Mike Drop

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 leaders

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

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 federa

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 a

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

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 succe

Surviving 2.5 Hell Weeks and 6 BUD/S Attempts | Ep. 251 In this episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, John Collins delivers an unfiltered, brutally honest account of what it really takes to become a Navy SEAL—and what happens when the dream nearly dies. This isn’t your typical war story. It’s about failing hard, facing humiliation, and coming back swinging. Raised by a hard-charging state trooper in small-town Maryland, John always knew structure. What he didn’t know was how far he’d have to go—how much he’d have to lose—before finally earning the Trident. From getting dropped at BUD/S to guarding terrorists in Guantanamo Bay, John’s journey is a masterclass in grit, redemption, and what it means to serve with purpose even when the path doesn’t go according to plan. Through multiple Hell Weeks, soul-crushing setbacks, and years of grinding through Navy politics, John fought like hell to get back into SEAL training. And he made it. But what happened after is just as powerful. From sniper to breacher to K9 handl

In Episode 250, Part 3 of the Mike Drop Podcast, Joe Malone opens up about the darkest chapter of his life, where personal and professional turmoil collided. Battling traumatic brain injury (TBI), overprescription of 26 medications, and severe substance abuse, Joe faced isolation, depression, and near-suicidal despair after being ostracized by his Marine command. He recounts a chilling night contemplating murder-suicide, only to be saved by a friend’s timely intervention. From this low point, Joe shares his journey of recovery, flushing his medications, and reprogramming his mindset through routine changes and motivational resources like Earl Nightingale and Dr. Joe Dispenza. Transitioning to civilian life, he faced financial ruin from high-risk stock trading but found purpose in founding JM Training and Lethal U, a firearms training community aimed at empowering veterans and civilians. Joe also reveals a harrowing experience uncovering a major political scandal in Sao Tomé and Príncipe, highlighting t

In Episode 250, Part 2 of the Mike Drop Podcast, Joe Malone dives into gripping accounts from his 2016 deployment in Iraq, where he faced intense combat situations against ISIS. From witnessing Katyusha rocket attacks and mustard gas threats to observing a fierce gunfight near Mosul Dam, Joe shares the chaos and adrenaline of the battlefield. He recounts a particularly harrowing day involving heavy firefights, an ISIS armored vehicle breakthrough, and the tragic loss of SEAL Chuck Heaton. The episode also covers a daring amphibious assault across the Euphrates River in Syria, highlighting the strategic complexity and raw intensity of operations alongside Tier 1 units and the Syrian Defense Force. Tune in for a raw, unfiltered look at the challenges, sacrifices, and surreal moments of modern warfare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful episode of The Mike Drop Podcast, former Marine Raider Joe Malone sits down with Mike Ritland to share his raw and unfiltered journey—from growing up in a mafia-connected suburb to battling early drug use and heroin withdrawal, all the way to surviving brutal deployments with MARSOC in Afghanistan and Syria. Joe opens up about facing ISIS on the battlefield, surviving a deadly KC-130 crash that claimed his fellow Marines, and the heavy burden of survivor’s guilt that followed. Listeners will hear about Joe’s struggles with severe poison oak, failing a critical ruck run, and overcoming traumatic brain injury, depression, and suicidal thoughts. He also dives into his transformative discovery of the Law of Attraction and manifestation, his work with a Crimes Against Kids task force, and near-death experiences rescuing colleagues in Somalia. The episode closes with Joe’s dedication to veterans through his training companies, JM Training and Lethal U, where he tackles tough topics like stolen va

In Part 3 of Episode 249 of the Mike Drop podcast, David Packouz lays bare the unraveling of the War Dogs saga. From shady dealings with Albanian connections to Efraim Diveroli’s ruthless betrayal, David reveals the high-stakes fallout of their $300 million Afghan contract. Hear how a scorned subcontractor’s tip to the FBI and the New York Times sparked a federal raid, a media scandal, and 71 counts of fraud. David shares the personal toll—losing millions, facing prison time, and rebuilding from nothing—while Efraim’s reckless choices led to his downfall. Plus, discover how house arrest sparked David’s reinvention as an inventor with the BeatBuddy and Instafloss. This episode is a raw, unfiltered look at ambition, consequences, and turning lemons into lemonade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 2 of The Mike Drop podcast with Mike Ritland, David Packouz dive deeper into the wild world of government contracting and the real story behind War Dogs. David peels back the curtain on the Hollywood exaggerations, sharing what really happened with the infamous $300 million Afghan contract, his partnership with Efraim Diveroli, and the shady dealings that led to their downfall. From Albanian mob connections to high-stakes risks, this episode uncovers the gritty truth of their arms-dealing ventures and how David turned his experiences into War Dogs Academy. Stay tuned for an unfiltered look at ambition, betrayal, and lessons learned the hard way! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we sit down with David Packouz—former arms dealer, the real story behind War Dogs. He breaks down how he landed huge U.S. defense contracts in his twenties, what the movie nailed, what it didn’t, and the parts Hollywood skipped. It’s blunt talk about ambition, shortcuts, and fallout. Specifics, not fluff. After this, you won’t see the film—or that industry—the same way. #sponsored Fareway Stock up with a custom steak box or grab a grill-ready bundle —either way, you’re getting the best. And here’s the deal: $25 off any order of $175 or more with promo 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 tr

Welcome to Part 3 of our compelling series with Chris Clem on The Mike Drop podcast. In this episode #248 pt. 3, Chris dives into the intensified efforts of ICE and other federal agencies to target criminals, national security threats, and illegal immigrants, addressing media misconceptions and the complexities of enforcement policies. He shares his candid perspective on balancing compassion with law enforcement, including the challenges of deporting long-term illegal residents with U.S. citizen family members who served in the military. Chris also recounts his critical role in reforming the Office of Refugee Resettlement to combat child trafficking, exposing shocking systemic failures that left 300,000 children unaccounted for and detailing the transformative changes he implemented. From his early days as a canine handler to his leadership in Border Patrol, Chris reflects on a storied career and his ongoing commitment to national security and protecting the vulnerable. Join us for an unflinching look at the

Welcome to Part 2 of our gripping conversation with Chris Clem on the Mike Drop Podcast, EP 248. In this episode, we dive deeper into the complexities of border security, exploring the challenges faced by the U.S. Border Patrol in managing illegal crossings, combating potential terrorist threats, and addressing the influx of migrants, including a significant number of Chinese nationals. Chris, a former chief in Yuma, shares firsthand insights into the realities of "got aways," the limitations of current border infrastructure, and the critical need for persistent surveillance and national security-focused policies. From discussing the use of force in extreme scenarios to debunking myths about immigration and asylum, this episode uncovers the stark realities of protecting America’s borders. Tune in for a candid, no-holds-barred look at what it takes to secure the nation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this explosive episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, former Chief Patrol Agent Chris Clem pulls no punches as he dissects the sweeping "One Big Beautiful Bill", a $170 billion border security package signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025. From Trump’s campaign rally cries and hats to finalizing the funding of $46 billion for the wall, $6 billion for border technology, $4 billion for CBP agents, and billions more — Clem lays out why this isn’t just a slogan anymore. It’s a full-scale national security strategy aimed at repairing what he says was gutted by the Biden administration on day one. But be warned: funding ≠ fix. Chris unpacks the massive challenges ahead — building miles of border barriers, roads, and sensor networks; hiring thousands of agents; and confronting migrant surges of 15,000+ at a time — and why even this bill might be too little, too late. If you want the unfiltered truth from inside Border Patrol, the political games behind the bill, and why America’s next border crisis could lead t

Welcome to Part 3 of the Mike Drop podcast, where we dive deep into the gritty world of law enforcement with former FBI agent and Marine veteran Mark Sewell. In this explosive episode, Mark pulls back the curtain on his high-stakes career, from busting Mexican street gangs in small-town Georgia to exposing fraudulent heroes in stolen valor cases that shook the nation. With candid insights, he tackles burning questions about the FBI’s priorities, the truth behind the Epstein files, and the leadership shake-ups needed to restore the Bureau’s reputation. Buckle up for a raw, unfiltered look at crime, justice, and the challenges facing America’s top law enforcement agency—this is Mike Drop Podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Episode 247, Part 2, Mike continues his gripping conversation with former FBI agent Mark Sewell, diving deeper into the high-stakes world of federal law enforcement. From hazardous SWAT missions to infiltrating outlaw motorcycle gangs and battling organized crime, Sewell shares raw, unfiltered stories from his 20-year crusade against America’s toughest criminals. Expect candid insights, intense anecdotes, and a front-row seat to the challenges of taking down criminal empires. Tune in for a relentless exploration of grit, brotherhood, and justice—available now on all major platforms. Subscribe to Mike Drop on Patreon for ad-free episodes and exclusive content at patreon.com/mikedrop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this explosive episode of Mike Drop, Mike Ritland sits down with national security expert Mark Sewell to tackle what they argue is America's most urgent and misunderstood threat: the southern border. The $46.5 Billion Wall fuels the conversation and rips the curtain off not just cartel violence or illegal crossings—but the hidden danger of student visa overstays. Sewell exposes how even a handful of bad actors slipping through the cracks can pose massive risks, while countless legitimate students are caught in the political crossfire. As Trump calls for the sweeping cancellation of student visas, Mike and Mark dig into the billion-dollar question: is a wall and a blanket ban really the solution? Or is America missing the forest for the trees? This one pulls no punches—and it might just change how you see national security, education, and the real cost of freedom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices