In this Friday Field Notes, Ryan dives into the inevitable challenges every man faces—and how you can rise above them. Being a male is a matter of birth, but being a man is earned through responsibility, capability, and leadership. Ryan outlines practical ways to prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually so that you can protect, provide, and preside when it matters most. Whether it's solving problems under pressure, anticipating threats, regulating emotions, or empowering others, this episode will challenge you to step up and live as the man you were meant to be. SHOWNOTES 00:00 – Intro 00:10 – Not every male is a man: challenge defines manhood 02:34 – True leadership reveals itself when things go wrong 04:50 – The power of anticipation and situational awareness 09:23 – Building capability in every area of life 11:45 – Manhood as a profession: constantly improving yourself 14:08 – Emotional regulation and creating safety 16:20 – Helping others solve their own problems 18:47 – Sovereignty: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual strength 20:37 – Becoming the man people look to in crisis 22:30 – Promotion: Join the Iron Council 23:45 – Next week's episode preview with Jack Carr 24:30 – Closing and grassroots call to share the podcast What You'll Learn in this Episode: Why challenge is the defining feature of manhood How to adopt the mindset of a problem-solver The importance of anticipation and situational awareness Building capability: financial, physical, and skill-based Regulating your emotions and creating safety for others Helping others solve their own problems Why manhood is a profession that requires constant improvement 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