
Need To Know with Coulthart and Zabel
The Need-to-Know podcast deals with the now acknowledged reality of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena or UAP. Its hosts are award-winning broadcasters and investigative journalists Ross Coulthart and Bryce Zabel. Every episode, they’ll look at what’s happened in the UAP/UFO world. Coulthart and Zabel discuss their current investigations, give each other advice, and seek to answer the big questions: who are they and what do they want? Ross Coulthart’s work has been featured on Australia’s version of “60 Minutes.” And his documentary for Channel Seven Australia covering his UFO findings has been seen by more than ten million viewers. He is the author of In Plain Sight, in which he concludes that, while publicly dismissing the phenomenon for decades, governments have been seriously studying it all along and take it very seriously. Coulthart continues to report on the subject for Australian network television while working on investigations spawned by his book. Bryce Zabel is an award-winning writer who has created or developed five primetime television drama series and worked on a dozen writing staffs. His feature credits include Mortal Kombat and Atlantis. His World War II film, The Last Battle, will shoot in the summer of 2024. Zabel was an original correspondent for CNN, and an award-winning investigative reporter for PBS. Zabel has authored his own UFO book, A.D. After Disclosure. He writes and edits the publication Trail of the Saucers that is read by more than 80,000 readers each month.
Latest episodes

Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 9min
Watch the Skies
In this wide-ranging episode of Need to Know, Ross Coulthart and Bryce Zabel explore some of the most urgent and complex developments in the UAP world, politics, and history. They begin with a take on the recent Signal security scandal in the U.S. government, comparing it to their own use of encrypted messaging. This segues into a deep dive on the continuing UAP drone saga over U.S. airspace. Ross goes so far as to say these objects are likely anomalous and potentially connected to non-human intelligence. They express frustration over official government explanations that no longer hold up and a media landscape that fails to ask the right questions.The duo also covers the growing importance of independent projects like Skywatcher, which claims to have repeatedly summoned and filmed UAPs, including jellyfish-like aerial entities, with advanced equipment. They highlight the risk of foreign powers like Russia or China beating the U.S. to disclosure and discuss the lack of action from the new presidential administration despite previous promises. Other key topics include David Grusch joining Congress, the failure of government institutions to act transparently, and the newly released JFK documents, where Ross shares jaw-dropping claims about potential links between JFK and a secret UAP retrieval operation. They close by emphasizing the need for real evidence and discernment in the age of misinformation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 10, 2025 • 57min
Gimme Some Truth
In this episode of Need to Know, Ross Coulthart and Bryce Zabel discuss the latest developments in the UAP conversation, particularly the lack of action from the new U.S. administration despite previous campaign promises. They highlight the role of key figures like John Ratcliffe, the new CIA director, and Marco Rubio, the new Secretary of State, both of whom have previously acknowledged the reality of unexplained aerial phenomena. The conversation also delves into Elon Musk’s recent claims that he would know about secret UAP programs if they existed—claims that Ross and Bryce find naive, given the compartmentalized nature of classified government projects.The episode also explores the broader implications of disclosure, touching on government secrecy, potential geopolitical ramifications, and the upcoming documentary The Age of Disclosure, which promises to feature high-level insiders speaking out about UAPs. Additionally, the hosts discuss Richard Dolan’s new book on USOs (Unidentified Submerged Objects) and the historical significance of cases like Kecksburg and the Betty and Barney Hill abduction. The ongoing mystery of military drone incursions and their potential ties to UAP phenomena is another major talking point, with Ross expressing frustration over media and government responses. They close by considering the possibility that foreign powers like Russia or China might take the lead on disclosure, potentially forcing the U.S. to respond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 14min
Roswell Revealed - (N2K Extra)
In this episode of Need to Know: Extra, Bryce Zabel dives deep into the enduring mystery of Roswell, emphasizing its significance in the broader UAP discussion. He explores recent congressional interest in crash wreckage, particularly Rep. Ana Paulina Luna's investigative efforts and Ross Coulthart's reporting on Jake Barber’s claims regarding helicopter retrieval of crash materials. The discussion revisits the historical context of Roswell, highlighting how it became marginalized despite continued revelations from key figures like Lue Elizondo and David Grusch, who both reaffirm that it was, in fact, a crash event involving non-human biological samples.Bryce is joined by Roswell researcher Don Schmitt, who provides an in-depth look at the case, recounting decades of investigation and first-hand witness testimonies. The conversation explores how the U.S. government has repeatedly changed its explanation for Roswell, from flying saucer claims to weather balloons, Project Mogul, and crash test dummies. They discuss the challenges of proving the case today, the missing Roswell files, and the extreme lengths taken to suppress witness accounts. Schmitt emphasizes the significance of deathbed confessions and ongoing efforts to uncover physical wreckage, believing that Roswell remains the key to unraveling the UFO mystery once and for all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 22min
Age of Disclosure?
Bryce Zabel and Ross Coulthart return to discuss major UAP developments, whistleblower revelations, and shifting government narratives. Bryce shares his recent wildfire evacuation experience, drawing parallels to the unpredictable nature of disclosure. Ross delves into whistleblower Jake Barber’s claims and the risks involved in exposing classified UAP recovery programs, as well as Congress’s growing involvement in the issue.The conversation also touches on political figures like Tulsi Gabbard and Marco Rubio, media failures in holding the government accountable, and new documentaries such as Age of Disclosure. Ross explores the Pentagon’s interest in psionic abilities and remote viewing, linking consciousness studies to UAP research.Finally, they revisit the JFK assassination, arguing it was a CIA-led coup, and question whether full disclosure—on UAPs or historical conspiracies—will ever come. The episode highlights the growing momentum behind UAP transparency and the ongoing struggle to uncover hidden truths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 9, 2024 • 1h 5min
Jingle Drones
This episode of Need to Know delves into recent global UFO sightings, including mysterious drone activity over sensitive military installations, and the lack of governmental clarity in addressing these phenomena. Ross Coulthart shares updates on anomalous aerial phenomena worldwide and recounts his recent trip to Egypt, where he explored ancient sites and discussed their potential connections to historical mysteries. Bryce Zabel reflects on his attendance at the Sol Foundation Symposium, emphasizing its focus on advancing UAP research through scientific collaboration and dialogue. The hosts also discuss key moments from 2024, such as the impact of Lue Elizondo’s book Eminent, and speculate on what the coming year may hold for disclosure and public awareness. This episode weaves together recent events, ancient mysteries, and forward-looking insights into UAP research and societal implications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 10, 2024 • 1h 6min
The Disclosure President?
This episode of Need to Know dives deep into a series of captivating topics, including upcoming congressional hearings on UAPs and the cast of witnesses set to testify, such as Lou Elizondo, Rear Admiral Timothy Gallaudet, and former NASA official Michael Gold. Ross shares his perspective on the potential impact of these hearings and the possible revelations from key figures, touching on themes of government transparency, national security, and the shadowy history surrounding UAP secrecy. Bryce and Ross also discuss recent U.S. political events, including how the return of Donald Trump to office might influence UAP disclosure, considering his past comments and interactions on the subject.The conversation broadens as Ross previews his upcoming journey to Egypt, where he’ll explore connections between ancient civilizations and advanced technology with enthusiasts of Egyptian history and UAP phenomena. They also review two new UFO series currently streaming, including Investigation Alien on Netflix, where George Knapp’s work provides a new lens on cases like the Phoenix Lights and Kolaris incidents. This episode offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of UAPs, political intrigue, and ancient mysteries, leaving the audience with plenty to anticipate in the coming months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 17, 2024 • 60min
Dolan's New USO Shockers
In this episode of Need to Know, Richard Dolan joins the conversation to explore the fascinating subject of Unidentified Submerged Objects (USOs) and their historical significance. The discussion covers various aspects of USOs, including the vast number of sightings and incidents reported over centuries, their relation to UAPs, and how these submerged objects demonstrate extraordinary capabilities, such as entering and leaving the water without causing a splash. Dolan shares some of the most compelling cases, including the infamous Shag Harbor incident, and offers insights into his upcoming three-volume book on the history of USOs. The episode also touches on other related topics, such as the role of the Navy versus the Air Force in UAP investigations and a broader perspective on potential disclosure. Additionally, Dolan discusses Lue Elizondo’s new book Imminent and its connections to USOs, as well as his personal thoughts on the evolving UFO/UAP narrative. The episode ends with reflections on the future of disclosure and what it could mean for our understanding of these phenomena. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 13, 2024 • 50min
Elizondo Unplugged
In this episode of Need to Know, Lue Elizondo joins Ross Coulthart and Bryce Zabel to discuss major developments in the UAP space, particularly following the release of his new book, Imminent. Elizondo sheds light on the ongoing disclosure process, touching on the frustrations with government secrecy, the slow pace of mainstream media coverage, and the obstacles whistleblowers like himself and David Grush face. The conversation dives into the mysteries surrounding the Roswell incident, crash retrievals, and non-human intelligence (NHI), while also addressing broader societal impacts of full UAP disclosure. Elizondo further shares thoughts on historical moments like the JFK assassination, noting potential connections to hidden truths about UAPs and covert government agendas. Other topics discussed include abductions, national security concerns, and the significance of capturing more high-definition evidence to advance the conversation on UAPs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 17, 2024 • 54min
Imminent
In this episode, the discussion centers on the escalating developments in the UAP field, highlighted by Lue Elizondo's upcoming book, Imminent. The hosts delve into Elizondo's experiences and revelations, emphasizing his role as a pivotal figure in the ongoing disclosure movement. They touch on the implications of his work and the potential impact of his new book, which promises to shed light on previously undisclosed information. The episode also covers broader topics such as the influence of UAPs on global politics, the role of the media in covering these phenomena, and the potential consequences of disclosure. The conversation underscores the tension between the slow pace of official disclosure and the growing public awareness fueled by figures like Elizondo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 12, 2024 • 55min
History Repeats
In this episode of "Need to Know," Bryce Zabel and Ross Coulthart delve into the history of UFO phenomena, marking significant anniversaries from 1944 to the present day. The hosts discuss notable sightings and events, emphasizing that UFO encounters are not recent phenomena but part of a long-standing historical pattern. They touch on key incidents like the 1944 Foo Fighters, the 1974 John Lennon sighting, and the 1994 Ariel School encounter, highlighting both the historical depth and global nature of UFO sightings. The episode also addresses current legislative efforts concerning UFO transparency and the potential implications of upcoming U.S. presidential politics on UFO disclosure. The overarching theme is the persistent, yet elusive quest for clarity and disclosure within the UFO community, underscored by a call for historical awareness and government transparency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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