Episode 8 – Behind The Anvil Podcast In this episode, Mike sits down with Forged in Fire champion and Brother of the Blade, Nate Summer. They dive into the realities of maker burnout and how to push through those tough seasons while keeping the fire alive. Nate also shares plenty of laughs with a few classic dad jokes, and stories of his journey— from crafting his very first knife to selling that first piece. Listeners will hear about the creation of his Friet knife, his background in maker education, and valuable tips of wisdom for anyone walking the bladesmithing path. Whether you’re a seasoned smith or just starting out, Nate’s story is full of insight, grit, and inspiration.

In this episode of Behind the Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with host of Double B Creates Kevin Beck and Brad Caughey to reflect on recent tragic events, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and how they’ve impacted their lives and communities. Together, they discuss the importance of dialogue over hatred, personal freedom, and accountability, while also diving into topics like faith, parenting, education, and the role of critical thinking in today’s world. With honesty and respect, the conversation explores how to find hope, unity, and positivity in challenging times.

Forging Strength: Cheyenne Brown’s Journey In this powerful episode, Mike sits down with bladesmith, blacksmith, and skull carver Cheyenne Brown. She shares her inspiring journey of breaking into the world of metalwork while overcoming the darkness of an abusive marriage. With two special needs children, Cheyenne forged not only blades but also a better life for her family. Listen as she opens up about how her craft became a source of healing, empowerment, and support for her kids, and how she continues to balance the demands of being a single mother with the challenges and triumphs of the bladesmithing world.