The Jack Carr Channel

Over the past year, the Jack Carr Book Club and the Danger Close Podcast brought together bestselling authors and literary legends to share hard-earned lessons from the page. In this special Writing Advice episode, we’ve gathered the most insightful, actionable, and inspiring moments from those interviews. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a reader fascinated by the craft, or someone looking to better understand the creative trenches, this episode delivers a master class in storytelling. Highlights Include: How the pros develop character, tension, and authenticity Building a daily writing routine (even when life gets chaotic) Lessons on editing, perseverance, doubt, and creative discipline What it takes to write stories that matter A year’s worth of writing wisdom — distilled into one episode. Guests and Referenced Episodes: Dan Brown - THE SECRET OF SECRETS: https://youtu.be/LD03tfIcsaM Dan Brown - THE SECRET OF SECRETS: WEBSITE EXCLUSIVE: https://www.officialjackcarr.com/the-secret-of-secrets/ David Morrell - A Master Class with David Morrell: The Art of the Thriller: https://youtu.be/CGue_lskxoY Mike Rowe - The State of the Union: https://youtu.be/JhdgAI2oAXc  David Baldacci - STRANGERS IN TIME: https://youtu.be/MeYBU-o_3oo  David McCloskey - Secrets, Spies, and The Persian: Inside the Mind of CIA Veteran David McCloskey: https://youtu.be/TTPKPfsuUXo Alex Berenson - From Baghdad to Bestsellers: A Conversation with Alex Berenson: https://youtu.be/6ofIOD5vu98 Daniel Silva - AN INSIDE JOB: https://youtu.be/8pbqTOGn71g Ryan Pote - Blood and Treasure: https://youtu.be/RtbqCiweB7E FOLLOW JACK Instagram: @JackCarrUSA  X:  @JackCarrUSA Facebook:  @JackCarr  YouTube:  @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing - https://bravocompanyusa.com/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr: Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

In this compelling discussion, Vietnam-era MACV-SOG veterans Jim Shorten and John Stryker Meyer share their gripping tales of covert operations and survival. Shorten reflects on harrowing rescue missions, grappling with survivor guilt and seeking closure years later. Meyer dives into the adrenaline-pumping tactics of helicopter insertions and the intense training that shaped their combat performance. Both men emphasize the emotional toll of secrecy, sacrifice, and the invaluable lessons learned in the shadows of war.

Lee Child, bestselling author and co-creator of the iconic Jack Reacher series, alongside his brother Andrew Child, discusses the evolution of their beloved character and how they infuse fresh energy into the franchise. They delve into their collaborative writing process, highlighting the balance between reader expectations and character authenticity. The duo shares their inspirations, from childhood influences to current cultural touchstones, while advocating for reading and literacy programs. Expect a thrilling continuation of Reacher's journey, enriched by their shared passion for storytelling!

David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and bestselling author, delves into the intricacies of espionage in this engaging conversation. He shares the inspiration behind his latest thriller, The Persian, which follows a dentist's dangerous covert operations in Iran. The dialogue covers the dynamics of the intelligence community and the craft of writing authentic spy fiction. McCloskey also reveals insights from his podcast, highlighting intriguing stories and research challenges while balancing multiple creative projects effectively.

Billy Birdzell, a former U.S. Marine infantry and special operations officer, shares gripping stories from combat in Iraq, including the intense Battle of Najaf and the historic January 2005 elections. He reflects on leadership in chaos and the tactical lessons learned during his deployments. Transitioning from military to conservation, he discusses founding Horatius Group and his nonprofit efforts fighting wildlife poaching in Africa. His journey from soldier to businessman showcases resilience and impact, inspiring listeners with tales of courage and purpose.

Best-selling author John Grisham discusses his latest novel, The Widow, which revolves around a small-town lawyer accused of a shocking crime after a wealthy widow's story unravels. Grisham shares his disciplined writing routine, emphasizing the importance of daily practice, and explains how personal experiences shape his legal thrillers. He also reflects on the challenges of adapting his work for film and the complexities of advocating for the wrongfully convicted, highlighting the urgency and difficulty of exonerating the innocent.

In this engaging discussion, Dave Berke, a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer and former TOPGUN instructor, shares his fascinating journey from growing up near a Marine base to flying the F-35. He reveals how 80s pop culture inspired his pursuit of aviation and reflects on the transformative leadership lessons learned in combat, especially during intense missions in Ramadi. Dave emphasizes the importance of teamwork and adaptability in high-stress situations, making connections between military leadership and principles that can be applied in any organization.

Today’s guest is Charlie Sheen. From Red Dawn and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to Platoon and Wall Street to Young Guns, Major League and Hot Shots to Spin City and Two and A Half Men, and, of course, Navy SEALs, Sheen’s career spans some of the most iconic roles in modern cinema. His new memoir, THE BOOK OF SHEEN, offers an unfiltered look at family, fame, survival, and redemption after a lifetime in the spotlight.  It is available now. In this episode, Jack and Charlie reconnect on familiar ground, sharing stories that range from Hollywood sets to baseball stadiums—including a full-circle moment on Martin Sheen’s birthday that ties back to Apocalypse Now. They reflect on the cultural impact of Sheen’s films and how his characters inspired a generation, including Jack’s own path toward military service. The conversation weaves through art, legacy, and the pursuit of meaning in an era defined by noise, fame, and reinvention. Sheen offers wisdom on storytelling, gratitude, and the importance of living life forward rather than replaying it on screen. FOLLOW CHARLIE Instagram:  @charliesheen FOLLOW JACK Instagram: @JackCarrUSA  X:  @JackCarrUSA Facebook:  @JackCarr  YouTube:  @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing - https://bravocompanyusa.com/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr: Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

Dive back into the heart of South Vietnam during 1968 as a team undertakes off-the-books missions filled with high-stakes tactics. They navigate the jungle with precision, employing suppressed weapons for a silent ambush against an NVA patrol. Tension escalates when they discover a courier with information that could change the course of the war. The action-packed narrative highlights teamwork, strategy, and the reality of covert operations, all brought vividly to life with a riveting narration.

Ray Porter, a legendary audiobook narrator and voice actor, brings a thrilling excerpt from Chapter 2 of Jack Carr's upcoming novel, CRY HAVOC. This segment plunges listeners into GRU headquarters, revealing the chilling dynamics of Soviet intelligence in 1968. Porter articulately narrates discussions on espionage tactics, including the symbolic meaning behind a crematorium and the strategic importance of American cipher machines. The tension rises as characters assess the potential intelligence coup of capturing a U.S. vessel, echoing historic espionage operations.