In this episode of Need to Know, Bryce Zabel and Richard Dolan revisit one of the most debated claims in modern ufology: Ross Coulthart's statement that the famous Nimitz "Tic Tac" UFO was Lockheed Martin technology. They carefully examine what was actually said, why the claim generated so much discussion, and whether the available evidence supports such a conclusion. Along the way, they explore the long history of Lockheed's connection to classified aerospace programs, the challenges of relying on anonymous intelligence sources, and the importance of separating speculation from verifiable evidence. The conversation expands into the broader question of whether some UFO encounters could be explained by advanced human technology or whether the evidence continues to point toward a genuine non-human intelligence. Bryce and Richard discuss the implications of black-budget programs, reverse engineering, the role of private aerospace contractors, and why landmark cases like the 2004 Nimitz encounter remain some of the strongest evidence in the UAP debate. They also reflect on the current state of disclosure, recent developments in Washington, and why the search for answers is far from over. The episode also features a lighthearted opening on the "GOAT" of ufology, where Bryce and Richard debate who deserves a place on the Mount Rushmore of UFO research, highlighting figures such as Jacques Vallée, J. Allen Hynek, Stanton Friedman, and George Knapp. Blending humor with thoughtful analysis, the discussion ultimately returns to the biggest question facing the field today: if disclosure is a process rather than a single event, how do we responsibly separate compelling evidence from extraordinary claims?
Does Spielberg Land Disclosure Day?
10/06/2026 | 9min
In this episode, Bryce Zabel offers his perspective on Disclosure Day not simply as a movie, but as a cultural milestone in the UFO conversation. He examines how Steven Spielberg approaches the subject, what the film gets right, where it takes creative liberties, and whether it succeeds as a meaningful disclosure story for a mainstream audience. More importantly, Bryce explores the larger question: if humanity were faced with undeniable evidence of a non-human presence, would our reaction resemble Spielberg's vision, or would the reality be far more complicated?
Desert Storm - Need to Know Xtra
06/06/2026 | 1h 1min
In this special Need to Know episode, producer Tyler Stevens returns from Contact in the Desert 2026 with a firsthand look at the biggest UFO conference in the world. Tyler and Bryce Zabel explore the atmosphere of the event, the excitement surrounding the recent UFO file releases, the reaction to Disclosure Day, and the conversations happening among researchers, experiencers, content creators, and attendees from across the globe. The discussion also highlights major panels featuring Jacques Vallée, Eric Davis, Tim Gallaudet, Jeremy Corbell, George Knapp, and many of the leading voices currently shaping the UFO conversation. The episode also dives into some of the stranger and more fascinating aspects of the conference. Tyler shares his experience attending a Chris Bledsoe Skywatch, discusses the growing connection between UFOs and consciousness research, and breaks down a remarkable demonstration involving a blind participant attempting to perceive information without sight. From remote viewing and psi phenomena to disclosure, science, and the future of UFO research, this episode offers a unique boots-on-the-ground perspective from one of the most talked-about events in the field.
The Day After Disclosure Day
04/06/2026 | 1h 12min
In this episode of Need to Know, Bryce Zabel and Richard Dolan tackle one of the most important questions in the UFO conversation: what do we actually mean when we say "disclosure"? With Steven Spielberg's upcoming film Disclosure Day reigniting public interest in the topic, Bryce and Rich explore the difference between government transparency, whistleblower revelations, leaked documents, and the true "big D" Disclosure: the official acknowledgment that humanity is interacting with a non-human intelligence. They revisit the ideas behind their book A.D. After Disclosure and examine how the world has changed since it was first written, from congressional hearings and Pentagon videos to AI, social media, and the modern information landscape. The discussion dives deep into the concept of a breakaway civilization, the role of private aerospace and intelligence contractors, the limits of government authority, and whether disclosure would unite humanity or further divide an already fractured society. Bryce and Rich debate the significance of recent UFO file releases, the influence of figures like Steven Spielberg on the public narrative, and whether an official disclosure event is even possible in today's world. Along the way, they ask the big questions: Who really controls the UFO story? What happens when the truth becomes undeniable? And will either of them live to see a moment that fundamentally changes humanity's understanding of its place in the universe?
Neil deGrasse Tyson's Alien Pivot — Commentary
21/05/2026 | 9min
Neil deGrasse Tyson seems to be pivoting on UFOs. After years of mocking the subject, he's now saying that military witnesses, whistleblowers, and congressional testimony have elevated the conversation. But as Bryce Zabel points out, Tyson still can't resist stereotyping earlier witnesses as hayseeds and drunks — even though credible observers have been part of this story from the very beginning. In this sharp commentary, Bryce takes Tyson to task for treating ridicule like a scientific method. He explains why the issue was never just about "the back 40," why earlier witnesses deserve more respect, and why Tyson's current turn feels less like a revelation than a rebrand. Bryce also reflects on his past public challenge to Tyson, and on his very different parking lot debate years ago with Carl Sagan. This is not a call for belief. It's a call for honesty, humility, and a little overdue accountability.
Need to Know is a smart, serious, and accessible podcast about the reality of UFOs/UAP and what the phenomenon may mean for all of us. Produced by Stellar Productions, the show is hosted by award-winning writer/producer and former CNN correspondent Bryce Zabel, who continues the signature UFO/UAP conversation format he helped pioneer: informed, evidence-driven, open-minded, and focused on what the public has a right to know.
Today, Need to Know features Bryce in conversation with historian Richard Dolan, one of the field's most respected researchers and authors. Together, they examine breaking news, government disclosures, historic cases, credible witnesses, official documents, and the shifting landscape of Disclosure. The show also includes expanded formats such as Project Book Club with Chrissy Newton, Need to Know Xtra with Tyler Stevens, and other special episodes that explore the mystery from fresh angles.
From 2021 to 2025, Bryce co-hosted Need to Know with investigative journalist Ross Coulthart. Their collaboration helped define the show's distinctive mix of journalism, analysis, historical context, and plainspoken curiosity. In 2025, Ross moved on to host Reality Check for NewsNation, while Bryce continued the Need to Know mission and also agreed to produce Sound, Light & Frequency for iHeartPodcasts.
With exclusive interviews, breaking-news analysis, hidden history, and thoughtful commentary grounded in evidence, Need to Know guides listeners through the noise and toward understanding. The questions remain urgent: What is happening in our skies? What do governments know? Who — or what — may be behind the phenomenon? And what happens next?
Stellar Productions is the production company of Bryce and Jackie Zabel. Its work spans television, film, books, and podcasts, with credits including the NBC UFO series Dark Skies, the Syfy original film Official Denial, the Disney animated feature Atlantis: The Lost Empire, the WGA Award-winning limited series Pandemic, the UFO disclosure book A.D. After Disclosure, and the podcasts Need to Know and Sound, Light & Frequency.
Brasil