Former SEAL Shawn Ryan Reveals Exorcism Experiences

Shawn Ryan, former Navy SEAL, clarified that his experiences with exorcisms do not involve the extreme theatrics often depicted in films like "The Exorcist," such as backward spider crawls up walls.

He differentiates between 'possession,' where an individual loses control of their body, and 'oppression,' which involves external negative influences on aspects like finances, health, family, and faith while the individual maintains physical control.

Ryan believes priests categorize his case as oppression, a condition that targets various aspects of his life without fully taking over his physical being.

Priests conducting Ryan's exorcisms utilize a series of prayers, some delivered in Latin and others in English, aimed at diagnosing the nature of the spiritual disturbance.

The primary objective is to observe the individual's reactions to particular prayers, allowing the priests to pinpoint the specific source and nature of the spiritual trouble.

Ryan admits he does not fully grasp all the technical details of the priests' diagnostic and ritualistic methods.

Ryan described the experience of undergoing exorcisms as 'rough' and challenging to discuss openly with his wife and children upon returning home.

He confessed to struggling with his own sanity and experiencing fear regarding the future implications of the ongoing spiritual process.

Despite the inherent stress and difficulty of the situation, his wife has provided unwavering support throughout his ordeal.

After Ryan began publicly sharing his experiences, numerous influential military figures, including members of SEAL teams, Special Forces, and Delta Force, reached out to him.

These individuals expressed relief at not being alone, often believing they were the only ones to have such experiences, which frequently made them feel 'crazy' due to the associated stigma.

Ryan believes his situation is not unique, but rather that he is one of the few choosing to articulate such experiences publicly.

Shawn Ryan was raised in a devout Christian household, and he noted that aspects of his upbringing felt ingrained in him.

However, around the age of 18 or 19, he began questioning his faith, delving into works by figures like Richard Dawkins during the 'new atheist' movement.

Ryan characterized his current spiritual position as 'agnostic but curious,' a state that has been significantly influenced by his podcast work.

He noted that interviewing various guests on his podcast has continuously developed his spiritual perspective and understanding.

Ryan acknowledged the arrogance in dismissing the existence of something beyond human comprehension, even if he cannot definitively define it.

Shawn Ryan, who grew up Catholic, admitted to being 'on the fence' regarding his faith for an extended period.

He credits the diverse guests on his podcast, including individuals like Andrew Huberman, with sparking his spiritual curiosity and planting the initial seeds of belief.

Ryan was baptized on Easter in 2024, viewing the ongoing spiritual events experienced by both him and his wife as undeniable confirmation of their faith in Christ.

Shawn Ryan feels a personal responsibility to utilize his platform to ask genuine questions about topics he is curious about.

He aims to leverage his access to influential figures to delve into profound subjects, shifting his content focus away from politics due to disillusionment with political figures.

Ryan is launching a multi-year series to break down every book in the Bible, citing supernatural events that occurred prior to his interview with Cardinal Burke as a 'sign' confirming he is on the correct path.

Daily prayer serves as Ryan's primary defense as he navigates a literal conflict he describes as a spiritual battle for his soul.

He engages in daily prayer to strengthen his resolve and position within this spiritual conflict.

The ultimate goal of these ongoing spiritual practices is to achieve release from the oppression he experiences.

Ryan acknowledges that he does not know when this spiritual battle will conclude, but he believes he will recognize the moment of victory.

A long-term advertiser terminated its contract with the podcast, explicitly citing a corporate policy that prohibits placements within faith-based programming.

Ryan questioned the advertiser's reasoning, particularly as it was a life insurance company that he felt should align with family-oriented, faith-prioritizing individuals.

He perceives these business obstacles as external influences designed to discourage him from openly discussing his spiritual journey.

Shawn Ryan believes that using his significant platform to guide people toward the Bible deeply irritates opposing spiritual entities.

He emphasized that he can no longer pretend to be unaware of the spiritual dimensions of these events.

Ryan has chosen to prioritize his belief in heaven and hell over the financial security offered by advertisers, accepting the potential consequences of his stance.

Steven Bartlett, the interviewer, noted a consistent pattern among successful individuals: they often make decisions that go against their immediate financial or comfort incentives.

He cited examples such as Jimmy Carr and Darren Brown, who made sacrifices in their careers to pursue their true passions, which initially seemed irrational.

Bartlett argued that while these choices might appear counterproductive in the short term, they ultimately lead to more favorable long-term outcomes and that living out of alignment is a far worse fate than temporary turbulence.

Shawn Ryan aims to create a podcasting environment where individuals feel safe to ask questions and stand by their beliefs without fear.

He stresses the importance of maintaining an open mind by engaging with people from diverse perspectives, rather than adhering to tribalistic viewpoints.

Ryan highlighted his commitment to accountability, including transparently admitting when he has unintentionally spread misinformation.

He encourages public courage, suggesting that the perceived repercussions of being bold are often far less severe than people imagine them to be.

Shawn Ryan defines a good life primarily as the act of creating lasting memories with his family.

Having grown up with humble beginnings, he learned that wealth cannot buy peace or happiness, emphasizing that these must be cultivated personally.

He acknowledges that while money can alleviate some financial stress, it invariably introduces new forms of complexities and burdens, underscoring the need for balanced priorities.

The host reflected on the 'selfish' nature of intensely building a career prior to starting a family.

Ryan advised the host to continue building his business as extensively as possible while he still has the opportunity, given that children grow up extremely quickly.

He issued a strong warning that unchecked business ambitions can destroy a family, urging vigilance to protect one's home life from being consumed by work.