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
Apr 2, 2023 • 52min
Would You Like Some Danish With Your UFO?
Ross Coulthart is on assignment in Australia and will return with Bryce for the next Need to Know episode in less than two weeks. In the meantime, we're happy to share this: Bryce's interview with Frederik Dirks of DR, the public radio service of Denmark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 16, 2023 • 1h 4min
UAP: The Ides of March
After dealing with a house full of illnesses, Bryce is ready to carry on! And there is a lot to unpack, including reports of two members of Congress getting a classified briefing - were they shown pictures? Did two noted UFOlogists get punked by a fake government official? Also: a look back at 1973, when sightings were happening everywhere and the President of the United States allegedly gave a UFO tour to Mr. Saturday Night. Ross and Bryce conclude by updating their "fizzle or sizzle" predictions regarding a possible major revelation this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 16, 2023 • 58min
99 Chinese Balloons?
This is the podcast from our first live YouTube episode - a quick follow-up to the Big Balloon Mystery. Ross and Bryce try to unravel what's known and unknown - and what we can learn from top government officials saying he's "not ruling out anything" regarding the providence of the three objects shot down over the Arctic, the Canadian Rockies and Lake Huron. Ross excoriates the mainstream media for "getting in line." And Bryce says teh overall UAP question is bound to be an element in the 2024 Presidential campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 10, 2023 • 57min
Chinese Balloon Misdirect
Is all the talk about Chinese spy balloons just a mis-direct by the Defense Department? Ross makes the case, and why the mainstream media is lapping it up. Ross also has a lot to say about Jacques Vallee’s new book. Bryce links the term "Majestic" to his "Dark Skies" series, and offers praise for two other UAP-related podcasts: "Weaponized" with Jeremy Corbell and George Knapp, and "Merged" with Ryan Graves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 13, 2023 • 44min
The Report is Out!
Ross and Bryce can't wait another week to pour over the government report on UAP that was due in October, but is now public. Both are underwhelmed by the clearly intentional effort to make it as dull as possible. They also cover the coverage, disagreeing about the tone of a New York Times article. Ross thinks it's a big milestone toward legitimacy. Bryce is outraged by the condescension. As always, it's great stuff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 6, 2023 • 1h 3min
The NDAA is Law!
The National Defense Authorization Act - the bill in which Congress tells the Defense Department what to spend its money on - contains revolutionary language about reporting UAP - and those initials now mean something new! Ross reads directly from the bill about protecting anyone who comes forward to talk about sightings, discoveries and much more. Also, vital talk about the weather, various kinds of football, and the US House of Representatives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 29, 2022 • 60min
The NY Times' Five Year UFO Anniversary
Bryce and Ross mark two anniversaries in this episode. It's been one month since the deadline for Congress to release a new UAP report. And we're close to the five-year anniversary of the New York Times article on the $22 million Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program at the Defense Dept. It's regarded as the first truly series piece by a mainstream media organization on UFO research. And as for the Congressional UAP report that was due at the end of October? Bryce is not happy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 1, 2022 • 1h 2min
Late UAP Report!
The Director of National Intelligence was supposed to deliver to Congress its first annual unclassified update on Unexplained Aerial Phenomena this past Monday, October 31st. As of this posting on November 1st, the report has not been delivered. But there have been leaks that Ross and Bryce believe are credible. And they've asked two prominent UFOlogists to talk about it. Ryan Robbins is behind the YouTube channel Post Disclosure World. Cristina Gomez does blogs, social media and four shows on YouTube under her name, Cristina (no 'H') Gomez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 21, 2022 • 57min
Core Secret
Is it real? Bryce and Ross go in-depth on the importance and veracity of a memo allegedly written by astrophysicist and government consultant Eric Davis after his meeting with Admiral Thomas Wilson in October of 2002. The memo, if it's real, recounts Wilson's attempts to learn about the US Government's UFO research programs, and how he was rebuffed at every turn. Bryce and Ross "Go Broadway," and re-enact a significant part of the memo, then discuss why Davis has never confirmed that he wrote it and why Wilson has adamantly denied he said any of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 6, 2022 • 59min
Witness to a UFO - In The Middle of Battle in Ukraine
Ross and Bryce are back with a look at recent developments, including the ODNI's short-lived saucer logo, the return of the International UFO Conference (Bryce will be speaking!), the Defense Authorization Act, and the fact that Florida's Senate race will yield a pro-UAP Senator regardless of the outcome. But the bulk of this episode is their conversation with John Chapman. The retired British Army soldier decided he'd seen enough carnage from Ukraine, and took his considerable skills to the front lines. There, while battling Russian forces, he and his men saw a UAP. John describes the circumstances that brought him to Ukraine, the situation that night and what he remembers about the object that he says was only about 1,000 feet in the sky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
