Behind The Anvil

From Marine to Mentor: Building Better Business Systems with Rue Knows

03.08.2026, 12:00

Behind The Anvil Podcast – Season 2, Episode 31 From Marine to Mentor: Building Better Business Systems with Rue Knows In this episode of Behind The Anvil Podcast, host Michael Peterson sits down with entrepreneur, Marine Corps veteran, and business systems expert Rue Knows for an honest conversation about resilience, rebuilding, and creating businesses that actually work. Rue shares his incredible journey of joining the United States Marine Corps at just 17 years old, overcoming homelessness after his military service ended due to injury, and eventually building a successful painting company that generated more than $1.2 million in annual revenue. But as he explains, impressive revenue doesn't always equal profit. Rue opens up about the costly mistakes, leadership challenges, and hard lessons he learned while growing too fast without the right systems in place. Michael and Rue dive into: The realities of transitioning from military life to entrepreneurship. Why Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are essential for long-term success. Building businesses that don't depend on the owner for every decision. Hiring, leadership, and avoiding expensive growth mistakes. Residential vs. commercial contracting. The power of virtual assistants and AI to help small businesses save time and increase efficiency. How AI tools like ChatGPT can help entrepreneurs with writing, marketing, business planning, and creative work. Why business owners should validate AI-generated information instead of accepting it at face value. Planning your business by working backward from your long-term goals. Michael also shares personal updates about returning to knife making, lessons learned from scaling his own business, and his vision for combining a knife shop with a café in the future. Connect with Rue Knows: RueKnows.com @RueKnows YouTube: @RueKnowsLocal Follow Behind The Anvil Podcast New episodes every Monday on your favorite podcast platform, with the video edition releasing later on YouTube. Hosted by Michael Peterson Owner, Mike's Damascus Knives LLC Stay Sharp, America!

From Broke to Brand: The Dr. Robert Garcia Story ⭐

27.07.2026, 12:00

Behind The Anvil Podcast, host Michael Peterson sits down with Dr. Robert Garcia—U.S. Air Force veteran, CEO of Garcia Global Media, founder of SHIFT Advanced Life Design Magazine, author, and media strategist. Dr. Garcia shares his incredible journey from growing up in a low-income family in Northern California to earning multiple advanced degrees and building a nationally recognized public relations and media company. He opens up about the challenges he faced, how the Air Force changed the direction of his life, and the lessons that helped him transform setbacks into opportunities. The conversation explores the creation of SHIFT Magazine, its mission to help readers "shift into a better version of themselves," and how Dr. Garcia helps entrepreneurs, veterans, and small business owners gain visibility through podcasts, television, magazines, and strategic media campaigns. Michael also shares his own experience working with Dr. Garcia and how those efforts helped him gain television exposure. You'll also hear stories about Garcia Grill, where Dr. Garcia served hundreds of meals to fellow service members during deployment, his thoughts on handling negativity on social media, practical advice for building a recognizable brand, and why consistent effort beats chasing overnight success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, veteran, content creator, or someone working toward a dream, this episode is packed with motivation and practical advice to help you keep moving forward.

Connect with Dr. Robert Garcia: • Website: Garcia Global Media • Facebook: Rob "The Warrior Strategist" • LinkedIn: Dr. Robert Garcia • SHIFT Magazine: SHIFT Advanced Life Design Magazine

Follow Behind The Anvil Podcast for new episodes every Monday, featuring makers, veterans, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who are forging success one story at a time

Season 2, Episode 30 – Take the Chance and Have That Conversation

20.07.2026, 12:00

Season 2, Episode 30 – Take the Chance and Have That Conversation Sometimes the biggest opportunities in life begin with a simple conversation. In this episode of Behind The Anvil Podcast, host Michael Peterson is joined by co-host Brad Caughey to discuss why you should never be afraid to take a chance and talk to someone new. Michael shares the story of meeting a representative from Valor Atomics at a Maverik in Utah—a brief conversation that could lead to an exciting future collaboration and a behind-the-scenes look at one of America's most innovative nuclear technology companies. The conversation expands into the future of American energy as Michael and Brad explore helium-cooled small modular nuclear reactors, the need to modernize the aging U.S. power grid, the role of coal, natural gas, wind, solar, and why reliable energy should remain America's top priority. They also discuss domestic manufacturing, data centers, infrastructure, trade skills, and why taking calculated risks can open doors in both business and life. Brad also gives an update on BC Custom Rods, explaining the difference between inshore and offshore fishing rods, his custom rod-building business, and what's next as he continues growing the company. Michael also talks about returning to Robinson Transport on the night shift, the realities of life behind the wheel, and finding gratitude in the opportunities God provides—even when life doesn't go according to plan. Whether you're an entrepreneur, outdoorsman, energy enthusiast, or someone looking for encouragement to step outside your comfort zone, this episode reminds us that one conversation can change everything. Take the chance. Start the conversation. You never know where it might lead. Follow Behind The Anvil Podcast and Mike's Damascus Knives: YouTube: Website: https://MikesDamascusKnives.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/MikesDamascus X (Twitter): https://x.com/MikesDamascusKnives TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mikesdamascusknives Follow BC Custom Rods: Facebook: https://facebook.com/BCCustomRods Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Until next time... Stay Sharp!

From Marine to Mission: Dallas Poore & the Warriors of the Wind Marine Corps veteran,

13.07.2026, 12:00

From Marine to Mission: Dallas Poore & the Warriors of the Wind Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, filmmaker, and founder of Warriors of the Wind, Dallas Poore joins Michael Peterson for an inspiring conversation about service, purpose, and the ongoing fight to save veteran lives. Dallas shares his journey from growing up on an Iowa farm to earning his commission in the United States Marine Corps. He reflects on experiencing the events of September 11 while on active duty, serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and maintaining Marine Corps aircraft under the harsh conditions of Kuwait before deployments throughout the Pacific. The conversation also explores Dallas's passion for diving, including a life-threatening encounter with a typhoon in the East China Sea, and how those experiences helped shape his perspective on leadership, resilience, and life after military service. Following his time in the Marines, Dallas built successful businesses before recognizing the growing mental health crisis affecting veterans. That realization led him to create Warriors of the Wind, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing veteran suicide through community, purpose, and the therapeutic power of motorcycles. Rather than focusing only on past trauma, Dallas's program encourages veterans to build a new mission by serving their communities, earning motorcycles through volunteer work, and reconnecting with fellow veterans. Michael and Dallas also discuss the Warriors of the Wind documentary project, its submission to Angel Studios, and the vision of expanding the program across America through riding communities, research, and future tiny-home communities for homeless veterans. They also talk about content creation, small business challenges, filmmaking, and future collaborations to continue supporting the veteran community. If you're passionate about supporting our nation's veterans, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Learn more about Dallas Poore and Warriors of the Wind: Website: https://www.warriorsofthewind.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warriorsofthewind23/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@warriorsofthewind YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorsofthewind Follow Behind the Anvil Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to help us continue bringing you conversations with makers, veterans, entrepreneurs, and inspiring people from around the

From Middle School Dreams to Published Author – S.L. Kunz Talks Writing, ADHD, AI & Rock Star Romance

06.07.2026, 11:00

Host Michael Peterson sits down with author S.L. Kunz for an inspiring conversation about creativity, storytelling, overcoming challenges, and turning lifelong dreams into reality. Stephanie shares how her passion for writing began in middle school, inspired by fantasy classics like The Lord of the Rings, and how she eventually fulfilled her dream of becoming a published author. Together, Michael and Stephanie discuss the realities of writing books, battling writer's block, managing ADHD and dyslexia, and the tools that help keep creative projects moving forward. The conversation dives deep into Stephanie's four-book rock star romance series, exploring her unique character-driven writing style, the challenges of developing believable relationships, and how each novel follows a different member of the band while building an interconnected story. Stephanie also discusses her audiobook production process, finding narrators through ACX and social media, and the lessons she hopes readers take away from her characters' struggles and triumphs. Michael and Stephanie also explore the growing role of AI in creative work, social media marketing for indie authors, handling trauma in storytelling, favorite childhood movies, future writing projects, conspiracy theories, space exploration, and advice for aspiring writers looking to publish their first book. Whether you're an author, reader, creative entrepreneur, or someone chasing a dream you've held onto for years, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and plenty of laughs along the way. Connect with S.L. Kunz Website: slkunz.com Instagram: instagram.com TikTok: tiktok.com Facebook: facebook.com Linktree: linktr.ee The August Bleeding Series by S.L. Kunz Bleeding Denial Bleeding Ghosts Bleeding Oath Book Four – Coming Soon Available on Amazon and major online book retailers.