What Happens When You're No Longer a Navy SEAL? | Mike Ritland on Life After the Military
Inspire change.Show Notes
In today's episode, Jordan sits down with former Navy SEAL, military working dog trainer, and founder of the Warrior Dog Foundation, Mike Ritland, to discuss life after the military, finding purpose beyond service, and the extraordinary capabilities of elite military working dogs.
Mike opens up about the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life, explaining how leaving the military can mean losing far more than a career. He explores the importance of identity, fulfilment, and finding a new sense of purpose, sharing how his passion for training dogs helped him build a meaningful life after the SEAL teams.
Drawing on his extensive experience in special operations, Mike reveals the remarkable role military dogs play on the battlefield, including the incredible story of a war dog that was shot in the chest while protecting an elite special operations team. He also discusses the intense training required to prepare these animals for combat, the psychological effects of warfare on working dogs, and the difficult reality many face after retirement.
Through his work with the Warrior Dog Foundation, Mike is dedicated to rehabilitating and rehoming retired military working dogs, giving these extraordinary animals the opportunity to experience a peaceful life after service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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