The Shawn Ryan Show
Book Recommendations

The Shawn Ryan Show

The "Shawn Ryan Show" is hosted by Shawn Ryan, former U.S. Navy SEAL, CIA Contractor, and Founder of Vigilance Elite. We tell REAL stories about REAL people from all walks of life. We discuss the ups and downs, wins and losses, successes and struggles, the good and bad in a respectful but candid way...

Episodes 386
Books 310
The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus Cover

Lee Strobel

The Case for Christ

A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus

The book was recalled by the host as a high‑school read that offered compelling arguments about faith, noting that the author's transition from atheism made the case for belief feel like hard work. A guest later described it as a major influence on his own faith journey, praising the author's investigative approach. Both speakers highlighted its impact on understanding Christianity, indicating strong endorsement.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #245 Trae Stephens - Inside Anduril’s AI Superweap...

The host recalled reading the book in high school and praised its arguments about faith, noting it had been discussed on the show multiple times.

"

Case for Christ? I read that back in high school, man. I've had him on three times. And when he talks about his time as an atheist, he's like, man, you have to have - it's like more work to gain faith that there is nothing out there than there is to actually believe. And I love that guy.

Episode: #241 Ruslan KD - Ex-Atheist Breaks Down Israel, En...

He mentioned reading the book, saying it was a significant influence on his faith journey.

"

Lee Strobel's awesome, man. I read The Case for Christ. It's back for me.

Episode: #233 Nathan Apffel - Inside the Dark World of Mega...

It was mentioned as a work authored by Lee Strobel that was referenced during the discussion about influential Christian authors.

"

Lee Strobel wrote The Case for Christ.

Episode: #192 Lee Strobel & John Burke - The Resurrection

Lee Strobel recounted interviewing a medical expert for evidence about the crucifixion while working on this book.

"

I interviewed with my book, The Case for Christ.

Episode: #265 Lee Strobel - Who is the Real Santa Claus & W...

Strobel recounted that a friend's girlfriend became a Christian after reading his book, highlighting its evangelistic impact.

"

His girlfriend became a Christian through my book, The Case for Christ.

Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You Cover

John Burke

Imagine Heaven

Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You

The book was highlighted for its comprehensive survey of near‑death experiences, noting how it draws together common themes from interviews with over 1,500 people worldwide and points toward a Christian perspective. The host referenced an interview with the author, and a guest emphasized its status as a New York Times bestseller. Both episodes presented it as a noteworthy resource for listeners interested in spiritual insights about the afterlife.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #129 Megyn Kelly - The End of Mainstream Media

The book, Imagine Heaven, was described as exploring near-death experiences and their commonalities, including the opportunity to accept Christ. The podcast host mentioned interviewing the author.

"

Have you ever heard of John Burke?

he wrote a book about NDEs. About what?

he wrote a book called Imagine Heaven and I cannot remember the big one that he wrote but it's all about NDEs and he went all around the world and he interviewed over 1500 people from different countries, different religions all about their near death experiences and puts together all the commonalities

Episode: #233 Nathan Apffel - Inside the Dark World of Mega...

It was cited as a book written by John Burke while the hosts were naming notable Christian writers.

"

John Burke wrote Imagine Heaven.

Episode: #192 Lee Strobel & John Burke - The Resurrection

John Burke's bestseller explores over 1,500 neardeath experiences to describe what heaven looks like.

"

John Burke, ... books like Imagine Heaven that dive into neardeath experiences and what they reveal about the afterlife.

Jesus Calling, Padded Hardcover, with Scripture References: Enjoying Peace in His Presence (A 365-Day Devotional) Cover

Sarah Young

Jesus Calling, Padded Hardcover, with Scripture References

Enjoying Peace in His Presence (A 365-Day Devotional)

The book was highlighted as a daily devotional that both Wes Huff and Jon Delaney incorporated into their morning and bedtime routines, noting that they read it more frequently than the Bible. They described the short passages as a source of spiritual comfort and guidance, emphasizing its practical impact on their daily lives.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #248 Jon Delaney - Who's Protecting Jeffrey Epstei...

The speaker described being given a book called The Jesus Calling, noting that it contains short daily passages about Jesus that they read in the morning and before bed.

"

So, here, this is called The Jesus Calling. And it's only about what Jesus said. You read one little - less than a paragraph in the morning when you wake up. I like to read it before I go to bed.

Episode: #279 Wes Huff - This Might Be the Most Important B...

Wes Huff said he reads the devotional book Jesus Calling every morning, even more frequently than his Bible, indicating its influence on his daily spiritual practice.

"

You know, I read this. Have you heard of the Jesus Calling? I read this every morning. I read it more than my Bible because I actually understand that. And I know it's funny, but it's true. But, you know, this morning I was reading it, and I was a couple days behind, so I've caught up.

Episode: #306 Bryce Crawford - Gen Z Evangelist on the Vice...

They said they read the Jesus Calling devotional each morning, found its messages often spoton and loved the book.

"

I read the Jesus Calling book. Dude, I love that book. Yeah, it's so good. And so I read that and it always surprises me. Like at least 50% of the time, it's like right on the money.

The Franklin Scandal: A Story of Powerbrokers, Child Abuse & Betrayal Cover

Nick Bryant

The Franklin Scandal

A Story of Powerbrokers, Child Abuse & Betrayal

The book was brought up as one of the author's early efforts to expose an alleged child prostitution ring, with the host highlighting the author's strong drive to get the scandal published and its relevance to broader abuse cover‑ups. While its investigative purpose was praised, the discussion noted that the book was not well‑written and fell short of journalistic standards. Overall, the episode presented it as a noteworthy but flawed account of the scandal.

Critiqued
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Episode: #84 Nick Bryant - Did Jeffrey Epstein Clone Himsel...

It was mentioned that Nick Bryant wrote this book, detailing a past scandal that, similar to the Epstein case, involved child sex trafficking and cover ups by powerful figures.

"

Previously on the Shawn Ryan Show, I had this drive to make sure that The Franklin Scandal got published.

I've done it in my own time. I've done it actually quite a bit at this point. I mean, not only The Franklin Scandal, but I've talked to lots of victims.

So she realized that, you know, I was very concerned about this and really willing to do whatever it takes to get this out there, to get this information out there.

So there was an Epstein victim that actually read The Franklin Scandal.

Episode: #84 Nick Bryant - Did Jeffrey Epstein Clone Himsel...

It was discussed that the author had a strong drive to get the book published, specifically about the Franklin scandal, which later led him to investigating and obtaining Jeffrey Epstein's 'Little Black Book'.

"

I had this drive to make sure that The Franklin Scandal got published.

I started investigating and I ended up with Epstein's blank book.

I've got a track record out there of here's a guy that does the right thing, that investigates this and does the right thing. And there was an Epstein victim that actually read The Franklin Scandal.

Episode: #84 Nick Bryant - Epstein's Secret Black Book | Pa...

It was discussed as one of Nick Bryant's first books about an alleged child prostitution ring in Omaha, Nebraska. It was also mentioned that the book was not well-written, but it was based on a documentary that had been suppressed.

"

I'd written a lot about children's issues. That's a topic that's near and dear to my heart is children's issues, mostly lower socioeconomic children and their travails.

And I ultimately co-authored a book called America's Children Triumph for Tragedy that looked at a lot of the shortcomings.

And I read the book. I didn't, the book, I didn't think was really well done. I mean, it wasn't like a regular journalist.

And I'm going to write a book about it. And hopefully I can get it published.

So these two grand juries had said that there was no child abuse.

Benghazi: Know Thy Enemy Cover

Sarah Adams

Benghazi

Know Thy Enemy

The book was discussed in two episodes where guest Sarah Adams described how it detailed the Benghazi attacks, her investigative role, and the specifics of the CIA annex assault and the terrorist mortar team. She highlighted that it provided insight into mitigating future security risks for U.S. personnel overseas and noted that it was easy to obtain from major retailers. The hosts presented the title as an informative account of the events.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #81 Sarah Adams - Barack Obama Visited Beyonce and...

It was mentioned that the book includes details about the Benghazi attacks, specifically the attack on the CIA Annex, and the terrorists involved, including the mortar team.

"

I have it actually in the book. I think it's 948. They're sitting in the cars, okay? And then now just waiting to go.

The book's easy. You can just get it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Episode: #280 Sarah Adams - If China Isn’t the #1 Threat… T...

Sarah Adams was described as the coauthor of the book, which identified the masterminds behind the 2012 Benghazi attacks.

"

She is a coauthor of Benghazi, Know Thy Enemy, where you and your team identified the masterminds behind the 2012 attacks on our embassy.

1984 Cover

George Orwell

1984

In episode 227, Michael Lester referenced the book to illustrate how controlling the narrative shapes public perception of history. In episode 166, Diana Pasulka cited it as a modern retelling of Plato’s cave allegory. Both hosts used it as an illustrative example rather than a direct recommendation, conveying a neutral to positive view.

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Episode: #166 Diana Pasulka - Religious History, UFO Phenom...

She cited it as another contemporary novel that revisits the cave allegory introduced by Plato.

"

Brave New World was Plato's an update of Plato's Republic then 1984 was also an update of the allegory of the cave.

Episode: #227 Michael Lester - Are We the Bad Guys?

Lester referenced Orwell's novel to illustrate how controlling the narrative shapes public perception of history and the future.

"

I go back to a lot of George Orwell's 1984. He has a statement in there: whoever controls the present controls the past because they get to write the history books.

The Game Cover

Neil Strauss

The Game

The book was referenced in two episodes, where the host noted its status as a bestseller and a well‑known work on social dynamics and influence while discussing collaboration on personal development topics. No strong endorsement was given, and it was mentioned mainly as a cultural touchstone.

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Episode: #270 Oz Pearlman - The Most Mind-Blowing Mentalism...

The book was cited as a wellknown publication by NeilStrauss that discusses social dynamics and influence.

"

Neil Strauss, he wrote that book, The Game.

Episode: #274 Tim Ferriss - Life-Changing Practical Wisdom...

He referenced Neil Strauss's bestseller "The Game" while discussing collaboration on personal development books.

"

Neil Strauss, who wrote The Game, Emergencies. Written like 10 New York Times bestsellers.

How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence Cover

Michael Pollan

How to Change Your Mind

What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence

The title was highlighted by Charles Hoskinson after he saw friends recover from trauma with psychedelics and read the book, realizing there was real substance behind the anecdotes. Bob Parsons also mentioned that reading it in 2017 served as the catalyst for his own exploration of psychedelic therapy. Both guests portrayed the book as a pivotal source that opened their understanding of the science and potential of psychedelics.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #215 Charles Hoskinson - Cardano Founder on the Se...

After noticing friends healed from trauma using psychedelics, the speaker read Michael Pollan's book and realized there was substance behind the anecdotal evidence.

"

So then I started going down the rabbit hole and I read Michael Pollan's book, you know, How to Change Your Mind. And he's a great guy. And I said, wow, there's a there there. There's something interesting.

Episode: #197 Bob Parsons - Founder of GoDaddy & PXG

Bob Parsons said reading Michael Pollan's How to Change Your Mind in 2017 was the catalyst that led him to explore psychedelic therapy.

"

the thing that made the difference for me was in 2017, I read Michael Pollan's book, How to Change Your Mind.

The Art of War (Deluxe Hardbound Edition) (Fingerprint! Classics) Cover

Sun Tzu

The Art of War (Deluxe Hardbound Edition) (Fingerprint! Classics)

The book was highlighted by Dave Mustaine as a recurring source of inspiration for his songwriting, especially for themes related to samurai culture, while Shawn Ryan referenced it as a classic illustration of how influence operations can cause an enemy to defeat itself without violence. Both hosts presented it as a valuable guide for creative and strategic thinking, indicating strong approval of its relevance.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #49 Tim Parlatore - The Fight for Free Speech Agai...

It was mentioned as a book that details how influence operations can be used to get an enemy to fight with each other and defeat themselves.

"

This is something that the Chinese have followed for hundreds of years that if you can use influence operations to get the enemy to fight with each other, have the enemy defeat itself without having to fire a shot.

Episode: #203 Dave Mustaine - Megadeth Co-Founder & Frontma...

Dave mentioned reading The Art of War repeatedly to inspire his songwriting during the creation of a new Megadeth record.

"

I think I will put The Art of War as a muse to help me write a story about something related with the samurai culture or the way of life.

The Reaper: Autobiography of One of the Deadliest Special Ops Snipers Cover

Nicholas Irving

The Reaper

Autobiography of One of the Deadliest Special Ops Snipers

The book was highlighted during Nick Irving's appearance, where the host discussed his background as a highly successful sniper in the 75th Ranger Regiment and noted that the title had become a New York Times bestseller. The conversation emphasized Irving's 33 confirmed kills and his unique perspective on special‑ops operations, presenting the memoir as a compelling insider account.

Highly Recommended
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Way of the Reaper: My Greatest Untold Missions and the Art of Being a Sniper Cover

Nicholas Irving

Way of the Reaper

My Greatest Untold Missions and the Art of Being a Sniper

The book was brought up when Nick Irving appeared on the show, where his status as a bestselling author and former sniper was highlighted. The hosts noted that it recounts his experiences and missions as a sniper in the 75th Ranger Regiment, including his 33 confirmed kills. The discussion presented the title as an insight into his combat career.

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Reaper: Ghost Target: A Sniper Novel (The Reaper Series, 1) Cover

Nicholas Irving

Reaper

Ghost Target

The book was highlighted during a guest appearance by its author, emphasizing his background as a former Army sniper and New York Times bestselling writer. It was described as a thriller novel that draws on his combat experience, and the episode presented it as a notable work among his publications. The discussion was brief and factual, without strong endorsement or criticism.

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Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 (Thorndike Nonfiction) Cover

Marcus Luttrell

Lone Survivor

The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 (Thorndike Nonfiction)

The book was cited as a primary source for understanding the Operation Red Wings events. Peter Berg said he read it quickly after meeting the author to inform his film, and Shawn Ryan used its after‑action reports to brief his team about the mission’s dangers. Both hosts highlighted its detailed eyewitness account as valuable for gaining insight into SEAL operations.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: Shawn Ryan - A Memorial Day Message | SRS Special...

Marcus Luttrell's book was used to brief Shawn Ryan's team about the events of Operation Red Wings, a reminder of the potential dangers they might face.

"

What that brief consisted of was, one, he read Marcus Luttrell's after-action reports on what happened that day.

Episode: #157 Peter Berg - Exposing Big Pharma, Lone Surviv...

He said he read Marcus Luttrell's book "Lone Survivor" quickly after meeting him, using it as reference for the film.

"

And in the case of Lone Survivor, like right from the get go, when I met Marcus Luttrell ... I read the book quickly.

Imagine the God of Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God’s Revelation, and the Love You’ve Always Wanted Cover

John Burke

Imagine the God of Heaven

Near-Death Experiences, God’s Revelation, and the Love You’ve Always Wanted

The book was highlighted when John Burke appeared on the show, where he introduced his latest work on afterlife and divine encounters and the hosts noted it as a New York Times bestseller. They emphasized its continuation of his exploration of near‑death experiences and God's revelation, presenting it as a compelling resource for listeners interested in spirituality. The overall tone was enthusiastic and the title was presented as a strong recommendation.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #192 Lee Strobel & John Burke - The Resurrection

John Burke mentioned his new book that continues his exploration of the afterlife and divine encounters.

"

I'll tell you, you know, in the new book, Imagine the God of Heaven.

MrBallen Presents: Strange, Dark & Mysterious: The Graphic Stories Cover

MrBallen

MrBallen Presents

Strange, Dark & Mysterious

The title was highlighted as the creator’s debut graphic novel that quickly rose to the top of the charts, and it was noted as a fresh new release in a later episode. Host Shawn Ryan praised the author’s successful entry into graphic storytelling and recommended it to listeners. The discussion conveyed strong enthusiasm for the book’s storytelling and popularity.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #249 MrBallen - Ouija Boards, Aliens Hijacking an...

The host was praised for releasing his first graphic novel which had topped the charts, marking a successful entry into published graphic storytelling.

"

Creator of the wildly popular Mr. Ballin podcast, which is redefined storytelling and New York Times bestselling author. That's new since the last time with your first graphic novel hitting the top of the charts and the second one where nightmares live fresh off the press.

San Fransicko: Why Progressives Ruin Cities Cover

Michael Shellenberger

San Fransicko

Why Progressives Ruin Cities

The book was highlighted as a cautionary tale about how progressive policies have harmed cities like San Francisco, especially regarding homelessness and addiction. Michael Shellenberger discussed it as a critique of what he called compassionate but ultimately cruel approaches, noting the backlash it received from outlets such as The New York Times. The conversation framed the title as an important perspective on the unintended consequences of liberal urban policies.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #87 Michael Shellenberger - The Demise of Californ...

It was written as a critique of progressive policies and their unintended consequences, specifically focusing on homelessness and addiction in San Francisco, which the author viewed as cruelty rather than compassion.

"

I couldn't understand. We say we're so compassionate. We think we're more compassionate than other people in other states. But this is cruelty.

When the book came out, I was criticized. The New York Times, of course, they didn't like my book. And they claimed I had not interviewed any homeless people, which was hilarious.

They give cash, $600, $650 a month in cash to people if they're homeless, including if they're coming from out of state.

I wanted to understand why that was. That's why I wrote San Francisco.

I first visited California when I was 15...And we saw mentally ill people on the streets, you know, the first wave of homelessness in the 80s was a combination of releasing people out of mental hospitals without proper care in the community, combined with the crack epidemic.

Mind Hacking Happiness Volume I (CLEAN LANGUAGE VERSION): The Quickest Way to Happiness and Controlling Your Mind Cover

Sean Webb

Mind Hacking Happiness Volume I (CLEAN LANGUAGE VERSION)

The Quickest Way to Happiness and Controlling Your Mind

The book was brought up when Sean Webb appeared on the show to discuss his work in remote viewing and consciousness, especially his involvement with the Monroe Institute. The hosts noted that he authored the title, linking it to his expertise in the field. The discussion highlighted the book as part of his background rather than a deep endorsement.

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The Human Mind Owner's Manual: Your Connection to the Universe, Consciousness, and Nonhuman Intelligence Cover

Sean Webb

The Human Mind Owner's Manual

Your Connection to the Universe, Consciousness, and Nonhuman Intelligence

The book was referenced when Sean Webb appeared on the show, with the hosts noting it as his own guide to consciousness, remote viewing, and connections to nonhuman intelligence. They highlighted that it served as a companion to the episode’s discussion of remote viewing programs and was available for pre‑order. The overall tone was informational rather than a strong endorsement.

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Operation Pineapple Express: The Incredible Story of a Group of Americans Who Undertook One Last Mission and Honored a Promise in Afghanistan Cover

Lt. Col. Scott Mann

Operation Pineapple Express

The Incredible Story of a Group of Americans Who Undertook One Last Mission and Honored a Promise in Afghanistan

The book was discussed on two episodes, where host Shawn Ryan highlighted its account of the grassroots effort to evacuate Afghan allies during the U.S. withdrawal and praised the author’s firsthand experience as a former Green Beret who helped orchestrate the mission. The episodes emphasized the veterans’ commitment and personal stories, such as that of Nizam, making it a compelling example of dedication. Overall, the podcast presented it as a strongly recommended account of the operation.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #36 Lt. Col. Scott Mann - Operation Pineapple Expr...

This was the book written by Scott Mann, who was a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Special Forces. Scott is a former Green Beret who was one of the individuals who orchestrated the Operation Pineapple Express, which helped many Afghan allies escape from the Taliban.

"

So just quick background on you, author of Operation Pineapple Express, New York Times bestseller.

Yeah, last out, Elegy of a Green Beret.

I want to talk all about your book and what you experienced over there.

And one of the characters in my book, his name is Nizam.

And he's a big part of the book and he's a big part of my life.

The Wisdom of Psychopaths: What Saints, Spies, and Serial Killers Can Teach Us About Success Cover

Kevin Dutton

The Wisdom of Psychopaths

What Saints, Spies, and Serial Killers Can Teach Us About Success

The book was highlighted as a great read by Nathan Apffel, who noted it was written by a doctor who devoted his career to studying psychopaths. Travis Haley also called it a phenomenal work that explores lessons from spies, serial killers, military leaders and CEOs. Both hosts emphasized its insightful take on how traits associated with psychopathy can inform success.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #233 Nathan Apffel - Inside the Dark World of Mega...

The book was highlighted as a great read written by a doctor who spent his career studying psychopaths.

"

It's a great book. It's written by a doctor who studied psychopaths for his whole career.

Episode: #172 Travis Haley - Blackwater Sniper's Controvers...

It was described as a phenomenal book about what can be learned from spies, serial killers, military leaders and CEOs.

"

Another phenomenal book is The Wisdom of Psychopaths, what we can learn from spies, serial killers, military and CEOs.

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.