SRS #235 John "Tig" Tiegen - Surviving 13 Hours Under Fire in Benghazi

September 11, 2025

John “Tig” Tiegen is a former U.S. Marine Sergeant and security contractor renowned for his heroic actions during the 2012 Benghazi attacks. Serving with the CIA's Global Response Staff, Tiegen was part of the elite team that defended the U.S. diplomatic compound and CIA Annex against militant assaults on September 11, 2012, saving numerous lives over 13 grueling hours.

With over 13 years in high-threat security for Blackwater and government agencies, he has deployed to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq. Tiegen co-authored the New York Times bestseller 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi (2014) and served as a consultant for Michael Bay’s film adaptation (2016).

A sought-after motivational speaker, he shares lessons on leadership, resilience, and teamwork through his organization Beyond the Battlefield, supporting veterans and first responders.

He continues advocating for truth, patriotism, and mental health awareness, often speaking at events about overcoming adversity. Tiegen is running for mayor of Colorado Springs.

Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors:

⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/srs⁠⁠

This episode is sponsored. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self.

⁠⁠https://bunkr.life⁠⁠ – USE CODE SRS

Go to https://bunkr.life/SRS and use code “SRS” to get 25% off your family plan.

⁠⁠https://meetfabric.com/shawn⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://shawnlikesgold.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://helixsleep.com/srs⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://mypatriotsupply.com/srs⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://patriotmobile.com/srs⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://prizepicks.onelink.me/lmeo/srs⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://rocketmoney.com/srs⁠⁠