#288 Shyam Sankar - Are We Sleepwalking Into World War 3?

Shyam Sankar is Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President at Palantir Technologies, where he has served since 2006 as one of the company’s earliest hires and key builders. A seasoned technologist with over two decades of experience, he has led the design and deployment of software platforms that support some of the world’s most complex and high-stakes environments. from defense operations to enterprise systems. Sankar holds a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Cornell University and an M.S. in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University. His career reflects a commitment to advancing technology that strengthens national resilience and accelerates industrial and defense innovation. A vocal advocate for applying artificial intelligence to empower American workers and reindustrialize the United States, Sankar is deeply engaged in initiatives such as the American Tech Fellows program, which develops domestic AI talent. He regularly speaks on the role of AI in transforming national security and industry through practical adoption rather than speculation. Rejecting narratives of AI “doomerism,” Sankar emphasizes real-world deployment and measurable results—showing how Palantir’s tools are redefining the speed of warfare, industrial output, and decision-making across the defense and commercial landscapes. His insights are frequently featured in conversations about the future of AI, national power, and America’s technological edge. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Join thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family—apply today in just minutes at https://meetfabric.com/SHAWN. Try Gusto today at https://gusto.com/SRS and get three months free when you run your first payroll. New customers can save 35% on your first month of Dose for Cholesterol by going to https://dosedaily.co/SRS or entering SRS at checkout. Shyam Sankar Links: X - https://x.com/ssankar Substack - https://www.shyamsankar.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shyamsankar On The Defense Reformation - https://18theses.com First Breakfast - https://www.firstbreakfast.com Book - https://www.amazon.com/Mobilize-Reboot-American-Industrial-World/dp/B0FQWGC94Z/ref=sr_1_1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Barry E. “Butch” Wilmore was raised in Tennessee, where an early fascination with aviation, engineering, and disciplined teamwork set the course for his career. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical engineering from Tennessee Technological University, along with a master’s degree in aviation systems from the University of Tennessee. Before NASA, Wilmore served as a U.S. Navy aviator, test pilot, and squadron officer, accumulating more than 8,000 flight hours and 663 carrier landings in tactical jet aircraft. Wilmore flew A-7E and F/A-18 aircraft during four operational deployments aboard the USS Forrestal, Kennedy, Enterprise, and Eisenhower. He completed 21 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm and also flew in support of Desert Shield, Southern Watch, and NATO operations over Bosnia. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, he contributed to the early development and carrier certification of the T-45 jet trainer, experience that proved critical to his later astronaut duties. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 2000, Wilmore flew three space missions totaling 464 days in space. He piloted STS-129 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2009, delivering critical hardware to the ISS. In 2014–2015, he launched aboard a Russian Soyuz as part of Expedition 41, later assuming command of Expedition 42, spending 167 days in orbit and conducting four spacewalks. Most recently, he commanded Boeing Starliner’s first crewed flight in 2024; following an uncrewed return decision, he completed a long-duration ISS mission and returned to Earth in March 2025 aboard SpaceX Crew-9. Wilmore retired from NASA in July 2025 after 25 years with the agency, one of the few astronauts to fly aboard the Space Shuttle, Soyuz, Starliner, and Crew Dragon. He is married to Deanna, with whom he has two daughters, and is known for steady leadership, deep technical skill, faith, and continued commitment to mentorship and STEM outreach. 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. 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. Get 30% off your first subscription order at https://armra.com/srs with code SRS. Butch Wilmore Links: Website - www.butchwilmore.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ethan Thornton is the Founder and CEO of Mach Industries, a defense technology company developing next-generation unmanned systems and hydrogen-powered weapons platforms to redefine modern warfare and energy logistics. Ethan left MIT after one semester in 2023 to focus on building Mach full-time. Originally from Texas, Ethan grew up on a farm where he began prototyping weapons in high school. Funded through car tech jobs, knife and furniture sales, and small engineering projects. His early hands-on ingenuity and deep sense of urgency, intensified by the war in Ukraine—motivated him to accelerate U.S. innovation in unmanned aircraft and weapon systems to help deter China and strengthen national defense capabilities. Under his leadership, Mach Industries has attracted backing from top venture firms including Sequoia Capital, Khosla Ventures, and Bedrock, and has secured major U.S. Army contracts while expanding manufacturing operations. Ethan’s work reflects a broader vision beyond defense. He frequently speaks on the strategic significance of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, the U.S. dollar’s reserve status, the challenge of social decay and neo-feudalism, and the need for productive, post-partisan solutions that secure America’s technological and economic future. Follow the market - https://polymarket.com/event/china-x-taiwan-military-clash-before-2027 Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Go to https://calderalab.com/SRS. Use code SRS for 20% off your first order. Go to https://helixsleep.com/SRS for 25% off. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know we sent you! Go right now to https://hillsdale.edu/SRS to enroll. There’s no cost, and it’s easy to get started. Ethan Thorton Links: X - https://x.com/ethanrthornton Mach Industries X - https://x.com/mach_industries Mach Industries - https://www.machindustries.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Father Chad Ripperger is a Roman Catholic priest, theologian, philosopher, and exorcist serving in the Archdiocese of Denver. He is the founder and superior general of the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother (Doloran Fathers), a religious community dedicated to spiritual warfare, deliverance ministry, and the traditional liturgy. Born in Casper, Wyoming, and raised in a devout Catholic family as the youngest of six children, Father Ripperger was ordained in 1997 with the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP). In 2012, he established the Doloran Fathers, serving as exorcist for the Diocese of Tulsa from 2012 to 2016 before moving to the Denver Archdiocese, where he continues his ministry. Bound by the discipline of clerical celibacy in the Latin Rite, he frequently teaches on marriage, family, virtue, and the spiritual life. A classically trained Thomist, Father Ripperger holds degrees in theology and philosophy from the University of San Francisco, master’s degrees from both the University of St. Thomas and Holy Apostles College, and a doctorate in philosophy from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. His scholarship and experience make him a respected authority on demonology, angelology, spiritual warfare, and the integration of theological principles with psychology. Through Sensus Traditionis Press, he has authored several influential works, including Deliverance Prayers for Use by the Laity, Dominion, and Introduction to the Science of Mental Health. Known for his clear, no‑nonsense teaching style rooted in Thomistic philosophy and Church tradition, Father Ripperger continues to give talks, conferences, and guidance on prayer, virtue, the sacraments, and protection from spiritual evil. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Go to https://RhoNutrition.com and use code SRS for 20% off. Take advantage of Ridge’s once-a-year anniversary sale and get UP TO 40% Off by going to https://www.Ridge.com/SRS #Ridgepod Join thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family—apply today in just minutes at https://meetfabric.com/SHAWN Go to https://shopbeam.com/SRS , use code SRS. With my code SRS, you can grab Dream for 50% off. Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at https://shopify.com/srs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Schlep, real name Michael, is a 22‑year‑old YouTuber and content creator known for his hard‑hitting investigations exposing child predators on Roblox. Through sting operations and decoy accounts, his channel has uncovered widespread grooming networks using the platform to target minors. A survivor of Roblox grooming himself—exploited as a young teen by a prominent developer once promoted and partnered with the company. Schlep turned his personal trauma into a mission for accountability. His YouTube channel has directly contributed to multiple arrests of alleged predators who used Roblox to move victims to Discord for explicit content and real‑world encounters. A vocal critic of Roblox’s safety failures and profit‑driven approach to its child‑heavy user base, Schlep has consistently challenged the company’s moderation practices and its pattern of deplatforming whistleblowers. In August 2025, Roblox permanently banned him and issued a cease‑and‑desist letter threatening legal action, triggering the viral #FreeSchlep movement and major online backlash. Despite being banned from the platform, Schlep continues his predator‑catching work independently, collaborating with law enforcement to secure convictions and raising awareness of how Roblox profits from developer programs that can enable exploitation. Today, he is a leading advocate for stronger child safety laws and transparency in online gaming, exposing the gap between Roblox’s “safe and educational” image and its systemic moderation failures. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Head to https://Superpower.com and use code SRS at checkout for $20 off your membership. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod Try ZipRecruiter for free at https://ziprecruiter.com/SRS Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/SRS #ad 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. Our listeners get the Harry’s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://harrys.com/srs #Harryspod Schlep Links: YT - https://www.youtube.com/@RealSchlep X - https://x.com/intent/follow?screen_name=realschlep Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AJ is a former senior CIA operations officer and twice-selected Chief of Station who served across the full spectrum of clandestine operations, including warzones, denied areas, and austere overseas postings. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate with a B.S. in Physics and a former Marine combat arms officer, AJ spent his career leading high-risk missions in defense of U.S. national security. In 2021, while serving in Southeast Asia, AJ experienced what he describes as a directed energy attack associated with reported Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs). He recounts an acute neurological event followed by lasting cognitive, physical, and autonomic symptoms. Subsequent medical evaluations documented biomarkers consistent with brain injury and confirmed dysautonomia, among other measurable abnormalities. Drawing on historical research into directed energy programs and Cold War-era microwave investigations, AJ has spoken publicly about the broader national security implications of emerging non-kinetic weapons. Following his medical retirement, he became an advocate for transparency, proper medical protocols, and full implementation of the Havana Act, engaging with congressional oversight bodies and senior national security officials to push for accountability and care for affected personnel. Follow the market - https://polymarket.com/event/us-confirms-havana-syndromecausing-device-by-march-31 Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Ready to upgrade your eyewear? Check them out at https://roka.com and use code SRS for 20% off sitewide. Find your forever cookware @hexclad and get 10% off at https://hexclad.com/srs ! #hexcladpartner 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 bubsnaturals.com/srs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nik Seetharaman is a special operations–trained cyber leader turned founder, known for bringing an operator’s mindset to some of the most sensitive security programs in American industry. A former JSOC advance‑force operator attached to an East Coast Naval Special Warfare squadron, he ran advanced cyber warfare and close‑range reconnaissance missions before crossing over into the world of high‑stakes defense technology and enterprise security. In industry, Nik helped build and lead security at three of the most influential defense‑tech companies of the last decade. He served as head of cybersecurity operations at SpaceX and later led international cyber defense programs at Palantir, giving him a front‑row seat to how software, data, and security shape modern national power. He then became CIO and CISO at Anduril Industries, where he built the company’s cybersecurity and weapons‑system security programs from the ground up while Anduril was racing to field autonomous systems for the Pentagon. Today, Nik is the founder and CEO of Wraithwatch, a cyber defense company born from his frustration that defenders are almost always forced to react second. At Wraithwatch, he is focused on “weaponizing” AI for defense at scale—using advanced models to help blue teams pre‑empt and out-iterate attackers instead of learning only from breaches and red‑team reports. Across each chapter of his career, he has carried forward the same core idea: apply special operations discipline, speed, and clarity of mission to how software, security teams, and AI‑driven defenses are built and run. Join the Waitlist - https://theglacierapp.com/waitlist Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Follow the market - https://polymarket.com/event/moltbook-shutdown-by-feb-28 Get started with Claude today at https://Claude.ai/srs Visit https://mauinuivenison.com/srs for a special deal for listeners of this show only. Go to https://helixsleep.com/SRS for 27% Off Sitewide. Go to https://shopbeam.com/SRS and use code SRS to get up to 50% off Beam Dream Nighttime Cocoa—grab it for just $32.50 and improve your sleep today. Try Rho Nutrition today and experience the difference of Liposomal Technology. Use code SRS for 20% OFF everything at https://www.rhonutrition.com/discount/SRS Nik Seetharaman Links: LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikseetharaman Wraithwatch - https://www.wraithwatch.com X - https://x.com/nikseeth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeremy Ryan Slate is the CEO and co-founder of Command Your Brand, a leading podcast PR agency that helps entrepreneurs, authors, and thought leaders build authority and grow influence through top‑tier podcast appearances. He is also the host of The Jeremy Ryan Slate Show, where he explores how power truly operates—through history, empires, and modern influence networks. A bestselling author, global speaker, and authority strategist, he equips founders and executives to turn their stories into credibility through precise messaging and strategic media placement. He holds both a BA and an MA from Seton Hall University, where he studied Catholic theology and World Religions. He also studied literature at Oxford University. From newspaper routes and gym management to teaching and entrepreneurship, he built his career from the ground up, launching his breakout podcast in 2015 and his successful agency a year later. Today, he continues to empower creators, leaders, and visionaries to command their brand and shape the modern narrative. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Put your money to work with Stash—visit get.stash.com/SRS to receive $25 towards your first stock purchase and view important disclosures. Upgrade your wallet today! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code SRS at https://www.Ridge.com/srs #Ridgepod Go right now to http://hillsdale.edu/SRS to enroll. There’s no cost, and it’s easy to get started. Receive 30% off your first subscription order at https://armra.com/SRS or enter code SRS at checkout. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.com/srs Jeremy Slate Links: X - https://www.x.com/JeremyRyanSlate FB - https://www.facebook.com/Jeremyryanslate IG - https://www.instagram.com/jeremyryanslate LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-ryan-slate-bb7b284a Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For years, Sarah Adams has worked where threat warnings begin, not where they end. She is a targeting officer and global threat advisor with deep expertise in counterterrorism, threat network analysis, and overseas intelligence operations. Sarah served in the Central Intelligence Agency’s Counterterrorism Center, as well as in the Near East and Iran Operations Divisions, working complex operations against both state and non-state adversaries. Her deployed field work spans Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Across those theaters, her focus has remained consistent: identifying, assessing, and disrupting terrorist networks, hostile state activity, and emerging threats to United States and allied interests. After leaving the CIA, Sarah served as a Senior Advisor to the United States House of Representatives following an executive appointment from the Agency, applying operational experience directly to national security policy, oversight, and accountability. She later led research and development initiatives for the Department of Defense, advancing innovation, tradecraft modernization, and intelligence capabilities with enterprise-level impact. She was deployed to Libya in 2012 and is the co-author of Benghazi: Know Thy Enemy, a cold-case, open-source investigation that identified the al-Qaeda operatives responsible for the attack on the U.S. Mission Compound and CIA Annex in Benghazi. Today, Sarah is the host of The Watch Floor at Vigilance Elite, a podcast focused on emerging threats, global affairs, and homeland security risks for everyday audiences. The Watch Floor delivers need-to-know insights, explaining what matters, why it matters, and what comes next. Shawn and Sarah answer the question - Will Khamenei be ousted as Supreme Leader of Iran by March 31? Follow the market here - https://polymarket.com/event/khamenei-out-as-supreme-leader-of-iran-by-march-31 Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Go right now to https://sundaysfordogs.com/SRS50 and get 50% off your first order. Join thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family—apply today in just minutes at https://meetfabric.com/SHAWN Get firearm security redesigned and save 10% off at StopBoxUSA with code SRS at https://www.stopboxusa.com/SRS #stopboxpod Head to https://factormeals.com/srs50off and use code srs50off to get 50% off your first Factor box plus free breakfast for 1 year (new customers only, with qualifying subscription purchase). Head to https://Superpower.com and use code SRS at checkout for $20 off your membership. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod https://drinkmindfulbev.com Sarah Adams Links: YT - https://www.youtube.com/@thewatchfloor IG - https://www.instagram.com/thewatchfloor X - https://x.com/The_Watch_Floor FB - https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Watch-Floor/61586054787023 TT - https://www.tiktok.com/@thewatchfloor Rumble - https://rumble.com/user/thewatchfloor Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/VigilanceElite Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5how8FZvVZvlhnv58antdG LinkTree - https://tr.ee/qFdF2gcFD_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wes Huff is a Canadian Christian apologist, theologian, and public speaker specializing in the reliability of ancient biblical manuscripts and the defense of the Christian worldview. Born in Multan, Pakistan, to missionary parents, he spent his early childhood in the Middle East before returning to Canada, growing up in a diverse environment exposed to various worldviews. At age 11, Huff was diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis, a rare neurological condition that paralyzed him from the waist down for about a month, followed by a full recovery that doctors described as medically inexplicable. An aspiring athlete and former student participant in track and field, he is married to Melissa and father to four children. Huff holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from York University, a Master of Theological Studies from Tyndale University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in New Testament studies at the University of Toronto’s Wycliffe College, with a primary focus on the history of ancient biblical manuscripts, textual transmission, and the development of the biblical canon. As Vice President for Apologetics Canada, Huff speaks regularly at churches, universities, conferences, and interfaith events across North America, addressing topics such as the historical reliability of the New Testament, the formation of the biblical canon, and responses to skeptical objections. Huff also runs an active YouTube channel under his own name, producing debates, lectures, and short videos on apologetics and biblical history, which has grown rapidly to approach hundreds of thousands of subscribers. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: 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. Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code SRS at shopmando.com! #mandopod Go to https://calderalab.com/SRS. Use code SRS for 20% off your first order. Ready to upgrade your eyewear? Check them out at https://roka.com and use code SRS for 20% off sitewide. Wes Huff Links: YT - https://www.youtube.com/@WesHuff IG - https://www.instagram.com/wesley_huff WEB - https://www.wesleyhuff.com APC - https://apologeticscanada.com In March Wes will be giving a Can I Trust The Bible tour at The Museum of the Bible, go to https://www.museumofthebible.org and use code SHAWN25 for a special discount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices