002 Nick “The Reaper” Irving

[@brandonblackfyre5783]

Even though this interview is 6 years old now, I still find myself coming back too listening to it from time to time. I do wish that *Mike Ritland* had his cameras on during this episode as I love seeing the conversation as well as hearing it. *Nick Irving* is one hell of a man. Too be that good at being a sniper and doing crazy mathematics after only graduating with a *1.8 GPA* is pretty impressive. Good example of school doesn't equal education and being smart.

[@coralaune4006]

Really love the brutal honesty Nick gives us... I'm a Canadian, and I thank him for his service to the US and Canada as well.

[@MikeRitland]

Thank you for your support!

[@gunsodin5299]

Coral Aune i wonder if the we have done joint operations before.

[@ajcook7777]

@@gunsodin5299 Research 'The Devil's Brigade' we had joint units all the way back in WW2. Dave Rutherford on the 'Team Never Quit Podcast' (with Marcus Luttrell) said him and his teammates (SEALS), borrowed CANSOF (Canadian Special Operations Forces) vehicles in the Middle East. The SEALS didn't have a vehicle available so they asked their Canadian Bros for a favour

[@jj691]

ajcook7777 and the good ol Canadians made sure the humvy was stocked with beers

[@ajcook7777]

@@jj691 lol we don't use Humvees we use LAVs (Light Armoured Vehicles, otherwise known as 'Boats')

[@Collins811]

Everyone else: "tell my family I love them" Nick Irving: "tell my family I'm not a bitch"

[@hahahahaha12434]

Savage

[@therandazzinator685]

As a vet I really appreciated you giving credit to Nick when he talked about the more emotional mindset stuff you never hear any vet admit too or talk about anywhere. Was an amazing listen and the back and forth made me feel like I was there sharing stories with my buddies (just nowhere near as exciting). Great podcast and I really look forward to future episodes!

[@VinnyVincenzoYo]

The Randazzinator I know this might sound crazy but is your last name Randazzo? Lol my grandparents and mother have that last name also.

[@homicidalmuffin6190]

That was an incredible interview. Truly the most intense I've ever heard. I've already listened to it twice. Nick was so raw, and honest. I heard things I didn't expect to hear out of a man in his position, in your position. This one is going to be hard to top. When you said this was going to be no bullshit, you meant it. Great job.

[@DaneB_13]

Not just for my life. America needs to hear from these heroes, and learn from them

[@kjdixon7708]

God bless our warriors! Your sacrifices will not be forgotten. Sniper Irving has made history! Much respect!💜👏 There is no black & white in the foxhole when bullets blast past your head. You all are loved by people like me! God bless you all! 😍😘🙋🐶🎗💜

[@robertsprague6748]

Thank you for your service and sacrifices. The sacrifices that you both have made can never be repaid they are priceless and people need to know that you gave all with nothing expected in return but keeping your brothers alive and your country free !

[@Kevin12321]

Nick is incredibly honest with himself. That is a trait that I work on in myself and it is insane how well he expresses himself so honestly.

[@SCALES1992]

As a man who is transitioning from military to civilian life in another country (United Kingdom) words can't describe how helpless I felt going from providing to broke...

[@Kevin12321]

From the bottom of my heart... thank you for your service.

[@johnrose2157]

That’s the worst part. I have no idea what I’m doing now.

[@bassNY]

Welp, looks like I have a new podcast for my rotation...

[@MikeRitland]

Thank you!

[@codybrosius8561]

Great second podcast. The open and honest conversations are insightful and a large portion of the country needs to hear about the reality that happens overseas. I order the book and can't wait to read it.

[@J-217]

Im sure you know this by now but you are a fantastic interviewer Mike. This is only my tenth one or so that I’ve listened to but when it comes to creating a natural and interesting conversation, you’re batting a .1000. Your genuineness is very easy to sense as well

[@loispetrey5188]

Listen to many podcasts and come away with so much more..but this one really did enlighten me...one of my favorites!! Our servicemen, those who serve and those who served...we can be proud of them all and learn so much from them. Thank you to all our men and women who sacrificed and still sacrifice for all of us, regardless of our beliefs or race. Feel good stories for sure. THANK YOU

[@elizabethwesolowski9748]

Mike, your podcast has become standard listening material in our home. Each week we anxiously await the next installment of Mike Drop! Your podcasts are intelligent, well thought out, informative... and frankly, you just make sense to me! Please keep up the outstanding work.

[@pistolgrips]

Being somewhat familiar with Nick - I’ve heard several interviews, watched his channel, seen him on other channels - I always watch till the very end. In the most respectful way - what could I possibly comment that has not been said already? Deep respect.

[@Tomcat101st]

Nick's book is a great read.. I'm 3/4 through the book and also bought The Way Of The Reaper. I had a great time listing to this Mike.. Thanks!

[@spencermealor6837]

I have to agree the Mike Ritland has a damn good reading voice.

[@CooK19XX]

Id listen to him over the audiobook people anyday

[@chitterlingsrtasty]

Additional opportunities I’m sure if he wanted.

[@timiller3191]

I love mike and all of his guest! I feel like he brings true modern history straight from the guys that made the history. I can’t stop listening. Thank you all for your service

[@6.8SuperDutyDriver]

Mike does a great job with his podcast. I've seen Nick on other videos and he always seems like a great dude. The world could use more people like him.

[@hamonryechinaski180]

Your handle means you surely have to try watching Vice Grip Garage. Funny guy who gets old v8's, hemis, Chevys rolling again the fly with an adjustable, Tonya Harding (hammer) etc and coaxing!!

[@6.8SuperDutyDriver]

@@hamonryechinaski180, I'll have to check that out!

[@notundermywatch3163]

Mike thank you so much for this. Awesome first two pods. Keep up the good stuff coming !

[@MikeRitland]

Thank you!!

[@kandr4439]

Fitting I stumbled on to this one today (especially from 2:30:00 to 3:07:00) considering everything going on. As a middle-aged white male and midsized business operator with nearly 130 employees of all backgrounds I feel damned if I do and damned if I don't. It's incredibly frustrating when some have thrown the race card and I'm like, "No you're being dismissed because you suck at your job or you're constantly late and undependable!"... Incredibly frustrating!!! Oh well... As usual, great podcast, and I tip my hat to Mr. Irving. Thank you both for all you've done for our country and the great examples you are for the rest of us.

[@angustate1829]

Having heard alot of mike drop episodes i can tell mike is actually enjoying this conversation rather then just going through the motions of the standard questions.

[@stillerpredatorlrprecision5925]

Great content! Keep it coming. You have a great way of communicating, and I love the old school attitude of just talking about things without the worry of being politically correct. I think this country, the greatest country in the history of the world, needs more of that. All the respect in the world for you and your brothers. Just finished the reaper, great book, and Mr. Nicholas Irving’s story and many many other stories need to be told. Coming from a military family and having a brother in special forces I’m very aware and thankful for the sacrifices you guys make for the freedoms we have, that very often these days get taken for granted.

[@robmicich]

One of my favorite podcasts out there! Thank you guys... rock on 🇺🇸

[@alex-cj9mb]

Ive listened multiple times and enjoy it every time

[@mikecarter3606]

Mike Ritland I started watching your videos few days ago and cant stop watching. Thank you for your service.. and thank you and other guys sharing your stories.. love your podcast

[@142carl]

Thank you both. Keep getting after it!

[@pitpride1220]

Nick is a hero. You make me proud brother. I wish you nothing but good things.

[@ZaneC40]

Super insightful interview! Absolutely thankful I listened to it. The theory of taking diffent raced peoples and putting them into different teams together and having them do tasks that take teamwork is something i think would be the greatest eye opener for all involved, and would make everyone realize what is important isnt our differences, but our similarities. Would love to see it turn into a reality show or something like that.

[@kpitone]

absolutely love your podcast so far

[@MikeRitland]

Thank you for your support!

[@brandonblackfyre5783]

Dude I've followed Nick for a while and had no idea he was from Maryland!!! Fort Meade isnt far from where i grew up in Baltimore. Thats awssome to know hes from Maryland. Nick is awesome. Love him on Demolition Ranch. Had to come find these interviews with him!

[@jw393]

I'm very glad I found your podcasts. Makes my long drives shorter. So much respect to you sir and your guests.

[@melissadietz1258]

NICK IRVING IS BEYOND ADORABLE

[@wordherb1128]

Ghost stories from the reaper himself

[@SolaraSLE99]

Damn this dude Nick is super down to earth great guy, great interview. I really liked how he opened up about his paranormal experiences.

[@brandonblackfyre5783]

Its crazy to listen to this old 2nd episode of *Mike Ritlands* podcast *"Mike Drop"* and comparing it too his newest episodes that just released a couple days ago and seeing how not much has changed at all. Sometimes nothing changing can be a bad thing if the thing isn't good at the start but this is a great example of *"If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It"* ... this podcast was amazing since day one, literally. *Mike Ritland* does a amazing job at interviewing people and making them feel very comfortable with him. *Shawn Ryan & Mike Ritland* are the best podcasters in the world when it comes to *"military"* type podcast and shows & they are extremely good at just podcasts in general. *Shawn Ryan's* show *Vigilence Elite* has recently started interviewing other people that are not veterans from the USA Armed Forces and they have been great episodes, especially some of the *"conspiracy theory"* ones and the *CIA* ones.

[@jessicacordova5024]

Nick is such a badass and I like how he’s open about the struggles with depression and suicide that most don’t like to talk about or admit they struggle with. Also I like the content on here I don’t know how you don’t have more subscribers. I just found your channel and I’ve already played hours and hours of your podcasts.

[@lowcountryipo3093]

Enjoyed the drive from Columbia to Knoxville so much more listening to you two heroes

[@MrHog10]

Think I just found my new favorite podcast. Very well done Mike. Nick you are a legend and have very good morals and great knowledge

[@gavinklein8944]

This is just a great interview/podcast. Mike and Nick are both hilarious but also go into great detail about the things we want to hear.

[@barbaranash4624]

Fantastic podcast. Thank you so much for being so open, learn so much and makes me appreciate our military that much more. Both of you guys are awesome!

[@johnclaudetaylor5224]

Told myself I am going to come listen to his part that pertains to the wall, I could not stop listening, such a good podcast! badass dudes right here

[@PrestonH-q5w]

Great podcast!! Nick is a true hero. Looking forward to the next episode. Thank you!!

[@93crazygunz]

Fk man, this was one of the best podcasts I've listened to in a while! I'm at work and Nick's story reeled me in and I felt like I was there with him! You guys are awesome! Keep up the good work here! Semper Fi.

[@asteph5500]

One of the best conversations ever

[@jasongraham3453]

Awesome interview,definetly the best one I've had the honor of listening to. Thanks for sharing

[@nunyabusiness6400]

Mike, I love your podcast. Been going back and listening to all the old ones. Side note, just started Irving's latest book last night and love all of them. Please keep up the good work and giving the solid content. The hours just fly when I listen to your stuff. Take care and be safe.

[@brandonblackfyre5783]

So awesome hearing that Nicks parents are still in Maryland. Born and raised here as well. Its so awesome hearing someone talking about being from Maryland when they are such a huge figure...

[@Nuhuh130]

Same here

[@brandonblackfyre5783]

​@@Nuhuh130 maryland has a lot of problems especially in Baltimore but it's still a dope state. Even tho our gun laws are dumb as hell here when Virginia is in the DMV and the laws are the opposite. That's the main thing I hate about maryland is the laws for our weapons and how we can carry them when Baltimore has the highest gun deaths per capita in the whole USA

[@markhc4581]

I just heard this Drop. Good stuff, looking forward to the 2nd part with the Reaper.

[@matthewanderson490]

Thanks you guys

[@andrewmajor3776]

Damn, 2 BAMFs having a BAMF conversation. Keep it up Mike best podcast I've listened to in a long while!!!!

[@Gbo45]

Always impressed by your podcasts, super informative on so many levels. Thank you for your example and your continuing service to our country. Godspeed.

[@josephblake8418]

I’ll get the quote slightly wrong, but to paraphrase: ‘these are the types of men that need to be in our communities having kids...’ Amen brother! Amen again.

[@davesmith1771]

These lay down a lot of truth. I love it.

[@eddymullins5857]

The most intensely honest interview I’ve ever heard. Horrible that this goes on, amazing that he’s here to share the story.

[@ChumFugler]

People miss the point of motivation from someone you look up to. A lot listen to this and feel the need to become a Ranger and follow Nick in his story. What is more important is to make your own. Find what path YOU can make great with the inspiration of others. My path is to become Police Paramedic. These strong men are my inspiration to achieve my goals.

[@patcavanaugh4941]

Excellent point. Everyone has their own strengths, talents, and shortcomings. The lesson is to optimize yourself.

[@justinsoderquist4475]

Great interview thank you Nick You are a true hero

[@AADisturbedWCARSS]

I read this book years ago and had started thinking about it recently I found this on Apple podcasts and very much enjoyed it. Excellent work and it’s definitely worth subscribing.

[@barrysmith916]

Best podcast on the web. Hands down.

[@MADMANMUSICINC]

Dam it Mike this is some deep stuff man! Wow! Thank you both for opening up and letting people not only know just a little bit of what its like to do some bad ass shit but to also remind people that we need Men like yourself and Nick out there doing what you guys do! I feel like the words 'Thank you' doesn't even say it.

[@scotteppers]

Thanks Mr Nick Irving.. Scott Downtown Tahoma California..

[@furliciouspets2873]

This was amazing! Loving the podcast so far, thank you for the raw, unfiltered material that allows us to see "behind the curtain" so to speak.

[@minatormyth]

Brit here, outstanding conversation. Thank you 🤗

[@asunderwolf20]

This guy has such a calming voice is amazing

[@donaldbrown6044]

Just heard you with Dakota and Jocko and immediately found your page and subbed. Thanks for your service, congrats on your current career and love the no bullshit way you approach things. Totally relate to your private sector experience with the BS and inefficiencies in todays work environment. It is much worse than you described.

[@fbnc11]

I'm slack jawed, that was an amazing interview!

[@skippruitt2391]

This was a great Podcast. Especially, because of the honesty and realism!

[@sebrestrepo305]

This is a great podcast thank you both for your service

[@dukesilver2246]

Amazing interview. Thanks for your service gentlemen.

[@ZaneC40]

I loved the show recess!

[@Andy-li2wz]

It's been 4 years already!? Holy shit. I'm going to start choking myself immediately! Ps I bought both books

[@joshpointoh]

Damn, I wish you could have Nick back on again now that the podcast has video and has had time to season. This was great, but I would love to see you guys talk again

[@st3wi3D]

1:29:50 - 1:31:44 - This section is incredible. Very insightful. Much respect!

[@andy_in_nh9243]

Great content and very valuable lessons on combat - even more so with race relations. Looking forward to listening to podcast 035!

[@Drewski423]

Favorite CCW…. I’m a glock guy. Thru and Thru. I own every sub compact and mid size in every caliber…..i bought a Springfield Hellcat with the red dot and I have carried it 95% of the time ever since. Now I want to have all my Glocks cut for sights. Since I started shooting with the red dot (after swearing I’d never transition to it) I love shooting with it. I don’t really care about caliber. Shot placement trumps caliber size 7 days a week as you know. When I got out of the Marine Corps I owned 1 pistol and one AR. And when i transitioned out I bought all kinds of guns. I had a pretty rough one myself. I was just a regular old 0311 from 2006-2012. (Yes I got coaxed into signing a 6 year contract for a measly 5 thousand dollars.) lol Why I bought so much shit after I’ll never know.

[@arcticcatguy77]

Man love the podcast, can't stop listening!!

[@blairellertson2492]

Late to the party on this one , but had to share one of many favorite parts (1:46:20) out of context Nick is talking about how a scene reminded him of Aladdin the nautical moon and majestic scene " I was imagining me and Pemberten holding hands , (Mike interjects "nut to butt") ." This had me cracking up, it always seems when you have a group of high caliber dudes in one room there is bound to be the same caliber of comedy and twisted perspective you cant get anywhere else.

[@lanemorrison2954]

Great podcasts, waiting on the next!

[@leahlandi143]

They don't tell you this shit on the news...thanks for sharing the truth.

[@MrRic007]

Pardon my profanity but this was a BEAUTIFUL podcast . ThAnk you both

[@recruitedbygod]

I remember in F.o.b Normandy I saw a spirit walk through my supply room then throughsome NVG cases out the other side of the wall

[@brandonblackfyre5783]

@Coke Dogg nah man theres so many crazy stories over there in the Middle East... you should listen to some. You can tell some are bullshit and probably being told by a fake solider but a lot of them are really cool to hear. Lots of stories about seeing weird creatures as well, not just ghost.

[@mauryreaves5395]

Thank God Bruno made it out that airstrike . My heart dropped when he started reading that.

[@adamnipper8713]

This is my new favorite podcast. RLTW!!!

[@patcavanaugh4941]

Best damn conversation I've heard about race relations ever. Thanks to you both for your military service to and sacrifices for our country, but this conversation on race was quite possibly the apex of your contributions to our society. Please consider making this a broader conversation with more people involved, military or not. The honesty, openness, and active, as opposed to inactive, listening was phenomenal, and is, I think, what is missing from the whole discussion. I have mixed race grandkids, one is trans-gender, and their generation seems to be more accepting of people as people. However, they live in a community with a lot of military folks and different ethnicities in California. Their lives would be quite different if they lived in rural Southern Illinois where my family is from. Their Filipino heritage is interpreted as Mexican (apparently "all" brown people are "Mexican"), and they see and feel the difference when they visit my family. I'm thankful they live where they can be themselves without harassment, judgment or condemnation. To clarify, I'm not saying that everyone in these communities is a racist asshole by any stretch. But the culture of being seen as "different" exists.

[@scottp5262]

Damn straight about the race category we need to be more united. He's black but says dude more than kiano Reeves we are all just people

[@donreese4851]

I’ve seen him on Demolition Ranch but never knew his story. Man I’m beyond stoked to have heard this ! God bless you brother for your service and all you’ve done for this country and your brothers and sisters in the armed forces! It’s people like you that make this a great place to live. Very powerful story, thanks for your brutal honesty and real ness man. Your one hell of an amazing human being.

[@duanebailey6253]

Focus on race to much and you create jelous envy and more racism. Look back at the 90s and early 00. Didnt hear much about it. Once the government was worried about true patriotism rising they brought it back.

[@chitterlingsrtasty]

I’m much less color Blind nowadays than in my youth. I love patriots and genuinely good natured people no matter their demo.

[@PermanentHigh]

That's a culture thing, not a race thing.

[@brandonblackfyre5783]

Man its so awesome hearing Nick talk about Annapolis and going to Ocean City in the summer when he was younger because I am also from Maryland. Its so cool to hear someone you follow talk about where you grew up. I have been following Nick for a while since I found him on Demolition Ranch's channel... its cool to learn so much more about him

[@freedompeace2833]

Great podcast! Beats Rogan anyday. been listening for a while but when he was talking about ft Meade Facts moved there in 8th grade. Keep the content coming and most off thank you for your service to our Great Nation!!

[@lesflynn4455]

Mike is a really good interviewer, and Nick is a badass. Great post guys.

[@scottp5262]

Black white whatever what you did for our country was great

[@jerrycraig6522]

9/11 2001 was my 45th birthday, I was home recovering from a back surgery, NEVER FORGET!!! I will not- can not

[@tylarhaugan7908]

I just saw the post about another podcast with nick had to rewatch this one

[@kylejanof5165]

If you want to know the name of the song that Nick was talking about when he said "The chorus goes 'you can't make a ho a housewife'," it's called Housewife (feat. Kurupt & Hittman) by Dr. Dre.

[@yawenclaudio5756]

For everyone wondering, this is the song he was talking about: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXi7maCwZsd4nMk

[@brandonblackfyre5783]

I am born and raised in Maryland. Lots of crazy ghost stories around here. Lots of them from the Civil War

[@عبدالله-ي3خ9د]

I don't remember how did I came here but I'm listening to this

[@chriscanterbury8647]

Such a cool and real podcast. Only seen irv on demo ranch but there's no way anyone can hate this man, you both are heros 🤘

[@cavscout62]

GlockGays & SigSlugs, man you youngsters are something. I just can’t get away from my 1911C and I’m totally fucked due to genetics in that I’m arthritic and autoimmune deficient big time (thanks Mom). To each their own but I carried that POS Beretta in the Army and hated it. I do carry a 9mm on occasion but when I do it’s my trusty CZ75 SP01. I know what you mean about the wrists man. As for the paranormal stuff man you are not alone. My whole family is sensitive to it and have been seeing and experiencing it all our lives. Keep up the great work Mike.

[@Kingstonsmac]

“I don’t give a fuck if you drink Gatorade” 😂 love it !!

[@richjohnson7362]

reaper33 is lovely - maybe what he had to do has taken a toll on his soul but every video I have seen of him has the zen saying he is good with it all and comes across as a great guy

[@chiefnorthup4215]

Great podcast I don't even want to go to sleep it's 1 am