Back on His Feet & Back to the Bench – Recovery, Rods, and Rockets

In this powerful and wide-ranging episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with Brad to talk about his hard-fought recovery from back surgery, workers’ comp battles, and the long road back to work. Brad shares the physical and financial challenges he faced—including nerve damage, medication complications, and emergency surgery—and the determination it took to return to the job on December 4th. From there, the conversation shifts gears into fishing rod building, upcoming event prep, diesel engine upgrades, and the pros and cons of modern truck platforms. The two also dive deep into space exploration—discussing NASA funding, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Artemis missions, and the future of heavy-lift rockets. It’s a mix of resilience, craftsmanship, faith, freedom, and forward thinking—another honest and unfiltered conversation from behind the anvil.

From Canada to Custom Craft – A Conversation with Glenn Stoneman In this wide-ranging episode of Behind The Anvil, Michael sits down with Canadian-born entrepreneur Glenn Stoneman to talk craftsmanship, citizenship, and cultural contrasts between Canada and the United States. From Glenn’s custom night lights and wax warmers to discussions on education, healthcare, history, and energy, this episode dives deep into freedom, responsibility, and personal growth. Glenn also shares his involvement in upcoming theater projects, along with reflections on faith, purpose, and perseverance. It’s an honest, thought-provoking conversation about culture, conviction, and carving your own path.

Title: From Fire to Fame – J. Neilson & Shelley of Gypsy Soul Knives In Episode 8 of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with knife-making legend J. Neilson of J. Neilson Knives and Shelley of Gypsy Soul Knives. They share their journeys into knife making, how a simple hobby turned into a full-time career, and what it was really like being part of the hit show Forged in Fire. J. talks about receiving the unexpected phone call that led to him becoming a judge on the show and what it was like stepping into that role. Together, they share behind-the-scenes moments most fans never see. Michael, J., and Shelley also talk shop—covering polishing techniques, etched finishes, shop organization, teaching methods, injuries, and the importance of sharp knives. They reflect on the tight-knit knife-making community, lessons learned from mistakes, and the impact the craft has had on students and fans around the world. It’s an honest, down-to-earth conversation about fire, failure, and forging your own path.

Service Dogs, Responsible Ownership, and the Realities of Training* In this eye-opening episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with Danielle, a seasoned professional dog trainer and sitter with 18 years of hands-on experience. The conversation shifts from the forge to paws as they dive deep into the world of service dogs—exploring the rigorous training required, the challenges of registration amid privacy laws and ADA guidelines, and the growing problem of misuse that affects legitimate handlers and the industry alike. Danielle shares practical insights on dog socialization in controlled group settings, evaluating canine behavior, and the critical role of clear human-dog communication. Michael opens up about his own dogs, Lume and Duke, and how structure and routine have made all the difference in their lives. Together, they tackle responsible dog ownership, the importance of matching a dog's breed and temperament to an owner's lifestyle (beyond just looks), service dog etiquette in public spaces, and heartbreaking encounters with untrained dogs causing issues. The discussion turns to broader solutions: protecting service dog teams, educating businesses and the public on the law, the potential (and pitfalls) of a national registry, distinctions between service and therapy dogs, and the need for early education to prevent animal cruelty and promote better behavior. Danielle offers valuable tips for new puppy owners and resources for those pursuing service dogs. Whether you're a dog lover, a service dog handler, or simply curious about the dedication behind these life-changing animals, this episode hammers home the importance of respect, responsibility, and doing things the right way—for the dogs and the people who rely on them.

Collaborative Forges & Standing Firm – Rhiannon & Johnathan Sibley of The Blade Bar Michael Peterson sits down with Rhiannon and Johnathan Sibley of The Blade Bar and Djinn Knives and Jess Stinson of Texas Forges to talk about building blades—and building community. From Johnathan’s start in knife making at just 13 to growing a collaborative, not competitive, shop culture, they share what it really takes to make bladesmithing a full-time career. The episode dives into shop life, forge upgrades from coal to propane, favorite knife styles, steel choices, and the realities of teaching students of all backgrounds. A powerful moment centers on Jonathan’s viral decision to refuse restoration of a Hitler Youth knife, standing firm on the shop’s values and sparking nationwide conversation. It’s an honest discussion on craftsmanship, conviction, mentorship, and the strength of community—another strong episode of Behind The Anvil.

In Season 2, Episode 5 of Behind The Anvil, Michael sits down with Brian for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation that blends faith, fire, and real-world transformation. Brian shares his remarkable journey from Navy veteran and prison manager to missionary, blacksmith, and Forged in Fire competitor—using the forge as a living metaphor for spiritual growth and renewal. Brian opens up about how his time on Forged in Fire helped launch a ministry centered on faith and forging, leading to men’s Christian retreats, homeschool presentations, traveling forge events, and his own podcast, Forged by Faith. Together, Michael and Brian explore how patience, trials, and even being “struck” by life can shape us—just like steel under the hammer. The episode dives deep into men’s struggles, accountability, and the importance of having other men to walk through hardship with. Brian shares stories of everyday evangelism in the forge, unexpected moments of reconciliation, and the boldness required to live out faith publicly. He also opens up about overcoming a major stroke through prayer and surrender, turning physical hardship into a new chapter of ministry. From discussions on revival, persecution, and standing firm in belief, to reflections on marriage, relationships, and living fully in the present moment, this episode is raw, honest, and deeply encouraging. It’s a reminder that transformation—spiritual or otherwise—often comes through fire, and that faith forged under pressure can change lives.

In this episode, host Michael Peterson sits down with knife maker and fellow podcast host Ryan Coakley for a wide-ranging conversation that goes well beyond the forge. From Ryan start in knife making in 2018 and working under NDAs for other companies, to running the Hustle and Grind Podcast, the two talk shop, steel, workflows, and the realities of making a living in the knife world. Along the way, they dive into friction folders, entrepreneurship, shop life, social media challenges, classic movies, Maine culture, and a few lighthearted side trails that make this episode both informative and entertaining. wraps the episode with insights on growth, balance, and the shared passion that keeps makers at the anvil.

Behind The Anvil – Season 2, Episode 3 Description: In this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with John C. Thunert for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation that spans continents, generations, and the forge floor. Raised as an Army brat, John shares what it was like growing up across four continents—living in places like Italy, Germany, Ethiopia, Maryland, Virginia, and other parts of the United States—moving every few years and learning to adapt without ever quite having a place called “home.” The conversation dives into the realities of military family life in the 1960s and 1970s, from limited communication through ham radios to the impact of world events on daily living. John reflects on his father’s military career in supply and logistics, the lessons learned from an early loss, and how faith became a necessary anchor in a life full of uncertainty and constant change. From there, the discussion transitions into parenting, respect, and hard-earned life lessons before shifting gears into John’s unexpected journey into knife making. Inspired by Forged in Fire, John talks about competing on the show, the brotherhood it created, and how he transitioned from pest control into the craft—balancing passion, finances, and the realities of making blades in today’s market. Michael and John also dig into knife handle design trends, guild involvement, forging techniques, equipment wins and warnings, and the value of honest, constructive feedback among makers. Along the way, they swap stories about bourbon, Texas gardening, climate challenges, and the importance of actually using the knives you make. The episode wraps with reflections on humor, resilience, financial ups and downs, legacy, and finding purpose—whether that’s through sharing the forge with a granddaughter or striving to leave something meaningful behind. A thoughtful, candid episode about life, craftsmanship, and being forged by both fire and experience