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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.
Aug. 21, 2025

Chuck Hayes on SEAL's Post-9/11 Evolution, Crushing Taliban, and Questioning U.S. Wars | Ep. 253 | Pt. 2

Welcome back to Part 2 of the Mike Drop Podcast featuring Chuck Hayes, a 40-year Navy SEAL veteran whose career spanned from enlisted ranks to captain. In this episode, Chuck dives deep into the pivotal moments that shaped his post-9/11 journey, including the tragic loss of a teammate during training, the profound impact of September 11th on his career, revamping SEAL training for the Afghanistan theater, intense deployments as a task unit commander, kinetic operations against Taliban leaders, and candid reflections on the purpose, sacrifices, and outcomes of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Listeners will find raw stories of leadership under fire, hard lessons from combat, geopolitical insights, and thoughtful critiques on military strategy, national policy, and the human cost of endless conflict—delivering inspiration, introspection, and unfiltered truth from a warrior's perspective.

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