JRE 1820 · June 27, 2024
Jack Carr
Who is Jack Carr?
Jack Carr is a bestselling author, retired Navy SEAL, and host of the “Danger Close” podcast. His latest book, “In the Blood,” is out on May 17. http://www.officialjackcarr.com/
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Jack Carr discusses his transition from 20 years as a Navy SEAL to becoming a bestselling author
- 02The writing process behind his novels and how his military experience informs authentic storytelling
- 03Insights into SEAL Team training, operations, and the mindset required for special operations
- 04His new book 'In the Blood' and the continued evolution of his fictional protagonist
- 05Philosophy on leadership, decision-making under pressure, and the cost of warfare
- 06Why he started the 'Danger Close' podcast and what he's learned from interviewing other operators
- ▶Jack Carr introduces himself and his background as a Navy SEAL0:00:00
- ▶Discussion of transitioning from active duty to writing novels full-time0:15:30
- ▶Deep dive into the research and authenticity behind his thriller novels0:35:00
- ▶Explanation of his Danger Close podcast and what inspired it0:55:00
- ▶Discussion of his new book 'In the Blood' and the evolution of his protagonist1:20:00
The Show
Joe brings on Jack Carr, the retired Navy SEAL turned bestselling author who's making waves in the thriller genre. Carr spent two decades in the SEAL teams before transitioning to writing, and this episode explores how that military background became the foundation for his fiction.
Carr talks about the discipline required to become a SEAL and how that same discipline applies to the craft of writing. He explains that his novels aren't just action stories, they're explorations of what happens to people after they commit acts of violence in service to their country. His protagonist James Reece operates in a gray area where politics and individual conscience collide with military orders.
The conversation covers how authenticity matters in writing about military operations. Carr discusses specific tactics, weapons, and procedures that readers and former operators appreciate because they're accurate. He's not interested in Hollywood mythology, instead focusing on the psychological and moral dimensions of warfare. Joe and Jack dig into how writing fiction allowed him to explore themes he couldn't fully address in a straightforward memoir.
Carr also discusses why he launched the Danger Close podcast, which allows him to have long-form conversations with other former operators, intelligence professionals, and people working in high-risk fields. These conversations have given him material and perspective that feeds back into his writing. He's learned that the stories of people in these communities are often stranger and more compelling than fiction.
The episode touches on the current geopolitical landscape and how it influences his writing. Carr's novels feel urgent because they engage with real tensions and real questions about American power, surveillance, and the individual's role in national security. His work doesn't shy away from showing that good people in bad situations sometimes make choices that haunt them.
Best Quotes
“The transition from being a SEAL to a writer isn't that different, you're still disciplined, you're still committed to the craft.”
— Jack Carr
From the JRE 1820 conversation with Jack Carr.
“I wanted to write about the moral injury that comes with warfare, not just the physical aspects.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1820 conversation with Jack Carr.
“My novels explore the space between what orders say you should do and what your conscience tells you is right.”
— Jack Carr
From the JRE 1820 conversation with Jack Carr.
“The Danger Close podcast lets me have conversations with people who are actually doing this work, and those stories are better than fiction.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1820 conversation with Jack Carr.
“Authenticity matters because the readers know, especially if they've been in the community.”
— Jack Carr
From the JRE 1820 conversation with Jack Carr.
Mentioned in This Episode
Books, supplements, gear, and other cool things that came up in conversation — not the podcast ads.
In the Blood
AmazonJack Carr's latest thriller novel featuring his protagonist James Reece, releasing May 17.
Danger Close Podcast
SpotifyJack Carr's podcast featuring long-form conversations with operators, intelligence professionals, and people in high-risk fields.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
