In this episode of Friday Field Notes, Ryan Michler explores the crucial question of how to initiate boys into manhood. Drawing from personal experience as a father and mentor, Ryan outlines key principles such as separation, challenge, risk, and meaning that help shape rites of passage.
He emphasizes the importance of deliberate and intentional practices for raising boys into strong, capable men—especially in a society that often resists such growth. This episode offers fathers, mentors, and even single mothers clear considerations for guiding the next generation of men.
00:00 – The challenge of raising boys in today’s culture
03:00 – Separation from women in rites of passage
05:27 – Building challenge and risk into the process
07:50 – Age-based milestones for boys
10:05 – Responsibility, puberty, and independence
12:21 – Honoring achievements with meaning
14:33 – Public celebration and recognition
16:58 – Marking and family mottos
19:16 – Reintroduction as young men
21:37 – Course promotion and final thoughts
Free tools, tactics and techniques to help you be the man you were meant to be.
