JRE #2165 – Jack Carr

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features Jack Carr, a bestselling author, retired Navy SEAL, and host of the “Danger Close” podcast. The conversation explores Carr’s experiences in the military, his writing process, and his insights on the world’s complex geopolitics. Provocative and controversial topics are discussed, including the realities of war, the power of ideas, and the role of technology in shaping the future.

Major Topics:

Here are 15 to 20 major topics discussed in the podcast:

1. The Writing Process and Creative Inspiration:
   1. Carr discusses the pressure of writing for a recurring character and the timeline he needs to meet. He shares his process for writing and the importance of setting a specific time and place for writing.
   2. He shares his belief that ideas are a lifeform, injecting themselves into human consciousness to inspire creation. This ties into his perspective on the role of the “muse” in creative work.
   3. Carr highlights the importance of discipline, focus, and dedication in summoning creative inspiration, drawing on Steven Pressfield’s book “The War of Art.”
   4. He reveals his unique ritual of getting a new computer for every book, seeing it as a way to start fresh with a blank slate.
2. The Realities of War and Fate:
   1. Carr describes the immense pressure of being in charge of soldiers in a war zone, emphasizing the importance of always being prepared and training relentlessly to minimize risks.
   2. He reveals how he had to resign himself to fate in Iraq to focus on the mission, understanding that even with meticulous preparation, unpredictable dangers could always arise.
   3. Carr discusses the moral and emotional toll of leading soldiers into dangerous situations and how it impacts him even after leaving the military.
   4. The conversation highlights the stark contrast between the high stakes of war and the often-distant, sanitized view of conflict presented in mainstream media.
3. The Power of Storytelling and Authenticity:
   1. Carr explains how his real-life experiences as a Navy SEAL inform the emotional depth and realism of his books. He shares how his personal memories and emotions directly translate onto the page.
   2. He discusses the value of reading and how it established a strong foundation for his writing. He emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in stories to develop a strong understanding of storytelling.
   3. Carr details the collaborative process of writing for film and television, acknowledging that adaptations often deviate from the source material. He shares his experience working with Chris Pratt on “The Terminal List” and the importance of striking a balance between authenticity and Hollywood storytelling conventions.
   4. He discusses the challenges of creating believable storylines in a world where surveillance technology is pervasive and secrets are increasingly difficult to keep.
4. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence and its Implications:
   1. Carr delves into the rapid advancements in AI, particularly in military applications. He explores the potential for AI-controlled weapons systems and the implications for warfare.
   2. He discusses the increasing reliance on AI for decision-making and the potential for mistakes or unintended consequences.
   3. Carr highlights the need to understand China’s strategic goals and their rapid development of AI, recognizing the potential for a technological arms race.
   4. The conversation delves into the ethical and philosophical questions surrounding the development and use of AI, particularly in the context of warfare.
5. Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) and the Government’s Role:
   1. Carr shares his perspective on the UAP phenomenon, suggesting that some sightings might be attributable to advanced technology developed by the United States or other countries.
   2. He expresses skepticism regarding the government’s official narratives on UAPs, questioning their credibility given past instances of deception and manipulation.
   3. Carr discusses the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial technology, drawing on the research of Diana Pasolka and Gary Nolan on crash sites. He explores the idea of “donations” – advanced technology sent to Earth by an unknown source.
   4. He emphasizes the importance of remaining critical and skeptical, recognizing the potential for misinformation and manipulation in the information age.
6. The Kennedy Assassination and Conspiracy Theories:
   1. Carr shares his skepticism about the official narrative of the Kennedy assassination, believing that Lee Harvey Oswald was likely involved in a larger conspiracy.
   2. He discusses the role of the CIA and the mob in the assassination, pointing to the involvement of figures like Jack Ruby and E. Howard Hunt.
   3. Carr highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the assassination, emphasizing the importance of questioning official accounts and seeking out alternative perspectives.
   4. He acknowledges the enduring mystery surrounding the event, highlighting the challenge of discerning truth from speculation in such a highly contested historical event.
7. The Role of the Media and Trust in Institutions:
   1. Carr discusses the decline of trust in mainstream media and government institutions, highlighting the increasing reliance on independent journalists and alternative sources of information.
   2. He points to the impact of social media and foreign interference in shaping public discourse and creating misinformation.
   3. Carr emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in navigating a world saturated with information.
   4. He acknowledges the challenges of discerning truth from falsehood in the digital age and the need for responsible and ethical journalism.
8. Political Polarization and the Future of Democracy:
   1. Carr discusses the increasing political polarization in the United States and the challenges of finding common ground.
   2. He expresses concern about the influence of special interests and the erosion of democratic values.
   3. Carr highlights the importance of civil discourse and the need for politicians to prioritize the well-being of their constituents.
   4. He expresses hope that despite the challenges, a more balanced and inclusive approach to politics can emerge.
9. The Importance of Supporting Independent Businesses:
   1. Carr discusses the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses and the importance of supporting independent bookstores.
   2. He highlights the value of local communities and the need to preserve independent businesses.
   3. Carr shares his personal efforts to support independent bookstores through book signings and promotional initiatives.
   4. He encourages listeners to shop locally and support small businesses whenever possible.
10. The World of Espionage and Surveillance:
    1. Carr discusses the use of Breitling watches as a symbol of espionage, drawing on a popular saying that “sketchy dudes wear Breitlings.” He shares his experience incorporating this detail into his writing.
    2. He discusses the ever-evolving nature of espionage techniques and the challenges of maintaining secrecy in a technologically advanced world.
    3. Carr delves into the complexities of international espionage, highlighting the role of foreign governments in influencing public opinion and manipulating events.
    4. He acknowledges the potential for danger and the high stakes involved in the world of espionage.
11. The Power of Intuition and Recognizing Bullshit:
    1. Carr discusses the importance of trusting one’s intuition, particularly in a world filled with misinformation and deception. He shares how he has learned to recognize bullshit over time.
    2. He emphasizes the need to be critical of official narratives and to question information from sources that have a history of deception.
    3. Carr highlights the power of independent thinking and the importance of forming one’s own conclusions based on evidence and analysis.
    4. He encourages listeners to remain skeptical and to question authority when necessary, recognizing the importance of individual agency in a complex world.
12. The Role of Technology in Everyday Life:
    1. Carr discusses the challenges of managing technology and information overload in a digital age. He shares his experience with various devices and apps, including his reliance on Apple Notes for capturing ideas.
    2. He acknowledges the potential for technology to be both beneficial and detrimental, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance and avoiding becoming overly reliant on digital tools.
    3. Carr reflects on the changing nature of communication and information consumption, noting the shift from traditional media to online platforms.
    4. He highlights the need to be mindful of the impact of technology on our mental health and well-being.
13. The Importance of Self-Improvement and Recovery:
    1. Carr discusses the use of fitness trackers and the value of monitoring recovery and sleep patterns. He acknowledges the potential for self-improvement through these tools.
    2. He shares his personal experience with using a Whoop tracker and how it has increased his awareness of the impact of lifestyle choices on his health.
    3. Carr emphasizes the importance of self-care and the need to prioritize well-being, particularly in demanding careers like writing.
    4. He acknowledges the importance of finding a balance between work and personal life and the need to prioritize self-improvement.
14. The Russian Oligarchy and Corruption:
    1. Carr discusses the Russian oligarchy and the wealth accumulated through corrupt practices. He shares his knowledge of Putin’s lavish lifestyle and the alleged palace that was exposed by Alexei Navalny.
    2. He discusses the role of Russian oligarchs in global finance and money laundering, highlighting the use of real estate as a tool for hiding wealth.
    3. Carr shares his experiences traveling to Moscow and Odessa, Ukraine, and the insights he gained from those trips. He emphasizes the importance of firsthand experience in understanding the world’s complexities.
    4. The conversation delves into the political and economic implications of corruption, particularly in the context of the current geopolitical landscape.
15. The Ukrainian Crisis and the Role of Western Allies:
    1. Carr discusses the Ukrainian crisis and the commitment of Western allies to providing military and financial aid. He highlights the increasing tensions between Russia and the West and the potential for escalation.
    2. He explores the geopolitical implications of the crisis, particularly in relation to NATO expansion and the role of China in the region.
    3. Carr shares his perspective on the motivations behind Western involvement and the potential consequences for global security.
    4. The conversation delves into the ethical considerations of providing support to Ukraine and the challenges of navigating a complex and volatile geopolitical situation.
16. The Importance of Recognizing and Confronting Corruption:
    1. Carr discusses the pervasiveness of corruption in both the United States and other countries. He shares his experience witnessing corruption firsthand in the military and in government institutions.
    2. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability and the need to challenge corrupt practices.
    3. Carr highlights the dangers of allowing corruption to go unchecked, particularly in relation to national security and the erosion of democratic values.
    4. The conversation underscores the need for vigilance and active citizenship in addressing corruption and ensuring ethical governance.
17. The Importance of Perspective and Openness to Change:
    1. Carr discusses the importance of maintaining a sense of hope and optimism, even in the face of challenging circumstances. He acknowledges the difficulties of navigating a complex and rapidly changing world but encourages listeners to remain open to new information and perspectives.
    2. He highlights the value of embracing change and adapting to new realities. He shares his own experience with personal growth and the importance of being open to learning and evolving.
    3. Carr encourages listeners to engage in thoughtful conversations and to seek out diverse viewpoints. He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the need to challenge assumptions and preconceived notions.
    4. The conversation concludes with a sense of optimism and a belief in the resilience of the human spirit, acknowledging the challenges of the present but emphasizing the importance of remaining engaged and hopeful for the future.

5 Memorable Quotes:

1. “I think ideas are an unrecognized life form. I think creativity is a very strange thing. Like what is it? Where is it coming from? Where do ideas come from?”
2. “You gotta do the work. Or it’s not gonna, obviously if you don’t do the work, you’re never gonna get where you wanna go.”
3. “I think the muse is a real thing. And you’ve come to this over time with age, experience. I just don’t know. You know, I mean, if the muse wasn’t a real thing, boy, it sure behaves like a fucking real thing.”
4. “The universe is big beyond our wildest imagination. There’s no way we could even fathom how big it is. It’s not possible.”
5. “I think people are a lot more interested in what the fuck is actually going on than ever before. Because it actually can affect their life. It’s actually something that’s consequential.”