What Makes the Shawn Ryan Podcast Worth Your Feed
The Shawn Ryan podcast has grown from a small home studio interview series launched in 2019 into a show that has topped the global podcast charts on Spotify.
Host Shawn Ryan, a former Navy SEAL and CIA contractor, built the program around long-form, unscripted conversations with veterans, intelligence officials, entrepreneurs, and cultural figures. With more than 480 episodes released, the catalog covers everything from combat stories to faith, health, and national security.
If you are building your podcast queue for 2026, here are ten Shawn Ryan podcast episodes worth adding to your list.
10 Shawn Ryan Podcast Episodes You Must Listen To
1. Robert O’Neill: The Man Who Shot Bin Laden
Former Navy SEAL Robert O’Neill walks through his account of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, along with his broader career in special operations. It is one of the most requested episodes among longtime listeners of the show.
2. Operation Pineapple Express
Shawn Ryan discusses the volunteer effort he helped lead to evacuate Afghan allies during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. The episode gives insight into the personal mission that shaped much of the show’s later direction.
3. Father Ripperger on Faith and Spiritual Warfare
Catholic exorcist Father Chad Ripperger joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on faith, spiritual warfare, and modern culture. It became one of the most shared episodes in the catalog and pulled in a wave of new listeners drawn to its unusual subject matter.
4. Chris Bledsoe’s Encounter Story
Farmer Chris Bledsoe recounts an unexplained encounter that changed the course of his life, delivered with the kind of raw storytelling the show is known for. It stands out as one of the stranger and more talked-about episodes in the archive.
5. Mike Rowe on Grit and the Value of Hard Work
Television host Mike Rowe joins Ryan for a conversation about skilled trades, work ethic, and the value of discomfort. The episode resonates with listeners who appreciate the show’s focus on resilience.
6. Jordan Peterson on Psychology and Culture
Psychologist Jordan Peterson brings his perspective on responsibility, meaning, and cultural change to a long-form conversation with Ryan. It is a dense but rewarding listen for fans of both hosts.
7. Megyn Kelly on Media and Power
Journalist Megyn Kelly joins the show to discuss foreign policy, media consolidation, and the shift from cable news to independent podcasting. The crossover between two major interview shows makes this an especially layered episode.
8. Tim Ferriss on Investing and Mental Health
Author and investor Tim Ferriss shares lessons from his early bets on companies like Uber, along with his own experiences with mental health and psychedelic-assisted therapy. It is one of the more introspective episodes in the catalog.
9. RFK Jr. on Health and Policy
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sits down with Ryan for a detailed conversation on public health policy and government accountability. The episode reflects the show’s willingness to host wide-ranging political discussion.
10. Annie Jacobsen on National Security Secrets
Investigative journalist and author Annie Jacobsen discusses her research into classified government programs and national security history. It is a strong pick for listeners who want the show’s more research-driven side.
Why These Episodes Stand Out in the Catalog
Each entry on this list reflects a different strength of the Shawn Ryan podcast. Some episodes lean into firsthand combat and intelligence stories, others explore faith and the unexplained, and a few dig into policy and mental health. That range is a big part of why the show has held its place among the top podcasts on Spotify.
How to Start Listening to the Shawn Ryan Podcast in 2026
New episodes are published weekly on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, with most running well over two hours for the long-form conversations the show is known for. Starting with a guest whose background interests you most is an easy way into the catalog since most episodes stand alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Shawn Ryan podcast only about the military?
No. While military and intelligence stories are a core focus, the show regularly covers faith, mental health, entrepreneurship, and national politics.
How often does the Shawn Ryan podcast release new episodes?
New episodes are released weekly, with occasional bonus content added between main releases.
Where can I listen to the Shawn Ryan podcast?
The show is available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, with new episodes typically running two hours or longer.
Final Thoughts
The Shawn Ryan podcast built its audience on candid, unscripted conversations with people who have lived through extraordinary circumstances. From the Bin Laden raid account to deep dives into faith and national security, these ten episodes offer a strong starting point for exploring the catalog in 2026.
