Episodes

  • Hamas, Apartheid, and PTSD: A Soldier’s Journey from War to Redemption | Ep. 260 | Pt. 3

    Hamas, Apartheid, and PTSD: A Soldier’s Journey from War to Redemption | Ep. 260 | Pt. 3
    Oct 10 2025
    Welcome to Part 3 of Episode 260 of the Mike Drop podcast. Mike Ritland engages with guest Alan Shebaro, a U.S. Army veteran and advocate for Palestinian rights, diving deep into the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Shebaro challenges narratives around Hamas, Israeli policies, and U.S. involvement, drawing from his military background and experiences in the West Bank. The conversation covers controversial topics like alleged Israeli war crimes, the ethics of resistance, historical parallels to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, and the role of international bodies like the UN and ICC. Beyond geopolitics, Shebaro shares his personal struggles with PTSD, addiction, and transitioning to civilian life, highlighting his creation of the We Defy Foundation, which helps veterans through jiu-jitsu scholarships. This episode is a raw blend of geopolitical debate, veteran mental health insights, and inspiring stories of resilience, perfect for listeners interested in military perspectives, global conflicts, and personal redemption. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 44 mins
  • Breaking the Silence on Gaza and Ukraine: Military Regrets & Historical Atrocities | Ep. 260 | Pt. 2

    Breaking the Silence on Gaza and Ukraine: Military Regrets & Historical Atrocities | Ep. 260 | Pt. 2
    Oct 9 2025
    Dive into Part 2 of Episode 260 of the Mike Drop podcast, Ritland sits down with guest Alan Shebaro, a U.S. Army veteran and outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights, who shares his personal journey from military service in Iraq and Afghanistan to questioning U.S. foreign policy. Listeners will find thought-provoking discussions on the aftermath of 9/11, the ethics of American interventions abroad, critiques of historical U.S. involvement in the Middle East (including propping up regimes and overthrowing leaders), and a deep exploration of current global conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza. Shebaro draws from his firsthand experiences in the West Bank, offering controversial insights into geopolitics, isolationism, and calls for policy changes, all while reflecting on the human cost of war. This episode challenges conventional narratives and encourages critical thinking on international relations—perfect for those interested in military history, foreign policy debates, and veteran perspectives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 49 mins
  • HEATED DEBATE: Is Israel The REAL Terror State? Ep. 260 | Pt. 1

    HEATED DEBATE: Is Israel The REAL Terror State? Ep. 260 | Pt. 1
    Oct 7 2025
    On this episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, Mike Ritland hosts Alan Shebaro, a former Green Beret sniper, 5th-degree jiu-jitsu black belt, and We Defy Foundation founder, supporting veterans with jiu-jitsu scholarships. Alan opens with a fiery take, branding Israel a "terrorist state" for displacing Palestinians and dismissing the "unprovoked" October attack narrative as a cover for decades of occupation. He challenges theological land claims, arguing ancient entitlements don’t justify modern evictions, reflecting on both sides’ fierce convictions. Alan shares his journey from a military brat in Europe and the Middle East to enlisting post-9/11, surviving the grueling SF Q-course, and enduring three intense Iraq deployments. His initial pride in "liberating the oppressed" soured as he questioned the trillions spent and lives lost for little gain, paralleling his critique of colonial conflicts like Israel-Palestine. Now in Vietnam, he’s the top-ranked jiu-jitsu practitioner, finding solace on the mat. Expect raw, unfiltered takes as Alan and Mike explore geopolitics, stoicism, and hypotheticals like facing ancient warriors. From blind patriotism to brutal honesty, Alan exposes the thin line between duty and delusion, shaped by a life of combat and reflection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 47 mins
  • From Incarceration to Inspiration: Zach Skow on Rehab Failures, Drug Epidemics, and Afghanistan Animal Evacuations | Ep. 259 | Pt. 3

    From Incarceration to Inspiration: Zach Skow on Rehab Failures, Drug Epidemics, and Afghanistan Animal Evacuations | Ep. 259 | Pt. 3
    Oct 3 2025
    Welcome to Part 3 of Episode 259 of the Mike Drop Podcast, featuring guest Zach Skow, founder of Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue and the Pawsitive Change program. In this final installment, Zach and host Mike Ritland explore the successes and rare failures of inmate rehabilitation through dog training, delving into the U.S. prison system's flaws—including over-incarceration, drug ubiquity, and historical policies like the War on Drugs and the 1994 Crime Bill. Listeners will hear thought-provoking debates on reform ideas, from harsh punitive measures to humanity-focused programs, alongside stories of post-incarceration employment in the pet industry and Zach's gripping account of Operation Kabul Rescue, evacuating hundreds of animals amid Afghanistan's chaos. Packed with insights on second chances, societal change, and unbreakable human-animal bonds, this episode wraps up an epic conversation with raw honesty and inspiration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Zach Skow on Addiction Recovery, Dog Overpopulation, and Prison Rehab Programs | Ep. 259 | Pt. 2

    Zach Skow on Addiction Recovery, Dog Overpopulation, and Prison Rehab Programs | Ep. 259 | Pt. 2
    Oct 2 2025
    Welcome to Part 2 of Episode 259 of the Mike Drop Podcast, featuring guest Zach Skow, founder of Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue and the Pawsitive Change program. In this raw and inspiring continuation, Zach dives deep into his journey from near-death alcoholism and liver failure to finding purpose through rescuing dogs. Listeners will discover heartfelt stories of personal redemption, the harsh realities of America's dog overpopulation crisis—including debates on spaying/neutering, breeding ethics, and shelter euthanasia—and Zach's innovative work rehabilitating shelter dogs alongside incarcerated individuals in prisons. Expect thought-provoking discussions on animal welfare, inmate rehabilitation, second chances, and the transformative power of the human-animal bond, all delivered with unfiltered honesty and passion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Zack Skow's Unbelievable Battle to Save 300 Dogs from Hell | Ep. 259 | Pt. 1

    Zack Skow's Unbelievable Battle to Save 300 Dogs from Hell | Ep. 259 | Pt. 1
    Sep 30 2025
    In this powerful episode of the Mike Drop Podcast, Mike sits down with Zach Skow, founder of Marley’s Mutts and the Positive Change prison-dog program. What begins with the chaos of evacuating nearly 300 animals during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan unfolds into Zach’s raw story of addiction, survival, and redemption. From a troubled childhood to end-stage liver failure at 28, Zach was given 90 days to live. Saved by his bond with dogs, he rebuilt his life through sobriety, whole foods, and purpose. His recovery sparked Marley’s Mutts, a movement that rescues animals, transforms prisons, and helped Kern County achieve no-kill status. Together, Mike and Zach tackle the shelter crisis, breeding pitfalls, and the power of community education. Vulnerable, unflinching, and inspiring, this episode is a testament to second chances and leading with purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Espionage, Epstein, and Economic Collapse: Navigating America’s Uncertain Future | Ep. 258 | Pt. 3

    Espionage, Epstein, and Economic Collapse: Navigating America’s Uncertain Future | Ep. 258 | Pt. 3
    Sep 26 2025
    Dive into Part 3 of Episode 258 of The Mike Drop Podcast, where host Mike Ritland continues his gripping conversation with former CIA operative Andrew Bustamante. This segment dives deep into the personal and societal implications of living in a turbulent America, exploring Bustamante’s decision to relocate abroad to prioritize his children’s future amid rising national challenges. From the moral dilemmas of setting examples in declining communities to the growing wealth gap and its risks to democracy, they tackle tough topics like the failing public education system, foreign interference in U.S. affairs, and vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Bustamante shares candid insights on espionage, the FBI’s operational challenges, and the murky case of Jeffrey Epstein, while also touching on cryptocurrency’s role in a shifting economic landscape. With sharp analysis and real-world parallels, this episode is a compelling look at personal responsibility, global power dynamics, and preparing for an uncertain future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Free Speech Under Fire: Censorship, Political Violence, and CIA Secrets with Andrew Bustamante | Ep. 258 | Pt. 2

    Free Speech Under Fire: Censorship, Political Violence, and CIA Secrets with Andrew Bustamante | Ep. 258 | Pt. 2
    Sep 25 2025
    Dive into Part 2 of Episode 258 of The Mike Drop Podcast, where host Mike Ritland sits down with former CIA operative Andrew Bustamante for a raw, unfiltered discussion on the intersections of free speech, privacy, and government overreach in the digital age. Listeners will explore timely topics like social media censorship, the risks of online anonymity, rising political violence (including recent assassinations and threats), and the potential for societal unrest or even civil war in America. Bustamante shares insights from his CIA memoir Shadow Cell, detailing covert operations, mole hunts, and the team-based reality of espionage. The conversation also touches on parenting in a hyper-connected world, national debt crises, and Bustamante's personal plans to relocate abroad amid America's turbulent future. Packed with thought-provoking analysis, historical parallels, and no-holds-barred opinions, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in intelligence, politics, and the challenges facing modern society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 17 mins