Shawn Ryan Show

Ruslan KD, a Christian hip-hop artist and entrepreneur of Armenian descent, shares his remarkable journey from childhood refugee to faith. He discusses why many Gen Z are curious about Jesus and explores the impact of trauma on belief. Engaging with topics like financial transparency in churches, Ruslan advocates for godly ambition and stewardship. He also examines how spiritual warfare relates to societal issues and anticipates the new heaven. Filled with personal anecdotes, Ruslan emphasizes the importance of community and generosity.

Dr. David Fajgenbaum, a physician-scientist from UPenn and co-founder of EveryCure, shares his remarkable journey battling Castleman disease. He emphasizes the challenges of repurposing generic drugs and how existing medicines can offer hope for rare diseases. Fajgenbaum discusses his breakthrough with sirolimus, which led to his remission. He also reveals how AI is transforming drug repurposing, helping to match existing treatments with unmet medical needs. His mission is to inspire change in patient-driven research and push for effective solutions.

Dan Driscoll, the 26th U.S. Secretary of the Army and Iraq veteran, discusses crucial topics like Army modernization and acquisition reform. He highlights reallocating $48 billion to modernize equipment and empowering soldiers with the right-to-repair policy. Driscoll addresses the challenges of balancing gun rights with mental health initiatives for soldiers. He explores future warfare, emphasizing AI integration and counter-drone strategies, while revealing insights on China as a pacing threat and the importance of diplomatic efforts in conflict resolution.

Sriram Krishnan, a seasoned entrepreneur and Senior White House Policy Advisor for AI, discusses the U.S.-China competition in AI and its implications for global dominance. He shares insights from his journey from Chennai to leading tech roles at Microsoft and Facebook, emphasizing the importance of adaptation in the fast-paced tech landscape. Sriram also debunks AI doomsday narratives, highlights the risks of AI, and explains the U.S. administration's strategic AI action plan including energy and chip manufacturing initiatives.

Steven Rinella, a renowned outdoorsman and founder of MeatEater, shares thrilling tales from his jungle hunts with indigenous tribes, including unconventional meals like monkey and dog meat. He discusses the importance of introducing kids to hunting, mentorship strategies, and the impact of suburban deer issues. Rinella also delves into his adventures in Alaska and Tanzania, highlighting conservation efforts funded by hunting revenues. Plus, he emphasizes the role of wild food in his family life while reflecting on the origins and growth of MeatEater.

Dr. Diane Hennacy, a neuropsychiatrist from Johns Hopkins, dives into the intriguing intersection of consciousness and psychic phenomena. She discusses the impact of collective consciousness on randomness and how trauma shapes our psychic abilities. The conversation explores autism's extraordinary cognitive strengths, precognition experiences, and the connections between intuition, spirituality, and personal authenticity. Hennacy also investigates the ethical implications of AI in the realm of human perception and the challenges faced in studying psychic communication.

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.