Christmas cannot be reduced to a Hallmark slogan. In this episode I wish you all a merry Christmas, but also share some thoughts that help put the true meaning of Christmas in perspective.
Merry Christmas, from my family to yours! - Mike Yarbrough
How many times have you heard "It's in my genes" or "My mom had it so I have it"? In many cases it's a copout and a farce. What we were taught in school about genetics has led many men to believe that their lives and health are predetermined. Everything from high cholesterol to a paunch belly is blamed on genes. However, new research into the field of epigenes, or epigenetics, tells a different story.
My guest, Gray Graham, talks about how we've come to the conclusion that our thoughts, our environment, and what we eat and do, plays the most important role in not only our own health, but also that of future generations.
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the term "millennial"? I'm guessing it's not hard-working, determined, sacrificial, wise, gutsy, strong or any such description that we have come to admire in generations past. As for Gen Z, there's a good chance that it's a new term for you. As my sons are 15 and 18 years old, I am a Gen Z parent, and I see some things I really love about this generation and some things that worry me. As a business owner and former software developer, I have and do work with some millennials and can say that some of the stereotypes are true; they do love their coffee.
My guest, Dr. Tim Elmore, has some answers and some encouragement about the generations for which their elders have only regarded the negatives.
When I was a kid I used to run all over the place, barefoot in the country, and never had any issues with my feet. As an adult, however, it's been a different story. I was an avid running for quite some time, but in the last few years have had one set back after another. I've rolled my ankles several times, have had plantar fasciitis, I overpronate, have worn orthotics and big clunky running shoes...you name it. This piqued my interest in barefooting, which is going well so far. My guest today, Thomas Hughes, has a great story and a lot to say on the subject of barefooting and barefoot running.
If you are a man looking to better yourself, you've likely heard of Stephen Mansfield. He's the author of a number of books including Mansfield's Book of Manly Men, In Search for God and Guinness, & The Faith of George W. Bush. He's also a noted speaker and commentator, and regularly adds his voice to the topics of manhood and leadership. I've been looking forward to having him on the podcast for some time and getting his thoughts on reasoning with what seems to be an unreasonable generation, his man-on-the-street view of D.C. and politics, and what the common issues he sees from men.
Men, we need to take care of those who have served, and especially those who come back wounded. They are our heroes and our neighbors and The Independence Fund is supporting them in a big way. In this episode I talk to my friend Donald McAlister on what the Independence Fund is doing, some of the wounds, both emotionally, mentally, and physically our vets face, and how we can help.
This is a great opportunity to give and get involved. Head over to https://wolfandiron.com/independencefund to see the show notes and how you can take part in helping our heroes.
The last few weeks have been hard. My dad died. My world has been rearranged a good bit, or at least a new type of reality has set in. Honestly, I had been expecting this day since my boyhood; that I would get a call saying my dad had died in some car accident or fallen down or something similar. He was an alcoholic, and finished his days in a pretty sad state.
I share some stuff about my dad's death, and use this episode as a catalyst for the one thing that has been coming to mind over the last many days: We need to fight! We need to get serious about battling our addictions, be they large or small, serious or subtle. Men aren't given an example of what fighting looks like and like so many other areas in life we try for the easy path and hope for a marginal victory. So often we don't understand when we are pinned down and our only hope is to bolt from the trenches.
If I could suggest to you all, one book to read this year on success, it would be Eric Barker's excellent book Barking Up the Wrong Tree: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong. This is a great book and I am really honored to speak to Eric Barker on this subject. He is an outstanding guest on the podcast and you guys are going to get a lot from this conversation!
Men, do you ever feel that you're stuck in the weeds and muck of life, unable to move forward? We need to be in a position where we can see the road ahead, make strategic decisions, and live the life we feel the ought. I give a quick talk on what's keeping us stuck and how to move forward.
Men, have you ever wanted to bounce some questions off a friend and get some thought-provoking and solid answers or advice? That's the idea behind Ask a Man. You send over a question, and I and a co-host will do our best to give you some solid answers, plus have some fun as well. Head over to https://wolfandiron.com/askaman to submit a question. Keep yer powder dry!
- Mike Yarbrough
Men, we've been sold a lie. Actually, we've been sold several lies, particularly around what it takes and what it means to be healthy and strong. My friend Aaron Dokos has such enthusiasm for life. In this episode we talk about strength, health, and intermittent fasting, and in a way that is practical, fun, and has a holistic view of what it means to be the best version of yourself.
I have a love-hate relationship with planning/scheduling my day and week. I hate sitting down to do it, but I love the results. In this episode I cover some of the underlying reasons why some of us creative types rally against routine and how we may be able to change our mindset on the issue. I also talk about how to structure your day into blocks rather than an overwhelming minute by minute list of things to get done. Check out the show notes and references mentioned in this episode at https://wolfandiron.com/planning
Joel Salatin calls himself a Christian libertarian environmentalist capitalist lunatic farmer. So, I had to have him on the podcast. We have a great conversation about the unique things going on at his farm, his thoughts on agriculture, and how our lack of connection with the land is steering us down a bad path.
The last year for Wolf & Iron has been pretty incredible. I started Rustic and Main (rusticandmain.com), wrote a book, repaired my marriage, sent one kid off to college, quit my job, grew Wolf & Iron by the thousands, and still have most of my hair.
In this Manniversary episode I talk about the challenges and successes of the last year in manliness and what's to come now that I am working for myself full-time. I also give a sneak peek into something I'm calling "The Foundry".
You guys know I'm a big fan of Theodore Roosevelt and have studied and written about his life on a number of occasions. I had been following Mr. Gardner for a while primarily based on the titles of a few of his books (I hadn't read them yet!): To Hell on a Fast Horse, and Shot all to Hell. So, when he came out with a book on TR I knew I needed to get him on the podcast. Mark Lee Gardner is a well-known and well respected historian and author and has appeared on numerous shows as an expert in the history of the Old West. He's also a really gracious guy and very open about the process of writing, and he has such a passion about the subjects he has written about. In this episode we talk a bit about the writing aspect but we really focus on TR and the Rough Riders. This is a great episode, especially for you history buffs.
Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
This is a familiar verse for men; even for non-Christians. It speaks directly to the heart of men telling them that in order to keep their edge they need other men in their life. However, we can't expect other men to sharpen us if we don't have a defined edge already. This is a quick discussion on the subject, but one that we need to have at the forefront of our minds on a daily basis. Feed the Wolf. Be the Iron. - Yarbrough
My pal Warren Peterson has experienced the ups and downs of life. He chased after success in the way most men do, and lost it all. That experience was a wake up call that he desperately needed, and now he is using it as a catalyst to help men get on the right track and lead a life that is truly significant.
John Eldredge's book Wild at Heart sparked a fire in Christian men, and called out churches for neglecting and misleading men's souls. He not only clarified the heart of men and defined the call which God put within us, he pointed to the wounds from our earthly fathers and the impact it has on every facet of our lives. Mr. Eldredge was a big inspiration for my change of direction, and we cover a number of points in this episode on Wild at Heart, the greatest longing in the heart of a man (or boy), how to recognize and deal with woundedness, and more. Show notes and other links at wolfandiron.com/018
I have two sons, both teens, and of course they love their game time. Heck, I was raised the Nintendo, so I completely understand. However, I can't help but feel that it's a waste of time. But should I? Is there something answered in playing video games that we are not getting from the real world? And, is there some benefit to gaming that we are overlooking?
In this episode I talk to Kyle Blessing, better known to gamers as Blessious, famed for his YouTube channel where he plays Destiny and other games to the enjoyment and amusement of many. It was my boys that introduced me to Blessious, and I was really taken in by his genuineness and humor. So, I reached out to him and this podcast is the result. It's a fun conversation, and it's one that needs to continue. As always, I would appreciate any feedback on this subject!
The supposed Cherokee myth of two wolves has been a popular motivational tale in the manosphere, but something about it just didn't sit well with me. While I appreciate the moral that the proverb gets across, I don't think it gets us headed in exactly the right direction. In this episode, I share some thoughts on the two wolves myth and an alternative view that I think a man should have regarding the wolf residing within.
The first time I heard Aaron Walker (known as "Big A") speak I knew I had to have him on the podcast. I didn't know anything about him, I just loved his enthusiasm. Before I read his book or had really taken a look at his site, I reached out to him and asked him to be a guest, to which he gladly obliged. If you know, or have seen Aaron talk, you likely feel the same. He is a man you want to be around and have in your life. What's more, he has an amazing story and a big heart.
Before the interview I asked Big A if had any questions for me. I'm such a down to business kind of guy, I sometimes -- no, all times -- forget to slow down and take people in. Anyhow, Aaron said he did, that he wanted to get to know me and my family a bit. He's a man that cares, folks, and it's genuine. We talked for a bit before jumping in to the official podcast. A few days after the interview I got a handwritten note in the mail. Class!
Aaron has a great story of being a successful entrepreneur at a young age, then looking for meaning in life. He brings years of experience to the table and it was an honor to speak to him. This is one podcast episode you don't want to miss, and Aaron Walker is the guy you need to be following.
At then end of the podcast Aaron surprised me by offering something to my audience (that's you). Here's the link to check it out.
http://www.viewfromthetop.com/wolfandiron
Website: http://viewfromthetop.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AaronWalkerVFTT/
Aaron's Iron Sharpens Iron Mastermind: https://viewfromthetop.leadpages.co/isi-sales-page/
I don't know when it happened, but at some point we denigrated the enlightened, renaissance man and esteemed the stoic, ridged, emotionally detached man instead. Introspection and a genuine understanding of our gifts and our failings, can lead a man to be better. It requires a good deal of humility for a man to see his shortcomings, but also to be himself (once he knows himself) around others.
My guest and friend for this podcast is Jason MacKenzie. He's the author of the Dadly Book of Open and founder of The Book of Open, both of which spotlight the unexpected power of authenticity and vulnerability in a man's life.
Website: http://thebookofopen.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebookofopen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookofopen/
Head over to http://thebookofopen.com/wolfandiron