A Humble Heart in a Noisy World: Shawn Ryan’s Tucker Carlson Interview
Scott L. Prentice – May 20th, 2025
My Personal Reflection –
There’s something deeply refreshing about hearing a conversation between two people who aren’t afraid to tackle the tough stuff—issues that make you sit up, think, and question what’s really going on. That’s exactly what I felt watching Shawn Ryan’s recent interview with Tucker Carlson on the Tucker Carlson Show. The interview, available here and posted below, is a masterclass in authenticity, grit, and staying grounded in a world that often feels like it’s spinning out of control. As someone who’s been in the podcasting game since the early 2000s with my own show, BlackHillsPodcast, I couldn’t help but feel a kinship with Shawn Ryan—a man who’s not just a podcaster but a father, a family man, and a straight shooter with a heart anchored in faith.
Shawn’s story, laid bare in this interview, is one of purpose and perseverance. He’s not chasing fame or trying to be the loudest voice in the room. Instead, he’s committed to asking the hard questions, diving deep into issues that matter, and doing it all while staying true to his values as a man of God. That kind of integrity resonates, especially for someone like me who’s been through the grind of trying to build something meaningful. Back when I started BlackHillsPodcast, I was one of the first to experiment with embedding video and audio—a clunky process in those early internet days. The struggles were real: late nights troubleshooting tech, pouring my heart into content, and wondering if anyone was even listening. But like Shawn, I kept at it because I believed in the power of sharing stories and sparking conversations.
What struck me most about Shawn’s conversation with Tucker is his humility. Here’s a guy who’s built a platform with The Shawn Ryan Show, diving into topics that others shy away from, yet he’s clear about his priorities: faith, family, and doing the right thing. It’s the kind of grounded perspective that cuts through the noise of today’s media landscape. Tucker, too, brings that same heart to the table—both of them aren’t just talking heads; they’re men wrestling with the big questions, unafraid to challenge the status quo. Watching them together felt like a reminder that there’s still room for real, unfiltered dialogue in a world that often rewards soundbites over substance.
For me, Shawn’s journey hits close to home. I’ve had my share of battles trying to get projects off the ground while staying true to my values. One of those was BioChecked, a passion project born out of my deep concern about the consequences of GMOs on our health and environment. It wasn’t just about raising awareness; it was about waking people up to the long-term impacts of what we’re putting in our bodies and our planet. Getting BioChecked off the ground was no small feat—countless hours of research, outreach, and fighting to be heard in a crowded space. It’s a grind that Shawn would probably understand, given his own commitment to shedding light on tough truths.
Then there’s the art side of my story—working with glass etching, creating pieces like The Stand at Mount Rushmore. It was less about chasing a paycheck and more about pouring my soul into something tangible, something that could stand as a testament to creativity and resilience. But let’s be real: it was also about making ends meet. I’ve juggled other ventures too, like building a Cold Fusion community portal, just to keep the lights on. Each project came with its own set of challenges—tech hurdles, financial strain, and the constant question of whether it was all worth it. Yet, like Shawn, I kept going, driven by a belief that even small efforts can make a difference.
What I admire most about Shawn is his refusal to let the noise of the world pull him away from what matters. He’s not out to be a celebrity podcaster; he’s just a guy trying to do right by his family and his audience. That’s a rare thing, and it’s something I’ve tried to hold onto in my own work. Back in the early days of BlackHillsPodcast, I faced the same kind of self-doubt Shawn touched on in the interview—wondering if my voice mattered, if I was making a dent. But hearing him talk about staying humble and focused reminded me why I started in the first place: to connect, to share, to make a difference, no matter how small.
In a world that’s often loud and chaotic, Shawn Ryan and Tucker Carlson remind us that there’s power in staying true to who you are. This interview isn’t just a conversation; it’s a call to keep asking the tough questions, to stay humble, and to never lose sight of what grounds you. For me, that’s faith, family, and the belief that even the smallest voice can make a ripple. I’ve got a few old BlackHillsPodcast episodes—audio and video clips from those early, scrappy days—that capture the heart of what I was trying to do. They’re not perfect, but they’re real, much like the work Shawn’s doing now. Here’s to those who keep pushing forward, telling stories that matter, and reminding us all to stay grounded in what’s true.
A Quiet Nod to Shawn: Your work is a reminder that authenticity still has a place in this world. Keep shining that light, and know that it’s inspiring folks like me to keep telling our stories, too. And! Your jab on Sebastian Gorka was spot on! Thanks, for calling out that wishy-washy mouth piece! He had to land his current roll just to keep him close and controlled.