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 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.

In this episode of Need to Know, Richard Dolan and Bryce Zabel break down the newly released documentary Age of Disclosure. They frame it as one of the strongest insider-driven treatments yet, highlighting its focus on government officials, intelligence veterans, scientists, and military figures who openly discuss crash retrievals, non-human intelligences, legacy programs, and decades of secrecy. Both hosts note that the documentary lands at a moment where cultural, political, and media attitudes toward UFOs have shifted dramatically. Mainstream outlets like CNN and Fox now discuss the subject without ridicule, and high-level voices like Marco Rubio, Hal Puthoff, Eric Davis, and Lue Elizondo speak more freely than ever before. The film, they argue, captures this moment of accelerating transparency.

Dolan and Zabel explore several major themes raised in the documentary: the long-running battle between "legacy" crash-retrieval programs and a reformer faction trying to force disclosure; the rarity of hard evidence due to intense classification; the gravity of claims like Roswell recoveries, bodies, and craft with space-time distortions; and the emerging recognition that USOs and oceanic activity may be central to the phenomenon. They emphasize that many of the figures featured—especially Puthoff, Davis, Mellon, Stratton, and Elizondo—are credible, deeply embedded insiders who have carefully chosen how far they can speak without violating classification. The documentary's high production value and careful presentation also set it apart from most UFO media, making it a potential reference point for newcomers and longtime followers alike.

The hosts conclude that Age of Disclosure is not "Disclosure" itself, but rather a significant milestone marking a cultural shift. They see the film as a snapshot of a world entering an era where secrecy is harder to maintain and insider testimony is becoming unavoidable. The documentary, they argue, is more of a conversation catalyst than an end point—an artifact of a system cracking under its own weight, where insiders feel increasingly liberated to speak and the public grows more prepared to hear it. Whether or not it triggers political action, they believe it will be remembered as part of the slow but undeniable march toward greater transparency around the UAP issue.

In this episode, Bryce Zabel and Chrissy Newton dive into Mirage Men, a provocative and unsettling exploration of how UFO mythology has been manipulated and, at times, manufactured by intelligence agencies. The discussion centers on the book's central thesis — that much of what we think we know about UFOs may have been deliberately seeded by government operatives to cover up classified projects or sow disinformation. Names like Richard Doty and Paul Bennewitz are examined as case studies in psychological operations, raising questions about just how much of the UFO lore is organic versus orchestrated.

Weaponized Myth or Truth in Disguise?

The episode unpacks the troubling implications for researchers and experiencers alike. The book suggests that belief in non-human intelligence may have been stoked as part of long-running counterintelligence campaigns, leaving a trail of confusion and paranoia in their wake. The conversation also explores how this manipulation might have impacted the broader UFO community — creating divisions, muddying waters, and casting long shadows over genuine phenomena. The hosts balance skepticism with open-mindedness, probing whether Mirage Men reveals deception, deeper truths, or perhaps both.

The Relevance for Today's Disclosure Landscape

The episode closes by drawing sharp parallels between the events in Mirage Men and today's disclosure efforts. With recent whistleblower testimony and government acknowledgments, listeners are asked to consider: are we witnessing a long-delayed truth, or just the latest evolution of the same game of informational misdirection? The book, and this conversation, ultimately leave listeners with a haunting but essential question — who benefits from what we believe, and why? This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to untangle the web of fact, fiction, and psychological warfare at the heart of the UFO narrative.

In this Need to Know episode, Bryce Zabel and Richard Dolan dive deep—literally—into the realm of USOs (Unidentified Submerged Objects), as Dolan previews his upcoming second volume in a three-part book series on the subject. Focusing on the 1970s and 80s, Dolan reveals that the 1970s were an explosive decade for both UFO and USO sightings, despite limited public reporting mechanisms. He details hundreds of carefully collated incidents, particularly noting a sharp rise in military encounters, electromagnetic interference, and a sudden statistical shift in sightings occurring under the cover of darkness, especially post-1969. Dolan interprets this as a possible tactic of "data denial," suggesting that these craft operators deliberately avoid surveillance from increasingly sophisticated human technologies.

The conversation takes a speculative turn as Zabel and Dolan ponder the intentions and origins of these underwater visitors. Dolan leans toward the view that these are non-human intelligences from elsewhere who have established semi-permanent bases on or within Earth's oceans. Their behavior—ranging from skimming the ocean floor near industrial sites to disabling military vessels—appears calculated, as if they are measuring humanity's technological development while simultaneously avoiding exposure. Bryce highlights a pattern of intelligent "observation and calibration," pointing out that these entities may not just be watching us, but testing how we respond to their capabilities. Dolan adds that the vastness and biodiversity of Earth's oceans, paired with their strategic concealment, makes them a logical habitat for long-term surveillance by advanced intelligences.

Wrapping up, the duo wrestle with the bigger philosophical question: What do they want? Dolan theorizes that humanity's rapid technological ascent and volatile tendencies may have caught the attention of more advanced species who now feel the need to monitor our impact. Whether these entities are benevolent scientists or military observers remains unknown, but their restraint in open confrontation—despite capabilities that far exceed ours—offers a glimmer of hope. The episode closes with a tease of future explorations into these themes and Dolan's commitment to releasing his book before the holiday season, making it the perfect stocking stuffer for any submarine-skulking UFO enthusiast.

In this episode of Project Book Club, Bryce Zabel and Chrissy Newton dive headfirst into Above Black, a gripping memoir by Dan Sherman that claims to reveal a classified U.S. government program involving alien communication. The conversation explores Sherman's military background, his alleged psychic training, and the controversial Project Preserve Destiny (PPD).

The hosts dissect Sherman's assertions with curiosity and caution, pondering how much might be metaphor, misdirection, or an overlooked piece of a larger puzzle. Throughout the episode, Bryce and Chrissy reflect on the thematic layers within the book—namely, the relationship between military intelligence and psychic phenomena. They examine the plausibility of government-run telepathic programs, especially within the broader historical context of MK-Ultra, Stargate, and recent claims by whistleblowers like David Grusch. With a nod to current headlines and Disclosure-era momentum, the hosts weigh whether Sherman's story could be an early breadcrumb trail or part of a clever disinformation campaign.

A key tension arises between the need for discernment and the appeal of compelling narratives. The hosts don't shy away from questioning Above Black's reliability, but they also acknowledge its unique place in the UFO literary canon. As Bryce says, sometimes the stories that seem the strangest can end up being strangely prophetic. The episode ends with reflections on the value of exploring even the more fringe accounts—especially when Disclosure itself is becoming increasingly mainstream.

In this episode of Need to Know, Bryce Zabel and Richard Dolan take the pulse of a UFO world that feels ready to blow wide open. The pace of developments is accelerating, and so are the contradictions. As official channels downplay, deny, or deflect, Bryce and Richard reveal a far more complex — and unsettling — reality playing out just beneath the surface.

They dive into six critical topics they feel the audience needs to know right now, touching on everything from historic cases to shifting power dynamics behind the scenes. It's a rapid-fire, insight-packed conversation that pulls no punches — examining the hidden forces at work, the evolving role of the media, and the psychological toll of prolonged secrecy. This episode isn't just an update.

It's a wake-up call. From cultural transformation to political reckoning, Bryce and Richard deliver the kind of fearless, forward-looking analysis that makes Need to Know essential listening for anyone following the UAP story as it breaks into the mainstream.