#174 Joshua Mast - U.S. Marine's Message to President Donald Trump

Major Joshua Mast, a U.S. Marine Corps officer, gained attention for his efforts to adopt an Afghan war orphan. Mast initiated adoption proceedings for a baby girl found on an Afghan battlefield in 2019. His actions, motivated by a desire to ensure the child's safety, led to a complex legal battle involving the Department of Justice and the State Department. In October 2024, a military board substantiated misconduct allegations against Mast but declined to separate him from service. The board found that while Mast acted in a way “unbecoming an officer”, his actions did not warrant dismissal from the Marine Corps. Mast, now 41 and living in Hampstead, North Carolina with his wife Stephanie, continues to advocate for the child's well-being. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: http://helixsleep.com/srs http://amac.us/srs http://meetfabric.com/srs http://preparewithshawn.com This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self. Please leave us a review on Apple & Spotify Podcasts. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website | Patreon | TikTok | Instagram | Download Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jared Hudson served as a SEAL Operator and sniper with Naval Special Warfare, with deployments in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He founded The Shooting Institute (TSI), providing tactical training to law enforcement, military, and civilians, and Covenant Rescue Group (CRG), a nonprofit combating human trafficking and child exploitation through operations, training, and advocacy. Hudson is also a Reserve SWAT Deputy in Alabama and an advocate for constitutional rights. Hudson is an author of "Waging War in the High Places - The Armor of God through the Eyes of a Navy SEAL" and speaks nationwide on faith-based topics. He is a devoted Christian, husband, father of three, and he emphasizes family values and community engagement. He currently leads CRG's efforts to rescue trafficking victims globally while raising awareness about exploitation networks through public speaking and media appearances. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: http://cozyearth.com/srs http://preparewithshawn.com http://helixsleep.com/srs http://amac.us/srs http://meetfabric.com/shawn http://drinkhoist.com/ | Use Code SRS This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self. Jared Hudson Links: Website - https://www.thejaredhudson.com/ Covenant Rescue Group - https://www.covenantrescue.org/about-us The Shooting Institute - https://www.theshootinginstitute.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jaredhudson_seal/ Please leave us a review on Apple & Spotify Podcasts. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website | Patreon | TikTok | Instagram | Download Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Travis Haley is a legend in the armed forces community. As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance, he’s built an illustrious career in both military service and the private sector. After combat tours in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, Haley transitioned to private military contracting with Blackwater USA, where he participated in high-profile operations including the 2004 Battle of Najaf. He later co-founded Magpul Dynamics, revolutionizing firearms training for civilians and professionals alike. In 2011, he founded Haley Strategic Partners, a company dedicated to advanced tactical training and product development for military, law enforcement, and responsible armed citizens. Under Haley's leadership, Haley Strategic Partners has introduced groundbreaking training programs and products that emphasize adaptability, self-awareness, and practical application. The company offers dynamic hands-on training and develops tactical gear such as the D3CR (Disruptive Environments Chest Rig) series. Recently, Haley has expanded his focus to include "mind architecture," helping individuals achieve personal growth through resilience and self-improvement. His work continues to influence the defense industry while fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in tactical training. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: http://amac.us/srs http://drinkhoist.com/ | Use Code SRS http://patriotmobile.com/srs http://meetfabric.com/shawn https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD #goldcopartner https://americanfinancing.net/srs NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Call 866-781-8900 for details about credit costs and terms. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self. Travis Haley Links: Website - https://haleystrategic.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dragonflyhaley/ X.com - https://x.com/haleystrategic YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdqO3qjABeMfqdhErk-A7zg LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-haley-54314a41/ Please leave us a review on Apple & Spotify Podcasts. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website | Patreon | TikTok | Instagram | Download Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Palmer Luckey is an entrepreneur and innovator best known for founding Oculus VR and Anduril Industries. In 2012, he launched Oculus VR and developed the Oculus Rift, a groundbreaking virtual reality headset that redefined a wide array of industries. The company was acquired by Facebook in 2014 for $2 billion, where Luckey subsequently worked until 2017. Following his departure, he founded Anduril Industries - a defense technology company specializing in autonomous systems including drones, surveillance towers, and aircraft. Anduril has secured major contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and international allies. The company has raised significant funding, including $1.5 billion in 2022, valuing it at $8.5 billion. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: http://armra.com/srs http://helixsleep.com/srs http://patriotmobile.com/srs http://hexclad.com/srs http://ziprecruiter.com/srs https://ROKA.com | Use Code SRS Palmer Luckey Links: Anduril Industries - https://www.anduril.com/ ModRetro - http://modretro.com/ X - https://x.com/PalmerLuckey/ Please leave us a review on Apple & Spotify Podcasts. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website | Patreon | TikTok | Instagram | Download Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Benz is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Freedom Online, a non-profit watchdog group dedicated to protecting digital liberties and restoring the free and open Internet. He previously served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Communications and Information Technology at the US State Department during the Trump administration, where he formulated US policy on Internet diplomacy issues and interfaced with private industry. Benz has been a vocal critic of technological government overreach, most recently in his critiques of USAID and his advocacy against online censorship. He actively brings attention to people and organizations involved in controlling speech on social media. Prior to his role at the State Department, Benz was a White House speechwriter for President Trump and advised on technology policy. Prior to his public sector work, he practiced business law as an attorney in New York, representing technology companies and financial firms. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://ROKA.com | Use Code SRS https://lumen.me/srs https://hexclad.com/srs http://babbel.com/srs https://www.bubsnaturals.com/ | Use Code SHAWN https://patriotmobile.com/srs This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at http://betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self. Mike Benz Links: Website - https://foundationforfreedomonline.com/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MikeBenzCyberClips Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikebenzcyber/ X - https://x.com/MikeBenzCyber Please leave us a review on Apple & Spotify Podcasts. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website | Patreon | TikTok | Instagram | Download Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vivek Ramaswamy is a biotech entrepreneur, author, and political figure from Cincinnati, Ohio. He founded Roivant Sciences in 2014, focusing on innovative pharmaceutical development, and later co-founded Strive Asset Management. He is a prominent political figure, campaigning for the 2024 US Presidency before endorsing Donald Trump. In 2025, Ramaswamy stepped down from his co-leadership role in President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Ramaswamy’s expected run for Ohio governor has reshaped the state’s political landscape, with endorsements from prominent Republicans and a platform centered on tax reforms and reducing government inefficiency. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://lumen.me/srs https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD #goldcopartner https://ROKA.com | Use Code SRS https://www.armra.com/srs http://helixsleep.com/srs https://americanfinancing.net/srs NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at http://betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self. Vivek Ramaswamy Links: TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@vivekramaswamy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vivekgramaswamy/ X - https://x.com/VivekGRamaswamy LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivekgramaswamy/ Please leave us a review on Apple & Spotify Podcasts. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website | Patreon | TikTok | Instagram | Download Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luis “Lue” Elizondo is a former U.S. Army intelligence officer and UFO researcher. He gained prominence for exposing research at the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), a Pentagon initiative investigating unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). Since leaving the Pentagon, Elizondo has become a vocal advocate for government transparency regarding UAPs. His memoir, "Imminent: Inside the Pentagon's Hunt for UFOs" debuted at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list. Elizondo continues to advocate disclosure of UAP information, appears in media interviews, and participates in various projects continuing the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: http://tryarmra.com/srs http://lumen.me/srs http://roka.com/ | USE CODE SRS http://hexclad.com/srs http://babbel.com/SRS http://helixsleep.com/srs https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SRS Luis "Lue" Elizondo Links: Website - https://luiselizondo-official.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lueelizondo/ X - https://x.com/lueelizondo “Imminent” - https://www.amazon.com/Imminent-Pentagons-Investigating-UAPs_Featured-Experience/dp/0063235560 Please leave us a review on Apple & Spotify Podcasts. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website | Patreon | TikTok | Instagram | Download Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lindy Li, is a former campaign advisor and prominent commentator on U.S. politics who’s made significant contributions to the political landscape. After moving from China to America at the age of five, she eventually attended Princeton University where she became the first woman to serve as class president for all four years. Her early career included roles as a financial analyst at Merck and Morgan Stanley before pivoting to politics, where she served as the Women's Co-Chair and Mid-Atlantic Regional Chair at the Democratic National Committee. She was also involved in the Asian American outreach team for Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign. Li has recently transitioned from her Democratic roots to align with conservative politics, citing a toxic culture within her former party as one of many reasons for her departure. She has been vocal in criticising both President Biden and Vice President Harris, claiming that their leadership has stifled dissent within the party. She currently co-chairs the Justice Unites Us Super PAC, focusing on increasing Asian-American voter turnout, and has been recognized as one of Pennsylvania's most powerful women. In January 2025, she was appointed to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural fundraising committee, marking a significant shift in her political affiliations. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://shawnryanshow.com/newsletter Lindy Li Links: Substack - https://substack.com/@lindyli TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lindyliofficial Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lindy_li/ X - https://x.com/lindyli LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelindyli/ Please leave us a review on Apple & Spotify Podcasts. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website | Patreon | TikTok | Instagram | Download Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Diana Walsh Pasulka is a professor of religious studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington who specializes in Catholic history and the intersection of religion, technology, and UFO beliefs. Pasulka's research focuses on how belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial life has influenced traditional religions and modern culture. Her notable works include "Heaven Can Wait," "American Cosmic: UFOs, Religion, Technology," and "Encounters: Experiences with Non-Human Intelligences". She holds a B.A. from the University of California, Davis, an M.A. from Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. from Syracuse University.  Pasulka's ongoing research explores the religious aspects of UFO phenomena and non-human intelligence encounters. She has collaborated with prestigious publishing houses, appeared on high profile media platforms, and consulted for films about religious supernatural themes. Pasulka is currently leading a translation project of Saint Joseph of Copertino's canonization records in cooperation with the Vatican Apostolic Archive. Her work continues to bridge the gap between academic religious studies and contemporary beliefs in extraterrestrial phenomena, solidifying her position as a leading expert in this unique field of study. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: http://patriotmobile.com/srs http://cozyearth.com/srs https://betterhelp.com/srs https://amac.us/srs https://shopify.com/srs http://hillsdale.edu/srs https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SRS This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self Diana Pasulka Links: Website - https://dwpasulka.com/ X - https://x.com/dwpasulka Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dwpasulka/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwpasulka/ “American Cosmic” - https://www.amazon.com/American-Cosmic-UFOs-Religion-Technology/dp/019069288X Please leave us a review on Apple & Spotify Podcasts. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website | Patreon | TikTok | Instagram | Download Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Bledsoe is a UFO encounter claimant. He reported a UFO experience in 2007 while fishing, which he says cured an illness and led to spiritual awakening. Bledsoe speaks at events, writes, and is studied by scientists. Government agencies and religious groups have shown interest in his case. Bledsoe published "UFO of GOD: The Extraordinary True Story of Chris Bledsoe" in 2023. The book describes his encounters with UFOs, orbs, and spiritual entities. He reports ongoing phenomena at his home. Defense, intelligence, and military branches continue to investigate his claims. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://amac.us/srs https://shopify.com/srs https://meetfabric.com/shawn http://hillsdale.edu/srs https://betterhelp.com/srs https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SRS https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD #goldcopartner This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self Please leave us a review on Apple & Spotify Podcasts. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website | Patreon | TikTok | Instagram | Download Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices