In this special Need to Know SCIF debut episode, award-winning journalist and series co-creator Bryce Zabel hosts a powerful roundtable with three leading voices in the UAP community: Jason Guillemette (UAP Studies Podcast), Ryan Robbins (Post Disclosure World), and Need to Know producer Tyler Stevens. Together, they unpack the explosive claims made by Ross Coulthart in the most recent episode of Need to Know — particularly the suggestion that the now-infamous Tic Tac UFO witnessed by Navy pilot...
Jul 14, 2025•1 hr 22 min
In this powerful episode of Need to Know , Ross Coulthart and Bryce Zabel regroup following their in-person appearance at Contact in the Desert , where they spoke to a packed audience and connected with key voices in the UFO/UAP field. The conversation kicks off with a major revelation from Ross about the 2004 Tic Tac incident—one of the most pivotal cases in modern UFO history. Ross lays out new details suggesting that the full extent of the encounter has not been disclosed to the public. Drawi...
Jul 07, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 65
In this episode, Bryce Zabel and Chrissy Newton take a deep dive into Imminent , the highly anticipated memoir by Lue Elizondo. From his unusual upbringing and military background to his insider perspective on AATIP and UAP disclosure, the book covers a wide range of bold and fascinating topics. The hosts discuss Elizondo’s revelations about crash retrievals, biologics, Roswell, and the secretive Interloper program, while also exploring his focus on consciousness, national security, and the chal...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In this special live edition of Need to Know, recorded at Contact in the Desert, Ross Coulthart and Bryce Zabel sit down in front of a packed audience to reflect on their personal origin stories with the UFO/UAP mystery. From Ross’s early investigative journalism to Bryce’s work in Hollywood and exposure to firsthand testimony, both share the compelling “aha” moments that pulled them deeper into the phenomenon. The conversation dives into some of the most significant cases that continue to shape...
Jun 08, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 64
Welcome to the first episode of Project Book Club, where hosts Bryce Zabel and Chrissy Newton launch a fresh kind of conversation around the books that shape the UFO and consciousness landscape. This isn’t your typical late-night podcast. It’s a morning-show-style book club made for readers who want to explore the unknown with a hot drink in hand and curiosity on full blast. In this episode, Bryce and Chrissy dive into The Believer by Ralph Blumenthal, the biography of Harvard psychiatrist Dr. J...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 12 min
In this revealing episode, Ross Coulthart and Bryce Zabel tackle a wave of breaking developments in the UFO/UAP landscape. They begin with the extraordinary final testimony of Dr. Harold Malmgren , a former U.S. official who, shortly before his death, disclosed direct knowledge of downed non-human craft, recovered biologics, and the controversial existence of Majestic 12 . The hosts analyze his statement’s implications, exploring how nuclear technology may have been used to down UFOs and the pos...
May 10, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 63
In this wide-ranging episode of Need to Know, Ross Coulthart and Bryce Zabel explore some of the most urgent and complex developments in the UAP world, politics, and history. They begin with a take on the recent Signal security scandal in the U.S. government, comparing it to their own use of encrypted messaging. This segues into a deep dive on the continuing UAP drone saga over U.S. airspace. Ross goes so far as to say these objects are likely anomalous and potentially connected to non-human int...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 62
In this episode of Need to Know , Ross Coulthart and Bryce Zabel discuss the latest developments in the UAP conversation, particularly the lack of action from the new U.S. administration despite previous campaign promises. They highlight the role of key figures like John Ratcliffe, the new CIA director, and Marco Rubio, the new Secretary of State, both of whom have previously acknowledged the reality of unexplained aerial phenomena. The conversation also delves into Elon Musk’s recent claims tha...
Mar 10, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 61
In this episode of Need to Know: Extra , Bryce Zabel dives deep into the enduring mystery of Roswell, emphasizing its significance in the broader UAP discussion. He explores recent congressional interest in crash wreckage, particularly Rep. Ana Paulina Luna's investigative efforts and Ross Coulthart's reporting on Jake Barber’s claims regarding helicopter retrieval of crash materials. The discussion revisits the historical context of Roswell, highlighting how it became marginalized despite conti...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 9 min
Bryce Zabel and Ross Coulthart return to discuss major UAP developments, whistleblower revelations, and shifting government narratives. Bryce shares his recent wildfire evacuation experience, drawing parallels to the unpredictable nature of disclosure. Ross delves into whistleblower Jake Barber’s claims and the risks involved in exposing classified UAP recovery programs, as well as Congress’s growing involvement in the issue. The conversation also touches on political figures like Tulsi Gabbard ...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 60
This episode of Need to Know delves into recent global UFO sightings, including mysterious drone activity over sensitive military installations, and the lack of governmental clarity in addressing these phenomena. Ross Coulthart shares updates on anomalous aerial phenomena worldwide and recounts his recent trip to Egypt, where he explored ancient sites and discussed their potential connections to historical mysteries. Bryce Zabel reflects on his attendance at the Sol Foundation Symposium, emphasi...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 59
This episode of Need to Know dives deep into a series of captivating topics, including upcoming congressional hearings on UAPs and the cast of witnesses set to testify, such as Lou Elizondo, Rear Admiral Timothy Gallaudet, and former NASA official Michael Gold. Ross shares his perspective on the potential impact of these hearings and the possible revelations from key figures, touching on themes of government transparency, national security, and the shadowy history surrounding UAP secrecy. Bryce ...
Nov 10, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 58
In this episode of Need to Know , Richard Dolan joins the conversation to explore the fascinating subject of Unidentified Submerged Objects (USOs) and their historical significance. The discussion covers various aspects of USOs, including the vast number of sightings and incidents reported over centuries, their relation to UAPs, and how these submerged objects demonstrate extraordinary capabilities, such as entering and leaving the water without causing a splash. Dolan shares some of the most co...
Oct 17, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 57
In this episode of Need to Know, Lue Elizondo joins Ross Coulthart and Bryce Zabel to discuss major developments in the UAP space, particularly following the release of his new book, Imminent. Elizondo sheds light on the ongoing disclosure process, touching on the frustrations with government secrecy, the slow pace of mainstream media coverage, and the obstacles whistleblowers like himself and David Grush face. The conversation dives into the mysteries surrounding the Roswell incident, crash ret...
Sep 13, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 56
In this episode, the discussion centers on the escalating developments in the UAP field, highlighted by Lue Elizondo's upcoming book, Imminent . The hosts delve into Elizondo's experiences and revelations, emphasizing his role as a pivotal figure in the ongoing disclosure movement. They touch on the implications of his work and the potential impact of his new book, which promises to shed light on previously undisclosed information. The episode also covers broader topics such as the influence of ...
Aug 17, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 55
In this episode of "Need to Know," Bryce Zabel and Ross Coulthart delve into the history of UFO phenomena, marking significant anniversaries from 1944 to the present day. The hosts discuss notable sightings and events, emphasizing that UFO encounters are not recent phenomena but part of a long-standing historical pattern. They touch on key incidents like the 1944 Foo Fighters, the 1974 John Lennon sighting, and the 1994 Ariel School encounter, highlighting both the historical depth and global na...
Jul 12, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 54
In this episode, Ross Coulthart reports from an undisclosed location in the U.S., sharing insights from the SCU conference in Huntsville, which concentrated on scientific approaches to UAPs. He reflects on a recent interview with Colonel Karl Nell, discussing Nell’s remarks about long-standing interactions between non-human intelligence (NHI) and humanity. Meanwhile, Bryce Zabel in Los Angeles connects the 80th anniversary of D-Day to contemporary secrecy around UAPs, emphasizing the impact of s...
Jun 08, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 53
In this episode, hosts Bryce Zabel and Ross Coulthart delve into the complexities of UAP investigations, spotlighting the AARO's dubious reporting and the Pentagon's evasion in acknowledging UAP incidents. They explore the recent Eglin Air Force Base encounter and the broader implications of drone sightings that challenge national security. The hosts critique the media's failure to engage deeply with these issues, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and investigative rigor in covering ...
May 11, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 52
It's an issue that's touched many in the UAP community, and worthy of a long discussion: fatigue from covering UAP, interacting with the community, fending off the flamers and trying to stay grounded. Bryce shares the tale of his ten-year hiatus while Ross commends Curt Jaimungal's recent decision to 'step away' for a while. But there's also hope, says Ross, citing three members of Congress and their attempts to interview an Air Force pilot over his 2023 sighting - and the video he captured. Lea...
Apr 15, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 51
Ross and Bryce take turns teeing off on the Defense Department's report that was supposed to chronicle the US government's history of dealing with the UFO/UAP issue. Among their conclusions about the reports "conclusions:" It's more Pentagon obfuscation to deter public attention; a kneejerk polemic against former AARO head Sean Kirkpatrick's critics; not a hint of historical review; and from a couple of lawmakers who talked to Ross: Congress is NOT letting this issue go. Learn more about your ad...
Mar 13, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 50
"Voldemort," in this podcast, is Bryce's new name for Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, the now-former head of AARO, the Defense Department's "All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office." Bryce and Ross rip Kirkpatrick's exit statements, including his assertion that a soon to be released Pentagon report will say it's found no evidence of aliens, only allegations circulated repeatedly by UFO claim advocates. The other big event in the episode: "Need to Know," the song! Bryce explains the history of the song he co-...
Feb 08, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Bryce and Ross begin 2024 with a quick look back at the big events of last year: David Grusch's revelations and the gutting of the Schumer Amendment to the Defense bill. Then they look ahead to this year and an upcoming House Oversight Committee hearing, Lue Elizondo's book and Grusch's op-ed piece on the heels of the US government slightly loosening what he's able to reveal. And Ross drops a big hint about what could be a very big story: new data from the James Webb Space Telescope. Learn more ...
Jan 05, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Disappointment and some disagreements in this episode, as Ross and Bryce review the amended version of Sen. Chuck Schumer's disclosure language in the new Defense bill. Ross blames "lickspittle Congressmen" in the pockets of the aerospace companies for turning Schumer's disclosure proposals into a "flaccid limp lettuce leaf." The two set the table for a future discussion on what both believe would be a very bad idea: "catastrophic disclosure." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoic...
Dec 08, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Approaching the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Bryce and Ross examine the similarities between the efforts to conceal the truth about the President's death and concealing the truth about UFO/UAP. Also: as predicted in the last episode, Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick is, indeed, leading AARO. So who will succeed him? And will that person bring a different opinion about whistleblower David Grusch? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Nov 17, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Ross and Bryce catch up on several developments of the past few weeks, including the latest report from AARO. Ross calls out what he labels "completely disingenuous" statements by the agency's head, Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, downplaying the UAP reports the agency reviewed in the 2023 US Government fiscal year. Ross calls the report "The Big Yawn." Ross and Bryce disagree on whether private aerospace firms, who've spent millions of their own dollars on crash retrieval, should be forced to turn any ph...
Oct 24, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Ross and Bryce are back with tough words for what they call the "word games" being played by the Department of Defense, NASA and others in the US government about the evidence - or lack of evidence - regarding what we know about UAP and the possibility of non-human intelligence. Bryce scorches NASA Director Bill Nelson over his "lack of evidence" comments, and Ross takes an AP reporter to task for apparently not even reading a government report before questioning officials about that very report...
Sep 27, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 43
They expected it, and it's here: serious attempts to discredit Defense Department UFO whistleblower David Grusch. Ross summarizes what he calls the "slimeball" attempts to vilify Grusch, including the exploitation of his battle with PTSD. Ross notes that The Pentagon has always known about that, and gave Grusch a very, very high security clearance, anyway. Bryce and Ross also wonder if the momentum in Congress to explore the government's history of UAP research has been lost. They discuss the ve...
Aug 26, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 42
We have contact! No, not that kind. Ross has made contact with Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, head of The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office. Ross shares his email exchange with Kirkpatrick, including the Latin motto on his email signature. Ross and Bryce talk about what may, or should, be the next level of Congressional hearings (maybe the full Intelligence Committee, not just a sub-committee). Ross really wants the intelligence community's Inspector General at that next hearing to answer one importan...
Aug 05, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Ross and Bryce share their first impressions of the House Oversight Committee's national security subcommittee hearing on UAP. Whistleblower David Grusch was joined by two former military pilots who reported UAP years ago. Ross and Bryce say it was a big day - the first of what they hope will be more to come. The witnesses deferred several questions to a closed-door hearing, and Ross tore into the Defense Department for its "statement" on whether DoD has any evidence of non-human intelligence. T...
Jul 27, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 40
That would be Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY, the Senate Majority Leader. Ross says a proposed amendment to next year's National Defense Authorization Act contains explicit references to non-human intelligence - and there must be a reason for that vetted language. A reason that the Senator knows. Bryce raises this issue of the "controlled disclosure" of UAP information the government may have. And who "owns" crash wreckage or any other material that's been sitting in labs and warehouses for decades? L...
Jul 17, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 39
