Mike Drop

In this powerful and unfiltered part 3 of episode 266, host Mike Ritland sits down with former U.S. Army Green Beret and Afghan-American Kawa Mawlayee — a first-generation immigrant who fled Soviet-occupied Afghanistan as a child, grew up in the American Midwest, and went on to serve 23 years in Special Forces, including multiple combat tours. What starts as a discussion about Trump’s leadership style, tariffs, and manufacturing quickly evolves into a raw, no-holds-barred exploration of the biggest issues facing America in 2025: foreign policy hypocrisy, the military-industrial complex, the Israel-Palestine conflict, Islamophobia and the myth of “Sharia law takeover,” America-First nationalism vs. endless overseas entanglements, accountability in leadership, the future of the U.S. military under Pete Hegseth, and whether the country is sliding toward internal conflict. Kawa brings a rare perspective: a Muslim Green Beret who loves America deeply, calls out both parties, refuses PAC money, and isn’t afraid t

In Part 2 of this explosive conversation, former Marine turned Green Beret and Afghan-American warrior Kawa Mawlayee goes even deeper with host Mike Ritland. What starts as a discussion about post-9/11 wars quickly spirals into some of the most raw and controversial territory ever covered on Mike Drop: the real reasons behind the Iraq and Afghanistan invasions, the overwhelming influence of pro-Israel lobbies (AIPAC, ADL, Christian Zionism), the shrinking map of Palestine from 1948 to today, why Arab nations won’t take Gaza refugees, Holocaust/Zionism historical claims, the military-industrial complex, Ukraine as a money-laundering proxy, and why America keeps fighting endless wars that don’t serve American interests. Kawa pulls no punches on Gaza (“modern-day Nazis”), the Nakba, the deliberate creation of Israel, Jewish Bolshevik history, the Scofield Bible’s role in Christian Zionism, and how the same forces destroying Palestine are quietly eroding American sovereignty at home. At the same time, the two

In Episode 266 of the Mike Drop Podcast, Mike Ritland sits down with Kawa Mawlayee—the first Afghan-born Green Beret—for a raw talk on war, immigration, and identity. Kawa recounts fleeing Soviet-invaded Afghanistan, losing his father, and growing up as a refugee in Nebraska before serving 21 years across the Marines and Army, including Iraq’s invasion and the battle of Fallujah. They dive into today’s immigration crisis, where Kawa contrasts his own integration with the current border chaos and even imagines how he’d fix ICE. From Fallujah’s brutality to the moral injuries of endless wars, Kawa reflects on leadership failures, resilience, and the cost of service—told with the blunt honesty only veterans share. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 2 of Episode 265 of the Mike Drop Podcast, host Mike Ritland continues his in-depth conversation with Ken Rhee — a Korean-American UDT/SEAL (ROK SEAL) who grew up in the U.S., served in South Korea’s elite naval special warfare unit, trained at American BUD/S, fought pirates off Somalia, volunteered in Ukraine, and now runs a private military consulting firm while navigating strict Korean gun laws and a suspended prison sentence. Expect raw insights into cross-national SEAL training, hostage-rescue ops, post-military contracting, the realities of foreign volunteer combat, and a unique cultural take on firearms, self-defense, and crime from someone who’s lived in both American and Korean worlds. Audio is Zoom-based but packed with unfiltered stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Mike Drop podcast, host Mike Ritland sits down with Ken Rhee, a former Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy SEAL lieutenant who uniquely completed both Korean BUD/S and U.S. Navy SEAL training in Coronado. Raised in the U.S. from age three, Rhee returned to Korea driven by family patriotism, rising through Officer Candidate School to become a tier-one operator in the elite Special Mission Battalion (SMB). Rhee contrasts the brutal mental hazing of Korean SEAL training—complete with paddlings and concrete-head "thinking positions"—against the physical grind of U.S. BUD/S on Coronado's sandy beaches, while highlighting cultural clashes in discipline and confinement. He delves into ROK SEAL gear mirroring U.S. standards (HK416s, Glocks, Crye Precision kits), the ever-present North Korean threat with its massive artillery shadowing Seoul, and the high-tension skirmishes that nearly sparked war. This interview is a fascinating deep dive into cross-cultural special operations, North-South tensions

Welcome to Part 2 of Episode 264 of the Mike Drop podcast, hosted by Mike Ritland, a former Navy SEAL and renowned dog trainer. In this gripping continuation, Mike sits down with Nico Kelly Nick O'Kelly, a former Green Beret who transitioned into an elite Night Stalker pilot with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR). Kelly is also the author of the book Stigma: Breaking the Stigma, which delves into his personal battles with mental health. Listeners will find an unfiltered, raw conversation covering Kelly's high-stakes military career—from his warm reception back in Savannah as a new 160th pilot, intense training trips across the U.S., and his first combat deployment in the CENTCOM region, to the adrenaline-fueled details of real-world missions like dusty landings and contingencies. The episode takes a deep dive into Kelly's ongoing struggles with anxiety, debilitating dizzy spells, depression, and fleeting suicidal thoughts, which persisted through his pipeline and deployments but were ofte

Join host Mike Ritland on Mike Drop Podcast for an unflinching conversation with Nick O'Kelly, a retired Green Beret turned Night Stalkers Black Hawk pilot from the elite 160th SOAR. From the high-stakes chaos of his first combat insertion—where a last-second sharp turn into a dusty, high-speed landing pushed the limits of control—to the invisible war he fought against crippling suicidal ideation that began in flight school, Nick pulls no punches. His debut book Stigma, releasing October 21st, exposes the raw truth behind mental health struggles in special operations. Nick traces his path from a strict Christian upbringing in Washington state, through SF selection and Okinawa deployments, to mastering aviation amid family pressures and a newborn son. He shares the culture shock of warrant officer training, the adrenaline of Everest Base Camp treks, and the surreal focus of flying tier-one operators under fire. Faith, perfectionism, and Vince Lombardi's pursuit of excellence weave through his story of resilie

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 podcastchoi

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, fr

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

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

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

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 "G

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 conflict

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.

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 r

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