The Jack Carr Channel Red Tide
Aug 13, 2025
M.P. Woodward, a former Naval Intelligence Officer and bestselling author, shares his fascinating journey from military service to the tech industry. He explores the strategic vulnerabilities in technology and their impact on warfare, notably in relation to semiconductors. The conversation dives into his upcoming thriller, Red Tide, and the balance between military authenticity and market needs in writing. With insights into historical fiction, he reflects on the evolution of espionage storytelling and the legacy of Tom Clancy, all while reminiscing about personal anecdotes and cinematic inspirations.
01:09:21
From Flight School To Naval Intelligence
- M.P. Woodward entered flight school but suffered a back injury that required surgery.
- He refused to falsify records and accepted a designator change that led him into naval intelligence.
Naval Intel To Tech Executive
- After the Navy, Woodward got an MBA while at PACOM and shifted into tech and data communications.
- He rode industry waves from networking to wireless to content, landing at Amazon Prime Video international distribution.
Think Of Storytelling As Product Work
- Treat storytelling as a product by analyzing what readers want and publishing market realities.
- Set concrete targets and structure for your manuscript rather than relying solely on artistic impulses.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Journey to Naval Intelligence
01:31 • 7min
Reflections on Military Training and Tactical Evolution
08:34 • 3min
Reflections on Cold War Media and Storytelling
11:50 • 21min
Exploring Firearms and Literature: The Journey of Crafting Military Narratives
33:14 • 4min
Excitement for Literary Releases and Historical Fiction Favorites
36:50 • 3min
Crafting Realism in Spy Thrillers
39:31 • 19min
Excitement for Upcoming Projects and Collaborations
58:54 • 2min
Filming Adventures in Africa
01:00:31 • 6min
The Iconic Role of Vehicles in Storytelling
01:06:23 • 3min
#8287
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Clear and Present Danger
Henry Ford Harrison
In this novel, Jack Ryan, now the acting Deputy Director of Intelligence, uncovers a web of corruption and deceit involving the National Security Advisor and the CIA. The story revolves around the U.S.
government's secret military operations against a Colombian drug cartel, led by Ernesto Escobedo, and the intricate plot involving Felix Cortez, Escobedo's intelligence officer.
Ryan must navigate this complex landscape to rescue American troops left behind in Colombia and expose the truth about the covert operations, all while facing political machinations and personal danger.
#28895
Red Tide
M.P. Woodward
#42725
Line of Demarcation
M.P. Woodward
#39393
Terminal Velocity
M.P. Woodward
#7027
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
War and Remembrance
Herman Wouk
War and Remembrance is the sequel to Herman Wouk's 'The Winds of War' and completes the cycle of the Henry family's experiences during World War II. The novel delves into historical events such as the battles at Midway, Yalta, Guadalcanal, and El Alamein, as well as the Allied invasions of Normandy and the Philippines.
It also explores the personal struggles and transformations of the characters, particularly the rediscovery of Jewish identity by Aaron Jastrow and his niece Natalie Henry amidst the horrors of the Holocaust.
The book is known for its meticulous historical detail and its emotional impact on readers, capturing the drama, romance, heroism, and tragedy of World War II through the lens of a single American family.
#39766
The Handler
M.P. Woodward
#3451
• Mentioned in 8 episodes
Winds of War
Herman Wouk
The Winds of War is a historical novel by Herman Wouk, published in 1971.
The book focuses on the Henry family, particularly Victor 'Pug' Henry, a Naval Officer and confidant of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The story spans from six months before Germany's invasion of Poland in September 1939 to the United States' entry into the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.
The novel interweaves the lives of the fictional Henry family with real historical figures and events, providing a detailed and realistic portrayal of the early years of World War II. It also includes a subplot from the perspective of German General Armin von Roon, offering insights into the German side of the war.
#3580
• Mentioned in 8 episodes
Once An Eagle
America's War and Peace
Anton Myrer
The novel tells the story of Sam Damon, a soldier committed to honor and duty, and his lifelong adversary, Courtney Massengale, who advances through ambition and connections.
The narrative spans multiple conflicts, from the trenches of World War I to the jungles of World War II and the battlegrounds of Vietnam.
It explores the complexities of military life, leadership, and the personal sacrifices that accompany military service.
Through Sam Damon's journey, the book articulates profound lessons on service, ethics, and the realities of conflict, making it a tribute and a somber reflection on military life and universal themes of integrity, family, and sacrifice.
#2459
• Mentioned in 11 episodes
The Hunt for Red October
Tom Clancy
The Hunt for Red October is Tom Clancy's debut novel, published in 1984.
It follows Soviet submarine captain Marko Ramius as he plots to defect to the United States with his advanced ballistic missile submarine, the Red October.
The novel introduces CIA analyst Jack Ryan, who must prove his theory that Ramius intends to defect rather than launch a surprise attack.
The story involves a complex cat-and-mouse game between the Soviet Navy, the U.S.
Navy, and the CIA, highlighting the technological and strategic aspects of Cold War naval warfare.
The book is known for its detailed technical descriptions and its sympathetic portrayal of both Soviet and American characters.
#8551
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Red Storm Rising
Tom Clancy
Set in the mid-1980s, 'Red Storm Rising' begins with Muslim militants sabotaging a major Soviet oil field, leading to severe fuel shortages and prompting the Soviet Union to plan a military invasion of the Persian Gulf to secure oil resources.
The Soviets first aim to neutralize NATO through a series of elaborate deceptions and military operations.
The novel details the ensuing conflict, involving complex strategies, espionage, and high-stakes diplomacy, without escalating to nuclear warfare.
It features a detailed and authentic depiction of modern conventional warfare, involving various military units and technologies.
#8911
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Drop Dead
Richard E. Farley
#4387
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
The Billion Dollar Spy
A True Story of Cold War Espionage and Betrayal
David Hoffman
The book narrates the extraordinary story of Adolf Tolkachev, a Soviet engineer who, from 1977 to 1985, supplied the CIA with a vast amount of top-secret data on the USSR’s military capabilities.
Tolkachev, working in a top-secret design laboratory, risked his life to provide information on Soviet radar, aircraft, and weapons technology.
The CIA valued his intel at billions of dollars, making him the agency's most valuable Soviet asset.
The book details the intricate and dangerous operations involved in handling Tolkachev, including clandestine meetings, dead-drops, and the bureaucratic challenges faced by the CIA. Hoffman's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring to life the high-stakes espionage and the personal motivations of Tolkachev, as well as the broader geopolitical implications of his actions[The Bookish Elf, Goodreads].
#25393
Horatio Hornblower
C. S. Forester
#761
• Mentioned in 27 episodes
Treasure Island
Robert Louis Stevenson
The story follows Jim Hawkins, a young boy who lives at the Admiral Benbow Inn with his mother.
After the death of a mysterious sea captain, Billy Bones, Jim finds a map that leads to the treasure of Captain Flint.
Along with Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney, Jim sets sail on the Hispaniola to find the treasure, unaware that many of the crew members are former pirates of Captain Flint's ship, led by the cunning Long John Silver.
The novel unfolds as a tale of adventure, mutiny, and the struggle between good and evil, with Jim facing numerous challenges and learning valuable lessons about courage and loyalty.
#31472
Firefox
Craig Thomas
Today’s guest is former Naval Intelligence Officer, global tech executive, and New York Times bestselling author M.P. Woodward. During his service with U.S. Pacific Command, Woodward developed strategic war games and deployed multiple times to the Persian Gulf and Far East, working alongside U.S. Special Operations Forces, the CIA, and NSA.
After leaving the military, he earned his MBA and built a career in the tech sector, eventually leading international distribution marketing for Amazon Prime Video. His work at the intersection of media, geopolitics, and technology now informs his acclaimed espionage novels, including The Handler and Dead Drop, and his contributions to the Tom Clancy universe.
In this episode, Jack and M.P. discuss his path from the Navy to the tech world, the lessons learned in uniform that translate to business, and how he approaches writing with both an operational and market-driven mindset. They dive into the research and process behind The Handler, the strategic vulnerabilities explored in his upcoming standalone thriller Red Tide, and the family and service themes woven into the novel. The conversation also touches on writing historical fiction, the art of a strong prologue, book cover design, and Tom Clancy’s legacy, along with a few detours into classic films, Dark Wolf, True Believer, and Land Cruisers.
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Website: http://mpwoodward.com
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