Advertise on podcast: Need To Know

In this episode of Need to Know, Bryce Zabel and Richard Dolan break down the sixth government UAP file release, including the newly released videos, historical documents, and 37 AAWSAP research papers exploring subjects like warp drives, traversable wormholes, advanced propulsion, and other frontier technologies. They also revisit Edward Ruppelt, Project Blue Book, and the remarkable continuity between what officials were saying about unexplained objects in 1952 and what government agencies are still saying today. The conversation then turns to one of the biggest questions surrounding the phenomenon: Can UFOs be both physical technology and something connected to consciousness? Bryce shares the story behind the mysterious diagram given to him and Brent Friedman by a man claiming to be with the Office of Naval Intelligence at the 1996 Dark Skies premiere party. The drawing, later connected to concepts involving chakras, sound, light, frequency, and consciousness, raises deeper questions about why intelligence officials may have been interested in introducing these ideas into popular culture. Bryce and Richard also explore remote viewing, the government's historic research into consciousness, Hal Puthoff and Russell Targ's work at SRI, and whether the UFO phenomenon itself may be forcing humanity to reconsider the relationship between mind, matter, and reality. The episode closes with new discussion surrounding former Secretary of Energy John Herrington, Brent Friedman's extraordinary 1981 story, and why these decades-old connections may still matter to the modern disclosure conversation. TAPO Link:  https://us.store.tapo.com/products/tapo-c645d-kit

How should we talk to children about UFOs, unexplained phenomena, and other sensitive subjects? In this episode of Need To Know, Bryce Zabel and special guest Ben Hansen explore how parents, teachers, and trusted adults can approach these conversations with honesty, care, and age-appropriate language—without creating unnecessary fear or dismissing a child's natural curiosity. They discuss the importance of separating confirmed facts from speculation, encouraging thoughtful questions, and helping young people feel safe when confronting uncertainty. Whether the subject involves UFOs, government secrecy, frightening news, or the possibility of life beyond Earth, the goal is not to provide every answer—it is to build trust, promote critical thinking, and remind children that it is okay not to know.

In this episode of Need to Know, Bryce Zabel and Richard Dolan examine the recent Ross Coulthart–UAP Gerb interview and the accusations directed at Lue Elizondo, asking who is shaping the narrative—and what evidence supports the competing claims. Bryce also recounts his appearance on Dr. Phil and considers whether Donald Trump may be positioning the television personality as a trusted public voice for Disclosure. Finally, Richard expands on his concept of a "breakaway civilization": a hidden, highly compartmentalized world with access to advanced knowledge and technology, operating beyond the awareness and perhaps the control of conventional government.

In this episode of Need to Know, Bryce Zabel and Richard Dolan revisit one of the most debated claims in modern ufology: Ross Coulthart's statement that the famous Nimitz "Tic Tac" UFO was Lockheed Martin technology. They carefully examine what was actually said, why the claim generated so much discussion, and whether the available evidence supports such a conclusion. Along the way, they explore the long history of Lockheed's connection to classified aerospace programs, the challenges of relying on anonymous intelligence sources, and the importance of separating speculation from verifiable evidence. The conversation expands into the broader question of whether some UFO encounters could be explained by advanced human technology or whether the evidence continues to point toward a genuine non-human intelligence. Bryce and Richard discuss the implications of black-budget programs, reverse engineering, the role of private aerospace contractors, and why landmark cases like the 2004 Nimitz encounter remain some of the strongest evidence in the UAP debate. They also reflect on the current state of disclosure, recent developments in Washington, and why the search for answers is far from over. The episode also features a lighthearted opening on the "GOAT" of ufology, where Bryce and Richard debate who deserves a place on the Mount Rushmore of UFO research, highlighting figures such as Jacques Vallée, J. Allen Hynek, Stanton Friedman, and George Knapp. Blending humor with thoughtful analysis, the discussion ultimately returns to the biggest question facing the field today: if disclosure is a process rather than a single event, how do we responsibly separate compelling evidence from extraordinary claims?

In this episode, Bryce Zabel offers his perspective on Disclosure Day not simply as a movie, but as a cultural milestone in the UFO conversation. He examines how Steven Spielberg approaches the subject, what the film gets right, where it takes creative liberties, and whether it succeeds as a meaningful disclosure story for a mainstream audience. More importantly, Bryce explores the larger question: if humanity were faced with undeniable evidence of a non-human presence, would our reaction resemble Spielberg's vision, or would the reality be far more complicated?

In this special Need to Know episode, producer Tyler Stevens returns from Contact in the Desert 2026 with a firsthand look at the biggest UFO conference in the world. Tyler and Bryce Zabel explore the atmosphere of the event, the excitement surrounding the recent UFO file releases, the reaction to Disclosure Day, and the conversations happening among researchers, experiencers, content creators, and attendees from across the globe. The discussion also highlights major panels featuring Jacques Vallée, Eric Davis, Tim Gallaudet, Jeremy Corbell, George Knapp, and many of the leading voices currently shaping the UFO conversation. The episode also dives into some of the stranger and more fascinating aspects of the conference. Tyler shares his experience attending a Chris Bledsoe Skywatch, discusses the growing connection between UFOs and consciousness research, and breaks down a remarkable demonstration involving a blind participant attempting to perceive information without sight. From remote viewing and psi phenomena to disclosure, science, and the future of UFO research, this episode offers a unique boots-on-the-ground perspective from one of the most talked-about events in the field.

In this episode of Need to Know, Bryce Zabel and Richard Dolan tackle one of the most important questions in the UFO conversation: what do we actually mean when we say "disclosure"? With Steven Spielberg's upcoming film Disclosure Day reigniting public interest in the topic, Bryce and Rich explore the difference between government transparency, whistleblower revelations, leaked documents, and the true "big D" Disclosure: the official acknowledgment that humanity is interacting with a non-human intelligence. They revisit the ideas behind their book A.D. After Disclosure and examine how the world has changed since it was first written, from congressional hearings and Pentagon videos to AI, social media, and the modern information landscape. The discussion dives deep into the concept of a breakaway civilization, the role of private aerospace and intelligence contractors, the limits of government authority, and whether disclosure would unite humanity or further divide an already fractured society. Bryce and Rich debate the significance of recent UFO file releases, the influence of figures like Steven Spielberg on the public narrative, and whether an official disclosure event is even possible in today's world. Along the way, they ask the big questions: Who really controls the UFO story? What happens when the truth becomes undeniable? And will either of them live to see a moment that fundamentally changes humanity's understanding of its place in the universe?

Neil deGrasse Tyson seems to be pivoting on UFOs. After years of mocking the subject, he's now saying that military witnesses, whistleblowers, and congressional testimony have elevated the conversation. But as Bryce Zabel points out, Tyson still can't resist stereotyping earlier witnesses as hayseeds and drunks — even though credible observers have been part of this story from the very beginning. In this sharp commentary, Bryce takes Tyson to task for treating ridicule like a scientific method. He explains why the issue was never just about "the back 40," why earlier witnesses deserve more respect, and why Tyson's current turn feels less like a revelation than a rebrand. Bryce also reflects on his past public challenge to Tyson, and on his very different parking lot debate years ago with Carl Sagan. This is not a call for belief. It's a call for honesty, humility, and a little overdue accountability.

The Trump administration's first major UFO/UAP document release has triggered a worldwide media firestorm — with newly declassified files, Apollo-era astronaut reports, military encounters, intelligence documents, and unexplained aerial incidents dominating headlines across cable news, newspapers, podcasts, and social media. The release, presented as the beginning of an ongoing "slow drip" disclosure process, includes references to astronaut sightings during the Apollo missions, unresolved military cases, and decades of government investigation into anomalous phenomena. For many observers, the question is no longer whether something unexplained is happening — but how much the government actually knows, and how long it has known it. In this special stand-alone episode, Bryce Zabel responds personally and passionately to the release through the lens of a lifetime spent chasing the mystery — from co-creating NBC's Dark Skies and being approached by men claiming to be from the Office of Naval Intelligence, to writing A.D. After Disclosure with Richard Dolan and working alongside Ross Coulthart during the modern disclosure era. Bryce connects the newly released Apollo material to conversations he had nearly thirty years ago about the Moon and secrecy, reflects on why gradual disclosure may once have made sense, and ultimately asks the question he believes millions of people are now asking: if the government truly possesses definitive evidence — the photos, the videos, the craft — then why are we still being shown blurry dots in the sky? His conclusion is simple, as you'll see when you hear it.

In this special Need to Know episode, Bryce Zabel, Richard Dolan, and producer Tyler Stevens react in real time to the Trump administration's first major UFO/UAP file release. The discussion covers the massive batch of documents, military ISR videos, NASA transcripts, Cold War intelligence reports, and historical FBI material that suddenly pushed the UFO topic back into mainstream headlines. While much of the material had already circulated through FOIA requests and archives like The Black Vault, the hosts argue that the significance lies in the government officially centralizing and publicly presenting the information in one place. They debate whether the release represents genuine progress toward disclosure or simply another controlled "slow drip" operation designed to manage public perception rather than resolve the mystery. The episode also explores the growing tension between public expectations and institutional transparency. Dolan emphasizes that true disclosure would require undeniable evidence such as recovered craft or clear multisensor footage, while Tyler Stevens highlights frustration within the UFO community over selective releases, media coordination, and the continued gatekeeping of potentially stronger evidence. The conversation dives into UFO history, Apollo astronaut encounters, unexplained military footage, Spielberg's upcoming film Disclosure Day, and the cultural shift happening around the topic. Together, the hosts frame the current moment as part of a larger battle between secrecy and public demand, arguing that while the file release may not be "disclosure," it does show the UFO subject entering a new phase of visibility, political pressure, and mainstream relevance.  Need To Know producer - Tyler aka ASTRAL https://x.com/The_Astral_ https://www.youtube.com/@UCU2eS5pTsp_PP8Bn7F2QHyA

In this episode of Need to Know, Bryce Zabel and Richard Dolan talk about Project Hail Mary, the disappearance of General McCasland, Brent Friedman's story about former Secretary of Energy John Herrington, Roswell in the movies, and even a fond memory of Stanton Friedman. The deep dive explore hows current global instability, particularly rising geopolitical tensions and conflict, impacts the likelihood of UFO disclosure. Dolan takes a more skeptical stance, arguing that during periods of crisis, governments are far less likely to introduce destabilizing revelations unrelated to immediate priorities. He emphasizes that disclosure requires not just evidence, but public attention, institutional coordination, and a stable environment capable of processing the information, all of which he sees as lacking right now. The conversation also reflects on the long arc of UFO research, touching on historical figures, investigations like Roswell, and the persistent frustration of chasing a truth that often feels just out of reach. Despite skepticism, both acknowledge that progress has been made, even if it's uneven and slow. The episode blends present-day analysis with historical context, reinforcing the idea that the UFO topic is not a single breakthrough moment, but an ongoing, complex process shaped by politics, secrecy, and human perception.

Bryce Zabel and Brent Friedman dive deeper into two core stories that have sparked major interest: the mysterious "party crasher" at the Dark Skies premiere and Brent Friedman's earlier encounter with Reagan-era official John Herrington. The hosts revisit the night an alleged intelligence insider approached them, suggesting their show could be used as part of a controlled disclosure effort. That moment takes on new weight as Brent connects it to a formative experience from his youth, where Herrington privately told him that aliens were real, that he had seen them, and that the knowledge was so overwhelming it brought him to tears for months.  Throughout the episode, they explore the tension between disclosure and disinformation, questioning whether figures like Herrington or the mysterious JC were sharing truth or participating in a larger manipulation. They also reflect on the psychological impact of such revelations, the possibility of hidden knowledge far beyond UFOs, and the blurred line between Hollywood storytelling and real-world secrecy. The episode sets up future reveals, including the long-teased "formula," while reinforcing a central theme: the truth may be out there, but understanding who to trust is the real challenge

In this Need to Know episode, Bryce Zabel and Richard Dolan take a deep, methodical look at the reality of UFO crash retrievals, treating the subject not as speculation but as a serious historical and structural question. Dolan draws on decades of research, particularly the work of Leonard Stringfield and other major investigators, to explain why crashes are not incompatible with advanced non-human technology. They explore early cases such as Roswell, Magenta (1933 Italy), Trinity (1945), Aztec (1948), and later incidents, arguing that a pattern of recoveries has existed far longer than most people realize. The discussion reframes the common objection that advanced craft "shouldn't crash," emphasizing traffic volume, imperfect systems, and the possibility of smaller deployed vehicles rather than interstellar motherships    The conversation then shifts to how such a secret could persist for decades, with Dolan outlining a legal and institutional framework rooted in post–World War II atomic secrecy laws. He explains how crash materials could be automatically classified, funneled into compartmentalized systems, and increasingly migrated to private contractors like Battelle, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop, limiting congressional oversight and public access. They also examine the controversial Majestic-12 recovery manual, debating whether it represents authentic documentation or sophisticated disinformation. The episode closes with reflections on the global nature of retrievals, the power struggles now emerging in Congress, and the emotional impact of the news surrounding Nick Pope's health, underscoring both the human and historical weight of the subject and why crash retrievals remain one of the most consequential unresolved issues in the UFO field

In this Need to Know year-end special, Bryce Zabel and Richard Dolan look back at 2025 as a year defined less by breakthroughs and more by normalization, confusion, and institutional digestion of the UAP issue. They revisit major moments including congressional hearings, the drone wave that flared and faded without resolution, the rise and limits of documentaries like Age of Disclosure, and high-profile figures such as Marco Rubio and Lue Elizondo. A recurring theme is the paradox of progress without clarity: more official attention, more testimony, more media coverage, yet no decisive evidence or conceptual resolution, leaving the public both validated and frustrated    Looking ahead to 2026, both hosts express skepticism that traditional disclosure is imminent. Dolan argues the phenomenon is being absorbed into bureaucracy as a permanent governance issue rather than treated as a mystery to be solved, while Zabel points to culture as the real accelerator, especially with Steven Spielberg's upcoming film Disclosure Day potentially shaping public perception more than government action. Together, they suggest the future of the UFO question may hinge not on official revelation, but on cultural shifts, independent research, and the possibility of an undeniable event that forces the issue into the open.

In this special Need to Know episode, Bryce Zabel is joined by longtime collaborator Brent Friedman for a deep dive into the newly released trailer for Disclosure Day, Steven Spielberg's upcoming UFO themed film set for release in 2026. The conversation frames the trailer as a cultural moment, noting its massive early viewership and the broader rise in public interest following recent projects like Age of Disclosure. Zabel and Friedman position the trailer as more than marketing, treating it as a dense piece of visual storytelling packed with symbolism, spiritual themes, and long standing UFO lore.   The bulk of the episode is a shot by shot analysis of the trailer, exploring imagery such as animals appearing as messengers, religious symbolism, possession themes, shapeshifting, crop circles, elite control centers, and a worldwide disclosure event that bypasses governments entirely. The hosts speculate that the film suggests disclosure may come directly from non human intelligence rather than political institutions, reflecting growing public distrust in official narratives. They discuss how Spielberg appears to blend fear, wonder, and spirituality, presenting disclosure not as an invasion story but as an ontological reckoning that forces humanity to confront meaning, belief, and truth.   The episode also features a major announcement: Zabel and Friedman are launching a new 36 episode podcast titled Sound, Light, and Frequency, produced with iHeart Podcasts. The series will explore UFO history, Hollywood's role in shaping the phenomenon, and their own extraordinary experiences surrounding the creation of Dark Skies, including an alleged government approach related to soft disclosure. The show is positioned as a long form, reflective exploration of secrecy, storytelling, and consciousness. The episode closes with framing Disclosure Day as a cinematic rehearsal for real world disclosure and a hopeful signal that humanity may be ready for a deeper understanding of its place in the universe.