Mike Drop

Cumulus Podcast Network
  • 4.9 (6.4K)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED DAILY

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.

  1. 7H AGO

    Inside the White House War Room | Special Forces Veteran Mark Grdovic | Ep. 281 | Pt. 3

    In Part 3 of Episode 281 of the Mike Drop Podcast, I sit down with Mark Grdovic to talk about what happened after the Iraq invasion—getting pulled out of theater sooner than expected, taking those lessons back to train the next generation of Special Forces, and landing in one of the most unique jobs in the military: running the President’s Emergency Operations Center at the White House. We also get into leadership behind the scenes during Hurricane Katrina, the realities of retirement after decades in uniform, and Mark’s perspective on service, war, and what you really take with you when it’s all over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    55 min
  2. You Might Also Like: Science Will Win

    7H AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: Science Will Win

    Introducing What Women Carry: Courage Through Cancer from Science Will Win. Follow the show: Science Will Win What women carry through cancer is more than a diagnosis.  In our third episode of this miniseries, Dr. Raven Baxter explores how generations of women turned silence into advocacy and fear into progress, reshaping the perceptions and discussions around cancer over time. Through history, science, and a powerful story from Katrina M. Johnson — a woman who has lived through multiple breast cancer diagnoses and now advocates for others — the episode highlights how women continue to drive change in how cancer is understood, treated, and lived with. Featured guests: – Dr. Isaac Chan, Physician‑scientist and Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern – Kirsten Gardner, Director of Medical Humanities, University of Texas at San Antonio; Author – Katrina M. Johnson, Breast Cancer Patient; Director of Advocacy and Professional Relations, Pfizer Oncology Dive into the episode here: 00:00 – The start of three cancer diagnoses 02:06 – The history of breast cancer awareness campaigns 09:27 – How the mastectomy has changed 12:59 – Evolving research in breast cancer 15:10 – Breast cancer impacting body image and sexuality 19:29 – Emerging therapies to address breast cancer 21:18 – Addressing the BRCA gene today 23:30 – Breast cancer advocacy then and now 26:08 – Katrina's takeaways about her breast cancer story Check out our YouTube channel (@Pfizer) to watch the full interview with Raven & Katrina M. Johnson on her breast cancer journey. Season 6 of Science Will Win is created by Pfizer and hosted by Dr. Raven Baxter. It’s produced by Acast Creative Studios. Hosts in this podcast series were compensated for their time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. 1D AGO

    The Secret Northern Front of the Iraq War: Special Forces & Kurdish Fighters | Ep. 281 | Pt. 2

    In Part 2 of Episode 281 of the Mike Drop Podcast, I sit down with Special Forces veteran Mark Grecovich to break down the planning and execution behind Operation Viking Hammer. We get into working with Kurdish forces, the complications with Turkey backing out, and how Green Berets adapted on the fly to launch a high-risk mission against an Al-Qaeda–affiliated group in the mountains of northern Iraq. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 10m

  4. 3D AGO

    Operation “Viking Hammer” Was Never the Real Mission? | Ep. 281 | Pt. 1

    Retired Green Beret, Mark Grdovic shares the largely untold story of what came to be known as "Operation Viking Hammer", a 2003 U.S. Army Special Forces mission in northern Iraq that targeted the terrorist group Ansar al-Islam prior to the main invasion. Working alongside Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, 10th Special Forces Group conducted a coordinated assault on entrenched enemy positions in mountainous terrain near Halabja, following Tomahawk strikes. The operation dismantled Ansar al-Islam’s stronghold and secured the Kurdish region, enabling follow-on coalition operations deeper into Iraq. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 14m

  5. FEB 27

    A Sniper’s Redemption: Therapy, Plant Medicines, and Overcoming Combat Trauma | Ep. 280 | Pt. 3

    In the final part of this three-part episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, host Mike Ritland wraps up the conversation with former British Army sniper Ted Shirley. Ted shares his path to recovery from severe PTSD through civilian therapy, grounding techniques, EMDR, mindfulness, plant medicines, and years of hard work. He describes backpacking the world, rediscovering music, writing his book Afghanistan Sniper: Trauma on the Frontline and Beyond, giving mental health talks to veterans and military leaders, and reaching full remission—no longer carrying the diagnosis. A moving close full of hope, purpose, and the clear message that complete healing from combat trauma is possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    52 min

  6. FEB 26

    The Sniper's Demon: Precision Shots, Trauma, Suicide Attempts, and Life After the Front Line | Ep. 280 | Pt. 2

    In this intense episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, host Mike Ritland speaks with former British Army sniper Ted Shirley about his 2009–2010 Afghanistan tour. Ted recounts mile-long confirmed kills, massive air assaults, close calls with enemy snipers, the combat high—and the brutal aftermath: severe PTSD, nightmares, aggression, addiction-like urges around killing, suicide attempts, and medical discharge. A raw, honest look at the psychological cost of being a sniper and the struggle to come home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    59 min

  7. FEB 24

    British Army Sniper on Who Really Killed Charlie Kirk | Ep. 280 | Pt. 1

    Ted Shirley, a former British Army sniper with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and author of Afghanistan Sniper: Trauma on the Frontline and Beyond, recounts his two brutal tours in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province, where he became one of the UK’s deadliest snipers. He opens up about the psychological toll of combat, including PTSD, addiction to the kill, substance abuse, and suicide attempts, and shares his perspective on the assassination of Charlie Kirk through the lens of his experience with political violence. Shirley ultimately reflects on his journey toward healing through therapy, plant medicine, and deep self-reflection, offering a raw but hopeful message about recovery after war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    56 min
  8. Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Cartels: Crenshaw’s Take on U.S. Foreign Policy Choices | Ep. 279 | Pt. 3

    FEB 20

    Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Cartels: Crenshaw’s Take on U.S. Foreign Policy Choices | Ep. 279 | Pt. 3

    In the final part of Episode 279 of Mike Drop, Mike Ritland and Congressman Dan Crenshaw wrap up their discussion. Crenshaw addresses federal spending, waste vs. fraud in entitlements like Social Security and Medicare, the unsustainable path of these programs, and why meaningful reform remains politically toxic. The conversation shifts to foreign policy—Ukraine aid, Israel support, deterring China over Taiwan, cartel threats, and U.S. involvement abroad—before touching on immigration enforcement, regrets, and reflections on public service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    52 min
See All (353)

Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
6,363 Ratings

About

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.

Information

More From Cumulus Podcast Network

You Might Also Like