Manhood is a weirdly polarizing topic these days. You can’t scroll for five minutes without hitting some extreme take on what it means to be a "real man," usually involving someone screaming about liver or crypto. But amidst all that noise, Ryan Michler’s Order of Man podcast has somehow managed to stay grounded. It’s been around since 2015, which is basically an eternity in the podcasting world. While other shows flare up and burn out, Michler has built a massive community by focusing on things that actually matter—like being a better father, a more present husband, and a guy who can actually manage his own life without falling apart.
Honestly, it’s refreshing.
Most people come to the show looking for a quick fix for their fitness or their bank account. They usually stay because the conversations get a lot deeper than "how many plates can you bench?" Michler is a veteran, a father, and someone who didn't grow up with a strong male role model, so he’s essentially learning this stuff alongside his audience. That vulnerability is what makes the Order of Man podcast feel less like a lecture and more like a sit-down with a guy who’s just a few steps further down the road than you are.
What the Order of Man Podcast Actually Gets Right
A lot of "masculinity" content feels like a performance. It’s all about the aesthetic—the beard oil, the axes, the tactical gear. But if you listen to a few episodes with guests like Jocko Willink, Jack Carr, or even less "macho" experts like therapists and financial advisors, you realize the show isn't about the surface level stuff. It’s about sovereignty.
That’s a big word Michler uses a lot.
Basically, it means taking ownership. If your life sucks, it’s on you. If your marriage is failing, you’ve gotta look in the mirror before you look at your spouse. It’s a tough pill to swallow for some, but it’s the core of the Order of Man podcast philosophy. The show breaks down into five main pillars: Fitness, Finance, Family, Leadership, and Self-Mastery.
Why the Five Pillars Aren't Just Marketing Speak
Most guys are crushing it in maybe one or two of these areas but absolutely failing in the others. You know the guy. He’s a beast in the gym and makes six figures, but his kids don't want to talk to him and he has the emotional intelligence of a brick. Michler argues that a "complete" man can't afford to be lopsided.
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Take the "Family" pillar, for instance.
On the podcast, this isn't just about "providing." It’s about being an active participant in the household. There are episodes dedicated entirely to how to talk to your teenage daughter or how to keep the spark alive with your wife after ten years of marriage. It's practical. It’s gritty. It’s not just "be the king of your castle" fluff; it's "here is how to not be a jerk when you come home tired from work."
Guest Diversity and Real Expertise
One thing that keeps the Order of Man podcast from becoming an echo chamber is the variety of voices. You’ll hear from Navy SEALs, sure. But you’ll also hear from guys like Dan John, a legendary strength coach who talks as much about philosophy as he does about kettlebells. You’ll hear from entrepreneurs who have lost everything and had to rebuild from scratch.
It’s this mix that gives the show its E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness). Michler doesn't claim to be the expert on everything. He plays the role of the inquisitive student, asking the questions that most guys are too proud to ask.
The "Iron Council" and Moving Beyond Audio
You can’t really talk about the podcast without mentioning the Iron Council. It’s the paid mastermind group attached to the show. Now, some people roll their eyes at paid "men’s groups," and that's fair. There are plenty of scams out there.
But for the guys in the Order of Man podcast ecosystem, the Iron Council provides the accountability that a 60-minute audio file simply can't.
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It’s about "Battle Teams." Small groups of men who check in on each other. If you say you’re going to lose ten pounds or start a side hustle, these guys will call you out if you don't do it. It’s digital camaraderie. In an era where male loneliness is literally a public health crisis—seriously, look up the stats on men and social isolation—having a digital "tribe" that actually pushes you to be better is a big deal.
Surprising Nuance in Modern Masculinity
There’s a misconception that this show is just about "alpha male" nonsense. It really isn't. Michler often talks about the "balanced man." He leans into the idea that a man should be capable of great violence but have it under control. He should be able to cry at his daughter’s wedding and also lead a team through a corporate crisis.
It’s about being a "protector, provider, and presider."
Critics might find the language a bit traditional, and it definitely is. Michler doesn't shy away from traditional gender roles. However, he approaches them from a place of service rather than dominance. He’s kitted out with a "service-first" mindset. If you’re the head of the house, you’re the one who eats last. That’s the vibe.
Common Misconceptions About Order of Man
People see the logo—a Spartan-style helmet—and make assumptions.
- "It’s just for military guys." Nope. While Ryan is a vet, the majority of the audience are plumbers, accountants, teachers, and cubicle workers trying to find some meaning in the daily grind.
- "It’s political." While the show leans conservative in its values (self-reliance, traditional family structures), it isn't a political pundit show. It’s focused on the individual. Michler’s stance is usually: "The government doesn't care about you, so you better care about yourself."
- "It’s anti-woman." This is the biggest swing and miss. The podcast constantly reinforces that a man’s success is tied to how well he treats the women in his life.
The Order of Man podcast is actually quite boring if you're looking for controversy. It’s just about hard work. There are no shortcuts offered. No "one weird trick to get ripped." Just "get up early, do the work, and stop complaining."
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The Evolution of Ryan Michler
If you listen to the first 50 episodes and then jump to the most recent ones, you’ll notice a shift. Early on, it was more "rah-rah" and intense. Over time, Michler has mellowed—in a good way. He’s more willing to talk about his own failures, his divorce, and the struggles of parenting. This evolution has kept the show relevant. It’s grown up as its audience has grown up.
How to Get the Most Out of the Show
If you’re new to the Order of Man podcast, don’t just binge-listen. That’s "personal development porn." You feel good because you're listening to smart people, but your life doesn't change.
Listen to an episode. Pick one thing the guest said. Do it that day.
If the guest is a financial expert talking about Roth IRAs, go open one. If the guest is a fitness coach talking about mobility, do some stretching while you watch TV. Information without application is just noise. Michler would be the first person to tell you to turn off the podcast and go play with your kids.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Man
- Audit Your Circle: Look at the five people you spend the most time with. Are they "Order of Man" material, or are they dragging you down? You don't have to ghost your old friends, but you might need to find some new ones who challenge you.
- The 12-Week Battle Plan: Borrow a page from the show’s playbook. Stop making New Year’s resolutions. Plan your life in 90-day sprints. It’s long enough to see results but short enough to stay focused.
- Physical Standards: Michler is big on this. You don't need to be an elite athlete, but you should be "useful." Can you run a mile without dying? Can you lift something heavy? If not, start there.
- Define Your Mission: Most guys are just drifting. They go to work, come home, drink a beer, and repeat. Write down what you actually want your legacy to be. It sounds cheesy until you actually do it and realize you’ve been wasting years.
The Order of Man podcast isn't going to solve your problems for you. It’s just a toolbox. But in a world that seems increasingly confused about what men are supposed to do, having a clear set of tools is a hell of a lot better than nothing. Whether you’re trying to fix your marriage, get out of debt, or just feel like you’re in the driver’s seat of your life again, there’s probably an episode in the archives that speaks to exactly where you are right now.
Get to work.