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Mike Drop
Mike Drop
Mike Drop, hosted by former Navy SEAL and bestselling author Mike Ritland, is a no-holds-barred conversation platform that dives deep into the stories and experiences of extraordinary individuals from diverse backgrounds. Known for his candid and unfiltered approach, Mike invites guests ranging from military veterans and elite athletes to renowned authors and thought leaders, offering listeners an unvarnished look at the human side of those who have excelled in their fields. Whether it's discussing the intense challenges of combat, the resilience required to overcome personal adversity, or the mindset needed to achieve greatness, Mike Drop provides a space where real conversations happen. Join the Mike Drop podcast—where relevancy is irrelevant and we don’t give a shit about your feelings.
Nov. 18, 2025

Afghan Refugee Turned Marine & Green Beret | Ep. 266 | Pt. 1

Afghan Refugee Turned Marine & Green Beret | Ep. 266 | Pt. 1

In Episode 266 of the Mike Drop Podcast, Mike Ritland sits down with Kawa Mawlayee—the first Afghan-born Green Beret—for a raw talk on war, immigration, and identity. Kawa recounts fleeing Soviet-invaded Afghanistan, losing his father, and growing up as a refugee in Nebraska before serving 21 years across the Marines and Army, including Iraq’s invasion and the battle of Fallujah. They dive into today’s immigration crisis, where Kawa contrasts his own integration with the current border chaos and even imagines how he’d fix ICE. From Fallujah’s brutality to the moral injuries of endless wars, Kawa reflects on leadership failures, resilience, and the cost of service—told with the blunt honesty only veterans share.

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