Shawn Ryan: There's A Battle For Your Soul, It's Happening Right Now

Shawn Ryan recounts a profound spiritual transformation marked by harrowing psychedelic experiences, persistent supernatural occurrences, engagement with Catholic exorcism, reconciliation with faith, and personal sacrifices connected to sharing his journey publicly.

Sean's Psychedelic Journey Interpreted As a Hellish Encounter

Ibogaine and 5-Meo-dmt: Sean's Hellish Experience of Emptiness, Terror, and God's Absence

Shawn Ryan describes undertaking potent psychedelic rituals using Ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT, citing a group in Gabon, Africa that administers these substances. Unlike his earlier psychedelic experiences, which he recalls as transformative and beneficial, his most recent journey was deeply traumatizing. He characterizes it as a visit to hell—not a fiery landscape, but a boundless, all-consuming emptiness. Over approximately ninety minutes, he felt overwhelming terror, anxiety, and an acute sense of abandonment, devoid of God or Christ. The sensation was "more real than anything" he has ever experienced.

His Body Contorted Inhumanly, a Friend With Military Experience Noted

During this episode, Ryan's body contorted uncontrollably in ways his friend, a battle-hardened Marine Corps veteran, found shocking and unnatural, saying he "had never seen a human body doing what you were doing." The intensity of the experience left Ryan severely shaken and withdrawn, communicating only with his wife, a spiritual mentor, and priests for weeks.

An Intense 90-minute Exorcism Experience

Through the ordeal, Ryan felt as if an intense, supernatural exorcism was occurring, as though spirits were battling within him but refused to fully depart. He suggests that powerful psychedelics render users spiritually vulnerable, exposing them to realms humanity is not meant to access.

Supernatural Occurrences and Demonic Oppression Following the Experience

Supernatural Events After Psychedelic Experience

Supernatural Patterns in Religious Events: Allergic Reactions to Communion

Following the psychedelic event, Ryan reports numerous supernatural phenomena over a period of months. He describes a relentless string of nightmares and uncanny coincidences, which he views as synchronicities rather than random chance. He recounts a specific incident in Maine: after a disturbing dream that made him hate Catholicism and a subsequent prayer, a picture frame flew off the wall at his in-laws' home. Not long after, Ryan experienced an unexplainable allergic reaction immediately after taking communion at mass with his spiritual mentor Hendo—his face burned and veins bulged within seconds, an implausibly rapid onset for a physical allergy.

Sean Sees Supernatural Phenomena As Spiritual Warfare and Demonic Oppression, Viewing Them As External Forces Causing Havoc Without Full Loss of Bodily Control Rather Than Mere Coincidences

Ryan interprets these patterns—objects moving, nightmares, health episodes, and attack-like misfortunes—as spiritual warfare, a battle over his soul. He stresses that, despite the turmoil, he's never lost control of his mind or body, which Catholic priests describe not as possession but as oppression: hostile supernatural forces wreaking havoc around him (family, finances, health, faith), but not taking over his person. He maintains that praying several times daily is necessary to strive for spiritual relief.

Multiple Exorcism Procedures Conducted by Catholic Priests

Sean's Exorcisms Involve Catholic Priests Using Latin and English Prayers to Identify Reactions For Diagnosing Spiritual Affliction

Ryan says that two different priests, also spiritual mentors, have performed a series of exorcism prayers on him in both Latin and English. These sessions aim to observe any reactions to specific prayers to diagnose his spiritual affliction and tailor ongoing treatments.

Priests Identify Sean's Oppression: Control Retained Amidst Supernatural Attacks on Family, Finances, Health, and Faith

The priests have consistently identified what he experiences as oppression: a variety of attacks from external evil forces, but with Shawn always retaining his agency and self-awareness.

Sean's Ongoing Exorcism Treatments Persist Without Clear Endpoint

Ryan admits the process is ongoing and open-ended. He does not know how long he must continue the prayer regimen or how he’ll know the battle is concluded, but trusts it will be "very apparent" when it is finally over.

Renewed Catholic Faith and Spiritual Commitment

Sean's Return to Catholicism Through Supernatural Encounters

These tumultuous spiritual and supernatural experiences have led Ryan to a renewed embrace of Catholicism, which he now sees as uniquely equipped to understand and address the spiritual realm.

Baptized ...

Shawn Ryan discusses the pervasive influence of intelligence agencies in modern media, particularly podcasts and digital platforms, detailing several covert tactics he believes are used to shape public discourse, suppress certain narratives, and manipulate influencers and content creators.

Intelligence Agencies Infiltrating Podcast Networks and Platforms

Ryan asserts that intelligence operatives are embedded inside major tech platforms like YouTube, Meta, and TikTok. He believes these operatives work to suppress certain content and amplify others, often without the direct knowledge of the platforms themselves. According to Ryan, these agency moles pose as regular employees whose primary cover tasks obscure their real mission: influencing algorithms from within to control which narratives reach mass audiences.

For example, Ryan points out that despite his podcast having massive viewership—150 to 200 million views a month, and consistently ranking highly on Spotify and at times on YouTube—his show never appears in YouTube’s “Popular Podcasts” section. He attributes this omission to deliberate platform manipulation, suggesting that because he discussed sensitive subjects early on, his content has been suppressed or shadow banned.

Planted Guests and Manufactured Narratives On Podcasts

Ryan describes how certain guests with no prior public history suddenly gain outsized traction on podcasts, indicating a possibility they were planted to deliver coordinated propaganda. These guests often use midstream shifts in terminology or specific predictions about geopolitical events to build credibility in the eyes of the audience, before dropping a key sentence or viewpoint that is designed to be clipped and go viral, shaping public narratives.

He explains that these insertions are subtle—often just a single sentence in a multi-hour conversation—yet designed for maximum impact once extracted and circulated widely. This kind of manipulation occurs with such coordination that the general public remains unaware of the back-end orchestration.

Political Figures and Influencers Captured Through Power

Ryan also discusses the strategy by which operatives invite podcasters and other influencers to political events or high-visibility moments, photographing them with political power players. This, he argues, creates the public appearance that these influencers or podcasters are part of a particular political tribe, even if unwillingly. The resultant images erode the influencer’s independence, as the perception of alignment can cause them to self-censor or conform to the group’s narrative to maintain access or reputation.

Ryan cites the example of people being photographed during the release of the first Epstein files—holding up binders and appearing to be in unity with the administration. He notes that, from that moment, the public perceives those individuals as captured or tribally affiliated, potentially limiting their freedom of thought. Ryan says he is frequently invited to such events—including the White House and football games—but always declines, recognizing these invitations as attempts to capture him for narrative purposes.

Sean's Own Suspicious Interview Experience

Ryan recounts a specific experience interviewing a guest who claimed to be a CIA asset, formerly imprisoned, who infiltrated terrorist organizations. During a long and detailed conversation focused on terrorist networks and weapons, the guest suddenly inserted a stat ...

Military Service and Contracting Career Fueled by Adrenaline

Enlisting In the Navy At 17, Sean Spent Nine Months In Basic Underwater Demolition/Seal Training, Was Rolled Back, and Earned His Seal Trident After Additional Qualification Training

Sean Ryan enlists in the US Navy at age 17, going straight into the rigorous Navy SEAL program. He spends nine months in Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, having been rolled back, then completes jump school and SEAL Qualification Training (SQT), after which he earns his SEAL Trident. After a year or more of further training at his SEAL team, he deploys for active operations. His training includes diving, jumping, demolition, small unit tactics, desert, winter, and jungle warfare.

His Military Service Included Haiti, Afghanistan, and Iraq Combat Zones

During service, Sean is deployed to conflict zones including Haiti—witnessing post-coup chaos and extreme poverty—then Afghanistan, arriving just after Operation Red Wings, where the SEALs suffered massive losses. Many missions there are unsuccessful “dry holes.” In Iraq, Sean works with conventional units, teaching them critical skills such as surveillance, sniper positioning, and mission planning, then joins their hunts for those targeting US forces. Disillusioned, Sean realizes that his expectations of service do not match reality and decides to leave the Navy.

Sean's Transition From Active Duty to Cia Contractor Roles

After five and a half years in the Navy, Sean struggles with civilian life. Briefly trying real estate, inspired by “how to get rich” books—which ends in failure—he turns to government contracting. Starting with the State Department, he moves to CIA contract work via Blackwater, then Socked, and finally becomes a direct CIA contractor. His time in special operations leaves him highly driven and adept at high-stress environments, but addicted to adrenaline and the culture around it, including heavy drinking and fighting.

Boredom and Recklessness Lead to Colombian Drug Networks Spiral

Post-Contract Work: Sean's Move to Medellin and Involvement in Drug Trafficking Networks

Sean’s adrenaline addiction persists post-contracting. After cleaning up some aspects of his life, including mostly quitting cocaine, he seeks thrills by traveling to dangerous places such as Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, and especially San Pedro Sula. Eventually, he moves to Medellín, Colombia. Not wanting to engage with American society or opinions, Sean becomes involved in Colombian drug trafficking networks—not as a dealer, but as someone establishing and infiltrating the networks for the rush of danger and challenge.

Activities in Colombia Included Visiting Violent Neighborhoods to Meet Dealers, Throwing Cash To Homeless People For Thrills, and Living With the Threat of Arrest or Death

In Colombia, Sean routinely visits violent neighborhoods to seek out drug connections. He experiences the rush of navigating the criminal underworld and orchestrates stunts like throwing wads of cash from a bridge into camps of homeless people—actions that bring both excitement and grave risk. He acknowledges he places little value on his own life, not feeling suicidal, but willing to die for the thrill and believing he would rather die in Colombia than return to a “normal” existence if excitement waned.

Narrow Escape From Arrest in Colombia

After Throwing Money At Homeless People On a Bridge, Sean Learned From His Doorman Freddy That Colombian Police Photographed and Surveilled Him

Following one of his money-throwing escapades, Sean is alerted by his doorman Freddy that local police are after him. They collect Sean’s passport copies, bug his apartment’s light fixture, and surveil him from a building across the street. Freddy reveals the police have photographic evidence of Sean’s actions from the bridge, confirming the seriousness of Sean's situation.

Realizing the Police Operation's Seriousness, Sean Executed Surveillance Detection, Purchased Multiple Airline Tickets to Confuse, and Fled Colombia Within Twelve Hours, Leaving That Chapter Behind

Recognizing the imminent threat, Sean disposes of all incriminating evidence and checks his surroundings for surveillance, using techniques from his covert training. He does not spot surveillance but covers his tracks by buying tickets to various international destinations from different internet cafes. Within twelve hours, he leaves Colombia and does not return. Despite this close call, he doesn’t immediately stop using drugs or seeking danger, continuing risky travels around Latin America but gradually reducing his extreme activities.

Turning Point Through Purpose and Accountability

Sean Finds Purpose Helping Friend Overcome Opioid Addiction, Motivating His Own Recovery

A turning point comes when Sean commits to helping a best friend overcome severe opioid addiction. Supporting his friend gives Sean a sense of purpose and forces him to clean up as well. Though his friend ultimately loses the battle against addiction, the experience is pivotal in Sean’s journey.

Realizing He Might Die During a Mother's Day Call When He Thought He Was Overdosing, Sean Sought Help and Began Therapy, Admitting He Needed Mental Health Support Despi ...

Navigating the demands of building a successful business empire while striving to be a present, engaged parent and partner is a challenge recognized by both Shawn Ryan and Steven Bartlett. Through candid reflection, they highlight the internal conflicts that arise from juggling entrepreneurial drive with family responsibilities and personal values.

Balancing Media Empire and Parenthood

Shawn Ryan openly admits to feeling guilt in choosing work over proximity and quality time with his children. He confesses that although he is close to his kids, he could be even closer, noting the distance created when business obligations pull him away. Even when physically present, he struggles to fully engage during moments of play, as his mind often remains occupied by business considerations. Ryan observes that children can sense whether a parent is truly present and that genuine undivided attention is essential to deepening family bonds. The “always switched on” mindset of entrepreneurship makes it difficult to shift gears and be fully available for things as simple as playing trains with his two-year-old.

Ryan expresses the sobering realization that if he isn’t everything to his kids, someone else could fill that role. The awareness of how important it is to create lasting memories with his wife and kids sits in tension with the relentless pace and creative demands of his business empire.

The Value of Parental Modeling Over Direct Instruction

Both men reflect on how the deepest lessons aren’t learned from planned family activities, but from witnessing the work ethic and character of their parents. Steven Bartlett recalls his mother’s unwavering dedication—sleeping on rice bags in her shop to ensure her family’s survival—and how she never complained. Through her actions, rather than words or play, he learned the value of striving and resilience.

Shawn Ryan highlights the distinction between the necessity-driven sacrifices made by previous generations and the abundance-based work commitments he faces. While Bartlett’s mother’s hard work stemmed from a drive to put food on the table, Ryan acknowledges that his own workaholism arises from opportunity and ambition, not survival. Both agree that children learn the most from observing how their parents conduct themselves—modeling work ethic, sacrifice, and integrity—rather than direct instruction or even the amount of time spent together.

Strategic Business Selection and Power Play Focus

Ryan’s ambition now centers on aligning ventures with his values over simply pursuing lucrative deals. He cites countless offers he has turned down because they didn’t feel right, emphasizing that sometimes the best business decision is to say no. With ...

Shawn Ryan recounts an intense political and personal evolution marked by growing disillusionment with U.S. leadership, skepticism toward American foreign policy, and a commitment to refocus attention on domestic American issues.

Initial Trump Support Followed by Significant Perspective Shift

Shawn Ryan initially supported Donald Trump and hoped for a Trump victory in 2024. He clarifies that while he didn’t offer an explicit endorsement, his public stance placed him within Trump’s sphere. Ryan attempted to create an open political dialogue, offering invitations to both sides; he reached out to Kamala Harris’s team to have her as a guest, expressing willingness to structure the conversation around topics of her choosing. However, Harris’s team declined unless guidelines were set. Ryan notes this contrasted with Trump’s appearance, where there were no restrictions or topics deemed off-limits.

After the election, Harris eventually appeared on other platforms without restrictions, presenting a more candid demeanor. Ryan regrets that a more unfiltered exchange with Harris did not happen before the election, believing it could have provided voters with clearer insights. Over time, however, Ryan’s perspective on Trump changed dramatically. He recounts growing unhappy with Trump’s governance and disappointed by decisions that contradicted campaign promises, stating, “I’m not really happy about anything that’s happening right now. I think he’s totally gone against what he said he was going to do.”

Concerns About American Foreign Policy and Superpower Status

Ryan observes that many U.S. foreign policy actions, particularly in regions like Iran, seem to benefit allies such as Israel rather than serving America’s best interests. He relates conversations with military colleagues who share this perspective, indicating a broader dissatisfaction within veteran communities.

Ryan criticizes unpredictable and contradictory U.S. actions that strain relationships with close allies. He cites the cancellation of the Keystone Pipeline and subsequent tariffs on Canada’s China trade as examples of erratic policy, describing U.S. behavior as “schizophrenic,” which undermines trust and makes collaboration difficult for countries and business partners. He laments that such “bully” behavior contrasts with the foundational principle of “peace through strength” that cemented America’s superpower status. This loss of credibility leads allies to question their security under U.S. leadership and, increasingly, to consider forming alternative alliances, as seen in Europe’s response to U.S. actions in the Iran conflict.

Decline of American Superpower Status and Future Implications

Ryan warns that America’s superpower status is at risk due to multiple factors, including China’s expanding nuclear capabilities, American indecision on energy policy, and a weakening petrodollar. Citing Professor Cheung’s analysis, he explores the potential consequences if the U.S. cedes its dominant position in global affairs.

Ryan speculates that losing superpower status could reduce the influence of political action committees (PACs) in Washington and force politicians to concentrate more on domestic issues rather than on costly global interventions. To understand what such a transition could mean for the U.S., Ryan expresses an interest in interviewing historians about Britain’s experience after World War II, when it lost its superpower status to America. He wants to know whether the feared consequences materialized or if the transition co ...