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by Mike Ritland
Mike Drop, hosted by former Navy SEAL and bestselling author Mike Ritland, is a no-holds-barred platform that dives deep into the stories and experiences of extraordinary individuals. Known for his candid and unfiltered approach, Mike interviews guests ranging from special operations veterans and elite athletes to renowned authors and thought leaders, offering listeners an exclusive glimpse into the human side of those who have excelled in their fields. Whether it's discussing the intense challenges of combat or the resilience required to overcome personal adversity, Mike Drop provides a space where real conversations happen.
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- Today32 min
A Private Intel Brief on Iran: What the Headlines Aren't Telling You | Mike Drop Newsroom
MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 03 OCTOBER 2026The Saturday papers split again, and this episode includes something new: a private intelligence summary from Mike's friend Max at Asylum Security, a former SEAL sniper who now works in executive security. It's not classified, but it comes from serious sources, and it covers threats that never make the front page.The headlines: Russia is pushing migrants across Latvia's border as a tactic against the West. Student protests over school conditions have turned violent across France. The U.S. added a lower-than-expected 29,000 jobs in September. Chinese officials' unusual requests at a recent summit are raising new questions about Xi Jinping's health. DHS is paying local police departments for help with immigration arrests. And the Wall Street Journal reports that more voters dislike both parties than in any recent election. From the intel brief: Iran is reviewing retaliation options that reach beyond the Middle East, tankers were struck in the Strait of Hormuz, cyber threats are aimed at critical infrastructure and personnel data, and China's spy satellite network is growing fast.Mike's take: he doesn't understand why secure borders became a partisan issue, since knowing who is coming into your country is common sense. He supports students fighting for better schools but says violence defeats the purpose. On Congress, he argues that both parties have to hold their own side to the same standard they hold the other. And he has a simple fix for the budget: if the government shuts down or the budget isn't balanced, Congress doesn't get paid. On Iran, the intel brief brings him back to the question he keeps asking: months of strikes later, Iran can still hit shipping and plan attacks abroad, so what does success actually look like?Your turn. Should Congress go unpaid until the budget is balanced? What does winning in Iran look like to you? And who do you think takes over China after Xi? Tell us in the comments. Mike reads them.Timestamps0:00 Happy Saturday and a special intel brief1:15 Why wildfires in Indonesia led the Times1:50 FlyDubai: the mother's scream that alerted passengers2:15 A new inquiry into the Cornell case3:20 Russia uses migrants against the West4:35 Why secure borders shouldn't be partisan6:15 Student protests turn violent across France8:20 A weak September jobs report9:25 Xi Jinping's health and who comes next12:05 DHS pays local police for immigration arrests13:45 A hurricane-free summer and El Niño14:40 "Double haters" and the midterms16:35 Holding your own side accountable19:10 No balanced budget, no paycheck for Congress20:40 The intel brief21:45 Iran's retaliation planning23:20 What does success in Iran look like?24:20 Tankers struck in the Strait of Hormuz25:50 Cyber threats to infrastructure and personnel data28:55 China, Russia and the race for space30:25 A Sunday preview: faith and suffering31:40 Wrap-upFormer Navy SEAL Mike Ritland reads the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times so you don't have to. No cable news spin, no recycled talking points, just the actual front pages and a straight take on what they mean for you.On Mike Drop Newsroom, Mike picks the day's biggest headlines, compares how two of the country's largest papers cover them, and says what he thinks. That covers everything from AI and national security to the economy, foreign policy and the stories cable TV skips. He's not here to push a party line. As Mike puts it, if you want to put a label on him, he's an American who wants to see America succeed.Every episode ends with a question for you. Tell us where you land in the comments, because Mike reads them and your answers shape what we cover next. Subscribe so you don't miss a morning.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
- Yesterday25 min
A Third Aircraft Carrier Is Headed to the Middle East. What's Coming? | A Navy SEAL Reacts
MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 02 OCTOBER 2026A busy front page to close out the week. The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal split today, so Mike covers both.The headlines: the Pentagon is sending a third aircraft carrier strike group and more Marine Corps ships to the Middle East, adding roughly 10,000 troops to the region. OpenAI and Anthropic are spending to influence the midterm races and shape AI rules. Teachers and students warn that Google's AI push in schools is hurting learning. The FlyDubai captain who was stabbed by his co-pilot is being hailed for saving Flight 1073. Also covered: the Cornell case dominating social media, Tennessee halting executions after an inmate survived two doses of lethal injection, OpenAI firing researchers who shared information with an AI safety group, a global bond selloff, and high rates freezing the housing market.Mike's take: a third carrier group on top of an already heavy presence isn't just a show of force; he thinks it signals something may be about to happen, and he wants the administration to define what winning looks like. He calls lobbying a legal term for bribery and says he's baffled it's still allowed. On AI in schools, he compares it to map and compass versus GPS: AI is a great tool if you already know the subject, but kids who lean on it may never learn to think for themselves. He also tips his cap to the FlyDubai captain, the crew and the passengers who fought back, and asks for more civility, online and off.Your turn. Is the military buildup a signal? Can anyone make the case for lobbying? Is AI helping or hurting our kids? Tell us in the comments, and as Mike asks, keep it civil. He reads them.Timestamps0:00 Happy Friday0:25 The Times and the Journal split today0:50 The Cornell case2:55 Faith, family and how we treat each other online5:50 Tennessee halts executions7:30 AI giants spend on the midterms7:55 Is lobbying just legal bribery?9:10 Questions about the FlyDubai co-pilot's motive10:00 The captain who saved Flight 107312:05 OpenAI fires researchers over AI safety leak13:45 The global bond selloff15:00 Why interest rates aren't fixing inflation16:15 Texas home prices and a frozen housing market18:20 AI in schools: can kids still think?21:15 Map and compass vs. GPS22:05 A third carrier group heads to the Middle East23:20 What does winning look like?24:10 Weather and wrap-upFormer Navy SEAL Mike Ritland reads the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times so you don't have to. No cable news spin, no recycled talking points, just the actual front pages and a straight take on what they mean for you.On Mike Drop Newsroom, Mike picks the day's biggest headlines, compares how two of the country's largest papers cover them, and says what he thinks. That covers everything from AI and national security to the economy, foreign policy and the stories cable TV skips. He's not here to push a party line. As Mike puts it, if you want to put a label on him, he's an American who wants to see America succeed.Every episode ends with a question for you. Tell us where you land in the comments, because Mike reads them and your answers shape what we cover next. Subscribe so you don't miss a morning.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
- 2 days ago21 min
America Is Leaving Iraq. Was It Worth It? | A Navy SEAL Who Was There
MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 01 OCTOBER 2026Both the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times led with the same two stories today.The first: after more than 23 years and $1.7 trillion, the U.S. has closed its last major military base in Iraq, ending what critics call America's forever war there. The second: on FlyDubai Flight 1073, a pilot stabbed the other pilot and tried to hijack the plane, sending it into a terrifying nosedive before passengers and crew subdued him. Also in today's papers: Iran is linked to a foiled attack on a British air base that houses American troops, the Pentagon is creating a new command for autonomous warfare, and BMW plans to use AI to shrink its workforce.Mike's take: as someone who served in Iraq and lost brothers there, he asks the hard question: was it worth it? He argues that toppling Saddam removed the one force keeping Iran in check. That opened a power vacuum that fueled ISIS, emboldened Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, and set off a refugee crisis that has reshaped countries around the world. Twenty-three years later, he thinks Iraq may be worse off than before, and he admits he doesn't see a good way forward. On the hijacking, he looks back at the 1980s hijacking he watched unfold as a kid and asks how anyone stops an attacker who's already in the cockpit.Mike doesn't have the answer on Iraq, so he wants yours. Was it worth it? What should the U.S. do now? And how would you stop a pilot-turned-hijacker? Tell us in the comments. Mike reads them.Timestamps0:00 Happy October0:25 Same two stories in both papers1:15 The Times' weather report (a tangent)2:30 Pilot hijacks FlyDubai Flight 10734:35 The 1980s hijacking Mike never forgot6:15 The U.S. leaves Iraq7:05 Was it worth it?8:20 Saddam, Iran and the power vacuum10:00 Iran's proxies and the IED war10:50 The refugee crisis no one talks about12:30 Is Iraq worse off now?14:35 No good options15:25 BMW using AI to cut jobs16:15 Iran linked to foiled attack on a British air base17:30 Pentagon's new autonomous warfare command18:20 Senate Republicans' late push on cost of living19:10 Iran's stranded oil tankers19:35 Mexico cracks down on cartel money laundering20:00 Wrap-upFormer Navy SEAL Mike Ritland reads the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times so you don't have to. No cable news spin, no recycled talking points, just the actual front pages and a straight take on what they mean for you.On Mike Drop Newsroom, Mike picks the day's biggest headlines, compares how two of the country's largest papers cover them, and says what he thinks. That covers everything from AI and national security to the economy, foreign policy and the stories cable TV skips. He's not here to push a party line. As Mike puts it, if you want to put a label on him, he's an American who wants to see America succeed.Every episode ends with a question for you. Tell us where you land in the comments, because Mike reads them and your answers shape what we cover next. Subscribe so you don't miss a morning.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
- 4 days ago4h 55m
Navy SEAL Captain Brad Geary: I Refused to Go Quietly | Ep. 311
WANT MORE MIKE DROP?Become a Mike Drop YouTube Member and get closer to the show with exclusive members-only content, bonus access, and perks you won’t get as a regular subscriber.👉 Click “JOIN” below the video to become a member.Former Navy SEAL Captain Bradley Geary joins Mike to reflect on 25 years in Naval Special Warfare—from SDV missions and DEVGRU to commanding BUD/S. They dive into leadership, modern warfare, faith, family, and the three-year battle with the Navy that pushed Geary to the point of being willing to give up his rank, his career, and even his SEAL Trident in order to stand for what he believed was the truth.See the unreleased photos and NSW Command 100-page Report: : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/uw65fld4719wbl0hmcf70/ABo2Fsa7EygD8n6Dtvtr0I0?rlkey=ny7z5ax3t4oq2j7s8c6px78zp&st=5p4qroi5&e=1&dl=0If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend.----------Support Bradley Gearyhttp://www.hardmindsoftheart.com/https://thekeynoteagency.com/speakers/brad-geary/https://standwithwarriors.org/https://www.instagram.com/bradleyandamy/https://x.com/bradleydgearyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-geary----------MIKE DROP PATREONWatch ad free never before seen content at https://patreon.com/mikedropWARRIOR DOG FOUNDATIONThese dogs served when we needed them most—now it’s our turn. Help Warrior Dog Foundation provide lifelong care for retired military and law enforcement K9s by donating today.https://warriordogfoundation.org/donateTEAM DOG FOOD, TREATS & SUPPLEMENTSBe 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 TRAININGMike 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 NAVY SEALS FITNESS APP | HYBRID STRENGTH & CONDITIONING TRAININGTrain like a SEAL with Mike Ritland's App. Build real-world strength, endurance and resilience.https://www.coachos-app.com/navy-sealsSHOP ALL THE MIKE RITLAND BRANDS Get all your Mike Ritland branded gear - Mike Drop | Trikos | Team Doghttps://shop.mikeritland.com#MikeDropPodcast #MikeRitland #veteran #military #Geopolitics #MikeRitlandPodcast #AndyStumpf #DonaldTrump #PeteHegseth #ClearedHotPodcast #ShawnRyanShow #MikeGlover #NavySEAL #NickIrving #ValhallaVFT #Politics #JockoWillink #DavidGoggins #Tier1 #DeltaForce #SpecialOperations #SpecialForces #NavySEALs #BradGeary #NavalWarfare #DEVGRU #BUDS #ModernWarfare #SEALTraining #MilitaryService #MilitaryFamily #LeadershipPrinciples #ShawnRyan #MikeDropAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
- 1 weeks ago3h 53m
F-15 Pilot Reveals Why He Broke the Rules to Save a Navy SEAL | Ep. 310
Former F-15E Strike Eagle combat pilot and U.S. Air Force Thunderbird number two Ryan Bodenheimer — founder and host of Max Afterburner — joins me exactly 25 years after 9/11, the day that sparked his entire career. We cover his 70 combat missions and 300 combat hours in Afghanistan, a near air-to-air engagement with an Iranian jet, losing his best friend in pilot training, a hypoxia incident that nearly killed him on the Thunderbirds, and multiple unexplained UAP encounters. Then we get into Iran — Ryan spent years building actual U.S. war plans against the IRGC, and now he's watching that exact scenario unfold in real time.If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend.----------MIKE DROP PATREONWatch ad free never before seen content at https://patreon.com/mikedropWARRIOR DOG FOUNDATIONThese dogs served when we needed them most—now it’s our turn. Help Warrior Dog Foundation provide lifelong care for retired military and law enforcement K9s by donating today.https://warriordogfoundation.org/donateTEAM DOG FOOD, TREATS & SUPPLEMENTSBe 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 TRAININGMike 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 NAVY SEALS FITNESS APP | HYBRID STRENGTH & CONDITIONING TRAININGTrain like a SEAL with Mike Ritland's App. Build real-world strength, endurance and resilience.https://www.coachos-app.com/navy-sealsSHOP ALL THE MIKE RITLAND BRANDS Get all your Mike Ritland branded gear - Mike Drop | Trikos | Team Doghttps://shop.mikeritland.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
- 2 weeks ago3h 30m
Federal Agent Reveals Why He Believes Epstein Left His Cell Alive | Ep. 309
Former Diplomatic Security Service special agent and attorney Ryan Dalton joins Mike to discuss his career investigating human trafficking, protecting U.S. officials overseas, and his investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.Ryan explains why, after reviewing released Epstein files, prison records, and other anomalies surrounding August 2019, he believes the evidence raises the possibility that Epstein left his cell alive. He also shares what happened when he traveled to Little St. James as part of his ongoing investigation.If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend.----------Support Ryan Daltonhttps://closedhorizon.comhttps://epsteinisntdead.orghttps://www.instagram.com/spokedriver----------SPONSORSHELIXGet 120-night sleep trial at https://helixsleep.com/mikedropTRUE NUTRITIONGet 20% off on your first custom protein blend with code mikedrop at https://truenutrition.com/mikedropMIKE DROP PATREONWatch ad free never before seen content at https://patreon.com/mikedropWARRIOR DOG FOUNDATIONThese dogs served when we needed them most—now it’s our turn. Help Warrior Dog Foundation provide lifelong care for retired military and law enforcement K9s by donating today.https://warriordogfoundation.org/donateTEAM DOG FOOD, TREATS & SUPPLEMENTSBe 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 TRAININGMike 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 NAVY SEALS FITNESS APP | HYBRID STRENGTH & CONDITIONING TRAININGTrain like a SEAL with Mike Ritland's App. Build real-world strength, endurance and resilience.https://www.coachos-app.com/navy-sealsSHOP ALL THE MIKE RITLAND BRANDS Get all your Mike Ritland branded gear - Mike Drop | Trikos | Team Doghttps://shop.mikeritland.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
- 3 weeks ago3h 31m
Secret Service Agent: I Was Assigned to President Bush's Security Detail After 9/11 | Ep. 308 | Ep. 308
Retired Secret Service Special Agent Darin Kinder recounts surviving 9/11 from inside the World Trade Center, entering the North Tower to help people evacuate, and escaping the collapse of the South Tower. He also shares stories from his 25-year career, including counterterrorism work with the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, protecting President George W. Bush, and how those experiences ultimately shaped his faith and mission after leaving the Secret Service.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
- Aug 31, 20263h 9m
Navy SEAL: Kicked Out of the Naval Academy — Then Earned His Way Into the SEAL Teams | Ep. 307
Former Navy SEAL Jonathan Wilson sits down with Mike Ritland to share his path from getting kicked out of the Naval Academy to fighting his way into the SEAL Teams and deploying to Iraq. He opens up about combat, taking a life, rediscovering his faith, the toll his career took on his family, his own struggles after service, and the mission that ultimately led him to help other veterans navigate transition and mental health.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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About Mike Drop
Mike Drop, hosted by former Navy SEAL and bestselling author Mike Ritland, is a no-holds-barred platform that dives deep into the stories and experiences of extraordinary individuals. Known for his candid and unfiltered approach, Mike interviews guests ranging from special operations veterans and elite athletes to renowned authors and thought leaders, offering listeners an exclusive glimpse into the human side of those who have excelled in their fields. Whether it's discussing the intense challenges of combat or the resilience required to overcome personal adversity, Mike Drop provides a space where real conversations happen.
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