Shawn Ryan Show – Episode #157 Summary: Peter Berg on Exposing Big Pharma, Lone Survivor, and Hollywood’s Dark Side

Release Date: January 9, 2025

In Episode #157 of the Shawn Ryan Show, host Shawn Ryan sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Peter Berg to delve into a myriad of profound topics ranging from the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, the harrowing experiences depicted in Berg's film “Lone Survivor”, the dark underbelly of Hollywood, and the critical examination of the opioid epidemic. This comprehensive conversation not only sheds light on Berg’s cinematic endeavors but also explores personal battles with addiction and the transformative power of psychedelics in overcoming such struggles.

1. Welcome and Mutual Admiration

The episode begins with an evident mutual respect between Shawn Ryan and Peter Berg. Shawn expresses his admiration for Berg's work, stating:

• Shawn Ryan [01:08]: "I can't even believe you're sitting here. I've watched so many of your movies and series, and to have you here is pretty surreal."

Peter reciprocates the sentiment, acknowledging Shawn's impactful work with former SEALs:

• Peter Berg [02:00]: "I know how challenging it can be for so many team guys to figure out the next chapter of their life... I pay attention to that and try to help."

2. Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

Peter reflects on the difficulties faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life, highlighting the lack of support despite the extensive investment in training SEALs:

• Peter Berg [28:52]: "I tend to agree. I mean, certainly they don't act like they care... it's hard for me to sort out."

Shawn emphasizes the systemic neglect:

• Shawn Ryan [28:54]: "They don't care about us when we're done."

This sets the stage for their deeper discussions on personal and systemic struggles faced by veterans.

3. The Making of “Lone Survivor” and Emotional Toll

Berg shares the intense emotional journey of creating “Lone Survivor”, detailing the interactions with Marcus Luttrell and the families involved:

• Peter Berg [03:02]: "I knew... I had to make sure that when I was done and I showed that film to not just the families, but the entire SEAL community... it became something much more than a movie."

He recounts a particularly poignant moment with Danny Dietz’s parents:

• Peter Berg [12:21]: "His father sat me down on Danny's bed... and he said, 'That's who my son was. Make sure you get that right.'"

The pressure to authentically represent the SEAL community's sacrifices was immense, influencing both Berg and the entire crew deeply.

4. Exposing the Opioid Epidemic with “Painkiller”

The conversation shifts to Berg’s latest project, “Painkiller”, a documentary series exposing the opioid crisis:

• Peter Berg [34:27]: "Painkiller was for me... and it is the cure for opiate addiction, for alcoholism."

Berg discusses the systemic corruption involving Big Pharma and the Sackler family:

• Peter Berg [34:27]: "The Sacklers and other drug companies were bribing these guys to restrict the amount of pills that were allowed to be prescribed..."

He reveals alarming insights into the manipulation of prescription regulations, highlighting the profound impact of these revelations.

5. Personal Battles with Addiction

Shawn opens up about his own struggles with addiction, providing a vulnerable look into his past:

• Shawn Ryan [48:42]: "I had a hell of a run in Colombia with cocaine... I've been sober for three years."

Peter shares his perspective on addiction, emphasizing it as a disease rather than a weakness:

• Peter Berg [48:40]: "It's not about weakness. It's a disease, and I'm fortunate that I don't think I have it."

Their candid discussion underscores the pervasive nature of addiction and the personal toll it takes on individuals and their loved ones.

6. The Role of Psychedelics in Healing

A significant portion of the episode explores the transformative role of psychedelics in overcoming addiction and trauma. Shawn details his journey with substances like ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT:

• Shawn Ryan [58:25]: "I did ibogaine and 5-MeO DMT... It's a completely different animal to me."

Peter shares his profound experiences with these substances, describing them as life-altering:

• Peter Berg [62:03]: "It was an incredibly life-changing experience for me."

They discuss the potential of psychedelics in providing deep psychological healing and introspection, advocating for their recognition and availability as legitimate medical treatments.

7. Navigating Complex Geopolitical Issues

The conversation takes a contemplative turn as Berg shares his recent trip to Israel, offering insights into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict:

• Peter Berg [129:30]: "It was really fucking sad to me. But there's some good, some good stories too."

He expresses frustration over the intractable nature of the conflict, emphasizing the need for external intervention:

• Peter Berg [120:07]: "They can't fix it without other people... Europe’s gotta help because they can't fucking figure it out."

This segment highlights Berg’s broader concern for global conflicts and the human suffering they entail.

8. Upcoming Project: “American Primeval”

Berg introduces his latest venture, “American Primeval”, an epic saga set in 1857 amidst the violent intersection of Mormons, Native American tribes, and the US Government. Drawing inspiration from classic wilderness films, Berg aims to capture raw survival instincts in a treacherous environment:

• Peter Berg [125:35]: "It’s set in southwestern Wyoming and southeastern Utah... following a woman’s journey through that part of America."

He details the ambitious nature of the project, highlighting the challenges of on-location shooting in harsh conditions and the historical significance of the storyline.

9. Conclusion and Mutual Respect

As the episode winds down, both Shawn and Peter reflect on the depth of their conversation. They express mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s openness and vulnerability:

• Shawn Ryan [131:19]: "Thank you for opening up about everything."

• Peter Berg [131:20]: "Same to you. Thanks for sharing the story."

Their exchange encapsulates the episode's essence—honest dialogues about personal and systemic struggles, the pursuit of healing, and the relentless quest for truth.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Peter Berg [02:00]: "I know how challenging it can be for so many team guys to figure out the next chapter of their life... I pay attention to that and try to help."

• Peter Berg [12:21]: "That's who my son was. Make sure you get that right."

• Peter Berg [28:52]: "I tend to agree. I mean, certainly they don't act like they care... it's hard for me to sort out."

• Peter Berg [34:27]: "The Sacklers and other drug companies were bribing these guys to restrict the amount of pills that were allowed to be prescribed..."

• Shawn Ryan [48:42]: "I've been sober for three years."

• Peter Berg [58:25]: "It's a completely different animal to me."

• Peter Berg [129:30]: "It was really fucking sad to me. But there's some good, some good stories too."

This episode of the Shawn Ryan Show offers an unflinching look into the personal and professional battles faced by both veterans and individuals grappling with addiction. Through Peter Berg's experiences, listeners gain valuable insights into the complexities of filmmaking, the pervasive influence of Big Pharma, and the potential healing avenues beyond traditional treatments. The candid and heartfelt conversation underscores the importance of truth, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a better understanding of oneself and the world.