Mike Drop Podcast - Episode 53 - Ephraim Mattos

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  • Опубліковано 21 лют 2020
  • I've had the pleasure of speaking to quite a few fellow combat vets about their experiences in the Middle East. Even with that, I wasn't prepared for hearing Ephraim's account of the battle for taking back Mosul from ISIS after U.S. Forces pulled back. Author of "City of Death" and founder of Stronghold Rescue and Relief, Ephraim Mattos shares his detailed account of a truly remarkable battle in one of the oldest cities on Earth.
    Visit Stronghold Rescue and Relief at www.strongholdrescue.org @strongholdrescue
    Find City of Death on Amazon
    Support our sponsors:
    Origin Labs - originmaine.com/origin-labs/ ‪@ORIGINUSA‬
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    Apparel, accessories, protection dogs, and online training at trikos.com
    Online dog training at teamdog.pet
    Team Dog Facebook - @TeamDog
    Training Books, Blog, Media and more from Mike Ritland at mikeritland.com

КОМЕНТАРІ • 382

  • @carlosvargas-marti2584
    @carlosvargas-marti2584 3 роки тому +654

    Whos here because of MrBallen and the strange dark and mysterious delivered in story format 😀

  • @t.c.2527
    @t.c.2527 4 роки тому +226

    This is way better than anything on TV, Thanks Mike for the Podcast's, We love them

    • @BostonsF1nest
      @BostonsF1nest 4 роки тому +2

      Have you watched Narcos yet?

    • @walperstyle
      @walperstyle 4 роки тому +5

      I gave up television nearly 13 years ago now. So glad shows like Mike Drop exist.

    • @nikkiarana
      @nikkiarana 4 роки тому +1

      @@walperstyle ha! Me too, thought I was the only hermit!

    • @cowetareserve
      @cowetareserve 3 роки тому

      Narcos doesn’t compare to these guys at all.
      This show is waaaaaaaaaay more insightful.

    • @jerrycraig6522
      @jerrycraig6522 3 роки тому +1

      WAY better!!! I love dogs and really appreciate you seal dudes, especially Justin locking!!!

  • @nissaforyou
    @nissaforyou Рік тому +4

    I loved this interview🙂. I grew up in a conflict zone when i was kid in El Salvador, and I used to dream, and imagine a guy like Ephrain would come and help my family. God bless this man, and God bless America.

  • @internet_internet
    @internet_internet 2 роки тому +2

    May God bless you exponentially, Ephraim Mattos.
    & all those like you.

  • @robertgoodwin2787
    @robertgoodwin2787 3 роки тому +67

    If anyone has seen the video of him saving the girl he is calm as shit for thinking he's going to die...bad ass dude much respect

    • @patrickbateman7453
      @patrickbateman7453 2 роки тому

      ua-cam.com/video/3P0pZvn22xk/v-deo.html

    • @angrydingus5256
      @angrydingus5256 2 роки тому +2

      As calm as anyone can be. But you can definitely see them trembling and after Dave ran out and grabbed the girl with that ungodly amount of MG fire cracking over his head while he she shielded her. You can here the literal panic in his voice. That part of the video always stuck with me.

    • @mattmcdivitt7418
      @mattmcdivitt7418 Рік тому

      Yep. He’s a stud

    • @Allyourbase1990
      @Allyourbase1990 Рік тому

      When I saw it I thought the same thing . He looked cool, calm, and collected to me . He has balls for sure

  • @mauibuilder1239
    @mauibuilder1239 Рік тому +2

    I have watched a lot of your Podcasts, and as a veteran I enjoyed all of them, but this one ranks up there with one of the best.

  • @edcuevas6473
    @edcuevas6473 4 роки тому +76

    One of the greatest, saddest & most honorable stories i've ever heard.

  • @knuzetta4949
    @knuzetta4949 4 роки тому +66

    This was a particularly difficult podcast to listen to. The atrocities that Ephraim experienced while overseas are absolutely horrific. God bless Ephraim, and people like him, going into the darkest corners of the world to bring light.

  • @georgecoull1883
    @georgecoull1883 2 роки тому +4

    I've seen the video of him saving the girl getting hit. The man is an absolute legend and hero! Handled that shit like a boss! I'm glad this guy is on our side 💯🇺🇸

  • @johnhoran5776
    @johnhoran5776 4 роки тому +83

    Wow, the pink backpack story left me floored. The evil that exist in the world. Well done and thank you Ephraim. Great podcast as usual Mike. Keep em coming.

  • @farragutspikes1
    @farragutspikes1 4 роки тому +28

    I feel like I'm always saying 'this is the best one yet.'

  • @sashalaflamme742
    @sashalaflamme742 3 роки тому +3

    Mad love and respect for Ephraim ❤️

  • @lopezaldana7
    @lopezaldana7 4 роки тому +74

    This podcast was so powerful, I was tearing up during that story at 54:20, I choked myself afterwards out of respect

    • @BrandonPrive1432
      @BrandonPrive1432 4 роки тому +5

      the end story about pulling people as the tanks coming and having to drop and leave the old man, you can see him in a video posted online, and its crazy to think like 30 seconds later he had to make the choice to leave him there or else he would have been dead too, sad and crazy!

    • @jerrycraig6522
      @jerrycraig6522 3 роки тому +3

      I came here because of the story on John B Allen's videos, then watched Ephraim heroics saving the baby girl, it WILL rip your STUPID heart out!!!

    • @sandrasummers5686
      @sandrasummers5686 3 роки тому

      @@jerrycraig6522 where can I find the videos?

    • @sandrasummers5686
      @sandrasummers5686 3 роки тому

      @@jerrycraig6522 not the John B Allen ones...I watched those but the others?

    • @dixienormous7049
      @dixienormous7049 3 роки тому +1

      @@sandrasummers5686 either vimeo or click the link in mrballens description about the vide

  • @internet_internet
    @internet_internet 4 роки тому +17

    You’re an incredible person, Ephraim.
    Thanks for making these for us, Mike!

    • @harnellholliman4265
      @harnellholliman4265 2 роки тому

      It obvious your Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and love for others runs deep! Thank you for being so grounded in high morals. God is smiling on you and the lives you touch. 🙏

  • @ajani30001
    @ajani30001 2 роки тому +1

    Ephraim is the calmest..coolest bad ass I've ever seen..that vid of him and his team rescuing that kid and man from ISIS was insane..great human being..

  • @notyouraveragegoldenpotato
    @notyouraveragegoldenpotato 3 роки тому +4

    Edmund Birk. One of my favorite quotes of all time "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"

  • @islanddoggear
    @islanddoggear Рік тому +3

    I’m in the middle of his book right now. This dude is next level. So much respect for Ephraim.

  • @MRLomax-gc1fe
    @MRLomax-gc1fe 4 роки тому +13

    As a Deputy Sheriff I thank you on behalf of all first responders. I am a semi retired Training instructor. We do our best to inoculate our recruits to the stresses of the job. Unfortunately the hiring base we see have a tendency to not believe how evil people can be. Thank you both.

    • @badfrankleatherworks2658
      @badfrankleatherworks2658 Рік тому

      @MRLomax-gc1fe The majority of cop's do the same type of evil. Most cop's are coward's.

  • @chrisc5513
    @chrisc5513 3 роки тому +8

    And to think I still find myself complaining about the dumbest shit...episodes like this put things into perspective. Thanks for having him on Mike!

  • @dowth3
    @dowth3 4 роки тому +31

    "I'm very intentional about dealing with it" is one of the most sensible things I've heard from a combat vet (and something that I fully support as a mental health person who works with military and LEO). That's how trauma is best handled: we find what we can do and then do it in spades. Also hats off for investing in teaching people how to fish because enabling does NOT equal love (and certainly doesn't help). As always, a great job Mike! You are one of the most gracious, knowledgeable, curious, honorable and humble hosts and I've loved every podcast of yours that I've seen. Bravo!

  • @BushmasterM4A3
    @BushmasterM4A3 3 роки тому +2

    Need this man back on Mike...thank you both.

  • @kratoids
    @kratoids 3 роки тому +5

    i dont think ive ever seen Mike so speechless on his podcast before, some powerful stories told here

  • @GranpaTruck
    @GranpaTruck 4 роки тому +3

    In a culture of fast food and reality TV no one has time for interviews like this ; glad I found the time. Thanks for the men out there fighting evil everyday.

  • @Fireoncityy
    @Fireoncityy 4 роки тому +14

    I fucking love these dudes.🤘 Ephraim is an incredible dude. Super humble and caring and also a straight savage operator. Also kinda weird hearing him say "oh my word" lol

  • @anthonylewis9256
    @anthonylewis9256 4 роки тому +24

    Just watched the video of him getting hit in the calf . That was some straight up bravery taking place behind the tank!!! Props to you sir!!!

    • @shammy3138
      @shammy3138 4 роки тому +5

      anthony lewis is that the video where 2 guys are behind an m1a1 abrams and one of them runs out and grabs a kid under fire?

    • @anthonylewis9256
      @anthonylewis9256 4 роки тому +5

      @@shammy3138 yes

    • @BumDump
      @BumDump 3 роки тому

      Link pls?

  • @mindyglenn1779
    @mindyglenn1779 4 роки тому +7

    What an incredible story and an incredible young man willing to go protect people who can't protect themselves. Thank you for what you do.

  • @Ben-lo7cy
    @Ben-lo7cy 3 роки тому +16

    I feel like Mike must be getting shadow banned. With the caliber of people he has on his podcast and the quality of interviews he should easily have a million subs

    • @angrydingus5256
      @angrydingus5256 2 роки тому +1

      I honestly think that the general public just truly don't want to know about the atrocities of war. I've never been a big supporter of our post 9/11 war machine, but god damn I have respect for the people willing to go out there and help people who are facing the worst hells on earth.

  • @daniellemagerowski4506
    @daniellemagerowski4506 2 роки тому +2

    Bus 7! I remember a day when a fight broke out on the drop off route, some guy pulled out a gun. Pretty sure I transferred to bus one shortly thereafter. The nostalgia i feel listening to you speak moves me to tears, Eph. Thank you for allowing yourself to become the extraordinary person you are today and for not once settling for mediocrity. So much love and respect to you brother 🖤

  • @purtyboyfloyd2290
    @purtyboyfloyd2290 4 роки тому +17

    Good stuff thank you both for sharing!!! 🦅🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸

  • @bobbypenny5172
    @bobbypenny5172 2 роки тому +1

    Did anyone but me,notice effrium's integrity? He was given permission to cuss,but didn't. Thank you effrium for such integrity put on display for us.that was assome guy.

  • @cierarittenhouse2541
    @cierarittenhouse2541 Рік тому

    Wow, Covid and heroin and no solid poops in 3 years. Thank you for your service Ephraim! I love what you do and I just received my StrongHold shirt! You are a phenomenal human.

  • @BPierce777
    @BPierce777 4 роки тому +6

    Humbling to hear these stories from a great guest. Mike is one of the very best at interviewing. He's always genuine to the core- a rare quality these days.

  • @danrustly7979
    @danrustly7979 4 роки тому +10

    It’s podcasts like this that really put into perspective the “problems” we have here in America.

    • @zac3392
      @zac3392 4 роки тому

      M M “How dare you!”

  • @jerrycraig6522
    @jerrycraig6522 3 роки тому +3

    This guy IS what hero means, now that is an American patriot, God bless him, I'm praying for this guy from now on every day!!! I'm all swelled up with pride

    • @kathycourtney7958
      @kathycourtney7958 3 роки тому

      Did you come here from Mr Ballen, too? I am looking for everything I can find about this amazing guy now.

  • @saileshnatenatesan8495
    @saileshnatenatesan8495 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you both for your service 🙏🏽🇺🇲

  • @giveitstick66
    @giveitstick66 4 роки тому +11

    the sort of people who reaffirm hope for mankind.. God knows we need to hear more from them.. super show.. : )

  • @andyjohnson1141
    @andyjohnson1141 4 роки тому +10

    Mike, I've listened to all of your interviews, and this interview surpasses all. For Ephraim to tell his story with such composure is incredible.

  • @scottkovacs585
    @scottkovacs585 3 роки тому +2

    I have listened to quite a few of your podcasts, and this one by far is the best one yet. Gripping. Will be donating to this great foundation he represents.

  • @mosin9105
    @mosin9105 4 роки тому +2

    So glad you could do an episode with Ephraim Mattos to let his cause be known. Ephraim has truly earned himself a high place in Michael’s Army! Godspeed Ephraim!!!

  • @lm-usmc
    @lm-usmc 2 роки тому +2

    Legend

  • @boblasher1
    @boblasher1 4 роки тому +5

    Unbelievable podcast!! Huge balls on this Dude!! He is out there really making a difference in peoples lives! Just ordered his book.

  • @coldseamonster
    @coldseamonster 4 роки тому +3

    Cant even explain how powerful that was. Thank you

  • @mikedaflexta
    @mikedaflexta 3 роки тому +2

    Just had to comment a Salute to Mr. Mattos and every civilian who ran back into the line of fire almost unarmed. There aren't many people with the courage that team had.

  • @lazarus3.023
    @lazarus3.023 2 роки тому +1

    Ephraim truly has a heart of gold and balls of tungsten

  • @davezito888
    @davezito888 4 роки тому +6

    One of my favorite episodes yet! Thanks Mike!

  • @whatsit101
    @whatsit101 3 роки тому +2

    bought the book Thank you

  • @drunkencowboi7934
    @drunkencowboi7934 4 роки тому +7

    These men are inspirational on so many levels... I hope to be 1/10 of what these guys are in general.

  • @donaldritter2256
    @donaldritter2256 3 роки тому +2

    Ephraim's story moved me more than anything I've heard on your shows. Thanks Mike for bringing all of these heroes to us.

  • @jakelandpollard9123
    @jakelandpollard9123 10 місяців тому

    True true hero thank you for your service

  • @stouthearted7982
    @stouthearted7982 4 роки тому +2

    Amazing story Ephraim thanks for your service. After listening to this, I signed up and donated to stronghold rescue and relief. “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.” Psalms 27:3 NIV

  • @-Opiate-
    @-Opiate- 3 роки тому +2

    You know, it just can't be overstated, Mike you're a natural Sir. Absolutely top shelf, every single time. You clearly possess a talent for raw, intimate interviewing. Captivating ALWAYS. Full salute .👊🇺🇸

  • @ballsdeep6548
    @ballsdeep6548 2 роки тому +1

    Salute 2 Mattos

  • @Liberty-Grunt
    @Liberty-Grunt 4 роки тому +3

    One of the single best interviews I have watched you throw down, Mike! Ephriam serves a purpose far more profound than a multitude can "process". His heart is in the right place. Applying SOF skills for the greater good is what is all about...

  • @Teddy_______
    @Teddy_______ 3 роки тому +2

    The story about the two little girls was heavy. I really appreciate you sharing that. It definitely helps illustrate the evil that most definitely exists in the world.

  • @marcoslobato2468
    @marcoslobato2468 3 роки тому +2

    This is one of the best podcasts I’ve ever listened to.

  • @jafo_n_407
    @jafo_n_407 4 роки тому +1

    Jesus....... what a story! Ephraim is an incredible person!

  • @JuanRodriguez-my8mm
    @JuanRodriguez-my8mm 4 роки тому +2

    Outstanding Human Being, Ephraim Mattos! Thanks for sharing Ephraim & Mike for this podcast.

  • @markdonna6574
    @markdonna6574 4 роки тому +11

    Excellent interview. Keep up the great podcasts

  • @bradbrown9722
    @bradbrown9722 4 роки тому +5

    As always, super Warrior talking to another super Warrrior! Can’t get enough Mike, and thank you. Any request would be null and void, you’ve got the best of the best covered brother....

  • @badxradxandy
    @badxradxandy Рік тому

    One of the best guests.

  • @michellekisawesome
    @michellekisawesome Рік тому

    Mint podcast, a very powerful interview & I’m looking forward to the latest episode with Ephraim. Your an outstanding person with a heart of gold Ephraim. I wish all the politicians would listen to this. Thank you for sharing. As always Mike excellent.

  • @DOwhutnow
    @DOwhutnow 3 роки тому +2

    That's crazy I didn't even know this was the dude I saw in that video. Nuts man. This guy is the shit. Loss for words

  • @VGrillone
    @VGrillone 3 роки тому +1

    Phenomenal! Ephriam! What a stud. And Mike! Great interview, and a record number of hilarious lines, (despite the intense and powerful accounts of Mosul.)

  • @billydee4272
    @billydee4272 4 роки тому +2

    Watching the gradual evolution of MikeDrop from covered card table to pro-stylie, 3-sided desk is proof this podcast is going nowhere but up! Real, Honest & Inspirational.

  • @operator1018
    @operator1018 4 роки тому +8

    You mention that while you were in the hospital, Dr’s touched and thanked you. Don’t you hate being thanks, when in the deepest part of your heart and soul, you know there was more you could’ve done. The “what if’s” will always hunt
    us. Your an amazing human being, I’m sure our creator has a spot in heaven for you.

  • @anthonyledington3143
    @anthonyledington3143 4 роки тому +13

    I fought in Mosul 07 - 09 this story is hard to hear. I was a medic and dealt with the aftermath of aqi attacks against Christians. We trained alot of iraqi army personnel. I was saddened to find out they were mostly wiped out.

  • @rbbeautylife9093
    @rbbeautylife9093 3 роки тому +2

    Just subscribed to stronghold. Cannot wait for my shirts! :)

  • @suppakmusic8932
    @suppakmusic8932 3 роки тому +1

    My fav episode. I’m donating first thing in the morning.

  • @Tommy2shoe811
    @Tommy2shoe811 3 роки тому +1

    Man this episode is first rate. Definitely one of your best Mike. Powerful shit. Wow.

  • @pete_roszell
    @pete_roszell 4 роки тому +2

    Mike's podcasts sneak up on you, this stuff is so compelling. He's definitely good at this.

  • @joshreeves3369
    @joshreeves3369 4 роки тому +5

    This is way better then any Tom Clany novel....They should make a movie about this....

  • @nikkiarana
    @nikkiarana 4 роки тому +4

    Holy shite, amazing listen. You guys got me in the feelers, which isn't easy to do. Much love to you both❤🇺🇸❤🇺🇸❤🇺🇸

  • @timgorham7811
    @timgorham7811 4 роки тому +1

    I am proud to be an American! And God bless both of you. that is why this country is great because of people like you!

  • @bobkin611
    @bobkin611 3 роки тому

    Looked this up because of the Stonghold support page! Just donated, and you should too! Please, support this man. He deserves and needs it.

  • @tinovicente19
    @tinovicente19 4 роки тому +2

    At 1:16:11 KILLER QUESTION. FKING AWESOME. MIKE RITLAND IS A FREAKING GENIUS

  • @agmsmith4079
    @agmsmith4079 4 роки тому +22

    I agree with him that the 2month training before Buds is a good idea. Think of how many seals have been rolled due to injury but then made it through on the 2nd or 3rd time... you are basically paying for them to go through buds over and over in that scenario and you are paying for them to sit around and recover before going back to buds... and surgeries are expensive. It’s more expensive to repair a torn ACL or rotator cuff than to send a guy through 2 months of PT with a trainer to strengthen his muscles so he is less prone to torn ligaments and tendons.
    Even though the graduation rate/attrition rate is the same overall, I bet you see a lot LESS medical rerolls and a lot more guys getting through on the first time through buds because they didn’t get injured, especially after losing strength and physical abilities through boot camp.
    From a logistics perspective a dollar’s worth of prevention is better than $20 worth of treatment

  • @paulahillier1390
    @paulahillier1390 3 роки тому +1

    Wow. Such a brave man.
    God bless you.
    The biggest difference between north America and other countries is the lack of thankfulness here.

  • @amedfortun8025
    @amedfortun8025 2 роки тому

    Bro. This is the best. That quote changed my life.
    Anyone watching this videos must be a good person....doing something. God bless you all

  • @Saltbreather
    @Saltbreather 4 роки тому +7

    Please have Ephraim back on for a second podcast.

  • @mikeparent2458
    @mikeparent2458 4 роки тому +2

    I've seen them all and this was my favorite. Absolutely crushed it. Thank you for all of your hard work putting these up.

  • @rebeccagriswold282
    @rebeccagriswold282 Рік тому

    I had watched the most recent episode with Ephraim days ago, then back tracked and watched this one. Truly astonishing on so many levels. If I may Mike, from watching your podcast now for years, you have improved so much in your skill, ability and talent when interviewing people. Much more of a pleasure now in 2023. Keep it up.

  • @113charlie7
    @113charlie7 4 роки тому +4

    Wassup 40 Mike Mike love the show you've been killing it with the amazing interviews we need more brother! GET SOMEEE!

  • @RSlordRS
    @RSlordRS 4 роки тому +5

    Damn good podcast 🇺🇸

  • @Allyourbase1990
    @Allyourbase1990 Рік тому

    Man Ephraim is awesome ! I can’t even imagine seeing and experiencing all the things he has . To go volunteer for free in Iraq is very respectable.
    I fully support what his organization does . We need more organizations like that .

  • @tomikeboyer
    @tomikeboyer 4 роки тому +2

    Outstanding!

  • @2regors1
    @2regors1 3 роки тому

    What a warrior! Respect to both of you guys

  • @ctb3386
    @ctb3386 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you for these!

  • @jf5315
    @jf5315 4 роки тому

    One of the best podcasts I've heard in a long time... Mike asks all the right questions too

  • @harnellholliman4265
    @harnellholliman4265 2 роки тому

    Thank you for your service and selflessness

  • @top-secret996
    @top-secret996 4 роки тому +1

    Late to comment on this one but when he said he was going into shock, I know exactly what that feels like. It just made me feel a little better about it hearing a guy at his level say he felt it too. Thanks!

  • @HoperehabcenterthailandAsia
    @HoperehabcenterthailandAsia 3 роки тому

    wow wow thanks, I am not often speechless but thank god there people like this young man who are willing to take action and help.

  • @Cam5000
    @Cam5000 3 роки тому

    These two guys are legends. Much love, Australia. Blue

  • @Caiaiman
    @Caiaiman 4 роки тому

    I wish I could shake your hand. I'm glad there are people like you. Thank you Ephraim.

  • @caroleowens9589
    @caroleowens9589 Рік тому

    Ephriam Matteo’s an incredible man… incredible story. Thank you for you’re service. Awesome podcast 🌸

  • @jaydaniels1790
    @jaydaniels1790 3 роки тому +1

    On other GREAT show SIR😎💙

  • @KurtOnoIR
    @KurtOnoIR 2 роки тому +1

    Wow that almost drowning story is crazy. I drowned once too when I was 5 or six. Woke up the same way with a stranger over me. An middle aged Asian man. The guy looked just like Daniel Dae Kim to me. Luckily he saw me sneak into the pool.

  • @icjinu
    @icjinu 4 роки тому

    Amazing interview, what an amazing man.

  • @biker1958
    @biker1958 3 роки тому +1

    Truly amazing, thank you for your service and great humanitarian efforts. These idiot politicians need to hear this. Mike, absolutely the best show ever, thank you sir!

  • @jamesvitale3325
    @jamesvitale3325 4 роки тому +2

    Excellent podcast Mike

  • @DirtNastyy
    @DirtNastyy 4 роки тому

    Thank you Mike. I can’t appreciate you enough for allowing all these insane heroes come on and speak so US AMERICANS CAN SLOWLY REALIZE WHAT OUR TROOPS ARE GOING THROUGH! I love you man.