Video Overview
In this eye-opening episode of The Shawn Ryan Show, former CIA operative Andrew Bustamante shares what a real spy carries every day. From cash stashed in clever ways to everyday tools designed to blend in, Bustamante’s EDC strategy centers around practicality, anonymity, and emergency preparedness. This isn’t about tacticool — it’s about staying safe and undetected. The video is a must-watch for anyone serious about their everyday carry game. Huge shoutout and thank you to Shawn Ryan for bringing this insightful and practical conversation to the EDC community!
Items and Gear Mentioned in the Video
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Laced Shoes – Purchase on Amazon
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$100 US Dollar Bill (in small denominations)
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International Credit Card (e.g., American Express) – Purchase on Amazon
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Laminated Emergency Contact Card
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Collapsible Baton – Purchase on Amazon
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Personal Audio Alarm – Purchase on Amazon
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Sig Sauer P365 Macro (firearm) – Purchase on SIG
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Universal Hotel Key Card Tech (referenced) – Purchase on Amazon (Flipper)
Editor’s Insight
The everyday carry philosophy isn’t just for outdoorsmen, preppers, or tactical enthusiasts. It’s a mindset — and no one demonstrates this better than Andrew Bustamante, a former CIA spy featured on The Shawn Ryan Show. His take on EDC offers a real-world application that cuts through the Instagram hype and puts practicality front and center.
Bustamante’s core rule: EDC must never compromise your cover. In his line of work, drawing attention could mean losing a mission — or worse. That’s why everything he carries is chosen to blend in, be discreet, and pass what he calls “cover scrutiny.” It’s a term that means whatever you carry must make sense for your cover story, whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, or something else entirely.
A few things stood out. First, laced shoes. It’s not a fashion choice — it’s about being ready to move. Whether running from danger or toward opportunity, laced shoes stay on. It’s a simple, underrated tip many overlook.
Second, cash. In an increasingly cashless world, Bustamante reminds us that crisp $5s, $10s, and $100s can be the difference between stuck and saved — especially in a tight spot abroad. Cash is anonymous, instant, and in most of the world, still king.
Third, he recommends an international credit card (think AMEX or Chase) — something with global reliability, even at the cost of high annual fees. For emergencies, it can be your lifeline to local currency or a favor when digital options fail.
Perhaps most practical of all is the laminated card with emergency contact numbers. Phones can die. Phones get stolen. But that weatherproof card tucked in a sock or wallet? That’s accessible, analog, and EMT-friendly. It’s a must for anyone, spy or civilian.
Interestingly, Bustamante doesn’t carry a firearm daily. Instead, he relies on collapsible batons and audio alarms — tools that are non-lethal, kid-safe, and always accessible. His logic is sound: if your weapon is too secure to reach in a crisis, it’s practically useless. His choices reflect a deeper understanding of situational awareness and accessibility.
The conversation closes with a glimpse into high-tech spy gear — including a universal hotel keycard — and his thoughts on the Sig Sauer P365 Macro. Bustamante respects the reliability of Sig firearms but maintains that lifestyle, context, and safety ultimately dictate carry decisions.
Shoutout again to The Shawn Ryan Show for pulling back the curtain on what a real spy carries every day. It’s raw, honest, and packed with lessons every EDC enthusiast can learn from.
Closing Remarks
Everyday carry is more than gear — it’s about being ready for anything, without standing out. Andrew Bustamante’s CIA-informed EDC approach is both strategic and minimalist, focused on staying effective and covert. His tips are a reminder that the best tools are the ones that work when you need them most. Big thanks again to The Shawn Ryan Show for giving us a rare peek into the world of professional-level preparedness. Stay smart, stay safe, and carry with purpose.
