Surviving 2.5 Hell Weeks and 6 BUD/S Attempts | Ep. 251

In this episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, John Collins delivers an unfiltered, brutally honest account of what it really takes to become a Navy SEAL—and what happens when the dream nearly dies. This isn’t your typical war story. It’s about failing hard, facing humiliation, and coming back swinging.

Raised by a hard-charging state trooper in small-town Maryland, John always knew structure. What he didn’t know was how far he’d have to go—how much he’d have to lose—before finally earning the Trident. From getting dropped at BUD/S to guarding terrorists in Guantanamo Bay, John’s journey is a masterclass in grit, redemption, and what it means to serve with purpose even when the path doesn’t go according to plan.

Through multiple Hell Weeks, soul-crushing setbacks, and years of grinding through Navy politics, John fought like hell to get back into SEAL training. And he made it. But what happened after is just as powerful. From sniper to breacher to K9 handler, to a complete reinvention in civilian life—John proves that purpose doesn’t end with a uniform.

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CHAPTERS
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:08 - Importance of Canine Nutrition and Team Dog
00:02:22 - Discussing Recent Books and Western Literature
00:09:40 - Issues with SIG Firearms
00:11:04 - Childhood Background and Upbringing
00:16:19 - Impact of 9/11 and SEAL Inspiration
00:18:07 - Early Exposure to SEAL Teams
00:22:39 - Training for BUD/S
00:27:36 - Hell Week and Neck Injury
00:29:25 - Second BUD/S Attempt and Pool Comp Failure
00:34:02 - Guantanamo Bay Assignment and Challenges
00:49:18 - Provoking Detainees During Prayer Call
00:52:28 - Returning to BUD/S in Top Shape
00:55:17 - Illness During Hell Week with Class 281
01:05:05 - Fight During Ocean Swim in Class 287
01:14:25 - Resolving Conflict with Swim Buddy
01:16:29 - Reflections on BUD/S Training and Standards
01:19:45 - Opinions on Maintaining BUD/S Standards
01:22:19 - First SEAL Team Assignment and Deployment
01:30:33 - Interest in the SEAL Canine Program
01:34:10 - Structure of the SEAL Canine Handler Course
01:36:30 - Deployment Experience with Canine in UAE and Oman
01:40:21 - Challenges and Perceptions of the Canine Program
01:47:30 - Heartland Steak Company Advertisement
01:48:16 - Challenges with Canine Programs
01:53:49 - Working with Tyson the Canine
01:56:36 - Incident with the Canine and Handler Challenges
02:05:06 - Tyson’s Death in Combat and Aftermath
02:14:25 - Emotional Impact of Tyson’s Death and Memorial Knife
02:19:11 - Critique of Leadership Decisions in SEAL Teams
02:24:44 - Marriage and Life After the Navy
02:28:43 - Current Role as Safety Director and Veteran Hunts
02:30:34 - Reflections on Navy’s Treatment of Personnel
02:34:32 - Thoughts on PED Testing in BUD/S Training
02:38:08 - Preparing SEALs for Drone Warfare
02:45:36 - Impact of Social Media on Military Recruiting
02:47:27 - U.S. Involvement in Potential Taiwan-China Conflict
02:50:48 - Final Thoughts