Mike Drop

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

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

Dive into this epic conversation on the Mike Drop Podcast with Green Beret legend Mark Giaconia. A 20-year Army veteran who traded infantry boots for Special Forces grit, Mark opens up about his raw reaction to 9/11—burning with jealousy as Fifth Group charged into Afghanistan, only to carve his own pinnacle in Iraq's brutal ops. But before the GWOT glory, he takes us back to the forgotten chaos of Bosnia in the late '90s, where peacekeeping turned into high-stakes intel gathering: embedding in remote villages, renting houses amid fresh war scars, and dodging tense standoffs with Serbian cops who grabbed their weapons at the sight of an American. From concealed pistols and civilian rides to wild encounters—like spotting a Beirut bombing fugitive in a roadside eatery or monitoring Russian convoys on the brink of World War III—Mark's stories pulse with the raw edge of undercover life in a powder keg. We geek out on metal shredding (check Patreon for the deep dive), philosophy from Socrates to Nietzsche, and his time-travel wish to homestead in colonial Connecticut. Whether it's surviving Ranger School's 200+ day grind, losing 40 pounds in the suck, or bonding with locals over slivovitz amid genocide echoes, this episode hooks you with unfiltered warrior wisdom, historical twists, and the unexamined life's brutal truths. Don't miss Mark's insights on human nature, founding principles, and why the Balkans' hospitality hides a world of shadows—perfect fuel for any Mike Drop fan craving real talk from the front lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the gripping final installment of the Mike Drop Podcast with Chuck Hayes, a 40-year Navy SEAL veteran, we dive into the profound intersections of military discipline, spiritual awakening, and post-service purpose. Chuck reflects on the non-democratic nature of military life, the weight of command, and the responsibility to lead with trust and empathy. He shares a transformative near-death experience induced during a medical training course, revealing a cosmic perspective on life, death, and existence itself. From encounters with divine laughter to haunting dreams and past-life regressions, Chuck unravels his journey through the psychedelic medicine, shamanic visions, and hypnotherapy—that reshaped his understanding of reality, faith, and human suffering. Now, through his work with Soft Whisper, Chuck channels these experiences to help veterans and civilians alike heal from trauma, find purpose, and navigate the complexities of the human soul. This episode is a raw, mind-bending exploration of leadership, spirituality, and the eternal quest for meaning. SleepMe Visit www.sleep.me/MIKEDROP to get 20% off your Chilipad with code MIKEDROP, one word. That’s free shipping, free returns, and a 30-night sleep trial to test it for yourself. Again — that’s https://sleep.me/MIKEDROP. NHTSA 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. 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

Welcome back to Part 2 of the Mike Drop Podcast featuring Chuck Hayes, a 40-year Navy SEAL veteran whose career spanned from enlisted ranks to captain. In this episode, Chuck dives deep into the pivotal moments that shaped his post-9/11 journey, including the tragic loss of a teammate during training, the profound impact of September 11th on his career, revamping SEAL training for the Afghanistan theater, intense deployments as a task unit commander, kinetic operations against Taliban leaders, and candid reflections on the purpose, sacrifices, and outcomes of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Listeners will find raw stories of leadership under fire, hard lessons from combat, geopolitical insights, and thoughtful critiques on military strategy, national policy, and the human cost of endless conflict—delivering inspiration, introspection, and unfiltered truth from a warrior's perspective. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Buckle up for an unfiltered, heart-pounding episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, hosted by the fearless Mike Ritland, as he sits down with Navy SEAL icon Chuck Hayes. From a fateful bus ride to Orlando in September 1982, where Hayes first glimpsed the world of elite warriors, to the soul-shattering chaos of Bloody Sunday, this episode rips open the raw reality of a SEAL’s life. Hayes vividly recounts his evolution from a wide-eyed rookie to a battle-scarred leader, commanding platoons that carried the weight of the Global War on Terror through relentless, ferocious firefights. Hear the chilling story of loading bullets one-by-one, each click a defiance against near-certain death, and the unbreakable resolve that drove his team back into the fray. With China’s military might looming, Hayes tackles the burning question: Can America’s Special Operations forces dominate in a high-stakes showdown? Packed with jaw-dropping revelations and raw emotion, this episode will grip you from start to finish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the gripping second part of this episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, guest John Nores dives deeper into the escalating issues at the U.S. borders, focusing on the alarming rise of Chinese nationals crossing illegally and their potential ties to organized crime and terrorism. The discussion uncovers the calculated destruction of identification documents by these operatives, making it nearly impossible to trace their identities, and explores the sophisticated transportation networks facilitating their entry. We examine the collusion between Chinese organized crime and Mexican cartels, highlighting their roles in fentanyl production, human trafficking, and the operation of illegal grow sites. The conversation also addresses the vulnerabilities of the northern border, particularly in Montana, where limited resources and vast terrain create opportunities for smuggling and other illicit activities. The episode reflects on the positive shifts under the new administration, with improved communication between federal agencies and law enforcement, and a renewed focus on combating cartels. We also explore the challenges faced during California's sanctuary state policies under Governor Newsom, which restricted information sharing and media outreach about cartel activities. The discussion touches on the role of cryptocurrency in potential money laundering schemes and its geopolitical implications, as well as the need for a more streamlined immigration process that distinguishes between non-criminal immigrants and dangerous offenders. Beyond the serious topics, the episode lightens up with stories of community engagement, including John Nores' involvement in a Montana-based rock band, Area 56, which has provided a joyful outlet amidst the intensity of his work. From adapting military tactics for law enforcement to tracking fugitives like a former Army Ranger in rural areas, this episode is packed with insights into the evolving challenges of border security, environmental protection, and public safety. Join us for a candid and unifying conversation that bridges critical issues with moments of hope and resilience on the Mike Drop Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we confront a chilling reality: unvetted individuals crossing the U.S. border, instructed to destroy their documentation, leaving us clueless about who they are. Is this a calculated move? You bet it is. From fentanyl and meth labs to human and child sex trafficking, the collusion between Chinese organized crime and Mexican cartels is fueling a crisis that’s spiraling out of control. Are these just drug operations, or is there a more sinister, operative component—perhaps tied to terrorism? John’s seen it firsthand, from the grow houses poisoning our lands to the narco takeover of rural communities like Siskiyou County. We’ll also touch on John’s journey, from his faith-driven resilience to surviving over 20 life-threatening encounters in cartel grow operations. Plus, we’ll explore the Second Amendment, the pitfalls of restrictive gun laws, and why self-reliance is more critical than ever in today’s volatile world. Buckle up for a raw, unfiltered conversation that pulls no punches. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s welcome back John Nores to Mike Drop Podcast! ---------- SleepMe Visit www.sleep.me/MIKEDROP to get 20% off your Chilipad with code MIKEDROP, one word. That’s free shipping, free returns, and a 30-night sleep trial to test it for yourself. Again — that’s https://sleep.me/MIKEDROP. IDEO U Class starts soon, so enroll today! For a limited time, IDEO U is offering my listeners %15 OFF SITEWIDE! Go to https://www.ideou.com/mikedrop. Fitbod Join Fitbod today to get your personalized workout plan. Get 25% off your subscription or try the app FREE for seven days at https://fitbod.me/MIKEDROP/ 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 the powerful and emotional conclusion of Episode 251 of the Mike Drop Podcast, host Mike Ritland sits down with former Navy SEAL John Collins for a raw and unfiltered exploration of his time in the SEAL Teams’ K9 program. This episode dives deep into John’s experiences with two unforgettable military working dogs, Tyson and Duke, whose alpha personalities and unrelenting drive left lasting scars—both physical and emotional. John recounts the intense challenges of training these formidable canines, including a chaotic encounter with Tyson that tested his resilience as a handler. The conversation takes a somber turn as John shares the heartbreaking story of Tyson’s death in a 2017 firefight in Iraq, a loss that hit hard and set the stage for a frustrating deployment experience marked by resistance and betrayal from within his own ranks. From navigating Navy politics and leadership failures to his eventual decision to leave the SEAL Teams after nearly 12 years, John reflects on the toll of service and the struggle to find purpose in civilian life. With candid insights into military culture, the evolving role of drones in warfare, and advice for the next generation of SEALs, this episode is a gripping testament to the bonds forged with K9 partners and the challenges of transitioning from warrior to civilian. Don’t miss this unforgettable finale to John Collins’ story, filled with heart, grit, and hard-earned wisdom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this gripping second part of Episode 251 of the Mike Drop Podcast, host Mike Ritland continues his conversation with John Collins, a former Navy SEAL with a storied journey through BUD/S training and beyond. This episode dives into a raw and intense recounting of a heated altercation during an ocean swim in BUD/S, where John faced off with a challenging swim buddy, leading to a physical confrontation that tested his resilience and discipline. From a broken mask to a post-swim showdown, John shares how he navigated conflict while maintaining focus on his goal of becoming a SEAL. The discussion also touches on his perspective on BUD/S training standards, the importance of maintaining rigorous standards, and his eventual transition into the SEAL Teams and the K9 program. Packed with vivid anecdotes and insights into the mental and physical grind of SEAL training, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the realities of elite military training and the unbreakable spirit required to succeed. Stay tuned for Part 3, where John’s story continues! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices