Shawn Ryan Show - Episode #168: Luis Elizondo on X-15 Rocket Plane, UFO Cover-Ups & a Mind-Blowing Google Search

Release Date: February 7, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #168 of the Shawn Ryan Show, host Shawn Ryan welcomes Luis Elizondo, a former U.S. Army Counterintelligence Special Agent and former employee of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. Elizondo is renowned for leading the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), a Pentagon initiative investigating Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). The conversation delves deep into Elizondo's background, the intricacies of AATIP, UFO sightings, government transparency, and broader implications for national security and human understanding.

Personal Background and Upbringing

Elizondo begins by sharing his tumultuous childhood, shaped by his father's experiences as a revolutionary and his subsequent imprisonment by Castro's regime in Cuba. This volatile environment exposed him early to paramilitary tactics and fostered a deep-seated resilience.

Luis Elizondo [01:08]: "My father's prisoner number... Always weird smoke-filled rooms and dim lights and weird conversations... disassemble AK47s. You didn't do that shit."

The hardships he faced instilled in him a drive to serve his country, leading him to pursue a career in the military and later in intelligence.

Career in Military Intelligence and AATIP

Elizondo provides a comprehensive overview of his career trajectory, from enlisting in the Army to his involvement in special operations against insurgent groups in Latin America. His expertise in counterintelligence eventually positioned him to lead AATIP, a program established in 2007 by Senators Harry Reid, Ted Stevens, and Daniel Inouye to investigate UAPs.

Sean Ryan [05:57]: "Luis Elizondo, you're a former U.S. Army counterintelligence special agent... you've been involved with organizations like the Stars Academy of Arts and Science."

He clarifies misconceptions about AATIP's covert nature, emphasizing that while the program was highly sensitive and classified, it wasn’t covert in the traditional sense.

Luis Elizondo [05:57]: "AATIP was not covert. It was sensitive and a lot of classified aspects to it, but it was not a Title 50 program."

UAPs and National Security Implications

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the national security threats posed by UAPs. Elizondo highlights incidents where UAPs have demonstrated capabilities far beyond current human technology, such as instantaneous acceleration and hypersonic speeds, raising concerns about their origins and intentions.

Luis Elizondo [26:20]: "What do you use as humans? What do you use writing for? Communication... It means whoever is behind these things, they have eyes... they have a higher functioning brain."

He underscores the potential for these phenomena to interfere with critical military operations, including nuclear strike capabilities.

Luis Elizondo [124:12]: "There's a lot of real stuff going on, a lot of real research... UAP has the ability to impact our nuclear capabilities."

Historical Context and Government Transparency

Elizondo references historical documents and incidents to illustrate that UAP sightings are not a recent phenomenon. A memorandum from the U.S. Air Force dated May 25, 1950, details frequent unexplained aerial phenomena in New Mexico, involving credible witnesses like military personnel and pilots.

Luis Elizondo [46:56]: "The subject of this memorandum... there was a lot of real stuff going on."

He draws parallels between past government secrecy regarding technological advancements, such as the U-2 spy plane, and the current handling of UAP information, advocating for greater transparency to maintain public trust.

Ancient Technologies and Consciousness

The conversation takes a philosophical turn as Elizondo explores the possibility that ancient civilizations might have encountered UAPs, influencing their technological and cultural development. He discusses anomalies like the Baghdad Battery and ancient depictions of advanced technology, suggesting that such artifacts and stories hint at interactions with non-human intelligences.

Luis Elizondo [63:22]: "They were creating electricity. It's called the Baghdad Battery. That's a fact."

Furthermore, Elizondo delves into the nature of consciousness, pondering whether human consciousness is unique or if higher life forms possess similar or even superior cognitive abilities. He speculates on concepts like quantum entanglement and collective consciousness as potential explanations for phenomena like remote viewing.

Luis Elizondo [60:00]: "Human consciousness is something that is distinct, distinctly different than human intellect and human physical sense."

Remote Viewing and Paranormal Programs

Elizondo discusses his brief involvement with the Stargate Program and remote viewing initiatives, highlighting their occasional successes in intelligence gathering. He acknowledges the skepticism surrounding such programs but defends their legitimacy based on tangible outcomes, such as locating downed aircraft and gathering actionable intelligence.

Luis Elizondo [92:36]: "Remote viewing can be very effective."

He also emphasizes the importance of integrating remote viewing as an additive intelligence capability rather than relying on it as a standalone tool.

Government Response and Future Outlook

Expressing frustration with bureaucratic obstacles, Elizondo recounts his resignation from AATIP due to internal resistance to addressing the UAP issue transparently. He urges the current administration to prioritize handling UAP threats to prevent potential intelligence lapses and national security vulnerabilities.

Luis Elizondo [132:00]: "The problem is our lack of knowledge on this topic. And our threat is not being transparent with the American people."

Elizondo remains optimistic about progress, believing that increased transparency and public discourse, especially facilitated by influential media personalities like Shawn Ryan, can lead to meaningful advancements in understanding and addressing UAP-related challenges.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Elizondo reinforcing the necessity of open dialogue and the integration of sophisticated technologies to counteract potential threats posed by UAPs. He calls for a balanced approach that respects national security while fostering transparency and public awareness.

Luis Elizondo [147:44]: "I have full faith in God... we're succeeding. We're doing it."

Shawn Ryan and Luis Elizondo part on a hopeful note, emphasizing the collective responsibility to seek truth and protect national interests in the face of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Notable Quotes

• Luis Elizondo [01:08]: "I had my taste of paramilitary and I didn't even know it was part of Boy Scouts and you go back to school one day. What'd you guys do for... we disassemble AK47s. You didn't do that shit."

• Luis Elizondo [26:20]: "The fact that we are not alone in the cosmos... someone is flying these things around. They are intelligently controlled."

• Luis Elizondo [46:56]: "This summary of observations of aerial phenomenon has been prepared... phenomenon have continuously occurred in the New Mexico skies."

• Luis Elizondo [63:22]: "They were creating electricity. It's called the Baghdad Battery. That's a fact."

• Luis Elizondo [132:00]: "The problem is our lack of knowledge on this topic. And our threat is not being transparent with the American people."

• Luis Elizondo [147:44]: "I have full faith in God... we're succeeding. We're doing it."

Key Takeaways

1. AATIP's Significance: AATIP was a crucial government program aimed at investigating UAPs, led by credible individuals like Luis Elizondo. While not covert, its sensitive nature limited public disclosure.

2. National Security Threats: UAPs exhibit capabilities beyond current human technology, posing potential threats to military operations and nuclear safeguards.

3. Historical Documentation: Government records from as early as 1950 indicate longstanding acknowledgment and investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena.

4. Ancient Encounters: There is speculation that ancient civilizations may have interacted with advanced technologies or extraterrestrial intelligences, influencing their development.

5. Consciousness and Technology: The discussion extends to the nature of consciousness, suggesting possible links between human cognitive abilities and UAP phenomena.

6. Remote Viewing Programs: Elizondo defends the effectiveness of remote viewing initiatives as part of intelligence operations, despite skepticism.

7. Call for Transparency: A central theme is the need for governmental transparency regarding UAPs to maintain public trust and address national security concerns effectively.

8. Future Directions: Elizondo is optimistic about progress under the current administration, emphasizing the role of media and public discourse in advancing understanding and policy.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Episode #168, providing listeners with a deep dive into Luis Elizondo's experiences, the complexities surrounding UAP investigations, and the broader implications for national security and societal understanding.