In this Need to Know episode, Bryce Zabel and Richard Dolan take a deep, methodical look at the reality of UFO crash retrievals, treating the subject not as speculation but as a serious historical and structural question. Dolan draws on decades of research, particularly the work of Leonard Stringfield and other major investigators, to explain why crashes are not incompatible with advanced non-human technology. They explore early cases such as Roswell, Magenta (1933 Italy), Trinity (1945), Aztec (1948), and later incidents, arguing that a pattern of recoveries has existed far longer than most people realize. The discussion reframes the common objection that advanced craft "shouldn't crash," emphasizing traffic volume, imperfect systems, and the possibility of smaller deployed vehicles rather than interstellar motherships

The conversation then shifts to how such a secret could persist for decades, with Dolan outlining a legal and institutional framework rooted in post–World War II atomic secrecy laws. He explains how crash materials could be automatically classified, funneled into compartmentalized systems, and increasingly migrated to private contractors like Battelle, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop, limiting congressional oversight and public access. They also examine the controversial Majestic-12 recovery manual, debating whether it represents authentic documentation or sophisticated disinformation. The episode closes with reflections on the global nature of retrievals, the power struggles now emerging in Congress, and the emotional impact of the news surrounding Nick Pope's health, underscoring both the human and historical weight of the subject and why crash retrievals remain one of the most consequential unresolved issues in the UFO field

In this special Need to Know episode, Bryce Zabel is joined by longtime collaborator Brent Friedman for a deep dive into the newly released trailer for Disclosure Day, Steven Spielberg's upcoming UFO themed film set for release in 2026. The conversation frames the trailer as a cultural moment, noting its massive early viewership and the broader rise in public interest following recent projects like Age of Disclosure. Zabel and Friedman position the trailer as more than marketing, treating it as a dense piece of visual storytelling packed with symbolism, spiritual themes, and long standing UFO lore.

The bulk of the episode is a shot by shot analysis of the trailer, exploring imagery such as animals appearing as messengers, religious symbolism, possession themes, shapeshifting, crop circles, elite control centers, and a worldwide disclosure event that bypasses governments entirely. The hosts speculate that the film suggests disclosure may come directly from non human intelligence rather than political institutions, reflecting growing public distrust in official narratives. They discuss how Spielberg appears to blend fear, wonder, and spirituality, presenting disclosure not as an invasion story but as an ontological reckoning that forces humanity to confront meaning, belief, and truth.

The episode also features a major announcement: Zabel and Friedman are launching a new 36 episode podcast titled Sound, Light, and Frequency, produced with iHeart Podcasts. The series will explore UFO history, Hollywood's role in shaping the phenomenon, and their own extraordinary experiences surrounding the creation of Dark Skies, including an alleged government approach related to soft disclosure. The show is positioned as a long form, reflective exploration of secrecy, storytelling, and consciousness. The episode closes with framing Disclosure Day as a cinematic rehearsal for real world disclosure and a hopeful signal that humanity may be ready for a deeper understanding of its place in the universe.