In this special Need to Know SCIF debut episode, award-winning journalist and series co-creator Bryce Zabel hosts a powerful roundtable with three leading voices in the UAP community: Jason Guillemette (UAP Studies Podcast), Ryan Robbins (Post Disclosure World), and Need to Know producer Tyler Stevens. Together, they unpack the explosive claims made by Ross Coulthart in the most recent episode of Need to Know — particularly the suggestion that the now-infamous Tic Tac UFO witnessed by Navy pilots off the coast of San Diego may not be extraterrestrial at all, but instead a product of secretive human engineering, possibly tied to Lockheed Martin. The conversation revisits the background of the 2004 USS Nimitz encounter, where highly trained U.S. military personnel observed a Tic Tac-shaped object performing maneuvers that defied known physics. The panel discusses the implications of these objects being operated with electrogravitic propulsion systems — a form of advanced, possibly suppressed technology — and how such capabilities could be hidden under the guise of “drone impunity,” allowing classified programs to operate in plain sight. The discussion explores the deeper tension between the public’s demand for disclosure and the government’s history of obfuscation, raising questions about who truly controls this technology and whether the narrative is being manipulated. With each guest bringing a unique perspective — from podcast journalism to deep research and production — this episode offers one of the most direct, critical conversations yet on the true nature of the Tic Tac and the battle over UAP transparency.
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1:21:54
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1:21:54
Whose Tech Is It?
In this powerful episode of Need to Know, Ross Coulthart and Bryce Zabel regroup following their in-person appearance at Contact in the Desert, where they spoke to a packed audience and connected with key voices in the UFO/UAP field. The conversation kicks off with a major revelation from Ross about the 2004 Tic Tac incident—one of the most pivotal cases in modern UFO history. Ross lays out new details suggesting that the full extent of the encounter has not been disclosed to the public. Drawing on high-level sources and investigative leads, he presents a serious claim that the event was not just a singular anomaly but part of a broader pattern involving international military activity and the concealment of advanced technologies potentially linked to China. The episode dives deep into the challenges of breaking significant stories in today’s media landscape, the resistance faced by whistleblowers, and the careful verification process that underpins responsible journalism. With 60 Minutes preparing to revisit the UAP topic, Bryce and Ross discuss the shifting tone in mainstream media and how the public is becoming more engaged, but also more skeptical. This episode stands out not only for its compelling content but for the credibility of its hosts, who bring a blend of journalistic rigor, historical insight, and first-hand experience to one of the most pressing issues of our time.
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1:07:30
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1:07:30
Imminent - (Project Book Club)
In this episode, Bryce Zabel and Chrissy Newton take a deep dive into Imminent, the highly anticipated memoir by Lue Elizondo. From his unusual upbringing and military background to his insider perspective on AATIP and UAP disclosure, the book covers a wide range of bold and fascinating topics. The hosts discuss Elizondo’s revelations about crash retrievals, biologics, Roswell, and the secretive Interloper program, while also exploring his focus on consciousness, national security, and the challenges of pushing this conversation forward. They reflect on the book’s tone, structure, and impact, acknowledging both its strengths and the questions it raises. Bryce and Chrissy offer thoughtful commentary on the balance between personal storytelling and hard evidence, and why Imminent feels like a pivotal entry in the growing library of serious UAP literature. Whether you’re a longtime follower of Elizondo’s journey or just getting started, this conversation brings both insight and appreciation to one of the most talked-about books in the field.
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1:07:35
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1:07:35
Live From CITD
In this special live edition of Need to Know, recorded at Contact in the Desert, Ross Coulthart and Bryce Zabel sit down in front of a packed audience to reflect on their personal origin stories with the UFO/UAP mystery. From Ross’s early investigative journalism to Bryce’s work in Hollywood and exposure to firsthand testimony, both share the compelling “aha” moments that pulled them deeper into the phenomenon. The conversation dives into some of the most significant cases that continue to shape their perspectives, including historical sightings, government secrecy, and the whistleblowers who have risked everything to speak out. It’s a revealing and thoughtful dialogue that offers fans a deeper understanding of what drives their work. The episode also opens up to the audience with a live Q&A session, where Ross and Bryce respond to insightful and sometimes provocative questions from attendees. Their answers shed light on the current state of disclosure, the role of journalism and entertainment in shaping public understanding, and how the broader community can contribute to pushing the conversation forward. With honest reflection, humor, and a sense of urgency, this episode captures the spirit of the conference and reminds us why staying curious and informed is more important than ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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1:22:06
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1:22:06
The Believer - (Project Book Club)
Welcome to the first episode of Project Book Club, where hosts Bryce Zabel and Chrissy Newton launch a fresh kind of conversation around the books that shape the UFO and consciousness landscape. This isn’t your typical late-night podcast. It’s a morning-show-style book club made for readers who want to explore the unknown with a hot drink in hand and curiosity on full blast. In this episode, Bryce and Chrissy dive into The Believer by Ralph Blumenthal, the biography of Harvard psychiatrist Dr. John Mack. Mack rose to prominence for his Pulitzer Prize-winning work, but his legacy shifted dramatically when he began studying alien abduction phenomena. Bryce and Chrissy unpack the book’s layered portrait of Mack, exploring his courage, contradictions, and the firestorm he faced from Harvard when he chose to publicly validate the experiences of abductees. The discussion touches on the emotional depth of Mack’s journey, including his personal flaws, academic brilliance, and the spiritual and philosophical questions that guided his work. They examine how Mack challenged the limits of Western scientific thought, his interest in consciousness, and how his openness to Eastern philosophies influenced both his worldview and research methods. Bryce and Chrissy also reflect on some of the major events in Mack’s life, like his involvement in the Ariel School incident in Zimbabwe, and his controversial interviews on national television. They take time to discuss his critics, his supporters, and the legacy he left behind when he died unexpectedly in 2004. Through thoughtful insights and a bit of morning humor, this episode sets the stage for what Project Book Club is all about: digging deep into powerful stories, asking big questions, and creating a community where readers can explore the unknown together. ProjectBookClub.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Need-to-Know podcast deals with the now acknowledged reality of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena or UAP. Its hosts are award-winning broadcasters and investigative journalists Ross Coulthart and Bryce Zabel. Every episode, they’ll look at what’s happened in the UAP/UFO world. Coulthart and Zabel discuss their current investigations, give each other advice, and seek to answer the big questions: who are they and what do they want?
Ross Coulthart’s work has been featured on Australia’s version of “60 Minutes.” And his documentary for Channel Seven Australia covering his UFO findings has been seen by more than ten million viewers. He is the author of In Plain Sight, in which he concludes that, while publicly dismissing the phenomenon for decades, governments have been seriously studying it all along and take it very seriously. Coulthart continues to report on the subject for Australian network television while working on investigations spawned by his book.
Bryce Zabel is an award-winning writer who has created or developed five primetime television drama series and worked on a dozen writing staffs. His feature credits include Mortal Kombat and Atlantis. His World War II film, The Last Battle, will shoot in the summer of 2024. Zabel was an original correspondent for CNN, and an award-winning investigative reporter for PBS. Zabel has authored his own UFO book, A.D. After Disclosure. He writes and edits the publication Trail of the Saucers that is read by more than 80,000 readers each month.