Michael and Russell are jumping straight into the reality behind modern workaholism and its impact on men’s lives, exploring how the relentless pursuit of success often masks deeper wounds. Michael and Russell break down the difference between a workaholic’s obsession with status and a true warrior’s mission to give, rather than just get. They examine the ways men justify their exhaustion, using “family” and “provision” as rationales for self-sacrifice, while overlooking the cost to their relationships and purpose. The conversation cuts to the core of what drives men toward burnout, asking listeners to confront whether they’re aligned with a mission or simply chasing the next promotion. Michael and Russell challenge men to reconsider their motives, pointing the way to reconnecting with a deeper, more heart-centered path.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 – The Silent Cost of the Money Chase
• 00:01:03 – Welcome to IgKnight the King
• 00:01:08 – Why Workaholics Miss the Real Mission
• 00:01:35 – Facing the Warrior’s Shadow
• 00:02:15 – Is Your Life About Conquest or Contribution?
• 00:05:34 – How Society Programs Men to Burn Out
• 00:09:15 – The Unseen Weight of Providing
• 00:10:04 – Escaping the Corporate Trap
• 00:12:00 – Workaholism: A Costly Addiction
• 00:17:28 – The Boundaries Every Man Needs
• 00:20:45 – The Work-Life Balance Myth
• 00:26:00 – Rediscovering the Mission of the Heart
• 00:27:00 – Final Words and Steps Forward

Links And Resources:

• IgKnight the King
• Book a Call with Dr. Michael Diamond
• IgKnight the King on Facebook
• Dr. Michael Diamond on Instagram
• G. Russell Reynolds on Instagram

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to IgKnight the King? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Michael and Russell talk about the warrior spirit and how embodying this energy can reshape your entire life. Fresh off an intense MDS (Mastro Defense System) training, they explore the critical difference between survival and combat, challenging men to evolve beyond outdated definitions of masculinity. With a focus on personal power, decision-making, and self-defense, they invite men to step up, embrace their inner warrior, and live with purpose. This is an episode about more than just strength—it's about how to navigate the modern world as an awakened man.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 – What Are You Really Willing to Die For?
• 00:01:02 – Meet the Hosts: Dr. Michael Diamond and G. Russell Reynolds
• 00:01:22 – Inside the MDS Training: Lessons from the Frontline
• 00:02:35 – Mastro Defense System: More Than a Martial Art
• 00:03:50 – The Warrior Spirit: It’s About Survival, Not Fighting
• 00:06:34 – Purpose and Values: The Warrior's Code of Living
• 00:10:23 – Training with Fred Mastro: A True Warrior’s Mindset
• 00:14:04 – Family Responsibility: Standing for What Matters
• 00:16:59 – The Slow Erosion of Freedom: When Will You Stand Up?
• 00:18:05 – Fearless: Personal Stories of Facing Down Fear
• 00:21:53 – How to Be Present in Your Relationships
• 00:23:27 – Is Social Media Warping Your Values?
• 00:25:18 – Embrace the Pain: Discipline, Growth, and the Warrior’s Path
• 00:29:35 – Are You Living with Purpose, or Just Existing?
• 00:31:18 – Final Thoughts: Step Into Your Mission and Power

Links And Resources:

• IgKnight the King
• Book a Call with Dr. Michael Diamond
• IgKnight the King on Facebook
• Dr. Michael Diamond on Instagram
• G. Russell Reynolds on Instagram

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to IgKnight the King? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Michael and Russell get into the gritty truth of transformation—why real change doesn’t happen overnight, and why most men quit just when they’re getting started. They talk about the dangers of "Seminar Syndrome," that post-event high where motivation fades, leaving many to backslide into old habits. The real key to success? Commitment, even when the excitement is gone. It’s not about how you feel in the moment—it’s about sticking to the path long after the fire of motivation burns out. Get ready for a gut punch of hard truths, advice, and a reminder to keep pushing forward, no matter what.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Step Up: Answering the Call to Greatness
• 00:00:53 - Gut Punch: Welcome to the Warrior’s Journey
• 00:01:31 - Midway Crisis: Are You Losing Focus?
• 00:01:59 - Commitment Over Feelings: The Brutal Truth
• 00:03:30 - Transformation Isn’t Amazon Prime: Patience Required
• 00:04:33 - Disconnected from History: Why Men Are Losing Grit
• 00:09:04 - Approval Junkie: Are You Addicted to Validation?
• 00:16:59 - Relationship Standards: Are You Letting Them Slide?
• 00:18:01 - Stay the Course: Purpose Keeps You Moving
• 00:19:30 - Leadership Isn’t Optional: You’re Always Being Watched
• 00:20:58 - Love and Commitment: Don’t Let It Go Soft
• 00:22:20 - Whose Dreams Are You Building?
• 00:24:06 - Legacy Over Success: What Are You Leaving Behind?
• 00:27:39 - Gratitude and Greatness: The Fuel for the Journey
• 00:31:25 - Decide Now: Commit or Quit
• 00:34:19 - Final Punch: It’s Time to Step the F**k Up

Links And Resources:

• Amber Alert: The Power of Response-Ability | Diana Simone | TEDxWilmingtonWomen
• IgKnight the King
• Book a Call with Dr. Michael Diamond
• IgKnight the King on Facebook
• Dr. Michael Diamond on Instagram
• G. Russell Reynolds on Instagram

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to IgKnight the King? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Michael and Russell are talking about the difficulties men face with communication, especially when emotions run high. They discuss why text messages often lead to misunderstandings, how reacting from a place of anger can damage relationships, and the importance of responding thoughtfully instead. Their conversation sheds light on how men can show up with presence and emotional intelligence in their personal and professional lives, avoiding common communication issues. It’s an honest look at the ways men can avoid conflict and build stronger connections by listening and staying grounded.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – How Men Mess Up Communication: The Start of Warrior Communication
• 00:00:46 – The Hosts Speak: Welcome to IgKnight the King Podcast
• 00:01:12 – Communication Mistakes That Destroy Relationships
• 00:02:48 – Why Texting Might Be Killing Your Relationships
• 00:05:08 – Finding Common Ground: How to Navigate Political and Personal Conflicts
• 00:08:15 – Emotional Intelligence: The Secret Weapon for Better Relationships
• 00:11:50 – Set Boundaries Like a Warrior: The Importance of Timing in Conversations
• 00:18:07 – Personal Growth is Key: Why Self-Work Matters for Communication
• 00:20:02 – Emotional Maturity in Action: How to Handle Heated Situations
• 00:21:18 – Three Magic Words That Can Transform Any Conflict
• 00:24:11 – 90% of Communication is Non-Verbal: Why Physiology Matters
• 00:26:46 – Mastering Emotional Conversations Without Missteps
• 00:29:27 – How to Break Toxic Communication Patterns for Good
• 00:36:51 – Set Loving Boundaries and Avoid Collapsing Your Power
• 00:38:23 – Final Thoughts and Next Steps for Better Communication

Links And Resources:

• IgKnight the King
• Book a Call with Dr. Michael Diamond
• IgKnight the King on Facebook
• Dr. Michael Diamond on Instagram
• G. Russell Reynolds on Instagram

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to IgKnight the King? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Tyler Shepard, a seasoned military Pararescueman, talks about what it truly means to be a protector in today’s world. He tells how he went from embracing the possibility of death to focusing on mission over ego, pointing out the importance of tactical readiness, emergency medicine, and mental preparation. Michael, Russell, and Tyler have a conversation around the fact that being a protector isn’t about aggression, but about the willingness to face danger head-on. Tyler also breaks down why most people are unprepared for real crises, whether it's an opioid overdose or a disaster situation, and explains the simple steps everyone should take to be ready.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
• 00:01:00 - Meet Tyler Shepard: A True Warrior
• 00:04:45 - The Role of a Protector
• 00:07:59 - Embracing the Possibility of Death
• 00:13:10 - From Ego to Mission
• 00:21:31 - The Path to Mastery
• 00:24:17 - The Power of Gratitude and Self-Reflection
• 00:25:06 - Understanding SNAFU and Emergency Readiness
• 00:26:34 - The Importance of Tactical Training
• 00:29:28 - Emergency Medicine: A Crucial Skill
• 00:30:49 - Opioid Overdose: Recognizing and Responding
• 00:34:30 - Practical Emergency Preparedness Tips
• 00:37:09 - Final Thoughts and Resources

Links and Resources

• Tyler on Instagram
• Tyler on LinkedIn
• SNAFU Ready
• IgKnight the King
• Book a Call with Dr. Michael Diamond
• IgKnight the King on Facebook
• Dr. Michael Diamond on Instagram
• G. Russell Reynolds on Instagram

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to IgKnight the King? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Russell and Michael are talking about the journey of transformation, focusing on how men can reclaim their courage and push through pain to realize their true potential. They talk about the importance of self-discovery, redefining standards, and shifting from fear to curiosity in order to face life’s challenges head-on. They pose questions for men to ask themselves as they strive to move from victim to warrior, showing that true growth happens when men confront their discomfort and take action, no matter how tough it gets.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - The Bacon Boy Story
• 00:00:53 - IgKnight the King Begins
• 00:01:33 - Pain and the Fitness Path
• 00:02:26 - Channeling Goggins: Warrior Mentality
• 00:04:01 - Breaking Through: Transform and Pain
• 00:05:41 - The Power of Self-Discovery
• 00:10:16 - Bravery Redefined
• 00:14:54 - Where Have You Lowered Your Standards?
• 00:19:07 - The Stories We Tell Ourselves
• 00:20:24 - What's On the Other Side?
• 00:23:02 - Turning Fear into Curiosity
• 00:28:21 - Pain as Opportunity
• 00:32:56 - Becoming Who You're Meant to Be
• 00:36:28 - Recap and Call to Action

Links And Resources:

• IgKnight the King
• Book a Call with Dr. Michael Diamond
• IgKnight the King on Facebook
• Dr. Michael Diamond on Instagram
• G. Russell Reynolds on Instagram

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to IgKnight the King? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Russell and Michael have a discussion about why procrastination is holding men back from reaching their full potential. They talk about how the avoidance of pain and discomfort leads many men to settle for mediocrity, and why overcoming this mindset is a must for embodying the warrior spirit. With personal stories, tough love, and advice, they urge all you men out there to stop playing small, face their fears, and step up to do the hard work needed to achieve your goals. This episode is a call to action for men who are ready to break free from their comfort zone and take control of their lives.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Why Failure Is the Fuel for Success
• 00:01:10 - Kicking Off with Dr. Michael Diamond
• 00:02:53 - What It Really Means to Embody the Warrior Archetype
• 00:05:15 - The High Cost of Procrastination
• 00:07:36 - Breaking Down Why We Procrastinate
• 00:11:55 - How to Finally Overcome Procrastination
• 00:13:31 - The Power of Identity: Shifting Your Vision
• 00:17:43 - Hal Elrod’s Miracle Morning: How to Set the Tone for Success
• 00:18:26 - Why Complaining Is the Silent Killer of Ambition
• 00:19:18 - What’s Really Stopping You? Uncovering the Root of Inaction
• 00:20:39 - Fail Forward: Embrace Failure as Your Path to Mastery
• 00:23:36 - The Grind Myth: Why Balance Is Key to Long-Term Success
• 00:26:13 - Facing Procrastination Head-On: No More Excuses
• 00:29:51 - Your Ultimate Call to Action: The Time to Act Is Now

Links And Resources:

• IgKnight the King
• Book a Call with Dr. Michael Diamond
• IgKnight the King on Facebook
• Dr. Michael Diamond on Instagram
• G. Russell Reynolds on Instagram

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to IgKnight the King? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

In this episode, Michael and Russell dig into the challenges men face, especially around masculinity, health, and responsibility. They discuss how everyday comforts and environmental toxins are silently lowering testosterone and weakening men, both physically and mentally. They go into the importance of reclaiming the warrior spirit, embracing discomfort, and taking control of your health, values, and actions. With hard-hitting truths about pain, responsibility, and the hidden war on masculinity, this episode challenges men to rise above the modern pitfalls and become stronger, more intentional leaders.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - IgKnight Your Inner Warrior
• 00:00:51 - Welcome to the Brotherhood
• 00:01:24 - Is Your Testosterone Under Attack?
• 00:03:52 - The Real War on Masculinity
• 00:07:15 - Is Comfort Killing Your Masculinity?
• 00:12:48 - Pain is Your Greatest Teacher
• 00:18:34 - How Your Nervous System Holds You Back
• 00:22:17 - Living in a Constant State of Fight or Flight
• 00:23:12 - Animal Instincts vs. Human Mind
• 00:24:47 - Modern Life is Making You Sick
• 00:25:55 - Wellness Isn’t What You Think
• 00:27:41 - Choosing Values Over Desires
• 00:29:05 - What Are You Teaching Your Kids?
• 00:31:49 - Master the Warrior Mindset
• 00:38:44 - Curiosity: The Key to Growth
• 00:41:33 - Who Do You Choose to Be?

Links And Resources:

• IgKnight the King
• Book a Call with Dr. Michael Diamond
• IgKnight the King on Facebook
• Dr. Michael Diamond on Instagram
• G. Russell Reynolds on Instagram

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to IgKnight the King? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!