Mike Drop

Latest Episodes:

John Collins’ Raw Journey Through the SEAL K9 Program and a Heartbreaking Deployment Betrayal | Ep. 251 | Pt. 3 Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

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.

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John Collins’ Story of a BUD/S Brawl, SEAL Training Rigor, and Building a K9 Program | Ep. 251 | Pt. 2 Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

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!

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2.5 Hell Weeks and 6 BUD/S Attempts: Meet John Collins | Ep. 251 | Pt. 1 Aug 05, 2025

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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 handler, to a complete reinvention in civilian life—John proves that purpose doesn’t end with a uniform. ---------- Heartland Steak 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: https://www.heartlandsteakco.com/ 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. BUBS Naturals BUBS Naturals products are rooted in sustainably sourced ingredients and controlled consistency to provide our customers with the highest quality Collagen Protein & MCT Oil Powder that help you feel amazing and live a fuller life. Our mission is simple. FEEL GREAT. DO GOOD. 10% always goes back to charity, helping military men and women transition back into civilian life. Go to https://www.bubsnaturals.com/mike and use code MIKE for 20% off your order. 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

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From Suicidal Despair to Redemption: Joe Malone’s Battle with TBI, Addiction, and Military Ostracism | Ep. 250 | Pt. 3 Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

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 the dangers of his post-military contracting work. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience, mental health recovery, and building a mission-driven community.

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Surviving Katyusha Rockets and ISIS Firefights: Joe Malone’s Deployment in Iraq | Ep. 250 | Pt. 2 Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

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.

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How Poison Oak, Shame & a Lie Saved This Marine From a Plane Crash | Ep. 250 | Pt. 1 Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

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 valor and the critical role mindset plays in overcoming trauma and preventing veteran suicide.

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 www.sleep.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

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Ammo, Ambition, and Audits: David Packouz’s $300 Million Government Contracting Playbook | Ep. 249 | Pt 2 Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

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!

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Backstabbed, Corpses, and a $300M Scam: David Packouz’s Explosive War Dogs Fallout! | Ep. 249 | Pt. 3 Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Guns, Drugs, and Hollywood Lies: David Packouz’s Untold "War Dogs" Confessions | Ep. 249 | Pt 1 Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

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 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

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Human Trafficking Crisis: Chris Clem on Immigration Enforcement and Fighting Child Trafficking | Mike Drop 248 Pt. 3 Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

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 realities of immigration enforcement and the fight against human trafficking.

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