Ryan Graves: UFOs, Fighter Jets, and Aliens | Lex Fridman Podcast #308

Lt. Ryan Graves is a former Navy fighter pilot, who has worked on advanced research and development programs for DARPA, Office of Naval Research, and Air Force Research Labs on topics of multi-agent collaborative autonomy, AI-assisted air-to-air combat, and manned-unmanned teaming technologies. Ryan and people in his squadron detected and engaged with UFOs on multiple occasions, and he has been one of the few people willing to speak publicly about these experiences. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:

EPISODE LINKS:

PODCAST INFO:

OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction
1:18 - Top Gun analysis
14:23 - Fighter jets
1:01:50 - UFO sightings
1:28:18 - Congressional hearing
1:36:19 - Tic Tac UFO & Gimbal UFO
1:50:45 - Alien life
2:04:07 - Autonomous weapon systems
2:21:15 - Advice for young people
2:29:30 - Meaning of life

SOCIAL:

[lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast.
0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions:
1:18 - Top Gun analysis
14:23 - Fighter jets
1:01:50 - UFO sightings
1:28:18 - Congressional hearing
1:36:19 - Tic Tac UFO & Gimbal UFO
1:50:45 - Alien life
2:04:07 - Autonomous weapon systems
2:21:15 - Advice for young people
2:29:30 - Meaning of life

[Michael-rxhv]

Thank you for getting into podcasting, Lex. I like Rogan but as an engineer myself I was frustrated that he didn't seem to be asking the right questions of his science-literate guests. You've really filled that niche without sacrificing the human element of the conversation- you're killing it!

[stevene]

I love how much Lex has been covering these UFO related topics.

[smax]

I was a sailor on the USS Nimitz in 2004 when we spotted the tic-tac UFO video. I worked as a Reactor Operator in the Nuke plant, but I remember having a smoke that night and talking to one of the Pilots and flight crew from VFA-41. They were super amped up about it and I remember believing them (knowing that these guys would be crazy to make something like this up), but the hype just died down a few days later and I stored that memory somewhere in the back of my brain. When the DOD released the video in 2017, I couldn’t believe what I was watching. Putting the two events together changed my perspective on life all-together. I had always thought deeply about life elsewhere in the Universe, but having actual first hand knowledge and data helped make my mind up for good.

[emmaread]

I’ve seen Ryan speak on many occasions and what I love about this chat you’ve asked beyond technical questions. Humanity and philosophy. This was extremely thoughtful and mind opening. Thank you

[Bender]

FOBS (Graves' callsign) was a student of mine when he was learning the F-18. We also went to Aviation Safety Officer's school together. He's a solid dude.

[travistouchdown]

Lt. Graves is such a great story teller. I love how he develops and reveals the information for us at the perfect pace, keeping me completely engaged without overloading or speaking over my head.

[cameronscottcairney]

My grandad flew the F-86 as a fighter pilot through the Korean War. He had many interesting stories. After he passed away I was allowed to dig through his study and found a small bundle of carbon copies of some select mission reports from his time leading patrols over Alaska and Canada. All of them were describing UFO sightings. They all described spherical or tic-tac shaped objects that could hover motionless, match his high speeds with ease and do circles around the F-86s at high speeds and altitudes … then zip out of sight.
I never got to ask him detailed questions that could elaborate on these experiences of his. But I do have memories of him expounding now and then on the incredible things that were being built by our government.

[bpacheco]

I've listened to this almost every night since I've heard it to fall asleep. Ryan's and lex's voice is so relaxing. Quite a few times I heard Ryan mention landing at night on the ship it's terrifying to imagine being on that situation..relying on someone on board to see a little light on your jet to help you land...yet it's so peaceful to listen to that story, ....landing on a dark ship middle of ocean. Amazing. These fighter pilots are a whole other level so much respect is due

[LukeNeidig]

Lt. Graves does a great job at explaining what it’s like being in a fighter jet, probably does a better job than any other pilot at making it relatable and understandable to the average person. I learned a ton just from the beginning of this interview. Very interesting stuff.

[jocpowell]

This chap is on another level. Damn, he’s an extremely concise talker, a really interesting listen. Cheers Lex

[sturmanaskie]

This is one of the smartest guys you’ve had on your show Lex. And genuine and humble. Kudos to him.

[peakydene]

Ryan and Lex are two wonderful, highly intelligent, benevolent, kind, progressive, curious, purposeful, compassionate human beings. And Ryan is as brave as anyone could be. I believe that both Ryan and Lex became who they were meant to become, whether by design or chance, and the world is a better place with them here—doing what they each are doing—at this particular time and place. I am elderly—in my eighth decade— and I feel privileged to have just been able to watch this video and listen to them talk to one another. They, and others like them, give me hope for future generations.

[ggytast]

I got teared up when Ryan was talking about finding peace in nature. I also want to acknowledge and praise his advice to young people: that he encourages young people to ask questions and explore at the risk of being misunderstood or laughed at, for the sheer Love and Care, very specific words, of the pursuit of learning and growing. What a great interview. I really enjoyed it! <3

[rolandconnor]

Normally what I am about to say goes against every fiber of my being, but I believe every word that this guy says.

[bambino]

I love how Lex spends the first hour enabling his guest to establish his credibility. What a guy. Amazing interview.

[landon]

Lex, your ability to build a question and pivot where needed, is incredible.
Thanks for bringing content that can actually influence.

[pablohansen]

Your content quality is unmatched, Lex; you are my favorite content creator by a huge stretch. Thank you for doing what you do.

[martinprovaz]

I like how Ryan was careful from beginning, mainly about UAPs and then he went full send about possible ext. life and experiments with a matter. Another incredible podcast. Sometimes I wish I would have a bunch of friends that I could sit down with, open beer or maybe a whiskey and watch Lex’s podcasts and discuss these burning topics. That would fill me with joy.

[MagicJoshua]

Lt. Ryan Graves is on the forefront of solving the UFO enigma. We owe him a great deal of gratitude for his service to America and humanity as a whole.

Why do UFOs behave like curious, teleporting hummingbirds around our biggest/fastest flying machines?