#299 Andy Lowery - Inside the World’s Most Advanced Drone Killing Machine

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.​ Andy transitioned to corporate leadership and entrepreneurship after his military career. He is currently CEO of Epirus, a defense tech company pioneering portable directed energy systems to counter modern threats like militarized drones. Joining Epirus in 2021, Lowery quickly rose through the ranks—serving as Chief Product Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and CEO since December 2023.​ Previously, Lowery co-founded and served as CEO of RealWear, leading the company to global prominence in industrial head-up display wearable systems for frontline workers from 2016 to 2020. He also co-founded DAQRI (2014–2016), a pioneer in mixed reality wearables for enterprise use. Lowery held senior engineering and management positions at Raytheon, MACOM, Tyco, and RPM Technology, notably working on electronic warfare systems and major defense projects such as the Navy’s Next Generation Jammer.​ Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: SpotOn GPS Fence — trusted by Shawn Ryan for his dog Moose. The most reliable GPS dog fence: 100% secure from backyard to backcountry with virtual boundaries you control from your phone. No wires, no digging. Sets up in minutes, any size, any shape, anywhere. Learn more: https://spotonfence.com/srs Go to https://shopbeam.com/SRS and use code SRS to get up to 50% off Beam Dream Powder, the sleep formula designed to help you fall asleep fast and wake up clear. Get 20% off Rho Nutrition Liposomal NAD+ for clean, sustained energy and sharper focus—visit https://rhonutrition.com/discount/SRS and use code SRS for your discount. Andy Lowery Links: LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andylowery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. He deployed four times to Operation Enduring Freedom and four times to Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving as a sniper, tactical communicator, lead jumper, and team leader during the height of the war on terror. During his time in special operations, he transitioned into a specialized aviation role, earning his Airline Transport Pilot certificate and later serving as a senior enlisted leader within that element. He finished his career coordinating recruiting for Naval Special Warfare. Today, he flies a Gulfstream privately and holds a 767 type rating with a major freight carrier. He’s a father, a grandfather, and has chosen to live a quiet life with no social media, no book, and no brand. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Find your forever cookware and get 10% off at https://hexclad.com/SRS! #hexcladpartner Post jobs for free at https://ziprecruiter.com/srs Try ShipStation free for 60 days with full access and no credit card needed at https://shipstation.com using code srs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Originally from Utah, Shirley has built a digital audience of over 1 million YouTube subscribers and hundreds of millions of views across platforms. His reporting style is direct and minimalist, often conducted in real-time and on location. In December 2025, Shirley drew national attention with a viral investigation into alleged fraud in Minnesota’s government-funded childcare programs, claiming over $100 million in misused funds. The video amassed more than 100 million views on X and contributed to increased public scrutiny, including comments from the FBI. His latest episode builds on this work, focusing on alleged fraud and misuse of government funds in California, continuing his broader investigative coverage of public spending and institutional accountability. Shirley’s content often aligns with conservative perspectives while emphasizing transparency and oversight. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Our listeners get the Harry’s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/srs #Harryspod Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at https://shopify.com/srs Go to https://meetfabric.com/SHAWN and apply today, risk-free. No description text or call to action is provided in the attachment. Nick Shirley Links: YT - youtube.com/@nickshirley IG - https://www.instagram.com/nickshirley X - https://x.com/nickshirleyy Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4fm9G0i6lyDZ3XE5fz3Lb9 Hoodie - https://shirleydefense.com/collections/all Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Her 2024 memoir, Becoming UNSILENCED: Surviving the Troubled Teen Industry, chronicles her harrowing journey and transformation into one of the leading national voices demanding change. In 2023, she testified as an expert before the Montana State Senate, helping secure passage of HB 218, landmark legislation increasing oversight and regulation of TTI programs. Her work continues to empower survivors while pushing for transparency, accountability, and legal reform across the industry. Alongside her advocacy, Meg serves as Vice President and Managing Director of the Gochnauer Foundation, supporting philanthropic initiatives aligned with justice and healing. She lives with her husband, Ben, and their four children, dedicating her life to ensuring that no child endures what she once did. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Go to https://calderalab.com/SRS and use code SRS for 20% off your first order. 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. Live better longer with BUBS Naturals. Get 20% OFF on collagen, MCT creamers, and more with code SHAWN at https://bubsnaturals.com/srs Don’t let your money sit around—put it to work with Stash. Go to https://get.stash.com/SRS to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and to view important disclosures Meg Appelgate Links: Personal Website - www.megappelgate.com Memoir - https://a.co/d/3P5hM37 IG - https://www.instagram.com/megappelgate TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@megappelgate Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Megappelgate1 X - https://x.com/megappelgate Unsilenced Website - www.unsilenced.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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). In 2023, he was selected for a Division Commander’s Green to Gold scholarship, transitioning to become an Army Officer candidate. He is currently a Leadership Science major at Old Dominion University and a senior in the Army ROTC program, with plans to commission as an Active Duty Second Lieutenant this May. Most recently, he was recognized by the Secretary of the Army and the Sergeant Major of the Army for the actions he and his peers took in response to the attack at Old Dominion University. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Get 20% off Rho Nutrition Liposomal NAD+ for clean, sustained energy and sharper focus—visit https://rhonutrition.com/discount/SRS and use code SRS for your discount. Make the switch to Sundays. Go right now to https://sundaysfordogs.com/SRS50 and get 50% off your first order. Or, you can use code SRS50 at checkout. That’s 50% off your first order at sundaysfordogs.com/SRS50. Get firearm security redesigned and save 10% off at StopBoxUSA with code SRS at https://stopboxusa.com/srs #stopboxpod Get 20% off sitewide at https://helixsleep.com/SRS and enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! Go right now to https://hillsdale.edu/SRS to enroll in Hillsdale College’s free “Classical Logic and Rhetoric” online course. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois, as one of nine children in an Irish-Catholic household. Pete attended Southern Illinois University. His military career saw him rise through the ranks of Delta Force to high-level command roles, directing critical operations in Panama, Colombia, Somalia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Retiring in 2006, he transitioned from commanding elite combat teams worldwide to leading executive teams. A prominent voice on leadership, team dynamics, crisis decision-making, national security, and organizational effectiveness, he has been featured in profiles, interviews, and podcasts sharing practical insights drawn from his extraordinary career. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Post jobs for free at ⁠https://ziprecruiter.com/srs⁠ Get 20% off sitewide at ⁠https://helixsleep.com/SRS⁠ and enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off with promo code SRS at ⁠https://shopmando.com⁠ ! #mandopod Go to ⁠https://meetfabric.com/SHAWN⁠ and apply today, risk-free Go to ⁠https://shopbeam.com/SRS⁠ and use code SRS to get up to 50% off Beam Dream Powder, the sleep formula designed to help you fall asleep fast and wake up clear. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Get started with Claude today at ⁠https://claude.ai/srs⁠ and check out Claude Pro, which includes access to all of the features mentioned in today’s episode. One thing to pack, five ways to power! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code SRS at ⁠https://www.Ridge.com/srs⁠ #Ridgepod Pete Blaber Links: Substack - https://substack.com/@peteblaber Website - ⁠https://www.peteblaber.com⁠ Books - ⁠https://www.peteblaber.com/books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois, as one of nine children in an Irish-Catholic household. Pete attended Southern Illinois University. His military career saw him rise through the ranks of Delta Force to high-level command roles, directing critical operations in Panama, Colombia, Somalia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Retiring in 2006, he transitioned from commanding elite combat teams worldwide to leading executive teams. A prominent voice on leadership, team dynamics, crisis decision-making, national security, and organizational effectiveness, he has been featured in profiles, interviews, and podcasts sharing practical insights drawn from his extraordinary career. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Post jobs for free at https://ziprecruiter.com/srs Get 20% off sitewide at https://helixsleep.com/SRS and enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off with promo code SRS at https://shopmando.com ! #mandopod Go to https://meetfabric.com/SHAWN and apply today, risk-free Go to https://shopbeam.com/SRS and use code SRS to get up to 50% off Beam Dream Powder, the sleep formula designed to help you fall asleep fast and wake up clear. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Get started with Claude today at https://claude.ai/srs and check out Claude Pro, which includes access to all of the features mentioned in today’s episode. One thing to pack, five ways to power! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code SRS at https://www.Ridge.com/srs #Ridgepod Pete Blaber Links: Substack - https://substack.com/@peteblaber⁠ Website - https://www.peteblaber.com Books - https://www.peteblaber.com/books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston is a world-renowned scholar on the Historical Jesus, specializing in archaeology, ancient history, and the New Testament. In 2026, Dr. Johnston became the only academic invited to present evidence for Jesus and the Resurrection at the World Economic Forum in Davos—bringing the Gospel into one of the most influential global stages. His evidence-based approach bridges rigorous research and compelling communication, making the case for faith both intellectually credible and spiritually transformative. He is the author of The Jesus Discoveries: 10 Historic Finds That Bring Us Face-to-Face with Jesus, which highlights top archaeological discoveries corroborating the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus outside the biblical record. Known for his evidence-first, no-nonsense style, Dr. Johnston powerfully confronts myths and cultural skepticism while offering hope and clarity in an age of confusion. A hands-on scholar, he uses authentic and replica artifacts; such as the Shroud of Turin, crucifixion nails, the Titulus Crucis, the Pilate Stone, ossuaries, early New Testament papyri, Dead Sea Scroll facsimiles, and Roman coins. to bring history alive in vivid detail. His passion is showing how fresh discoveries, like the Shroud’s fading image, inscriptions mocking early Christians, and coins tied to Gospel events—continue to strengthen the historical case for Jesus Christ. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Go to https://drinkag1.com/SRS to get an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2 for free in your AG1 Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order—only while supplies last. Head to https://Superpower.com and use code SRS at checkout for $20 off your membership. Unlock your new health intelligence. 100+ biomarkers. Every year. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod Sign up for BetterHelp and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/srs #ad Ready to upgrade your eyewear? Check them out at https://roka.com and use code SRS for 20% off sitewide. Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston Links: LT - https://linktr.ee/_JeremiahJ IG - https://www.instagram.com/_jeremiahj X - https://x.com/_jeremiahj FB - https://www.facebook.com/ChristianThinkersSociety Website - www.ChristianThinkers.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. At 26, Adcock founded Vettery, an AI-powered talent marketplace that matched thousands of companies with highly qualified candidates. The company scaled rapidly and was acquired in 2018 for $110 million by The Adecco Group, the world’s largest recruiting firm. In 2018, he founded Archer Aviation to develop electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft aimed at transforming urban air mobility. During his time leading the company, Adcock helped architect, engineer, and flight-test five generations of aircraft, vertically integrating key technologies including flight software, electric motors, actuation systems, and battery systems. Archer secured a $1.5 billion partnership with United Airlines and positioned itself at the forefront of next-generation aviation. In 2022, Adcock founded Figure, where he serves as Founder & CEO. Figure is building general-purpose humanoid robots designed to address global labor shortages and work alongside humans in manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, retail, and the home. Backed by leading investors including Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital, the company has raised billions in venture capital and is focused on deploying embodied AI systems at scale. He is also the founder of Cover (2023–present), an AI security company developing non-intrusive scanners in partnership with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The technology is designed to passively detect concealed weapons in crowded environments, with the goal of improving public safety without invasive screening. Follow the market: https://polymarket.com/event/ai-bubble-burst-by Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: SpotOn GPS Fence — trusted by Shawn Ryan for his dog Stanley. The most reliable GPS dog fence: 100% secure from backyard to backcountry with virtual boundaries you control from your phone. No wires, no digging. Sets up in minutes, any size, any shape, anywhere. Learn more: https://spotonfence.com/srs Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at https://shopify.com/srs Get 20% off Rho Nutrition Liposomal NAD+ for clean, sustained energy and sharper focus with code SRS at https://rhonutrition.com/discount/SRS risk-free 60-day money-back guarantee. 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. Brett Adcock Links: X - https://x.com/adcock_brett IG - https://www.instagram.com/brett_adcock WEB - https://www.brettadcock.com LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettadcock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. An Oregon native and graduate of Norwich University in Strategic Defense Analysis, Kent served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, completing 11 combat deployments across the Middle East and other high-threat regions. His military career included service with the 75th Ranger Regiment, Army Special Forces, and U.S. Army Special Operations Command, earning numerous commendations, including six bronze stars. After retiring from the Army in 2018, he served as a paramilitary officer in the CIA's Special Activities Center. Kent brought decades of frontline counterterrorism experience to the role, shaped in part by personal sacrifice: in 2019, his wife, Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent, was killed in a suicide bombing while serving in Syria. Follow the markets: https://polymarket.com/event/us-x-iran-ceasefire-by https://polymarket.com/event/us-forces-enter-iran-by Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Live better longer with BUBS Naturals. Get 20% OFF on collagen, MCT creamers, and more with code SHAWN at https://bubsnaturals.com/srs Ready to upgrade your eyewear? Check them out at https://roka.com and use code SRS for 20% off sitewide. Joe Kent Links: X - https://x.com/joekent16jan19 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices