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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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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Surviving 2.5 Hell Weeks and 6 BUD/S Attempts | Ep. 251

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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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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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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.

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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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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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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.

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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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