June 18, 2024 • 2hr 44min

#2165 - Jack Carr

The Joe Rogan Experience

In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, host Joe Rogan sits down with bestselling author and former Navy SEAL Jack Carr to discuss Carr's latest book "Red Sky Mourning," as well as a wide range of topics including the adaptation of Carr's books to television, the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the rise of AI and autonomous weapons, and the erosion of trust in mainstream institutions.

#2165 - Jack Carr

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Key Takeaways

Jack Carr is a bestselling author and former Navy SEAL whose books draw heavily on his real-world military experience
Carr discusses the challenges of adapting books to film/TV while maintaining authenticity, and his collaborative process with the creators of the TV adaptation of his book "The Terminal List"
Carr and Rogan explore the complexities and controversies around the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, sharing insights from Carr's military background
They delve into the rise of AI and autonomous weapons systems, and the potential national security implications as the technology rapidly advances
Carr shares his perspective on the distrust in mainstream media and government institutions, and the importance of independent voices and long-form discussions

Introduction

In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, host Joe Rogan sits down with bestselling author and former Navy SEAL Jack Carr to discuss Carr's latest book "Red Sky Mourning," as well as a wide range of topics including the adaptation of Carr's books to television, the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the rise of AI and autonomous weapons, and the erosion of trust in mainstream institutions.

Carr is known for his gripping thriller novels that draw heavily on his real-world military experience, and the conversation covers both his creative process as a writer as well as his insights into geopolitics and national security. Rogan and Carr have a longstanding rapport, and the discussion flows naturally between Carr's literary work and the broader sociopolitical landscape.

Topics Discussed

Adapting Books to Film/TV (2:16:08)

Carr discusses the challenges of adapting his books to television, including balancing authenticity with the need to "move the story forward"
He emphasizes the importance of getting the details right for military/law enforcement audiences, and the collaborative process with the showrunners and actors
Carr shares his experience consulting with Sylvester Stallone on the adaptation of the "First Blood" novel, and the actor's keen eye for important props and details

The Withdrawal from Afghanistan (2:00:18)

Carr and Rogan discuss the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, drawing on Carr's military background and the firsthand accounts he's gathered
They express frustration with the lack of planning and foresight, and the failure to protect Afghan allies who had assisted U.S. forces
Carr notes the contrast between the withdrawal and the heroism of the troops on the ground during the initial invasion and occupation

The Rise of AI and Autonomous Weapons (2:03:00)

Carr and Rogan explore the rapid advancements in AI and autonomous weapons systems, including the development of AI-powered fighter jets that can outperform human pilots
They discuss the national security implications as countries like China and Russia race to develop these technologies
Carr shares his research into China's efforts to gain strategic advantages, including buying up real estate near U.S. military bases

Distrust in Mainstream Media and Institutions (2:32:10)

Carr and Rogan lament the erosion of trust in mainstream media and government institutions, citing examples like the coverage of the withdrawal from Afghanistan
They note the rise of independent voices and long-form discussions as a counterbalance to the "sound bite" nature of much mainstream reporting
Carr expresses appreciation for Rogan's podcast as a platform for honest, in-depth conversations on important topics

Breitling Watches and "Sketchy" Associations (2:19:45)

Carr and Rogan discuss the perceived association between Breitling watches and "sketchy" or "gray area" operators, both good and bad
They explore the history and reputation of the brand, and how it has been linked to certain figures in the military, intelligence, and mercenary worlds
Carr notes that he plans to incorporate this association into one of his future novels

Personal Experiences and Perspectives (2:15:46)

Carr shares anecdotes from his time traveling in Russia and Ukraine prior to joining the military, and how he's able to draw on those experiences in his writing
Rogan and Carr discuss the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance as successful authors and creatives
Carr expresses his appreciation for Rogan's openness and willingness to explore controversial topics on his podcast

Conclusion

Throughout the wide-ranging conversation, Carr and Rogan demonstrate a shared fascination with the complexities of the modern world, from the creative process of adapting books to film and television, to the geopolitical and technological shifts that are reshaping national security. Carr's unique perspective as a former Navy SEAL and bestselling author provides valuable insights, while Rogan's probing questions and willingness to tackle sensitive topics creates an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue.

The episode underscores the importance of independent voices and long-form discussions in an era marked by polarization, misinformation, and the erosion of trust in traditional institutions. Carr's commitment to authenticity and nuance in his writing, as well as his candid reflections on the state of the world, make this conversation a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of literature, military affairs, and the broader sociopolitical landscape.