With so many military oriented podcasts out there, it’s easy to miss the great ones. You can stop looking. Mike has the most engaging interview style that drills down deeper than most without wasting everyone’s time or getting sidetracked. His guests have intriguing backgrounds and even if I’ve listened to their story on another show, I’ll listen again here because Mike gets so much more out of them. Highly recommend this show and constantly telling my buddies about him.
Such a great podcast. For an absolutely amazing American to interview awesome people - it’s raw, it’s real, it is not all sunshine and unicorns. I appreciate the truth behind all the stories - ptsd is real, separation is real, people falter. Mike does an amazing job to bring out the best, and the truth. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Started listening to episode 161 and 162. Great questions and great contexts. He is respectful of the people he talks too.
One last thing. In his interview Drago says he’s not a hero in Poland and he couldn’t be more wrong. He’s a hero in two countries. To do what he did in Poland and to come here and want to pay back America. He’s a hero in Poland and in the United States.
Wish I could rate your guest she would get a zero. You will never get less than 5 stars from me. Love the questions you ask and the flow you keep. Please never invite that embellishing, lying, nasally, obnoxious lady on ever again. Her nonsense about the police academy being 8 months. Then to say some commander pulled her aside when she was contemplating leaving for secret service and told her she always has a spot here. Could she get any more dramatic? You can always return to a parent agency provided they have an opening and it’s been within a year. You will lose seniority and detail. She makes it sound like he will be on his knees cradling her badge waiting for her return. Sorry, narcissists infuriate me.
Fairly new subscriber after hearing Mike on other podcasts. Always top notch guests. Asking the right questions. Getting the right answers. You have a new lifelong listener. Thanks!
Mike's show is genuine, funny, entertaining, and informative. He sets himself apart from other SEALs that do podcasts by the candor, banter, and thought provoking conversations. Even as a Marine, this is my favorite podcast.
As a Professor of Medicine and Center Director for Global Health at a large US institution, it is amazingly refreshing to see Mike share his experiences in a balanced and forthright manner. I appreciate his straight talk and no holds bar approach. The guests and the interactions that transpire during the podcast are truly touching stories from some of our most accomplished leaders and hero’s - the one’s who actually count the most. And by the way, there are Professors out there who are real patriots with exactly the same ideologies and viewpoints that you all share. Just not too many:) Keep up the good fight!
Great podcast but if this dude honestly takes all the powders, potions, juices, and supplements that he promotes you KNOW he glows like a case of chem lights! Yowza!
Listen to Mike Drop often and always look forward to the new shows. As a veteran I love the stories from guests. It brings me back and definitely makes me think. Initially I started listening as I was new to dog training and dog sports but later found I was missing that military connection. Keep up the outstanding work, and thank you for keeping it real!
I came for the dog stories but keep listening because of all the amazing guests. I do my best to support the foundations that these men represent. Drago blew me away with his story and I almost had to pull over the car when he ended the session with a prayer for those who have fallen.
Keep up the awesome work
It takes a real man to work with dogs that only want to tear people apart. Mike Ritland came from the same city that my family tree in USA originated from “Waterloo Iowa. Mike’s issue that he had to face with racism in school is parallel to my youth. I had a Long Coat GS that would have died for me. She was the only thing I had to level the playing field. She was all teeth and she would heel at my left side without a leash.
The rehabilitation program Mike has for dogs of war is a great thing so please donate anything you can afford for these warrior dogs that kept our troops safe.
Started listening to Mike on SOFREP. Been listening ever since. This was one of the top 5 interviews Mike has conducted. We should be be ashamed as a Nation that we have let down our Military Heroes in NOT giving them FULL RETIREMENTS, full Medical, EDUCATION-FULL TUITION, when it becomes necessary, be it 8 years, 10 years, 12 years, after repeated workups and deployments as has been the case for the past 35 years! God Bless all of you! Semper Fi! Bob L., Ocala, FL
This is very different from the other podcasts I listen to but I’m never disappointed with the content and guests. Great job, Mike! I have a number of favorites interviews but most recently, Michael Durant and then Cody Lundin. Excellent. 6-16-22: Great interview with Kelsi! Riveting story. It’s one thing to hear similar from the guys but from a female perspective it was a little tough. I’ve got daughters and pray that they never have to go through something like like, well anyone for that matter. Hang in there Kelsi. Salute! 9-12-22: I just listened to the interview with Bruce Sackman. Fascinating stuff, but scary. I work in the Air Ambulance industry and my Medical crews have some pretty wild stories from their times in the hospitals and/ambulances. We sometimes feel like we fly people away from certain death simply by getting them out of a specific hospital or away from certain medical staff. After hearing Bruce’s stories, now I really wonder. 10-24-22: I just finished the interview with Kyle Carpenter. Great interview! Mike does a very good job of getting the interviewees to open up and speak, without a lot of interjection. Kyle is such a smooth and calm speaker. It was a pleasure to listen to all 4+ hours. 11-30-22: Fantastic interview with Jeff Struecker! Black Hawk Down has a lot of personal meaning to me and it was fascinating to here yet another in-depth piece of it from another person. Keep up the great work!
7-30-23: Fantastic interview with Remi Adeleke! Man, that guy’s got energy! I’m excited for him and for all of us to be able to see/read his work in the future. Now I’ve got to back up a few years and listen to his previous 2 interviews. More great work, Mike!
Don’t know if Mike will ever see this, but I wanted to make sure I drop in and just say how much I enjoy this podcast and how much I respect Mike Ritland. I grew up around hunting hounds and have always respected dogs and have been fascinated by them. I love Mike’s passion for dogs and his knowledge and passion is evident anytime I hear him talk about them. I learn something new anytime he talks about dogs. Mike, you are the real deal and I thank you for your service as well as your willingness to share your knowledge with the rest of us.
Mike brings us along into the real stories of service members. As a civilian who has never served it is awe inspiring to hear what actually happens in order to keep us safe. This pod cast is gritty, emotional, inspiring and heartfelt all at the same time. I couldn't even begin to fathom the sacrifices that are made by our services members. But with mikes podcast you get a honest look into what actually happens to keep us safe. Episode 122 with chad and aziz is a perfect example of this. Thank you Mike for all that you do.
Man!! Finally a great podcast that gives the real hero’s of America a platform to get their stories and experience out! You will get a one of a kind perspective from the great guests Mike brings on! Looking forward to many, many more!
I listen to numerous podcasts and audible books from former SOF operators. Even though I’m only two episodes in, this is, perhaps the best podcast series I’ve ever heard. Mike’s humility and expertise are riveting, and he has a fantastic voice for radio.
All the best.
Mamma Lee and her org Americas Mighty Warriors saved not only my marriage and relationship w/my daughter but my life! Im so thankful for her, her org, her selfless dedication to helping our veterans and to you for interviewing her.
Mike keep up the great work brother! I enjoy your guest as well as your dog training info.
Mike does an outstanding job interviewing all sorts of amazing people serving at the tip of the spear and beyond. He gives these men and women a platform to share their experiences and their struggles. Although I never was in the military I was raised to respect and honor all those who have fought for our country. I will make sure I instil those same values in my children. Thank you to Mike and to all of the Men and Women you’ve had on. Keep up the good work.
I’ve listened to episode 120 two times already.
This has become my favorite episode so far. They’re all awesome, but this one made me laugh, cry, and has given me chills.
Thank you Major Struecker for sharing your story and thank you Mike for helping to bring it us! I truly believe there are so many stories that need to be told and you and so many are helping to facilitate that.
