Mike Drop cover image

Mike Drop

Navy SEAL Immigrant Drago Dzieran Part One | Mike Ritland Podcast Episode 161

Nov 5, 2023
02:09:56

Drago Dzieran was born in Poland while under Communist rule. After spending time in a Communist prison (also known as a Gulag) as a political prisoner for his activism against against censorship, he immigrated to the United States in 1984, becoming a full U.S. Citizen in 1991. That same year he joined the Navy, where he'd go on to be assigned to SEAL Team 2, SEAL Team 4, and Naval Special Warfare as a BUD/S Instructor. He's been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, The Navy Commendation Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal, among others. 


Since then, Drago's helped to found The Navy SEALs Fund, freedom-of-speech platform ConnectZing, and written a book about his experiences called 'The Pledge To America: One Man's Journey from Political Prisoner to U.S. Navy SEAL'. His story serves as a reminder that America's a country of builders - people who can come together, from far and wide, and build a life for themselves and their family with a little bit of hard work and some good old-fashioned elbow grease. But how did he escape a Communist Gulag? What led him to enlist to fight on behalf of another country? And how the hell did Drago get to be so damn tough? Let's meet the man. 


----------


Chapters:


00:00 - Intro

03:31 - Missing Poland

09:31 - Concerning Communism

14:35 - Born into Socialism

23:23 - Poor in Poland

41:03 - Polish Education, Socialist Values

52:51 - Sports for the State

59:08 - Warsaw with Dad

01:08:08 - Learning to Box

01:18:15 - Dad Wanted to Believe

01:23:19 - Running the Bubble-Gum Scam

01:28:25 - Socialized Medicine, State-Run Media

01:42:14 - Firearms, Martial Law, & Military Regime

01:53:54 - A Three-Year Prison Sentence


----------


Support Drago Dzieran -


Book - The Pledge to America: https://www.amazon.com/Pledge-America-Journey-Political-Prisoner/dp/1637583710

Website: https://dragodzieran.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragodzieran


----------


Sponsors: 


BUBS Naturals 


The BUBS namesake derives from Glen ‘BUB’ Doherty, who was heroically killed in Benghazi, Libya in 2012. In addition to remembering Glen for the patriot he is, the BUBS ethos centers around the passionate and adventure seeking life that Glen lived. 


BUBS Naturals products are rooted in sustainably sourced ingredients and controlled consistency to provide our customers with the highest quality Collagen Protein & MCT Oil Powder that help you feel amazing and live a fuller life.


Our mission is simple. FEEL GREAT. DO GOOD. 10% always goes back to charity, helping military men and women transition back into civilian life. 


Go to https://www.bubsnaturals.com and use code MIKEDROP for 20% off your order. 


----------


MUD/WTR


Visit https://www.mudwtr.com/mike to support the show and get up to 20% off on participating products!


----------


Fueled by TeamDog | www.mikeritlandco.com | @Teamdog.pet


ALL THINGS MIKE RITLAND:


SHOP for Fueled By Team Dog Performance Dog Food, Treats, Apparel, Accessories, and Protection dogs - MikeRitlandCo.com - https://www.MikeRitlandCo.com Team Dog Online dog training - TeamDog.pet - https://www.TeamDog.pet

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode