Mike Drop

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The Mike Drop podcast is hosted by former Navy SEAL, Mike Ritland. It is a not so politically correct discussion of wide ranging topics that span from government, politics and war to health and fitness, from guns and survival skills to food and nutrition with music, BBQ and a touch of everything else in between. This is THE platform that is completely raw, totally unfiltered and in your face, while still intellectually sound with good intuitive dialogue between A-holes that know what they’re talking about.

Mike Ritland


    • May 8, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 2h 1m AVG DURATION
    • 384 EPISODES

    4.9 from 6,009 ratings Listeners of Mike Drop that love the show mention: mike drop, lara logan, sofrep, chesney, keep it up mike, training business, eddie gallagher, mike delivers, mike ritland for president, trident, legit podcast, shawn ryan, navy seal, k9, working dogs, outstanding interviewer, great podcast mike, mike and his guests, jocko podcast, mike s podcasts.


    Ivy Insights

    The Mike Drop podcast is an incredible platform that allows military heroes and other amazing individuals to share their stories and experiences. Hosted by Mike Ritland, a former Navy SEAL and renowned dog trainer, this podcast offers a unique perspective on the lives of those who have served at the frontlines and the challenges they have faced.

    One of the best aspects of The Mike Drop podcast is the caliber of guests that Mike brings on. From Navy SEALs to Army Rangers, CIA operatives to journalists, each episode features individuals with fascinating backgrounds and compelling stories. The interviews are in-depth and thought-provoking, providing listeners with a rare insight into the realities of military service and its impact on individuals' lives. Moreover, Mike's genuine curiosity and ability to ask the right questions keep listeners engaged and interested throughout each episode.

    Another standout aspect of this podcast is the focus on dogs. As a dog trainer himself, Mike incorporates his expertise into many episodes, discussing topics such as canine training for military purposes or therapy dogs for veterans. These segments add a unique element to the podcast and highlight the vital role that dogs play in supporting our troops.

    While The Mike Drop podcast has many strengths, there are some aspects that could be improved upon. Occasionally, some guests tend to veer off-topic or provide lengthy responses that can detract from the overall flow of the interview. While these moments may provide interesting insights, it would be beneficial to tighten up some interviews and ensure they stay focused on the intended topic.

    In conclusion, The Mike Drop podcast is a top-notch show that provides an intimate look into the lives of military heroes and other extraordinary individuals. With its diverse range of guests, engaging interviews, and informative discussions about dog training, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in real-life stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Whether you have a connection to the military or simply appreciate compelling storytelling, The Mike Drop offers something for everyone.



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    Latest episodes from Mike Drop

    We Suck at Combatives: How One SEAL Chief Rebuilt the Teams' Fighting Program | Ep. 290 | Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 51:43


    Randy Rozzell returns to close out his conversation with Mike Ritland, pulling back the curtain on what it took to rebuild Naval Special Warfare's combatives program from the ground up. From hand-to-hand fights for his life on deployment to standing in front of admirals and master chiefs and admitting the Teams sucked at close-quarters combat, Randy held nothing back. He also opens up about life after the Teams — navigating the Covid fallout inside San Diego Fire, his journey to black belt, moving to Texas, and why he finally wrote the book he never thought he'd write. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Was It Worth It? A SEAL's Honest Reckoning With Combat, Sacrifice, and Afghanistan | Ep. 290 | Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 57:10


    Randy Rozzell—retired Navy SEAL, 22-year veteran, and former Chief of Naval Special Warfare Combatives—goes deep on the missions that defined his career. From a grueling five-day firefight in Marjah to covert operations he still can't fully detail, Randy pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to serve at the tip of the spear. He also wrestles with the harder questions: the cost of war, the weight of leaving Afghanistan the way we did, and whether it was all worth it. Raw, honest, and unapologetic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Survived Hell Week 4 Times & Built the Combatives Program That Changed NSW Forever | Ep. 290 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 59:04


    Randy Rozzell is a retired SEAL Chief with 22 years in the teams, multiple combat deployments with Team Seven, the guy who rewrote how Naval Special Warfare teaches hand-to-hand combat. A small-town Texas kid who ran away from home at 14, fought his way into and out of BUD/S more times than most guys even attempt it, then went on to build one of the most operationally relevant combatives programs in special operations history — Randy's story is one of the most raw, honest, and flat-out relentless journeys I've had the privilege of putting on this show. This one's worth every minute. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    SOG One-Zero School, Post-War Reflections & Views on Vietnam, Iran & Modern Conflicts | Ep. 289 | Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2026 103:36


    MACV-SOG operator Travis Mills continues sharing his extraordinary journey. He discusses running the One-Zero School at Long Thanh to train new SOG team leaders, the profound sense of purpose that emerged from surviving the FOB 4 sapper attack, his transition out of the Army, and decades of post-service work—and shares his straightforward views on current threats like Iran, nuclear proliferation, and the need for clear military objectives backed by decisive action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    MAC-V SOG in Vietnam: Silent Movement, Supply Route Ambushes, and the Night FOB 4 Was Overrun | Ep. 289 | Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 98:03


    Vietnam War veteran and former MACV-SOG operator Travis Mills shares raw, firsthand accounts from his time with the elite Studies and Observations Group. He details the extreme challenges of small-team reconnaissance insertions deep into enemy territory, the silent movement techniques essential for survival against overwhelming odds, high-risk missions blocking North Vietnamese supply routes, a harrowing first recon extraction under fire using McGuire rigs, and his intense personal experience surviving the devastating sapper attack on FOB 4 at Marble Mountain on August 23, 1968. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Inside MAC-V SOG: The Green Beret Who Ran the Most Classified Missions of the Vietnam War | Ep. 289 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 108:32


    My guest today is a man who existed in the shadows of one of the most classified units in American military history — a Vietnam-era Green Beret named Travis Mills who helped build the legendary MACV-SOG one-zero school, ran recon deep into Laos when we "weren't there," got shot multiple times during one of the deadliest single-night attacks ever to hit Army Special Forces, and lived to sit across from me and tell the whole story. This is the kind of conversation that reminds you what the word "operator" actually means before it became a hashtag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Rowing the Pacific: 60 Days at Sea, Endurance & Ocean Expedition | Ep. 288 | Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2026 67:51


    In the final part of Episode 288 on the Mike Drop Podcast, Mike Ritland continues his conversation with retired Army Ranger and jiu-jitsu academy owner Greg Anderson. They dive into Greg's upcoming 3,100-mile unsupported ocean rowing expedition from Washington to Maui, including boat logistics, team dynamics, extreme endurance challenges, and the personal drive behind pushing human limits. The discussion also covers his book Courage Through Adversity, lessons on leadership, ownership, and becoming a better man, plus reflections on writing, self-publishing, and inspiring the next generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    America First Foreign Policy: Isolationism, Israel, Iran & Endless Wars | Ep. 288 | Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 69:00


    In part 2 of Episode 288 on the Mike Drop Podcast, Mike Ritland sits down with retired Army Ranger Greg Anderson. They discuss America First foreign policy, skepticism toward endless wars and foreign aid, reflections on World War II and government trust, and when (if ever) the U.S. should get involved overseas. The conversation then turns to Greg's work building community through jiu-jitsu, the five-day dry fast he completed, and his upcoming 3,100-mile Pacific rowing expedition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    They LIED About IRAN: What Really Happened in the Strait of Hormuz | Ep. 288 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 82:06


    Greg Anderson returns to the Mike Drop Podcast. The former Army Ranger and U.S. Marshal breaks down the conflict with Iran, the strategic ripple effects, and what's really happening in the Strait of Hormuz that isn't being talked about. He also explains why he wouldn't want his kids to join the military—and why he believes U.S. foreign policy needs a serious shift. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Iran, the Strait of Hormuz & Why Boots on the Ground Would Be a Disaster | Ep. 287 | Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2026 66:07


    Joe England (The Stoic Viking), shares unfiltered insights on the current conflict with Iran. He breaks down the strategic realities of the Strait of Hormuz, the challenges of regime change, shifting alliances, and why boots-on-the-ground solutions remain extremely risky. He also discusses the long-term threat of China's global influence, the dangers of unchecked conspiracy thinking, and how stoicism and warrior philosophy helped him rebuild after hitting rock bottom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    A Tier 1 SIGINT Operator's View of Delta, DEVGRU & Iran | Ep. 287 | Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 77:00


    Joe England (The Stoic Viking) delivers a firsthand account of life inside America's most secretive intelligence unit, Task Force Orange (Intelligence Support Activity/ISA). He details attachments with Delta Force and DEVGRU SIGINT operations in Iraq and beyond, working against Iranian Quds Force elements during the rise of ISIS, and the challenges of clandestine missions under alias across multiple continents. The conversation also covers his transition out of the unit, rock-bottom struggles with identity and loss, his path to becoming a Black Hawk pilot, and how stoicism helped him rebuild purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Iran Prepares to Strike the US As Tensions Escalate in the Middle East | Ep. 287 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 81:35


    Joe England—aka Stoic Viking—shares his incredible story of survival, resilience, and purpose. After a near-fatal car accident that changed everything, Joe opens up about rebuilding mentally and physically, his drive to serve, and the mindset forged through adversity. The conversation also dives into hard geopolitical realities, including a raw discussion on Iran, global conflict, and what many are missing about the threat landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Boots on the Ground in Iran? Clint Bruce Breaks Down Trump's Strategy in the Middle East | Ep. 286 | Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2026 81:49


    Clint Bruce weighs the strategic realities of the U.S. strikes on Iran, the regime-change question, nuclear risks, and potential boots-on-the-ground scenarios, while drawing directly from his combat experience and command roles. He also breaks down the conviction and selflessness that define elite SEAL leadership, his own transition out of the military, and the companies he built—Trident Response Group, Carry The Load, Hold Fast, and Windage—to train civilians, families, and organizations in personal readiness, global security, and high-performance mindsets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Leaving The NFL To Join The SEAL Teams, Trump's Strategy in Iran & More | Ep. 286 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2026 81:39


    Clint Bruce, former NFL linebacker who walked away from the league to become a Navy SEAL, completed multiple combat deployments, and now leads Trident Response Group while co-founding Carry The Load to honor our fallen, sits down for a powerful conversation on leadership and resilience. From the intensity of competing in the NFL to the unforgiving demands of SEAL training, Clint shares hard-earned lessons on conviction, discipline, and doing what's difficult when it matters most. This is a raw, unfiltered discussion about mindset, purpose, and what it truly takes to earn your place among the elite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Leading Special Forces Selection, Media Battles, and the Fight for Veteran Suicide Reform | Ep. 285 | Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2026 71:48


    Former Australian 2nd Commando Regiment officer and combat veteran Heston Russell opens up about his personal journey, including coming to terms with his sexuality while serving, family reactions, and the cultural differences in veteran support between Australia and the United States. He details his exchange posting with the 75th Ranger Regiment, a later deployment to Iraq in a joint special operations planning role, insights into high-level interagency operations, and the challenges of transitioning out of the military. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    U.S. Allies and the Human Cost of War | Ep. 285 | Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2026 78:35


    Former Australian Commando Heston Russell continues his detailed account of life inside Australia's elite special forces. He covers domestic counter-terrorism readiness, high-stakes training exchanges with U.S. DEVGRU and FBI HRT, protecting the Prime Minister in Afghanistan, and leading intense combat operations during his 2012 deployment—including 67 missions, significant insurgent casualties, and the loss of a teammate to an IED. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Australian Commando Selection, Iran War & The Future of Warfare | Ep. 285 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 74:35


    Heston Russell, former Major with Australia's 2nd Commando Regiment, multiple combat deployments. We're going deep on what commando selection actually does to your mind and body, how he built and led teams through Afghanistan and Iraq, and why he's now on a mission to fix veteran support back home. We also discuss the Iran war and Australia's stance in the midst of the the conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    From Honeypots to AI Grooming: Inside the Fourth Intelligence Revolution | Ep. 284 | Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2026 63:21


    Former intelligence officer, NGA Chief Technology Officer, and author of The Fourth Intelligence Revolution Dr. Anthony Vinci joins Mike Ritland on Mike Drop to explore the new frontiers of espionage in the age of AI. They break down honeypot traps and modern recruitment risks, how social media and AI-powered disinformation have transformed propaganda, why teaching civil society to “think like an intelligence officer” is critical, and the looming threats of a digital Pearl Harbor, drone swarms, and economic warfare with China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Iraq Regret, Iran Strikes & Epstein Timing | Ep. 284 | Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2026 67:49


    Former intelligence officer, NGA Chief Technology Officer, and author of The Fourth Intelligence Revolution Dr. Anthony Vinci joins Mike Ritland on Mike Drop to break down the Iraq War's long-term consequences, the power vacuum that empowered Iran, and the risks of current U.S. strikes escalating into another costly entanglement. Vinci weighs whether boots on the ground will be needed, the danger of prolonged insurgent warfare, economic fallout from the Strait of Hormuz, and how modern espionage has been transformed by ubiquitous technical surveillance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Boots on the Ground in Iran? This Ends Like Iraq… | Ep. 284 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2026 65:07


    Former intelligence officer, NGA Chief Technology Officer, and author of The Fourth Intelligence Revolution Dr. Anthony Vinci joins Mike Ritland on Mike Drop to unpack America's high-stakes Iran moves. As deception returns, ships reposition, and Marines surge into the region, Vinci draws hard lessons from Iraq: boots on the ground may deliver victory but at the brutal price of prolonged insurgent warfare that Iran is already incentivized to drag out and amplify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Epstein Leverage, Iran Strikes & AI Warfare: Nick Koumalatsos Unfiltered | Ep. 283 | Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 52:06


    Nick Koumalatsos, Marine Raider, returns for the final segment of Episode 283. The discussion examines the Epstein case as a form of systemic leverage, followed by a critical assessment of U.S. strikes in Iran—questioning underlying motives, strategic interests, and broader implications. They address the rapid integration of AI in warfare, including autonomous targeting and the diminishing role of human judgment in combat. The conversation also considers the potential for SOCOM to operate as its own branch, along with emerging ideas around energy and recovery that remain outside mainstream focus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Nick Koumalatsos on Optimizing Men's Health + Iran Strikes as Distraction? | Ep. 283 | Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 61:04


    Nick Koumalatsos, Marine Raider and combat veteran, returns for Part 2. This episode covers hormone optimization and TRT, peptide protocols for recovery, and the importance of discipline and accountability—principles rooted in special operations and applied to business and life. Nick also shares the powerful story of adopting his youngest child. The conversation closes with a critical look at current U.S. strikes in Iran, raising questions about timing, transparency, and public trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Is Iran a Distraction From the Epstein Files? | Ep. 283 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 67:02


    Marine Raider and combat vet Nick Koumalatsos breaks down the current U.S. strikes in Iran and answers the hard question: are these precision attacks the opening moves of a real regime-change campaign, or just the latest massive distraction timed perfectly with the Epstein file drops and the sudden mainstream “aliens are real” push? We dig into the first torpedo sinking of an enemy ship since World War II, the recurring accusations of Israeli influence, and whether America is once again being played as a proxy in someone else's game—while the bigger upstream truths stay buried. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Iran, Cuba & Venezuela: How Trump Intends to Shift the Global Order in 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 74:37


    Trump says Cuba might be next, oil prices are spiking after Iran, China is building submarines, and Russia is feeding intel to Iran. In this episode, I break down what's actually going on behind the headlines—why Venezuela, Iran, and Cuba might all be connected, how energy and the petrodollar play into global power, and why transparency from our leaders matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Inside the White House War Room | Special Forces Veteran Mark Grdovic | Ep. 281 | Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 55:08


    In Part 3 of Episode 281 of the Mike Drop Podcast, I sit down with Mark Grdovic to talk about what happened after the Iraq invasion—getting pulled out of theater sooner than expected, taking those lessons back to train the next generation of Special Forces, and landing in one of the most unique jobs in the military: running the President's Emergency Operations Center at the White House. We also get into leadership behind the scenes during Hurricane Katrina, the realities of retirement after decades in uniform, and Mark's perspective on service, war, and what you really take with you when it's all over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Secret Northern Front of the Iraq War: Special Forces & Kurdish Fighters | Ep. 281 | Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 69:32


    In Part 2 of Episode 281 of the Mike Drop Podcast, I sit down with Special Forces veteran Mark Grecovich to break down the planning and execution behind Operation Viking Hammer. We get into working with Kurdish forces, the complications with Turkey backing out, and how Green Berets adapted on the fly to launch a high-risk mission against an Al-Qaeda–affiliated group in the mountains of northern Iraq. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Operation “Viking Hammer” Was Never the Real Mission? | Ep. 281 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 74:02


    Retired Green Beret, Mark Grdovic shares the largely untold story of what came to be known as "Operation Viking Hammer", a 2003 U.S. Army Special Forces mission in northern Iraq that targeted the terrorist group Ansar al-Islam prior to the main invasion. Working alongside Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, 10th Special Forces Group conducted a coordinated assault on entrenched enemy positions in mountainous terrain near Halabja, following Tomahawk strikes. The operation dismantled Ansar al-Islam's stronghold and secured the Kurdish region, enabling follow-on coalition operations deeper into Iraq. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    A Sniper's Redemption: Therapy, Plant Medicines, and Overcoming Combat Trauma | Ep. 280 | Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 51:31


    In the final part of this three-part episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, host Mike Ritland wraps up the conversation with former British Army sniper Ted Shirley. Ted shares his path to recovery from severe PTSD through civilian therapy, grounding techniques, EMDR, mindfulness, plant medicines, and years of hard work. He describes backpacking the world, rediscovering music, writing his book Afghanistan Sniper: Trauma on the Frontline and Beyond, giving mental health talks to veterans and military leaders, and reaching full remission—no longer carrying the diagnosis. A moving close full of hope, purpose, and the clear message that complete healing from combat trauma is possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Sniper's Demon: Precision Shots, Trauma, Suicide Attempts, and Life After the Front Line | Ep. 280 | Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 58:42


    In this intense episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, host Mike Ritland speaks with former British Army sniper Ted Shirley about his 2009–2010 Afghanistan tour. Ted recounts mile-long confirmed kills, massive air assaults, close calls with enemy snipers, the combat high—and the brutal aftermath: severe PTSD, nightmares, aggression, addiction-like urges around killing, suicide attempts, and medical discharge. A raw, honest look at the psychological cost of being a sniper and the struggle to come home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    British Army Sniper on Who Really Killed Charlie Kirk | Ep. 280 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 56:24


    Ted Shirley, a former British Army sniper with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and author of Afghanistan Sniper: Trauma on the Frontline and Beyond, recounts his two brutal tours in Afghanistan's Helmand Province, where he became one of the UK's deadliest snipers. He opens up about the psychological toll of combat, including PTSD, addiction to the kill, substance abuse, and suicide attempts, and shares his perspective on the assassination of Charlie Kirk through the lens of his experience with political violence. Shirley ultimately reflects on his journey toward healing through therapy, plant medicine, and deep self-reflection, offering a raw but hopeful message about recovery after war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Cartels: Crenshaw's Take on U.S. Foreign Policy Choices | Ep. 279 | Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 52:28


    In the final part of Episode 279 of Mike Drop, Mike Ritland and Congressman Dan Crenshaw wrap up their discussion. Crenshaw addresses federal spending, waste vs. fraud in entitlements like Social Security and Medicare, the unsustainable path of these programs, and why meaningful reform remains politically toxic. The conversation shifts to foreign policy—Ukraine aid, Israel support, deterring China over Taiwan, cartel threats, and U.S. involvement abroad—before touching on immigration enforcement, regrets, and reflections on public service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Dan Crenshaw Responds to Shawn Ryan and Eddie Gallagher Controversies | Ep. 279 | Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 76:46


    In Part 2 of Episode 279 of Mike Drop, host Mike Ritland sits down with U.S. Congressman and former Navy SEAL Dan Crenshaw for a candid, no-filter conversation. Crenshaw breaks down the Shawn Ryan controversy—accusations of insider trading, fabricated threats, and the collapsed podcast interview—while defending his actions during the Eddie Gallagher case. He also shares his perspective on the realities of Congress, term limits, foreign aid, the legislative process, and why he stays in the fight despite the personal cost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Dan Crenshaw Controversy and Allegations - YOU Be The Judge | Ep. 279 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 86:30


    Dan Crenshaw sits down with Mike Ritland on the Mike Drop Podcast for a raw conversation. The former Navy SEAL and Texas Congressman opens up about his journey into politics, major policy fights (border security, cartels, flood mitigation, energy dominance), and directly addresses insider trading allegations, campaign finance, and the heated drama with Shawn Ryan and Eddie Gallagher—sharing receipts and his unfiltered side of the story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Epstein Exposed: Julian Dorey on Mossad Ties, Blackmail, and Why the List Stays Hidden | Ep. 278 | Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 43:11


    In Part 3 of Episode 278 of the Mike Drop podcast, host Mike Ritland continues his in-depth conversation with podcaster Julian Dorey. The discussion explores handling false claims from guests, the value of constructive criticism from comments, the vulnerability of independent media to psyops and influence operations, the Ashton Forbes MH370 controversy and lessons from public drama, Epstein's likely intelligence ties (with strong speculation on Mossad connections via the Maxwells), why the full client list will never surface, Wall Street realities versus myths, insider trading concerns among government officials, crypto's future institutionalization, and broader reflections on media responsibility and personal growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Julian Dorey: Health Struggles, Podcast Evolution, and the Realities of Content Creation | Ep. 278 | Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 78:23


    In Part 2 of Episode 278 of the Mike Drop podcast, host Mike Ritland speaks with podcaster Julian Dorey about his relentless path to building his show. The conversation covers Dorey's severe, undiagnosed health crisis that nearly ended his ambitions, his all-in commitment to podcasting despite physical and mental exhaustion, the realities of content creation—including YouTube algorithms, guest vetting, and media responsibility—and reflections on purpose, resilience, and the current state of independent media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Julian Dorey: How Epstein Ran the Ultimate Blackmail Op | Ep. 278 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 82:24


    In this episode of the Mike Drop podcast, host Mike Ritland welcomes Julian Dorey, the host of the wildly successful Julian Dorey Podcast. Diving straight into one of the darkest ongoing mysteries, they unpack Jeffrey Epstein's sick blackmail tactics and his rumored role as an intelligence asset—touching on the infamous Epstein files that continue to fuel speculation about elite corruption and hidden operations. From there, the conversation ranges across Dorey's Wall Street-to-podcast journey, parallels between modern society and ancient Rome, the crisis of purpose in young men, gun rights debates, New York politics, and his own brutal health battles while building a media empire. Raw, unfiltered, and packed with insight—this is a must-listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    From Prison Riots to Hardened Targets: Supporting FBI HRT, Libya Tunnels, and Moral Injury Reflections | Ep. 277 | Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 92:49


    Mike Ritland wraps up the interview with original Delta Force operator Mike Vining. Hear raw accounts of Urgent Fury in Grenada, Desert Storm bunker-busting, prison riot support, hardened target planning (Tahuna, Taji), moral injury, leadership lessons, retirement adventures, and his upcoming memoir Blasting Through. A legendary career summed up in one powerful close. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    From Vietnam EOD to Delta Force: Mike Vining's Path to Elite Operations | Ep. 277 | Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 94:33


    Dive into Part 2 of Episode 277 of the Mike Drop Podcast, hosted by former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland. This gripping conversation features guest Mike Vining, a pioneering Delta Force operator, Vietnam veteran, and EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) expert with over 30 years of military service. Listeners will uncover firsthand accounts of high-stakes operations, from Vietnam War missions and the Khobar Towers bombing investigation to the origins of Delta Force, its rigorous selection process, and the dramatic details of Operation Eagle Claw—the failed 1980 Iran hostage rescue. Packed with historical insights, personal anecdotes, and corrections to common myths, this episode offers an unfiltered look at special operations, counterterrorism, and the evolution of elite U.S. military units. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Insane 1976 Mission That Turned This Man Into an Original Delta Legend | Ep. 277 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 97:12


    Join Mike Ritland on this episode of the Mike Drop podcast as he chats with retired Sergeant Major Mike Vining, a Vietnam veteran, explosive ordnance disposal expert, and founding member of Delta Force. With a career spanning 26 years and involvement in pivotal operations like the Cambodian incursion and Khobar Towers investigation, Vining shares riveting tales from the front lines, his reflections on war, and insights from his upcoming book Blasting Through, set for release in August 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Rob O'Neill: Venezuela Raid Signals Huge Geopolitical Shift vs China | Ep. 276 | Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2026 47:24


    Mike Ritland wraps the epic three-part sit-down with Rob O'Neill, the SEAL who ended Osama bin Laden. They tackle Venezuela's game-changing raid and its massive geopolitical ripple effects, Greenland strategy, cartel threats in Mexico, AI/drones in future warfare, deep state battles, Epstein files, Charlie Kirk fallout, fraud deflection tactics, and Rob's no-BS vision for fixing America. Raw, unfiltered, and packed—classic Mike Drop finale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Rob O'Neill: 'Bissonnette Was Fucking With Me Before the Raid – Still Is' | Ep. 276 | Pt 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2026 48:37


    Mike Ritland continues the no-holds-barred conversation with Rob O'Neill, the SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden. They dive deep into the Bin Laden raid's raw details—from the piss bottle carry to opium stashes, the burial-at-sea debate, post-raid jealousy in the community, vet-on-vet drama, and why Rob's suing over years of family-targeted defamation. Plus, reflections on Maduro's capture, Delta vs. DEVGRU picks, and the unbreakable brotherhood. Intense, honest, and unfiltered—classic Mike Drop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Rob O'Neill On The Brent Tucker Lawsuit, Venezuela and Erika Kirk's Suspicious Behavior | Ep. 276 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2026 66:04


    Mike Ritland sits down once again with legendary SEAL Team Six operator Rob O'Neill — the man who fired the shots that killed Osama bin Laden. In this raw, no-filter return appearance, they cover everything from the renewed Bin Laden raid controversy and recent defamation lawsuit, to psychedelics for PTSD, family life, geopolitics, Greenland, cannabis ventures, and life after the Teams. Buckle up — it's classic Mike Drop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Undercover in Venezuela, Maduro's Fall, and Mexican Cartels | Ep. 275 | Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 80:10


    In Part 2 of Mike Drop Podcast Ep. 275, host Mike Ritland talks with retired DEA agent Wes Tabor about his high-risk undercover work in Venezuela under Chávez and Maduro — from diplomatic cover, assassination threats, and fortified life in Caracas to surviving contracts on his head. They dive into Maduro's recent fall, the power vacuum, María Corina Machado's potential role, U.S. strategy, narco-terrorism ops, foreign influences, and why tackling Mexican cartels is far riskier. Raw, insider insights on geopolitics and counter-narcotics in the Western Hemisphere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Hunting Maduro: DEA and Delta Force Operations Inside Venezuela | Ep. 275 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 80:40


    Mike Ritland sits down once again with former DEA Special Agent Wes Tabor. Fresh off the high-stakes U.S. raid that captured Nicolás Maduro, Wes breaks down the decades of narco-terrorism, Cuban influence, proxy forces, and geopolitical chess that led to this historic moment. From on-the-ground intel work to the power vacuum left behind, this is the unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at one of the boldest operations in recent memory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Hegseth Standards, Cartels, Fentanyl & Finding Purpose Through Faith | Ep. 274 | Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 58:38


    Retired DEVGRU operator Eric Frohardt wraps up his remarkable journey. From reflecting on life after the Teams—navigating multiple career pivots across beverages, supplements, energy, real estate, and now a C-suite leadership role in investment/development—to candidly discussing the challenges of civilian leadership versus special operations, the importance of unbreakable standards, current events (Pete Hegseth, potential military action against cartels), and the fentanyl crisis, Eric shares deep insights on humility, business, and faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    DEVGRU Insider: Unpredictable Selection, High-Altitude Missions & Multi-Nation Raids | Ep. 274 | Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 60:17


    Listeners will get an inside look at the unpredictable nature of BUD/S and Green Team selection, the intense reality of life at DEVGRU's Gold Squadron, high-stakes deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, unexpected big-wall climbing adventures (including a multi-day ascent of El Capitan with minimal prior experience), leadership in multi-national operations, and the profound challenges of transitioning out of the military — including loss of identity, purpose, and the lingering questions about the true cost and meaning of those wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    What No One Tells You About Joining DEVGRU | Ep. 274 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 62:29


    Mike Ritland sits down with former Navy SEAL Eric Frohardt for a raw and revealing conversation. Eric takes us from his upbringing on an Iowa farm to the pinnacle of special operations, detailing the intense focus of SEAL Team 5 and the elite world of DEVGRU. He opens up about the medical crisis—the loss of a kidney—that shadowed his career, the weight of constant deployments, and the profound challenge of finding a new identity after an unexpected medical retirement. This is a deep dive into resilience, the hidden costs of service, and the relentless pursuit of purpose beyond the Teams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Second Amendment Absolutism, Border Realities & Epstein Transparency | Ep. 273 | Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 50:55


    In this final segment of Mike Drop Ep. 273, host Mike Ritland sits down with Nick Tran. Expect a candid, no-filter conversation covering Second Amendment absolutism, border security & immigration realism, energy independence, transparency in government (including frustrations with the Epstein files handling), term limits, and what truly sets apart a citizen-legislator from career politicians. Raw, principled, and America First. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Nick Tran's Fight Against Endless Wars, PTSD, and Taking on Dan Crenshaw | Ep. 273 | Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2026 46:05


    In this intense continuation of Episode 273 of the Mike Drop Podcast, host Mike Ritland talks with three-time combat vet Nick Tran — Army National Guard medic, former oil & gas leader, and current Republican challenger to Dan Crenshaw in Texas' 2nd District. Raw, real, and unfiltered — essential listening for anyone who values authentic warrior stories and patriotism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Dan Crenshaw Confronted By Nick Tran | Ep. 273 | Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 57:43


    Nick Tran is a Vietnam War refugee who escaped the fall of Saigon as a child, served 13 years as an Army combat veteran across three theaters including the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and is now challenging incumbent Dan Crenshaw for Texas's 2nd Congressional District. Tran shares his harrowing journey from near-death experiences and wartime guilt to finding purpose in veteran advocacy and politics, offering raw insights into resilience, American exceptionalism, and his fight to preserve the nation's core values. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Real-World Self-Defense: From Eye Jabs to Car Fights and Public Transport Attacks | Ep. 272 | Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2026 76:52


    Part 3 of Mike Drop Ep 272 concludes Mike Ritland's talk with SouthNarc (Craig Douglas): civilian tactics like verbal boundaries, eye jabs, clinch wrestling, carjackings, and public transit stabbing analysis—via ShivWorks' simple, real-world training for your worst day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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