Mike Drop Podcast Episode 44: Eric Maddox - Finding Saddam

Mike Drop Podcast Episode 44: Eric Maddox - Finding Saddam
Ladies and gentleman... we got em. Those words forever etched in our minds from the day that Saddam Hussein was finally captured after months of raids and tireless searching. I sat down with the man responsible for breaking the source that led to that capture. Saddams right hand man finally gave him up after Eric interrogated him, and account of the amazing journey of the operators that ultimately nabbed him is gripping to say the least.
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[@DHarley71]

Eric, you couldnt be more wrong about the listeners. Your cadence, and story telling had me captivated from the first sentence of this interview. Mike’s ability to ask questions is familiar to me. There is a familiarity that his listeners have already built. Your story is remarkable and educational. Thank you for sharing. Thank you, Mike for another outstanding interview! You are appreciated.

[@mattclarke1505]

This was the BEST and most interesting guy that Ritland has ever had on his podcast to me. You are so correct!

[@AuthorTLGray]

Mike, I could listen to you all day, every day. Your tone is one thing on its own. You have a richness to your voice, it was made for radio. But, its not just your voice, it's the patience you have when you listen to people. I've heard enough of your podcasts now that I've seen many times how you respect the guests you have, you let them tell their story, you don't cut them off, you follow up with questions pertinent to the conversation, not just a set of preset questions, which is respectful. By doing this I have learned a lot from your guests. Many of them have me crying. All of them have me thinking. I'm being educated and informed by listening to genuine conversation. That's rare. I swear, I've got a huge crush. You rock that beard, but that never really appealed to me other than an approving nod. Your voice ...though, man I've got the biggest crush ...and you listen???? Shit! You're a trifecta. I actually hate it that I'm crushing here, because I just want to listen. I just wanted you to know I really appreciate you, man. I really do. You'll always have a welcome here by the beach and don't be surprised if a similar character shows up in one of my future novels. Another great podcast bringing up another great story and information we never knew before concerning the capture and interrogation of Saddam Hussein.

[@MikeRitland]

Tonya Gray wow! Thank you for such an amazing review! I love doing the show, and feedback like this makes it well worth all the hard work. I sure appreciate you taking the time to write it, and I’ll be looking for that character 😉

[@myessyallyahamericus8405]

i have so many fathers id say pope gregory was there for me the least when i wanted to throw the baseball around. what kind of father dies 1350 years before your first teeball game? a total loser thats who. gregory the great? not on gameday.

[@BBANKZ-fw4dc]

@mikeritland LOL HEY MIKE WHAT TONYA TRYING TO SAY IS SHES DOWN TO #%$& AS SOON AS YOU ROGER THAT

[@hannahhendrix5660]

100percent Tonya!! His voice is so soothing and he actually asks legitimate questions. Also thanks for clarifying all of the acronyms for us !!! Haha

[@onlycasual1]

Last 5 guests have been straight fire and 3+ hour length is as good as it gets

[@myessyallyahamericus8405]

i refuse to be there for my father when hes an old man because he has never been there for me my entire life. especially when he was physically there thats when he was abusive by just not being smarter than a four year old.

[@unknownuser7861]

@@myessyallyahamericus8405 shut up

[@mattclarke4698]

Eric Maddox was the best guest so far. just a real neat and interesting guy. I like listening to him. Great job Mike!!

[@skipmooney5732]

At first , I was turned off by his mannerisms, but somehow he got me to keep listening...I even came back the second day to Finish the Interview. I got to like him , he wasn’t boastful after all. He was just answering the questions asked of him. I’ve had a good career, I was consistent.Top 10% in sales at all and every location. He could probably I’m sell me anything or put it this way, I would take his advise if offered. He’s Real, he’s Sincere...and that’s what I look for if I need to Trust. Great Interview.

[@SKILLIUSCAESAR]

I had the exact same reaction as I just watched his episode on Declassified, but by the end I was on the edge of my seat listening and came here searching for more 😂

[@Johnny.f.face1]

I don’t know how many times I’ve listen to Eric Maddox tell the hunt for Saddam story in various places on YT. I never get tired of it.

[@xl2beerz725]

I just love these types of interviews!!!! Man, when your guests tell stories like Mr. Maddox did through the entire podcast it's like you're there. Sooo vivid... Sooo awesome Mike!

[@selmaking9795]

What's the first rule of disappearing? Giving up EVERYTHING you love. Favorite foods, hobbies, contact with everyone you know, fashion, hair style, hair color, places you like to visit, EVERYTHING. Very, very cool interview!! I love everything about interrogations!

[@brakel8r]

This dude is on the edge...i love it Thanks for your service

[@Mr-American556]

As far as war, conflict and combat, this man was basically one of the most important people inside the war. Because if it wasn’t for men like Eric, the rest of the military would not have these big targets to go after. And when it comes to war, it’s important to go after the head of the snake.

[@BostonsF1nest]

100%. Intelligence is what drives the military. Luckily America has the best special operations in the world but without the intell that wouldn’t matter.

[@thomasmcdonald2219]

Mike I absolutely love your interviews. Great questions. Great listener. Man I’m glad I found this channel.

[@KIMBERLY-er9yk]

I will NEVER send any food back either. It's nice to know someone has validated my concerns and theory about being punished for complaining.

[@dowth3]

Fantastic video. Love the tactics behind Eric's interrogations. And I'd agree with him that you are a great listener. A primary reason I watch your videos (aside from content) is because you ask questions (and often frame them specifically) from the listener's perspective. Glad you got props for that from a credible source on the topic.

[@SheepdogPatrick]

Awesome guest! Thank you and keep up the good work. I've spread the word about your podcast to my crew. 🇺🇸

[@Jacobl119]

This is the steak dinner of podcasts. On a Mike Drop binge! Thanks for the awesome content!

[@brittdriver4453]

I love this dude, he reminds me of Slingblade from the movie! Who wouldn't tell this guy everything! 😃 Another great Podcast Mike! 🇺🇸

[@bb7549]

Another absolutely fascinating podcast Mike!

[@professorcanonizado6822]

Another great podcast Mike! You are bringing guests that VERY FEW others are talking too. You should bring Rut and Shawn back for a follow up.

[@Johnson11c]

Just wanted to say thank you Mike and all of you Warriors! Thank you for motivating me and helping me to find myself and who I need to be! Thank you all for your Sacrifice and Selfless Service for all of us as Americans! Thank you sir take care be safe!

[@aikonatsumi5611]

Only halfway through so far but I'm loving every second of this. Great podcast! God Bless America. Love from Japan.

[@myessyallyahamericus8405]

i always mean well, some guys aint good at being mean.

[@michaeldaniels4380]

Mike, just like anything else, youre approach with this dude is what allows everyone of us civilians to realize the true value of our safety and freedom. Thanks again.

[@MikeNYC1031]

Powerful Mike drop!!!!

[@brandonblackfyre5783]

This podcast is awesome because Mike brings a lot of people on that most people have never heard of and let them tell their awesome stories of their lives... I know a lot of these guest have also seen their book sales go up after these podcast... thanks for putting us on these awesome guest! Never would of heard about these guys in another way

[@ClintonCaraway]

Mike brings the best questions out perfectly. His way of interviewing hits the highlights of the book so you hear the answers you are left wondering as you read the story.

[@kennethrich2107]

Eric's body language & twitching alone would make me spill my guts...

[@SortaProfessional89]

Agreed man, i would NOT want to be the person on the other side of the table from him with a secret to keep. Lol

[@LZZEBRA]

Maybe he has low level turetts syndrom

[@David-ip7gy]

@@LZZEBRA he’s a genius

[@Rich65501]

The enlisted are the backbone of the military.Maddox is the military version of Colombo. Great interview. I bought Eric's book.

[@mrchad31081]

Thank u for your service ! Great Patriots

[@Timebones]

the communication between these two men is in itself a lesson on how to have a fffn meeting. Eric gets so fffn fired up he starts twitching at the end damnnnnn

[@erikkrause4874]

Compelling content, yet again. Far better info than what’s available on the hundred plus tv channels and “news” outlets. Thanks again for the edu-tainment. 👍👍👊

[@iconofsin09]

“You ain’t got to lie Craig” Mike cracks me up! More of that dry humour please!

[@pablogonzalez8304]

Interesting guest Mike! Have to watch the rest later.

[@FarmBuilder]

Tier 1 podcasts. Love these and keep 'em coming!

[@usmcmma]

As interesting as all Mike's guests are he is an amazing podcast host. Absolute natural at it. Questions are on point, never one ups his guests or seems threatened by them. My new favorite podcast!

[@mattclarke1505]

Maddox had me glued to the entire podcast and Ilve listened to it 2 times. Great job Mike and Erick! Thank you!

[@jaredspear8140]

Glad I went back and found this podcast! Ordered Eric’s book immediately. Mr Maddox has one badass story, thanks Mike!

[@tremontitized3018]

Appreciate the hell out of all the service members! Mike and his guest Eric thank you guys

[@jupiterjunk]

Eric has some very unusual/interesting body mannerism's.

[@alanstordal5621]

Facial Expressions. Practice responses. Actors in a "Real Play"

[@Dusted000]

He seems to have legit uncontrollable muscle spasms.

[@BostonsF1nest]

I find it somewhat comforting tho that he doesn’t maintain eye contact

[@lc2kid]

A little touch of tourettes possibly

[@markholbrook3949]

I was just gonna say before reading this comment that this guy feels every word he says!! Its a little annoying,,,, But what a job he did!!!

[@averageeverydayfishermansh4501]

Slow start with Mr. Maddox but excellent once it gets going. Don't give up folks!! Give it a few minutes to get going and then you will be enthralled. Another great one! --BAP

[@johncook7983]

This is an incredible podcast! Just checked the book out from the library. What a time to be alive 🇺🇸

[@1apeture]

Thanks Mike for another great podcast..

[@sk84life311]

To Erics point when I was younger my brother took me to TGI Fridays and i asked for a cheese burger medium rare and they way over cooked it. I really didn't like the burger but my brother was adamant I send it back because he was just trying to do something small for my birthday because he had gotten his first job so he wanted me to at least enjoy the meal. He told the waiter and the guy took it back just to bring out the same burger with the bite taken out of it on a different bun. My brother told the guy and sent it back again just to have the guy literally bring the same burger back out. When I took the bun off because you could still clearly see it was the same burger there was a wet spot on the top which wasn't there before (obviously spit on). My brother told me not to touch it and we left without paying. I've never been back there since. Here's the address 580 N State Road #7, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411, just know they aren't above spitting in a childs food. If you happen to be in the area go anywhere else.

[@JRsmith.]

sk84life311 sorry the fucked up ur Bday meal, the best gift you got was your brother. God bless

[@slim7013]

Love the long podcast. I start it at work ,by the time it's over work half done damn near. I hate them 15 min ones people do. Keep them coming.

[@keithmichael5839]

"My daughter wants to know what's your least favorite animal?" {takes absolutely ZERO time to think about it} "The dolphin." HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! That's like saying you hate koalas. Lol.

[@AlcesColotes6575]

I feel that way about sharks, and I used to haaate shark week taking up airtime back when I watched TV lol

[@PvtCjhalo]

Ugh....hate shark week.....I see what you did there?

[@spikentheneck629]

I surf when I can and SHARKS FREAK ME THE FUCK OUT BRO! Out past the 3rd sandbar THERE are monsters waiting to eat your soul!

[@seatato4468]

Say u hate me, I dare ya

[@dianamurphy2954]

Snakes!!

[@frankcastle4435]

Kick ass interview again Mike. You are really knocking it out of the park brother. I am damn proud of you, I hope you get some more sponsors. You are damn talented. Do you have any of those K-9 hats you wear for sale?

[@ryanhyderh]

If you listen to this podcast via audio only you are seriously missing out on the full story telling capabilities of Eric. Man what an interesting guy.

[@JRAT777]

This is one quirky dude. Great podcast!

[@djjoseywalez]

Another home run, Eric and Mike.. thanks for the info and insightful conservation.

[@martinp1544]

Mike, Another interview in which you knock it out of the park... Awesome interview!!! Please keep'em coming....

[@davesmith1771]

Thanks, enjoyable as always.

[@Mr-American556]

I’m reading his book rn I actually came back to the podcast I’m on page 57 reading these names are hard 😂 so I came here to hear the names. Super good book so far

[@tylerfuller7174]

By far my favorite guest you have had. The intensity he keeps his conversation at is awesome. You should have a shirt made “bam bam didn’t give a damn” with his name on it.

[@fileshare6400]

Outstanding thanks Mike great podcast

[@shiftbreak10]

im a Chinese from singapore but im team America!

[@ChadAnderson_aka_hvy_drop]

Hahaha, love that I finally found your podcasts. Eric is a great dude! We served together at Bragg and he is the genuine article. Ask him about his plastic shoes 🤣🤣🤣

[@modacare4546]

Thank you Mike for giving these incredible warriors the format to share their story and get some of this shit off their chest. Your videos have help me deal with some the issues involved in combat service.

[@thomaspiresle3587]

Best interview i have ever seen on mike drop no cap. Great episode Mike thank you a lot im getting this book for sure!!!

[@DDGVET4]

Seeing those football games while deployed gave me a greater appreciation for the simple things in life.

[@upsidedownflapjack]

"I'd like to get Hillary on the podcast"....If there was EVER a chance in h3ll of that, I'd start the donations fundraiser for Mike R to make out with her at the end.

[@ew4395]

I dont know what would be better, watching Mike do a Podcast with the Leprechaun in the garage or watch Maddox interrogate him.

[@pmg765]

love the podcasts mike, your the man, best podcasts out there right now

[@backhoebucket]

36:54 when Mike brings up 911, Eric's body language was visceral. Gave me goosebumps to watch, exact same reaction that I have when something pulls me back to that day.

[@JRsmith.]

backhoebucket i think he just has a muscle spasm problem/tick

[@AndrewPureMI]

Holy shit I missed that sshit the first time I'm only at 44 minutes but maybe he has a photographic memory mike said something at the beginning about his memory and well talk about that later on.... weird but wow it was powerful

[@fluff2001]

Heroes come in all different types of packages ....... Great Job Eric Maddox ................ USA

[@Bobdrum2]

Great interview! Does anybody else see a Garth Brooks resemblance from this guy? Both from Oklahoma, just putting it out there 😉

[@vtwinbuilder3129]

How weird. I was literally gonna say the same thing....glad someone else saw the resemblance too.

[@jamesmainstream3112]

Just got put on to Mike Drop. Listening to Ritland interview these guys and girls has brought back a flood of memories of long talks with my grandfather. I appreciate the fuck out of these videos, man. Thanks, Mike.

[@jaybird9391]

Suggestion for a CAG or SFOD-D Guy, Tom Spooner or his brother Scott both just started a podcast Original Freedom and they were both Delta guys together for years. Thanks for the great podcast you keep coming up with Mike!

[@vtwinbuilder3129]

True but it would be awesome if Mike could get them to open up a little more on their military careers and experiences. I know the work they are doing now is important and admirable but that’s all they ever seem to talk about when they are guests on a show. Dale Comstock has told most of his stories already but he’s a good Delta/SF guy with a ton of experience. He did Panama straight through to the GWOT, he saw a lot of stuff.

[@Andyspeeder7]

WHAT A FUKIN INTENSE DUDE , ANOTHER AWESOME INTERVIEW, PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING

[@SolaraSLE99]

This was a super interesting interview, Eric is a cool dude. Great stuff! I found it really cool the military allowed him to write the book and let him keep his job too.

[@bretstevens262]

Awesome interview! Man Eric is cool!

[@Privacy998]

mike you need to get mat best on here I feel like you guys would connect over your love of meat and hell maybe you guys would grill some meat too

[@austin2466]

Yes. They both love meat. On and off camera.

[@jomi1413]

Another great podcast 💪👍

[@SortaProfessional89]

Man again this guest is a heavy heavy hitter!

[@donaldritter2256]

Another fantastic interview.

[@kevinm4209]

Thanks Mike I enjoy spitting up redbull everywhere cause of your damn jokes. Chuck Norris flipped on the rangers lmao

[@stephenking9621]

My favorite so far.

[@janekelley2001]

Wow! Loved this interview! Getting the book!

[@crystalchandler6742]

always topping yourself! yet another book to add to my Amazon list

[@edwardwindsor9053]

I read this book years ago, it might be the best book on a unique perspective within the gwot I have read...I remember the content being detailed, informative but very humble, this is the guy who pieced together and provided the needed information required to capture Saddam, then suddenly had to leave Iraq a day before blacklist #1 was snatched up...it sucked. But I appreciated the account and his selflessness. Good one Mike!!!

[@GenePanasenko]

Excellent! Truly fascinating!

[@mrmichael972]

Fantastic episode. Interesting man and story. He has a lot of tenacity. Ranger School three times. Those long interrogations. Not easy.

[@robertmanigold9148]

This one was especially fantastic.

[@Knuth938]

Such an interesting and great podcast! Thanks!

[@JoseEvo]

Great podcast Mike 🇺🇸🦅

[@cherylb2008]

Mike R you are the best. Such interesting guests.

[@Lewisdovefam]

God Bless this show.

[@185rick]

Holy fuck this episode was amazing!

[@32hernandez93]

Totally agree with him on China.

[@Yeoman7]

Mr. Maddox seems to loosen up after half way through this interview and by the end we can get a better idea what kind of man he is.👍

[@schneiderman1996]

Another great one

[@SergioPena20]

The intros are the best part of these podcasts. Fucking amazing!!!

[@johnniebriggs9393]

Great interview. Thank you for your service Eric! Semper FI!🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@troyfly71]

Great podcast. Great story. When is the movie coming out?

[@joshlemke735]

Super interesting episode.

[@rhoneyrun8069]

I can see a younger Vincent D'Onofrio playing him in this book turned mini series.

[@lucaskleinsasser6475]

Definitely good shit right there man

[@johnmacri7440]

Outstanding interview. Mike enjoy your work and fascinating guests. Its much needed viewing to recognize these heroes. Its given me a look behind the curtain and as a raised patriot from an Army veteran I always support and will support the military. I have so much admiration for the work you all do to keep us safe. God bless you and your guests. You have something special here. Nuts dragged and all 😂 🇺🇸❤️

[@lesdillinger4907]

Really great interview

[@jarinwilson9539]

Eric should have answered the first question with "Dogs" lmao More specifically German Shepard's LOL

[@Tducks72]

jarin wilson with a serious face 😂

[@timbartlett4898]

LMAO!!

[@mcsranch6760]

It’s so important to get alone with God first thing, good for him! What an amazing story!

[@alanstordal5621]

Agreed.

[@ClintonCaraway]

I love Eric's interview at the end of the documentary Thunder Run on Bagdad.

[@alfonsomontes8829]

Very kool man keep em coming

[@jrads]

Freaking awsome interview. Would never last being interrogated by this guy. Looks like he could talk for 36 hours straight.

[@dianamurphy2954]

Shame I just watched interviews up the General of the capture. He never said thank you to Eric. He took all credit.