Mike Drop

On this episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, Mike Ritland hosts Alan Shebaro, a former Green Beret sniper, 5th-degree jiu-jitsu black belt, and We Defy Foundation founder, supporting veterans with jiu-jitsu scholarships. Alan opens with a fiery take, branding Israel a "terrorist state" for displacing Palestinians and dismissing the "unprovoked" October attack narrative as a cover for decades of occupation. He challenges theological land claims, arguing ancient entitlements don’t justify modern evictions, reflecting on both sides’ fierce convictions. Alan shares his journey from a military brat in Europe and the Middle East to enlisting post-9/11, surviving the grueling SF Q-course, and enduring three intense Iraq deployments. His initial pride in "liberating the oppressed" soured as he questioned the trillions spent and lives lost for little gain, paralleling his critique of colonial conflicts like Israel-Palestine. Now in Vietnam, he’s the top-ranked jiu-jitsu practitioner, finding solace on the mat. Expect raw, unfiltered takes as Alan and Mike explore geopolitics, stoicism, and hypotheticals like facing ancient warriors. From blind patriotism to brutal honesty, Alan exposes the thin line between duty and delusion, shaped by a life of combat and reflection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Part 3 of Episode 259 of the Mike Drop Podcast, featuring guest Zach Skow, founder of Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue and the Pawsitive Change program. In this final installment, Zach and host Mike Ritland explore the successes and rare failures of inmate rehabilitation through dog training, delving into the U.S. prison system's flaws—including over-incarceration, drug ubiquity, and historical policies like the War on Drugs and the 1994 Crime Bill. Listeners will hear thought-provoking debates on reform ideas, from harsh punitive measures to humanity-focused programs, alongside stories of post-incarceration employment in the pet industry and Zach's gripping account of Operation Kabul Rescue, evacuating hundreds of animals amid Afghanistan's chaos. Packed with insights on second chances, societal change, and unbreakable human-animal bonds, this episode wraps up an epic conversation with raw honesty and inspiration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Part 2 of Episode 259 of the Mike Drop Podcast, featuring guest Zach Skow, founder of Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue and the Pawsitive Change program. In this raw and inspiring continuation, Zach dives deep into his journey from near-death alcoholism and liver failure to finding purpose through rescuing dogs. Listeners will discover heartfelt stories of personal redemption, the harsh realities of America's dog overpopulation crisis—including debates on spaying/neutering, breeding ethics, and shelter euthanasia—and Zach's innovative work rehabilitating shelter dogs alongside incarcerated individuals in prisons. Expect thought-provoking discussions on animal welfare, inmate rehabilitation, second chances, and the transformative power of the human-animal bond, all delivered with unfiltered honesty and passion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, Mike sits down with Zach Skow, founder of Marley’s Mutts and the Positive Change prison-dog program. What begins with the chaos of evacuating nearly 300 animals during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan unfolds into Zach’s raw story of addiction, survival, and redemption. From a troubled childhood to end-stage liver failure at 28, Zach was given 90 days to live. Saved by his bond with dogs, he rebuilt his life through sobriety, whole foods, and purpose. His recovery sparked Marley’s Mutts, a movement that rescues animals, transforms prisons, and helped Kern County achieve no-kill status. Together, Mike and Zach tackle the shelter crisis, breeding pitfalls, and the power of community education. Vulnerable, unflinching, and inspiring, this episode is a testament to second chances and leading with purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into Part 3 of Episode 258 of The Mike Drop Podcast, where host Mike Ritland continues his gripping conversation with former CIA operative Andrew Bustamante. This segment dives deep into the personal and societal implications of living in a turbulent America, exploring Bustamante’s decision to relocate abroad to prioritize his children’s future amid rising national challenges. From the moral dilemmas of setting examples in declining communities to the growing wealth gap and its risks to democracy, they tackle tough topics like the failing public education system, foreign interference in U.S. affairs, and vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Bustamante shares candid insights on espionage, the FBI’s operational challenges, and the murky case of Jeffrey Epstein, while also touching on cryptocurrency’s role in a shifting economic landscape. With sharp analysis and real-world parallels, this episode is a compelling look at personal responsibility, global power dynamics, and preparing for an uncertain future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into Part 2 of Episode 258 of The Mike Drop Podcast, where host Mike Ritland sits down with former CIA operative Andrew Bustamante for a raw, unfiltered discussion on the intersections of free speech, privacy, and government overreach in the digital age. Listeners will explore timely topics like social media censorship, the risks of online anonymity, rising political violence (including recent assassinations and threats), and the potential for societal unrest or even civil war in America. Bustamante shares insights from his CIA memoir Shadow Cell, detailing covert operations, mole hunts, and the team-based reality of espionage. The conversation also touches on parenting in a hyper-connected world, national debt crises, and Bustamante's personal plans to relocate abroad amid America's turbulent future. Packed with thought-provoking analysis, historical parallels, and no-holds-barred opinions, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in intelligence, politics, and the challenges facing modern society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All right guys, today’s episode is one you don’t want to miss. Less than a week after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, we’re sitting down with someone who’s been on the inside of America’s shadow wars: Andrew Bustamante — former CIA officer, founder of Everyday Spy, host of the Everyday Spy podcast, and author of Shadow Cell, a book that pulls the curtain back on how America really fights its enemies. We get into the uncomfortable truths about government, the intelligence community, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Hamas — and why history keeps repeating itself whether we like it or not. Andy doesn’t sugarcoat sh*t, and neither do I. So buckle up — this conversation goes deep into the stuff most people don’t want to talk about, but absolutely need to hear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Part 3 of Episode 257 of the Mike Drop Podcast, where host Mike Ritland dives deeper into the unfiltered, hard-hitting world of truth and resilience with James McGibney, the fearless founder of Bullyville.com. In this explosive finale, James and Mike unpack the murky realities of cybercrime, from the chilling tactics of North Korean hackers to the dangers of data breaches and ransomware that can hijack your life. They tackle everything from Epstein’s elusive list and government corruption to practical tips for securing your digital castle against sextortion, catfishing, and for-hire stalkers. With candid reflections on military life, purpose, and the state of the nation, this episode blends gritty insights, actionable advice, and a dose of humor. Tune in on YouTube, Spotify, or your go-to podcast platform for a raw, eye-opening ride that’ll leave you ready to fight back against the digital chaos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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