JRE #1467 – Jack Carr

This Joe Rogan podcast with Jack Carr, a bestselling author and former Navy SEAL, dives into a compelling mix of topics ranging from military experiences and the writing process to the intricacies of hunting and the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation reveals Carr’s unique perspective shaped by his time in the SEAL teams, his passion for writing, and his unwavering dedication to self-reliance and preparedness.

Podcast Topics:

1. Jack Carr’s Journey to Authorship:
   1. Carr’s childhood love of reading, particularly military fiction, sparked his desire to become an author.
   2. He joined the Navy SEALs, dedicating himself fully to his military career, with writing as a future goal.
   3. After 20 years of service, Carr transitioned into writing, fueled by his experiences and a deep understanding of storytelling.
   4. He credits Joseph Campbell’s “Hero with a Thousand Faces” for shaping his storytelling approach.
2. The Writing Process:
   1. Carr emphasizes the importance of reading extensively and immersing oneself in the genre.
   2. He uses a one-word theme (e.g., “revenge,” “redemption”) to stay focused and maintain consistency.
   3. Carr doesn’t believe in writer’s block, comparing it to the misconception of “doctor’s block.”
   4. He sees writing as a profession, requiring discipline and dedicated hours, particularly during the late-night hours when the house is quiet.
3. Finding an Agent and Publishing:
   1. Carr’s lack of knowledge about the publishing industry and his reluctance to seek an agent initially worked in his favor.
   2. He secured a publishing deal through a connection with author Brad Thor, who trusted Carr’s talent and passion.
   3. He delivered his first manuscript a year after making the commitment, showcasing his dedication and work ethic.
   4. Carr emphasizes the importance of treating writing like a startup, requiring marketing, branding, and business acumen beyond just writing.
4. The Terminal List and Subsequent Novels:
   1. Carr’s first novel, “The Terminal List,” was a visceral and personal story of revenge, resonating with readers due to its authentic and gritty portrayal of combat.
   2. He consciously moved away from a singular focus on revenge in subsequent novels, exploring themes of redemption, the dark side of man, and the complexities of geopolitics.
   3. His novels incorporate real-world experiences and research, adding authenticity and depth to the narratives.
   4. Carr’s writing often incorporates elements of his personal interests and knowledge, including gear, vehicles, and hunting.
5. The Significance of Research and Authenticity:
   1. Carr emphasizes the importance of real-world research, incorporating firsthand experiences and interviews with experts.
   2. He traveled to Mozambique, Russia, and other locations to immerse himself in the settings and cultures he writes about.
   3. Carr’s background as a SEAL allows him to write with unparalleled authenticity, providing unique insights into military operations and tactics.
   4. He strives to create relatable and nuanced characters, avoiding archetypes and showcasing the complexities of human nature.
6. Hunting and Bear Encounters:
   1. Carr discusses his experiences hunting brown bear in Russia, highlighting the inherent danger and respect for the animal.
   2. He contrasts the Russian hunting practices with those in the United States, emphasizing the scientific approach to population management.
   3. Carr details a harrowing encounter with a wounded brown bear, underscoring the potential for real danger in hunting large game.
   4. He expresses a deep appreciation for the natural world and its challenges, recognizing the value of self-reliance and preparedness.
7. The COVID-19 Pandemic and its Implications:
   1. Carr sees the pandemic as a wake-up call, exposing vulnerabilities in society and the importance of self-reliance.
   2. He encourages individuals to prepare for potential crises, including having a supply of food, water, and essential supplies.
   3. Carr emphasizes the need for financial preparedness, recognizing that economic hardship can be a major consequence of unexpected events.
   4. He highlights the importance of setting a good example for children, teaching them the values of self-sufficiency and resilience.
8. The Terminal List Adaptation:
   1. Carr’s first novel, “The Terminal List,” has been adapted into a TV series, starring Chris Pratt, who was Carr’s vision for the role even before the book was published.
   2. He credits fate or destiny for the unexpected connection with Pratt, who had optioned the book even before its release.
   3. Carr also envisioned Anton Fuqua as the director, highlighting the importance of visualizing the adaptation and collaborating with talented individuals.
   4. He believes that his dedication and hard work may have contributed to manifesting these collaborations, showcasing the power of focus and intention.
9. The Ethics and Morality of Targeted Assassinations:
   1. Carr’s fourth novel explores the ethical, moral, and legal complexities of targeted assassinations, using the COVID-19 pandemic as a backdrop.
   2. He delves into the history of targeted assassinations, particularly the practices of Israel, and the potential implications of bioweapons.
   3. The protagonist grapples with the moral dilemmas of targeted killings, highlighting the gray areas of warfare and the consequences of taking human life.
   4. Carr’s writing draws from his experiences and research, offering a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on this controversial issue.
10. The Role of Torture:
    1. Carr challenges the common assertion that torture is ineffective, drawing on his firsthand experience and the complexities of interrogation.
    2. He emphasizes the importance of discussing the ethical and tactical implications of torture with military personnel.
    3. Carr highlights the need to maintain moral high ground in warfare, differentiating the tactics of US forces from those of their adversaries.
    4. He underscores the potential dangers of using torture as a tactic, recognizing its potential for undermining the mission and harming public perception.
11. Authenticity and Honesty in Public Discourse:
    1. Carr acknowledges the challenges of being a prominent voice in the public sphere, balancing honesty with thoughtful expression.
    2. He recognizes the importance of authenticity and the difficulty of hiding true opinions in the age of social media.
    3. Carr emphasizes the need to be accountable for one’s words and actions, recognizing the potential consequences of speaking out publicly.
    4. He sees his role as an author and analyst as an opportunity to provide honest insights and perspectives on complex issues.
12. The Importance of Self-Reliance and Preparedness:
    1. Carr encourages listeners to embrace self-reliance, recognizing the importance of being prepared for potential crises.
    2. He promotes practical steps like stockpiling food and water, learning basic survival skills, and considering financial preparedness.
    3. Carr highlights the value of setting a good example for children, teaching them the importance of self-sufficiency and resilience.
    4. He advocates for a proactive approach to personal safety and security, recognizing the importance of taking responsibility for one’s well-being.

5 Memorable Quotes:

1. “The only difference between a published author and an unpublished author is that the published author never quit.” – Carr emphasizes the importance of persistence and dedication in achieving one’s goals.
2. “It’s not just about being paranoid. It’s just allowing you to focus elsewhere if there’s a natural disaster here in California like an earthquake.” – Carr highlights the benefits of preparedness, allowing individuals to focus on essential matters during times of crisis.
3. “You’re not just writing and sending it to New York, which is what I thought. Up until about the time I published the first one, I thought you just went back and forth with an editor a little bit, and then you start the next book. Well, really, you have to do advertising, branding, co-branding, or your marketing stuff, your budgets, your social media, like anything you would have to do with any other business that you’re starting out you have to do as an author.” – Carr emphasizes the multifaceted nature of being an author, requiring business acumen and marketing skills beyond just writing.
4. “You can’t just wish that something was gonna happen. You know, you have to sit down and do the work, whether it’s write comedy, whether it’s write a novel, to start a gym. Whatever you’re gonna do, like, you have to sit down and do the work.” – Carr underscores the fundamental role of hard work and dedication in achieving success.
5. “The worst thing to do is watch a, like, a SEAL movie with a SEAL or a…movie, like a police movie with a cop or whatever, that’s all gonna tell you about all the mistakes. So you can’t enjoy the film.” – Carr humorously highlights the importance of suspending disbelief and enjoying fiction for what it is, recognizing the limitations of cinematic depictions of real-world professions.