Podcast appearances and mentions of Mike Ritland

Kyle Morgan continues his conversation with Mike Ritland, detailing his remarkable journey through the U.S. Army. From his turbulent youth and early deployments with the 82nd Airborne in Iraq, through Ranger School, the Old Guard, and Special Forces as a Green Beret, to his selection and service with 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force), Kyle offers unfiltered insights into combat, leadership, personal struggles with alcohol and ego, team dynamics, failure and redemption at Delta selection, and the profound impact of service on his life and faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Major James Capers spent years after Vietnam running ambushes behind enemy lines, surviving an assassination attempt in Hamburg, and serving as a bodyguard to President Nixon before a general sent him home after receiving intelligence that his wife and son would be killed on a Saturday morning. But the moment that defines this episode happened after his bloodiest mission — when he was loaded onto a helicopter with his wounded men and his dead dog King, flown through a storm, and placed in a hallway with the bodies. Someone walked by and said this one is dead. Then another person stopped, looked closer, and said this one is breathing. They pulled him out and brought him back to the operating room. In this episode, Major Capers closes out his story — the ambushes, the training mission loss that made him retire, and what he believes about the country he fought for and would fight for again. Support Major James Capers https://www.instagram.com/major_james_capers_jr/ https://www.capersthedoc.com/ https://www.facebook.com/p/Major-James-Capers-Jr-100040737672030/ https://www.pritzkermilitary.org/whats_on/holt-oral-history-program/james-capers-jr-major ---------- SPONSORS PARTICLE FOR MENCheck out Particle's Face Cream here: https://particleformen.co/mikedrop and use my code MIKEDROP for a 20% discount sitewide AMERICAN FINANCING NMLS #182334 nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.327% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-891-3262 for details about credit, costs and terms. Visit https://AmericanFinancing.net/MikeDrop. Average savings based on borrowers who save over $199.99 BETTER HELP Sign up and get 10% off at https://www.betterhelp.com/mikedrop/ BEAM Here's the deal: Beam is giving my listeners the ultimate patriot discount of UP TO 40% off. Try their best‑selling Dream Powder and get UP TO 40% off for a limited time. Go to https://shopbeam.com/products/dream-powder-4?variant=41387075567671&selling_plan=1794441271&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=sponsorship&utm_campaign=mikedrop&code=applied15&discount=MIKEDROP and use code MIKEDROP at checkout. NAVY SEALS FITNESS APP | HYBRID STRENGTH & CONDITIONING TRAINING Train like a SEAL with Mike Ritland's App. Build real-world strength, endurance and resilience. https://www.coachos-app.com/navy-seals TEAM DOG FOOD, TREATS & SUPPLEMENTS Be Your Dog's Hero: Veteran-owned by a former Navy SEAL and Special Operations K9 Trainer, Team Dog provides a complete diet of science-backed premium dog food, treats, and supplements to optimize your dog's health, forged from rigorous standards and real-world expertise. https://www.teamdog.shop TEAM DOG ONLINE TRAINING Mike Ritland – a former Navy SEAL & Special Operations K9 trainer – shares his simple and effective dog training program to build trust and control with your dog. Based on Mike's bestselling book “Team Dog, Train the Navy SEAL Way”, join tens of thousands of families that successfully trained their way to a better dog. https://www.teamdog.pet SHOP ALL THE MIKE RITLAND BRANDS Get all your Mike Ritland branded gear - Mike Drop | Trikos | Team Dog https://shop.mikeritland.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Major James Capers ran 50 missions in Vietnam as a Force Recon Marine — combat swims in shark-infested waters, a POW rescue that earned him his first Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and a four-day battle that left him wounded with his legs broken and his dog dead. He was one of the few African Americans in Force Recon, and fought his way into Combat Swimmer school when the commanding officer tried to send him home before he even started. He spent three months at Khe Sanh facing a Chinese division, and when the helicopter finally came in on his bloodiest mission, he put every man on board and stayed on the ground alone. President Trump called him personally to invite him to the White House to receive the Medal of Honor. In this episode, Major Capers walks through the missions and what it cost him to bring everybody home. Support Major James Capers https://www.instagram.com/major_james_capers_jr/ https://www.capersthedoc.com/ https://www.facebook.com/p/Major-James-Capers-Jr-100040737672030/ https://www.pritzkermilitary.org/whats_on/holt-oral-history-program/james-capers-jr-major ---------- SPONSORS PARTICLE FOR MENCheck out Particle's Face Cream here: https://particleformen.co/mikedrop and use my code MIKEDROP for a 20% discount sitewide AMERICAN FINANCING NMLS #182334 nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.327% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-891-3262 for details about credit, costs and terms. Visit https://AmericanFinancing.net/MikeDrop. Average savings based on borrowers who save over $199.99 BETTER HELP Sign up and get 10% off at https://www.betterhelp.com/mikedrop/ BEAM Here's the deal: Beam is giving my listeners the ultimate patriot discount of UP TO 40% off. Try their best‑selling Dream Powder and get UP TO 40% off for a limited time. Go to https://shopbeam.com/products/dream-powder-4?variant=41387075567671&selling_plan=1794441271&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=sponsorship&utm_campaign=mikedrop&code=applied15&discount=MIKEDROP and use code MIKEDROP at checkout. NAVY SEALS FITNESS APP | HYBRID STRENGTH & CONDITIONING TRAINING Train like a SEAL with Mike Ritland's App. Build real-world strength, endurance and resilience. https://www.coachos-app.com/navy-seals TEAM DOG FOOD, TREATS & SUPPLEMENTS Be Your Dog's Hero: Veteran-owned by a former Navy SEAL and Special Operations K9 Trainer, Team Dog provides a complete diet of science-backed premium dog food, treats, and supplements to optimize your dog's health, forged from rigorous standards and real-world expertise. https://www.teamdog.shop TEAM DOG ONLINE TRAINING Mike Ritland – a former Navy SEAL & Special Operations K9 trainer – shares his simple and effective dog training program to build trust and control with your dog. Based on Mike's bestselling book “Team Dog, Train the Navy SEAL Way”, join tens of thousands of families that successfully trained their way to a better dog. https://www.teamdog.pet SHOP ALL THE MIKE RITLAND BRANDS Get all your Mike Ritland branded gear - Mike Drop | Trikos | Team Dog https://shop.mikeritland.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Major James Capers led a four day mission in Vietnam that should have killed him. His unit was inserted, took heavy contact, and fought through the night with everything they had. He was wounded, his dog was killed, and when the helicopter finally came in to pull them out, he told the crew to take his men and leave him behind. President Trump signed a bill awarding him the Medal of Honor for what he did on that trail, outnumbered and outgunned, refusing to abandon a single Marine no matter the cost. In this episode, Major Capers sits down to walk through the mission, the decisions made under fire, and what it actually means to bring every man home when everything around you is falling apart. Support Major James Capers https://www.instagram.com/major_james_capers_jr/ https://www.capersthedoc.com/ https://www.facebook.com/p/Major-James-Capers-Jr-100040737672030/ https://www.pritzkermilitary.org/whats_on/holt-oral-history-program/james-capers-jr-major ---------- SPONSORS PARTICLE FOR MENCheck out Particle's Face Cream here: https://particleformen.co/mikedrop and use my code MIKEDROP for a 20% discount sitewide AMERICAN FINANCING NMLS #182334 nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.327% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-891-3262 for details about credit, costs and terms. Visit https://AmericanFinancing.net/MikeDrop. Average savings based on borrowers who save over $199.99 BETTER HELP Sign up and get 10% off at https://www.betterhelp.com/mikedrop/ BEAM Here's the deal: Beam is giving my listeners the ultimate patriot discount of UP TO 40% off. Try their best‑selling Dream Powder and get UP TO 40% off for a limited time. Go to https://shopbeam.com/products/dream-powder-4?variant=41387075567671&selling_plan=1794441271&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=sponsorship&utm_campaign=mikedrop&code=applied15&discount=MIKEDROP and use code MIKEDROP at checkout. NAVY SEALS FITNESS APP | HYBRID STRENGTH & CONDITIONING TRAINING Train like a SEAL with Mike Ritland's App. Build real-world strength, endurance and resilience. https://www.coachos-app.com/navy-seals TEAM DOG FOOD, TREATS & SUPPLEMENTS Be Your Dog's Hero: Veteran-owned by a former Navy SEAL and Special Operations K9 Trainer, Team Dog provides a complete diet of science-backed premium dog food, treats, and supplements to optimize your dog's health, forged from rigorous standards and real-world expertise. https://www.teamdog.shop TEAM DOG ONLINE TRAINING Mike Ritland – a former Navy SEAL & Special Operations K9 trainer – shares his simple and effective dog training program to build trust and control with your dog. Based on Mike's bestselling book “Team Dog, Train the Navy SEAL Way”, join tens of thousands of families that successfully trained their way to a better dog. https://www.teamdog.pet SHOP ALL THE MIKE RITLAND BRANDS Get all your Mike Ritland branded gear - Mike Drop | Trikos | Team Dog https://shop.mikeritland.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we welcome Joby Martin back to the show to answer your questions. In this interview, we discuss his thoughts on my recent interview with Mike Ritland, how t​​o share the Gospel with someone that already thinks they are saved, how God uses physical and mental infirmities for His glory, how to tell the difference between a wolf in sheep's clothing and a milk pastor with bad theology, whether churches should have racial and diversity quotas, if you can be a Christian and not a disciple, who he would have pinch hit for him in a preaching context, and much more. Let's get into it…  Episode notes and links HERE. Donate to support our mission of equipping men to push back darkness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retired Marine Force Recon Gunnery Sergeant Ryan Kuperus closes out his conversation with Mike Ritland with the kind of honesty that makes people uncomfortable — and that's exactly the point. From a brutally candid take on the "silent professional" myth and what weak leadership actually looks like, to a raw account of his ibogaine experience in Mexico and what it revealed about his relationship with his kids, Kuperus doesn't hold back. He also weighs in on Iran, Israel, the Epstein files, and why he thinks the Monroe Doctrine is the only foreign policy that makes sense. And after nearly losing everything to a court-martial he should never have faced, he found his next mission: The Reason Outdoors, a nonprofit using hunting and the backcountry to pull veterans back from the edge — one hunt at a time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Webb — Navy SEAL, former head instructor of the Navy SEAL Sniper Course, New York Times bestselling author of twelve books, and now the author of a brand new parenting book called Puddle Jumpers, releasing May 12th. Brandon's story starts where most men's don't — kicked off the family sailboat at 16 in the South Pacific after a blowup with his dad, finding a boat headed to Hawaii, and navigating his way into the Navy and eventually SEAL Team Three. But what makes this conversation extraordinary is watching a man who trained the most elite warriors on the planet — including some of the legends you already know — apply that same performance psychology to raising his three kids. We dig into what performance psychology actually is, why the sniper school's failure rate dropped to nearly zero when they stopped pointing out mistakes and started painting the picture of what to do instead, and how Brandon built that same positive reinforcement framework into how he parents. We also get into the moment his daughter humbled him while he was writing Puddle Jumpers — telling him that because he was their untouchable Navy SEAL hero, she never felt like it was okay to fail. We swap shoplifting stories, talk about the power of getting to the why before you drop the hammer, why boys between 12 and 15 are standing at a fork in the road that can go either way, and why asking better questions on a one on one trip unlocks conversations that would never happen face to face at home.   Timeline Summary [0:00] Introduction to the Dad Edge mission and the movement to raise leaders of families and communities [1:02] Getting kicked off a sailboat at 16 in the South Pacific — and what his dad actually taught him [3:21] From deckhand at 13 to SEAL Team Three — and the book that made him think he could do it [7:29] Class 215 — graduating with Mike Ritland and serving with Eric Davis [9:20] Brandon's full background — SEAL, sniper instructor, NYT bestselling author, and now Puddle Jumpers [11:12] Why the book is called Puddle Jumpers — the mud puddle moment that became a philosophy [13:28] What performance psychology actually is — and why Brandon integrated it into the sniper program [17:22] The three pillars: mental rehearsal, self-talk, and positive reinforcement versus negative reinforcement [18:41] Why saying "stop flinching" programs failure — and what to say instead [21:17] The sniper school failure rate dropped to near zero — and what that taught him about his own kids [22:26] Why Brandon left the SEALs at his peak — and what the broken families around him told him about his own future [27:23] Consequences without the belt — wall squats, push ups, and eventually the iPhone [29:52] Owning your mistakes as a parent builds more credibility than never making them [33:05] What made him write a parenting book — his kids impressing people at Harvard Business School [34:19] Don't come home with a wallet full of money and a house full of strangers — the billionaire with three kids in addiction [37:01] The 12 to 15 fork in the road — why boys in that liminal space need a present, intentional dad [39:23] The seventh grade spiral — selling pot gummies, ordering Uber Eats to the principal's office, and what was really going on underneath [41:27] Ask why seven times — and the teacher who publicly humiliated his son and started the whole thing [43:42] Pull him out, take his side, change the environment — and the coach's email that said everything [44:33] His daughter's answer when he asked what he'd done differently — and why being the untouchable SEAL hero was actually a problem [48:42] Shoplifting, a Sonic parking lot, and the real reason his son did it — peer pressure and not knowing who his friends were [54:11] Kids open up in cars, on bikes, on walks — never face to face [54:41] One on one trips every year — and the two questions at dinner in New York that lasted two and a half hours [58:40] What his daughter said in Lisbon — and why creating a home they want to come back to is one of the most underrated parenting moves   Five Key Takeaways Stop pointing out mistakes and start painting the picture of what to do instead. Telling a kid what not to do programs them for failure. Tell them where to put their attention — not what to avoid. Owning your mistakes as a parent isn't weakness — it's the most credible thing you can do. Your kids will model ownership and accountability because they watched you do it first. Boys between 12 and 15 are at a fork in the road. If they don't feel supported during that season, you can push them in a direction that takes years to correct. Get to the why before you drop the hammer. Being the untouchable hero in your kid's life can quietly teach them that failing isn't okay. Share your struggles. It gives them permission to have their own. The quality of your relationship with your kids depends on the quality of the questions you ask. "How was your day" is a dead end. Ask something real — and ask it in a car, on a walk, or somewhere that takes the pressure off.   Links & Resources Dad Edge Business Boardroom: https://thedadedge.com/boardroom Puddle Jumpers by Brandon Webb — releases May 12th: Available on Amazon Brandon Webb's website and all socials: https://brandontylerwebb.com Episode Link & Resources (Episode 1473): https://thedadedge.com/1473 Closing If there's one message from this episode that stands out, it's this: the most dangerous thing you can do as a dad is be so good at everything that your kids are afraid to fail in front of you. Brandon Webb trained the most elite warriors in the world. He wrote twelve books. He sailed across the South Pacific at 16. And his daughter had to look him in the eye and tell him that his greatness made her feel like failure wasn't allowed. That's the lesson. Not the SEALs. Not the snipers. The puddle jumper — the kid who jumps in the mud because he hasn't been told yet that he shouldn't. Raise more of those. Go out and live legendary.

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

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

In this episode, we welcome Mike Ritland back to the show for an in-studio interview. Mike served 12 years in the US Navy as a member of SEAL Team THREE. He is also a renowned multi-purpose canine trainer, the host of Mike Drop podcast, and the bestselling author of such books as “Team Dog” and “Trident K9 Warriors”. In this interview, we discuss the circumstances that led him to Christ, the impact that the assassination of Charlie Kirk had on him personally, how the evil he saw during his time at war impacted how he views humanity, how a simple text message question he sent to Kyle changed the trajectory of his faith journey, why he started doing jiu-jitsu in his 40s and how it has helped him develop as a man, and much more. Let's get into it… Episode notes and links HERE. Donate to support our mission of equipping men to push back darkness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Part 2 of Mike Drop Podcast Episode 272 features host Mike Ritland (former Navy SEAL) in conversation with Craig Douglas, aka SouthNarc—a veteran undercover narcotics officer and founder of ShivWorks. Expect raw stories from high-risk 1990s drug buys, armed robberies, moral dilemmas in policing, and Douglas's evolution into pioneering realistic self-defense training, including close-quarters combat and verbal de-escalation tactics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this gripping episode of the Mike Drop podcast, host Mike Ritland welcomes Craig Douglas, aka "SouthNarc," the founder of ShivWorks and a tactical training icon. From military school discipline that launched him into the Army Rangers, through 21 intense years in undercover narcotics and SWAT, to becoming a world-renowned instructor for elite military, intelligence, and law enforcement teams, Douglas shares raw stories of survival, faith, fatherhood at 57, and hard-won lessons on real-world violence that challenge conventional self-defense thinking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wrap up the epic three-part Episode 271 of the Mike Drop Podcast with host Mike Ritland and former Navy SEAL Andy Stumpf in this explosive finale (Part 3). The conversation dives deep into hot-button controversies shaking the veteran and political worlds, including the Dan Crenshaw-Shawn Ryan defamation threat feud, congressional insider trading scandals, eroding trust in government institutions, and vet-on-vet drama fueled by social media engagement. Andy and Mike tackle real-time global flashpoints like the Charlie Kirk assassination, the antisemitic Bondi Beach mass shooting in Australia, U.S. military strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats, National Guard deployments in domestic policing and overseas conflicts (including recent deaths in Syria), immigration assimilation challenges, and the broader decline in public trust toward the FBI and politicians. Raw, unfiltered insights on accountability, truth-telling in the veteran community, and navigating a polarized landscape make this a must-listen for anyone interested in military culture, politics, and current events. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into Part 2 of Episode 271 of the Mike Drop Podcast, hosted by Mike Ritland, featuring guest Andy Stumpf—a former Navy SEAL, extreme sports enthusiast, author, and podcaster. In this gripping continuation, listeners will explore Andy's adrenaline-fueled adventures in skydiving, wingsuiting, base jumping, and helicopter piloting, including heart-pounding stories like breaking wingsuit records, a terrifying tandem jump mishap in Afghanistan, and his team's record-breaking skydiving expedition across seven continents. The conversation shifts to reflective insights on military service, the lessons from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and current global conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza. Andy also discusses writing his book Drown Proof, his experiences on the Joe Rogan Experience, and candid thoughts on U.S. foreign policy, term limits in politics, and balancing national influence with domestic issues. Packed with raw storytelling, life lessons, and unfiltered opinions, this episode is perfect for fans of military history, extreme sports, and thoughtful geopolitical analysis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Mike Drop Podcast, Mike Ritland sits down with Andy Stumpf, a retired Navy SEAL, podcaster (host of Cleared Hot), author of "Drown Proof: Eight Life Lessons to Keep Your Head Above Water," and adrenaline junkie known for his world-record wingsuit jumps and helicopter piloting. They dive into hot-button topics like the Shawn Ryan-Dan Crenshaw legal drama, veteran infighting in the SEAL community, U.S. foreign policy missteps in Iraq and Afghanistan, government corruption, insider trading scandals, and the erosion of trust in institutions like the FBI. Andy shares raw insights from his military career, personal growth through jiu-jitsu and aviation, and reflections on truth-telling in a world obsessed with engagement, all while blending humor, hard truths, and calls for accountability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 2 of Episode 270 of the Mike Drop Podcast, Mike Ritland continues his raw, in-depth conversation with Mike Glover. This no-holds-barred discussion picks up with intense reflections on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including hard truths about U.S. foreign policy failures, the military-industrial complex, and regional destabilization. Glover shares personal regrets (or lack thereof), lessons from combat mistakes, and evolving views on vulnerability in war. The episode shifts to practical preparedness in a collapsing society, Glover's departure from Fieldcraft Survival amid challenges, his new ventures in outdoor recreation and wellness, and finding purpose through faith. Expect candid insights from two elite operators on combat, resilience, criticism of endless wars, and building self-reliance today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into Part 2 of Episode 269 of the Mike Drop Podcast, hosted by Mike Ritland, a former Navy SEAL and renowned dog trainer. In this riveting conversation, Mike sits down with guest Matthew Brunnemann, a former U.S. Marine Corps intelligence specialist and author, to explore the raw realities of combat during the U.S. drawdown in Afghanistan. Listeners will find gripping firsthand accounts of high-stakes patrols in Kajaki, the heartbreaking loss of a corpsman to an IED, tense encounters with elusive Taliban snipers and bomb makers, and the moral dilemmas faced on the ground—including the abuse of local children used as informants and controversial medical evacuation decisions. Brunnemann shares unfiltered insights into the chaos of extended deployments, base infiltrations, and the psychological toll of war, offering a poignant look at the human side of military service in one of the world's most unforgiving environments. Whether you're a history buff, veteran, or simply interested in stories of resilience and sacrifice, this episode delivers powerful narratives that highlight the complexities of counterinsurgency and the enduring impact of the Afghan conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this gripping episode of the Mike Drop podcast, host Mike Ritland sits down with Matthew Brunnemann, a Marine Corps veteran who spent over 500 days in Afghanistan's volatile Helmand Province. Brunnemann shares raw, firsthand accounts from his deployments, including intense combat operations, opium interdiction raids, and the harsh realities of counterinsurgency warfare. As the author of "War Business: The Hired Guns of Helmand Province," he offers a unique perspective on the cultural clashes and strategic failures that defined America's longest war. The conversation delves into Brunnemann's experiences as an on-the-ground Intel operator, from tracking Taliban commanders and installing covert devices to partnering with local forces amid a chaotic drawdown. He recounts heartbreaking losses, like the IED attack that killed "Doc" Beauchamp, and the moral dilemmas faced when dealing with Afghan civilians and children caught in the crossfire. Brunnemann's stories highlight the ingenuity of the enemy, the frustrations of limited resources, and the unbreakable bonds formed among Marines in the face of relentless danger. Brunnemann discusses his transition to civilian life, his faith journey, and his master's thesis on potential terrorist threats to U.S. homeland security. This three-hour discussion is a must-listen for anyone interested in military history, intelligence operations, and the human cost of modern conflict, blending tactical insights with profound reflections on war's enduring impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this raw, unfiltered, and deeply personal conclusion to one of the most powerful Mike Drop episodes ever recorded, former SEAL Team operator turned master knife-maker Chris Osman (founder of Tons O' Cutlery finishes laying it all bare with host Mike Ritland. Over the course of this nearly 2-hour final segment, Chris walks us through the absolute rock-bottom moments that finally forced permanent change: the phone call that exposed his drug-fueled double life, quitting every substance cold turkey (except red wine… at first), the divorce, the brutal road-rage beatdown that ended with a full DOJ raid on his house, getting charged with assault with a deadly weapon, walking free with a clean record, and then the complete 180° life rebuild – 60 lb natural weight loss, total sobriety inspired by his now-fiancée Lisa, burning every bridge to the tactical world, and discovering knife-making as his new obsession and career. Expect zero filter, zero excuses, and a masterclass in radical personal accountability, redemption, and what it actually looks like to rebuild yourself from scratch in your late 40s/early 50s. This is the rare veteran story that doesn't end with “and then I started another tactical company.” It ends with quiet, hard-earned peace, a garage full of grinders, and some of the most beautiful handmade chef knives on the planet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 267 Part 3 of the Mike Drop Podcast with host Mike Ritland welcomes Dave Berke—the only Marine to ever fly the F-22 Raptor and F-35 while also serving as a TOPGUN instructor and ground combat leader in Ramadi alongside Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. In this final part of an epic 3-part conversation, Dave and Mike go deep on the toughest leadership questions facing the military today: Should AI ever be allowed to pull the trigger on its own? Why fighter pilots hated autopilot landings, the real reason Dave walked away from command and promotion, and how a single phone call from Leif Babin turned retirement into the smoothest transition in military history. They also break down life at Echelon Front (how they teach Extreme Ownership to Fortune 500 companies), why leadership is hardest at home, ego vs. humility, military standards under the new administration, and readiness challenges for the next generation of warfare. Packed with never-before-heard stories, raw honesty, and laugh-out-loud moments, this is one of the most requested Mike Drop episodes ever—perfect for veterans, aviators, leaders, and anyone who loves real talk about combat, flying, and life after the uniform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 2 of this epic episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, host Mike Ritland continues his deep-dive conversation with Dave Berke – the only Marine to ever fly the F-22 Raptor and a legendary Topgun instructor. This episode is packed with raw, unfiltered stories from the skies and the streets of Ramadi. Dave breaks down why fifth-generation fighters (F-22 and F-35) dominate not through speed or maneuverability, but through total battlespace awareness – “If I know everything you're doing and you have no idea I'm even there, I've already won.” He shares unforgettable combat moments with Jocko Willink's Task Unit Bruiser, including riverine boat insertions with Chris Kyle, calling in a Hellfire missile through a second-story window to save SEALs under fire, and the emotional weight of losing Marines on the ground. From feeling like a “fish out of water” running with SEALs in Ramadi to the humbling transition into the F-22 cockpit, Dave reflects on luck, leadership, ego, and the real cost of the Iraq War. Whether you're a military aviation geek, a combat veteran, or just love real stories of extreme performance, this episode delivers powerful lessons on teamwork, situational awareness, and what it truly takes to dominate in chaos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join host Mike Ritland for an unforgettable conversation with Dave Berke – the only Marine in history to fly the F-16, F-18, F-22, and F-35, a legendary TOPGUN instructor, former Forward Air Controller attached to Jocko Willink's Task Unit Bruiser in Ramadi 2006, and co-author of the Extreme Ownership series. From the cockpit of the world's most advanced fighters to the blood-soaked streets of Ramadi alongside SEALs, Dave pulls zero punches on what real high-performance leadership looks like when lives are on the line. In this nearly 4-hour deep dive, Dave reveals the brutal debrief culture at TOPGUN that turned good pilots into lethal ones, why the peacetime military he first joined in 2001 was nowhere near ready for war, how 9/11 instantly transformed training forever, and the life-changing moment he left the world's premier fighter-weapons school to volunteer for ground combat in the deadliest city in Iraq. He also shares his unfiltered take on AI ending the era of the single-seat fighter pilot within our lifetime and the raw lessons that still keep him up at night from Ramadi. Whether you're obsessed with fighter aviation, extreme ownership, or what it really takes to lead when failure isn't an option, this is one of the most powerful veteran-to-veteran conversations you'll ever hear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful and unfiltered part 3 of episode 266, host Mike Ritland sits down with former U.S. Army Green Beret and Afghan-American Kawa Mawlayee — a first-generation immigrant who fled Soviet-occupied Afghanistan as a child, grew up in the American Midwest, and went on to serve 23 years in Special Forces, including multiple combat tours. What starts as a discussion about Trump's leadership style, tariffs, and manufacturing quickly evolves into a raw, no-holds-barred exploration of the biggest issues facing America in 2025: foreign policy hypocrisy, the military-industrial complex, the Israel-Palestine conflict, Islamophobia and the myth of “Sharia law takeover,” America-First nationalism vs. endless overseas entanglements, accountability in leadership, the future of the U.S. military under Pete Hegseth, and whether the country is sliding toward internal conflict. Kawa brings a rare perspective: a Muslim Green Beret who loves America deeply, calls out both parties, refuses PAC money, and isn't afraid to criticize Israel, U.S. foreign policy, or the current administration — all while still serving in the National Guard Special Forces. The result is one of the most honest, nuanced, and at times uncomfortable conversations you'll hear from two combat veterans who actually agree on far more than they disagree. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 2 of this explosive conversation, former Marine turned Green Beret and Afghan-American warrior Kawa Mawlayee goes even deeper with host Mike Ritland. What starts as a discussion about post-9/11 wars quickly spirals into some of the most raw and controversial territory ever covered on Mike Drop: the real reasons behind the Iraq and Afghanistan invasions, the overwhelming influence of pro-Israel lobbies (AIPAC, ADL, Christian Zionism), the shrinking map of Palestine from 1948 to today, why Arab nations won't take Gaza refugees, Holocaust/Zionism historical claims, the military-industrial complex, Ukraine as a money-laundering proxy, and why America keeps fighting endless wars that don't serve American interests. Kawa pulls no punches on Gaza (“modern-day Nazis”), the Nakba, the deliberate creation of Israel, Jewish Bolshevik history, the Scofield Bible's role in Christian Zionism, and how the same forces destroying Palestine are quietly eroding American sovereignty at home. At the same time, the two veterans bond over their shared combat experience, the Marine-to-Green-Beret pipeline, coming full circle returning to Afghanistan, and whether America can ever claw its way back to the country they grew up in. If you want a conversation that refuses to stay in the safe lane – blending war stories, geopolitical red pills, and uncomfortable truths from someone who's lived on multiple sides of these conflicts – this is it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Episode 266 of the Mike Drop Podcast, Mike Ritland sits down with Kawa Mawlayee—the first Afghan-born Green Beret—for a raw talk on war, immigration, and identity. Kawa recounts fleeing Soviet-invaded Afghanistan, losing his father, and growing up as a refugee in Nebraska before serving 21 years across the Marines and Army, including Iraq's invasion and the battle of Fallujah. They dive into today's immigration crisis, where Kawa contrasts his own integration with the current border chaos and even imagines how he'd fix ICE. From Fallujah's brutality to the moral injuries of endless wars, Kawa reflects on leadership failures, resilience, and the cost of service—told with the blunt honesty only veterans share. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 2 of Episode 265 of the Mike Drop Podcast, host Mike Ritland continues his in-depth conversation with Ken Rhee — a Korean-American UDT/SEAL (ROK SEAL) who grew up in the U.S., served in South Korea's elite naval special warfare unit, trained at American BUD/S, fought pirates off Somalia, volunteered in Ukraine, and now runs a private military consulting firm while navigating strict Korean gun laws and a suspended prison sentence. Expect raw insights into cross-national SEAL training, hostage-rescue ops, post-military contracting, the realities of foreign volunteer combat, and a unique cultural take on firearms, self-defense, and crime from someone who's lived in both American and Korean worlds. Audio is Zoom-based but packed with unfiltered stories you won't hear anywhere else. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Mike Drop podcast, host Mike Ritland sits down with Ken Rhee, a former Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy SEAL lieutenant who uniquely completed both Korean BUD/S and U.S. Navy SEAL training in Coronado. Raised in the U.S. from age three, Rhee returned to Korea driven by family patriotism, rising through Officer Candidate School to become a tier-one operator in the elite Special Mission Battalion (SMB). Rhee contrasts the brutal mental hazing of Korean SEAL training—complete with paddlings and concrete-head "thinking positions"—against the physical grind of U.S. BUD/S on Coronado's sandy beaches, while highlighting cultural clashes in discipline and confinement. He delves into ROK SEAL gear mirroring U.S. standards (HK416s, Glocks, Crye Precision kits), the ever-present North Korean threat with its massive artillery shadowing Seoul, and the high-tension skirmishes that nearly sparked war. This interview is a fascinating deep dive into cross-cultural special operations, North-South tensions, and the unyielding SEAL ethos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Part 2 of Episode 264 of the Mike Drop podcast, hosted by Mike Ritland, a former Navy SEAL and renowned dog trainer. In this gripping continuation, Mike sits down with Nico Kelly Nick O'Kelly, a former Green Beret who transitioned into an elite Night Stalker pilot with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). Kelly is also the author of the book Stigma: Breaking the Stigma, which delves into his personal battles with mental health. Listeners will find an unfiltered, raw conversation covering Kelly's high-stakes military career—from his warm reception back in Savannah as a new 160th pilot, intense training trips across the U.S., and his first combat deployment in the CENTCOM region, to the adrenaline-fueled details of real-world missions like dusty landings and contingencies. The episode takes a deep dive into Kelly's ongoing struggles with anxiety, debilitating dizzy spells, depression, and fleeting suicidal thoughts, which persisted through his pipeline and deployments but were often masked by adrenaline and focus. You'll hear about his post-deployment knee surgery that grounded him, leading to a misdiagnosis of narcolepsy, eventual identification of panic disorder, and his journey tapering off medications like Effexor while incorporating natural protocols like cold plunging and neurofeedback. Kelly shares his transition to civilian life as a financial planner specializing in veterans, insights on breaking mental health stigmas in elite units, and optimistic views on crypto and long-term investing. This episode is a powerful blend of military grit, vulnerability, and practical advice on resilience, making it essential for veterans, first responders, and anyone navigating mental health challenges or career pivots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices