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The Shawn Ryan Show

The Shawn Ryan Show

By: Shawn Ryan
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Summary

 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.© 2026 Shawn Ryan Show Philosophy Social Sciences
Episodes
  • #303 Mel Chancey - Youngest President in Hells Angels History

    #303 Mel Chancey - Youngest President in Hells Angels History
    May 11 2026
    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
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    5 hrs and 4 mins
  • #302 Joe Lonsdale - If China Takes Taiwan, AI Sets Back 10 Years

    #302 Joe Lonsdale - If China Takes Taiwan, AI Sets Back 10 Years
    May 7 2026
    Joe Lonsdale is a technology entrepreneur and venture capitalist known for his work at the intersection of innovation and public policy. He is a co-founder of Palantir Technologies, a data analytics platform used by governments, defense agencies, and large enterprises. His work there focused on applying data systems to complex institutional challenges. After Palantir, Lonsdale founded Addepar, a financial technology platform designed to improve transparency and analysis in wealth management. He has also been active in defense and national security startups. Of the nine U.S. defense unicorns that have emerged in recent years, he founded three and was an early investor in three others. Lonsdale is a co-founder of Cicero, an organization focused on education policy and expanding opportunity. He also leads 8VC, a venture capital firm that invests in technology companies and engages in policy discussions related to innovation and economic growth. Through this work, he has advised political leaders and worked to connect the technology sector with policymakers. His career spans company building, investment, and policy involvement, with a focus on how technology can be applied to large-scale institutional problems. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Get 10% off Ridge’s Power Bank at https://www.Ridge.com/SRS with code SRS. Sheath. The underwear of legends. Go to https://www.sheath.com/SRS and use code SRS for 20% off. 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. Get 30% off your first subscription order at https://armra.com/srs or enter code SRS at checkout. Joe Lonsdale Links: X - https://x.com/JTLonsdale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • #301 Cenk Uygur - The Foreign Influence Crisis

    #301 Cenk Uygur - The Foreign Influence Crisis
    May 4 2026
    Cenk Uygur is the CEO and founder of TYT (The Young Turks Network), host of The Young Turks — the first partner channel on YouTube — co-founder of the Justice Democrats, and bestselling author of Justice is Coming. Uygur launched The Young Turks in 2002 as Sirius Satellite Radio's first original talk show, before uploading their first video to YouTube in 2005. What began as an independent voice in political commentary grew into the longest-running daily online stream in history, consistently holding its position as the leading news and politics program for young, progressive viewers across the country and around the world. His television career includes hosting The Young Turks on Current TV, which became the most popular show on the channel during its entire two-year run. Prior to that, Uygur served as the host of MSNBC Live at 6pm ET, bringing his direct, unfiltered style of political analysis to one of the country's most prominent cable news platforms. Throughout his career he has appeared on some of the most recognized programs and outlets in media, including ABC News' This Week with George Stephanopoulos, NPR, Headline News, E!, Al Jazeera, Voice of America, WNYC's The Brian Lehrer Show, and Fox News Channel. Beyond the media, Uygur has been an active force in American politics. As a co-founder of the Justice Democrats, he helped build one of the most influential progressive political organizations in the country, dedicated to electing candidates who refuse corporate PAC money and represent working people over donor interests. Uygur is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia Law School — a background that informs his sharp, analytical approach to breaking down the intersection of money, power, and politics in America. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Find candidates who really want YOUR job on ZipRecruiter. Try it FOR FREE at https://ziprecruiter.com/SRS. Get firearm security redesigned and save 10% off @StopBoxUSA with code SRS at https://stopboxusa.com/srs #stopboxpod Visit https://drinkag1.com/SRS to get a FREE AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2 in your AG1 Welcome Kit when you first subscribe, a $72 value. Go to https://meetfabric.com/SHAWN and apply today, risk-free. Go to https://helixsleep.com/SRS for 27% Off Sitewide Cenk Uygur Links: IG - https://www.instagram.com/cenkuygur X - https://x.com/cenkuygur The Young Turks: YT - https://www.youtube.com/@TheYoungTurks IG - https://www.instagram.com/theyoungturks FB - https://www.facebook.com/TheYoungTurks X - https://x.com/TheYoungTurks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    3 hrs and 36 mins
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Very thought provoking and interesting content definitely worth a listen. it has turned me from an absolute skeptic on the Skinwalker ranch to someone now curious.

one of the better interview's

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Just real and honest entertainment!
I started just picking random shows to listen to, I’ve enjoyed them that much i am now working my way from the beginning.

Don’t stop what you’re doing Shawn!

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From the first episode to the the one that has just been published, Shawn, keep doing what your doing brother! 🙌🙌💫💫

Outstanding!

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Great to hear stories from incredible people about some amazing experiences. Great content and great interviewer! Keep up the good work!

Excellent interviews

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Love the stories love the fact that this is modern history being documented. Also gives out good advice as well to take on and tackle life in today's world

Awesome stuff

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