Mike Drop

Dive into Part 3 of Episode 263 of the Mike Drop podcast, hosted by former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland. In this raw and introspective finale, guest Alex Rogers—a retired Navy SEAL—delves into the challenges of screening for DEVGRU, leadership conflicts and career shifts at TRADET, and the profound personal battles with divorce, depression, and mental health that led to his Navy exit. Listeners will hear candid reflections on transitioning to civilian life through intense jiu-jitsu training and entrepreneurship with his apparel company, LW Clothing Co., alongside thoughts on military culture shifts, women in SOF, and the use of National Guard in domestic law enforcement. Packed with lessons on resilience, brotherhood, and mindset, this episode offers inspiration for veterans, aspiring operators, and anyone navigating life's toughest transitions, blending vulnerability, motivation, and unfiltered opinions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into Part 2 of Episode 263 of the Mike Drop podcast, hosted by former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland. In this gripping continuation, guest Alex Rogers—a retired Navy SEAL with a raw and unfiltered perspective—opens up about his journey through the grueling realities of SEAL life. Listeners will discover intense stories from BUD/S training, including heart-pounding challenges like underwater swims, Pool Comp, and Hell Week; firsthand accounts of combat in Iraq, from chaotic firefights and cultural shocks to the moral weight of warfare; and deeply personal reflections on relationships, infidelity, mental health struggles, therapy, and the decision to leave the teams after screening for DEVGRU. Whether you're a military enthusiast, aspiring operator, or interested in human resilience, this episode delivers honest insights into the highs, lows, and unspoken tolls of special operations, blending humor, adrenaline, and introspection for an unforgettable listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From a troubled youth in Vermont, where a brush with the dangerous world of drug dealing nearly derailed his life, Alex found redemption through the grueling trials of SEAL training and a 12-year career with SEAL Team Three. His journey from chaos to discipline, marked by raw honesty and resilience, sets the stage for a candid conversation about overcoming adversity and finding purpose. Alex opens up about a pivotal moment that changed his trajectory: a terrifying robbery attempt that left him confronting his choices and their impact on his family. This wake-up call propelled him toward the military, where he embraced the challenges of BUD/S and emerged as a SEAL. Alongside his military insights, Alex shares his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), his current pursuit as a competitor, and his entrepreneurial venture with LFW Clothing Company. His story is a testament to the power of grit and self-discovery. Join Mike and Alex as they dive into the highs and lows of a life shaped by intense experiences, from the streets of Vermont to the battlefields of Iraq. With humor, vulnerability, and hard-earned wisdom, Alex reflects on his SEAL career, personal growth, and the mental health struggles that continue to challenge him. This episode is a raw, inspiring exploration of what it means to keep moving forward, no matter the odds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the gripping world of counterterrorism and FBI operations in Part 3 of Episode 262 of the Mike Drop podcast, hosted by former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland. In this installment, Ritland sits down with retired FBI Special Agent Harry Samit, a veteran investigator renowned for his pivotal role in pre-9/11 interrogations, including the arrest of Zacarias Moussaoui, often called the "20th hijacker." Listeners will uncover insider stories from Sam's 21-year career, including the rise of Somali extremism in the Twin Cities, high-stakes cases involving al-Shabab and ISIS recruitment, the FBI's evolution post-9/11, and candid critiques of Bureau leadership, from risk-averse management to directors like Kash Patel. Samit also shares thoughts on ongoing threats like lone-wolf radicalization via social media, the Patriot Act's impact, narco-terrorism, and even Epstein's mysterious death. Whether you're a true crime enthusiast, history buff, or concerned citizen, this episode delivers raw, unfiltered insights into national security, institutional challenges, and the human side of fighting terror—perfect for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of America's frontline defenses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into Part 2 of Episode 263 of the Mike Drop Podcast, hosted by Mike Ritland, where he sits down with retired FBI Special Agent Harry Samit. Known for his pivotal role in the pre-9/11 investigation of Zacarias Moussaoui—the so-called "20th hijacker"—Samit shares gripping insider details from his 20+ year career combating terrorism. In this episode, listeners will uncover the dramatic twists in Moussaoui's trial, sentencing, and life in supermax prison; frustrations with the justice system and bureaucratic hurdles; and riveting accounts of other high-stakes cases involving al-Qaeda operatives, anthrax threats, 9/11 connections, and Somali recruits to al-Shabab. Expect raw insights into the emotional toll of FBI work, the clash between investigators and prosecutors, and the ongoing fight against extremism—all delivered in an unfiltered conversation that highlights the human side of national security. 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 Harry Samit, a former U.S. Navy intelligence officer and retired FBI agent who played a pivotal role in one of the most significant counterterrorism cases in history: the arrest of Zacarias Moussaoui, the "20th hijacker" of the 9/11 attacks. Samit shares chilling details of his investigation in the weeks leading up to September 11, 2001, revealing how close the FBI came to uncovering the hijacker’s plot and the bureaucratic roadblocks that hindered their efforts. With a career spanning naval intelligence to FBI counterterrorism, Samit offers a unique perspective on the challenges of combating extremism and the personal toll of being at the forefront of such high-stakes investigations. From uncovering Moussaoui’s ties to the 9/11 hijackers to battling FBI headquarters for permission to search his belongings, Samit’s story is a heart-pounding narrative of instinct, frustration, and resilience. He recounts the moment he realized the magnitude of the missed opportunity and the emotional weight of survivor’s guilt that lingers to this day. Packed with never-before-heard details and candid reflections, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the untold stories behind one of America’s darkest days and the relentless pursuit of justice in its aftermath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this riveting second part of Episode 261 of the Mike Drop podcast, host Mike Ritland—former Navy SEAL and K-9 expert—dives deep into the high-stakes world of FBI special operations with guest Jeremy Rebmann, a retired FBI sniper and author. Listeners will be gripped by Jeremy's firsthand accounts of intense missions, including a dramatic takedown in Oklahoma's Glass Mountains involving a fugitive bomber and a heroic police K-9, as well as hostage rescues and confrontations with child predators. The conversation also explores FBI sniper gear, training challenges, interrogation tactics, the agency's current morale struggles amid leadership changes, public trust issues, and advice for aspiring agents. Packed with raw operational insights, reflections on balancing national security with civil liberties, and candid discussions on FBI controversies like January 6th and morale under new directors, this episode offers an unfiltered look at the sacrifices and realities of elite law enforcement. Whether you're a true crime enthusiast, military history buff, or curious about federal investigations, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the unsung heroes behind the badge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to another episode of the Mike Drop podcast, where we dive deep into the stories of warriors, operators, and those who've lived on the edge. Mike Ritland, retired Navy SEAL, dog trainer, and author, sits down with Jeremy Rebmann—a true embodiment of dedication, precision, and service. Jeremy is a retired FBI Special Agent with an impressive 32-year career spanning the U.S. Air Force and the FBI. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he started as a Sortie Generation Officer and later served as a Special Agent in the USAF Office of Special Investigations. Transitioning to the FBI, he spent 23 years in the Oklahoma City Field Office, where he logged 21 years as a SWAT operator and sniper, tackling some of the Bureau's most high-stakes missions—from hostage rescues to counterterrorism ops. Beyond his tactical expertise, Jeremy is a certified pilot, WMD agent, emergency medical technician, and evidence response team member. He's also an accomplished author, with his top-10 bestselling short story "Glass Mountain" and his recent book "Send Me: Chronicles of an FBI Sniper," which pulls back the curtain on the intense world of FBI SWAT operations. In this episode, we'll unpack Jeremy's journey from the Air Force Academy to the front lines of law enforcement, the evolution of SWAT tactics, the mental grit required for sniper work, and lessons from his most adrenaline-fueled deployments. Whether you're in the military, law enforcement, or just fascinated by stories of resilience, you won't want to miss this one. Let's drop in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Part 3 of Episode 260 of the Mike Drop podcast. Mike Ritland engages with guest Alan Shebaro, a U.S. Army veteran and advocate for Palestinian rights, diving deep into the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Shebaro challenges narratives around Hamas, Israeli policies, and U.S. involvement, drawing from his military background and experiences in the West Bank. The conversation covers controversial topics like alleged Israeli war crimes, the ethics of resistance, historical parallels to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, and the role of international bodies like the UN and ICC. Beyond geopolitics, Shebaro shares his personal struggles with PTSD, addiction, and transitioning to civilian life, highlighting his creation of the We Defy Foundation, which helps veterans through jiu-jitsu scholarships. This episode is a raw blend of geopolitical debate, veteran mental health insights, and inspiring stories of resilience, perfect for listeners interested in military perspectives, global conflicts, and personal redemption. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into Part 2 of Episode 260 of the Mike Drop podcast, Ritland sits down with guest Alan Shebaro, a U.S. Army veteran and outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights, who shares his personal journey from military service in Iraq and Afghanistan to questioning U.S. foreign policy. Listeners will find thought-provoking discussions on the aftermath of 9/11, the ethics of American interventions abroad, critiques of historical U.S. involvement in the Middle East (including propping up regimes and overthrowing leaders), and a deep exploration of current global conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza. Shebaro draws from his firsthand experiences in the West Bank, offering controversial insights into geopolitics, isolationism, and calls for policy changes, all while reflecting on the human cost of war. This episode challenges conventional narratives and encourages critical thinking on international relations—perfect for those interested in military history, foreign policy debates, and veteran perspectives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices