Mike Drop Podcast Episode 45: Nick Koumalatsos - Excommunicated Warrior

Mike Drop Podcast Episode 45: Nick Koumalatsos - Excommunicated Warrior
The rivalry between Marine Raiders (MARSOC) and the SEAL teams is fierce and constant. I'm often asked about the difference between the two, and what they are like. In this episode I sit down with Nick Koumalatsos to talk about them, Force Recon, and all things leatherneck. More importantly, we dive into his book "Excommunicated Warrior" to discuss the path and struggle that exists for veterans as they find their way back into the civilian world upon exiting from the service. Great info and insight about struggle and how to overcome it.
Sponsored by @originlabs @originusa
#originlabs #mikedrop #koumalatsos

[@ShawnRyanShow]

Looking forward to this one.

[@jaybird9391]

Not sure if anybody's going to top your podcast numbers with Mike! You're a fooking Legend brother!! Hoooyah!

[@whoknew..]

Couldnt have said it better myself @Vigilance Elite

[@kevinm4209]

Luis rivera class 234

[@dalesfailssagaofasuslord783]

Vigilance Elite be cool to get him on your podcast

[@raimundosilva4382]

Isso aí isso aí montado isso aí montado entre eles e juízo o projetospresidente trump todos eles foram os atores do crime junto do congresso entretrilhas em juízo todos eles foram os atores de compartilhar com os atores do crime lá fora combate combate todo o afora combate todo crime e os dias fossem voz como prova e eles montando a até o congresso foi consagrado de isso entre eles e projetando toda essa cena de crime de 15 meses meses os climas sendo projetado os próprios juízo compartilhando a cena do crime e aí eu te o que que o juiz assistiu a cena do crime são juízes aí eu te pergunto são juízes compartilhando a cenasão juiz assistindo a cena de um crime que os criminosos e ainda sou o juiz

[@austinmurray5740]

Petition to get Rudy Reyes on!!!! How many likes to make this happen Mike????

[@MikeRitland]

austin murray he’s been invited 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@austinmurray5740]

Mike Ritland we gotta make this happen then. It’d be epic af

[@jeffgentry6728]

Petition to have Mike Ritland interviewed by someone else, let's make that happen.

[@DefinitelyNotATroLLLL]

Jeff Gentry Jocko had him on

[@mikeu.s.n.9099]

Kris tanto Poranto as well

[@bradbrown9722]

Enjoy all the Seals on your show for sure, but try to invite more Raiders/ReCon Marines Mike. Your show is killing it time after time brother!

[@notundermywatch3163]

Green Berets and Rangers would be nice too.

[@tonysmith4091]

@@notundermywatch3163 So would a couple of AFSOC guys.

[@wfloes5420]

Interservice bias is real. Just is!

[@wfloes5420]

@@tonysmith4091 lol. CHAIR FORCE

[@klausschreyer7062]

E

[@stevedunn2635]

After 11 years and four tours I hit my breaking point. I distinctly remember telling myself you will probably have to do three or more tours to get to retirement. I said I have done enough! And my first 3 tours were in less than 5 years, and people had the nerve to ask me why I was single.

[@justlucky964]

Thank you Steve 🖖 you gave us everything you had and we do appreciate it 👊✌

[@Cgh432]

Thanks Steve thank you and every single soldier

[@joshuaziegler9820]

“Haji’s of Anarchy”. Deserves more credit

[@ctb3386]

Hands down one of the the best podcasts out there.

[@billydee4272]

@Christopher Bonante Roganesque!

[@johnlouis7695]

So true and it is also hard when no one understands how much a TBI really changes ones life. To the point of being married for 51 years and now the wife thinking I am trying to ignore her. Not at all my heads is just screwed up and I just can't keep up with the smallest conversation that is so miss understood since I injured my head.

[@chair2930]

I went to RIP for Marine Recon in 2013 and quit during pool qual. Nick isn't lying when he says it's hard as fuck! I remember having a full on anxiety attack on the way to the pool in the afternoon.

[@timhoward5456]

Be

[@williamforbes7156]

Thanks for your service.

[@chair2930]

@@williamforbes7156 thanks for being an American worth serving.

[@badxradxandy]

Yeah I have no idea how you guys do the swimming stuff

[@joehavin1]

Wow... i mean i love everything Mike puts up, but listening to Nick just went next level for me and this podcast .. 10/10

[@homersimpson6707]

Mike Ritland was born to be a talk show host. Great podcast!

[@danielbaugher826]

I can dig it

[@paulog6598]

Not only he lets them speak, but also brings input.. with courage. Hats down.

[@mattybones1596]

Watching this on the day after Nick's business was raided by police for breaking quarantine. Just finished watching his statement from his channel. GO FIND IT PATRIOTS

[@MasterBlasterSr]

I guess he is a compliant sheep huh.

[@kurtt609]

This guy needs to be on the shawn Ryan show 100% not that this one is bad or anything. But I think shawn would do a kick ass job formatting this and he pulls a story out a guy different than anyone else

[@gregburns3640]

“ I’m that idiot that needs to struggle.” - Nick I can 100% relate

[@kocherdeal1013]

Thank you Mike Ritland! For your podcast and its guests.

[@donnortrup5820]

Nick has been fighting the good fight to keep his businesses open during covid. MUCH RESPECT NICK...true warrior

[@kevinb9745]

I`m Kevin`s wife Shirley and my father gave 28 years to the Air Force and he never came back to the states after nom. , you just gave me a window in why he did`nt come home. Thank you for the eye opener.

[@vickijohnson3664]

Absolutely one of the best podcasts I've ever seen 👏 The way you two interact is something to behold!! Wow!! 10+

[@jasonc9423]

One of the most eye-opening videos I have ever watched. Something just clicked for me... Thanks!

[@mrr7870]

Solid episode as always. WE. NEED. DRAGO!!!!!!!!!

[@ericvannaman7967]

Release the Drago!

[@badboy1028]

I'm glad to see the s1 is the same across all the services.

[@AuthorTLGray]

Mike, another great podcast. I got two great new mottos to add to my inspiration board at work: "What you do speaks louder than what you say," and "A goal without a plan is just a wish." Man, you can get anyone to open up and talk about anything. (3)three Mike Drop exclusives from this podcast? That's what makes you a great host, your guests love talking to you and your listeners love listening to you. Great stories, always have had much respect for Marine Raiders, and I especially love how your Spartan guest humanized these warriors into vulnerable, lovable, family men who face tremendous obstacles when they lay down their patches. That's where my heart is for ALL those who serve, what happens when they come home. My Ranger never came home, but my heart has come home with every warrior since. Keep getting the information out there, keep being a light on the hill to help lead those who have a hard time finding their way. Arms get tired sometimes holding the light, but it's not in vain.

[@carpdog7934]

Real men .real talk.real life. Many life lessons for anyone prepared to listen and learn. Thanks to both of you for this interview.

[@BostonsF1nest]

Mike- “And these new guys coming in don’t have shit to offer, except a young strong back and a naive attitude” Marines- “just the type of guy we’re looking for” 😂😂

[@captainchaos6812]

The Kids Nice yep

[@caiotefu9856]

Is that sarcasm?

[@danjones3176]

And tight, virgin assholes.

[@elchuzalongo4339]

@@danjones3176 lmao

[@BostonsF1nest]

@@caiotefu9856 No

[@hardtopindown7781]

The advent of Mike's new venture's have given me opportunity to scan a few of these past interviews..and make no mistake..interview is the correct terms. I've read and been touched by the plight of my Canadian brothers and sisters and implore them to look beyond the government assistance offered, and take part..better yet..listen to these two. Get started..please...

[@eddiejclayton1]

Love the podcast, one of the best out there! Keep up the great work Mike and keep having these amazing guests on. Would love to see Pat McNamara on here!

[@johnnywall7537]

Would be great to hear that!

[@bz1222]

Just got into the channel 1 week ago and I have watched almost half the interviews already. Great questions and good honest answers. Thank God we have elite dudes like this protecting our way of life. Thank you for your service Mr. Ritland and giving my kids the safety and security we all take for granted.

[@Thesongstaysthesame]

Listening to this driving home from a 48 hour drilling rig tool job. “What you do speaks so loud I can’t hear what you say” I pulled over to write this down. Fucking Brilliant, Mike

[@BostonsF1nest]

Get Brad “The Iceman” Colbert on

[@karstenvlahos941]

Mike’s podcast is hands down my absolute favorite podcast. Excellent work and thank you.

[@user-md7iz6nk1g]

Get that ginger on your show

[@BostonsF1nest]

He’s too busy reading the manual on his direct tv remote

[@race263]

Awesome, awesome, AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I haven’t heard a bad interview yet. They just keep getting better. Helpful, very helpful for us lost vets,. Thanks for what you do brother.

[@johncook7983]

Wow, I feel like a complete weakling after listening to these warriors! Grateful for these American heroes 🇺🇸

[@stevejonas5572]

I do everyday and eveytime someone thanks me for my service, we all owe these real heroes.

[@OIMACTTA_AUJW]

This discussion has inspired me to search out ways to fix the damage that I may have in my brain. Thank you both so much.

[@yotasnguns]

The honesty between Mike and the guests is always so cool

[@Gravel1331]

Holy shit! 3/4 of the way through and this is, hands down, the best podcast/interview I've ever listened to. Now I have to go back and start at the first one and come forward.

[@nikkiarana]

Lol, I do the same thing! I think I've listened to Clark Impastato, Nick Irving and Shawn Ryan multiple times. Mike is hands down the best interviewer.

[@Gravel1331]

@@nikkiarana I'm just starting 004 with Chief Beck. I went back and started with 001 and I'm coming forward in order.

[@nikkiarana]

@@Gravel1331 honestly my least favorite but was good to get a different perspective. All of the interviews are time well spent. Enjoy!

[@Gravel1331]

@@nikkiarana It's 4 hours long ... and I'm retired, so what the heck LOL

[@MAXimumEffort44]

Damn this was incredible. I got out of the Marine Corps 3 years ago and had a pretty average career for the time after deployments to afghan and iraq were pretty much nil, but even so, there was a lot in this pod that I definitely needed to hear. Fuckin awesome. Semper Fi

[@selmaking9795]

Just finished when I should have been sleeping, it was worth it!!

[@jdkeith5373]

My eyes popped out my head when he said colter wall🤣

[@frankcastle4435]

Gosh damn Mike you keep hitting it out of the park every damn week. Great show. How about Brad Colbert as guest or John Shrek McPhee. I don’t think you have had any Delta Guys on the show.

[@iamthelizardking6239]

Patrick Hough was Mike in CAG? I thought he was only ODA in SF

[@iamthelizardking6239]

Patrick Hough yeah I could be talking out of my ass I’m actually on google right now reading over his bio on his website it just says he served as a SGM in special forces and then he became a government contractor but I’m also considering the possibility that he’s being quiet about his delta background

[@MikeHolovacs]

@Patrick Hough Don't forget Tomb Guard before all that too.

[@danewhite838]

@Hamburglar i

[@JonnyBGood184]

Been working my way through mikes back catalogue and found this one, I already followed nick for a while so didn't think this would be that interesting....i was wrong, great episode. Am not a vet, I haven't had trauma in my life to speak of, or any great struggle...but I do suffer from mental issues that have gradually become life altering and I've been in some dark places, there was some stuff in here that has given me a new perspective and a mind change, I hope others can find inspiration here as well . 👍🏼

[@kennymarino1466]

Great podcast Mike. Thank you for your service.

[@goranmusinovic1350]

Great episode! You do a really good job filling in the gaps, Mike. When your guests start using military acronyms and refer to specific training locations, you slow down the interview, provide the needed context, and then let the guest continue with his story. Very smooth transitions. Great job on that.

[@artk6998]

Proud to be American, Proud to be Greek! God bless🇺🇸🇬🇷 and Thank you 🙏

[@LDmagnum]

When he was talking about the dude in his unit that he thought was a serial killer i was dying

[@shaunawoodward1295]

Thank you for this podcast. Thank you for continuing to serve in this way. You brought me a real moment of clarity today when you said that mothers also are benefiting from the book...it made me realize that a mild form of what you are talking about is the invisible enemy I’ve been wrestling with for the last couple of years...

[@teflondefcon1674]

Watching this Grunt battalions where operating in 8 man teams rotating into hasty firm bases with indig. 1st Recon Iraq diaries on netflix the recon battalion was operating in company size elements in broad daylight. Reason why BN recon is being axed. Every Marine grunt battlion was doing the same thing you described in the interview. In Anah an Rawah we where out in 8 man teams. We had muliple SVIEDS with first weeks. We sat in peoples homes to overwatch and set up OP in house. Simple cordon knock to get in. Any Marine Grunts here that did this during 05,07, 08, hit that like button.

[@kylestolk7915]

Ever do any posts at TCP alpha overlooking Anna with those empty hesko barriers?

[@teflondefcon1674]

@@kylestolk7915 yea COP Anah we did 1 man posts outside wire looking over route bronze . We also did 3 patrols a day to Sheshan district. We only had 16 Marines and 1 Corpsman. So had to do post , I had 2 am to 4 am by myself. Was scary as shit. Outside wire where the COC or other posts could not hear gun shots. A cell was living in in building next to truck stop where bronze met expresso to go into Anah. We eventually moved to Ocatol inside city of Anah. Those posts played with your mind, dudes where firing 40mm wsp and flares. The wind blocked out sound. Coyotes would sneak right on on you. Was scary shit and you are alone with plywood protecting you. If you did not switch battery on 118s fast enough you lost your fill. Took 40 min to walk back to wire to COC could not see nothing all hills also.

[@kylestolk7915]

Teflon Conn d@mn man! Ya one of the scariest nights of my life was out there, my squad was pretty sure it was haunted. Ocatol! Holy sh!t man that brings back some memories, we might have been the unit to relieve you in ‘07. I was the guy on the post at the entrance of Ocatol when the 550lbs SVBID went off, thank the Lord for sandbags haha

[@teflondefcon1674]

@@kylestolk7915 yea maybe we got kicked out of Ocatol, 2 guys ran out in mosque courtyard with PKMs to light up the post. Another group ran out with RPGs and started volleying them off. The entire 2 PLTs ran out returned fire and lit the mosque up. I have video of 40mms just bouncing off dome, speakers shot of mineret, walls breached by LAVs. So was public relations nightmare so they moved us and brought 3/4 in I think for the last month in country. Plt of 2/8 was there also we relieved them. We kept taking fire from there and the hospital, IEDs layed all around there. They rolled a shopping cart with rockets on rail systems into the one alley on our patrol. We had 12 WIA in 3 days. We came from Rawah and held TCPs we had few SVIEDs there on ADVAN they hit us and 3rd LAR with one they lost few guys, they also rolled up in bongo truck with tarp full of guys. Thier SAW gunner saved alot of lives , he was hit 2 different times continued to kill and lay suppressive fire. Dude should have been given atleast a navy cross. Our LT was cut in half there also on a goat trail by River. That area was rich, all former Bathist generals retired there. So alot of hate for Americans. The Sharks fin had so many IEDs and caches. We found what they called suicide bomber phone book and other intel on sandbar protected by fortified block houses. Apaches came in to soften it up. Every suicide bomber in district number and safe house was listed. Place was wild.

[@kylestolk7915]

Teflon Conn holy sh!t man! You guys did a bang up job cleaning that place up because we didn’t get near that amount of action. I remember that shot up mosque though, it was creepy patrolling around there at night. We would only get an IED about once a week there and we were rarely shot at.

[@Ok-551]

I really relate to these experiences. Not a veteran, but had a fast pace career as a athlete then floor trader, did amazing things, made ridiculous money, then it ends at 30. Similar I guess to a pro athlete in his 20’s. Then wife checks out, domestic responsibilities take over, self confidence and body then collapse. My T was also below 200. Anyway, it must be 10x worse for guys coming from the spec ops.

[@kozy4134]

Thank you Mike and Nick! You've made my night with this!

[@johnathanpitcock5236]

Loved this episode Mike. Nick is an outstanding, genuinely good dude! I love every episode you have put out. I just discovered your podcast a few months ago but I'm so fucking glad I did brother! You and your amazing guests have helped me start climbing out of my own depths of hell and I'm eternally grateful for that, you don't even know how truly grateful but thanks brother and I'm already pumped for the next episode you drop! Stay Frosty!🙌🙌🙌👏👏

[@titustitusnation1999]

STRAIGHT UP, GOD BLESS ALL YOU GUYS. THE ONES THAT SAID I'M PROTECTING AMERICA & AMERICANS FROM ANYONE THAT WANTS TO HURT THEM! I'LL GIVE MINE FOR THEIRS!

[@gkday111]

Any chance you can get Don Shipley on the cast?

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

Now that would be awesome

[@SugarMilkbro]

Civi here, that grew up in a military family. Most of those guys are gone now. This podcast gives me a certain kind of nostalgia. Mike talks just like my uncle

[@MD-nv6rp]

Probably in my top three favourite podcast from you, amazing job keep up the good work

[@DevilFrog61]

Mike, kickass content as always man, been really wanting to figure out the difference between SF and SEALs, their jobs are very different obviously but I'd love to see if you can get an SF guy on the show and talk about the personality difference between SF and SEALs, what types of people would be best for each role, etc. Would be really helpful for at least one listener. Thanks

[@frankpizarro6285]

Great guest Mike! Counterinsurgency and war, it's all about relationships. It's a thinking men's war. Security is a process, not a product.

[@dominickowalczyk8253]

About damn time brother. A Raider and SEAL walk into a bar....

[@DEATH_TO_TYRANTS]

And it's all bar

[@aarontolman8866]

Loved this one! Thank you for your service! God Bless Mike.

[@spy44yogi]

Great podcast as usual. Every new interview I watch becomes my new favortie lol.

[@Gr8tgadspy]

Love what you’re putting out. Keeps me pushing forward hearing inspirational stories with the dark humor peppered in for good measure. I had a 1SG in 10 GRP from Greece and we just called him “G”

[@leahlandi143]

Awesome podcast and what an inspirational guy! So glad the ocean and the thought of his girls helped him start to see he had a purpose.

[@OldStreetDoc]

Caught the dub, Mike. Smoothly done, sir. Smoothly done. 👍🏼🇺🇸

[@93crazygunz]

GREAT podcast!! This was very therapeutic and helped me understand some issues of my own!!! Thank you! Semper Fi

[@shredderdredder]

Literally bought your book before this video was over. I can’t describe how much I relate to some of this

[@GALLYV]

almost a 4 hour podcast. LOVED every minute of it. Semper Fidelis.

[@user-qp2gv1on6z]

One of my favorite podcasts to date. Thanks for the content guys

[@blackbeard5588]

I got home from Afghanistan got out of the army 2 months later and I was lost in the fucking sauce. Your not a airborne ranger any more I gained like 40 pounds. Lucky I’ve started training again and turned my life around but it was a dark 2 years. This podcast has helped makes me feel like I’m not the only one

[@southernshop8424]

Welcome home Airborne

[@rbueno9901]

Mike " I am not blowing out Wondering Woman's uterus out the back doc". Awesome

[@lskatepopwar5596]

These are all so good, I appreciate you doing a podcast Mike.

[@nathanbieber2840]

Love this Guy!!!! glad he didnt sail on the lead warship!!! we need to do more for our vets in terms of mental health / transition!!!NO MATTER how reluctant they are to help

[@isaactrujillo76]

Everyone looks at me like I’m crazy. Just bust out laughing when I listen. Love this show.

[@weStayModest]

Bring impastato back! Love that dude!

[@keyboardwarrior9916]

Glad I found this channel! Loving the stories. Blows me away this shit all really happened!

[@richardlittler613]

Man this was eyeopening !!!! God bless the both of you THANK YOU FOR MY FREEDOMS !!!

[@chris21904]

Mike, you are one hell of a listener. Never went into the military but in the work I've done, listening with an open mind means the world of difference.

[@NateJRSatt]

"I'm not blowing Wonder Woman's uterus out the backside I'll tell ya that Doc" hahahahaha I broke out laughing at work when Mike said that.

[@hmsocal]

Most Marines know that Force Recon and Raiders, and MARSOC are the shit and command our respect and gratitude

[@jeffbones2802]

Great Interview Mike! I think I can speak for most that listened to this, would have loved to get more info out of this warrior but you gotta respect what he wasn’t able to talk about. 10 out of 10 brother. Keep up the good work!

[@Fedup0311]

Nick brother I totally understand exactly what you are saying when guys don't have ptsd from smoke checking bad guys but loosing brothers. Awesome interview. Mike you're a badass interviewer. Keep up the badass work.

[@user-sx2nq3kt3x]

Much respect Nick for taking responsibility for your own life turning it around, through all the bad and using it for your good bless you and thank you for your service. ❤

[@joshreed7102]

Dudes, I completely have nothing but respect for you and what you’ve done for me. Thank you.

[@GoogleAccount-ii9sj]

Love your reactions throughout the podcast. You are hilarious😆

[@alanstordal5621]

Thank You Both👑👑Honor. Rare to see and hear.

[@brandonporter9764]

Love the content. Thank you for everything you guys do. Semper Fi

[@jonmartinez5073]

Any future Podcast featuring a former CAG operator? Great podcast, I enjoy how in depth and in detail you go into with the questions. Keep up the great work.

[@gunman155555678]

Jon Martinez they did mike glover

[@iamthelizardking6239]

gunman155555678 I didt know Mike was in CAG I thought he did his time in SF

[@michaelvendick2785]

@@iamthelizardking6239 he wasn't. He was Green Berets, he never did Delta so your original assessment was true

[@iamthelizardking6239]

Michael Vendick actually to my surprise I was watching a podcast he was on with Andy stumpf and it turns out he did spend some time in CAG he got kicked out for being “disrespectful” as he put it.

[@michaelvendick2785]

@@iamthelizardking6239 yeah you're right. I just finished listening to this entire podcast and he explained why he doesnt advertise being CAG. I was confused at first because all his credentials online only list him as Special Forces not CAG, but he explains that he doesn't advertise it because he was only there a few years and he did the bulk of his service with Special Forces. I love the humility of this guy, most guys would jump at the chance to make it known they were Delta, but Glover is so humble he doesn't feel justified advertising it because of his short stint. Plus technically Delta doesnt officially exist so theres that, lol. But yeah I stand corrected.

[@geebeaux]

I really enjoy these podcasts, sorry Im a year late. Lots of great points of view on life. I really enjoy hearing vet stories, the Haji Anarchy, rolling up with a MK11 on a bike painted such an awesome picture in my head. Never seen of heard of anything like that.

[@kneeinyourface]

Seriously enjoying all your interviews, thanks for doing them!

[@billjordan5507]

Stellar podcast. Though I have not read Nick's book yet, I suspect that it might also resonate with those who have been in the workforce for 30+ years, and then are let go in downsizing strategies. Now, you're caught up in ageism. The "warrior mindset" should be adopted by all. Semper Fi. Godspeed!

[@Shidoshi578]

Hell yeah bro 🍻. I’ll be listening to the latest on my flight today so I don’t have to choke myself 🤙

[@georgecoull1883]

The Greek God's both Nick's, both Marine Raiders Kefidelis and Koumalatos are true warrior's! We should be happy we have people like that 🇺🇸🪖

[@Rich65501]

Awesome podcast. Nick is articulate and tells a great story. I bought Nick's book.

[@mkultra6664]

Tremendous episode guys! Thank you both for sharing all of that.

[@cherylb2008]

Another one of a kind unstoppable courageous warrior. Amazing men. I like this guys self preservation instincts and his persistence of steel.Much respect

[@nikkisims8656]

OMG, my heart just broke for you Nick, that coming home story is gut wrenching. I am so sorry mate. Very glad you seem happy now. Cheers.

[@dylantodd9574]

Man I could listen to these 2 talk for hours.

[@charlesxavier9978]

I listen to Mike and Nick alot, so when this came up I was pumped up. And as always Mike is a great interviewer. But we know that it takes alot of time to setup and frame the questions but he does a very nice and laid back approach. I still love the joking comments he throws in. It reminds me of just joking around with my brothers, family, etc.

[@danielbennett2401]

Mike drop, and the guests, are absolutely awesome. Love it

[@mavsformulaful]

Hell yes! How has Nick not been on The Drop yet? Been waiting for this one as long as Emily Hills.

[@nicholaspapoulias9280]

What a great episode. Great job from both of you, Thank you!

[@yunussipahioglu6877]

I fucking love how formally you said " that's what she said" at the start.

[@matthewculver5271]

GREAT podcast/interview. Nick has gained a bit of my respect when talking about the beach. Such great strong veterans. God Bless guys.

[@jeffwhite5149]

Good Podcast. Great America's Nick and Mike! Thanks for your service!