Need To Know
Bryce Zabel
The Need to Know Podcast delves into the reality of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) and explores its implications for all of us. Hosted by two of the most respected voices in the field, award-winning investigative journalists Richard Dolan and Bryce Zabel, the show delivers smart, in-depth conversations about one of the most profound mysteries of our time.
Each week, Dolan and Zabel bring their decades of expertise in investigative reporting, broadcasting, and storytelling to break down the latest developments, credible reports, and emerging theories. From high-level government briefings and historic UFO cases to cutting-edge research and cultural impact, their goal is to separate fact from speculation — and explore the big questions: Who are they, and what do they want?
With exclusive interviews, deep dives into official documents, and thoughtful analysis grounded in evidence, Need to Know offers listeners a trusted source for clarity and insight. Whether it’s breaking news, hidden history, or the shifting landscape of disclosure, Dolan and Zabel guide the audience through the noise and toward understanding.
Each week, Dolan and Zabel bring their decades of expertise in investigative reporting, broadcasting, and storytelling to break down the latest developments, credible reports, and emerging theories. From high-level government briefings and historic UFO cases to cutting-edge research and cultural impact, their goal is to separate fact from speculation — and explore the big questions: Who are they, and what do they want?
With exclusive interviews, deep dives into official documents, and thoughtful analysis grounded in evidence, Need to Know offers listeners a trusted source for clarity and insight. Whether it’s breaking news, hidden history, or the shifting landscape of disclosure, Dolan and Zabel guide the audience through the noise and toward understanding.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 11, 2024 • 56min
Swagger and Secrets
In this episode, hosts Bryce Zabel and Ross Coulthart delve into the complexities of UAP investigations, spotlighting the AARO's dubious reporting and the Pentagon's evasion in acknowledging UAP incidents. They explore the recent Eglin Air Force Base encounter and the broader implications of drone sightings that challenge national security. The hosts critique the media's failure to engage deeply with these issues, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and investigative rigor in covering UAP and drone encounters. Featuring pilot testimonies and expert analysis, this episode uncovers the ongoing secrecy and the quest for truth in the increasingly convoluted field of ufology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 15, 2024 • 56min
UAP Burnout
It's an issue that's touched many in the UAP community, and worthy of a long discussion: fatigue from covering UAP, interacting with the community, fending off the flamers and trying to stay grounded. Bryce shares the tale of his ten-year hiatus while Ross commends Curt Jaimungal's recent decision to 'step away' for a while. But there's also hope, says Ross, citing three members of Congress and their attempts to interview an Air Force pilot over his 2023 sighting - and the video he captured. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 13, 2024 • 47min
More UFO Lies & Coverup
Ross and Bryce take turns teeing off on the Defense Department's report that was supposed to chronicle the US government's history of dealing with the UFO/UAP issue. Among their conclusions about the reports "conclusions:" It's more Pentagon obfuscation to deter public attention; a kneejerk polemic against former AARO head Sean Kirkpatrick's critics; not a hint of historical review; and from a couple of lawmakers who talked to Ross: Congress is NOT letting this issue go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 8, 2024 • 47min
Adios, Voldemort
"Voldemort," in this podcast, is Bryce's new name for Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, the now-former head of AARO, the Defense Department's "All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office." Bryce and Ross rip Kirkpatrick's exit statements, including his assertion that a soon to be released Pentagon report will say it's found no evidence of aliens, only allegations circulated repeatedly by UFO claim advocates. The other big event in the episode: "Need to Know," the song! Bryce explains the history of the song he co-composed - and we play it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 5, 2024 • 49min
Is This the Year?
The hosts discuss the major events of 2023, including UAP hearings and the failed Schumer Amendment. They speculate on the upcoming Oversight and Accountability Committee meeting and question the national security classification on information known by David Grush. They highlight the requirement for an annual report on UAPs and explore different interpretations of disclosure. Finally, they discuss shifting perceptions towards extraterrestrial life with hope for revealing the truth.
Dec 8, 2023 • 49min
UFO Gatekeepers Strike Back
Disappointment and some disagreements in this episode, as Ross and Bryce review the amended version of Sen. Chuck Schumer's disclosure language in the new Defense bill. Ross blames "lickspittle Congressmen" in the pockets of the aerospace companies for turning Schumer's disclosure proposals into a "flaccid limp lettuce leaf." The two set the table for a future discussion on what both believe would be a very bad idea: "catastrophic disclosure." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 17, 2023 • 53min
JFK and UFOs?
Approaching the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Bryce and Ross examine the similarities between the efforts to conceal the truth about the President's death and concealing the truth about UFO/UAP. Also: as predicted in the last episode, Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick is, indeed, leading AARO. So who will succeed him? And will that person bring a different opinion about whistleblower David Grusch? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 24, 2023 • 57min
Same Old UFO Song
Ross and Bryce catch up on several developments of the past few weeks, including the latest report from AARO. Ross calls out what he labels "completely disingenuous" statements by the agency's head, Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, downplaying the UAP reports the agency reviewed in the 2023 US Government fiscal year. Ross calls the report "The Big Yawn." Ross and Bryce disagree on whether private aerospace firms, who've spent millions of their own dollars on crash retrieval, should be forced to turn any physical evidence over to the government. And Bryce reviews the high points of 1948, a banner year that saw dozens of credible UFO/UAP sightings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 27, 2023 • 58min
UFO Word Games
Ross and Bryce criticize the US government's 'word games' on UAP evidence, including NASA Director's 'lack of evidence' comments. They discuss media's failure to report NASA's UAP panel's conclusions and mention astronauts and pilots' sightings of UFOs. The hosts explore manipulation tactics used by the intelligence community and the importance of transparency in the UFO UAP reality issue. They also analyze the credibility of UFO whistleblowers' allegations and their potential implications for national security.
Aug 26, 2023 • 48min
UFO Pushback
They expected it, and it's here: serious attempts to discredit Defense Department UFO whistleblower David Grusch. Ross summarizes what he calls the "slimeball" attempts to vilify Grusch, including the exploitation of his battle with PTSD. Ross notes that The Pentagon has always known about that, and gave Grusch a very, very high security clearance, anyway. Bryce and Ross also wonder if the momentum in Congress to explore the government's history of UAP research has been lost. They discuss the very intense effort to remove UAP language from the Defense Authorization Act. And Bryce, who's just back from Sweden, recounts one of the earliest documented UAP encounters - just after World War II in Sweden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
