The "Shawn Ryan Show" is hosted by Shawn Ryan, former U.S. Navy SEAL, CIA Contractor, and Founder of Vigilance Elite.
Shyam Sankar is the Chief Technology Officer at Palantir Technologies. A builder at heart, he’s spent over 20 years designing and deploying cutting-edge software and AI for both government and private sector partners. As Palantir’s 13th hire, Shyam helped take the company from scrappy startup to S&P 500 powerhouse.
A relentless opponent of inefficiency and red tape, Shyam has made it his mission to overhaul the institutions holding America back—starting with the government. His focus? The Defense Reformation: a bold effort to transform how the U.S. military buys, builds, and fights so we can win—and keep winning.
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Shyam Sankar Links:
Substack - https://www.shyamsankar.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shyamsankar
On The Defense Reformation - https://18theses.com
First Breakfast - https://www.firstbreakfast.com
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Thomas "Drago" Dzieran is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, author, and software engineer. Born in Communist Poland, he spent time as a political prisoner before immigrating to the United States in 1984. After becoming a U.S. citizen in 1991, he joined the Navy and served 20 years, including stints with SEAL Teams 2 and 4, and as a BUD/S instructor. Drago deployed to Iraq multiple times, earning numerous commendations for his valor in combat. He’s the author of The Pledge to America and a vocal advocate for freedom, using his tech skills to combat threats to free speech.
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Thomas "Drago" Dzieran Links:
The Pledge to America - https://www.dragodzieran.com/book
ConnectZing - https://connectzing.com
IG - https://www.instagram.com/dragodzieran
X - https://x.com/DragoDzieran
Website - https://www.dragodzieran.com
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Leigh Bortins is the founder of Classical Conversations, a global homeschooling program rooted in classical, Christian education. With degrees in aerospace engineering and ministry, she blends analytical rigor with deep educational vision. A mother of four and grandmother of three, Leigh’s passion for home education began with homeschooling her own children. She’s authored several books—including The Core, The Question, and The Conversation—that guide parents through the classical trivium.
Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations, was homeschooled by Leigh and now leads the organization with a bold vision for educational reform. A mechanical engineering graduate and entrepreneur, Robert champions faith-based, family-led learning, helping over 125,000 students across 50 states and 30 countries thrive through critical thinking and community.
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Classical Conversations Links:
Special Offer For SRS - https://info.classicalconversations.com/shawnryan
Classical Conversations - www.classicalconversations.com
Leigh’s Website - https://leighbortins.com
Robert’s Website - Robertbortins.com
Podcast - www.Refiningrhetoric.com
X - https://x.com/TheRobertBshow
Education Independence - https://chooseeducationindependence.com
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Doug Collins is the 12th United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs, sworn in on February 5, 2025. A Republican with a track record of public service, Collins served as U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 9th district (2013–2021) and in the Georgia House (2007–2013). An Air Force Reserve chaplain since 2002, he deployed to Iraq in 2008 and was promoted to colonel in 2023. With a Master of Divinity and a Juris Doctor, Collins combines faith, law, and military experience in his mission to overhaul the VA by focusing on efficiency, transparency, and veteran care.
Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors:
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Go to https://hometitlelock.com/srs and use promo code SRS to get a FREE title history report so you can find out if you’re already a victim AND 14 days of protection for FREE! And make sure to check out the Million Dollar TripleLock protection details when you get there! Exclusions apply. For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty
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Secretary Doug Collins Links:
X - https://x.com/SecVetAffairs
Call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) – This is always the right number to reach VA and available 24/7/365.
Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Dial 988 and Press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line – confidential and standing by 24/7/365. More information: http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.
Call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) if you are a Veteran at risk of homelessness or a family member, friend, or advocate. Confidential and available 24/7/365. You may also chat online: National Call Center for Homeless Veterans - VA Homeless Programs
Submit your question to https://ask.VA.gov/ if you prefer to digitally send VA sensitive or private information.
Login to www.VA.gov or use the VA Health and Benefits Mobile App to directly message your health care provider.
Schedule 1-on-1 virtual or in-person assistance with a VA Benefits Expert: https://va.my.site.com/VAVERA/
Find a VA facility near you: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/
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Brett Cooper is a conservative commentator, actress, and digital media personality best known for her sharp wit and cultural commentary. She first gained national attention as the host of The Comments Section with The Daily Wire, where she dissected viral content and offered her take on pop culture, politics, and current events. With a background in theater and acting, Cooper brought a unique blend of performance and insight to her online presence, quickly amassing a large following among Gen Z audiences.
In 2025, Cooper launched The Brett Cooper Show, an independent platform where she continues to deliver her signature commentary with an even bolder and more personal voice. Her show covers a wide range of topics—from politics and entertainment to lifestyle and social issues—always with a focus on authenticity and intellectual independence. As she expands her media presence, Cooper remains a rising voice in the conservative movement, connecting with a new generation through her unapologetic take on the modern world.
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Brett Cooper Links:
Social Links - https://linktr.ee/imbrettcooper
Website - https://brettcooper.com
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Scott “Kidd” Poteet is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and highly experienced pilot who served more than two decades in the military. Over the course of his Air Force career, he flew F-16s in multiple combat deployments and held roles in leadership and training, earning a reputation for his strong work ethic and focus on mission excellence. Poteet’s dedication to both teamwork and mentorship helped guide the next generation of pilots, showcasing his commitment to service and the advancement of aerospace.
Since retiring from active duty, Poteet has remained deeply involved in pioneering space initiatives and operational leadership. He served as the Mission Director for Inspiration4—SpaceX’s first all-civilian orbital mission—and continues his journey into human spaceflight as a pilot for the Polaris Dawn mission, part of the groundbreaking Polaris Program. Through these endeavors, he exemplifies a passion for pushing the boundaries of exploration and technology, reflecting both his military heritage and forward-thinking vision for space travel.
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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self.
Scott "Kidd" Poteet Links:
Website - https://www.kiddpoteet.com
IG - https://www.instagram.com/kiddpoteet
Polaris Program - https://polarisprogram.com
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Shawn Ryan Show welcomes back Sarah Adams, Scott Mann and Legend to the show. This episode explores the growing influence of terrorist networks in Afghanistan and Syria, with guests detailing how al-Qaeda and the Taliban have facilitated the training and mobilization of fighters. They highlight U.S. policy missteps, including funding through NGOs and intelligence-sharing with questionable actors, which have inadvertently strengthened extremist groups. The discussion warns that the U.S. withdrawal from Syria could lead to the resurgence of ISIS and the ethnic cleansing of religious minorities.
The panel critiques U.S. foreign policy, particularly the decision to engage with the Taliban while sidelining the Afghan resistance. They warn of al-Qaeda’s ongoing plans for attacks on U.S. soil and the infiltration of Taliban operatives through flawed vetting processes. The conversation underscores the lack of a long-term counterterrorism strategy, raising concerns that current missteps may lead to another major terrorist attack.
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Guest Links:
Sarah Adams
Scott Mann
The Gathering Storm
https://tfpineapple.org/tgs-book
Legend
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Dr. Ben Carson is an American retired neurosurgeon, author, and politician who served as the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021. As a pioneering pediatric neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Carson performed groundbreaking surgeries, including the first successful separation of conjoined twins joined at the back of the head, the first successful neurosurgical procedure on a fetus inside the womb, and developed new methods to treat brain-stem tumors. He retired from medicine in 2013 after a distinguished career that included over 100 neurosurgical publications and numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
As HUD Secretary, Carson oversaw initiatives such as the expansion of the Rental Assistance Demonstration program, the establishment of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, and efforts to reduce veteran homelessness. Following his departure from HUD, Carson founded the American Cornerstone Institute (ACI) in 2021, a conservative think tank centered around advancing policies that promote faith, liberty, community, and life. He also founded Carson Scholars and Little Patriots Learning to directly support excellence in education for young thinkers. Carson continues to be an influential figure in conservative politics and public policy discussions.
Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors:
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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self.
Ben Carson Links:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/realbencarson
X - https://x.com/RealBenCarson
American Cornerstone Institute - https://americancornerstone.org
Little Patriots Learning - https://littlepatriotslearning.com
Carson Scholars -https://carsonscholars.org
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxWET2F0fctmIwnGUP_8FMw
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King Randall, I is the founder of The X for Boys, and a mentor to hundreds of young men in his community. Randall's organization is a charter school in Albany Georgia that aims to teach boys the true meaning of masculinity, manhood, and how to be protectors and providers in their communities through various programs including automotive repair workshops, construction training, and a book club. The school focuses on traditional academics, trade skills, firearms training, and the science of family and manhood. Randall's work has gained national attention, and he continues to advocate for male youth development through his organization and school.
Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors:
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King Randall, I Links:
The X for Boys - https://thexforboys.org
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/king-randall
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@NewEmergingKing
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/newemergingking
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Peter Attia, MD, is a Canadian-American physician, author, and researcher specializing in longevity medicine. He received his medical degree from Stanford University, trained in general surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and completed a surgical oncology fellowship at the National Cancer Institute. Attia is the founder of Early Medical, a medical practice focused on extending lifespan and healthspan, and hosts "The Drive," a popular podcast covering health and medicine topics.
Attia is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller "Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity," published in March 2023. Attia has been featured in various media outlets, including the Disney+ documentary series "Limitless" with Chris Hemsworth. He is a sought-after speaker, appearing at events such as TEDMED and SXSW, where he discusses longevity science and proactive health strategies. Attia was named in Time's 2024 list of influential people in health and opened 10 Squared, a hybrid testing lab and training center in Austin, Texas.
Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors:
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Peter Attia Links:
Website - https://peterattiamd.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/peterattiamd
X - https://x.com/PeterAttiaMD
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/peterattiamd
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/PeterAttiaMD
Early Medical - https://earlymedical.com
The Drive Podcast - https://peterattiamd.com/podcast
10 Squared - https://10squared.com
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Major James Capers Jr. is a distinguished Marine Corps veteran renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to U.S. military special operations. As one of the first African American members of the elite Marine Force Reconnaissance unit, he led numerous covert missions during the Vietnam War. His valor and leadership earned him multiple commendations, including the Silver Star, Bronze Stars with "V" devices, three Purple Hearts, a Navy Commendation Medal, and a Navy Achievement Medal.
Beyond his military service, Capers chronicled his experiences in the book Faith Through the Storm: Memoirs of Major James Capers, Jr., offering a firsthand account of his combat missions, personal sacrifices, and the challenges he overcame. His pioneering efforts have left an indelible mark on military tactics and continue to inspire future generations of service members.
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Major James Capers Jr. Links:
Documentary - https://www.capersthedoc.com
Book - https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Through-Storm-Memoirs-Capers/dp/1642986399
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