#2207 - Shawn Ryan

At a Glance

• Starting a Podcast Journey - “I started, first one got pumped out Christmas of 2019.” This marks the beginning of the speaker’s journey into podcasting, highlighting a significant personal milestone.

• Authenticity in Podcasting - “It’s just I talked to whoever I want to talk to.” The speaker stresses the importance of authenticity and personal interest in the success of their podcast, which resonates with listeners looking for genuine content.

• Challenges in Early Podcasting Days - “It was me and my wife… resetting these 30 minute fucking timer cameras.” This quote highlights the grassroots and challenging beginnings of the podcast, adding a humorous touch to the tale of its origins.

• Skepticism about Political Performances - “Look, Kamala Harris had one good read off a teleprompter and she’s shot up in the polls.” This point critiques the performative aspect of politics, likening politicians to actors, which underscores the speaker’s cynicism about political authenticity.

• Discussion on Organized Political Rallies - “How do they know that? Well, I’ll send this to Jamie because this one I actually have.” This part of the conversation delves into the mechanics behind political rallies, introducing a critical view on the orchestration behind political popularity.

• Critique of Paid Audiences in Shows - “But I have personally been on a lot of shows where the audience is paid.” This reveals a less known aspect of television and political shows, sparking a discussion on the authenticity and ethical considerations of such practices.

• Veteran Issues and Podcasting as Therapy - “I got sick of of the same talking heads on TV… So I just started and I built like, I don’t know, maybe 250,000 subs on YouTube from like gun stuff.” The speaker connects their motivation to start podcasting with their dissatisfaction with mainstream media’s portrayal of veterans’ issues, highlighting a personal and societal challenge.

• Alien and UFO Skepticism - “When I hear the UFO stuff, there’s a part of my brain that’s like don’t get suckered into this this shit’s Nonsense.” This quote adds a humorous yet skeptical take on the often sensationalized topic of UFOs, reflecting the speaker’s critical thinking approach.

What to Do

• ‘Don’t use technology as a crutch’ - Technology can hinder our natural instincts and abilities, affecting interpersonal relationships and emotional connectivity.

• ‘Use common sense and critical thinking’ - Avoiding polarized language helps in understanding issues on their merit, leading to informed and independent opinions.

• ‘Value and explore human interactions’ - Direct interpersonal interactions are important for developing empathy and understanding, which technology might impede.

• ‘Recognize and adapt to changes’ - Understanding the evolution of human capabilities and tools can help in adjusting to new realities while preserving essential skills.

• ‘Explore alternative therapies’ - Openness to unconventional methods like MDMA therapy or psychedelics could offer new pathways for healing, especially for conditions like PTSD.

What to Get

• Shawn Ryan Show - Audible

• Yuka App - Used to scan food products to identify additives and chemicals, helping users make informed choices about their consumption.

• Applause Sign - Amazon - Used in shows to cue the audience to applaud, enhancing the perceived reception of the event or performance.

Summary

In this episode of the podcast, the host engages in a dynamic conversation with guests about a range of topics, from Joe Rogan’s podcasting journey to discussions about UFOs, governmental secrecy, and the evolution of media. The episode begins with a light-hearted exchange about the uniqueness of Rogan’s podcast, which is known for its eclectic mix of guests, including those who discuss outlandish theories and classified information. The conversation then takes a turn into more serious territory, discussing the credibility of UFO sightings and the mysteries surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs).

One of the highlights of the episode is a story shared by Rogan about a former girlfriend who worked for the government. She once searched for “little green men” in a classified database as a joke, which led to a shutdown of her computer and a subsequent investigation. This anecdote sparks a debate about the balance between government transparency and national security.

The podcast also delves into the impact of Rogan’s podcasting approach, which has grown organically without traditional advertising. Rogan explains that the authenticity of his conversations and the freedom to talk about anything have been key to his success. This segues into a broader discussion on media and technology, particularly the role of AI in content creation. Rogan expresses both fascination and concern over AI’s capabilities, especially its potential to translate podcasts into multiple languages accurately.

Throughout the episode, there is a recurring theme of skepticism towards official narratives and mainstream media. The guests discuss the orchestrated nature of political rallies and the manipulation of public perception through media. They critique the lack of critical thinking among the public and emphasize the importance of questioning and verifying information.

In conclusion, the episode is a rich tapestry of personal anecdotes, philosophical musings, and critical observations about society, technology, and media. It challenges listeners to think more deeply about the information they consume and to seek out diverse perspectives.