Mike Drop

• Green Beret to Night Stalker: Surviving the Dark Side of Special Operations | Ep. 264 | Pt. 1

  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 resilience. As Covid extended his final deployment, knee surgery grounded him and forced a reckoning with anxiety, panic disorders, and systemic failures in military mental health care. Nick's journey from zombie-like survival to revival highlights the cost of silence—and the power of speaking out. Essential listening for anyone in high-performance worlds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• Screening Setbacks and SEAL Struggles: DEVGRU Attempts, Leadership Clashes, and Mental Health Battles | Ep. 263 | Pt. 3

  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

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• From BUD/S Hell to Iraq Firefights: A SEAL's Training Trials and Combat Realities | Ep. 263 | Pt. 2

  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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• My Unconventional Journey To Becoming a SEAL | Ep. 263 | Pt. 1

  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, from the streets of Vermont to the battlefields of Iraq. With humor, vulnerability, and hard-earned wisdom, Alex reflects on his SEAL career, personal growth, and the mental health struggles that continue to challenge him. This episode is a raw, inspiring exploration of what it means to keep moving forward, no matter the odds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• FBI Leadership Failures: Critiques on Kash Patel, Centralized Control, and Counterterrorism Realities| Ep. 262 | Pt. 3

  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 into national security, institutional challenges, and the human side of fighting terror—perfect for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of America's frontline defenses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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