

Mike Drop
Mike Ritland
Mike Drop, hosted by former Navy SEAL and bestselling author Mike Ritland, is a no-holds-barred platform that dives deep into the stories and experiences of extraordinary individuals. Known for his candid and unfiltered approach, Mike interviews guests ranging from special operations veterans and elite athletes to renowned authors and thought leaders, offering listeners a exclusive glimpse into the human side of those who have excelled in their fields. Whether it's discussing the intense challenges of combat or the resilience required to overcome personal adversity, Mike Drop provides a space where real conversations happen.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 18min
Digital Vigilante: Takedowns, Sextortion Nightmares, and Why the Dark Web Never Sleeps | Ep. 257 | Pt. 2
Welcome to Part 2 of Episode 257 of the Mike Drop Podcast, where host Mike Ritland brings his no-nonsense, battle-hardened perspective to raw conversations with warriors, survivors, and truth-tellers. This time, Mike sits down with James McGibney, the unapologetic founder of Bullyville.com, who’s spent over a decade hunting down online predators—from revenge porn kingpins like Hunter Moore to cyberstalkers hiding behind sock puppet accounts. In this gripping episode, you’ll hear jaw-dropping stories from McGibney’s fight to shut down the internet’s darkest corners, practical advice for parents on keeping kids safe in a digital jungle, and unfiltered takes on everything from swatting and AI deepfakes to cancel culture and Epstein conspiracies. Packed with hard-earned wisdom, a touch of humor, and a nod to Beam’s Dream Powder for warrior-level sleep, this is a masterclass in resilience and fighting back against the chaos of the online world. Stay tuned for Part 3.
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Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 12min
Revenge P*rn Kingpin's Nightmare: How a Marine Infiltrated Hell and Burned It Down | Ep. 257 | Pt. 1
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another unfiltered, no-holds-barred episode of the Mike Drop Podcast—where relevancy is irrelevant, and we dive headfirst into the raw stories of warriors, survivors, and straight-up legends. In the shadowy underbelly of the early internet, one man turned the tables on a digital predator like no one else could. Dr. James McGibney, a former U.S. Marine and founder of Bullyville.com, orchestrated the downfall of Hunter Moore—the infamous "revenge porn king" behind IsAnyoneUp.com, the site's explosive takedown chronicled in Netflix's gripping documentary The Most Hated Man on the Internet. What started as a personal vow to infiltrate Moore's world, befriend him, and dismantle his empire from the inside became a masterclass in digital vigilantism, proving that sometimes, to beat a bully, you have to out-bully them.
But McGibney's story isn't just about cyber sleuthing; it's forged in the fires of unimaginable hardship. Born in the South Bronx, he endured a childhood ripped apart by domestic violence, foster care horrors—including abuse that left scars deeper than code—and a burning quest for retribution that shaped his unyielding drive. From ripping out his own braces in a defiant act of rebellion to channeling that rage into protecting the vulnerable, McGibney's path reveals how personal demons fuel world-changing justice.
Buckle up for this mike drop episode, where McGibney drops raw truths on everything from his Marine days and cyber security expertise to the meticulous, "psychotic" beauty of intelligent revenge. It's a riveting blend of heartbreak, heroism, and hard-won wisdom that reminds us: in a world of anonymous cowards, one voice—amplified by grit—can shatter empires. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 32min
From SEAL to Set: Hollywood Hustle, Technical Advising, and the Liberty Risk Podcast | Ep. 256 | Pt. 3
In Part 3 of Episode 256 of the Mike Drop Podcast, hosted by Mike Ritland, Navy SEAL veteran Kevin Kent continues his unfiltered recounting of high-stakes operations and his unexpected transition into Hollywood. This segment dives into the gritty details of Iraq deployments, from textbook raids gone awry—like hitting the wrong house marked by a faulty blue chem light—to intense firefights in Abu Bali, where Kevin unloads 400 rounds from a 46 gun in a chaotic ambush.
He shares vivid stories of hauling bodies wrapped in carpets, mistakenly crossing into Syria, and a surreal encounter with Iranian soldiers on a river op in Basra. The episode also explores Kevin’s post-military career, sparked by his twins’ acting gigs, leading to technical advising on major films like Transformers and The Last Ship under mentor Harry Humphries. From navigating Hollywood’s feast-or-famine nature to launching the Liberty Risk podcast with fellow veterans, Kevin’s journey highlights the camaraderie, chaos, and adaptability of a SEAL turned storyteller. Perfect for fans of raw military tales and behind-the-scenes Hollywood insights.
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Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 7min
From BUD/S to Team 5 Chaos: Hazing, Hollywood Vibes, and Fitting into the SEAL Brotherhood | Ep. 256 | Pt. 2
Welcome to Part 2 of Episode 256 on the Mike Drop Podcast, hosted by Mike Ritland, where we dive deep into the unfiltered world of elite military operators. In this gripping continuation, special guest Kevin Kent, a seasoned Navy SEAL veteran with a decade-plus of service in SEAL Team 5, opens up about his journey from BUD/S graduation in 2000 to nine deployments spanning pre- and post-9/11 eras.
Listeners will get an raw, insider look at the chaotic camaraderie of checking into the notorious "Hollywood" Team 5, navigating bureaucratic nightmares like unwanted assignments to Yuma and penalty box stints, and the high-stakes evolution of combat ops—from peacetime exercises turning into real-world Gulf boardings to the Wild West intensity of early Iraq invasions. Expect hilarious hazing stories, heart-pounding tales of seizing hydroelectric dams under fire, eerie encounters with radiation silos, and candid reflections on promotions, injuries, and the shifting tides of warfare that shaped a generation of SEALs.
If you're into authentic military history, operator mindset, and no-BS storytelling, this episode delivers the goods—perfect for veterans, history buffs, and anyone fascinated by the SEAL ethos.
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Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 12min
IED Alley: Navy SEAL Kevin Kent on Surviving Iraq’s Deadliest Days | Ep. 256 | Pt. 1
Get ready for an explosive episode of the Mike Drop podcast, where we dive into the gritty, unfiltered life of Chief Special Warfare Operator Kevin Kent. With over two decades in the SEAL teams, Kevin’s story is a rollercoaster of high-stakes missions, near-death experiences, and lessons learned the hard way. From dodging tracers in the chaotic streets of Iraq during the 2003 deployment to navigating the wild aftermath of liberty incidents, Kevin’s journey is a raw testament to the resilience and grit it takes to thrive in the world’s most elite fighting force. His tales of camaraderie, chaos, and personal growth will pull you in and keep you on the edge of your seat.
This episode isn’t just about war stories—it’s about the man behind the trident. Kevin opens up about his roots as an Army brat, growing up in Tennessee with a disciplined EOD father who shaped his path to the SEALs. He shares the pivotal moments that drove him to push past doubt and physical limits, from a regret-fueled high school football exit to grueling factory jobs that prepped him for BUD/S. With humor and candor, Kevin reflects on the mishaps—like a bar brawl in Albuquerque that nearly derailed his career—and the triumphs that defined his 20-year tenure. Whether it’s serving high-risk warrants in New Mexico or mentoring actors in Hollywood, his multifaceted life as a SEAL, comedian, stuntman, and podcast co-host shines through.
Buckle up as we explore the chaos, courage, and clarity of Kevin Kent’s remarkable journey. From the battlefield to the big screen, he’s lived a life most can only imagine, and he’s here to share the unvarnished truth. Whether you’re drawn to the adrenaline of combat, the brotherhood of the teams, or the unexpected turns of a SEAL’s career, this episode delivers it all with the raw intensity you expect from Mike Drop. Don’t miss this deep dive into a warrior’s world, where every story is a lesson, and every lesson is hard-earned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 11min
A DEA Agent’s Relentless Fight Through Venezuela’s Narco-Charged Chaos and Leadership Betrayals | Ep. 255 | Pt. 3
In Part 3 of the Mike Drop Podcast with former DEA agent Wes Tabor, the stakes get higher as Wes recounts his perilous assignment in Venezuela, a narco-terrorist haven under Hugo Chavez’s regime. From dodging Cuban and Venezuelan intelligence to operating solo in a hostile environment, Wes shares heart-pounding stories of undercover operations, evading assassination attempts, and targeting high-value cartel members in a lawless "Wild West" of drug trafficking. He also reflects on the personal toll of his 35-year career, the betrayal of corrupt leadership, and the relentless drive that fueled his fight against global crime. This episode is a raw, unfiltered dive into the sacrifices and adrenaline of a DEA agent’s life on the edge.
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Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 17min
From Near-Death to Narco Takedowns: A DEA Agent’s Odyssey Through Cartels, Corruption, and Crypto Chaos | Ep. 255 | Pt. 2
In Part 2 of the gripping Mike Drop Podcast featuring Wes Tabor, a former DEA agent, listeners are taken deeper into the intense world of drug enforcement and high-stakes operations. Wes shares riveting stories from his recovery after a life-altering accident, his relentless pursuit of justice against the odds, and his experiences tackling major cases involving the Sinaloa Cartel and Hezbollah. From confronting criminals in the field to navigating the challenges of corruption within law enforcement, this episode dives into the raw realities of DEA work, including undercover operations, massive cash seizures, and the evolving threat of cryptocurrency in narco-terrorism. Expect unfiltered accounts of danger, sacrifice, and the moral fortitude that defined Wes’s career. Tune in for an unflinching look at the front lines of the war on drugs!
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Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 35min
Meth, Child Abuse, and a Gun to the Head: Inside a DEA Veteran’s Most Haunting Cases | Ep. 255 | Pt. 1
Get ready for an unflinching dive into the world of drug enforcement on this episode of the Mike Ritland Podcast, featuring Wes Tabor—a 35-year law enforcement veteran who spent over two decades with the DEA, operating across the United States, Central America, and South America. With stints embedded alongside the CIA and authorship credits for his eye-opening book Infiltrate America (plus the upcoming Beyond Blurry Lines set for next summer), Wes doesn't hold back as he recounts the brutal realities of his career.
Mike and Wes dismantle pop culture myths about DEA agents—no, it's not all black fatigues and window-storming raids. Instead, Wes paints a picture of tedious investigations that turn spy-like overseas, while admitting the agency often fails at public messaging, leaving misconceptions about their focus (hint: they weren't chasing small-time weed dealers, but multi-ton shipments of cocaine and heroin from cartels in Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico). He pulls no punches on DEA leadership, calling out bureaucratic inertia, "latte commandos," and a culture that stifles real change, drawing parallels to issues plaguing the FBI, ATF, and even the military.
Tune in for a masterclass in resilience from a guy who's seen it all—and isn't afraid to call it like it is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 2min
Debating Iraq’s Invasion and Post-War Chaos: A Green Beret’s Reflections on Intelligence, Airstrikes, and Tribal Fractures in 2003 | Ep. 254 | Pt. 3
In Episode 254, Part 3 of the Mike Drop podcast, host Mike Ritland continues his conversation with former Green Beret Mark Gianconia, delving into the complex motivations behind the Iraq War and Mark’s post-combat transition.
The episode opens with a discussion on the murky intelligence surrounding weapons of mass destruction and the decision to invade Iraq, exploring whether it was a justified response to perceived threats or influenced by ulterior motives. Mark reflects on the chaotic post-invasion landscape, including his role in devastating airstrikes against the Iraqi military, navigating minefields, and managing volatile tribal factions in Tuz. He shares the emotional toll of combat, including feelings of guilt and fear, which led to his decision to leave special operations.
Mark’s career pivots dramatically as he becomes an instructor for the 18 Fox intelligence course, mastering geospatial intelligence and coding, which propels him into a tech career. He also discusses his book, One Green Beret, a cathartic effort to process his experiences, and his current role in geospatial technology, emphasizing AI as a tool rather than a threat.
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Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 34min
From Kosovo’s Russian Alliances to 9/11’s Aftermath: A Green Beret’s Covert Infiltration and Combat Operations in the Early Iraq War | Ep. 254 | Pt. 2
In this gripping second part of Episode 254 of the Mike Drop podcast, host Mike Ritland sits down with former Green Beret Mark Gianconia to explore his extraordinary career in special operations. Unlike many post-9/11 operators, Mark’s journey began in Kosovo, working alongside Russian forces in a vastly different operational landscape. Returning just before the 9/11 attacks, Mark shares his visceral reaction to the tragedy and how it propelled his unit into action.
This episode takes you deep into his covert missions in Iraq, including the daring Advanced Force Operations (AFO) infil via rental cars from Turkey and the intense Operation Viking Hammer against terrorist strongholds like Ansar al-Islam. Expect raw, firsthand accounts of unconventional warfare, coordination with Kurdish allies, and the chaos of combat in the early days of the Iraq War. From dodging mortar fire to orchestrating airstrikes, Mark’s stories offer a vivid window into the high-stakes world of special forces during a pivotal moment in history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices