For the next several weeks we'll drop a new episode related to social media, the problems, and the solutions. Check out what we're doing to address this at https://wolfandiron.com/thefoundry.
FF01. No one has ever been taught how to do social media. Very few people are properly taught how to engage in a productive conversation. In short, we've given millions of poor communicators a platform to showcase their shortcomings. We can do better.
You might thing risk aversion and entrepreneurship can't go together, but that's not entirely accurate. Many great entrepreneurs are also experts at understanding risks and mitigating them. Here is some advice for wantrepreneurs that have an aversion to risk.
Since 1902 Buck Knives has been crafting USA Made knives for those who depend on them. In this episode I talk to CJ Buck, CEO of Buck Knives and great-grandson of founder Hoyt Buck, about what it's like to lead a company that has such an outstanding legacy and the pressure to remain a USA Made brand.
Welcome to Foundry Friday! On Monday, Oct 4th, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp all went down for several hours. It's particularly bad timing given the "whistleblower" that came out the same day. But is that what's really going on?
I've heard a few men compare getting the vaccine (if you can call it that) to the verse in Matthew 22 where Jesus says, "render unto Caesar's what is his, and render to God what is His...". In this episode I talk about how stupid this is.
When a man begins to pursue bettering himself, he quickly sees that growth is something which doesn't have a final destination. We are called to a lifelong pursuit of manliness and that's exactly what Jarrett Samuels believes in.
Jarret is the founder of Pursuit of Manliness and leads men to be the best versions of themselves through Christ-centered teachings. 20 or 30 years ago, talking about Jesus would have been mainstream, but today it's obviously counter-cultural and it's exactly what we need.
Many men that I talk to say, "I feel like I should be doing more, but I don't know what it is..." They don't realize their legacy and who they have been prepared to be. Until we realize that we are primed for a fight, we won't feel at home in our own skin.
Jack Carr is living most men's best life right now! In this episode we talk about a number of things: his latest book, The Devil's Hand, his upcoming moving The Terminal List starring Chris Pratt, his writing style, and what it's like to be him right now.
I've never seen such an assault on American freedom as we've seen in the last 2 years. We are in a true battle for freedom and our enemies are on the inside.
The tactics they use, however, generally look the same and we need to be aware when it is happening. We are seeing the 3 stages of forced compliance happening on a weekly basis at this point: Shame, Intimidation, and Cancellation/Ruination.
There's been a good deal of controversy in the last few years with athletes kneeling during the National Anthem and not showing respect to the US Flag.
While most Americans recognize this as unpatriotic and disrespectful, we haven't done a good job of really identifying why someone should stand for the flag.
As it turns out, kneeling for the flag is not only unAmerican, it's pretty dumb.
What rights do Christians really have when it comes to passing judgement on others? Are there different types of judgement? Is there such a thing as righteous anger for a Christian?
In this episode, I talk about some familiar Bible passages and common assumptions we have as Christians and whether or not they are truly Christian.
Current society has it easier than our ancestors could have ever imagined. And that is actually making life harder.
Certain types of stress, challenges, and hard times actually make us better men. When those are lacking, we actually feel in distress. Having an easy life isn't good for us. Here's why.
Transgenderism has really taken hold of the younger generation, with more and more parents giving into the idea that it's perfectly normal. Unfortunately, people aren't allowed to have a conversation about it unless it's completely supportive of this narrative.
In this episode, I talk about the current reality of trying to transition from one sex to another, the obvious medical limitations, and why gender and truth still matter for everyone involved.
Christianity was a forward movement out of mythology, but we've lost sight of this. As a result, men in society are backtracking without knowing it. It's time to once again see how Christianity has progressed society and to acknowledge our tendency to fall backwards without it.
Every man needs three types of other men in his life: Counselors, coaches, and comrades. As the seasons of our lives progress, the types of men we need to have in our can change as well, but they tend to fall into one of these categories.
It's true. Instagram is dying. Or better said, it's killing itself. This episode is particularly relevant to those of you working to build a brand on Instagram or Facebook. Nearly all of them are moving to entertainment platforms, which isn't great for those of us who aren't interested in creating 15 second videos.
My wife and I spent about 5 weeks traveling from Charlotte, NC to several parts in Texas. We had a great time but noticed something in just about every city we stayed in: businesses are hiring and can't find people to work.
So many people have opted to stay on unemployment rather than use this as a massive opportunity to get their foot in the door. Rather than standout, they'll take a handout.
The adult brain reaches maturity in men around age 25, but it hasn't always been that way. Our prefrontal cortex has been maturing at a slower rate over the last 100 years and there is a reason.
My new book is out! Tending the Fire: Ignite Your Heart and Live Life as a Man is available on Amazon. In this bonus episode I share some thoughts on the self-publishing process and how it compares to using a publisher. Get a copy of the book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095KVGMLJ/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1
Restrictions are starting to lift, but there's a good chance we'll never quite be back to normal. There's also a good chance that the media and the government will try this again, mandating masks and creating an environment of fear.
The question is: what will you do when the next wave hits?
Perhaps it won't be COVID. But, there will be similarities. What actions in the last year did you take that you would repeat, and which ones would you do differently or not at all?
Trauma is a word that we don't like very much. Perhaps it has to do with our association of the word with the traumatic events in life or perhaps we think it only applies to those who have experienced something relatively horrific: battle, loss, severe injury, or sexual abuse.
While all of those things certainly include trauma, the definition of what is considered a traumatic event for our minds has widened over the years.
If you find yourself starting projects but constantly leaving them undone and moving to the next interesting thing, this episode is for you.
Whether it's ADD or fear based procrastination, there are ways to overcome.
Writing a book is a daunting task. Creatives, such as myself, are often easily distracted and led by the whims of our passions. Our best work is done when we are excited about a project. But, much of the book writing process happens when our passion has diminished and our focus needs to be on finishing the work we began.
In our efforts to become more egalitarian, we've missed the opportunity to honor the differences between male and female and the kind of work we do.
While men and women should have the right to work in any field they want, there are nuances to the type of work we do that will either help men feel more like they are working in their masculine strengths and women to feel more at peace working in their feminine strengths.
In this mission to help men be the best they can be, there are two key missing components: humor and beauty. In this episode I unpack why this is likely the case and talk through why these are important.
My new book, Tending the Fire, is coming out soon and I'm putting together a team! If you'd like to be part of the book launch team, sign up here https://wolfandiron.com/launch
A decade ago we were dealing with political correctness and all of its absurdity. Today, it has progressed into the cancellation of people, jobs, businesses, books and shows. If it doesn't fit a particular progressive narrative, it can't be allowed to exist.
While we all see that this is happening, we may not be aware on the change it is making to society as a whole.
Jordan Peterson says in his new book, Beyond Order, that your greatest vulnerability is where your greatest desire lives. That's a great insight and I wanted to unpack that in the way that it makes sense to me.
If you're not on board with the idea of being vulnerable as a man, this is the perfect episode for you. Tune in!
There's a familiar saying, "If you go looking for trouble, you're sure to find it." The inverse of this is true as well. If you go looking for blessing you're sure to find it. The world is filled with good and evil and the reality we see is rarely the full and true reality; merely what we are looking for.
However, if you can train yourself to look for both, you'll be more well balanced and see that life isn't out to get you. We're all far more blessed than we realize.
Over the years I've found these exercises to be extremely helpful for both my family life and also to help heal the wounds of the past. This is something you can do on your own, so I've put together a quick guide to help you understand how visualization exercises and therapy work.
Every nation and group needs its rebels. Thankfully, the lines in the sand and the factions of men are becoming more clear. In this day and age, if you want to be a rebel, stand for truth and justice and God and traditional values. You'll see yourself outnumbered rather quickly, but not alone.
In talking to a few friends the other night I had a realization about the power and draw of group think. For those who have not experienced it, once you have an understanding of what we're up against, you begin to realize why it is so hard to have a common sense discussion with someone who is entrenched in group thought.
Age 35-45 is a most dangerous time. We either decide to stay on the path we're on, or we decide to make a move.
In this episode I talk a bit about this critical time in our lives and why we need to be bold, not comfortable.
In this episode I rant a bit on the mask situation, nearly one year later after the 2 week "Let's flatten the curve, we're all in this together" we were told. Business owners have a great responsibility in situations like these.
For those of you who like to hear the behind the scenes updates of my businesses, here is a state of the union. In this episode I cover some updates on Wolf & Iron (including a new beard product coming soon), the Foundry, and some updates on Rustic and Main.
We need a revival of instinct. Gut instinct, intuition...call it what you will. Modern man has been too long removed from his nature.
You've likely seen it on movies: A man sits down with his therapist and is walked through his past memories in order to bring closure to his emotional trauma. However, this can be misleading as it is not necessary to remember the past in order to heal it. While a helpful tool, dredging up old memories simply helps us access emotions that we have not learned to process in a mature manner.
There is a type of personality that has a hard time accepting advice from others, be it our wives (especially our wives) or our peers. We want to reach conclusions on our own, often to the detriment of what may be best, and certainly not trusting in the strengths of others.
This episode talks about a simple mindset shift that will allow you to own good advice while also not giving up your sense of autonomy.
Everyone complains about the impact the media and politicians have on our culture, but few people talk about the impact businesses have in their marketing strategies.
It takes courage and probably more money than you want to spend, but I believe part of a business' responsibility is how we market. Are we trying to appeal to the lowest, or are we working to raise the bar and in so doing, raise the standard for what we see and hear on a daily basis.
Everyone complains about the impact the media and politicians have on our culture, but few people talk about the impact businesses have in their marketing strategies.
It takes courage and probably more money than you want to spend, but I believe part of a business' responsibility is how we market. Are we trying to appeal to the lowest, or are we working to raise the bar and in so doing, raise the standard for what we see and hear on a daily basis.
You've likely heard to follow your passion and you'll never work a day in your life. Or, don't follow your passion because if it becomes work you'll grow to hate it. Or, find a job to pay the bills so you have money to do what really makes you happy. Pretty simple, right?
Regardless of the path taken, many men find themselves in a job or business that doesn't fulfill them. Here are some thoughts on how to find fulfillment in your work.
It's inevitable. When a group of men get together and they begin to feel a bit of ease around one another, they will pick on each other. Some guys relish in this, others can't stand it. Some of you likely feel like you're the guy always getting picked on and rarely doing the picking.
While there are mature and immature ways to go about this, I wanted to share some thoughts on what is going on within the relationship (that we're often not aware of) and how it can be good for comradery.
In the last several years, America's worst citizens have been on constant display. Rather than showcasing true American values, we show American citizens behaving in very un-American ways and then call that "America".
When I hit 230lbs, I knew I had to make a change. I'm no fitness model, but I've been able to maintain a healthy weight for well over a decade. Fads are fun, but if you want to make a long term difference, you've got to change your mindset about yourself, your relationship with food, and your lifestyle will follow.
Special Edition! First episode in the 1977 Wagoneer! Each new year allows for a milestone in our lives and can be a great time to pause, reflect, and take stock of where we are and who we desire to be.
In this episode, I talk a bit about the Wagoneer, but also about recognizing patterns in our lives. Every man has patterned behavior that should become more clear over time. When we learn to see these patterns, we have the opportunity to disrupt them and get on a different track; one that leads to being the man we desire to be.
Merry Christmas! In this episode I share some thoughts on Christmas and its often melancholy nature it sometimes inspires. While Christmas is filled with lots of cheer and love and thoughts about family and Jesus, there seems to be an accompanying stream of sadness that shows up at this time of year.
We are at a time when many of the basic needs have been met, but it feels rather artificial to many men. We've lost a direct connection in providing for our fundamentals and it can lead to anxiety and unsureness for us as we seek to better ourselves.
Here's the thing: men have real issues. You're not alone in this. While I will never champion a victim mentality, it's healthy and good to recognize and name the things we're battling against.
Here are some of the challenges men all around you face on a daily basis, and the first step to overcoming them.
Although 2020 has been a crazy year (and it's not over yet) there is a lot we can still be thankful for. Take a moment to thank God for your health, your friends and family, your dog, and maybe even your cat.
You've likely heard of the Progressive Movement which was started by presidents Woodrow Wilson and Teddy Roosevelt, among others, and has continued to this day. However, we're now seeing something I'm calling the "Regressive Movement" which uses the past as a tool, not for growth, but for blame. And, it keeps people stuck in a victimized mindset with the only hope being a great rescuer i.e., big government.
Throughout history young men have been more easily persuaded to go to war or join some reckless cause in an effort to make their mark on the world and have the sense of belonging to a group. Shame on us for not offering them a worthwhile cause to fight for.
For many men, apathy and abdication of responsibility is the natural state. It's not surprising, then, that when we hear of a man being driven and passionately pursuing something that we champion him. However, there is a difference between being driven and being deliberate.
We talk a lot about leadership here at Wolf & Iron, but does this mean that men should always be the de facto leader?
Speaking particularly of leadership roles in the home, this episode talks about why I believe men are called to lead. Spoiler, it's not because we're always better at it.
If you're looking at the world through the lens of "who's privileged and who isn't" you're going to find plenty of what you're looking for. However, you'll be feeding a scarcity mindset and using your privilege meter as a way to determine your ability to achieve in life.
We're over a decade familiar with social media. The ability to connect with people all over the world in an instant is now something we take for granted. But, why do we do it? What do we hope to get from it.
As many people are looking for alternatives to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, do we really know what we want to accomplish on a new platform?
Have you ever found yourself reacting to a situation rather than responding in the way you would like? We all have a natural instinct to respond to arguments and frustrations, but learning how to craft a "response" that we can be proud of takes time.
In this episode I'll walk you through the difference between the two and how to get to a place of responding rather than reacting.
It takes a courageous man to witness the chaos in the world, along with the love in the world, and still believe in an Ultimate Good. Atheist can, at their discretion, opt out from the challenges that arise by holding onto an objective moral standard. Christians cannot.
We've been unfortunately conditioned to focus on the founder, the owner, the entrepreneur behind a brand. In doing so, many budding business owners miss out on the fundamental ingredient to making a business thrive, especially during those early stages of growth: a team.
I sometimes hear men say that much of the self-help and "getting in touch with our emotions" is weak sauce, new age stuff that men don't need. In this episode I use the story of Adam in the Garden of Eden after the fall, as an example of just how key emotional insight is to us as
I'll be honest: this isn't something I want to talk about. I really wish we didn't have to deal with this next, but it is very apparent that pedophilia is going to be the next big push by the liberals. Men, we have to be aware of the reality of this. As much as I don't want to talk about this or deal with this, it is imperative that we do.
Every 4 years or so we're presented with some less-than-stellar candidates for president. When we look at the political landscape and see the types of people who typically run for office, we may wonder "where are all of the 'Founding Father' types of men that this country was built upon?"
A rigid, routine and predictable life will kill you. There is a blessing in being disrupted, even when it's forced upon us. In this episode I talk about the mindset of those that thrive during the opportunities disruption affords.
There are those who build up and those who tear down. We don't burn down businesses and call it progress. If you're going to pick up a brick, lay a foundation.
A great first step to understanding yourself and others better is taking the Myers-Briggs personality type test. In this episode, I give a layman's terms explanation to what each of the different categories mean.
One of the good things to come from the COVID lockdown is that many of you have started growing a beard! Maybe you've past the itchy stage or maybe you keep shaving it off before you do. In any case, in this special Beardsman PSA I'll share some insight into how and why some of the beard grooming products work.
Many of us are experiencing the last several months through our own adultified lens of life. But, there is a new generation watching and being heavily influenced by what they see. We have an opportunity to build them up and train them, but it starts with ourselves.
We've got to be honest with ourselves. We say that we "Want" something, but so often do the opposite. A competing hierarchy of desires causes us to miss out on becoming the man we long to be. At the end of the day, if we keep not achieving our "wants" it's because we have other, stronger desires that are winning out.
My marriage nearly failed. I decided to put Wolf & Iron on hold in order to take care of life and business. As I get back into the swing of things I wanted to share some insights with you. Here's the first part of what happened while I was away.
While Wolf & Iron has been on hold, Rustic and Main has been growing like crazy. Even during the COVID lockdown we stayed busy and the last few months have been some of our best yet.
Here is a bit of inside information that my fellow entrepreneurs will appreciate!
Over the last decade or so, the term Memento Mori has become rather well known. It's a call for men to wake up, get off their arses and seize the day. It translates as "Remember you are mortal" or "Remember that one day you will die". While this perspective is certainly needed, it's only 1/2 of the equation, and, I believe that it is actually making it harder for many men to make decisions that move them forward
Confession time: I used to be in Amway. Yeah, it's a bit odd for me to even think back on that time. But, I was young and it was my first introduction to the concept of being successful. Coming from humble beginnings as I did, the idea of making it big was tremendously powerful. If nothing else, I learned how to dream for the future I wanted and saw a few examples of other people who started with little and made much.
I've heard from a number of fathers how they long for their kids to know the joys of an 80s childhood, free of technology and plenty of time outside with your friends. I've often longed for this as well...even as an adult! There is no mistaking that the world we live in has changed. Things have gotten soft and along with it, ourselves and the next generation are softer. But, there are some good things as well.
At the end of the day, we have more opportunity to be the fathers we want to be, not just the ones society pressures us to be. We each have an opportunity to be the greatest dads of any generation ever.
Heat sells. It gets clicks and comments and shares and is the primary tactic used by the average media. Some heat is good, no doubt. Truth can be a type of heat that we need to refine us.
Light, on the other hand, can be used to showcase goodness or draw our attention to a problem, but it does so without inflaming the situation. Generating light instead of heat is a skill for sure, and it's one that every man should hone.
Stephen Mansfield spoke at our church's men's retreat in 2019 and really hit home the need for a band of brothers. Study after study shows that men are lonely like never before. But, are we even aware of how isolated we are? Do we recognize the need for loyal men in our lives that will stand shoulder to shoulder with us?
A man who is working the heed the High Call on his life longs for others to discuss and debate the great ideas of the ages with. My guest, Scott Hambrick of Online Great Books, and I talk about how Online Great Books brings about the community and accountability to continue diving deep into the great books of old.
True transparency is a rare thing these days. While we may still ask for prayers on social media, it's typically for someone else. We tend to showcase the good times and leave out the negative, and that actually makes sense in a public forum. When life is delivering us a swift kick to our salty hammock, we don't need trite responses: we need a brother.
As a kid, I had a hard time focusing on schoolwork...or pretty much any work that I didn't find interesting. Much of this was the result of simply being a boy and trying to fit an energetic kid into an overly structured environment. But, as an adult I've noticed some of the same tendencies. Sitting still for long periods of time doing work that doesn't grab my focus is hard. Yet, I've been able to accomplish quite a bit both because of and in spite of any ADD/ADHD tendencies I may have.
We've all heard the mantra of "finding ourselves". Apparently, this can be a lifelong journey but it often looks a lot like a midlife crisis that lasts for a decade or more. After many years of living life as an adult, people are quick to throw off responsibility in favor of the freedom they have been missing out on. Too often, though, the pendulum swings too far to the other side and instead of "finding themselves", they find themselves more lost than ever.
This is my 4th year of having a specific word to focus on. In hindsight, this has had more of a lasting effect on me than goal setting. Goals can often be marked by behavior change, but adhering to a word is to adhere to a definition...or a defining of one's character; it's much more introspective.
Wolf & Iron is 6 years old! Actually, this episode is a bit late, but I wanted to give you guys an update on Wolf & Iron, milestones in 2019 and what's coming up in 2020.
By December 31st of 2020, the whole "vision" thing might be played out. It's a pretty obvious thing to latch on to, but all the same, it's cool right now. We need vision. We need it as men, as individuals, but also for our families and our nation.
New Year's resolutions have long been out of favor. Personally, I like marking the new year with some goals, but I also don't like a lot of structure on those goals. One of the best ways to set goals for the new year is to do so with some reflection on the past year. That's where the Start. Stop. Keep. method comes into play.
Happy New Year!
Think of someone you admire...how awesome would it be to get your brain wired to think the same way their brain does? We can all use some outside perspective on how people approach life. We then take the parts that make sense to us and adapt that to our own approach. In this episode I share a bit on how I process things, in hopes it may be helpful for some of you.