Shawn Ryan Show

Rob Luna is a prominent wealth and business strategist with over 25 years of experience in wealth management. Renowned as one of the nation's top financial advisors and consistently ranked by Forbes, he currently serves as CEO of Valtrion, founder of the Rob Luna Wealth Academy, and host of The American Capitalist Show. As an on-air contributor for Fox Business, Rob offers expert insights on investment strategies, market trends, and wealth building.

Mike Waltz is an American politician, diplomat, author, businessman, and retired U.S. Army Colonel, a combat-decorated Green Beret with 27 years of military service and the first retired Special Forces officer elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Nick Shirley is an American independent journalist, YouTuber, and content creator known for on-the-ground investigative videos and street interviews. Starting with prank and shock content as a teenager, including a 2019 video about flying to New York without parental permission at age 16, Shirley transitioned to political and cultural commentary, gaining prominence for covering protests, immigration issues, and government accountability.

Oz Pearlman, known professionally as The Mentalist, is one of the most successful and in-demand mentalists in the world, captivating audiences with jaw-dropping demonstrations of mind reading, suggestion, and psychological illusion.

Ro Khanna is the U.S. Representative for California's 17th Congressional District (Silicon Valley) since 2017, serving his fifth term as a Democrat. Born to Indian immigrant parents, Khanna graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in economics from the University of Chicago and earned a J.D. from Yale Law School.

Elizabeth is the founder of No More Victims, an advocacy organization that passes child protection laws, and has served as the executive director of the Phillips Foundation since 2013. After her younger brother Trey died by suicide in 2019, following childhood sexual abuse at Kanakuk Kamps and a restrictive NDA. She is a SMU who has become a national voice for survivor justice. Elizabeth works on cases related to child sexual abuse, trafficking and negligence as a certified crime victim advocate.

Steven Robinson, Editor-in-Chief of the Maine Wire, leads New England’s fastest-growing digital media outlet focused on exposing political corruption and organized crime across local, state, and regional levels. A native of Dexter, Maine, and Bowdoin College graduate in political philosophy, he previously worked at Regnery Publishing, produced the Howie Carr Show, and handled Barstool Sports' Kirk Minihane Show and true-crime podcast The Case, which spurred murder charges per season. During COVID-19, he quit his job to travel 35,000 miles across North America in a camper van before returning to Maine in November 2022 to revitalize the Maine Wire as an aggressive, independent platform for underreported stories, bold investigations, and commentary.

Tim Ferriss is the author of five #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers, including The 4-Hour Workweek, The 4-Hour Body, and The 4-Hour Chef. His podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, has surpassed one billion downloads and is widely regarded as the “Oprah of audio.” Named as one of Fortune’s “40 Under 40,” Tim is an early-stage technology investor/advisor (Uber, Facebook, Shopify, Duolingo, Alibaba, and 50+ others) and was ranked among the “Top 20 Angel Investors” by Forbes. A Princeton University graduate (BA 2000, East Asian Studies), Tim is a polyglot who speaks five languages to different degrees, a national Chinese kickboxing champion, the first American in history to hold a Guinness World Record in tango spins, and a practiced horseback archer (yabusame) in Japan.

Jay Yu is a prominent DeepTech and NuclearTech entrepreneur with a Wall Street capital markets background. Driven by a vision to make energy more accessible, affordable, and sustainable worldwide, he currently serves as Executive Chairman & CEO of LIS Technologies Inc. (LIST) and Founder & Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE). LIS Technologies is the only U.S.-origin and patented laser uranium enrichment technology company, delivering a revolutionary, energy- and cost-efficient approach that is set to redefine nuclear fuel industry standards while also producing medical and stable isotopes; including silicon-28 critical for AI and quantum computing.

Nick Brokhausen is a highly decorated U.S. Army Special Forces veteran who served in the secretive Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) from 1970 to 1971, conducting high-risk reconnaissance missions deep behind enemy lines in Vietnam and Laos. On his second tour in Vietnam, he joined Recon Team Habu in Command and Control North (CCN), participating in some of the most dangerous operations of the war. With a 15-year career in the Regiment, Brokhausen undertook classified missions across the globe.

Michael T. Lester, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Marine Corps combat pilot who served in Asia and the Middle East, initially believed deeply in American ideals. Over time, he experienced growing disillusionment as U.S. actions abroad often contradicted official narratives and failed to align with stated goals of promoting democracy and freedom. His book provides a non-partisan analysis, arguing that repeated harmful outcomes across administrations are systemic features driven by incentives, not mere mistakes. It outlines an imperial playbook involving regime change, sanctions, proxy wars, and economic control, while linking foreign policy to domestic narrative management that manufactures consent. Lester applies this framework to current events like Ukraine, Gaza, and Venezuela, noting increasing global skepticism toward U.S. explanations.

Ro Khanna is the U.S. Representative for California's 17th Congressional District (Silicon Valley) since 2017, serving his fifth term as a Democrat. In this episode, Shawn and Ro discuss the recent drop of the Epstein Files and the two tier system of justice in America.

Wes Huff is a Canadian Christian apologist, theologian, and public speaker specializing in the reliability of ancient biblical manuscripts and the defense of the Christian worldview. Born in Multan, Pakistan, to missionary parents, he spent his early childhood in the Middle East before returning to Canada, growing up in a diverse environment exposed to various worldviews. At age 11, Huff was diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis, a rare neurological condition that paralyzed him from the waist down for about a month, followed by a full recovery that doctors described as medically inexplicable. An aspiring athlete and former student participant in track and field, he is married to Melissa and father to four children.

For years, Sarah Adams has worked where threat warnings begin, not where they end. She is a targeting officer and global threat advisor with deep expertise in counterterrorism, threat network analysis, and overseas intelligence operations. Sarah served in the Central Intelligence Agency’s Counterterrorism Center, as well as in the Near East and Iran Operations Divisions, working complex operations against both state and non-state adversaries.

Jeremy Ryan Slate is the CEO and co-founder of Command Your Brand, a leading podcast PR agency that helps entrepreneurs, authors, and thought leaders build authority and grow influence through top‑tier podcast appearances. He is also the host of The Jeremy Ryan Slate Show, where he explores how power truly operates—through history, empires, and modern influence networks.

Nik Seetharaman is a special operations–trained cyber leader turned founder, known for bringing an operator’s mindset to some of the most sensitive security programs in American industry. A former JSOC advance‑force operator attached to an East Coast Naval Special Warfare squadron, he ran advanced cyber warfare and close‑range reconnaissance missions before crossing over into the world of high‑stakes defense technology and enterprise security.

AJ is a former senior CIA operations officer and twice-selected Chief of Station who served across the full spectrum of clandestine operations, including warzones, denied areas, and austere overseas postings. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate with a B.S. in Physics and a former Marine combat arms officer, AJ spent his career leading high-risk missions in defense of U.S. national security.

Schlep, real name Michael, is a 22‑year‑old YouTuber and content creator known for his hard‑hitting investigations exposing child predators on Roblox. Through sting operations and decoy accounts, his channel has uncovered widespread grooming networks using the platform to target minors.

Father Chad Ripperger is a Roman Catholic priest, theologian, philosopher, and exorcist serving in the Archdiocese of Denver. He is the founder and superior general of the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother (Doloran Fathers), a religious community dedicated to spiritual warfare, deliverance ministry, and the traditional liturgy.

Ethan Thornton is the Founder and CEO of Mach Industries, a defense technology company developing next-generation unmanned systems and hydrogen-powered weapons platforms to redefine modern warfare and energy logistics. Ethan left MIT after one semester in 2023 to focus on building Mach full-time.

Barry E. “Butch” Wilmore was raised in Tennessee, where an early fascination with aviation, engineering, and disciplined teamwork set the course for his career. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical engineering from Tennessee Technological University, along with a master’s degree in aviation systems from the University of Tennessee. Before NASA, Wilmore served as a U.S. Navy aviator, test pilot, and squadron officer, accumulating more than 8,000 flight hours and 663 carrier landings in tactical jet aircraft.

hyam Sankar is Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President at Palantir Technologies, where he has served since 2006 as one of the company’s earliest hires and key builders. A seasoned technologist with over two decades of experience, he has led the design and deployment of software platforms that support some of the world’s most complex and high-stakes environments. from defense operations to enterprise systems.

Michael Lester is a decorated U.S. Marine Corps combat pilot, cybersecurity educator, and author who has spent his career operating at the intersection of military power, technology, and national security. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a member of MENSA, Lester also holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and an MBA, giving him a rare blend of technical expertise and strategic insight.

Zach Lahn is a first-time political candidate running in the 2026 Republican primary for Governor of Iowa. Never having held elected office, he launched his campaign from his family farm, positioning himself as a self-funded outsider independent of party leadership and corporate donors. His candidacy is rooted in a belief that Iowa needs leadership grounded in rural life rather than professional politics.

Joe Kent is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer, former CIA paramilitary officer, and until recently served as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, stepping down from the post in March 2026 following a principled disagreement over U.S. policy in the Iran war.

Brett Adcock is a technology entrepreneur focused on building companies in robotics, artificial intelligence, and aerospace. Born and raised on a third-generation farm in central Illinois, he developed an early fascination with technology and building systems from the ground up. After attending the University of Florida, he set out to tackle ambitious, capital-intensive industries with the goal of reshaping transportation, labor, and human-machine collaboration.

Pete Blaber is a retired Delta Force commander renowned for leading elite counter-terrorism and special operations teams across the globe, now applying his battle-tested leadership principles to corporate environments, authorship, and innovative security solutions.

Prior-enlisted in the U.S. Army, he began his military career as an 88K (Watercraft Operator) at Fort Eustis, Virginia, where he served aboard the Logistics Support Vessel (LSV-5) and later became the first Leading Seaman of the Maneuver Support Vessel Light (MSVL).

Meg Appelgate is the Founder and CEO of Unsilenced, a nonprofit organization launched in January 2022 to support past, present, and future victims of institutional child abuse. A survivor of the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI), Meg was abducted from her bed at age 15 and confined in abusive facilities for three and a half years—an experience that drives her mission to expose systemic abuse and fight for reform.

Nick Shirley is an American independent journalist, YouTuber, and content creator known for on-the-ground investigative reporting and street interviews. He initially gained attention as a teenager producing prank and shock-style content, including a 2019 video documenting a solo trip to New York at age 16. He later transitioned into political and cultural journalism, focusing on protests, immigration issues, and government accountability.

Jason Magnavice is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL with over 26 years in Naval Special Warfare. He spent eight years at SEAL Team 2 before being selected to serve within Joint Special Operations Command, operating in some of the most elite elements of the community for over a decade.

Andy Lowery is a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander who served as a Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer and Nuclear Propulsion Officer, including active duty aboard the USS John C. Stennis. Over more than 30 years, Lowery held demanding roles spanning domestic and global assignments before retiring and continuing in the reserves until 2015. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is recognized as a thought leader in applying technology across industry.​

Louisa Nicola is a neurophysiologist, performance specialist, and founder of Neuro Athletics, a company focused on brain optimization and neurophysiology for elite performers. A former professional triathlete, Nicola’s early career in endurance sport shaped her belief that peak performance is driven as much by the brain as by the body. Her transition from elite competition to neuroscience was fueled by a desire to understand the neurological foundations of reaction time, resilience, recovery, and long-term cognitive health.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Johnnie Clark is an American author and Vietnam Veteran, best known for his 1984 Vietnam War memoir Guns Up!. Many of his works fall into the genre of non-fiction military and contain a tough, no nonsense portrayal of combat, courage, and camaraderie.

Candace Owens is an American political commentator, author, and independent journalist known for her outspoken views on politics, culture, and current events. She rose to prominence through conservative media and has built a large audience by challenging mainstream narratives, investigating high-profile stories, and advocating for free speech and individual liberty. Today, she produces independent content covering politics, media, and global affairs.

Mike Rowe is an Emmy Award-winning television host, producer, narrator, bestselling author, and podcast host best known for creating and hosting the long-running TV series Dirty Jobs. Through his work, he has highlighted the importance of skilled trades and vocational careers across America. As founder of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, he has helped award millions of dollars in scholarships and championed efforts to bring shop classes back to schools. He also hosts the popular podcast The Way I Heard It, where he shares stories and interviews with entrepreneurs, tradespeople, and other remarkable individuals. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Rowe has become one of America's most recognizable advocates for hard work, opportunity, and the skilled trades.

Danny is an independent researcher. He is the founder of Code of Reality (COR), an interdisciplinary initiative that explores what he calls Cognitive Physics: the fertile territory where mind and matter meet. He is essentially asking, "what is the physics of cognition?". COR convenes scientists, philosophers, technologists, and indigenous wisdom-keepers in collaborative investigations designed to blur the line between observer and observed. By fostering dialogue across disciplines normally siloed from one another, COR serves as both a research hub and a cultural bridge, advancing a holistic science of consciousness that can thrive alongside mainstream physics.

Ryan Holiday is a bestselling author and one of the most influential modern voices on Stoicism. His 12 books, including The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, and Stillness Is the Key, have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. He's also the founder of Daily Stoic, a media company that reaches millions through books, podcasts, newsletters, and YouTube. In 2025, Ryan completed his four-book Stoic Virtues series and followed it with a sold-out international speaking tour.

Erin Brockovich is an environmental advocate, consumer activist, and author who rose to national prominence after helping expose one of the largest groundwater contamination cases in U.S. history involving Pacific Gas & Electric. Her investigation led to a landmark $333 million settlement and inspired the Academy Award-winning film Erin Brockovich, starring Julia Roberts. For more than three decades, she has investigated environmental contamination, corporate misconduct, and public health issues, working alongside communities to hold powerful corporations accountable.

Annie Jacobsen is a Pulitzer Prize finalist, investigative journalist, and bestselling author known for her in-depth reporting on national security, intelligence, military history, and classified government programs. She is the author of several acclaimed books, including Nuclear War: A Scenario, Area 51, Operation Paperclip, The Pentagon's Brain, and Surprise, Kill, Vanish. Drawing on extensive interviews with military leaders, intelligence officials, scientists, and policymakers, her work explores some of the most secretive aspects of the U.S. government, from Cold War programs and covert operations to modern nuclear strategy and emerging global threats.

Father Chad Ripperger is a Roman Catholic priest, theologian, philosopher, and exorcist serving in the Archdiocese of Denver. He is the founder and superior general of the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother (Doloran Fathers) and is widely known for his teaching on spiritual warfare, virtue, Thomistic philosophy, and Catholic theology. A prolific author and sought-after speaker, Father Ripperger has written numerous books and lectures extensively on prayer, the spiritual life, and the Church's ministry of deliverance.

Sean Strickland is a two-time UFC Middleweight Champion known for his outspoken personality and unconventional path to the top. After overcoming a difficult childhood, he found purpose through MMA and rose to become one of the sport's biggest stars, capturing the middleweight title in 2023 and reclaiming it in 2026.

Kegan "Smurf" Gill is a former U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot and the author of Phoenix Revival. In 2014, he survived the fastest ejection in naval aviation history, an event that left him facing devastating physical injuries and the invisible wounds of trauma. After battling PTSD, addiction, and a long road to recovery, Gill returned to the cockpit before ultimately dedicating himself to advocating for veteran mental health and alternative approaches to healing. Through his speaking, writing, and advocacy work, he shares a powerful message of resilience, purpose, and the possibility of rebuilding a life after profound adversity.

Josh Howerton is the Senior Pastor of Lakepointe Church, one of the largest churches in the United States. Known for his thoughtful biblical teaching and willingness to engage difficult cultural issues, he has become a leading voice on faith, leadership, marriage, and Christian apologetics. Through his preaching, writing, and podcast appearances, Josh equips Christians to think critically, live faithfully, and navigate today's cultural challenges with biblical conviction.

Kevin Mandia is CEO of Armadin, where he leads the company's mission to secure some of the world's largest and most complex environments. A globally recognized cybersecurity leader, he is also a General Partner at Ballistic Ventures, mentoring and investing in the next generation of cybersecurity entrepreneurs. Best known as the founder of Mandiant and former CEO of FireEye, Mandia helped redefine the cybersecurity industry through pioneering digital forensics, the groundbreaking APT1 report exposing state-sponsored cyber espionage, and his leadership during the SolarWinds attack. Today, he continues to shape cybersecurity strategy, national security policy, and the future of AI-driven defense.

Justin "Mooch" DeLoretto is a former president of the Oregon and Missouri chapters of the Mongols Motorcycle Club and a founding member of its Portland charter. After years immersed in motorcycle club culture, he retired from the Mongols in 2021 and transitioned into a career as a social worker focused on youth violence prevention and at-risk children. He is the author of The Ride of My Life: From Street Gangs to Motorcycle Clubs to Social Worker, hosts multiple podcasts, and founded the Lift Train Ride community, where he shares lessons from his unconventional journey.

Dr. Craig Koniver is a physician who rebuilt his entire practice after a near-fatal portal vein thrombosis at age 46 exposed the failures of conventional medicine. A former Old World Archaeology and Art major, he pairs ancient healing traditions with modern precision medicine and with over 50,000 peptide treatments administered, he has more direct clinical experience in biological optimization than any physician in America. His patients include Navy SEALs, Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes, world-famous actors, supermodels, politicians, and veterans who move from depletion to sovereign performance.

Scott Payne is a retired FBI Special Agent who spent twenty-eight years in law enforcement investigating drug trafficking organizations, human traffickers, outlaw motorcycle clubs, gangs, public corruption, and domestic terrorists. He served as the primary undercover agent on dozens of operations, including infiltrations of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club and The Base, a violent neo-Nazi accelerationist group. Payne also served on an FBI SWAT team and trained agents in firearms, tactics, active-shooter response, and undercover operations. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Code Name: Pale Horse: How I Went Undercover to Expose America’s Nazis.

Alex West is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL who served 20 years, completed 15 combat deployments, including 13 with DEVGRU, and served as an assault team leader during Operation Neptune Spear. After years of combat, personal loss, and the Extortion 17 tragedy, he confronted the psychological toll of service, found a path toward healing, founded One More Wave, and became a mental health therapist focused on trauma and recovery.

George Christie is the former longtime president of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club's Ventura, California chapter, where he spent decades leading one of the country's most well-known outlaw motorcycle clubs. After leaving the club, he became an author, speaker, and commentator, sharing insights on leadership, loyalty, the justice system, and personal accountability. His memoir, Exile on Front Street: My Life as a Hells Angel—and Beyond, chronicles his experiences inside the Hells Angels and his life after leaving the outlaw world.

Clint Emerson is a retired Navy SEAL who spent more than two decades in Naval Special Warfare, including time with SEAL Team 6. During his career, he specialized in intelligence collection, physical and technical surveillance, and operations against high-value targets in hostile and denied areas around the world. He is also the New York Times bestselling author of 100 Deadly Skills, the founder of Escape the Wolf, and the only Navy SEAL ever inducted into the International Spy Museum.