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The Shawn Ryan Show

The Shawn Ryan Show

Written by: Shawn Ryan
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 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
  • #304 Chris Bayless - 30 Years Undercover Inside America's Most Violent Gangs

    #304 Chris Bayless - 30 Years Undercover Inside America's Most Violent Gangs
    May 14 2026
    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. Raised in a suburb of Chicago by two school teachers, Bayless was influenced early by mentors in law enforcement who shaped his path toward public service. After attending Manchester University in Indiana, where he studied Environmental Studies and Criminal Justice, he joined the ATF in 1987 in the Chicago Field Division. Throughout his career, Bayless worked major federal operations targeting violent crime in cities such as St. Louis, Oakland, Phoenix, Cleveland, and Albuquerque. His undercover work placed him deep inside biker gangs and other criminal networks, requiring years of operating under assumed identities in high-risk environments. Beyond investigations, Bayless served in the ATF Peer Support Program, helping fellow agents process trauma following critical incidents, including the aftermath of Waco. After decades of operating in violent environments and living in constant hypervigilance, he was eventually diagnosed with PTSD near the end of his career. Today, Bayless teaches at the ATF Academy, helping train the next generation of agents while reflecting on lessons from his career about trauma, resilience, faith, and redemption. Outside of law enforcement, he spends time restoring WWII Army Willys Jeeps and navigating life after decades of undercover work. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Go to ⁠https://calderalab.com/SRS ⁠and use code SRS for 20% off your first order. Get 50% off your first order of Sundays for Dogs at ⁠https://sundaysfordogs.com/SRS50⁠ or use code SRS50 at checkout. Get 20% off Rho Nutrition’s longevity stack with code SRS at ⁠https://rhonutrition.com⁠ Live better longer with BUBS Naturals. Get 20% OFF on collagen, MCT creamers, and more with code SHAWN at ⁠https://bubsnaturals.com/srs⁠ If you’re serious about selling to the Department of War, go to ⁠https://SBIRAdvisors.com⁠ and mention Shawn Ryan for your first month free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    4 hrs and 2 mins
  • #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
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This is one of the best business finance podcasts available on Audible – packed with deep insights, clear explanations, and real-world examples that actually help in decision-making. The host breaks down complex financial 🦋

very good Podcast especially Business finance, deep insights

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