Mike Ritland

Mike Drop

A Personal Journals , Society & Culture and News podcast Explicit

#7 in Personal Journals · 🇺🇸 #17 in Personal Journals · 🇦🇪

About the show

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 a 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.

Newest episodes

Iran and Russia Are Coming for U.S. Bases in Europe | Mike Drop Newsroom

Nov 14, 2026 18 min

Threats against U.S. troops in Europe, and their families, are piling up, from Iran-backed plots in England to Russian sabotage in Germany and Romania. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 14 NOVEMBER 2026 Stars and Stripes reports that U.S. tankers left RAF Mildenhall after a reported Iran threat, and Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath went to Force Protection Condition Charlie, weeks after B-1 bombers were pulled from RAF Fairford over a suspected Iran-backed plot. Iran's security chief says any base used to strike Iran is a target, and European Command is now telling troops and families to vary their commutes, limit what they share online and stay alert in crowds. Mike Ritland breaks down what these threats mean for troops and families living off base, why so little is being said about the investigations in England, and how cyberattacks on freezers in Europe and at U.S. military commissaries fit the pattern. Also covered: - Israel's Mossad chief in Washington as the push to restart strikes on Iran grows - Iran's Bahrain drone claim and more mines in the Strait of Hormuz - The U.N. watchdog says it can't locate Iran's Isfahan enrichment plant - Turkey and Qatar sign a mutual defense pact - The nationwide FAA ground stop - A bomb found at an ethanol plant in Peoria, Illinois If you were stationed in Europe right now, would you want your family there? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 0:00 Today's headlines 0:37 Threats to U.S. troops and families in Europe 4:41 Pressure to restart strikes on Iran 8:02 Bahrain drones and more mines in Hormuz 10:50 The U.N. can't find Iran's enrichment plant 12:57 Turkey and Qatar sign a defense pact 15:00 The FAA ground stop 17:15 Bomb found at a Peoria ethanol plant Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Iran Took Aim at the U.S. Navy in Bahrain | Mike Drop Newsroom

Nov 13, 2026 19 min

Iran says it destroyed a U.S. radar in Bahrain, home of the Navy's Fifth Fleet, and U.S. Central Command says its forces shot the drones down before they did any damage. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 13 NOVEMBER 2026 Iran's Revolutionary Guard claims it destroyed a U.S. early-warning radar in Bahrain as payback for a strike on Sirik, an Iranian port town on the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM denied it, saying U.S. forces shot down two one-way attack drones headed for Bahrain with no injuries and no damage. At home, Iranian threats have moved Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent onto a military base, and President Trump warned Iran "will not exist very long" if it kills a senior U.S. official. Mike Ritland breaks down why Iran claims hits that never happened, what it means that three senior U.S. officials have left their homes, and how the U.S. would likely answer an attack on American soil. Also covered: - A U.S. Army lieutenant colonel accused of spying for Russia in England - Five tankers hit in the Strait of Hormuz in two days, and whether the Navy should clear the mines - Poland says the Pentagon greenlit a permanent U.S. troop presence - The fight in Congress over renewing Section 702 surveillance powers Who do you believe on Bahrain, CENTCOM or the IRGC? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 0:00 Iran claims a hit on a U.S. radar in Bahrain; CENTCOM says drones shot down 3:06 Iran's threats push Bessent, Rubio and Miller off their home turf 6:53 U.S. Army officer accused of spying for Russia 10:34 Five tankers hit in the Strait of Hormuz 13:38 A permanent U.S. base in Poland? 16:42 Section 702 spy powers stall in Congress Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Iran Threatens Every U.S. Base From the Gulf to Europe | Mike Drop Newsroom

Nov 12, 2026 15 min

Iran says every U.S. military base from the Middle East to Europe is a target if America strikes it again. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 12 NOVEMBER 2026 Mohsen Rezaei, the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, warned that any base used in a new attack, "from West Asia to Europe," would be a legitimate target, adding "no safe distance, no safe haven, no immunity." In England, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath went to Force Protection Condition Charlie, the second-highest level, and KC-135 tankers left Mildenhall for Germany and Scotland. At home, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has moved onto a U.S. military base after Iranian threats against him, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House adviser Stephen Miller have also moved to protected housing. Mike Ritland breaks down what it means when Iran's reach extends to U.S. bases in Europe and to the homes of top U.S. officials, why sleeper cells and proxies are still a threat after months of strikes, and why Vice President Vance may sit down with the same man making these threats. Also covered: - Vance weighs a face-to-face meeting with Rezaei, possibly in Doha - A Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sentinel calls out Secretary Hegseth's group on Veterans Day - The defense budget fight and the failed Hegseth impeachment vote - Data centers and the AI race with China - Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigns amid an alleged affair with a suspected Chinese spy Should Vance meet face to face with the Iranian official threatening U.S. bases? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 0:00 Iran says every U.S. base from the Gulf to Europe is a target 0:50 U.S. bases in England go to FPCON Charlie 2:20 Vance weighs meeting the man making the threats 4:33 Bessent, Rubio and Miller move to protected housing 9:20 Tomb guard calls out Hegseth's group 10:34 The defens...

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The newest 50 of 471 episodes

Iran and Russia Are Coming for U.S. Bases in Europe | Mike Drop Newsroom

Nov 14, 2026 18 min

Iran Took Aim at the U.S. Navy in Bahrain | Mike Drop Newsroom

Nov 13, 2026 19 min

Iran Threatens Every U.S. Base From the Gulf to Europe | Mike Drop Newsroom

Nov 12, 2026 15 min

The Fairford Plot, a Suspected Army Spy and the Hegseth Vote | Mike Drop Newsroom

Nov 11, 2026 19 min

Three men working for Iran's Revolutionary Guard and its Iraqi militia allies are now charged in a plot against a British air base that hosted American bombers and airmen. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 11 NOVEMBER 2026 The Justice Department says three Iranian-backed operatives were charged in a superseding indictment tied to a plot against RAF Fairford in England. Prosecutors say the men acted for Iran's IRGC and Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah, that vans disguised as fuel trucks were sent toward the base, and that the network is tied to nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks in Europe and the United States. The alleged leader is accused of passing coded messages through calls to relatives in Iraq from a federal jail in New York. Iran denies involvement. Days after the September incident, the U.S. pulled its B-1 bombers from Fairford. Mike Ritland breaks down why a handful of men in three vans could force U.S. bombers to move, why every base's outer perimeter is its weak link, and what Iran's new threat to hit U.S. bases far away really means. Also covered: - Iran says no enriched nuclear material will leave the country, while Rubio says there's "really no need for major combat" - Why U.S. troops and the blockade are still in place - A senior U.S. Army soldier arrested in England on suspicion of spying for Russia - Washington's push to renegotiate European security alongside Ukraine talks - Lawmakers push tighter chip export rules after a PLA-linked university bought NVIDIA H200 chips - The House blocks the Hegseth impeachment effort, for now - Ring's indoor flying security camera Would you let a flying security drone patrol your house? And how do you stop three vans at the fence line? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 0:00 Iran-backed plot against RAF Fairford: three men charged 3:22 Iran threatens U.S. bas...

Italian Tier-1 Raider Says Just 1 in 1,000 Make It Through Col Moschin Selection | EP 317

Nov 10, 2026 2 hr 10 min

Captain Alex Folchitto, a 16-year veteran of the Italian Army Special Forces and an airborne Ranger from the tier one unit known as the 9th Paratroopers Assault Regiment, Col Moschin, joins Mike Ritland as the first Italian veteran to appear on the podcast. Alex opens with a mission that nearly went terribly wrong: a midnight flight into a village, everybody shooting at them, and an aircraft that loses its front wheel. From there, he walks through the Italian selection (ten-day hell week, then three years of training), working alongside U.S. units in Afghanistan, rules of engagement, and his deployment to Libya around the time of the Benghazi attack. He also tells how he went from washing dishes at his sister’s restaurant to the movie business as a military advisor, stunt performer and actor. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Iran’s 48-Hour Ultimatum, a Blockade Strike and Qatar’s Peace Plan | Mike Drop Newsroom

Nov 9, 2026 15 min

A U.S. warplane fired on a ship trying to run the blockade on Iran, and Tehran answered with a 48-hour ultimatum and a promise to "rain down hell." MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 09 NOVEMBER 2026 CENTCOM says a St. Kitts-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman ignored repeated warnings and tried to break the naval blockade, so U.S. forces ordered the crew clear and a U.S. warplane disabled it with precision munitions. Since July, the blockade has redirected 147 commercial ships and disabled five. Iran's foreign minister says Iran's two-day proposal stands and warned that otherwise "Iran's warriors will rain down hell," while President Trump says new strikes are "highly unlikely" to be necessary and three carriers in the region are "locked and loaded." Mike Ritland breaks down what the 48-hour clock really means for U.S. sailors and air crews, why Iran's threats often don't match its follow-through, and why the third carrier group steaming in from the South China Sea could decide the timing. Also covered: - The debate over whether Russia can actually hand Iran the S-400 - Task Force Iron Gate and the push to hit Iran's land routes - A drone that knocked out power to most of Iraq's Kurdish region, where U.S. troops have long been based - Qatar's peace plan at the White House: lifting the blockade and releasing about $8 billion in frozen Iranian assets - Trump's planned talks with Xi Jinping and Putin at APEC - The White House's $1.5 trillion defense budget request and the December 11 funding deadline Should releasing Iran's frozen money be part of any deal? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 0:00 U.S. warplane fires on a blockade runner; Iran's 48-hour ultimatum 2:27 Can Russia really give Iran the S-400? 4:07 Task Force Iron Gate update 5:29 Drone knocks out power in Iraq's Kurdish region 7:50 Qatar's peace...

Iran Lifts Its Missile Limit as U.S. Strikes Qeshm | Mike Drop Newsroom

Nov 8, 2026 25 min

Iran's Revolutionary Guard says it has lifted its self-imposed missile range limit for the United States, putting more U.S. bases inside the danger zone. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 08 NOVEMBER 2026 CBS News, citing the AP, reported that an IRGC spokesman said Iran's roughly 1,200-mile missile range limit has been lifted for the United States. Iran has not shown a new missile, but in March it fired two missiles toward Diego Garcia, about 2,400 miles away. Meanwhile U.S. strikes hit Qeshm Island, a U.S. aircraft disabled a blockade runner in the Gulf of Oman, and CENTCOM stood up a new task force to choke off Iran's land routes. Mike Ritland breaks down why he sees the range threat as mostly rhetoric, whether U.S. air defenses have enough interceptors to cover a 2,500-mile radius, and what a CENTCOM task force aimed at Iran's land routes could mean for U.S. forces. Also covered: two more tankers hit mines near Hormuz and what is missing from Iran's seven demands, Gadi Eisenkot's push to replace Netanyahu and what it means for a U.S.-Iran deal, reports that Iran wants Russia's S-400 air defenses, and Congress returning with a December 11 funding clock and an impeachment push against War Secretary Pete Hegseth. Do U.S. bases farther from Iran need to plan as if they're targets now? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 00:00 Iran says it lifted its missile range limit 00:50 What it means for U.S. bases, and the Diego Garcia precedent 02:30 Do U.S. air defenses have enough interceptors? 03:40 U.S. strikes Qeshm and disables a blockade runner 04:50 Task Force Iron Gate targets Iran's land routes 07:40 Could it lead to boots on the ground? 09:15 Two more tankers hit mines near Hormuz 11:10 What's missing from Iran's seven demands 12:35 Eisenkot tapped to replace Netanyahu 13:45 Does a new Israeli leader change...

CENTCOM Gets Ready to Strike Iran Again | Mike Drop Newsroom

Nov 6, 2026 22 min

U.S. Central Command is finalizing preparations to restart major operations against Iran, and President Trump says Americans will know "soon enough." MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 06 NOVEMBER 2026 U.S. officials told Axios that CENTCOM is finalizing preparations for a possible return to major operations against Iran, though no new order has been given. President Trump met with his national security team Wednesday and Thursday, and officials pointed to the November 9 new moon as favorable for operations. Meanwhile tankers are still burning in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran says its seven conditions must be met before the strait reopens. Mike Ritland breaks down why the new moon matters, what "finalizing preparations" means for U.S. troops in the region, and whether the carrier group headed for the Gulf signals strikes are coming. Also covered: Iran's nuclear proposal through Qatar and its security chief's meeting with Putin, Turkey's parliament approving a defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and why a NATO ally in the fight changes everything, War Secretary Pete Hegseth's $350 billion request and the impeachment push, and Gov. Gavin Newsom emptying California's death row. Is the carrier heading to the Gulf a sign strikes are coming, or is there still an off-ramp? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 00:00 CENTCOM finalizes preparations to strike Iran again 01:10 Why the Nov. 9 new moon matters 02:30 What "finalizing preparations" means for troops 03:00 Tankers burn as the U.S. blockade holds 03:50 Iran's seven conditions and the stalemate 05:45 Does the carrier group mean strikes are coming? 06:40 Iran's nuclear offer through Qatar and Putin 10:20 Turkey joins the Saudi-Pakistan defense pact 12:25 Why a NATO ally in the fight changes everything 14:25 Hegseth's $350 billion request and the impeachme...

Iran Says It Took Two U.S. Drones as Tankers Burn in Hormuz | Mike Drop Newsroom

Nov 5, 2026 23 min

Iran says it took control of two U.S. attack drones over the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S. military finishes preparations for possible resumed major combat. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 05 NOVEMBER 2026 Iran's Revolutionary Guard says its navy's electronic warfare unit took control of two U.S. LUCAS one-way attack drones in the Hormuz area, part of the low-cost drone force the Pentagon has been ramping up. U.S. officials say the military is finishing preparations for possible resumed major combat, while President Trump says there are no immediate plans to strike. Mike Ritland breaks down why U.S. forces need to know now if Iran can really grab drones in flight, why the daily attacks on tankers point to a stalemate in the strait, and whether the administration ramps up or backs off before the December 11 war funding fight. Also covered: two more tankers on fire after mine strikes and the U.S. blockade at six months, impeachment talk building around War Secretary Pete Hegseth, China surging ships and aircraft around Taiwan and whether the Navy can cover two fronts, the Houthis claiming a strike on Riyadh's airport, and Vice President Vance saying the war cost Republicans the midterms. Between now and December 11, do you expect more U.S. strikes on Iran, or a pullback? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 00:00 Iran says it seized two U.S. attack drones 00:50 Why the LUCAS drone program matters 02:30 Strikes before December 11, or a pullback? 04:30 Tankers burn in the strait as the blockade holds 05:25 Qatar's draft deal and the stalemate 09:05 Impeachment talk builds around Hegseth 14:10 China surges ships and aircraft around Taiwan 15:25 Can the Navy cover two fronts at once? 16:40 Houthis claim a strike on Riyadh's airport 18:20 December 11: Congress and war funding 22:50 Wrap-up Advertising Inquiries:...

Israel Warns of Iranian Chemical Weapons, NATO Warns Poland, and the New Congress | Mike Drop Newsroom

Nov 4, 2026 21 min

Democrats won control of Congress, putting war funding for the Iran conflict on the table, while Israel warns that Iran is weighing chemical weapons. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 4 NOVEMBER 2026 Democrats won control of both the House and Senate on Tuesday. Current government funding runs out December 11, and the new Congress is sworn in January 3, with Democrats promising bills to end the Iran war. Meanwhile, Israel has told the U.S. and Gulf states that Iran is considering chemical weapons if full-scale fighting resumes, though some U.S. officials doubt the intelligence. Mike Ritland breaks down why the short window before the funding deadline could raise the risk to U.S. troops, what a chemical weapons threat would mean for forces in the region, and why both parties should treat the election as a lesson, not a victory lap. Also covered: an update on the EUCOM warning to troops and families in Europe, Poland reinforcing its border with Russia after a warning from NATO's top commander, and Trump saying $4 billion a year in military aid to Israel will end. Is Israel's chemical weapons warning a credible threat, or a push to pull the U.S. back into the fight? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 0:00 Democrats win Congress; war funding deadline December 11 0:45 Mike's take on the election 9:15 Update: the EUCOM warning in Europe 11:50 Israel warns Iran is weighing chemical weapons 16:20 Poland reinforces its border after NATO warning 18:55 Trump says $4 billion a year in aid to Israel will end 20:30 Wrap-up Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Iran Fires on a U.S. Jet, the U.S. Hits Qeshm Island, and Military Families Go on Alert | Mike Drop Newsroom

Nov 3, 2026 20 min

Iran fired a surface-to-air missile at a U.S. fighter jet over the Strait of Hormuz, and U.S. forces struck back at Qeshm Island on the eve of Election Day. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 3 NOVEMBER 2026 U.S. officials say Iran's Revolutionary Guard fired on an American jet Monday evening, and U.S. forces answered with a limited strike on Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Persian Gulf. Officials called it defensive and say it does not signal a return to major combat. In Europe, U.S. European Command launched a "See Something, Do Something" campaign urging troops and families to vary their routes, turn off geotagging on fitness apps and limit posts about travel. Mike Ritland breaks down whether a measured response is enough of a deterrent when Iran is still shooting at U.S. aircraft during talks, why EUCOM's warning to families in Europe is a big deal, and why letting aid lapse for Navy families evacuated from Bahrain would be an unforced error. Also covered: Navy families evacuated from Bahrain could lose safe haven housing aid, Russia's posture ahead of talks with the U.S. and the future of U.S. support for Ukraine, China hosting Oman's sultan and Iranian officials as it pushes to reopen Hormuz, and Election Day. Should the U.S. answer Iran with a measured strike, or take the gloves off? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 0:00 Iran fires on a U.S. jet; U.S. strikes Qeshm Island 4:05 EUCOM warns troops and families across Europe 9:05 Navy families evacuated from Bahrain could lose housing aid 12:40 Russia, Ukraine and the upcoming U.S.-Russia talks 17:20 China steps into the Hormuz fight 19:55 Election Day Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Navy SEAL JTAC Reveals the Mistake That Exposed ISIS's Hidden Tunnel Network | EP 316

Nov 3, 2026 3 hr 1 min

Former Navy SEAL Justin Hughes, BUD/S Class 293, SEAL Team Five, JTAC, and BUD/S second phase instructor, informally known as a professional drowner, joins Mike Ritland. He’s also a self-taught oil painter, and Mike calls his work spectacular. They dig into second phase training and the pool comp test, where students get bloody noses, teeth ripped out, and end up throwing up underwater and blacking out. Justin also explains how often he had to pull drowning students up and resuscitate them, and why he refused to lower the standard. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Iran Threatens Strikes Anywhere. The 14-Day Plan for Your Home | Mike Drop Newsroom

Nov 2, 2026 18 min

Iran's Supreme Leader has ordered an immediate response with no geographic limit to any new attack, and Mike Ritland lays out how he thinks about being ready at home. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 2 NOVEMBER 2026 Iran's Supreme Leader ordered the military to meet any attack with an "immediate, impactful and geographically unrestricted response," and to update its target bank so all kinds of U.S. and Israeli assets are within reach. President Trump says one or two sites in Iran remain, including Pickaxe Mountain, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio says no decision has been made on resuming strikes. Mike Ritland breaks down what an unrestricted threat could mean here at home, then answers the question viewers keep asking: what does being prepared actually look like? He walks through a simple 10-to-14-day plan for water, power, food, medical supplies and light, plus what to do if it runs longer than two weeks. For deeper training, he points viewers to Clint Emerson and Mike Glover. Also covered: the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz as both sides claim control; North Korea's latest weapons test; China's coast guard pressing in off Taiwan; and why the U.S. is getting involved in Russian gas to Europe. Could your household last 14 days with no power and no store runs? Tell us what's in your kit in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 0:00 Iran orders a response with no geographic limit 1:30 Prepping at home: the 14-day plan 3:15 Water first 5:35 Food and power 6:30 Medical, firearms and light 8:15 Past two weeks: a secondary location 10:20 Hormuz standoff: who controls the strait? 12:20 North Korea tests during U.S. air drills 13:25 China's coast guard off Taiwan 16:45 Russian gas, Europe and the U.S. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Iran Blinded U.S. Radars, Then Hit 26 Bases | Mike Drop Newsroom

Nov 1, 2026 18 min

Iran went after America's radars first, then hit hangars, warehouses and troop housing at 26 bases across the Middle East. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 1 NOVEMBER 2026 A new AP satellite analysis found more than 115 drone and missile strikes claimed by Iran or its militias damaged or destroyed structures at 26 bases and sites with U.S. equipment through August. Iran hit early-warning radars first, including a radar in Jordan that is one of only 13 the Army owns, then went after aircraft hangars, warehouses and barracks. Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait was hit at least 30 times, and a Congressional Research Service report says 15 U.S. aircraft were damaged. Mike Ritland breaks down why the order of those strikes matters: it is the same playbook the U.S. uses, and it shows Iran can now reach every base in the region if strikes resume after Tuesday's election. He also explains why he doesn't think the Pentagon should publish its own damage assessments. Also covered: Trump says the U.S. still has one or two sites to hit in Iran, including Pickaxe Mountain; the Navy blockade has now turned back 144 ships as Iran offers to reopen the Strait of Hormuz; a report that Russian satellites helped Iran's allies target Saudi Arabia; the U.S., South Korea and Japan on North Korean denuclearization; and what Tuesday's midterms mean for war powers and the troops. Should the Pentagon tell Americans how badly our bases were hit, or keep it classified? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 0:00 Iran hit U.S. radars first, then 26 bases 5:15 Trump: one or two sites left, including Pickaxe Mountain 7:40 Navy blockade turns back 144 ships 10:45 Report: Russian satellites helped Iran's allies 13:35 North Korea denuclearization talks 15:55 Tuesday's midterms and the war decision Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands...

A U.S. General LEAKED Iran War Secrets. Now DOJ Has the Case | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 30, 2026 23 min

The Pentagon's top war planner has been fired and his case referred to the Justice Department after he was accused of leaking classified information about the Iran and Ukraine wars. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 30 OCTOBER 2026 Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the Joint Staff's director for strategy, plans and policy, coordinated the options for the Iran campaign. A Pentagon official accused him of leaking classified information to reporters, and an internal investigation report seen by Axios says he admitted it. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said classified information is "not personal property." Mike Ritland breaks down why a leak like this could cost U.S. lives, why the punishment at the top looks lighter than it would for a lower-ranking service member, and whether this should be treated as treason. Also covered: about $35 million in U.S. military aid to a Cameroonian unit tied to a third-country deportation deal, U.S. economic growth of 3.4% last quarter, the national debt passing 100% of GDP, and a federal judge refusing to set aside 20,000 California ballots the administration says are linked to non-citizens. Should leaking war plans be prosecuted as treason, or is firing enough? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 00:00 Pentagon's Iran war planner fired over leaks 04:33 Military aid to Cameroon tied to deportations 16:03 U.S. economy grows 3.4% 16:55 National debt passes 100% of GDP 19:59 Judge rejects bid to set aside California ballots Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Iran Dared CENTCOM Over Hormuz. Now U.S. Forces Are Lining Up to Strike AGAIN | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 29, 2026 19 min

The U.S. has told Middle East allies to prepare for renewed strikes on Iran after the Nov. 3 elections, and for Iran and its proxies to hit back. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 29 OCTOBER 2026 Two diplomats told the AP that U.S. officials warned allies a new round of strikes could last several days, with Iranian retaliation expected against energy sites and critical infrastructure. The USS Theodore Roosevelt and amphibious ships with Marines are already in the region, and President Trump has not made a final decision. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guard claims three tankers caught fire after hitting mines in the Strait of Hormuz and dared CENTCOM to prove the strait is clear. CENTCOM calls the claim false. Mike Ritland breaks down whether Iran strikes before the U.S. does, what units actually do in the days before a strike, and why even a false claim in Hormuz can choke off shipping. Also covered: Hegseth fires the Pentagon's top war planner days before the possible strike window, Netanyahu falls short of a majority but stays in charge, the U.S. ties Russian satellite help to Houthi strikes on Saudi airports, and a breach exposes about 40,000 DHS employees, including ICE and Border Patrol. Should the U.S. strike first, wait until after the election, or try to negotiate? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 00:00 U.S. tells allies to prepare for new Iran strikes 04:28 Iran dares CENTCOM over Hormuz mines 07:52 Hegseth fires the Pentagon's top war planner 11:38 Netanyahu falls short of a majority 12:53 Houthis, Saudi airports and Russian satellites 17:45 DHS breach exposes 40,000 employees Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

5 Army Bases Get Nuclear REACTORS as the Pentagon Preps for a Grid Attack | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 28, 2026 19 min

Five Army bases are first in line for their own nuclear reactors as the Pentagon plans for every major U.S. base to run on its own for 90 days if the grid goes down. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 28 OCTOBER 2026 The Army has paired five companies with Fort Bragg, Fort Campbell, Fort Hood, Fort Benning and Fort Drum to build nuclear microreactors, a deal worth up to $2.2 billion, with the first reactor targeted for 2028. It's the first concrete piece of FORTRESS America, the Pentagon's plan to make stateside bases self-sufficient for power, water, fuel and communications for at least 90 days, with no price tag announced yet. Mike Ritland breaks down why the Pentagon is preparing U.S. bases to stand alone now, what it signals about threats to the homeland, and why the same small-reactor model could help states fix their strained power grids. Also covered: two men facing new charges in the Iran-linked RAF Fairford incident and who should guard U.S. bases overseas, Israel's election ending with no clear majority, U.S. forces telling ships to stay clear of the Strait of Hormuz as oil stays high, and the Iran war's cost topping $47 billion. Do you live near one of these five bases? Would you want a microreactor next door? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 00:00 Nuclear reactors for 5 Army bases and the 90-day FORTRESS plan 07:17 RAF Fairford: Iran-linked plot and who guards U.S. bases abroad 11:30 Israel's election: no clear majority 13:12 Ships told to stay clear of Hormuz as oil stays high 13:55 Iran war cost tops $47 billion Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

FBI Negotiator Reveals What REALLY Happened During the Boston Bomber's Capture | Ep. 315

Oct 27, 2026 3 hr 51 min

Airborne Ranger, FBI Hostage Rescue Team operator, sniper, breacher, and FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit veteran Kyle Vowinkel, author of the upcoming book Shaping Chaos, sits down with Mike Ritland to break down the night he was called in to talk to the most wanted man in America. With 400 officers on scene, a dozen flashbangs thrown into the boat, and nothing working, the call came down from the FBI director to try talking. Kyle walks through the ten minutes of dead silence, the word that finally broke it, and the hour and a half that followed. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Pentagon Is Preparing U.S. Bases to Survive ALONE for 90 Days | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 26, 2026 18 min

U.S. forces in the Middle East could launch a major new strike on Iran within 96 hours of a presidential order, and the target list now includes Iran's energy infrastructure. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 26 OCTOBER 2026 According to CNN, U.S. officials say forces already in the region could launch a bigger operation than past strikes within 96 hours of an order, with a target list covering energy infrastructure, military sites and nuclear facilities. Some officials think an order could come before the year ends, most likely after the Nov. 3 midterms. Mike Ritland breaks down what the new readiness posture signals, why he doesn't think this is only pressure for a deal, and why Iran's track record of dragging out talks makes him doubt another round of negotiations. Also covered: the Houthis firing a missile barrage at Saudi Arabia and why they're the most likely group to hit U.S. ships and Gulf bases if strikes resume; a Pentagon plan for major U.S. bases at home to run on their own power, water and fuel for 90 days; Saudi, Pakistani and Turkish officials meeting Iran in Tehran; and Brazil's presidential runoff. Strike now, or try for one more deal? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 00:00 U.S. forces could strike Iran within 96 hours 00:50 Intel warnings and the Riyadh embassy drawdown 01:15 Why this posture is different 02:30 Can pressure force a deal? 03:20 Strike now, or one more deal? 04:25 Houthis fire a missile barrage at Saudi Arabia 05:15 Why the Houthis are the biggest threat to U.S. forces 06:15 U.S. missile defense stocks 07:05 How U.S. forces could hit the Houthis 08:45 Pentagon: bases must run 90 days on their own 10:00 Why that's never happened before 11:15 What it means for civilians near bases 13:15 U.S. partners meet Iran in Tehran 14:35 Help or hurt U.S. pressure? 16:40 Brazil's election...

Iran Bars U.S. Warships From the Gulf as Plots Against Americans Advance | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 24, 2026 10 min

Iran's armed forces chief says U.S. warships will never be allowed in the Persian Gulf, as a U.S. envoy says strikes on Iran could come this weekend. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 24 OCTOBER 2026 Iran's armed forces chief of staff, Ali Abdollahi, says Iran will not allow U.S. military ships in the Persian Gulf under any circumstances. Hours earlier, U.S. ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said a U.S. strike on Iran could "absolutely" come this weekend, while President Trump said he didn't know anything about it and has said strikes would wait until after the Nov. 3 midterms. Mike Ritland breaks down the mixed signals, why he doesn't think strikes are likely before the election, and why he believes election timing shouldn't drive military decisions. Also covered: an intelligence memo from DNI Jay Clayton warning that Iranian plots to kill Americans abroad have reached "advanced stages," the State Department cutting embassy staff across the region, why the memo was made public, and Houthi missiles fired toward Saudi Arabia's Red Sea route around Hormuz. Should election timing play any role in when the U.S. strikes Iran? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 00:00 Iran: no U.S. warships in the Gulf 00:25 U.S. envoy: a strike could come this weekend 00:50 Mixed signals on strike timing 01:40 Why the administration is waiting 02:05 Should politics drive war timing? 03:45 Iranian plots against Americans reach "advanced stages" 04:10 Embassies and bases cut staff 04:35 Why make the memo public? 06:15 Building the case for strikes? 07:05 How the FBI handles plots at home 07:55 Houthis target Saudi Arabia's Hormuz bypass 08:45 Iran's reach through the Houthis 09:10 U.S., UK and France after Nov. 3? 09:35 Wrap-up Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

U.S. Sends 10,000 More Sailors and Marines Toward Iran as Oil Stays Over $100 | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 21, 2026 16 min

Roughly 10,000 more U.S. sailors and Marines are headed for the Middle East with the USS Theodore Roosevelt and the USS Makin Island, as the buildup around Iran grows. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 21 OCTOBER 2026 The USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and the USS Makin Island amphibious group, with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, are headed for the Middle East and expected by the end of November, joining the USS George H.W. Bush and USS George Washington. Mike Ritland breaks down what the added carrier and amphibious package signal to Iran, what a Marine Expeditionary Unit brings that air power can't, and why any move toward troops on the ground would change the cost of this war. Also covered: Iran keeps hitting ships in Hormuz even as Gulf oil exports climb back above pre-war levels, why oil is still over $100 a barrel, the administration's shift on Russia and Ukraine, and reports that Elon Musk pushed to slow the military version of Starlink that Ukraine relies on. Will resumed strikes on Iran bring oil prices down, or push them higher? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 00:00 10,000 more sailors and Marines head toward Iran 01:40 What a Marine Expeditionary Unit adds 02:55 Why troops on the ground change everything 04:10 Headlines vs. opinions 05:50 Iran keeps hitting ships, but more oil gets out 06:40 Why oil is still over $100 08:20 Can strikes bring prices down? 09:35 The shift on Russia and Ukraine 10:50 Musk and the Starlink slowdown 12:55 The U.S., Russia and China at one table 14:35 Gas prices and how Americans vote 15:50 Your take Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Delta Force Veteran Reveals Why Some Teammates Called Him a Traitor | Ep. 314

Oct 20, 2026 4 hr 21 min

In this episode, retired U.S. Army veteran Tom Spooner discusses his 21 years in the 82nd Airborne, 7th Special Forces Group, and Delta Force, and how he was an alcoholic who still crushed it in the 82nd. He explains how a sponsor, a notebook, and a very different idea of God helped him get sober. He also covers the Gulf War, going through Delta selection right around 9/11, and the 2006 mortar strike that left him with an undiagnosed brain injury, along with the moral injury that came with it. The conversation also explores Iran, whether the Iraq War was worth it, and the work Spooner is doing now as co-founder and president of Warriors Heart. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hegseth’s Secret Israel Trip, Iran’s Reaper Claim and Britain Steps In | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 20, 2026 12 min

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made an unannounced visit to an Israeli air base that hosts U.S. tankers and fighter jets, as the U.S. and Israel discuss resuming major combat operations against Iran. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 20 OCTOBER 2026 Hegseth met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ovda Air Base in southern Israel, with UAE officials present, according to Axios. Mike Ritland breaks down why a trip like this usually means plans are already in motion, why any decision lands on U.S. troops in the region first, and whether the U.S. should finish the job in Iran now or keep up the economic pressure. Also covered: Iran's claim that it shot down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper over the Strait of Hormuz, and Britain sending fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia after a Houthi missile strike killed dozens of Yemeni soldiers. Finish the job in Iran now, or keep the pressure on and wait? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 00:00 Hegseth's unannounced trip to Israel 00:45 What it means for U.S. troops 01:40 Why go in person, and why now? 02:30 Finish the job or keep the pressure on? 05:00 Is Iran comparable to World War II? 06:30 Iran claims it shot down a U.S. Reaper 09:10 Houthi strike kills dozens; Britain sends jets to Saudi Arabia 11:15 Will the U.S. get pulled in? 11:40 Wrap-up Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Iran Demands U.S. Forces Leave Hormuz, Ships Attacked Again | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 19, 2026 19 min

Iran says the Strait of Hormuz reopens only if the U.S. lifts its naval blockade and leaves the region, as attacks on ships near the strait hit a record for the war. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 19 OCTOBER 2026 Iran's foreign minister laid out Tehran's conditions on Sunday: lift the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, lift oil sanctions and end hostilities, while an Iranian army spokesman said the strait opens when U.S. forces leave. Mike Ritland breaks down whether the blockade still serves the goal of a non-nuclear Iran, and what it costs to keep U.S. sailors in range of drones, fast boats and mines while the war drags on. Also covered: the State Department's warning to Americans across the Middle East as the Houthi-Saudi fight widens, the airman killed in a rappelling demonstration before the Navy-UTSA game, and the rioting sweeping France. Is the Hormuz blockade still worth it? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 00:00 Iran: Hormuz reopens when the U.S. leaves 00:58 Is the blockade still necessary? 03:30 Waiting until after Nov. 3 04:45 U.S. troops in range of drones, boats and mines 05:50 State Department warns Americans across the Middle East 08:40 Airman killed in Alamodome rappelling demonstration 12:25 Rioting sweeps France 14:30 Immigration and capacity 19:30 Wrap-up Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Iran’s New Defense Chief Threatens U.S. Troops, Tankers Burn in Hormuz | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 18, 2026 12 min

Iran's new defense minister, a veteran of its missile program, says the U.S. will take casualties if strikes resume, as new details emerge about the Kuwait attack that killed six American troops. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 18 OCTOBER 2026 Iran's parliament confirmed Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi, a U.S.-sanctioned veteran of its missile program, as defense minister, and his first message was a threat aimed at American troops in the region. Mike Ritland breaks down why that threat deserves attention, and what the Kuwait strike that killed six U.S. troops says about the countermeasures still protecting our bases. His take: it's not a reason to back off, but leadership can't leave gaps in force protection again. Also covered: two more tankers burning in the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S. and Iran disagree on what hit them, $10 gas and $110 oil, and President Trump's order exempting Russia from new sanctions as Washington looks for relief at the pump. Are U.S. bases in the region better protected now than they were in March? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 00:00 Iran's new defense chief threatens U.S. troops 01:25 The Kuwait strike: a husband's question for JD Vance 02:50 How seriously to take Iran's threats 03:45 Force protection can't have gaps 04:30 Two more tankers burning in Hormuz 05:20 $110 oil and $10 gas 07:25 Trump exempts Russia from new sanctions 10:25 "It's the economy, stupid" 11:40 Your take Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Record Hormuz Attacks, the Wrong Bomb for Pickaxe Mountain and France Moves Into Saudi | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 17, 2026 20 min

Iran just attacked a record number of ships in the Strait of Hormuz while U.S. forces wait in range, and the Pentagon is openly talking up the MOAB for Pickaxe Mountain. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 17 OCTOBER 2026 Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland breaks down the record week of attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz, the talk of using the MOAB (Massive Ordnance Air Blast) on Iran's Pickaxe Mountain, and Iran's threats to expel U.S. forces from the region. Mike's take: the MOAB is the wrong tool for a deep bunker, the bunker buster is built for that job, and announcing the target for months only gives Iran time to prepare. Meanwhile tens of thousands of American sailors and Marines stay in range while we wait out negotiations and the midterms. If we're going to do it, do it, and stop talking about it. Also covered: France sending troops and air defenses to Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks mount, Iranian state media's claim that the U.S. asked permission to strike Pickaxe Mountain, Russia's attacks on Ukraine's power grid and the shift in U.S. tone toward Kyiv, the nearly $2 trillion federal deficit, and a wave of Gen Z Americans returning to faith. Would you use the MOAB as a warning shot, or the bunker buster with no warning at all? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns from a former Navy SEAL on the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 00:00 Correction: what MOAB actually stands for 00:50 MOAB vs. the bunker buster: the wrong tool for Pickaxe Mountain 02:05 Why announce the target at all? 03:00 Devil's advocate: watching how Iran reacts 03:58 Record ship attacks near the Strait of Hormuz 05:50 Sitting ducks: U.S. sailors and Marines in range 07:05 Houthis keep hitting Saudi Arabia, France moves in 08:15 Why isn't Europe doing more? 09:50 "We will expel U.S. forces": Baghdad Bob or Tehran Tim? 10:20 Iran's claim the U.S. asked permission to strike 10:...

U.S. Forces Have Plans to Drop the MOAB on Iran’s Nuclear Sites | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 16, 2026 18 min

U.S. officials say the military has built plans to drop the 21,600-pound MOAB on Iran's nuclear sites if the war resumes, with Trump saying no strikes before the Nov. 3 midterms. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 16 OCTOBER 2026 Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland breaks down the Pentagon's MOAB strike plans for Iran and whether hitting the same targets again will work this time. Mike asks the question the headlines skip: if last summer's strikes knocked Iran's nuclear program back years, why are U.S. crews being asked to hit Pickaxe Mountain and the same sites again? He says the back-and-forth on timing helps nobody, and the smartest play is to say nothing and let the troops do the job. He also responds to viewer comments comparing the B-2 leak to the Hegseth Signal chat, drawing the line between intentional and careless. Also covered: Trump kills the Fort Hood execution livestream, Ukraine defies the U.S. on refinery strikes and the unconfirmed claims about Starlink, an OpenAI suspect with ties to Saudi Arabia, a new cancer-fighting drug, Tesla's 230-mph Roadster, and Mike's plans for live streams. Will the MOAB do what last summer's strikes didn't? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns from a former Navy SEAL on the stories that matter to America's military. Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join 0:00 U.S. builds MOAB strike plans for Iran 0:50 Why Mike would say nothing about the timing 1:40 The MOAB, and why we're hitting the same sites again 3:45 Trump kills the Fort Hood execution livestream 4:30 Ukraine defies the U.S. on refinery strikes 5:20 Did Trump throttle Ukraine's Starlink? What's actually confirmed 9:05 Your comments: the B-2 leak vs. the Signal chat 12:05 OpenAI suspect kept ties to the Saudis 15:10 A new kind of cancer drug 16:15 Tesla's 230-mph Roadster 17:10 KFC switches to Coke 17:30 Live streams are coming: tell Mike how often Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Pr...

U.S. Helicopters DESTROY an Iranian Spy Boat Shadowing Navy Warships | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 15, 2026 20 min

U.S. Navy sailors pulled the crew off an Iranian-linked spy boat watching American warships in the Gulf of Oman, then attack helicopters fired missiles and set it ablaze. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 15 OCTOBER 2026 Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland breaks down the strike on Iran's spy boat and why boarding it first was worth the risk. Mike has done boarding and maritime operations in the region, and he explains the trade-off: pulling the crew off first is a treasure trove of intelligence, but a boat rigged with explosives can turn into another USS Cole the moment sailors step aboard. He also takes on President Trump's claim that a leak of B-2 departure times let Iran see a raid coming, and asks whether leakers should face the firing squad. And he says it plainly: Iran and the Houthis are sinking ships and hitting Saudi targets while the U.S. waits for the Nov. 3 midterms. Take the gloves off, or bring the troops home. Also covered: a Ukrainian special forces veteran on trial for blowing up the Nord Stream pipeline (and what a 250-foot sabotage dive really takes), and the Pentagon's expanding fight against cartels in Latin America. Should the Navy pull the crew off first, or just take the boat out? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns from a former Navy SEAL on the stories that matter to America's military. 0:00 U.S. helicopters destroy an Iranian spy boat 0:50 Pull the crew off first, or just take it out? 2:05 The suicide-boat risk: remember the USS Cole 3:20 Trump: B-2 raid leak meant Iran was waiting 4:10 How leaks get troops killed 7:05 Should leakers be shot? 8:20 Iran and the Houthis ramp up attacks while the U.S. waits 11:15 Take the gloves off or pull them out 12:05 Ukrainian commando on trial for Nord Stream 14:10 A combat diver on a 250-foot sabotage dive 16:20 U.S. troops vs. the cartels in Latin America 19:55 Cut the demand, not just the supply 20:45 Wrap-up Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle...

U.S. Forces Could Hit Iran AGAIN “Very Soon” as Tehran Digs In | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 14, 2026 16 min

President Trump says a decision on Iran is coming "very soon," the Pentagon has asked for new strike options, and Iran is reportedly fortifying its nuclear sites. MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 14 OCTOBER 2026 Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland breaks down what a second round of U.S. strikes on Iran would look like and who would be flying it. With the USS Abraham Lincoln gone, a fresh set of pilots and crews would carry out any new strikes. Mike asks the hard question: if Iran still has bunkers to fortify after months of strikes, why did the U.S. pause? He says the lesson learned in blood in Iraq and Afghanistan applies here: if you're going to do it, give the troops the mission and the support, and let them finish the job. He also bets the timing lands right before the Nov. 3 midterms. Also covered: how drones turned the Houthi threat into a real danger to U.S. ships and bases, a Tim Kennedy update, Britain's intelligence agency bracing for Iran and Russia, and new research showing AI models that can copy themselves onto everyday smart devices. Will the U.S. strike Iran before or after Nov. 3? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns from a former Navy SEAL on the stories that matter to America's military. 0:00 Trump: Iran decision coming "very soon" 0:50 Something is about to happen, before or after the midterms? 1:35 Fresh crews: the Lincoln is gone 2:30 If Iran can still fortify, why did we stop? 4:10 Iraq and Afghanistan lesson: let the troops do their job 5:25 The Houthi threat and how drones changed warfare 7:55 What Mike would do with a carrier group 9:10 Tim Kennedy update 9:50 Britain's spy agency braces for Iran and Russia 11:30 AI models that can copy themselves 13:30 Hackers cook a grocery chain's freezers 15:50 How smart is your home? 16:15 Wrap-up Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Houthis Just Warned America. U.S. Troops Are Already in RANGE | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 13, 2026 21 min

MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 13 OCTOBER 2026The Houthis are warning of a "swift and painful response" if the U.S. joins Saudi strikes in Yemen, and American troops across the Gulf are already within reach. Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland breaks down the Houthi threat and whether striking them now would put more U.S. troops in danger. Mike explains why the U.S. held off on Iran during the Iraq War, even with proof Iran was helping kill American troops, and why the same math applies to the Houthis today. With the Pentagon's Iran war toll now at 21 U.S. service members dead and 865 wounded, he asks every viewer a hard question: is this fight worth it, and would you say yes if it were your son or daughter? Also covered: retired Green Beret Tim Kennedy shot in a Congo ambush and the shadow war of private contractors, Europe deporting migrants back to the Taliban, and the bipartisan pushback on Trump's Russia-Ukraine energy deal. Should the U.S. hit the Houthis now, or let Saudi Arabia handle it? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe for daily breakdowns from a former Navy SEAL on the stories that matter to America's military. 0:00 Houthis threaten America if the U.S. joins Saudi strikes 0:50 Why threaten us at all? 2:05 Why we didn't hit Iran during the Iraq War 3:45 Would striking the Houthis put more troops at risk? 4:35 Your call: hit the Houthis or let Saudi Arabia handle it? 5:00 Pentagon raises the Iran war toll: 21 dead, 865 wounded 6:40 Is it worth it? The existential-threat test 8:20 A question for every parent 10:30 Tim Kennedy shot in Congo and Erik Prince's shadow war 11:15 Why special ops vets end up as contractors 13:15 No air support, no medevac: the contractor's risk 15:15 Europe deporting migrants back to the Taliban 19:15 Congress pushes back on the Russia-Ukraine energy deal 21:10 Wrap-up ---------- Former 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...

Roman Empire Expert Warns America Is Repeating the Mistakes That Destroyed Rome | Ep. 313

Oct 13, 2026 2 hr 41 min

Roman historian and creator of The Roman Pattern, Jeremy Ryan Slate, breaks down the rise and fall of the Roman Empire and the troubling parallels to modern America. From corrupt political leaders and the execution of Rome's most capable generals to military decline, currency debasement, and failing institutions, Slate explains how one of history's most powerful empires weakened from within. He also explores Julius Caesar, Marcus Aurelius, military loyalty, and the warning signs he believes America is repeating today. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Houthis KILL an American as Trump Weighs Striking Back | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 12, 2026 15 min

MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 12 OCTOBER 2026A Houthi strike on Riyadh’s airport killed an American, the attacks haven’t stopped, and President Trump says the U.S. “may” join Saudi Arabia’s fight. Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland breaks down what the Houthis mean for the war with Iran and why the U.S. response has been so quiet. Mike doesn’t think the American was targeted for being American, but he says the Houthis’ escalation demands a response if the goal is to crush Iran and its proxies. Then Iran says it’s done answering Washington and threatens undersea cables, data centers and AI facilities. Mike explains why undersea threats fall squarely in Naval Special Warfare’s lane, and whether Tehran can actually deliver or this is more “Baghdad Bob.” Also covered: Trump’s push for a Russia–Ukraine energy ceasefire as senators call his export plan illegal, the rush to fix things before the midterms, and Gov. Newsom’s reversal on wealth taxes. Should the U.S. go after the Houthis now? Tell us in the comments 👇 Subscribe for daily breakdowns from a former Navy SEAL on the stories that matter to America’s military. 0:00 Houthis kill an American at Riyadh airport 0:50 Targeted, or wrong place at the wrong time? 2:05 The Houthis' role in the war with Iran 3:20 Why hasn't the U.S. hit the Houthis harder? 4:30 Your call: how should we handle the Houthis? 5:25 Iran stops talking, threatens undersea cables and data centers 6:15 A SEAL's view: the undersea threat 8:45 Real threat or "Baghdad Bob"? 10:45 Trump's Russia energy ceasefire push 12:50 Scrambling before the midterms 13:30 Newsom's wealth-tax reversal 14:55 Wrap-up ---------- Former 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 say...

U.S. Soldiers May Be FORCED to Execute the Fort Hood Shooter | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 11, 2026 15 min

MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 11 OCTOBER 2026The soldiers chosen for the Fort Hood shooter’s firing squad may have no way to opt out, and the Pentagon still wants the execution livestreamed. Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland breaks down how military firing squads work and why he thinks this one should be volunteers only. The last U.S. military firing squad, in January 1945, was drawn from the condemned soldier’s own regiment. Mike believes survivors and unit members would easily fill the 5–12 spots by volunteering, and that forcing anyone to pull the trigger is the wrong call. He also explains why livestreaming the execution hands extremists propaganda. Also covered: a Houthi strike on Riyadh’s airport that killed an American, and Trump saying the U.S. “may” join the fight. A U.S. fighter jet disabled a blockade runner in the Gulf of Oman. Mike asks whether the Iran blockade is working and whether crypto is keeping Tehran funded. The New York Times reports rising threats against public officials in both parties. The episode ends with a Sunday reflection. Should soldiers be allowed to opt out of a firing squad? Subscribe for daily breakdowns from a former Navy SEAL on the stories that matter to America’s military. 0:00 Fort Hood firing squad: soldiers may not get to opt out 0:25 How military firing squads work (and the last one, 1945) 1:40 Mike's take: volunteers, not orders 3:20 Answering your comments on the livestream 4:10 Why livestreaming it hands terrorists propaganda 6:15 Houthis kill an American in Riyadh airport strike 8:45 U.S. fighter jet disables an Iranian blockade runner 10:20 Is the Iran blockade actually working? 11:15 Is crypto keeping Iran funded? 12:05 NYT: threats against public officials are rising 14:25 Sunday reflection Former 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 Dro...

U.S. Army Will EXECUTE the Fort Hood Shooter, and the Pentagon Wants It Livestreamed | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 10, 2026 19 min

MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 10 OCTOBER 2026The Pentagon says the Fort Hood shooter will face a firing squad on December 3rd — and that the execution may be live streamed. Mike's read: nearly every veteran weighing in says the same thing. Carry out the sentence, but turning it into broadcast content is a line this country shouldn't cross. Alonzo Lunsford, the former staff sergeant shot seven times that day who plans to witness it in person, put it best: there's nothing glorified in the smell of blood and gunpowder. Also in this one — former Green Beret Tim Kennedy reportedly shot in an ambush in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a former New Zealand SAS operator killed in the same operation, and the larger question of whether American foreign policy should be running through contractors at all. CENTCOM looks to be moving on Iran faster than the public timeline suggested. And the Wall Street Journal reports a deal for hundreds of thousands of tons of Russian diesel to bring fuel prices down before the midterms — after years and hundreds of billions of dollars spent helping Ukraine fight that same military. Mike's take on the last one: follow the money. Both sides have buried their own people over this war, and both sides are still willing to cut a deal. Which of these do you want him to dig into further? Put it in the comments — he reads them, and your takes end up in the next one. 0:00 Fort Hood shooter to face firing squad December 3rd 0:49 Lawmakers push back, Vance doubts the live stream happens 1:16 Why the veteran community is near-unanimous on this 3:43 Alonzo Lunsford, shot seven times that day, on what he wants 5:40 Tim Kennedy reportedly shot in a Congo ambush 6:51 The Erik Prince connection and who's running these contracts 7:40 Should the U.S. fight through mercenaries at all? 10:35 CENTCOM and the real Iran timeline 11:34 U.S. cuts a diesel deal with Russia before the midterms 15:15 Follow the money 16:22 The Epoch Times, recommended by one of you 19:00...

U.S. Carrier Group SANK 64 Iranian Warships, Then Came Home | A Navy SEAL Reacts

Oct 9, 2026 8 min

MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 09 OCTOBER 2026The New York Times says the Iran war was supposed to show off American power and has done the opposite. B-1 bombers are pulled out of Britain, bases across the Gulf are closed, and carriers are being resupplied from 2,200 miles away. Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland, who served in Iraq, breaks down why seven months of war have left Iran's regime replaced but not weakened, and what he thinks winning should actually look like. Mike's take: decades of U.S. bases and troops in the Middle East haven't made the region more stable. Look at Iraq and Afghanistan. Reaching the stated goals in Iran would take a World War II-style invasion and occupation. His answer is to bring every U.S. troop home, close the bases, and force Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and the rest of the region to deal with Iran themselves. He also asks the question few pundits raise: if Iran is that determined to get a nuclear weapon, why haven't Russia or China handed it one? Also in this episode: the FBI stops a planned attack on the Mall of America, a Colorado police sergeant on how traffickers target vulnerable kids, and a tropical storm heading for the Gulf Coast. Do you agree with Mike, or should the U.S. stay? If you say stay, tell us what winning looks like to you. Comment below. Mike reads them. Timestamps 0:00 U.S. forces pull back as Iran's oil keeps flowing 0:25 Seven months in: is it working? 1:15 Iran's leaders taken out, but the regime didn't change 1:45 B-1 bombers pulled from Britain 2:20 What does winning look like? 2:30 Decades of U.S. bases in the Middle East 3:20 Iraq, WMDs and what Mike saw on the ground 3:45 Who a nuclear Iran really threatens 4:45 Afghanistan and Iraq: better off? 6:00 Mike's answer: bring every troop home 7:30 Make the region step up 8:10 Why haven't Russia or China given Iran a nuke? 9:30 Are the lives lost worth it? 10:10 What real victory would take 11:45 FBI stops a Mall of America attack 13:55 How traffickers target kids 15:00 T...

Iran Gets BOLDER as U.S. Forces Pull Back | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 8, 2026 15 min

MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 08 OCTOBER 2026The New York Times says the Iran war was supposed to show off American power and has done the opposite. B-1 bombers are pulled out of Britain, bases across the Gulf are closed, and carriers are being resupplied from 2,200 miles away. Former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland, who served in Iraq, breaks down why seven months of war have left Iran's regime replaced but not weakened, and what he thinks winning should actually look like. Mike's take: decades of U.S. bases and troops in the Middle East haven't made the region more stable. Look at Iraq and Afghanistan. Reaching the stated goals in Iran would take a World War II-style invasion and occupation. His answer is to bring every U.S. troop home, close the bases, and force Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and the rest of the region to deal with Iran themselves. He also asks the question few pundits raise: if Iran is that determined to get a nuclear weapon, why haven't Russia or China handed it one? Also in this episode: the FBI stops a planned attack on the Mall of America, a Colorado police sergeant on how traffickers target vulnerable kids, and a tropical storm heading for the Gulf Coast. Do you agree with Mike, or should the U.S. stay? If you say stay, tell us what winning looks like to you. Comment below. Mike reads them. Timestamps 0:00 U.S. forces pull back as Iran's oil keeps flowing 0:25 Seven months in: is it working? 1:15 Iran's leaders taken out, but the regime didn't change 1:45 B-1 bombers pulled from Britain 2:20 What does winning look like? 2:30 Decades of U.S. bases in the Middle East 3:20 Iraq, WMDs and what Mike saw on the ground 3:45 Who a nuclear Iran really threatens 4:45 Afghanistan and Iraq: better off? 6:00 Mike's answer: bring every troop home 7:30 Make the region step up 8:10 Why haven't Russia or China given Iran a nuke? 9:30 Are the lives lost worth it? 10:10 What real victory would take 11:45 FBI stops a Mall of America attack 13:55 How traffickers target kids 15:00 T...

Yemen Asked for Help. Why Did the U.S. Stand By? | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 7, 2026 15 min

MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 07 OCTOBER 2026France leads both papers again, so Mike skips ahead to the stories that matter here. The headlines: according to the New York Times, a Yemeni general warned weeks in advance that the Iran-backed Houthis were about to push along the Red Sea coast, and the U.S. and Saudi Arabia stood by. Vice President Vance is pressing Iran for a meaningful reduction in its nuclear capability to end the war, while Iran's president calls the talks meaningless. Germany arrested its former foreign intelligence chief on suspicion of espionage and treason, and a former CIA officer pleaded guilty to exposing a top-secret source to a foreign government. Tennessee is weighing its next step after Christa Pike survived a failed execution. And President Trump says he's considering suspending the federal gas tax as diesel hits a record national average. Mike's take: he has a theory about why the U.S. didn't help Yemen. If the Houthis take the whole country, it may be easier to fight them head-on than to prop up a government that has struggled with corruption. On Iran, he says months of "we're close to a deal" with no clear definition of success is the biggest problem with the whole campaign. He thinks the death penalty should be on the table for spies whose betrayal gets people killed, supports it for the most heinous crimes, and asks why states don't use the firing squad instead of lethal injection. On fuel, he says it's hard to argue prices would be this high without the Iran war, and that suspending the gas tax is a band-aid. Your turn. Why do you think the U.S. stood by in Yemen? What would a good deal with Iran look like? Should traitors whose actions cost lives face the death penalty? Tell us in the comments. Mike reads them. Timestamps 0:00 Happy Wednesday 0:15 Yemen asked for help and the U.S. stood by 1:15 Mike's theory: let the Houthis take Yemen? 2:55 Vance presses Iran on its nuclear program 4:30 The messaging problem 5:45 What would a good deal wi...

The Delta Force and DEVGRU Op Nobody Talks About: Hunting Pablo Escobar | Ep. 312

Oct 6, 2026 3 hr 29 min

Former DEA Special Agent Steve Murphy—credited with taking down cartel kingpin Pablo Escobar, serving as a technical consultant for Narcos, and co-authoring Manhunters—sits down with Mike Ritland for an in-depth conversation. After watching the hit series depicting Murphy’s career, Ritland explores the real-life history behind the story, diving into the operational friction, the uncredited role of U.S. special operations like Delta Force and SEAL Team 6, and the harsh realities of combating the Medellin Cartel on the ground. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Wounded by Iran, Then Left on Their Own | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 6, 2026 24 min

MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 06 OCTOBER 2026The biggest story today wasn't on either front page. Mike pulls in an AP report: soldiers seriously wounded in Iranian drone strikes say the military's medical system failed them. One soldier had a damaged artery that put him at risk of a stroke. He was sent to barracks and told to schedule outpatient appointments. Another waited more than four months for MRI results after having shrapnel removed from his head. Also in today's papers: Saudi and Yemeni forces are pushing back against the Houthis around the Red Sea port of Mokha. Germany and France are pushing the EU to get tough on Chinese trade. The FBI arrested a California woman accused of acting as an unregistered agent of China. Russia is investigating a death at a Siberian infectious disease lab. Brazil's right wing had a surprise surge. Superpowers are racing to put nuclear reactors on the moon. High interest rates haven't slowed the AI boom. And the DOJ is tightening visa screening for birth tourism. Mike's take: if you send troops to fight, you'd better be ready to take care of them when they're wounded, no matter which administration you are. He knows what waiting looks like. After a collarbone and bicep injury, the VA took so long to get him an MRI that surgery was no longer an option. On the Houthis, he says decades of U.S. involvement haven't worked, and he wonders whether pulling out completely would force Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the rest of the region to step up. On AI's energy demand, he makes the case for small regional nuclear reactors. On birthright citizenship, he doesn't think children of people here illegally or on temporary visas should become citizens automatically, and he invites anyone who disagrees to change his mind. Your turn. If you've been wounded or injured in service, how was your care? Would pulling out of the Middle East make the region step up, or would it be a disaster? Tell us in the comments. Mike reads them. Timestamps 0:00 Happy Tuesday 0:2...

The U.S. Just Pulled B-1 Bombers Out of the UK. Why? | A Navy SEAL Reacts

Oct 5, 2026 21 min

MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 05 OCTOBER 2026The Journal and the Times split again today, and Mike gives the edge to the Times. The headlines: the U.S. is moving its B-1 bombers out of the UK over security concerns. Investigators say authorities in three countries missed chances to keep the FlyDubai attacker out of the cockpit. President Trump repeated a promise of $5,000 to every adult American if Republicans win the midterms. A new White House task force has 120 days to report on the risks and opportunities of AI. Russian oil assets are now part of the Ukraine peace talks, with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at the table. Phoenix teenagers are running an illegal weapons pipeline into Mexico. AI is getting better at predicting breast cancer risk. And China is worried its citizens are relying on AI too much. Mike's take: if the U.S. is pulling bombers out of the UK, one of our closest allies, then Iran's reach is a bigger problem than anyone's admitting. He wants Republicans to win the midterms, but he still calls the $5,000 promise a bribe paid with taxpayers' own money. On the AI task force and the Ukraine talks, his question is the same: who picks the people in charge, and what do they stand to gain? On the cartel gun pipeline, he argues that supply will always find a way, so the real fix is cutting demand, starting with strong families and better-raised kids. And he finds two positive AI stories: earlier cancer detection, and China possibly recognizing the risks. Your turn. How is Iran still able to threaten us in the UK? Would $5,000 change your vote? What's the single most effective way to cut demand for drugs, weapons and trafficking? Tell us in the comments. Mike reads them. Timestamps 0:00 Happy Monday and a quick housekeeping note 1:35 The Journal vs. the Times 1:55 Brazil's presidential election 2:10 B-1 bombers leave the UK 3:00 How can Iran still reach our allies? 4:10 How the FlyDubai attacker reached the cockpit 5:30 Incompetence or something more? 5:55 $5,00...

I Walked Away From God for Decades. Here's What Brought Me Back | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 4, 2026 58 min

MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 04 OCTOBER 2026A long one for Sunday. There's no Wall Street Journal today, so Mike covers the New York Times and then shares the story many of you asked for: his path back to Christ. He starts by setting the record straight. After hearing from viewers, Mike walks back his comments on the Cornell case. He says he was guilty of the same rush to judgment he warns against, and he'll wait for the facts. He also shares what viewers in France told him the coverage of the riots there is missing. The headlines: protesters in canoes outside Chief Justice John Roberts' home in Maine. AIPAC has raised $233 million for the midterms. A report says President Trump directed $20 million in taxpayer money toward TV ads. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao's new role advising governments on crypto after his pardon, and his company's business ties to World Liberty Financial. And a Times opinion piece asking whether Democrats can win back religious voters. Mike's take: protest all you want where officials work, but leave their homes and families alone. He thinks any PAC tied to a foreign country, whichever country it is, shouldn't have a role in U.S. elections. Taxpayer money shouldn't fund ads praising any president. And no one in office should profit from policy they control, period. He also challenges fellow Christians to judge less and show more grace. Then the story: a Lutheran upbringing, a faith that fell apart through SEAL deployments, war and fatherhood, and decades of walking away. Then came the faithful men who appeared on the podcast, the week Charlie Kirk was killed, an unplanned Sunday at church that his kids shared without knowing it, and how he finally made peace with the question of free will. Your turn. Should protests at officials' homes be off-limits? Should foreign-focused PACs be banned? And if you've walked away from faith or found your way back, what made the difference? Tell us in the comments, and as Mike asks, be kind to one another. Timestamp...

A Private Intel Brief on Iran: What the Headlines Aren't Telling You | Mike Drop Newsroom

Oct 3, 2026 32 min

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. Timesta...

A Third Aircraft Carrier Is Headed to the Middle East. What's Coming? | A Navy SEAL Reacts

Oct 2, 2026 25 min

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. Timestamps 0:00 Happy Friday 0:25 The Times and the Journal split today 0:50 The Cornell case 2:55 Faith, family and how we treat each other online 5:50 Tennessee halts executions 7:30 AI giants spend on the midterms 7:55 Is lobbying just legal bribery? 9:10 Questions about the FlyDubai co-pilot's motive 10:00 The ca...

America Is Leaving Iraq. Was It Worth It? | A Navy SEAL Who Was There

Oct 2, 2026 21 min

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. Timestamps 0:00 Happy October 0:25 Same two stories in both papers 1:15 The Times' weather report (a tangent) 2:30 Pilot hijacks FlyDubai Flight 1073 4:35 The 1980s hijacking Mike never forgot 6:15 The U.S. leaves Iraq 7:05 Was it worth it? 8:20 Saddam, Iran and the power vacuum 10:00 Iran's proxies and the IED war 10:50 The refugee crisis no one talks about 12:30 Is Iraq worse off now? 14:35 No good options 15:25 BMW using AI to cut jobs 16:15 Iran linked to foiled attack on a British a...

Navy SEAL Captain Brad Geary: I Refused to Go Quietly | Ep. 311

Sep 29, 2026 4 hr 55 min

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=0 If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend. ---------- Support Bradley Geary http://www.hardmindsoftheart.com/ https://thekeynoteagency.com/speakers/brad-geary/ https://standwithwarriors.org/ https://www.instagram.com/bradleyandamy/ https://x.com/bradleydgeary https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-geary ---------- MIKE DROP PATREON Watch ad free never before seen content at https://patreon.com/mikedrop WARRIOR DOG FOUNDATION These 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/donate 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 tr...

Max Afterburner Reveals Why He Broke the Rules to Save a Navy SEAL | Ep. 310

Sep 21, 2026 3 hr 53 min

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 PATREON Watch ad free never before seen content at https://patreon.com/mikedrop WARRIOR DOG FOUNDATION These 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/donate 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 NAVY SEALS FITNESS APP | HYBRID STRENGTH & CONDITIONING TRAINING Train like a SEAL with Mike Ritland's App. Build real-world strength, endurance and resilience. https://www.coachos-app.com/navy-seals SHOP ALL THE MIKE RITLAND BRANDS Get all your...

Federal Agent Reveals Why He Believes Epstein Left His Cell Alive | Ep. 309

Sep 15, 2026 3 hr 30 min

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 Dalton https://closedhorizon.com https://epsteinisntdead.org https://www.instagram.com/spokedriver ---------- SPONSORS HELIX Get 120-night sleep trial at https://helixsleep.com/mikedrop TRUE NUTRITION Get 20% off on your first custom protein blend with code mikedrop at https://truenutrition.com/mikedrop MIKE DROP PATREON Watch ad free never before seen content at https://patreon.com/mikedrop WARRIOR DOG FOUNDATION These 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/donate 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 NAVY SEALS FITNESS APP | HYBRID STR...

Secret Service Agent Reveals What REALLY Happened Inside the Twin Towers on 9/11 | Ep. 308

Sep 8, 2026 3 hr 31 min

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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Navy SEAL: Kicked Out of the Naval Academy — Then Earned His Way Into the SEAL Teams | Ep. 307

Aug 31, 2026 3 hr 9 min

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/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Air Force JTAC Reveals Why Special Operators Can’t Fight Without Air Support | Ep 306

Aug 25, 2026 3 hr 19 min

Air Force Special Operations JTAC veteran Conan Higgins joins the show to break down what a Joint Terminal Attack Controller actually does on the battlefield—and why he believes air power could have changed the outcome of missions like Operation Red Wings. Conan deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Philippines, earning two Bronze Stars for combat action, while simultaneously serving as a Washington State trooper, undercover narcotics detective, and SWAT team leader—all while finishing law school. Today he's the president of an international law firm based in D.C., advising security, defense, and risk consulting clients in 19 countries across six continents. We get into calling in airstrikes under fire, the raw power and vulnerability of close air support, and his blunt take on where the current strikes on Iran could be headed. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Podcast details

Created by: Mike Ritland
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 14, 2026
Episodes: 471
Release period: Daily
Avg. episode length: 1 hr 9 min
Explicit: Yes
Language: English

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