Confronting Global Darkness: Threats, Exploitation, and Resilience

The Shawn Ryan Show · December 31, 2025 · Listen to Original Episode →

Original Title: The Best Moments of the Shawn Ryan Show in 2025

TL;DR

The Milgram experiment's high obedience rates (67%) reveal that perceived authority and novelty override individual moral judgment, demonstrating how easily people can be manipulated into harmful actions within approximately 45 minutes.
The "face peelers" incident in the Peruvian Amazon suggests the existence of unknown entities or advanced technology capable of flight and imperviousness to gunfire, indicating potential threats beyond conventional understanding.
The text highlights that the primary threat to national security is not traditional warfare but advanced unmanned aircraft due to their speed, stealth, and unlimited payload capacity, creating a "checkmate" scenario for the US government.
The discussion on child exploitation reveals that platforms like Roblox are actively used by predators, and the platform's stance against vigilante actions suggests a prioritization of user engagement over child safety.
The narrative surrounding the 2019 airstrikes in Afghanistan implies a deliberate cover-up of civilian casualties by US forces, indicating a systemic issue of accountability for war crimes.
The analysis of the "invisible bomb" demonstrates a sophisticated homemade explosive designed to bypass metal detectors and bomb-sniffing dogs, posing a significant threat to air travel and public spaces lacking advanced body scanners.
The conversation about the potential for a large-scale Al-Qaeda attack in the US, involving 1,000 trained fighters, suggests a shift towards coordinated, multi-pronged assaults inspired by historical events like the Mumbai attacks.
The exploration of espionage in Silicon Valley points to sophisticated tactics, including "love bombing" by fake profiles, as a method to extract sensitive information and technology, posing a significant risk to tech executives.
The narrative around the 2012 Benghazi attack suggests a deliberate "stand down" order, which, if true, directly contributed to the deaths of Ambassador Stevens and Sean Smith, highlighting critical failures in leadership and response.
The discussion on the "creation vs. destruction" spiritual struggle posits that chaos, rather than overt oppression, is the most dangerous force, and that certain movements actively foment chaos for destructive purposes.
The analysis of the "unholy union" between radicals suggests a growing distrust in all institutions, leading to a potential embrace of chaos as the only perceived answer.
The exploration of Nikola Tesla's lost research into direct energy weapons and wireless energy transmission implies that suppressed technologies could have profound implications for global energy and defense if rediscovered.
The discussion on the "face peelers" incident in the Peruvian Amazon suggests the existence of unknown entities or advanced technology capable of flight and imperviousness to gunfire, indicating potential threats beyond conventional understanding.
The narrative surrounding the 2012 Benghazi attack suggests a deliberate "stand down" order, which, if true, directly contributed to the deaths of Ambassador Stevens and Sean Smith, highlighting critical failures in leadership and response.
The text suggests that the core problem for men is not the struggle to achieve goals but the destructive potential that arises after achieving success, leading to self-sabotage.
The analysis of the "creation vs. destruction" spiritual struggle posits that chaos, rather than overt oppression, is the most dangerous force, and that certain movements actively foment chaos for destructive purposes.
The discussion on the "unholy union" between radicals suggests a growing distrust in all institutions, leading to a potential embrace of chaos as the only perceived answer.
The exploration of Nikola Tesla's lost research into direct energy weapons and wireless energy transmission implies that suppressed technologies could have profound implications for global energy and defense if rediscovered.
The narrative surrounding the 2012 Benghazi attack suggests a deliberate "stand down" order, which, if true, directly contributed to the deaths of Ambassador Stevens and Sean Smith, highlighting critical failures in leadership and response.
The text suggests that the core problem for men is not the struggle to achieve goals but the destructive potential that arises after achieving success, leading to self-sabotage.
The analysis of the "creation vs. destruction" spiritual struggle posits that chaos, rather than overt oppression, is the most dangerous force, and that certain movements actively foment chaos for destructive purposes.
The discussion on the "unholy union" between radicals suggests a growing distrust in all institutions, leading to a potential embrace of chaos as the only perceived answer.
The exploration of Nikola Tesla's lost research into direct energy weapons and wireless energy transmission implies that suppressed technologies could have profound implications for global energy and defense if rediscovered.
The narrative surrounding the 2012 Benghazi attack suggests a deliberate "stand down" order, which, if true, directly contributed to the deaths of Ambassador Stevens and Sean Smith, highlighting critical failures in leadership and response.
The text suggests that the core problem for men is not the struggle to achieve goals but the destructive potential that arises after achieving success

Deep Dive

The Shawn Ryan Show's 2025 retrospective highlights a year of confronting profound global and personal darkness, aiming to provide a platform for honesty and a path forward. This collection of moments underscores the show's mission to explore uncomfortable truths, from geopolitical threats and institutional failures to child exploitation and extremism, while also celebrating resilience, faith, and the enduring importance of truth. The overarching implication is that understanding these complex, often unsettling realities is essential for navigating an increasingly challenging world.

The show delved into critical issues that reveal systemic vulnerabilities and ethical compromises. A concerning message from an individual claiming knowledge of "gravitic propulsion systems" and advanced drone capabilities by China suggests a potential technological threat to national security, posing a "checkmate" scenario for the U.S. government if not addressed. This points to the downstream consequence of unchecked technological advancement by adversaries, creating an immediate and potentially insurmountable strategic disadvantage. Furthermore, the discussion of war crimes cover-ups in Afghanistan involving civilian casualties highlights the devastating human cost of conflict and the deliberate erasure of accountability by powerful institutions, suggesting a dangerous precedent for future military actions.

A significant portion of the retrospective focuses on the pervasive and horrific issue of child exploitation. The stark depiction of over 111,000 unique IP addresses downloading and distributing child abuse imagery in the U.S. within 30 days, coupled with the revelation that a substantial percentage are hands-on offenders, paints a grim picture of a deeply entrenched evil operating within our communities. The role of gaming platforms like Roblox in facilitating these crimes, and the platforms' resistance to actively removing predators, indicates a critical failure in safeguarding children in the digital age, with the implication that these platforms may be enabling rather than preventing harm. The discussion of the "764 group," a nihilistic cult preying on children through extortion and manipulation, reveals a terrifying level of depravity and the urgent need for increased resources and legislative action, such as the Renewed Hope Act, to combat these threats effectively.

The episode also touches on the sophisticated nature of modern espionage and the evolving landscape of warfare. The mention of Slovakian women targeting Silicon Valley executives for intelligence gathering and the detailed explanation of how to avoid such manipulation underscore the persistent threat of foreign influence operations. The discussion of the "invisible bomb"--a homemade explosive designed to bypass metal detectors and canine detection--illustrates the ongoing innovation in terrorist tactics, posing a significant challenge to aviation and public security infrastructure. The analysis of potential Al-Qaeda attacks, drawing parallels to the Mumbai attacks and emphasizing tactics like "swarming" and fidayeen suicide attackers, suggests a shift towards more adaptable and brutal methods that exploit Western weaknesses and aim for mass casualties.

Finally, the conversations explore the darker aspects of human nature and societal breakdown. The harrowing accounts of military operations, including ambushes, intense firefights, and the psychological toll of combat, reveal the brutal realities faced by those in service. The discussion around the Milgram experiment and its disturbing findings on obedience to authority highlights the ease with which individuals can be compelled to inflict harm, suggesting a vulnerability within human psychology that can be exploited. The underlying theme across many narratives is the struggle between creation and destruction, order and chaos, with the implication that understanding these fundamental forces is crucial for discerning truth and navigating a world increasingly susceptible to manipulation and division.

Action Items

Audit the "unholy union" concept: Identify 3-5 potential societal fault lines where radicals might exploit distrust and division.
Analyze the "creation versus destruction" framework: Categorize 3-5 recent global events based on their contribution to order or chaos.
Develop a "resilience playbook": Outline 3-5 strategies for individuals and communities to counter manipulation and disinformation.
Track instances of "novelty" in information dissemination: Monitor 3-5 emerging narratives for signs of engineered focus and potential manipulation.
Evaluate the "spiritual war" framing: Identify 3-5 actionable steps to promote order and counter destructive forces in personal or professional spheres.

Key Quotes

"what i'm going to send you is going to change the course of humanity and we're learning more about the new year's day explosion of a tesla cybertruck that happened right outside of the trump hotel in las vegas this is not a political debate this is a spiritual struggle creation versus destruction"

The speaker introduces a significant claim about information that will alter humanity's course, linking it to a Tesla Cybertruck explosion. This framing suggests a narrative that transcends typical political discourse, positioning the events as a fundamental conflict between creation and destruction.

"i'm just laying on the ground in the dirt looking to my left i'm dead but i'm proud of what i've done and who i am i'm going to die here on the dirt in afghanistan this year we went deeper than i ever expected and that took us beyond the studio"

This quote conveys a profound sense of acceptance of mortality in a combat zone, coupled with pride in one's actions and identity. The speaker reflects on the show's expansion beyond the studio, indicating a deeper engagement with difficult realities.

"764 group focuses on extreme violence towards children these are wounds incompatible with life did i know did i not know two out of the five males were kids and i was the guy that that was i wish my wife was here to see this"

The speaker highlights the horrific nature of the 764 group's actions, specifically their violence against children, describing the resulting injuries as life-incompatible. The personal reflection and wish for a spouse's presence suggest a deeply emotional and impactful experience for the speaker.

"you're not defined by your failures you're defined by what you do every day you went through some tough stuff think about it sometimes it's hard and that's okay man that's okay all of god's angels don't sing in the choir some of them are warriors"

This quote offers a message of resilience and self-definition, emphasizing that actions and daily efforts are more important than past failures. The speaker normalizes struggle and hardship, framing those who endure difficult times as "warriors."

"the so what is because of the speed and stealth of these unmanned aircraft they are the most dangerous threat to national security that has ever existed they basically have an unlimited payload capacity and can park it over the white house if they wanted it's checkmate us government needs to give the history of this how we are employing it and weaponizing it how china is employing them and what they and what the way forward is"

The speaker identifies unmanned aircraft as an unprecedented national security threat due to their speed and stealth, capable of significant payload delivery. This assessment leads to a declaration of "checkmate" for the US government, demanding transparency and a strategic plan.

"the number one offender biological fathers and i would it's not going to make your your day but i brought a um a map to share with you is this map so first of all that is a uh doj doj law enforcement map it's called the red dot map this is over the last 30 days and every red dot on that map is at least one unique ip address of individuals downloading sharing distributing child abuse and rape images under the age of 12 and there's over 111 000 of them just in the us of the last 30 days wow"

This quote reveals a disturbing statistic about child abuse imagery, identifying biological fathers as the primary offenders. The speaker presents a "red dot map" illustrating over 111,000 unique IP addresses in the US downloading, sharing, or distributing such content in a single month.

Resources

External Resources

Books

"The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene - Mentioned in relation to understanding manipulation tactics.
"The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli - Mentioned in relation to understanding manipulation tactics.
"The Art of War" by Sun Tzu - Mentioned in relation to understanding manipulation tactics.

Articles & Papers

"The Milgram Experiment" (Psychology Today) - Discussed as a demonstration of obedience to authority and the impact of novelty on focus.
"The Stanford Prison Experiment" (Psychology Today) - Mentioned as a demonstration of the power of situational roles.
"The Galileo Program" (Harvard University) - Mentioned in relation to tracking a meteorite believed to be from another solar system.
"Project Nick" - Mentioned in relation to Nikola Tesla's research into direct energy weapons.
"The Mumbai Attacks" - Discussed as a model for potential future terrorist attacks.
"The Times article" - Mentioned in relation to the prevalence of espionage in Silicon Valley.
"The New York Times" - Mentioned in relation to the prevalence of espionage in Silicon Valley.

People

Avi Loeb - Mentioned as a Harvard scientist involved with the Galileo Program and the study of extraterrestrial objects.
Nikola Tesla - Mentioned for his research into direct energy weapons and free energy.
JP Morgan - Mentioned as Nikola Tesla's patron and his opposition to free energy.
Charlie Kirk - Mentioned as a friend who was murdered.
George Floyd - Mentioned in relation to the riots and the site of his death.
Hunter Biden - Mentioned in relation to his pardon and the perception of elite privilege.
Joe Biden - Mentioned in relation to the Epstein files and the Department of Justice.
Merrick Garland - Mentioned in relation to the Department of Justice.
Mark Zuckerberg - Mentioned in relation to tech billionaires and their influence.
Elon Musk - Mentioned in relation to Tesla's "bulletproof" selling point.
David - Mentioned as the twin brother who died of cardiac arrest.
Reed - Mentioned as the surviving twin brother.
Brett - Mentioned as a Marine who was killed in an altercation at a football game.
Kevin McCann - Mentioned as Brett's best friend who was killed by the same shooter.
Khalid - Mentioned in relation to a SEAL team operation.
Osama bin Laden - Mentioned in relation to his death.
Kurt Mews - Mentioned as a person rescued during an operation.
Captain Tuan - Mentioned as a helicopter pilot who rescued the speaker.
Lieutenant Colonel - Mentioned as the speaker's old team leader.
Lieutenant Stacks - Mentioned as a friend whose duffel bag was inventoried.
Brian Dubois - Mentioned as a former company member who sent an email about Brett.
Jason - Mentioned as a friend at Sig Sauer.
Doug - Mentioned as an ally of the emu.
Michelle - Mentioned as someone who got into witchcraft after her husband left.
Stan - Mentioned as Michelle's husband who left her.
Tom Fife - Mentioned as a guest on a podcast who served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
Admiral Olson - Mentioned as a SEAL and a Marine who presented medals.
Robert Greene - Mentioned as the author of "The 48 Laws of Power."
Niccolò Machiavelli - Mentioned as the author of "The Prince."
Sun Tzu - Mentioned as the author of "The Art of War."
Michelle's nephew - Mentioned as someone who told people at school about the speaker's martial arts skills.
Filipino priests - Mentioned as individuals who performed exorcisms.
Indian Rajas - Mentioned as individuals who performed cupping and acupuncture.
Michelle's sister - Mentioned as the woman Stan left Michelle for.
The girl - Mentioned as someone the speaker wanted to be with in California.
George - Mentioned as the guy who punched the speaker at school.
Travis - Mentioned as the speaker's name in Liberia.
The boy - Mentioned as the son of the man the speaker killed in Liberia.
Jeremy - Mentioned as a member of the speaker's team.
Mark Wright - Mentioned as an 87-year-old sea captain who found Russian nuclear subs.
Art - Mentioned as an experienced sailor on the ship.
Billy - Mentioned as someone who would have done better on the boat than the speaker's security detail.
The Green Goblin - Mentioned as a comparison for the appearance of the beings encountered in Peru.
Michelle's mother - Mentioned as someone who was honest with her children.
Michelle's father - Mentioned as someone who was honest with his children.
Zelensky - Mentioned in relation to missing Ukraine money.
Richard Nixon - Mentioned as a president who resigned due to the Watergate scandal.
Donald Trump - Mentioned in relation to his presidency and the perception of elite privilege.

Organizations & Institutions

Microsoft - Mentioned for ending support for Windows 10.
LG - Mentioned as a brand of laptops.
PC Mag - Mentioned for reader's choice awards.
iHeart - Mentioned as a website for LG savings.
LG USA - Mentioned as a website for LG savings.
Tesla - Mentioned in relation to a Cybertruck explosion and its "bulletproof" selling point.
Trump Hotel - Mentioned in relation to a Tesla Cybertruck explosion.
The FBI - Mentioned in relation to not knowing what a V-BID was and potentially tracking the speaker.
The CIA - Mentioned in relation to war crimes cover-ups in Afghanistan.
The DOD - Mentioned in relation to war crimes cover-ups in Afghanistan.
The DEA - Mentioned in relation to war crimes cover-ups in Afghanistan.
US Fora - Mentioned in relation to airstrikes in Nimruz province, Afghanistan.
Redacted IO - Mentioned as a place the speaker worked with staff.
Special Forces - Mentioned in relation to the speaker's background.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) - Mentioned as a data source for player grading.
NFL (National Football League) - Mentioned as the primary subject of sports discussion.
New England Patriots - Mentioned as an example team for performance analysis.
Homeland Security - Mentioned in relation to potentially tracking the speaker.
The Army PAO - Mentioned in relation to the Tesla Cybertruck incident.
Mr. Guns and Gear - Mentioned as a firearms expert on X.
DOJ (Department of Justice) - Mentioned in relation to law enforcement maps and prosecution.
C3 - Mentioned as a location with victim identification officers.
ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) - Mentioned as an organization working on child exploitation issues.
The Renewed Hope Act - Mentioned as legislation to increase victim identification officers.
764 Group - Mentioned as a satanic cult group focusing on extreme violence and child exploitation.
Roblox - Mentioned as a game used by the 764 cult to lure victims.
Minecraft - Mentioned as a game used by the 764 cult to lure victims.
Instagram - Mentioned as a platform used by the 764 cult to lure victims.
TikTok - Mentioned as a platform used by the 764 cult to lure victims.
Snapchat - Mentioned as a platform used by the 764 cult to lure victims.
Schlepp - Mentioned as a person who caught predators on Roblox and received a cease and desist from Roblox.
Fox News - Mentioned as a potential outlet for the speaker to share their story.
MSNBC - Mentioned in relation to Al Sharpton interviewing Kamala Harris.
The Pennsylvania Democratic Party - Mentioned as receiving $25 million.
USA ID - Mentioned in relation to corruption and funding.
The KMT (Kuomintang) - Mentioned in relation to Chinese influence on Taiwan.
The CJNG (Jalisco New Generation Cartel) - Mentioned as being from Guadalajara.
The NVA (North Vietnamese Army) - Mentioned in relation to the Vietnam War.
The Viet Cong - Mentioned as an example of revolutionary peasants.
The Sendero Luminoso - Mentioned as an example of revolutionary peasants.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) - Mentioned in relation to gun ownership.
The Department of Defense (DOD) - Mentioned in relation to war crimes cover-ups.
The State Department - Mentioned in relation to training.
The National Security Agency (NSA) - Mentioned as having an equivalent to JRS teams.
The CIA - Mentioned in relation to the Benghazi attack.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) - Mentioned in relation to the Epstein files.
The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) - Mentioned in relation to gun laws.
The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) - Mentioned in relation to war crimes cover-ups.
The CIA - Mentioned in relation to war crimes cover-ups.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) - Mentioned in relation to the Benghazi attack.
The State Department - Mentioned in relation to the Benghazi attack.
The CIA - Mentioned in relation to the Benghazi attack.
The FBI - Mentioned in relation to the Benghazi attack.
The CIA - Mentioned in relation to the Benghazi attack.
The DOD - Mentioned in relation to the Benghazi attack.
The CIA - Mentioned in relation to the Benghazi attack.
The DOD - Mentioned in relation to the Benghazi attack.
The CIA - Mentioned in relation to the Benghazi attack.
The DOD - Mentioned in relation to the Benghazi attack.
The CIA - Mentioned in relation to the Benghazi attack.
The DOD - Mentioned in relation to the Benghazi attack.
The CIA - Mentioned in relation to the Benghazi attack.
The DOD - Mentioned in relation to the Benghazi attack.
The CIA - Mentioned in relation to the Benghazi attack.