The Shawn Ryan Show

In this conversation, Lee Strobel, a former investigative journalist turned Christian apologist, dives deep into the essence of Christmas. He shares insights from his journey from skepticism to faith, bringing to light fascinating historical context around Jesus' birth. Topics include the significance of virgin birth prophecies, the role of the Magi, and the real origins of Santa Claus. Strobel also discusses cultural curiosity surrounding Christianity today and why fulfilling prophecies hold such statistical weight in faith narratives.

Hunter Biden, attorney and son of President Joe Biden, shares a candid look into his life and controversies. He discusses the profound impact of family tragedies on his journey, his struggles with addiction, and the role of public scrutiny in his recovery. Hunter addresses the infamous laptop allegations, denouncing them as politically motivated fabrications. The conversation dives into the complexities of political polarization, media narratives, and his experiences with Burisma, revealing insights on integrity, transparency, and personal growth.

Steve Bunting, a former U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer and Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman, shares his gripping journey from the front lines of combat medicine to becoming a licensed therapist. He discusses the mental toll of trauma on first responders, his harrowing experiences treating civilian casualties, and a turning point that prompted him to resign from military service. Now leading coaching at Sharp Performance, he emphasizes resilience and healing, utilizing innovative practices like psychedelic therapy to support veterans and their families.

Aliia Roza, a former Russian operative and current women's empowerment coach, shares her gripping journey from espionage to advocacy. She discusses her unique training in seduction and manipulation, utilized to dismantle trafficking rings. Aliia opens up about the harrowing experiences she endured, including being a victim herself. She also highlights the dangers of online honeypots targeting tech workers, shares practical tips for spotting manipulation, and empowers women to seek healthy relationships while setting firm boundaries.

A heated confrontation unfolds as a legal demand from Rep. Dan Crenshaw threatens defamation claims against Shawn Ryan. Questions arise about how Crenshaw maintains his lavish lifestyle on a congressional salary. Ryan dissects a potentially threatening Instagram message from Crenshaw and reflects on past aggressive comments he made. Emphasizing free speech, Ryan stands firm against legal intimidation, vowing transparency and inviting Crenshaw to clarify his finances publicly. Tensions rise as both legal and personal stakes escalate.

Tobi Lütke, the co-founder and CEO of Shopify, shares his journey from a snowboarding shop to building a multibillion-dollar e-commerce platform. He emphasizes the emotional weight of a first sale and how entrepreneurship fosters independence. Tobi critiques copycat business behaviors, urging originality, and highlights the importance of small teams and direct communication. He also discusses the incredible advantages available today for aspiring entrepreneurs, including AI tools that enhance business operations and creativity.

Dale Hanson, a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran and Green Beret, shares gripping tales from his time in MACV-SOG, where he faced an 85% casualty rate on perilous missions. He recalls the intense training and high-stakes recon missions, including capturing Chinese colonels at Lima 50. Hanson discusses the emotional challenges of reintegration into civilian life, his transition to a successful art career, and his commitment to sharing veterans' stories. His reflections urge a return to core values and highlight the importance of honoring those who served.

Mike Durant, a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer and Black Hawk pilot, shares gripping insights from his military career, including surviving the Battle of Mogadishu and 11 days as a POW. He discusses the tactical challenges and political decisions leading to the infamous mission, revealing how he used faith and writing to endure captivity. Durant also reflects on the camaraderie within the 160th SOAR, the evolution of the Armed Black Hawk, and his foray into politics post-military. His journey is a testament to resilience and leadership.

Adam Bry, Co-founder and CEO of Skydio, is an aerospace engineer and former Google X team member. He discusses the innovative R10 indoor tactical drone and Skydio's mission to revolutionize autonomous flight. Bry highlights success stories of Skydio's drones in public safety, revealing lives saved during police missions. He addresses privacy concerns while advocating for American leadership in drone technology, emphasizing the risks of foreign-controlled platforms and the importance of ethical AI in defense applications.

In this discussion, Jocko Willink, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL and leadership expert, shares his journey from a rebellious youth to commanding Task Unit Bruiser in Ramadi. He delves into the intense mindset needed to overcome failures during BUD/S training and reflects on the battlefield lessons learned, including a harrowing fratricide incident where he took responsibility as a leader. Jocko also emphasizes the importance of discipline, trust, and mutual respect in building successful teams, alongside his post-military ventures in leadership, manufacturing, and health.