Shawn Ryan Show - Episode #183: Dr. Ben Carson - Neuralink, God’s Hand in Neuroscience and Human Consciousness

Release Date: March 17, 2025

In episode #183 of the "Shawn Ryan Show," host Shawn Ryan engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Dr. Ben Carson, a renowned neurosurgeon, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and a prominent figure in both the medical and political arenas. The episode delves into Dr. Carson's extraordinary journey from his challenging early life to his groundbreaking work in neuroscience, his views on emerging technologies like Neuralink, and his perspectives on contemporary social and political issues.

Introduction and Early Life

The conversation begins with Shawn Ryan expressing his admiration for Dr. Carson, highlighting Carson’s remarkable achievements and contributions. Dr. Carson shares anecdotes from his childhood in Detroit, Michigan, describing the hardships of growing up in a single-parent home and experiencing poverty. He recounts the pivotal moment in fifth grade when his love for reading transformed him from being labeled a "dummy" to becoming the top student in his class.

[24:57] Dr. Ben Carson: "I went from being called a dummy to being called a bookworm. And within the space of a year and a half, I went from the bottom of the class to the top of the class."

Academic and Medical Pursuits

Dr. Carson elaborates on his academic journey, from excelling in school to attending Yale University and eventually earning a medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School with a specialization in neurosurgery. He discusses the challenges he faced during his education, including struggling with traditional lecture-based learning and finding his passion for neurosurgery after being inspired by pioneering neurosurgeons.

[44:37] Dr. Ben Carson: "I made the executive decision to skip the boring lectures and to spend that time reading. The rest of medical school was a snap after that."

Pioneering Neurosurgical Procedures

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Dr. Carson’s groundbreaking work in neurosurgery, particularly his innovative approach to hemispherectomies and intrauterine surgery. He shares detailed accounts of performing the first successful separation of conjoined twins and pioneering intrauterine surgery to save premature twins, despite facing ethical criticisms and skepticism from the medical community.

[55:43] Dr. Ben Carson: "I've asked those four questions about a lot of things during my neurosurgical career, and some people say, 'Carson's a hot dog,' but it's not true. It's done based on those four questions, and a lot of lives have been saved."

Transition to Politics and Leadership at HUD

Dr. Carson discusses his transition from medicine to politics, detailing his appointment as Secretary of HUD under President Trump. He reflects on the challenges of managing an agency plagued by fiscal mismanagement and highlights his efforts to restore financial accountability and operational efficiency within HUD.

[123:32] Dr. Ben Carson: "The real key for a secretary of any of the agencies is not necessarily to know everything, but it's to put people around you who together know everything and to work closely with them and, you know, to be able to take information and to use it in an effective way."

Views on Emerging Technologies: Neuralink and Neuroscience

A substantial part of the dialogue centers on Dr. Carson’s thoughts on Neuralink, Elon Musk’s ambitious project aimed at merging the human brain with artificial intelligence. While acknowledging the potential benefits of such technology, Dr. Carson expresses caution regarding its ethical implications and the possibility of misuse, particularly in military applications.

[81:40] Dr. Ben Carson: "Any good thing, we always find a way to pervert it also. So we obviously are going to have to be very careful with the way that we manipulate the human brain."

He further explores the dual-edged nature of technological advancements, emphasizing the need for responsible innovation to prevent harmful applications.

Social and Political Commentary

Dr. Carson shares his perspectives on various social issues, including the declining birth rate in the United States, the erosion of traditional family structures, and the influence of socialism and communism on American values. He underscores the importance of education and moral upbringing in addressing these challenges.

[98:10] Dr. Ben Carson: "If you have a choice. Would you rather live there where I work, or on that corner drinking from a bag? And she always pointed out those contrasts and the fact that it's your choice."

Advice for Aspiring Politicians and Parents

Towards the end of the episode, Dr. Carson offers valuable advice to listeners interested in entering politics, stressing the importance of representing the people's interests and upholding moral integrity. He also discusses effective parenting strategies, advocating for strong familial bonds and spiritual development.

[108:36] Dr. Ben Carson: "The very best piece of advice would be to strengthen your relationship with God... When you have that relationship with God, it automatically improves your relationship with other people, including your spouse and your children."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In his closing remarks, Dr. Carson emphasizes the importance of unity and overcoming societal divisions. He highlights the mission of the American Cornerstone Institute, which focuses on upholding faith, liberty, community, and life as foundational principles sustaining the nation's greatness.

[136:08] Dr. Ben Carson: "What's the one thing I would like for them to recognize that we are not enemies. W A N E Wayne, we are not enemies. Don't allow anybody to make you think that just because somebody disagrees with you that they're your enemy."

Dr. Carson’s final message calls for collective effort to restore America's moral compass and emphasizes the power of education and faith in fostering positive societal change.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from episode #183 of the "Shawn Ryan Show." It provides a structured and detailed overview, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps, making it accessible and informative for those who haven't listened to the episode.