Brian Keating is the Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics at the University of California, San Diego, and the principal investigator of the Simons Observatory. He is a public speaker, inventor, and expert in the study of the universe’s oldest light, the cosmic microwave background (CMB), using it to learn about the origin and evolution of the universe. Keating is also a writer, podcaster, and best-selling author of “Losing the Nobel Prize,” named one of Amazon Editors’ “Best Nonfiction Books of All Time.” Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Head to https://superpower.com and use code SRS at checkout for $20 off your membership. Unlock your new health intelligence with 100+ biomarkers tested every year. Live better longer with BUBS Naturals. Get 20% OFF on collagen, MCT creamers, and more with code SHAWN at https://bubsnaturals.com/srs Right now, Babbel is offering listeners up to 60% off. Go to https://Babbel.com/SRS Go to get dot https://stash.com/SRS to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures. Search onX Offroad in the App Store or Google Play to access an off-road navigation app with trail maps, land boundaries, camping info, and offline capability. https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/app Brian Keating Links: X - https://x.com/BrianKeating Instagram - https://instagram.com/DrBrianKeating Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating Military members, claim your free meteorite: - htttps://BrianKeating.com/srs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shawn Ryan Show

#316 Brian Keating - Brian Keating - The First Object Ever Found From Another Solar System

For every U.S. veteran ready to take their mental wellbeing into their own hands, Sadhguru is offering Inner Engineering, his flagship program for inner transformation, free on completion. Begin at https://isha.us/shawnryan. Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic, New York Times bestselling author, founder of Isha Foundation, supported by over 19 million volunteers worldwide. His videos stream in 35 languages and were viewed over 6.1 billion times in 2025. He is the only living Indian to receive three Presidential Awards from three different Presidents, including India's highest annual civilian honor, the Padma Vibhushan. His Save Soil movement has reached more than 4.1 billion people, driving real change for farmers through healthier soil, improved crop quality, and stronger economic outcomes. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Get 30% off your first subscription order at https://armra.com/srs or enter code SRS at checkout. Start your new morning ritual and get up to 43% off your MUDWTR with code SRS at https://mudwtr.com/SRS! #mudwtrpod Go to https://helixsleep.com/SRS for 20% off sitewite. If you’re serious about selling to the Department of War, go to https://SBIRAdvisors.com and mention Shawn Ryan for your first month free. Try Gusto today at https://gusto.com/SRS and get three months free when you run your first payroll. Visit https://drinkag1.com/SRS to get a FREE AG1 Pro Yeti Shaker in your AG1 Pro Welcome Kit. Sadhguru Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sadhguru YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/sadhguru TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sadhguru X - https://x.com/SadhguruJV Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sadhguru Website - isha.sadhguru.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#315 Sadhguru - Stop Letting Your Mind DESTROY You

Jen Lilley is an actress, singer, author, and foster care advocate best known for her roles on Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, and numerous Hallmark Channel films. Alongside her husband, Jen has dedicated much of her life to serving vulnerable children through foster care and adoption, fostering multiple children and adopting through the foster system. Drawing from her firsthand experience, she has become a passionate advocate for foster care awareness, family support, and child welfare reform. In 2026, she co-authored Called to Foster?: An Honest Guide to Getting Started, a practical resource designed to help families navigate the foster care journey and better understand the needs of children in care. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: New customers can save 35% on your first month of Dose for Cholesterol by going to https://dosedaily.co/SRS or entering SRS at checkout. Go right now to https://sundaysfordogs.com/SRS50 and get 50% off your first order. Or, you can use code SRS50 at checkout. Ready to upgrade your eyewear? Check them out at https://roka.com and use code SRS for 20% off sitewide. Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at https://shopify.com/srs Jen Lilley Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jen_lilley Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jenlilleyofficial Website - https://www.jenlilley.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#314 Jen Lilley - The Dark Truth About the American Foster Care System

Raised on a farm in Northwest Iowa, Eric Frohardt learned the value of hard work and personal responsibility at an early age. After one year of college, he joined the Navy and achieved his goal of becoming a Navy SEAL in 2000. Over nearly 12 years of service, he deployed around the world with SEAL Team Five and DEVGRU before being medically retired due to combat-related injuries. Since leaving the military, Eric has built and led teams across multiple industries, becoming a respected business leader, consultant, and speaker. Today, he is passionate about faith, family, leadership, and helping others reach their full potential while glorifying God through service. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: For problems worth solving — get started with Claude at — https://Claude.ai/srs. Get firearm security redesigned and save 10% off @StopBoxUSA with code SRS at https://stopboxusa.com/SRS #stopboxpod Get started with ShipStation today and get sixty days free at https://shipstation.com with code srs. Taxes and fees apply. Go to https://meetfabric.com/SHAWN and apply today, risk-free. Eric Frohardt Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ericfrohardt Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/eric.frohardt X - https://x.com/EricFrohardt Website - https://www.ericfrohardt.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#313 Eric Frohardt - DEVGRU Gold Squadron Sniper and Assaulter

Sabrina Gonzalez Pasterski is a first-generation Cuban-American theoretical physicist from Chicago whose life has been shaped by flight and physics. She began flight lessons at age nine and, between ages 12 and 14, built a single-engine Zenith CH 601 XL aircraft from a kit, making her own engineering modifications after fatal midair breakups involving the model. At 16, before she had a driver’s license, she flew the aircraft solo. The FAA later allowed her demonstration flight to validate her modifications before grounding the fleet. At MIT, Pasterski became the first freshman selected for NASA’s January Operational Internship, received the inaugural MIT Freshman Entrepreneurship Award, interned at NASA Kennedy Space Center and CERN, and graduated first in her MIT Physics class. She earned her PhD from Harvard in 2019 under Andrew Strominger, focusing on quantum gravity, then joined Canada’s Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics at 27 as its youngest faculty member and one of only three women on staff at the time. She now leads the Celestial Holography Initiative, and her honors include Scientific American’s 30 Under 30, Forbes 30 Under 30 in Science, and the Albert Einstein Foundation’s “100 Greatest Innovators.” Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Live better longer with BUBS Naturals. Get 20% OFF on collagen, MCT creamers, and more with code SHAWN at https://bubsnaturals.com/srs Go to https://calderalab.com/SRS and use code SRS for 20% off your first order. Ready to upgrade your eyewear? Check them out at https://roka.com and use code SRS for 20% off sitewide. Sign up and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/srs #ad Sabrina Pasterski Links: Perimeter Institute - https://perimeterinstitute.ca/people/sabrina-pasterski Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#312 Sabrina Pasterski - Theoretical Physicist on the Hidden Code of the Universe

Two guests, one wild story. Ben Owen and Ryan Dalton join the show to break down their 2026 expedition to Little St. James, Jeffrey Epstein's former private island, and what happened when it went sideways. Ben Owen is the founder of We Fight Monsters, a Memphis-based anti-trafficking and addiction nonprofit. A recovered drug addict turned activist, he made national headlines in April 2026 after being detained on the island during a trip to document the property and raise questions about the Epstein case, an incident that ended with a trespassing charge and a disputed account of how he was restrained. Ryan Dalton is a former federal agent, attorney, and co-founder of Closed Horizon, a crowdsourced intelligence and reward platform focused on high-profile investigations. A University of Memphis Law School graduate who once served as a federal agent with the U.S. State Department, Dalton has publicly challenged the official narrative around Epstein's death and helped lead the expedition. We get into what drew them to the island, what they found, the confrontation that followed, and why they believe the Epstein story is far from closed. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Go to https://helixsleep.com/SRS for 20% off sitewide. If you’re serious about selling to the Department of War, go to https://SBIRAdvisors.com and mention Shawn Ryan for your first month free. Try ZipRecruiter for free at https://ziprecruiter.com/SRS to find enthusiastic, qualified candidates fast. Get 30% off your first subscription order at https://armra.com/srs or enter code SRS at checkout. Ben Owen Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/therealbenowen LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealbenowen Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@MonsterFighters Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Ben-Owen-100077606762984 Black Rifle Co - https://www.blackrifle.company Flanders Fields - https://flandersfields.org We Fight Monsters - https://wefightmonsters.org Once American - https://www.onceamerican.com Ryan Dalton Links: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/spokedriver Closed Horizon Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/closedhorizon Website - https://closedhorizon.com Campaign Website - https://epsteinisntdead.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#311 Ben Owen & Ryan Dalton - Arrested on Epstein's Island

Josh Duhamel is an American actor, producer, and entrepreneur born and raised in Minot, North Dakota, where a blue-collar upbringing instilled a strong work ethic. He played backup quarterback at Minot State University and majored in biology with plans for dentistry, but dropped out shy of graduation (later finishing in 2005). He headed west, fell into modeling, and won IMTA Male Model of the Year in 1997, exposure that led to the role of Leo du Pres on *All My Children* (1999–2002) and a 2002 Daytime Emmy. From there he built a mainstream career across TV and film, including *Las Vegas* and the *Transformers* franchise. He had no Hollywood connections, just a small-town guy who caught a break and worked his way up. Still active in film and TV, Duhamel has deliberately stepped back from constant Hollywood life, spending more time on his land in North Dakota and speaking openly about never fully fitting in: "I missed the simplicity of who I really am." Beyond acting, he founded GATLAN, a concierge health-optimization company built around his own experience with hormone therapy, which expanded into women's health in spring 2026. Raised Catholic, he favors a grounded lifestyle focused on health and aging well, and embraced entrepreneurship later in life. He's a father of three: sons Axl (with ex-wife Fergie) and Shepherd, and daughter Rocca, born May 2026 with wife Audra Mari, with family at the center of how he spends his time. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off for life AND 3 Free Gifts when you use SRS at https://Mengotomars.com Upgrade your wallet today and get up to 40% off during Ridge’s Father’s Day Sale at https://www.Ridge.com/SRS #Ridgepod Ready to upgrade your eyewear? Check them out at https://roka.com and use code SRS for 20% off sitewide. SpotOn GPS Fence — trusted by Shawn Ryan for his dog Moose. The most reliable GPS dog fence: 100% secure from backyard to backcountry with virtual boundaries you control from your phone. No wires, no digging. Sets up in minutes, any size, any shape, anywhere. Learn more: https://spotonfence.com/srs Find your forever cookware @hexclad and get 10% off at https://hexclad.com/SRS! #hexcladpartner Josh Duhamel Links: IG - https://www.instagram.com/joshduhamel WEB - https://www.instagram.com/gatlan.health Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@privatejoshduhamell X - https://x.com/joshduhamel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#310 Josh Duhamel - Transformers Star Reveals His 26-Acre Off-Grid Survival Compound

Megyn Kelly is an American journalist, political commentator, and former attorney. She rose to national prominence as an anchor and host at Fox News from 2004 to 2017, where she hosted programs including America Live and The Kelly File. After a short tenure at NBC News, she launched her independent media company, Devil May Care Media, and now hosts the widely followed podcast and video program, The Megyn Kelly Show. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Visit https://drinkag1.com/SRS to get a free Morning Person Hat and free AG1 Flavor Sampler in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription (an $82 value!). Go to https://meetfabric.com/SHAWN and apply today, risk-free. Go to https://calderalab.com/SRS and use code SRS for 20% off your first order. Get 20% off with code SRS at https://rhonutrition.com Megyn Kelly Links: IG - https://www.instagram.com/megynkelly X - https://x.com/megynkelly FB - https://www.facebook.com/MegynKelly TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@megynkellyshow YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/MegynKelly Podcast - https://www.megynkelly.com/listen Website - https://www.megynkelly.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#309 Megyn Kelly - "I Now Have to Worry About Getting Shot Because of My Opinion"

Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn is a tenured professor of Human Communication Studies at California State University, Fullerton, where she specializes in sexual and relational communication, online communication, and interpersonal relationships. Her work focuses on how people talk about intimacy, dating, culture, and long-term partnership and how communication shapes everything from attraction and compatibility to emotional connection and relationship longevity. Dr. Tara earned her Ph.D. in Interpersonal Communication from Arizona State University after completing her graduate studies in human communication in California. Her academic research explores the science behind how people form, maintain, and sometimes lose meaningful relationships in a rapidly changing social and technological world. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Tara has become a widely recognized relationship and sex expert, frequently appearing in major media outlets including Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Insider, and Men’s Health, and serving as a dating expert on the television series Celebs Go Dating. She is also the host of the Luvbites by Dr. Tara podcast, a columnist for Women’s Health Magazine, and a co-host of the iconic relationship advice radio show Loveline. Through her research, media work, and public education, Dr. Tara bridges academic science with real-world conversations about love, intimacy, communication, sexuality, and human connection, helping people better understand how relationships work and how healthier communication can transform the way we love. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off with promo code SRS at https://shopmando.com! #mandopod Upgrade your wallet today! Get up to 40% off at Ridge during their Father's Day Sale when you go to https://www.Ridge.com/SRS #Ridgepod Head to https://superpower.com and use code SRS at checkout for $20 off your membership. Unlock your new health intelligence with 100+ biomarkers tested every year. Go to https://shopbeam.com/SRS and use code SRS to get up to 50% off Beam Dream, the sleep formula designed to help you recover and wake up refreshed. Search onX Offroad in the App Store or Google Play to access an off-road navigation app with trail maps, land boundaries, camping info, and offline capability. https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/app Live better longer with BUBS Naturals. Get 20% OFF on collagen, MCT creamers, and more with code SHAWN at https://bubsnaturals.com/srs Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn Links: IG - https://www.instagram.com/luvbites.co TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@luvbites.co YT - https://www.youtube.com/@Luvbitesco WEB - https://www.luvbites.co/about Women's Health Column - https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/sexplore-dr-tara LOVELINE - https://www.audacy.com/kroq/latest/loveline-is-back-on-kroq-listen-to-the-first-episode-now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#308 Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn - TikTok's #1 Sex Educator on Why Relationships Are Failing

Ron White is a two-time USA Memory Champion, U.S. Navy veteran, and one of the world's foremost memory training experts. Known as the "Brain Athlete," he has dedicated his career to proving that extraordinary memory is not a gift — it's a trainable skill. A Texas-based entrepreneur and speaker, White first discovered memory techniques in 1991 at age 18 and has spent over three decades mastering and teaching them. He won back-to-back USA Memory Championships in 2009 and 2010 and held the national record for the fastest to memorize a shuffled deck of cards in one minute and 27 seconds. He has appeared on the History Channel's Stan Lee's Superhumans, National Geographic's Brain Games, and Fox's Superhuman with Kal Penn and Mike Tyson, as well as Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, and CBS Evening News. After September 11th, White joined the U.S. Navy Reserve as an intelligence specialist and deployed to Afghanistan in 2007, serving until 2010. That experience inspired what he considers his most important work: memorizing the names, ranks, and order of death of more than 2,300 American service members killed in Afghanistan — over 7,000 words committed to memory over 10 months. He travels the country writing those names from memory on a 52-foot memorial wall, a tribute built on a simple message: "You are not forgotten." Today, White speaks to audiences in over 30 countries and runs Brain Athlete, where he teaches individuals and organizations to improve their memory, read faster, and learn more effectively through his flagship Black Belt Memory program. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at https://shopify.com/srs Ready to upgrade your eyewear? Check them out at https://roka.com and use code SRS for 20% off sitewide. Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code SRS at https://mudwtr.com/SRS ! #mudwtrpod If you’re serious about selling to the Department of War, go to https://SBIRAdvisors.com and mention Shawn Ryan for your first month free. Get 30% off your first subscription order at https://armra.com/srs or enter code SRS at checkout. Get 50% off your first order of Sundays for Dogs at https://sundaysfordogs.com/SRS50 or use code SRS50 at checkout. Ron White Links: IG - https://www.instagram.com/brainathlete Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@brainathlete Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RonWhiteMemory TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@realbrainathlete Website - https://www.brainathlete.com/shawn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#307 Ron White - The 2,500-Year-Old Memory Skill the Romans Used That We've Completely Lost

In this powerful segment, Ron White, creator of the Afghanistan Memorial Wall and a Navy veteran who served in Afghanistan, solemnly recites the names of the American service members killed in action during the war. Known for memorizing and publicly honoring the fallen from memory, White delivers a moving tribute that reminds viewers these men and women are far more than statistics. Each name represents a life, a family, and a sacrifice that will never be forgotten. The full episode with Ron White airs on 5/26/26. Ron White Links: IG - https://www.instagram.com/brainathlete Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@brainathlete Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RonWhiteMemory TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@realbrainathlete Website - https://www.brainathlete.com/shawn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Memorial Day Special: Navy Veteran Memorizes Every Service Member Killed in Afghanistan

Bryce Crawford is a Christian evangelist and street preacher known for direct, face-to-face gospel conversations in public spaces. He grew up in a church-influenced environment but experienced intense anxiety, depression, and spiritual confusion as a teenager, eventually becoming bitter toward religion. At age 17, after reaching a personal crisis point in late 2020, Crawford describes a dramatic conversion marked by a profound sense of peace and a complete redirection of his life toward evangelical Christian faith. Following his conversion, Crawford committed to bold public witness and full-time ministry, choosing street evangelism over traditional church roles. He founded Jesus in the Street, a ministry focused on engaging culture directly. Often in confrontational or emotionally charged environments—to share the Christian gospel. His work emphasizes truth, repentance, and love expressed through courage and personal conviction. Crawford has built a large online following through viral street-level encounters and testimony-driven content on TikTok and YouTube. His media presence includes a main YouTube channel for long-form outreach and conversations, secondary clip channels, and a podcast featuring interviews and teachings on theology, culture, and evangelism. Recently married to Mandy, Crawford frequently speaks about discipline, accountability, and building a Christ-centered marriage as foundations for ministry. His broader vision centers on normalizing public expressions of faith, equipping Christians to engage a hostile culture, and bringing the gospel beyond church walls—into everyday public life. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Head to https://superpower.com and use code SRS at checkout for $20 off your membership. Unlock your new health intelligence with 100+ biomarkers tested every year. Learn a new language and get up to 60% off your subscription at https://babbel.com/SRS Don’t let your money sit around—put it to work with Stash. Go to https://get.stash.com/SRS to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures Find your forever cookware @hexclad and get 10% off at https://hexclad.com/SRS ! #hexcladpartner Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at https://shopify.com/srs Bryce Crawford Links: YT - https://www.youtube.com/@thebrycecrawford IG - https://instagram.com/brycecrawford TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@brycecrawford Merch - https://jesusinthestreet.com Podcast Channel - https://youtube.com/@BryceCrawfordPodcast Donate To Our Ministry - https://app.aplos.com/aws/give/JesusInTheStreet Praise Energy - https://drinkpraise.com/collections/all Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#306 Bryce Crawford - Gen Z Evangelist on the Vices Destroying Your Life

AJ Pasciuti grew up in Sunnyvale, California, the son of Italian and Argentine immigrants. After 9/11 reshaped his sense of purpose, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division — one of the most storied units in the Corps — where he served as a rifleman and team leader. Over twenty-one years of service, he deployed three times to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, including the Battle of Fallujah. He led a Scout Sniper team that tracked and killed the most lethal enemy sniper in Iraq — a figure known as "Juba" — and recovered a stolen Marine sniper rifle in what was the first mission of its kind by an American service member since Vietnam. He went on to serve with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion and 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, deploying to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, during Operation Enduring Freedom and later with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. As an instructor, he taught at the Scout Sniper School at Camp Pendleton, created the Recon Team Leaders Course, and helped develop the Infantry Marine Course at School of Infantry–West, modernizing foundational training for enlisted Marines. Selected for the highly competitive Marine Gunner program, he became an Infantry Weapons Officer and rose to Chief Warrant Officer 3 before retiring from the Marine Corps in 2023. He holds a Master of Business for Veterans from the University of Southern California and a Master of Public Leadership from the University of San Francisco, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at the University of San Diego. He is the host of the Combat Story podcast and the author of Darkhorse: Harnessing Hidden Potential in War and Life, releasing May 19, 2026. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Go to https://helixsleep.com/SRS for 27% Off Sitewide Find candidates who really want YOUR job on ZipRecruiter. Try it FOR FREE at https://ziprecruiter.com/SRS Our listeners get the Harry’s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/srs #Harryspod For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at https://Mengotomars.com New customers can save 35% on your first month of Dose for Cholesterol by going to https://dosedaily.co/SRS or entering SRS at checkout. Go to https://meetfabric.com/SHAWN and apply today, risk-free. AJ Pasciuti Links: WEB - https://ajpasciuti.com/about IG - https://www.instagram.com/ajpasciuti YT - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCyApoJr-mNmdMNwdk22xEQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#305 AJ Pasciuti - Marine Scout Sniper on Hunting Juba, the Deadliest Enemy Sniper in Iraq

Chris Bayless is a former Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent who spent more than three decades working some of the most dangerous undercover investigations in the United States. An original member of ATF’s Enhanced Undercover Program beginning in 2000, Bayless spent years infiltrating violent outlaw motorcycle gangs including the Outlaws, Grim Reapers, and organizations connected to the Hell’s Angels, helping build major federal RICO prosecutions against organized criminal enterprises. Raised in a suburb of Chicago by two school teachers, Bayless was influenced early by mentors in law enforcement who shaped his path toward public service. After attending Manchester University in Indiana, where he studied Environmental Studies and Criminal Justice, he joined the ATF in 1987 in the Chicago Field Division. Throughout his career, Bayless worked major federal operations targeting violent crime in cities such as St. Louis, Oakland, Phoenix, Cleveland, and Albuquerque. His undercover work placed him deep inside biker gangs and other criminal networks, requiring years of operating under assumed identities in high-risk environments. Beyond investigations, Bayless served in the ATF Peer Support Program, helping fellow agents process trauma following critical incidents, including the aftermath of Waco. After decades of operating in violent environments and living in constant hypervigilance, he was eventually diagnosed with PTSD near the end of his career. Today, Bayless teaches at the ATF Academy, helping train the next generation of agents while reflecting on lessons from his career about trauma, resilience, faith, and redemption. Outside of law enforcement, he spends time restoring WWII Army Willys Jeeps and navigating life after decades of undercover work. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Go to ⁠https://calderalab.com/SRS ⁠and use code SRS for 20% off your first order. Get 50% off your first order of Sundays for Dogs at ⁠https://sundaysfordogs.com/SRS50⁠ or use code SRS50 at checkout. Get 20% off Rho Nutrition’s longevity stack with code SRS at ⁠https://rhonutrition.com⁠ Live better longer with BUBS Naturals. Get 20% OFF on collagen, MCT creamers, and more with code SHAWN at ⁠https://bubsnaturals.com/srs⁠ If you’re serious about selling to the Department of War, go to ⁠https://SBIRAdvisors.com⁠ and mention Shawn Ryan for your first month free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#304 Chris Bayless - 30 Years Undercover Inside America's Most Violent Gangs

Born and raised near Chicago, Illinois, Mel Chancey grew up in a Catholic household, even serving as an altar boy. But early in life, he found identity and belonging in motorcycle club culture. What began as camaraderie evolved into full immersion in the outlaw biker world. He became part of the Hell’s Henchmen before the club patched over to the Hells Angels, quickly rising through the ranks due to his intensity, loyalty, and commanding leadership presence. At a young age, he was serving as a chapter president. In that world, brotherhood was everything. Life revolved around respect, territory, and reputation. Mel has spoken openly about the violent rivalries, bombings, turf wars, and constant hyper-vigilance required to survive. The bombing of their Chicago clubhouse marked a turning point, escalating tensions and deepening the cost of leadership. Power, ego, loyalty, and fear blurred moral lines — and carrying the weight of that conflict came with consequences. Eventually, Mel was arrested in a federal case tied to club activity and served years in prison under RICO-related charges. Prison became the defining turning point of his life. Stripped of his title, patch, and status, he describes hitting rock bottom in a quiet cell where self-examination became unavoidable. It was there that he returned to his Christian faith — praying, reading Scripture, and experiencing what he calls a true spiritual awakening. The identity once rooted in reputation and intimidation was replaced with surrender, humility, and conviction. Walking away from that life was not simple. It meant losing brotherhood, history, and everything familiar. Mel emphasizes that leaving was the hardest decision he ever made — and the strongest one. Today, he is a motivational speaker focused on faith, redemption, masculinity, and discipline. He is active in the bodybuilding community, affiliated with organizations such as IFBB and NPC, using physical training as a metaphor for rebuilding life through structure and accountability. As Managing Partner at Core Medical Group, he works in health and wellness, specializing in hormone optimization and holistic performance. Now a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Mel Chancey is committed to building legacy instead of reputation — living proof that transformation is possible and that second chances can redefine a life. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Ready to upgrade your eyewear? Check them out at https://roka.com and use code SRS for 20% off sitewide. Face the decisions our founders grappled with in Revolutionary America, a Hillsdale Studios film. Only in theatres May 31 - June 2. Get your tickets now by going to https://hillsdale.edu/revolution Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/14ipql92 #CashAppPod As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Bitcoin services provided by Block, Inc. For additional information, see the Bitcoin disclosures. Get 30% off your first subscription order of ARMRA Colostrum at https://armra.com/srs or enter code SRS at checkout. BetterHelp is now accepting insurance in many states with average copays around $23—fill out the questionnaire and check your coverage today at https://betterhelp.com/SRS. #ad Mel Chancey Links: IG - https://www.instagram.com/melchancey316 IG - https://www.instagram.com/john316devotionalteam IG - https://www.instagram.com/chanceyfitness WEB - www.chanceyfitness.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#303 Mel Chancey - Youngest President in Hells Angels History

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.

hubhopper

Shawn Ryan Show

hubhopper