#132 Mike Benz - Inside the Censorship Industrial Complex

Mike Benz is a former official with the U.S. Department of State, known for his work in international communications and digital freedom. He has played a significant role in advocating for internet freedom and the protection of online expression. Benz is the founder of the Foundation for Freedom Online, an organization dedicated to promoting free speech and digital rights around the world. His work focuses on countering authoritarian censorship and supporting the rights of individuals to access and share information freely. His background includes expertise in foreign affairs and digital policy, often emphasizing the importance of a free and open internet as a fundamental human right. Through his advocacy, Benz has sought to engage policymakers and the public on issues related to digital governance, censorship, and the implications of technology for democracy. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://preparewithshawn.com https://hillsdale.edu/srs https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/the-old-man https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD #goldcopartner Mike Benz Links: FFO Foundation - https://foundationforfreedomonline.com X - https://x.com/mikebenzcyber IG - https://www.instagram.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

Tulsi Gabbard is a former member of Congress and New York Times bestselling Author. She was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002 at just 21, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. In 2003, she joined the Hawaii Army National Guard and in 2004 became the first state official to voluntarily step down from office to serve in a war zone. She completed two tours in the Middle East, earning the Meritorious Service Medal during her 2005 deployment in Iraq. During her second deployment in 2009, she trained the Kuwait National Guard. Elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010, Tulsi chaired the Safety, Economic Development, and Government Affairs Committee and vice-chaired the Budget Committee. She was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, where she is one of the first female combat veterans to serve. Gabbard's political career has been focused on veterans' issues, strategic decisions, and sustainable economic policies. She remains dedicated to affordable health care, quality education, and economic prosperity for all Americans. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://helixsleep.com/srs https://shopify.com/shawn https://hillsdale.edu/srs https://blackbuffalo.com https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/the-old-man https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936- GOLD #goldcopartner Tulsi Gabbard Links: IG - https://www.instagram.com/tulsigabbard x - https://x.com/tulsigabbard FB - https://www.facebook.com/TulsiGabbard TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tulsigabbard Website - https://www.tulsigabbard.com Book - https://www.tulsigabbard.com/book 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

Today, we have the privilege of sitting down with JD Vance, a man who has become a critical voice in American politics. JD Vance, known for his bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, is Donald Trump's VP pick and has built a reputation for his deep understanding of Middle America and its struggles. On this solemn day, 9/11, JD shares not only where he was on that fateful day but also the tragic stories from this sober anniversary, reflecting on how the events shaped the course of his life and his decision to enlist in the Marine Corps. He highlights the wave of enlistments that followed 9/11 and contrasts it with today's troubling decline in recruitment. In this episode, we dive deep into Vance’s views on pressing issues like the Biden-Harris administration’s funding of terrorism and the ongoing war in Ukraine. We explore the troubling amount of taxpayer dollars being spent overseas while American families face financial struggles at home. JD also shares his insight on Israel, the crisis at the border, government reform, and the evolving role of AI technology. This conversation not only covers current policy challenges but also explores JD Vance's vision for addressing these critical issues facing our nation. JD Vance Links: IG - https://www.instagram.com/JDVance/ x - https://x.com/JDVance FB - https://www.facebook.com/p/JD-Vance-100070055152736/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jd?lang=en Truth Social - https://truthsocial.com/@JDVance1 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOu1i1eeT8unVAc678Q6LQA Website - https://www.vance.senate.gov/ Book - https://www.harperacademic.com/book/9780062300553/hillbilly-elegy/ 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

Megyn Kelly is an American journalist, television personality, and host of "The Megyn Kelly Show." Prior to her television career, Kelly practiced law, graduating from Albany Law School and working at renowned law firm Jones Day before transitioning to journalism. She is best known for her work as a television news anchor. Kelly gained critical acclaim as a Fox News Channel anchor, where she hosted "The Kelly File" and earned a reputation for her sharp interviewing skills and unique style. In 2017, she left Fox News to join NBC News, where she hosted "Megyn Kelly Today." Her career has been marked by high-profile interviews and coverage of major news events. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://meetfabric.com/shawn https://betterhelp.com/shawn https://drinkhoist.com - USE CODE "SHAWN" https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/the-old-man https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD #goldcopartner Megyn Kelly Links: IG - https://www.instagram.com/megynkelly x - https://x.com/megynkelly FB - https://www.facebook.com/MegynKelly TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@megynkellyshow YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/MegynKelly Podcast - https://www.megynkelly.com/listen Website - https://www.megynkelly.com 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

Kash Patel is an American political figure and attorney known for his roles in national security and intelligence. He served as a U.S. National Security Council official, senior advisor to the Acting Director of National Intelligence, and Chief of Staff to the Acting United States Secretary of Defense during the Trump Presidency. Patel's career began as a public defender, where he managed complex criminal cases. He later worked as a terrorism prosecutor at the Department of Justice (DOJ), leading high-profile investigations and prosecutions against terror groups like Al-Qa’ida and ISIS. He also served as the DOJ Liaison Officer to the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Patel now works with his foundation to provide legal funds for whistleblowers within the federal government. Patel is committed to educating the public on topics the mainstream media refuses to cover. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://unplugged.com/shawnryan https://babbel.com/srs https://moinkbox.com/srs https://rocketmoney.com/shawn https://mypatriotsupply.com https://bubsnaturals.com/shawn https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/the-old-man https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936- GOLD #goldcopartner Kash Patel Links: Website - https://www.thekashfoundation.com Rumble - https://rumble.com/user/FightWithKash Truth Social - https://truthsocial.com/@Kash Movie - https://warroom.film Book - https://www.amazon.com/Government-Gangsters-State-Battle-Democracy/dp/1637588240 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

Donald J. Trump is the 45th President of the United States and is now running for a second term. In June 2015, Trump announced his candidacy for the 2016 presidential election as a Republican. Unlike the politicians before him, President Trump had a unique style and message that energized the American public. His appeal to many Americans stemmed from his status as a political outsider and his portrayal as a break from traditional career politicians. During and after his presidency, Trump faced significant opposition and controversy from the establishment, including two impeachments by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 over abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, and again in 2021 over incitement of insurrection related to the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. He was acquitted by the Senate in both cases. Most recently, there was an attempt on his life when a gunman opened fire during a rally in Pennsylvania, wounding the President and two spectators, and killing one supporter. Today, President Trump is running on a platform dedicated to strong border and immigration policies, lowering taxes and inflation, achieving energy independence, and ending the weaponization of the media and government agencies. In this episode of SRS, Shawn met with the President in Las Vegas to discuss his vision for the future and how he intends to "make America great again." Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://patreon.com/vigilanceelite.com https://shawnryanshow.com/newsletter President Donald J. Trump Links: X - https://x.com/realDonaldTrump IG - https://www.instagram.com/realdonaldtrump FB - https://www.facebook.com/DonaldTrump TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@realdonaldtrump Truth Social - https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/DonaldTrump YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAql2DyGU2un1Ei2nMYsqOA Website - https://www.donaldjtrump.com 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

Joe Kent is an Army Special Forces Veteran with two decades of service. Following the tragic death of his wife, Shannon Kent, who served in intelligence operations combatting ISIS in Syria, Joe's career evolved from Special Operations into Field Operative roles in the CIA. Kent would then focus his career on institutional change, advising President Trump on national security and foreign policy. After his retirement from the military, Kent has committed to a continued life of service as a candidate for office in Washington's 3rd congressional district. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://helixsleep.com/srs https://meetfabric.com/shawn https://hillsdale.edu/srs https://drinkhoist.com- USE CODE "SHAWN" https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD #goldcopartner Joe Kent Links: Campaign - https://joekentforcongress.com X - https://x.com/joekent16jan19 FB - https://www.facebook.com/joekent4congress IG - https://www.instagram.com/joekent16jan19 Book - https://www.harpercollins.com/products/send-me-marty-skovlundjoe-kent 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

Gina Carano is an actor and former mixed martial artist. Her fighting career rose to critical acclaim in the mid 2000's when she competed in Elite Xtreme Combat and Strikeforce, boasting a 7–1 record. After retiring from her fighting career, Carano took Hollywood by storm, landing roles in Fast & Furious 6, Deadpool, and Disney's The Mandalorian. Her time in the spotlight would be cut short when Lucasfilm announced in February 2021 that Carano would not appear in future Star Wars episodes following a series of controversial posts she made to social media. Despite enormous pressure and public scrutiny, Carano has stood firm by her beliefs and paved the way for a new career independent of Hollywood agendas. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://babbel.com/srs https://betterhelp.com/shawn https://shopify.com/shawn https://hillsdale.edu/srs https://blackbuffalo.com https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD #goldcopartner Gina Carano Links: IG - https://www.instagram.com/ginajcarano Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ginacarano X - https://x.com/ginacarano 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

Brad Geary is a Navy Captain and Commanding Officer at Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command. Geary boasts an incredible twenty four year career in NSW. Captain Geary has completed numerous deployments throughout the world while serving in leadership positions at SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team Two, SEAL Team Four, and Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron Three. Geary's career now hangs in the balance due to a Navy probe into the mysterious death of trainee and Seaman Kyle Mullen, who tragically lost his life during the infamous training period known as "Hell Week." The Navy investigation initially pinned blame on the training cadre, but as pressure from Congress and Geary's testimony grows, a different narrative is coming to light. Geary's attorney stated that "when all the key facts emerge, the Navy's improper actions will be exposed -- and it will be undeniable that Capt. Geary is being scapegoated as part of a larger scheme to cover up massive failures and abuses of power at the highest levels of the Navy." Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://helixsleep.com/srs https://ziprecruiter.com/srs https://rocketmoney.com/shawn https://hillsdale.edu/srs https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD #goldcopartner Captain Brad Geary Links: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-geary Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bradleyandamy Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/amelia.grey.5 X - https://x.com/bradleydgeary YouTube - @Bradley-geary   Threads - @BradleyandAmy Reddit - u/bradgeary TruthSocial - @deanandgrey Stand With Warriors Foundation - https://secure.anedot.com/stand-with-warriors-action/swwa-donate 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

Erik Prince is an American entrepreneur, former U.S. Navy SEAL Officer and founder of the private military company Blackwater. Returning as a guest and fan favorite on SRS, Erik joins Shawn for an in-depth exploration of the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump. Together, they delve into unresolved security and operational issues surrounding the tragic event, speculating on how the situation might evolve as new information emerges. Leveraging their backgrounds, Shawn and Erik offer distinctive perspectives rarely found in mainstream media coverage. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://lairdsuperfood.com - USE CODE "SRS" https://moinkbox.com/shawn https://meetfabric.com/shawn https://hillsdale.edu/srs https://bubsnaturals.com/shawn https://hexclad.com/srs | Find your forever cookware @hexclad and get 10% off #hexcladpartner https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD #goldcopartner Erik Prince Links: https://www.unplugged.com/shawnryan https://x.com/realErikDPrince 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