JRE #652 – Ricky Schroder

by

5/25/2015






Joe Rogan Experience #652 – Ricky Schroder Podcast Topics

Joe Rogan Experience #652 – Ricky Schroder Podcast Topics

This podcast features actor and film director Ricky Schroder, best known for his roles in “The Champ” and “Silver Spoons.” Schroder discusses his latest project, a docu-series titled “The Fighting Season,” which chronicles his 110-day embedded experience with US soldiers in Afghanistan in 2014. The conversation delves into the complexities of war, the culture of Afghanistan, the motivations of both US soldiers and the Taliban, and the challenges of nation building. Provocative themes include the use of drones, the dangers faced by journalists, the realities of combat, and the enduring impact of war on those who serve.

Podcast Topics:

  1. The Making of “The Fighting Season”:
    • Schroder’s motivation for creating the docu-series stems from a lifelong curiosity about war and a desire to understand its impact.
    • He spent 110 days embedded with US soldiers in Afghanistan, experiencing combat firsthand.
    • The docu-series aims to provide a nuanced and unfiltered perspective on the war, highlighting the challenges and complexities of ending a conflict.
    • Schroder’s commitment to telling the story of the soldiers, particularly those who lost their lives, fuels his passion for the project.
  2. Life in Afghanistan:
    • Afghanistan’s diverse landscape, primarily consisting of villages and mud huts, contrasts sharply with the modern, urban center of Kabul.
    • The country struggles with poverty, limited infrastructure, and widespread corruption, posing significant obstacles to progress.
    • The Taliban’s influence, coupled with the ongoing conflict, makes it a dangerous and unpredictable place to live and work.
    • Schroder emphasizes the importance of the internet and cell phone technology in exposing Afghans to a wider world and fostering potential change.
  3. The Taliban and Radical Islam:
    • The Taliban’s primary objective is to establish Sharia law and dismantle democratic structures in Afghanistan.
    • They use heroin as a weapon, both by cultivating it for profit and by targeting US troops with drug-related activities.
    • Schroder highlights the disturbing practice of using children as suicide bombers, often those with disabilities, who are indoctrinated with promises of heavenly rewards.
    • The podcast underscores the global threat posed by radical Islam and the need for a comprehensive approach to combating its spread.
  4. The US Military’s Role in Afghanistan:
    • Schroder acknowledges the efforts of the US military in providing infrastructure, increasing literacy rates, and reducing infant mortality in Afghanistan.
    • The decision to withdraw troops raises concerns about the Taliban regaining power and the future of Afghanistan’s stability.
    • He argues that the US should either fully commit to nation building or completely withdraw, avoiding a half-hearted approach.
    • The podcast explores the controversial aspects of nation building and the potential for corruption and misuse of funds.
  5. The Realities of Combat:
    • Schroder paints a vivid picture of the constant anxiety and unpredictability experienced by soldiers in Afghanistan, where the enemy can be anyone.
    • He emphasizes the importance of building trust and rapport with Afghan soldiers, as well as navigating cultural differences.
    • The podcast reveals the complex and sometimes controversial nature of the rules of engagement, especially when it comes to drone warfare.
    • The dangers faced by journalists and the ethical dilemmas involved in reporting on war are discussed.
  6. The Personal Impact of War:
    • Schroder details his own emotional and psychological responses to witnessing death and violence, highlighting the jarring shift from civilian life to combat.
    • He highlights the resilience and dedication of the soldiers he encountered, emphasizing their commitment to protecting their country and fighting extremism.
    • The podcast explores the lasting impact of war on those who serve, particularly the struggle to re-adjust to civilian life and the challenge of reconciling their experiences with their pre-war identities.
    • Schroder reflects on the importance of finding new passions and pursuits after leaving such a powerful and intense experience.
  7. The US Army and its Leadership:
    • Schroder expresses immense respect for the US army and its leadership, highlighting their dedication, experience, and commitment to training and protecting soldiers.
    • He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families, and the vital role the army plays in defending the country.
    • He expresses pride in telling the stories of the soldiers and believes that the docu-series can help viewers understand the challenges of war and the commitment of those who serve.
    • The podcast underscores the critical role of leadership in the military and the responsibility they have to ensure the safety and well-being of their troops.

5 Memorable Quotes:

  1. “The motivation is probably, you know, I was always curious about what war was. You know, war is just such one of those things that has affected mankind and and and changed the course of history since the beginning of time. right, the act of war.” – Schroder’s initial curiosity about war and its impact on history motivates his journey to Afghanistan.
  2. “The real disgusting thing with with some of that is, you know, they use kids a lot for suicide bombers. You know, kids that are handicapped, kids that have mental problems down syndrome or handicaps in some way.” – Schroder reveals the horrifying tactic of using children as suicide bombers, highlighting the depravity of the Taliban.
  3. “You know, you don’t know where the enemy is. Like, it’s like, once you know where the enemy is, then at least you can focus on him and you can face him. but the enemy can be anywhere in that kind of environment.” – Schroder describes the constant state of anxiety and uncertainty soldiers face in Afghanistan, where the enemy can be anyone and anywhere.
  4. “The army is different than the CIA. It’s different than any other branch of the military that’s using drone warfare. And I think that’s an important, like, def distinction that we have to remember is that the US army fights according to its own it’s a it’s a it’s a set of values and principles that are different from other organizations that do that stuff.” – Schroder emphasizes the distinction between the US army’s ethical framework and the practices of other organizations involved in drone warfare.
  5. “It’s not personal, I guess, is what I would say. You know, it’s it’s not like they wanna kill Joe. They wanna kill Ricky. They wanna kill what we represent.” – Schroder reflects on the nature of the conflict, recognizing that the Taliban’s target is not individuals but rather the values and ideals the US represents.


 

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