Heston Russell — former Major with Australia’s 2nd Commando Regiment — joins Mike Drop for a deep dive into elite special operations, leadership under fire, and life after combat. In this episode, we break down what Australian commando selection really does to your mind and body, what it takes to lead teams through combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the reality of operating at the highest level. Heston also shares his mission to fix veteran support back home, and we discuss the growing tensions with Iran and where Australia stands if conflict escalates. In this episode: -What commando selection is really like (mental + physical toll) -Leading elite teams in Afghanistan and Iraq -The realities of modern special operations -Transitioning out of the military -Fixing broken veteran support systems -Iran conflict and Australia’s role Subscribe for more raw, unfiltered conversations with elite operators, leaders, and people who’ve lived it. ---------- Support Heston Russell https://hestonrussell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hestonrussell/ https://x.com/HestonRussell https://au.linkedin.com/in/hestonrussell https://www.facebook.com/HestonRussellOfficial/ ---------- BEAM Here’s the deal: Beam is giving my listeners the ultimate patriot discount of UP TO 40% off. Try their best‑selling Dream Powder and get UP TO 40% off for a limited time. Go to https://shopbeam.com/products/dream-powder-4?variant=41387075567671&selling_plan=1794441271&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=sponsorship&utm_campaign=mikedrop&code=applied15&discount=MIKEDROP and use code MIKEDROP at checkout. HELLO FRESH Go to https://www.hellofresh.com/mikedrop10fm to Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. HELIX Go to https://www.helixsleep.com/mikedrop for 27% Off Sitewide! That's https://www.helixsleep.com/mikedrop for 27% Off Sitewide. https://www.helixsleep.com/mikedrop MARS MEN For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at https://mengotomars.com/ NAVY SEALS FITNESS APP | HYBRID STRENGTH & CONDITIONING TRAINING Train like a SEAL with Mike Ritland's App. Build real-world strength, endurance and resilience. https://www.coachos-app.com/navy-seals TEAM DOG FOOD, TREATS & SUPPLEMENTS Be Your Dog’s Hero: Veteran-owned by a former Navy SEAL and Special Operations K9 Trainer, Team Dog provides a complete diet of science-backed premium dog food, treats, and supplements to optimize your dog’s health, forged from rigorous standards and real-world expertise. https://www.teamdog.shop TEAM DOG ONLINE TRAINING Mike Ritland – a former Navy SEAL & Special Operations K9 trainer – shares his simple and effective dog training program to build trust and control with your dog. Based on Mike’s bestselling book “Team Dog, Train the Navy SEAL Way”, join tens of thousands of families that successfully trained their way to a better dog. https://www.teamdog.pet SHOP ALL THE MIKE RITLAND BRANDS Get all your Mike Ritland branded gear - Mike Drop | Trikos | Team Dog https://shop.mikeritland.com #TheMikeDropPodcast #MikeRitland #veteran #Geopolitics #MikeRitlandPodcast #HestonRussell #SpecialForcesSelection #AustralianSpecialForces #HigherPurpose #AustralianMilitary #DEVGRUTraining #IranConflict #ChinaTaiwan #militarypodcast #globalsecurity #specialoperations #militarydeployment #specialforces #veteranstories #militaryhistory #trump #MilitaryLeadership #MassMigration #militaryintelligence #deltaforce