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 fro...
#189 Thomas "Drago" Dzieran - Navy SEAL / The Terrorist Terrorizer
Thomas "Drago" Dzieran is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, author, and software engineer. Born in Communist Poland, he spent time as a political prisoner before immigrating to the United States in 1984. After becoming a U.S. citizen in 1991, he joined the Navy and served 20 years, including stints with SEAL Teams 2 and 4, and as a BUD/S instructor. Drago deployed to Iraq multiple times, earning numerous commendations for his valor in combat. He’s the author of The Pledge to America and a vocal advocate for freedom, using his tech skills to combat threats to free speech.
Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors:
https://roka.com - use code SRS
https://tryarmra.com/SRS
https://BetterHelp.com/SRS
https://Blackbuffalo.com
https://boncharge.com/SRS
https://MeetFabric.com/SHAWN
https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD
https://Helixsleep.com/SRS
https://hexclad.com/SRS
https://hillsdale.edu/SRS
https://PatriotMobile.com/SRS | 972-PATRIOT
https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SRS Download the app today and use code SRS
https://RocketMoney.com/SRS
Thomas "Drago" Dzieran Links:
The Pledge to America - https://www.dragodzieran.com/book
ConnectZing - https://connectzing.com
IG - https://www.instagram.com/dragodzieran
X - https://x.com/DragoDzieran
Website - https://www.dragodzieran.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
5:09:49
#188 Leigh & Robert Bortins - Why Parents Are Ditching Public Schools for Homeschooling
Leigh Bortins is the founder of Classical Conversations, a global homeschooling program rooted in classical, Christian education. With degrees in aerospace engineering and ministry, she blends analytical rigor with deep educational vision. A mother of four and grandmother of three, Leigh’s passion for home education began with homeschooling her own children. She’s authored several books—including The Core, The Question, and The Conversation—that guide parents through the classical trivium.
Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations, was homeschooled by Leigh and now leads the organization with a bold vision for educational reform. A mechanical engineering graduate and entrepreneur, Robert champions faith-based, family-led learning, helping over 125,000 students across 50 states and 30 countries thrive through critical thinking and community.
Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors:
https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD
https://AmericanFinancing.net/SRS | NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org
https://trueclassic.com/SRS
Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/SRS ! #trueclassicpod
https://ZipRecruiter.com/SRS
https://ExpressVPN.com/SRS
https://hometitlelock.com/SRS
Go to https://hometitlelock.com/srs and use promo code SRS to get a FREE title history report so you can find out if you’re already a victim AND 14 days of protection for FREE! And make sure to check out the Million Dollar TripleLock protection details when you get there! Exclusions apply. For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty
https://Hillsdale.edu/SRS
https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SRS | Download the app today and use code SRS
Classical Conversations Links:
Special Offer For SRS - https://info.classicalconversations.com/shawnryan
Classical Conversations - www.classicalconversations.com
Leigh’s Website - https://leighbortins.com
Robert’s Website - Robertbortins.com
Podcast - www.Refiningrhetoric.com
X - https://x.com/TheRobertBshow
Education Independence - https://chooseeducationindependence.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
3:09:35
#187 Doug Collins - United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Doug Collins is the 12th United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs, sworn in on February 5, 2025. A Republican with a track record of public service, Collins served as U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 9th district (2013–2021) and in the Georgia House (2007–2013). An Air Force Reserve chaplain since 2002, he deployed to Iraq in 2008 and was promoted to colonel in 2023. With a Master of Divinity and a Juris Doctor, Collins combines faith, law, and military experience in his mission to overhaul the VA by focusing on efficiency, transparency, and veteran care.
Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors:
https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD
https://AmericanFinancing.net/SRS | NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org
https://trueclassic.com/SRS
Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/SRS ! #trueclassicpod
https://ZipRecruiter.com/SRS
https://ExpressVPN.com/SRS
https://hometitlelock.com/SRS
Go to https://hometitlelock.com/srs and use promo code SRS to get a FREE title history report so you can find out if you’re already a victim AND 14 days of protection for FREE! And make sure to check out the Million Dollar TripleLock protection details when you get there! Exclusions apply. For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty
https://Hillsdale.edu/SRS
https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/SRS | Download the app today and use code SRS
Secretary Doug Collins Links:
X - https://x.com/SecVetAffairs
Call 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) – This is always the right number to reach VA and available 24/7/365.
Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Dial 988 and Press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line – confidential and standing by 24/7/365. More information: http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.
Call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) if you are a Veteran at risk of homelessness or a family member, friend, or advocate. Confidential and available 24/7/365. You may also chat online: National Call Center for Homeless Veterans - VA Homeless Programs
Submit your question to https://ask.VA.gov/ if you prefer to digitally send VA sensitive or private information.
Login to www.VA.gov or use the VA Health and Benefits Mobile App to directly message your health care provider.
Schedule 1-on-1 virtual or in-person assistance with a VA Benefits Expert: https://va.my.site.com/VAVERA/
Find a VA facility near you: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
1:54:21
#186 Brett Cooper - The Real Reason She Left The Daily Wire
Brett Cooper is a conservative commentator, actress, and digital media personality best known for her sharp wit and cultural commentary. She first gained national attention as the host of The Comments Section with The Daily Wire, where she dissected viral content and offered her take on pop culture, politics, and current events. With a background in theater and acting, Cooper brought a unique blend of performance and insight to her online presence, quickly amassing a large following among Gen Z audiences.
In 2025, Cooper launched The Brett Cooper Show, an independent platform where she continues to deliver her signature commentary with an even bolder and more personal voice. Her show covers a wide range of topics—from politics and entertainment to lifestyle and social issues—always with a focus on authenticity and intellectual independence. As she expands her media presence, Cooper remains a rising voice in the conservative movement, connecting with a new generation through her unapologetic take on the modern world.
Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors:
https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD
https://patriotmobile.com/srs | 972-PATRIOT
https://cozyearth.com/srs
https://ziprecruiter.com/srs
https://roka.com - USE CODE "SRS"
https://tryarmra.com/srs
https://identityguard.com/srs
https://boncharge.com/srs
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self.
Brett Cooper Links:
Social Links - https://linktr.ee/imbrettcooper
Website - https://brettcooper.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
3:55:54
#185 Scott "Kidd" Poteet - SpaceX Polaris Dawn Astronaut on Spacewalk, Moon Landing and Mars
Scott “Kidd” Poteet is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and highly experienced pilot who served more than two decades in the military. Over the course of his Air Force career, he flew F-16s in multiple combat deployments and held roles in leadership and training, earning a reputation for his strong work ethic and focus on mission excellence. Poteet’s dedication to both teamwork and mentorship helped guide the next generation of pilots, showcasing his commitment to service and the advancement of aerospace.
Since retiring from active duty, Poteet has remained deeply involved in pioneering space initiatives and operational leadership. He served as the Mission Director for Inspiration4—SpaceX’s first all-civilian orbital mission—and continues his journey into human spaceflight as a pilot for the Polaris Dawn mission, part of the groundbreaking Polaris Program. Through these endeavors, he exemplifies a passion for pushing the boundaries of exploration and technology, reflecting both his military heritage and forward-thinking vision for space travel.
Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors:
https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD
https://patriotmobile.com/srs | 972-PATRIOT
https://cozyearth.com/srs
https://ziprecruiter.com/srs
https://roka.com - USE CODE "SRS"
https://tryarmra.com/srs
https://identityguard.com/srs
https://boncharge.com/srs
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self.
Scott "Kidd" Poteet Links:
Website - https://www.kiddpoteet.com
X - https://x.com/KiddPoteet
IG - https://www.instagram.com/kiddpoteet
Polaris Program - https://polarisprogram.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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 with our guest. We're better than entertainment, we're the REAL thing. Please enjoy the show.