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
Hollywood Babylon Cover

Kenneth Anger

Hollywood Babylon

The host noted that Kenneth Anger authored a controversial book called Hollywood Babylon.

"

There was a book written by a guy named Kenneth Anger, kind of a nasty piece of work. But he wrote a book called Hollywood Babylon.

— Episode: #139 Nick Bryant - Disturbing Parallels...

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Episode: #139 Nick Bryant - Disturbing Parallels Between P...

The host noted that Kenneth Anger authored a controversial book called Hollywood Babylon.

"

There was a book written by a guy named Kenneth Anger, kind of a nasty piece of work. But he wrote a book called Hollywood Babylon.

The Ellipsis Manual: analysis and engineering of human behavior Cover

Chase Hughes

The Ellipsis Manual

analysis and engineering of human behavior

It was described as a bestselling book that dives deep into the engineering of human behavior and mindcontrol techniques.

"

Bestselling author of books like The Ellipsis Manual, which dives deep into the engineering of human behavior and mind control techniques.

— Episode: #253 Chase Hughes - Real MKUltra Documen...

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Episode: #253 Chase Hughes - Real MKUltra Documents, Alien...

It was described as a bestselling book that dives deep into the engineering of human behavior and mindcontrol techniques.

"

Bestselling author of books like The Ellipsis Manual, which dives deep into the engineering of human behavior and mind control techniques.

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, A Toltec Wisdom Book [Deluxe Edition] 1st (first) edition Cover

don Miguel Ruiz

The Four Agreements

A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, A Toltec Wisdom Book [Deluxe Edition] 1st (first) edition

He discussed "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz, noting that he had read the book and that it influences his outlook.

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Have you read The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz?

— Episode: #157 Peter Berg - Exposing Big Pharma, L...

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

He discussed "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz, noting that he had read the book and that it influences his outlook.

"

Have you read The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz?

Weapons Of Mass Creation Funny Art Supply T-Shirt Cover

Weapons Of Mass Creation Funny Art Supply T-Shirt

Mike Benz, the speaker, mentioned "Weapons of Mass Deletion" as the title of a book that he wrote, though it is currently unpublished.

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You're the author of the unpublished monstrosity Weapons of Mass Deletion.

— Episode: #132 Mike Benz - Inside the Censorship I...

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Episode: #132 Mike Benz - Inside the Censorship Industrial...

Mike Benz, the speaker, mentioned "Weapons of Mass Deletion" as the title of a book that he wrote, though it is currently unpublished.

"

You're the author of the unpublished monstrosity Weapons of Mass Deletion.

Gifted Hands 20th Anniversary Edition: The Ben Carson Story Cover

Ben Carson M.D.

Gifted Hands 20th Anniversary Edition

The Ben Carson Story

It was cited as one of Carson's memoirs that was later adapted into a television movie.

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including Gifted Hands, the Ben Carson story, which was later turned into a television movie.

— Episode: #183 Dr. Ben Carson - Neuralink, God’s H...

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Episode: #183 Dr. Ben Carson - Neuralink, God’s Hand in Neu...

It was cited as one of Carson's memoirs that was later adapted into a television movie.

"

including Gifted Hands, the Ben Carson story, which was later turned into a television movie.

Unrestricted Warfare: China's Master Plan to Destroy America Cover

Qiao Liang

Unrestricted Warfare

China's Master Plan to Destroy America

The hosts noted that two PLA colonels had authored the book *Unrestricted Warfare*, and argued that its ideas prompted China to consider unconventional, unpredictable strategies against a hegemon.

"

There was a couple of Chinese colonels, PLA colonels, that wrote a book called Unrestricted Warfare. Mm-hmm.

— Episode: #209 Erik Prince & Erik Bethel - The Chi...

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Episode: #209 Erik Prince & Erik Bethel - The China / Taiwa...

The hosts noted that two PLA colonels had authored the book *Unrestricted Warfare*, and argued that its ideas prompted China to consider unconventional, unpredictable strategies against a hegemon.

"

There was a couple of Chinese colonels, PLA colonels, that wrote a book called Unrestricted Warfare. Mm-hmm.

I think it made China take a step back and say, if we're going to take on this hegemon, we have to do it in an unconventional, unpredictable way.

And my worry is that Pentagon leadership likes to fight in their box of the rulesbased order. All the people in Washington, D.C. also always talk about the rulesbased order. Well, you know what? The first rule in a street fight is there are no rules.

Sphere Cover

Michael Crichton

Sphere

Jay mentioned reading the novel Sphere by Michael Crichton alongside JurassicPark during his childhood reading sprees.

"

I read Michael Crichton books. So Jurassic Park, um, Sphere, uh, what else was there? You know, all, all those types of books from a very, very early age.

— Episode: #214 Jay Cal - SAS Operator Charged with...

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Episode: #214 Jay Cal - SAS Operator Charged with Murder

Jay mentioned reading the novel Sphere by Michael Crichton alongside JurassicPark during his childhood reading sprees.

"

I read Michael Crichton books. So Jurassic Park, um, Sphere, uh, what else was there? You know, all, all those types of books from a very, very early age.

Nobody Is Coming to Save You: A Green Beret's Guide to Getting Big Sh*t Done Cover

Scott Mann

Nobody Is Coming to Save You

A Green Beret's Guide to Getting Big Sh*t Done

Author Scott Mann joined the podcast to promote his guide, Nobody Is Coming to Save You, which draws heavily on his Special Forces background and experiences with Operation Pineapple Express. Mann explained that the book emphasizes personal responsibility and taking immediate action, providing practical guidance for leaders facing adversity. The discussion positioned the text as an inspiring roadmap for readers looking to become more proactive and "get big sh*t done."

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #135 Scott Mann - The Real Cost of America's Failu...

It emphasizes personal responsibility and the importance of taking action in the face of adversity, drawing from the author's military experiences and lessons learned through his work with Pineapple Express. The book offers practical guidance for leaders and inspires readers to become proactive.

"

I got this message from a lady on LinkedIn her son Tyler had to do a book report on someone who had inspired him recently and he had to like write about it and then do a sketch of this individual so she sends this to me on LinkedIn and Tyler drew this at 15 years old and he's a huge fan of your show he follows you he listens to every episode but he he drew this picture of Nizam

this is a quote from the previously thought-dead Hamza bin Laden very recently what America and its allies fear the most is that we take the battlefield from Kabul Baghdad and Gaza to Washington London Paris and Tel Aviv and to take it to all the American Jewish and wet wrist Western interests in the world

Game Changers: Going Local to Defeat Violent Extremists Cover

Scott Mann

Game Changers

Going Local to Defeat Violent Extremists

During the episode, the guest highlighted that the title is an international best‑selling work by the author, noting its relevance to the discussion on America’s challenges. No further analysis or endorsement was provided.

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Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging Cover

Sebastian Junger

Tribe

On Homecoming and Belonging

Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging was cited during the discussion with Scott Mann regarding the intense challenges faced by combat veterans returning to civilian life. The conversation highlighted Sebastian Junger's central theme: that veterans, despite being willing to die for their country, often struggle to find purpose and belonging in a divided society. The book was used to frame the critical difficulty of transitioning from the cohesion found in conflict to the isolation of modern life.

Highly Recommended
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Neutering the CIA: Why US Intelligence Versus Trump Has Long-Term Consequences Cover

John A. Gentry

Neutering the CIA

Why US Intelligence Versus Trump Has Long-Term Consequences

On Episode #134, host Shawn Ryan enthusiastically welcomed author John A. Gentry to discuss his book, Neutering the CIA. The conversation centered on the work’s exploration of the CIA’s evolution, future challenges, and the polarization of intelligence organizations. Gentry’s analysis specifically addressed the long-term consequences of the conflict between U.S. Intelligence and the Trump administration, framing it as part of the broader information war facing the country.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #134 John Gentry - Unpacking the Information War A...

It explores the agency's evolution and future challenges; the podcast host was excited to discuss it.

"

Your new book, Neutering the CIA, the Polarization of the Intelligence Organizations.

author of Neutering the CIA, Why the U.S. Intelligence Versus Trump, His Long-Term Consequences,

Strategic Warning Intelligence: History, Challenges, and Prospects Cover

John A. Gentry

Strategic Warning Intelligence

History, Challenges, and Prospects

Co-author John A. Gentry discussed his work, Strategic Warning Intelligence: History, Challenges, and Prospects, during his interview on the show. The conversation centered on the book's core themes, particularly unpacking the complex challenges of the information war currently waged against the U.S. The book served as the foundational text for the deep-dive discussion into critical intelligence topics.

Highly Recommended
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The Bear Went Over The Mountain (Illustrated in Color): Soviet Combat Tactics In Afghanistan Cover

Lester W Grau

The Bear Went Over The Mountain (Illustrated in Color)

Soviet Combat Tactics In Afghanistan

Guest John "Shrek" McPhee highly recommended this analysis of Soviet combat tactics in Afghanistan, calling it essential reading for military enthusiasts. He noted that the book provided stark parallels between the Russian and American experiences in the region. McPhee specifically pointed out that the Soviets' failure was critically linked to their lack of hygiene, leading to defeat by diseases like dysentery rather than solely by combat losses.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #133 John "Shrek" McPhee - The Sheriff of Baghdad

The podcast guest mentioned reading this Russian book about the Soviet-Afghan War, drawing parallels between Russian and American experiences in Afghanistan; the guest highlighted that the Russians' lack of hygiene, leading to diseases like dysentery, was a significant factor in their defeat, rather than solely combat.

"

The Bear Over the Mountain is the f***ing Russian book or whatever.

Read that s***, and you'll see, like, we did the same as them.

The only thing that we succeeded over the Russians in Afghanistan was cleanliness, because that's what killed the Russians.

Everything I Need to Know I Learned from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Cover

NBC Universal

Everything I Need to Know I Learned from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Avi Loeb's book, published in 2021, became an international bestseller and explored the possibility of extraterrestrial life. It was translated into 26 languages and received the Cosmos Award.

"

Your book, Extra-Terrestrial became an international bestseller and was translated to 26 languages in October of 2023.

— Episode: #137 Avi Loeb - Detecting Remnants of Al...

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Episode: #137 Avi Loeb - Detecting Remnants of Alien Techno...

Avi Loeb's book, published in 2021, became an international bestseller and explored the possibility of extraterrestrial life. It was translated into 26 languages and received the Cosmos Award.

"

Your book, Extra-Terrestrial became an international bestseller and was translated to 26 languages in October of 2023.

You received the Cosmos Award for it.

The Science of Interstellar Cover

Kip Thorne

The Science of Interstellar

Published in 2023, this book by Avi Loeb delves into the search for extraterrestrial life and discusses humanity's future among the stars.

"

and Interstellar, the search of extraterrestrial life and our future in the stars in 2023.

— Episode: #137 Avi Loeb - Detecting Remnants of Al...

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Episode: #137 Avi Loeb - Detecting Remnants of Alien Techno...

Published in 2023, this book by Avi Loeb delves into the search for extraterrestrial life and discusses humanity's future among the stars.

"

and Interstellar, the search of extraterrestrial life and our future in the stars in 2023.

The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict: Evidence I & II Fully Updated in One Volume To Answer The Questions Challenging Christians in the 21st Century. Cover

Josh McDowell

The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict

Evidence I & II Fully Updated in One Volume To Answer The Questions Challenging Christians in the 21st Century.

During the episode, the guest recounted being handed a thick volume that he devoured, noting that it answered his apologetics questions and played a pivotal role in his conversion to Christianity. He highlighted the book as a comprehensive resource that effectively addressed the challenges facing modern believers.

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

He said he was handed the thick book and devoured it, which helped answer his apologetics questions and contributed to his conversion to Christianity.

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They hand me a book and it was The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict, a book this thick by Josh McDowell, and I just devoured this entire book.

The Darkness Has Not Overcome: Lessons on Faith and Politics from Inside the Halls of Power Cover

Cliff Sims

The Darkness Has Not Overcome

Lessons on Faith and Politics from Inside the Halls of Power

In episode 136, guest Cliff Sims discussed his new title, highlighting how it weaves his White House experiences with biblical lessons on anxiety, power and purpose. He explained that the work was meant to address a perceived darkness in the world while offering a hopeful conclusion about who ultimately triumphs. The conversation presented the book as an inspiring guide to faith and resilience for listeners.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #136 Cliff Sims - White House Myths, Doomsday Bunk...

This newer book explored themes of faith, resilience, and hope, drawing lessons from his time in politics and government service. He structured the book by linking personal experiences from his career to specific biblical lessons about anxiety, power, and purpose.

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So the day that I walk out these doors that i'm It's never gonna be nothing I do will ever be this cool this important this great again.

And I named the book that because I do think that we're at a time where it feels very dark out there and there's a lot of really bad things going on but the end of that book is clear about who wins.

Read Your Mind: Proven Habits for Success from the World's Greatest Mentalist Cover

Oz Pearlman

Read Your Mind

Proven Habits for Success from the World's Greatest Mentalist

The host was identified as the NewYorkTimes bestselling author of this 2025 book, which presents habits for success from the world's greatest mentalist.

"

New York Times bestselling author of the book, Read Your Mind, Proven Habits for Success from the World's Greatest Mentalist.

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

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

The host was identified as the NewYorkTimes bestselling author of this 2025 book, which presents habits for success from the world's greatest mentalist.

"

New York Times bestselling author of the book, Read Your Mind, Proven Habits for Success from the World's Greatest Mentalist.

The Right Stuff: Illustrated Cover

Tom Wolfe

The Right Stuff

Illustrated

The book was mentioned when the host asked if the guest had read it, and the guest said he had not read it.

"

Have you ever read the book The Right Stuff? No.

— Episode: #207 Augustus Doricko - CEO of Rainmaker...

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Episode: #207 Augustus Doricko - CEO of Rainmaker: Manipula...

The book was mentioned when the host asked if the guest had read it, and the guest said he had not read it.

"

Have you ever read the book The Right Stuff? No.

It's by Tom Wolfe. It's about the initial test pilots that became the first astronauts on the Gemini and Apollo missions.

Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World Cover

General Stanley McChrystal

Team of Teams

New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World

In the episode, the CEO of Shopify highlighted the book as a primary inspiration for creating an internal, asynchronous distributed information system at Shopify. He described it as an excellent read and credited its concepts with shaping the company's approach to complex coordination.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: #261 Tobi Lütke - CEO of Shopify: How Shopify Beca...

This book was mentioned as a primary inspiration for developing an internal, asynchronous distributed information system at Shopify.

"

That was largely inspired by, um, military actually, um, a book called, uh, Team of Teams by, uh, General McChrystal. Um, excellent, excellent read anyway.

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