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Retired Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan left the elite force after nearly six years due to limited combat experience and the toll it took on his physical and mental health, as well as his personal life. He craved more action than the extensive training and waiting periods allowed. After serving in Haiti, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and later working for the CIA, Ryan battled addiction before launching a successful podcast, "The Shawn Ryan Show," featuring veteran stories, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of military personnel.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.