

Shawn Ryan Show
Shawn Ryan
The "Shawn Ryan Show" is hosted by Shawn Ryan, former U.S. Navy SEAL, CIA Contractor, and Founder of Vigilance Elite. We tell REAL stories about REAL people from all walks of life. We discuss the ups and downs, wins and losses, successes and struggles, the good and bad in a respectful but candid way with our guest. We're better than entertainment, we're the REAL thing. Please enjoy the show.
Episodes
Mentioned books

42 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 47min
#231 Gerard Barron - CIA Project Azorian & Deep Sea Mining That Could Change the World
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.

36 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 4h 56min
#230 Keith Stansell - Operation Jacque & Surviving FARC Captivity
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.

166 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 3h 47min
#229 AJ Gentile - Creator & Host of The Why Files
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.

60 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 7h 20min
#228 David Rutherford - Navy SEAL & CIA Contractor
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.

95 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 4h 24min
#227 Henry Dick Thompson - MACV-SOG Operator, Codename "Dynamite"
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.

42 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 50min
#226 Matt Gialich - Debunking Aliens in the Ocean, Mining Asteroids and Black Holes
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.

98 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 2h 24min
#225 Blake Scholl - Founder & CEO of Boom Supersonic
Blake Scholl, the Founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, is on a mission to revive commercial supersonic flight. He discusses the groundbreaking XB-1 and the vision for the Overture airliner, designed for sustainable travel. Scholl shares his journey from a software engineer at Amazon to leading aerospace innovation, highlighting the challenges of sonic booms and regulatory hurdles. Personal anecdotes add depth as he explores the future of ultra-fast air travel and the potential to make it accessible and affordable. Passion, resilience, and the role of innovation drive his compelling narrative.

113 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 4h 11min
#224 Dan Schneider - U.S. Army Attack Helicopter Pilot Turned Exorcist Assistant
Dan Schneider, an Adjunct Professor of Theology and former U.S. Army attack helicopter pilot, discusses spiritual warfare and exorcism. He shares practical guidance on discernment between mental health and possession, emphasizing the importance of prayer and confession. Schneider reveals insights from his military background, likening exorcism to guerrilla tactics in spiritual combat. He highlights the role of the rosary in overcoming evil and reflects on personal experiences that transformed his understanding of faith amidst adversity.

49 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 3h 11min
#223 Baiju Bhatt - Co-Founder of Robinhood & CEO of Aetherflux
Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood and CEO of Aetherflux, shares his vision for space-based solar energy. He discusses how Aetherflux plans to beam power from orbit using infrared lasers, potentially revolutionizing energy access. The conversation touches on his experiences launching Robinhood to democratize finance, personal anecdotes about family and challenges, and his passion for cars. Bhatt intertwines technology with social issues, advocating for innovative solutions in both finance and space exploration while reflecting on his journey from gaming the system to changing it.

201 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 3h 4min
#222 Brian Armstrong - Co-Founder & CEO of Coinbase
Brian Armstrong, co-founder and CEO of Coinbase, dives into the dynamic world of cryptocurrency and its regulatory landscape. He discusses the political awakening within the crypto space and the formation of the Stand With Crypto PAC to support pro-crypto legislation. Armstrong highlights the challenges posed by the SEC, the historical context of the Federal Reserve, and the necessity for clear regulations. He also underscores cryptocurrency's role in promoting economic freedom and its applications in everyday transactions, making a case for its transformative potential.