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.
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1:10:58
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1:10:58
Above Black - (Project Book Club)
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.
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54:15
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54:15
What You Need to Know Now
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.
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1:00:15
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1:00:15
Sekret Machines: WAR - (Project Book Club)
In this episode of Project Book Club, Bryce Zabel and Chrissy Newton dive into Sekret Machines: Gods, Man & War by Tom DeLonge and Peter Levenda. The discussion unpacks how the book blends history, mythology, and modern-day accounts to explore humanity’s long and complex relationship with non-human intelligence. Rather than presenting UFOs as a purely contemporary mystery, DeLonge and Levenda frame the phenomenon as deeply rooted in our collective past, stretching from ancient civilizations to present-day encounters. Bryce and Chrissy consider how the book challenges conventional thinking by drawing parallels between mythology and modern sightings, suggesting that what we’ve long described as gods, angels, or demons may share common ground with today’s UAP reports. They reflect on the balance between hard evidence, cultural interpretation, and the ways secrecy has shaped public understanding of these mysteries. The episode invites listeners to consider how narratives of contact—both ancient and modern—may hold clues about who “they” are and why they continue to appear in human history. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the book’s value as both a thought experiment and a serious attempt to reframe the UAP phenomenon. Bryce and Chrissy leave listeners with big questions about how history, spirituality, and disclosure intersect, setting the stage for future conversations that will continue to explore these intersections with open curiosity and rigorous discussion.
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55:51
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55:51
Changes
In this episode, Need to Know enters a new chapter, bringing listeners an in-depth conversation on the evolving landscape of UFO and UAP discourse. The hosts take a measured look at recent developments in both politics and the media, analyzing how official statements are shaping — and sometimes distorting — public perception of the phenomenon. They discuss the latest claims surfacing in the community, evaluating their credibility while exploring how these narratives fit into the broader disclosure timeline. The discussion moves beyond U.S. borders, examining how international players are positioning themselves in the conversation around non-human intelligence. From geopolitical considerations to shifting alliances, the team unpacks how global events may accelerate or stall progress toward transparency. They also address the impact of public opinion, the role of independent media, and the importance of credible investigative work in separating fact from speculation. Throughout the episode, listeners get both a big-picture perspective and thoughtful insights into the fine details that matter. The hosts bring their combined experience and curiosity to the table, offering a balanced approach that blends skepticism with open-minded inquiry. With fresh energy, sharp analysis, and a clear focus on what’s next, this marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the show.
The Need to Know Podcast delves into the reality of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) and explores its implications for all of us. Hosted by two of the most respected voices in the field, award-winning investigative journalists Richard Dolan and Bryce Zabel, the show delivers smart, in-depth conversations about one of the most profound mysteries of our time.
Each week, Dolan and Zabel bring their decades of expertise in investigative reporting, broadcasting, and storytelling to break down the latest developments, credible reports, and emerging theories. From high-level government briefings and historic UFO cases to cutting-edge research and cultural impact, their goal is to separate fact from speculation — and explore the big questions: Who are they, and what do they want?
With exclusive interviews, deep dives into official documents, and thoughtful analysis grounded in evidence, Need to Know offers listeners a trusted source for clarity and insight. Whether it’s breaking news, hidden history, or the shifting landscape of disclosure, Dolan and Zabel guide the audience through the noise and toward understanding.
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