Shawn Ryan Show

John "Tig" Tiegen, a former U.S. Marine Sergeant and security contractor, shares his extraordinary experiences during the 2012 Benghazi attacks. He recounts the intense, chaotic night, emphasizing the decisions made under fire while saving lives. Tiegen discusses the importance of accountability in leadership and reflects on his military journey, including training with Blackwater. He also opens up about overcoming childhood trauma and his transition from military service to running for mayor of Colorado Springs, highlighting the significance of resilience and community support.

Jared Isaacman, billionaire entrepreneur and pilot, famously commanded the Inspiration4 mission. In this conversation, he discusses the emergence of a new space race, driven by China's capabilities and implications for U.S. national security. They delve into the challenges of lunar exploration post-Apollo and the potential for private companies like SpaceX to revolutionize space travel. Isaacman shares insights from his journey in business and aviation while stressing the importance of innovation and partnerships in advancing human space exploration.

Nathan Apffel, a filmmaker and director of The Religion Business, dives deep into the murky waters of megachurches and their financial practices. He unveils how these institutions prioritize profits over community, with 94% of donations kept within church walls. Apffel shares personal experiences of faith and the ethical issues in church leadership, advocating for transparency and accountability. He highlights the need for reforms to ensure that resources are truly allocated to help those in need, challenging the status quo of organized religion.

In this conversation with John Rich, a renowned country music artist and entrepreneur, the discussion spans his influential journey from Lonestar to the duo Big & Rich. He shares insights on maintaining authenticity in a shifting industry, the significance of manual labor, and personal experiences that shaped his work ethic. Rich also addresses pressing social issues like child exploitation, emphasizing the role of music in empowerment. Expect lighthearted moments as he reflects on his Texas upbringing and the balance between ego and success in a dynamic career.

Gerard Barron, Co-Founder and CEO of The Metals Company, is at the forefront of deep-sea mining. He discusses the importance of polymetallic nodules for sustainable metal sourcing, essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy. Barron shares insights on the technological advancements linked to deep-sea operations and the historical ties with CIA covert activities. He emphasizes the geopolitical stakes of ocean resources, advocating for U.S. energy independence and the reviving of domestic manufacturing to secure critical mineral supply chains.

Keith Stansell, a former U.S. Marine and Northrop Grumman employee, shares his harrowing tale of surviving nearly 2,000 days in FARC captivity after a plane crash. He delves into the emotional struggles of separation from family, the intensity of survival in harsh conditions, and the camaraderie developed among captives. Stansell recounts the dramatic rescue during Operation Jaque and reflects on the complexities of reintegrating into civilian life, emphasizing resilience and the importance of community support for veterans.

AJ Gentile, an American producer and YouTube sensation, dives into the thrilling world of conspiracy theories and mysteries. He candidly shares his journey from Hollywood to hosting The Why Files, detailing the challenges of authentic storytelling. The conversation touches on the complexities of self-defense, mental health, and the pressures of content creation. Gentile also explores political tribalism, moon landing controversies, and the enigmatic history behind ancient civilizations, all while advocating for critical thinking and transparency in a world full of misinformation.

David Rutherford, an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker and former Navy SEAL, shares his incredible journey from military service to motivating others. He opens up about his experiences in the CIA and discusses the mental challenges faced during Navy SEAL training, including Hell Week. The conversation touches on the importance of resilience, the impact of mentorship, and the need for open dialogues around mental health, especially for today's youth. David's mission to empower others shines through as he navigates themes of trauma, connection, and personal growth.

Henry Dick Thompson, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and legendary MACV-SOG operator known as "Dynamite," shares gripping tales of his covert operations during the Vietnam War. He discusses the importance of mental resilience and support for veterans, while recounting the high-stakes environments of combat, including tactical strategies and the personal toll of war. Thompson also reflects on the impact of sleep deprivation in military training and shares insights on transitioning from combat to civilian life, emphasizing the need for empathy towards veterans.

Matt Gialich, Co-Founder and CEO of AstroForge, dives into the thrilling world of asteroid mining, offering insights into extracting precious metals like platinum from near-Earth sources. He discusses innovative strategies for reducing costs and contrasts asteroid mining with traditional methods. Gialich also tackles the potential of helium-3 and the importance of addressing national security concerns in space endeavors. Furthermore, he shares his journey from tech leadership to space entrepreneurship, advocating for sustainable practices and collaboration in the cosmos.