Mettle | Issue #005 | 09.24.25

Presence

The Power Move

Make the First Introduction

When you’re in a room where people don’t know each other, don’t let the awkward silence stretch — step up and bridge the gap.

Most men freeze while two strangers size each other up. Sharp men take control and create instant rapport.

The Formula:
 “Mark, this is James — he just ran his first marathon. James, Mark’s got one of the best whiskey collections I’ve ever seen.”

See what happened? Names, details, and a reason to connect.

Why it works: You become the connector — the guy who knows people and makes things happen. You give them an easy conversation starter and save them from small-talk purgatory.

Great men don't just network—they make others successful at it too.

Own the room. Set the tone.


Wellness

Stay Sharp

Stand Up For Every Call.

Most guys slump into a chair the second the phone rings. Don’t. Standing up changes everything.

When you’re upright, your voice projects stronger, your energy lifts, and your brain fires sharper. You’ll sound more confident, more engaged, and more in control — even if they can’t see you.

Bonus: it’s a built-in movement break. Pace while you talk and you’ll rack up 1,000+ steps, improve posture, and stay focused — without carving extra time out of your day.

Start sharp. Stay sharper.

Know This

Essentials 101

Why Are Some Wines Called Reserve?

You see "Reserve" on wine labels and assume it means premium. Sometimes you're right. Sometimes you're paying extra for marketing.

The Real Story: In traditional winemaking regions like Spain and Italy, "Reserve" has strict legal meaning. Spanish Reserva means the wine aged at least 3 years (1 year in oak barrels). Italian Riserva requires extended aging beyond the standard wine.

In the U.S.? Different Game: The U.S. has zero legal requirements for "Reserve." Any winery can slap it on any bottle. It's supposed to indicate their best grapes or longer aging, but there's no enforcement. Some use it legitimately. Others use it to justify a 20% markup.

How to Read It:

  • Old World (Europe): Reserve usually means something specific and regulated. Spain and Italy have legal requirements while France wineries respect the term Réserve and use it to denote a superior wine.

  • New World (U.S., Australia, etc.): It's the winery's call—could be premium, could be marketing

  • The Tell: Look at the back label. Real reserves mention specific aging, vineyard selection, or production methods

Because you’re not the only one who wondered.

Food

Salt & Swagger

The Confident Way to Eat Oysters (Even if You Don’t Like Them).

Most men either slurp oysters like a pro or avoid them like they're still alive. Truth is, you don't have to love oysters to handle them with confidence.

The Order: If others at the table know oysters, let them order and follow their lead. On an adventurous date? Start mild—ask for "West Coast" or "Blue Point." East Coast = brinier, West Coast = creamier. Never order more than six your first time.

The Technique: Step 1: Hold the shell by the hinge, fork in your off-hand. Don't fumble. Step 2: Add just enough—squeeze of lemon, maybe mignonette. Skip drowning it in cocktail sauce. Step 3: Fork it loose, tilt, and slurp in one clean motion. Chew once or twice—don't just swallow.

If You Don’t Like Them: Own it. "That one was a little too briny for me" shows you know the difference. Have a beer chaser ready.

Confidence isn't about loving everything on the plate—it's about knowing how to handle it like you belong there.

Because eating well is never just about the food.

Fitness

Built to Last

The 15-Minute Arm Hack Personal Trainers Don’t Want You to Know.

Want bigger arms? This supplement workout adds size without hours in the gym.

The Setup: 2x per week, 15 minutes. Superset biceps + triceps (no rest between exercises, 45 seconds rest between supersets). NOTE - reps and weight should be at your own discretion, everyone is at a different stage in their fitness journey.

Workout A (Monday) Superset 1 - Do 3 rounds:

  • Chin-ups: 6–8 reps

  • Close-grip push-ups: 10–12 reps

  • Rest 45 seconds, repeat

Superset 2 - Do 3 rounds:

  • Hammer curls: 10–12 reps

  • Overhead triceps extension: 10–12 reps

  • Rest 45 seconds, repeat

Round 3 (Optional Finisher Superset - 1 Round):

  • Bicep 21s: 1 set (7 bottom half + 7 top half + 7 full range)

  • Immediately into triceps pushdowns: 15–20 reps

Workout B (Thursday) Superset 1 - Do 3 rounds:

  • Dumbbell curls: 8–10 reps

  • Triceps dips: 6–10 reps

  • Rest 45 seconds, repeat

Superset 2 - Do 3 rounds:

  • Incline curls: 10–12 reps

  • Skull crushers: 10–12 reps

  • Rest 45 seconds, repeat

Round 3 (Optional Finisher Superset - 1 Round):

  • Chin-up hold: Max time

  • Diamond push-ups: 15–20 reps

The Keys: Add 1 rep every week and add weight when you max the range. Chase the pump. Consistency beats perfection. Fifteen minutes twice a week beats one marathon arm day you skip half the time.

Train with focus. Fuel with purpose.

Stay Sharp,
The Mettle Team

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