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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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..
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 💯🇺🇸
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.
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. 🙏
"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!
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 .
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.
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.
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 🖤
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!!!
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.
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...
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 .👊🇺🇸
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.
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
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
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.
Phenomenal! Ephriam! What a stud. And Mike! Great interview, and a record number of hilarious lines, (despite the intense and powerful accounts of Mosul.)
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.
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.
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
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.
So much respect for Ephraim sharing this story...shame on me for not thanking God everyday for Americans who serve us and others around the world. Mike, thank you for delivering such impactful content. I’m certain these stories have changed the trajectory of the lives of your listeners.
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.
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....
He was born into this world and has done the things he’s done and that does the things he continues to do. Accidentally posted the comment too short doing a spellcheck on the word grateful
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
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!
2:37:51 This hit me really hard - that is powerful. Keep going Ephraim, never give up, and God bless you brother in Jesus name. Never forget that girl.
Wow. I am not a fraction of the man of him. Definitely going to donate for Stronghold. I like the .50 a day option how can you say no to that when you weigh the outcome of what that small amount provides to these people in need. THANK YOU SO SO MUCH. I listened to the entire podcast and it changed my life
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Whos here because of MrBallen and the strange dark and mysterious delivered in story format 😀
Yup!
Yep.
yes
Me🙏🏿🙏🏿👍
I am...lol
He is such a gentleman
This is way better than anything on TV, Thanks Mike for the Podcast's, We love them
Have you watched Narcos yet?
I gave up television nearly 13 years ago now. So glad shows like Mike Drop exist.
@@walperstyle ha! Me too, thought I was the only hermit!
Narcos doesn’t compare to these guys at all.
This show is waaaaaaaaaay more insightful.
WAY better!!! I love dogs and really appreciate you seal dudes, especially Justin locking!!!
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.
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
ruclips.net/video/3P0pZvn22xk/видео.html
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.
Yep. He’s a stud
When I saw it I thought the same thing . He looked cool, calm, and collected to me . He has balls for sure
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.
May God bless you exponentially, Ephraim Mattos.
& all those like you.
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.
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.
One of the greatest, saddest & most honorable stories i've ever heard.
This podcast was so powerful, I was tearing up during that story at 54:20, I choked myself afterwards out of respect
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!
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!!!
@@jerrycraig6522 where can I find the videos?
@@jerrycraig6522 not the John B Allen ones...I watched those but the others?
@@sandrasummers5686 either vimeo or click the link in mrballens description about the vide
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..
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 💯🇺🇸
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.
You’re an incredible person, Ephraim.
Thanks for making these for us, Mike!
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. 🙏
I’m in the middle of his book right now. This dude is next level. So much respect for Ephraim.
"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!
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 .
Mad love and respect for Ephraim ❤️
Need this man back on Mike...thank you both.
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.
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.
@MRLomax-gc1fe The majority of cop's do the same type of evil. Most cop's are coward's.
Legend
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 🖤
Thank you for your service and selflessness
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!
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!!!
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?
@@shammy3138 yes
Link pls?
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.
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.
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.
One of the best guests.
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.
I feel like I'm always saying 'this is the best one yet.'
True true hero thank you for your service
i dont think ive ever seen Mike so speechless on his podcast before, some powerful stories told here
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.
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
Did you come here from Mr Ballen, too? I am looking for everything I can find about this amazing guy now.
Unbelievable podcast!! Huge balls on this Dude!! He is out there really making a difference in peoples lives! Just ordered his book.
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.
Thank you both for your service 🙏🏽🇺🇲
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!!!
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.
It’s podcasts like this that really put into perspective the “problems” we have here in America.
M M “How dare you!”
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...
These men are inspirational on so many levels... I hope to be 1/10 of what these guys are in general.
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 .👊🇺🇸
Ephraim's story moved me more than anything I've heard on your shows. Thanks Mike for bringing all of these heroes to us.
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"
Cant even explain how powerful that was. Thank you
One of my favorite episodes yet! Thanks Mike!
This is one of the best podcasts I’ve ever listened to.
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.
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
Outstanding Human Being, Ephraim Mattos! Thanks for sharing Ephraim & Mike for this podcast.
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
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
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.
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!
Phenomenal! Ephriam! What a stud. And Mike! Great interview, and a record number of hilarious lines, (despite the intense and powerful accounts of Mosul.)
Looked this up because of the Stonghold support page! Just donated, and you should too! Please, support this man. He deserves and needs it.
bought the book Thank you
Jesus....... what a story! Ephraim is an incredible person!
Ephraim truly has a heart of gold and balls of tungsten
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.
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.
Man this episode is first rate. Definitely one of your best Mike. Powerful shit. Wow.
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
Ephriam Matteo’s an incredible man… incredible story. Thank you for you’re service. Awesome podcast 🌸
My fav episode. I’m donating first thing in the morning.
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.
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.
Wow. Such a brave man.
God bless you.
The biggest difference between north America and other countries is the lack of thankfulness here.
I wish I could shake your hand. I'm glad there are people like you. Thank you Ephraim.
Just subscribed to stronghold. Cannot wait for my shirts! :)
So much respect for Ephraim sharing this story...shame on me for not thanking God everyday for Americans who serve us and others around the world. Mike, thank you for delivering such impactful content. I’m certain these stories have changed the trajectory of the lives of your listeners.
Excellent interview. Keep up the great podcasts
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.
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....
What a warrior! Respect to both of you guys
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
This man, our soldiers, the best men this county has.
I've seen them all and this was my favorite. Absolutely crushed it. Thank you for all of your hard work putting these up.
On other GREAT show SIR😎💙
He was born into this world and has done the things he’s done and that does the things he continues to do. Accidentally posted the comment too short doing a spellcheck on the word grateful
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
At 1:16:11 KILLER QUESTION. FKING AWESOME. MIKE RITLAND IS A FREAKING GENIUS
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!
What an awesome dude.another kickass show cheers Mike.
These two guys are legends. Much love, Australia. Blue
2:37:51 This hit me really hard - that is powerful. Keep going Ephraim, never give up, and God bless you brother in Jesus name. Never forget that girl.
Mike you’re a great interviewer 👍 great episode
One of the best podcasts I've heard in a long time... Mike asks all the right questions too
Mike's podcasts sneak up on you, this stuff is so compelling. He's definitely good at this.
Holy shite, amazing listen. You guys got me in the feelers, which isn't easy to do. Much love to you both❤🇺🇸❤🇺🇸❤🇺🇸
Being raised Baptist like that is a blessing. Be in the world but not of the world.
He is HIM.
Wow. I am not a fraction of the man of him. Definitely going to donate for Stronghold. I like the .50 a day option how can you say no to that when you weigh the outcome of what that small amount provides to these people in need. THANK YOU SO SO MUCH. I listened to the entire podcast and it changed my life
Love this guy ,modern day Crusader.
Wassup 40 Mike Mike love the show you've been killing it with the amazing interviews we need more brother! GET SOMEEE!
Holy shit. Thank you both for bringing this to us...
Mr Ballen got me here too.