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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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 💯🇺🇸

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

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!!!

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

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

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.

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.

"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!

Mad love and respect for Ephraim ❤️

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!

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 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

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"

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Legend

Thank you both for your service 🙏🏽🇺🇲

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.

One of my favorite episodes yet! Thanks Mike!

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

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

True true hero thank you 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!!!

Excellent interview. Keep up the great podcasts

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

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

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

Salute 2 Mattos

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 .👊🇺🇸

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.

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.

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.

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...

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

Cant even explain how powerful that was. Thank you

bought the book Thank you

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

Thank you for your service and selflessness

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.

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....

One of the best guests.

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

What a warrior! Respect to both of you guys

Outstanding!

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

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

Ephraim truly has a heart of gold and balls of tungsten

Thank you for these!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Excellent podcast Mike

Amazing interview, what an amazing man.

This man, our soldiers, the best men this county has.

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

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.

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

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 .

this podcast ranks at the top. excellent

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

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

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

Awesome thanks

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

Excellent interview!!

AWESOME

Holy shit. Thank you both for bringing this to us...

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

Mike you’re a great interviewer 👍 great episode

Please have Ephraim back on for a second podcast.