Thanks for taking the time & sharing your story on Mike's show! He's Def the most professional and well done out of the few podcasts that interview ex military ect members & allow them to act talk/tell their story while still asking excellent stories! Lookin forward to watching this one, keep up all the great work you do!
@@C-24-Brandan thank you brandon. I'm confident it will resonate with you. Mike is an amazing host. You are spot on with your description of him and his podcast.
This is what a true American looks like caring, loving and protective of his family and a badass gunslinger situationally aware jump to action navy seal the kind of guy you want in your corner All the respect in the world for humans like this that make our country great and represents the things we should all strive for
I almost cried multiple times, but I'm at work. I've got to man up. But this was a hard story to listen to, but I'm glad I did. My family is a broken family, and I'm trying to fix that with the family I've created. Thank you, Zack, for telling your story.
“The epitome of a great dad, just had some demons” that’s powerful. Thats how I remember my dad to this day. We all fall short. But you had grace for your father. Just as grace was given to us. ❤
I just wanna hug this guy. He’s so caring for everyone. I just feel like he needs people to start caring more about him. It’s hard not to get emotional listening to his story. He’s got such a strong sense of morality and integrity. Praying that heand his family see better times ahead.
I was crying by the end of this. I went and gave my stepdad the biggest hug. (My real dad is not in my life) I forgave my dad for some of the things he did. He has his demons and so do I. God bless you Zack
Zack! You are the man for this one! Mike thank you for this episode! Zack, Jesus loves you brother and I pray you know and seek him daily. This episode hit me like a ton of bricks. We’re both 94 Kids. Same calling in life but God ultimately sent me down a different path after I tore my ACL 2 weeks from shipping out in 2017 with a SO contract. I’ve been blessed with a wife and 2 amazing children since then. My father was a heavy crack/cocaine user and mother was an alcoholic. Your story hit home in so many ways and I’m just so grateful for you and the courage you showed in this episode to get your story out. You are amazing brother!! God bless you.
Mike appreciate you sharing an interview of this magnitude. Zach also appreciate the vulnerability and rawness shared. It has to resonate with many. Commend you both for the paths your lives are traveling and the people you help, the impact it makes. Thank you
Awesome! Thanks Zack for your courage and speaking about your experiences. I lost my younger brother to Meth in 2019... He ran away and hung himself in the woods near our home. We all thought he was missing for 4 months because his body wasn't discovered immediately. Major props to you for intervening and helping your family out the way that you did. God bless.
I don’t listen to complete podcasts normally. This is my fav guest to any podcast all time. We share similar family quarrels but the fact he is a Seal make him amazing as a human being. Watched all of at. It
this was a deep podcast that I know a lot of people and families are going threw. I think this mans driving force to never give up and forgive and help is truly amazing. many families remain broken because no one wants to forgive. Forgiveness is the start to truly healing not only family but ourselves. Amazing story. This one brought tears to my eyes.
Man. My dad was special forces but was honorably discharged due to severe injuries(he died twice). He battled addiction and PTSD among other things for years after. Life was a state of stress and walking on egg shells. You learn to compartmentalize somewhere along the way. We moved all the time so all we had was each other. My mom didn’t know how to handle things either. One of my siblings died in 2021 due to drugs. She was my best friend. I couldn’t save her. I have another sibling I’ve been able to get off the streets and so far is off meth. It has really messed with their head. There is hope though. I myself went through my own destructive cycle of getting myself into bad situations with bad people. Further trauma, but I’ve recognized and changed it. Thank you for your service and sharing ur story. I appreciate both.
What a great conversation. Zach, you are one hell of a dude! I was on the verge of tears hearing you talk about your dad. I’m in a similar place with my dad. Thank you for being so raw and unfiltered. I’m so glad you had the opportunity to experience the healing power of psychedelics. It’s apparent that there is a transformation that is real within you and is expressing itself into those around you. Keep up the great work. Can’t wait to see your jujitsu goals come to fruition in this next season! Thanks again for sharing your experience, it was moving!! God bless!
My heart was so heavy listening to this entire podcast. The strength it took to share something so personal, I can only imagine. I can relate to a lot of what he spoke about regarding the family, unless you’ve lived thru loving someone with addiction it’s hard to understand what he’s been through. His dad will be in my prayers along with him and his family. Addiction is a mf. Thank you for your service 🙏
I usually don’t comment on these podcasts.. This is by far one of the best stories I’ve heard in a long time, so thank you all… This guest is amazing 😢.
To see past the demons and still see his dad .. it takes great love and compassion. And strength. To still want to help someone who has left a path of destruction takes the strength most people can't imagine. I can't fathom having to go through what he has gone through.
Mike it's so refreshing to your a Podcaster to be so direct continously asking questions I want an answer to and not beating around the bush. Much respect Sir and would love to see you interview more politicians and being so direct and not afraid to ask. I'm sure they would be scared to come on. Much love and respect Sir and thankyou for your service
Great story and an inspiration. Clean 7 years off heroin myself and it can happen to anyone. You make me wanna do better in my life and I appreciate you opening up and sharing your story
Definitely a VERY hard habit to kick Congratulations on 7 years clean. That is a VERY hard habit to kick - especially in this day and age with blue pills being EVERYWHERE with little to no consequences
Honestly thank you Zack For absolutely everything you've done and this especially... Not. to say there's not some real AMERICAN MEN on here but You young man are the epitome of Stand Up Stand Out And Stay in Control. Thank you
What a powerful interview Mike, thank you for both of yalls service, and thanks for opening up Zach, you truly are a unbelievable man, God Bless you brother
Listened to this entire pod and just wanted to say you make me proud to be an American man in 2024, when so much seems bleak in the world. Knowing principled men are still committed to our country and our safety means the world to real Americans. You are a solid dude and your story hits home for many of us. I'm a lil older than you and I was never in the military but often wish I had been. My brother is a vet. My uncles were vets. Thank you for your service and your sacrifices. You are appreciated. I've always been the peacemaker in my family so I get your desire to keep your family together. Family isn't easy but you just do whatever it takes anyways. Because it's worth it. Much love and respect brother. 🙏 Will be looking out for you Zack! Good luck w ADCC.. you got this. All the best partner 🫡
..and btw Mike.. you are a PHENOMENAL interviewer. So glad I found your channel. Looking forward to catching up on all the ones I haven't seen yet. Only seen a couple so far but I'm here for it! 💪🙏
Mike Brother You Absolutely Did a Fantastic Job Of Pulling the Interview Off. That Man Has a So Much Pain To Work Through. Hopefully He Can Get The Complete Mexico Treatments.
Idk why this was on my feed but I’m not complaining. Both of you are good, strong men. I hope Zack continues to heal and thrive. He’s inspired me to me to not give up and continue to get the help I need.
I really love your story! I did a 3 day ayahuasca in Portugal last year. I'm so happy when I hear stories of people being healed with plant medicine. Having said that..people have to be sure of their shaman. You are your families north star, Zack ❤️ 🌟 oh...and you should check out this dude, Green Beret, Richard Flaherty. He has passed away, but he was 4'-9" and has an amazing career story. He did have to have a height waiver but he was a pit bull!
Incredible all around. Perseverance on steroids. What an incredible dude. If this doesnt give people hope no matter what is going on I dont know what will. Thank You both. Mike your best work.
Amazing video, Zach is one true hero. He’s been through so much and still going through it. You can feel his pain in the video how honest and open he is
@@Zackkferg man I can’t believe you replied in person, thank you for your service and man I feel your pain. When I was 12 they guy I call my dad killed my grandparents and then kidnapped my mom and tried to kill her while we was at school. Also my real dad got on crack before that and then ended up on meth and ended up overdosing few years ago. Not saying I’ve walked in your shoes but you definitely not alone in this world. I pray and hope you and your family keep healing and growing, also thank you for talking about your ayahuasca treatment. Made me start to do research and already started talking to my sister about us going. Again thank you for your service and being so open, your truly a beautiful human being
It was nice to hear from a younger guy who has went through the shit and hear his experiences. Mostly I've caught pod casts with the older gentleman who have retired so it was a great to here from a younger generation guy. I hope you know what an exceptional young man you are. God Bless you sir
God bless you and your family Zakk. I have a relative that battles drugs and I have to look out after them and a mother that has dementia. I feel the same way that it is all on my shoulders to help everyone out.
Everyone's going through their own issues and trying to deal with them in their own way. This particular podcast has reminded me of that and of the fact that no matter how hard things get, you can always work on it. Thank you Zack for your story, and thank you Mike for an amazing podcast.
I caught mono in Africa. Got to the point where I couldn’t speak, couldn’t eat or drink food. I’d get an IV before and during patrols to hydrate me. Ended up getting flown out after a couple days and was kept on morphine every 3 hours for 4 days with my spleen swollen. Mono is no joke lol
All I’m thinking when listening to Zack is how much I just want to hug him. My bow to all the men and women who serve. He is also so darn good looking 😍
Orange County is so unique man. It's the luxury, the BMW's, the F-350's, the clothes, the houses w pools... everyone peeking over everyone else's fence. Really competitive and there's a constant hustle to know the right people, attend the right parties, go to the right schools, train at the right gyms. It's a county that feels pretend, superficial. It has to be a hectic place to grow up. Zack dug in and stayed focused, it's not easy to choose that path when the overall expectation is to maneuver into USC or Stanford.
@@odrs I appreciate the counterpoint. My experience in OC is limited, but that was the overall vibe I observed. Never felt comfortable there. Glad to know you had a good experience.
So there was an army infantry company at Haditha at the same time that my buddy was in. I was with another company up north. He said he got to cross train with some SEALs. Small world. Dope podcast as usual.
Mike you’re an outstanding interviewer. Congrats man. You forget nothing and are sharp as a tack. I’ve listened to a lot for years and you rival the best of the best brother.
Man, watching Mr Ferguson makes me feel so proud and so very grateful that we here in American have these young men that are the best of the best. Savage ready 24/7. Excellent episode, Ritland 🇺🇸🦅
@@Zackkferg Thank YOU for sharing your story with the world, very powerful stuff. Listening to what you personally and your family have been through forced me to think back to what myself and my family had been through with my dad and my sister, both suffered with the same demons your dad has. It was first time in my 53 yrs here listening and watching a person speak that actually took me back in my own memories, all the worst ones, like a vivid movie in my head. Took me probably 4 -5 hrs to get through this episode because I had to keep pausing to take a breather, I kept getting very emotional. You retelling your very personal story helped me so again, thank you and thank you for your service to our beautiful country 🇺🇸🦅.
Excellent interview with Zack. What an amazing story that he was able to share with all of us as difficult as it was at times to get through it. Blessings to you and your family moving forward.
Good for you man for not giving up on your family, never give up on your family, you never know what it is that they went through to cause them to act the way they are and we never know when time may run out & could be the last day you spend with them.
Great interview as usual Mike. Thank you guys for your service. Mike as always I appreciate your honesty especially about the stigma that you can get wasted on alcohol and it’s ok but other things are not….
I usually only listen to Mikes podcast when the worrier fighters are on. Such badass great listening and motivation. This was no exception, awesome conversation.
Damn- this was raw AF! What a brave warrior to share his path-- no secrets, he let it all out!! Zach’s honesty will clearly help other families in and out of the SOF community🇺🇸🤙🏼
9/11 kicked off my generation’s calling to service. It’s strange to hear about the Boston Marathon bombing as being the catalyst, but I get it. This guy makes me feel old!
Zach, I appreciate your courage and vulnerability. It’s going to help a lot of people. I myself have found that certain types of pain and healing I’ve experienced could only happen with a lot of weeping of lament and sorrow. But God has wiped and will wipe away every tear. Thank you, and thank you Mike for creating the environment for it.
Wow, just wow ! I have a son who has been in and out of prison and been addicted to meth and other drugs . For as many times as I have tried to help him nothing works. But listening to his history brought tears in my eyes for so many different reasons. What a brave young man what a kind And brave young man. And I do agree as I read through some of these comments that he needs a mentor in his life, which sounds like he does in many ways, but Mike please don’t leave this young man , help him if you can. He’s still young. God bless him and keep him always, and I will never forget this interview ❤ You’re a very special man yourself Mike , you sound as hard as stone Sometimes but you got a heart of gold and it shows through. ! God bless you as well !
@Camp11dorn Don’t give up on him the when water gets dripped on the stone, after many years, and granted all that hard work and guiding him through it through compassion and not anger towards him, then cracked through, just takes different approach, to get to the young lad.
Wow.. idk if Zach Ferguson will see this but I was in comms course with this guy. Those who know, know what that is. If he remembers me, I was “Willy Nilly” as my nickname!
@@Zackkferg What a story. It’s crazy to think how much y’all’s stories have started coming out with all the podcasts. I think the view of the community is super tough guys that get girls and live happily ever after. Obviously I wasn’t a seal, but working with you guys really opened my eyes to the fact that y’all are people too. Everybody deals with struggle. It was a privilege to have been a small part of that community. I’m glad to see you doing well for yourself.
Thank you Zach for your story and all you did and do and thank you Mike for bringing the warrior’s on to share they’re story and the history it’s absolutely amazing it does help a lot of people thank you again to both of you👊🏼
Thank you for taking the time to listen and I’m glad it hit home. And thank Mike for inviting me on his show. He is an incredible host with an admirable mission purpose.
His dad definitely made a good decision moving to California. Boston in the 80’s was a war zone. There was actually a neighborhood back then called the “combat zone” lol.
Parts of Charlestown were still pretty rough, as well as Prospect Hill and Winter Hill areas of Cambridge/Somerville were still loaded with conflict and crime…
Incredible podcast. What an incredible story. Absolutely inspiring and makes want to be a better person. Thank you for aharing such a rough, raw story. My mother lived in addiction until about 2006 and suffered with Bipolar and she died in 2016. I miss her so much. I love how you said your father was a good man but he had demons he was facing, how true it was for my mother and my husband of 12 years. Real people who share real stories across the world is the greatest thing to happen to the internet.
Zack thanks for your service, your an inspiration to many. I once walked some dark streets and pulled myself out. I appreciate your honesty and I believe your story will help someone and even it just helps one that’s enough for me! Keep your head up bro
Sharing your Life Experiences how you did is one of the bravest things anyone could ever do. This helped more people understand they aren’t alone as well. Thank you
Raw and incredible episode. This young man certainly has faced adversity and has an incredible story. That said, I think Mike seemed a little shocked and disappointed in the culture of the current teams. A FNG calling out a three platoon bubba and not getting his ass beat?
Mike this is the first time I have listened to a whole podcast of yours. Now I'm going to binge watch some of your work. You are an exceptional interviewer actually the best I have had a pleasure to listen to. I've listened to many other interviewers and some are very good but seriously I have to say you are the best. I'm late to your party but I'm going to try and catch up. Thank you sir and God Bless
Keep killin it Mike, been here since episode 1 & have really come to appreciate / thoroughly enjoy your show N appreciate how well thought out, spoken, questions asked ect you make each episode! Would love it if you could do some more regular dog content on training, the dogs you pick for your program/why, facilities ect if that's possible!
Thank you Zack. You're a beast and everything a son and brother should be. I appreciate this interview and its inspired me to reach out to my family again.
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Thank you Mike for having me on the show. It was a pleasure.
Banger of a pod!
@@JW-28 thank you !
Thanks for taking the time & sharing your story on Mike's show! He's Def the most professional and well done out of the few podcasts that interview ex military ect members & allow them to act talk/tell their story while still asking excellent stories! Lookin forward to watching this one, keep up all the great work you do!
@@C-24-Brandan thank you brandon. I'm confident it will resonate with you. Mike is an amazing host. You are spot on with your description of him and his podcast.
Thanks for sharing!
This is what a true American looks like caring, loving and protective of his family and a badass gunslinger situationally aware jump to action navy seal the kind of guy you want in your corner
All the respect in the world for humans like this that make our country great and represents the things we should all strive for
Thank you, much love 🙏🏼
I almost cried multiple times, but I'm at work. I've got to man up. But this was a hard story to listen to, but I'm glad I did. My family is a broken family, and I'm trying to fix that with the family I've created. Thank you, Zack, for telling your story.
It takes a ton of energy to share my story, I’m completely drained after. But reading comments like this is why I do it. Thank you man, happy 4th 🇺🇸
@Zackkferg Happy 4th to you, too. Merica
Same. I now have 4 daughters. The oldest just started college and the youngest is in diapers. Good luck sir
🇺🇸💪🏼👊🏼🤙🏼
@Zackkferg ....Thank you sir, touched my soul with your story.....Love,Peace and Taco Grease.....much Love
I had a similar dream.
“The epitome of a great dad, just had some demons” that’s powerful. Thats how I remember my dad to this day. We all fall short. But you had grace for your father. Just as grace was given to us. ❤
The Lord forgives us. God Bless brother
I just wanna hug this guy. He’s so caring for everyone. I just feel like he needs people to start caring more about him. It’s hard not to get emotional listening to his story. He’s got such a strong sense of morality and integrity. Praying that heand his family see better times ahead.
I was crying by the end of this. I went and gave my stepdad the biggest hug. (My real dad is not in my life) I forgave my dad for some of the things he did. He has his demons and so do I. God bless you Zack
Not sure how I found this, but wow. Thank you both for an incredible experience here. Thank you for your service.
Glad you enjoyed it - hope you're able to catch more episodes. Happy to have you here!
@@MikeRitland I will indeed. Thank you for that.
Zack is a great guy. He’s actually out there to help other veterans. He’s not just giving lip service. Appreciate this interview so much.
Thank you brother, that was my intention. Much love 🤝
love this kid and his brutal honesty...thank you Zack for your dedication and sacrifice for this country
my pleasure, happy to do it. Glad it resonated with you.
Zack! You are the man for this one! Mike thank you for this episode!
Zack, Jesus loves you brother and I pray you know and seek him daily.
This episode hit me like a ton of bricks. We’re both 94 Kids. Same calling in life but God ultimately sent me down a different path after I tore my ACL 2 weeks from shipping out in 2017 with a SO contract. I’ve been blessed with a wife and 2 amazing children since then.
My father was a heavy crack/cocaine user and mother was an alcoholic. Your story hit home in so many ways and I’m just so grateful for you and the courage you showed in this episode to get your story out.
You are amazing brother!! God bless you.
Im sorry to hear about your father and mother. Im happy though that the podcast resonated with you. God bless tyler.
@Zackkferg Your heartfelt words brought healing to my heart. Thank you for keeping it real🫶🏽🙏🏼✝️👍🏼🇺🇲
My heart has always had a soft spot for the little children that has been left behind due in broken homes!!
Zack you are a true inspiration!!
thanks brotha
Mike appreciate you sharing an interview of this magnitude. Zach also appreciate the vulnerability and rawness shared. It has to resonate with many. Commend you both for the paths your lives are traveling and the people you help, the impact it makes. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome! Thanks Zack for your courage and speaking about your experiences. I lost my younger brother to Meth in 2019... He ran away and hung himself in the woods near our home. We all thought he was missing for 4 months because his body wasn't discovered immediately. Major props to you for intervening and helping your family out the way that you did. God bless.
wow thats so sad to hear. thank you for sharing. i pray that you find peace and love and closure.
Mike is amazingly professional, no matter the circumstances, he can adjust and navigate to keep it flowing.
He sure is. I found myself getting lost during my thoughts and he was as fantastic and guiding and keeping us on track.
@@Zackkferg awesome story as well Zack. Wish you the best.
Thank you for the kind words, the guests make it easy to do my job
Thank you Zack! You did great
I don’t listen to complete podcasts normally. This is my fav guest to any podcast all time. We share similar family quarrels but the fact he is a Seal make him amazing as a human being. Watched all of at. It
wow im humbled by this comment, means a lot. Really appreciate that!
Zack seems like a humble dude, so soft spoken, thanks for ur service brother! 🙏🙏🙏
This man made a life out of beating the odds. Stay up, bro. Psychedelic therapy absolutely saved my life too.
amazing to hear that it saved your life too. thanks for listening.
this was a deep podcast that I know a lot of people and families are going threw. I think this mans driving force to never give up and forgive and help is truly amazing. many families remain broken because no one wants to forgive. Forgiveness is the start to truly healing not only family but ourselves. Amazing story. This one brought tears to my eyes.
perfectly said. Forgiveness, just as the Lord forgives us
Man. My dad was special forces but was honorably discharged due to severe injuries(he died twice). He battled addiction and PTSD among other things for years after. Life was a state of stress and walking on egg shells. You learn to compartmentalize somewhere along the way. We moved all the time so all we had was each other. My mom didn’t know how to handle things either. One of my siblings died in 2021 due to drugs. She was my best friend. I couldn’t save her. I have another sibling I’ve been able to get off the streets and so far is off meth. It has really messed with their head. There is hope though.
I myself went through my own destructive cycle of getting myself into bad situations with bad people. Further trauma, but I’ve recognized and changed it.
Thank you for your service and sharing ur story. I appreciate both.
What a great conversation. Zach, you are one hell of a dude! I was on the verge of tears hearing you talk about your dad. I’m in a similar place with my dad. Thank you for being so raw and unfiltered. I’m so glad you had the opportunity to experience the healing power of psychedelics. It’s apparent that there is a transformation that is real within you and is expressing itself into those around you. Keep up the great work. Can’t wait to see your jujitsu goals come to fruition in this next season! Thanks again for sharing your experience, it was moving!! God bless!
Great conversation with a sealteam guy who has gone through hell and is still able to show emotions in a tough world.
Best one I've seen.
To hear a warrior share his soul is powerful and inspiring. Thank you both.
@Zack Ferguson
If you can read this. You are one helluva warrior. Your mightiness and resilience can top even the Spartans. Prayers to you from 🇵🇭
That means a lot, cheers 👊🏼
My heart was so heavy listening to this entire podcast. The strength it took to share something so personal, I can only imagine. I can relate to a lot of what he spoke about regarding the family, unless you’ve lived thru loving someone with addiction it’s hard to understand what he’s been through. His dad will be in my prayers along with him and his family. Addiction is a mf. Thank you for your service 🙏
I usually don’t comment on these podcasts.. This is by far one of the best stories I’ve heard in a long time, so thank you all… This guest is amazing 😢.
wow that is a statement. thank you for that.
This episode is one of the best Mike has done. His empathy and ability to allow his guests a place and path to open up is extremely impressive.
To see past the demons and still see his dad .. it takes great love and compassion. And strength. To still want to help someone who has left a path of destruction takes the strength most people can't imagine. I can't fathom having to go through what he has gone through.
Incredible interaction!
Can't say enough about how well Ritland performed. Heartfelt, sincere, etc..
Zack is an inspiration
Dude was kicking ass and thriving as a SEAL with all of the terrible trauma with his family. He's a strong dude and has done so much to be proud of.
Damn that was heavy. Glad to hear a normal American story, this shit is super common. It's helpful hearing other people go through this.
Mike it's so refreshing to your a Podcaster to be so direct continously asking questions I want an answer to and not beating around the bush. Much respect Sir and would love to see you interview more politicians and being so direct and not afraid to ask. I'm sure they would be scared to come on. Much love and respect Sir and thankyou for your service
Great story and an inspiration. Clean 7 years off heroin myself and it can happen to anyone. You make me wanna do better in my life and I appreciate you opening up and sharing your story
Definitely a VERY hard habit to kick
Congratulations on 7 years clean.
That is a VERY hard habit to kick - especially in this day and age with blue pills being EVERYWHERE with little to no consequences
Praising Jesus for your sobriety! 🤍✝️🤍
@@lynellesquibel65 thank you
Honestly thank you Zack For absolutely everything you've done and this especially... Not. to say there's not some real AMERICAN MEN on here but You young man are the epitome of Stand Up Stand Out And Stay in Control. Thank you
What a powerful interview Mike, thank you for both of yalls service, and thanks for opening up Zach, you truly are a unbelievable man, God Bless you brother
Fantastic show Mike... You and Shawn are knocking it out of the park...Love your support of Vets & Team guys.
Best military podcast on the Internet
Thank you for having Zach on your show. I was choked up several times throughout his sharing of his story… He is truly a remarkable guy! ❤
Honor was all mine!
thanks!
Listened to this entire pod and just wanted to say you make me proud to be an American man in 2024, when so much seems bleak in the world. Knowing principled men are still committed to our country and our safety means the world to real Americans.
You are a solid dude and your story hits home for many of us. I'm a lil older than you and I was never in the military but often wish I had been. My brother is a vet. My uncles were vets. Thank you for your service and your sacrifices. You are appreciated.
I've always been the peacemaker in my family so I get your desire to keep your family together. Family isn't easy but you just do whatever it takes anyways. Because it's worth it. Much love and respect brother. 🙏
Will be looking out for you Zack!
Good luck w ADCC.. you got this. All the best partner 🫡
..and btw Mike.. you are a PHENOMENAL interviewer. So glad I found your channel. Looking forward to catching up on all the ones I haven't seen yet. Only seen a couple so far but I'm here for it!
💪🙏
glad to have you here, really appreciate it!
@MikeRitland thank you sir!
Mike Brother You Absolutely Did a Fantastic Job Of Pulling the Interview Off. That Man Has a So Much Pain To Work Through. Hopefully He Can Get The Complete Mexico Treatments.
Idk why this was on my feed but I’m not complaining. Both of you are good, strong men. I hope Zack continues to heal and thrive. He’s inspired me to me to not give up and continue to get the help I need.
Thanks!
I really love your story! I did a 3 day ayahuasca in Portugal last year. I'm so happy when I hear stories of people being healed with plant medicine. Having said that..people have to be sure of their shaman. You are your families north star, Zack ❤️ 🌟 oh...and you should check out this dude, Green Beret, Richard Flaherty. He has passed away, but he was 4'-9" and has an amazing career story. He did have to have a height waiver but he was a pit bull!
Thanks Mike for bringing on Zack. Zack your amazing man. Don’t ever change. And good luck with your family x
Thank you Kelly 💪🏼
God bless both you guys & thank you for ur service
Sempre Fi
Incredible all around. Perseverance on steroids. What an incredible dude. If this doesnt give people hope no matter what is going on I dont know what will. Thank
You both. Mike your best work.
Amazing video, Zach is one true hero. He’s been through so much and still going through it. You can feel his pain in the video how honest and open he is
thank you for the support and watching!
@@Zackkferg man I can’t believe you replied in person, thank you for your service and man I feel your pain. When I was 12 they guy I call my dad killed my grandparents and then kidnapped my mom and tried to kill her while we was at school. Also my real dad got on crack before that and then ended up on meth and ended up overdosing few years ago. Not saying I’ve walked in your shoes but you definitely not alone in this world. I pray and hope you and your family keep healing and growing, also thank you for talking about your ayahuasca treatment. Made me start to do research and already started talking to my sister about us going. Again thank you for your service and being so open, your truly a beautiful human being
“If you didn’t enjoy it; choke yourself” 😂😂😂 Love it.
Seriously though; great as usual and keep up the great work!
It was nice to hear from a younger guy who has went through the shit and hear his experiences. Mostly I've caught pod casts with the older gentleman who have retired so it was a great to here from a younger generation guy. I hope you know what an exceptional young man you are. God Bless you sir
i appreciate that man. God bless
God bless you and your family Zakk. I have a relative that battles drugs and I have to look out after them and a mother that has dementia. I feel the same way that it is all on my shoulders to help everyone out.
Zack has lived 75 years!!! What a life time of experience!!!
Everyone's going through their own issues and trying to deal with them in their own way. This particular podcast has reminded me of that and of the fact that no matter how hard things get, you can always work on it. Thank you Zack for your story, and thank you Mike for an amazing podcast.
thank you for listening!
Glad to hear you enjoyed it, appreciate the support!
I caught mono in Africa. Got to the point where I couldn’t speak, couldn’t eat or drink food. I’d get an IV before and during patrols to hydrate me. Ended up getting flown out after a couple days and was kept on morphine every 3 hours for 4 days with my spleen swollen. Mono is no joke lol
dude! thats wild. One of the sickest ive been in my life haha
All I’m thinking when listening to Zack is how much I just want to hug him.
My bow to all the men and women who serve.
He is also so darn good looking 😍
Loved it. Thanks Zach for sharing and thanks Mike for hosting! 🔥episode!
Orange County is so unique man. It's the luxury, the BMW's, the F-350's, the clothes, the houses w pools... everyone peeking over everyone else's fence. Really competitive and there's a constant hustle to know the right people, attend the right parties, go to the right schools, train at the right gyms. It's a county that feels pretend, superficial.
It has to be a hectic place to grow up. Zack dug in and stayed focused, it's not easy to choose that path when the overall expectation is to maneuver into USC or Stanford.
Didn’t feel fake to me it was absolute bliss 2008-20
@@odrs I appreciate the counterpoint. My experience in OC is limited, but that was the overall vibe I observed. Never felt comfortable there. Glad to know you had a good experience.
So there was an army infantry company at Haditha at the same time that my buddy was in. I was with another company up north. He said he got to cross train with some SEALs. Small world. Dope podcast as usual.
Thank you for your service Zack. definitely waited for this one, badass fighter who I’m gonna follow on my new jiu jitsu journey this summer
awesome bradly, jiu-jitsu is an amazing martial arts that is going to help you in many ways.
HEROES RIGHT HERE......bless all the warriors out there..past, present, future....4 and 2 legged 🤙🇺🇲😎🇺🇲🤙
Incredible show! Good bless you both!!! 🤙🏽
God Bless, glad you enjoyed it 🤙🏼
This might be the first time I’ve heard any SEAL in the last 20 years talk about going on an actual combat diving mission lol
Wow, great interview. Thank you for your service Zack. Shed a few tears on this one.
His story with his pops sounds like mine.. its so hard to see your father fAll from grace its a heart break like no other💯
Mike you’re an outstanding interviewer. Congrats man. You forget nothing and are sharp as a tack. I’ve listened to a lot for years and you rival the best of the best brother.
You owned on the SOB podcast brother. Clean as it gets.
@@3tvetagreed 🤙🏼
Man, watching Mr Ferguson makes me feel so proud and so very grateful that we here in American have these young men that are the best of the best. Savage ready 24/7. Excellent episode, Ritland 🇺🇸🦅
thank you for tuning in!
@@Zackkferg Thank YOU for sharing your story with the world, very powerful stuff. Listening to what you personally and your family have been through forced me to think back to what myself and my family had been through with my dad and my sister, both suffered with the same demons your dad has. It was first time in my 53 yrs here listening and watching a person speak that actually took me back in my own memories, all the worst ones, like a vivid movie in my head. Took me probably 4 -5 hrs to get through this episode because I had to keep pausing to take a breather, I kept getting very emotional. You retelling your very personal story helped me so again, thank you and thank you for your service to our beautiful country 🇺🇸🦅.
one of mikes best podcasts,
Stayed up late to finish watching … Zack is a legend of a human..
thanks sapao! my bro
Excellent interview with Zack. What an amazing story that he was able to share with all of us as difficult as it was at times to get through it. Blessings to you and your family moving forward.
God bless, thank you for that. We are all forged from fire going through difficult times in life. That’s what makes us human.
Good for you man for not giving up on your family, never give up on your family, you never know what it is that they went through to cause them to act the way they are and we never know when time may run out & could be the last day you spend with them.
Great interview as usual Mike. Thank you guys for your service. Mike as always I appreciate your honesty especially about the stigma that you can get wasted on alcohol and it’s ok but other things are not….
I usually only listen to Mikes podcast when the worrier fighters are on. Such badass great listening and motivation. This was no exception, awesome conversation.
Mike, you gave the best voice on the internet. I've said it before. You get better looking, so there is that.
Damn- this was raw AF! What a brave warrior to share his path-- no secrets, he let it all out!! Zach’s honesty will clearly help other families in and out of the SOF community🇺🇸🤙🏼
Thank you so much
Thats one of the toughest podcasts! My heart and prayers for you Zack! Thank you for your service and sharing your testimony!
Mad Respect for Zack Thanks for sharing youre story Bless you and thanks all you Have done serving and sharing youre story❤❤ Marcus/Sweden
Great interview, fellas. Very inspiring Zack. Wish you nothing but the best for you and your family. Keep kicking ass and taking names.
thanks very much!
9/11 kicked off my generation’s calling to service. It’s strange to hear about the Boston Marathon bombing as being the catalyst, but I get it. This guy makes me feel old!
Zach, I appreciate your courage and vulnerability. It’s going to help a lot of people. I myself have found that certain types of pain and healing I’ve experienced could only happen with a lot of weeping of lament and sorrow. But God has wiped and will wipe away every tear. Thank you, and thank you Mike for creating the environment for it.
God is good!
Wow, just wow ! I have a son who has been in and out of prison and been addicted to meth and other drugs . For as many times as I have tried to help him nothing works. But listening to his history brought tears in my eyes for so many different reasons. What a brave young man what a kind And brave young man. And I do agree as I read through some of these comments that he needs a mentor in his life, which sounds like he does in many ways, but Mike please don’t leave this young man , help him if you can. He’s still young. God bless him and keep him always, and I will never forget this interview ❤
You’re a very special man yourself Mike , you sound as hard as stone Sometimes but you got a heart of gold and it shows through. ! God bless you as well !
sorry to hear about your son. and thank you for caring and your perspective and insight! much love.
@Camp11dorn
Don’t give up on him the when water gets dripped on the stone, after many years, and granted all that hard work and guiding him through it through compassion and not anger towards him, then cracked through, just takes different approach, to get to the young lad.
Wow.. idk if Zach Ferguson will see this but I was in comms course with this guy. Those who know, know what that is. If he remembers me, I was “Willy Nilly” as my nickname!
willy whats up man haha i remember you
@@Zackkferg What a story. It’s crazy to think how much y’all’s stories have started coming out with all the podcasts. I think the view of the community is super tough guys that get girls and live happily ever after. Obviously I wasn’t a seal, but working with you guys really opened my eyes to the fact that y’all are people too. Everybody deals with struggle. It was a privilege to have been a small part of that community. I’m glad to see you doing well for yourself.
It’s crazy cause I was with team 1 during Covid and what a shit storm that was.
This guys is a great human being
Appreciate that my guy. I’m a reflection of my father. 🙌🏼
❤ This is one of the VERY BEST INTERVIEWS ON MIKE DROP, he’s so raw and himself and open.
132:00
Got me damn it
135:00
I'm just listening and I needed a minute. So glad I came across this today. Thank you both
🇺🇸💪🏼👊🏼🤙🏼
Zach’s the man. Lots of respect to you dude!
adam my man, thanks for the support and tuning in!
Zack is the man.
Thanks angel, much love homie. Wouldn’t be here without you 🎃
Thank you Zach for your story and all you did and do and thank you Mike for bringing the warrior’s on to share they’re story and the history it’s absolutely amazing it does help a lot of people thank you again to both of you👊🏼
Thank-you for sharing Zack / really hit home for me with personal struggles I have.
First time listener and totally blown away by Zack’s story. Thank you for sharing. You are truly a protector.
Thank you for taking the time to listen and I’m glad it hit home. And thank Mike for inviting me on his show. He is an incredible host with an admirable mission purpose.
His dad definitely made a good decision moving to California. Boston in the 80’s was a war zone. There was actually a neighborhood back then called the “combat zone” lol.
Ironically now in 2024 California is like a war zone and Boston is calmer where u can have a decent life .
Parts of Charlestown were still pretty rough, as well as Prospect Hill and Winter Hill areas of Cambridge/Somerville were still loaded with conflict and crime…
@@adamsharp-1Yea a lot different now
@@BostonsF1nestgentrification indeed.
@@adamsharp-1you mean that in a good or bad sense of the word?
Incredible podcast. What an incredible story. Absolutely inspiring and makes want to be a better person. Thank you for aharing such a rough, raw story. My mother lived in addiction until about 2006 and suffered with Bipolar and she died in 2016. I miss her so much. I love how you said your father was a good man but he had demons he was facing, how true it was for my mother and my husband of 12 years. Real people who share real stories across the world is the greatest thing to happen to the internet.
Zack thanks for your service, your an inspiration to many. I once walked some dark streets and pulled myself out. I appreciate your honesty and I believe your story will help someone and even it just helps one that’s enough for me! Keep your head up bro
Much appreciated!
Hands down BEST podcast on the waves. Absolutely incredible story and testimony. Thank you to both of you gentlemen.
Thank you 🙏🏼
Sharing your Life Experiences how you did is one of the bravest things anyone could ever do. This helped more people understand they aren’t alone as well. Thank you
Omgosh God bless him his trauma is over and over in his life cryed through this whole thing 🙏
What a badass! Incredible interview Mike!
Mike is an incredible host, i found my mind with so many different thoughts, he did amazing at keeping me on track 👌
DUDE! That is so heavy but what a story . What a son ! Proud of you sir! thank you for sharing. Blessing on you and your family. PRESS ON !
thank you for watching! God bless
Raw and incredible episode. This young man certainly has faced adversity and has an incredible story.
That said, I think Mike seemed a little shocked and disappointed in the culture of the current teams. A FNG calling out a three platoon bubba and not getting his ass beat?
thank you!
Mike this is the first time I have listened to a whole podcast of yours. Now I'm going to binge watch some of your work. You are an exceptional interviewer actually the best I have had a pleasure to listen to. I've listened to many other interviewers and some are very good but seriously I have to say you are the best. I'm late to your party but I'm going to try and catch up. Thank you sir and God Bless
agreed, mike is a master at his craft
Awesome episode as always 🙏🏼🇺🇲. Powerful message on love and forgiveness regarding the story about his father.
Keep killin it Mike, been here since episode 1 & have really come to appreciate / thoroughly enjoy your show N appreciate how well thought out, spoken, questions asked ect you make each episode! Would love it if you could do some more regular dog content on training, the dogs you pick for your program/why, facilities ect if that's possible!
Wow, thank you Zack, Mike. That was amazing.
Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!
thanks for watching!
Thank you Zack. You're a beast and everything a son and brother should be. I appreciate this interview and its inspired me to reach out to my family again.
That’s incredible to hear man. There is always hope and always something we can do to help. Never give up
Very powerful interview. Thanks for sharing Zach
My pleasure