The Jack Carr Channel

Stephen Hunter, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the Bob Lee Swagger series and former film critic for The Washington Post, shares his insights on creating authentic characters. He discusses the development of Bob Lee Swagger and the cultural context of gun ownership in America. The duo explores the emotional weight of military service and how personal experiences influence storytelling. Hunter also reflects on the JFK assassination's impact on narrative and the balance between commercialism and literary integrity in writing.

This week on DANGER CLOSE, Jack Carr is joined by military historian and national security expert Dr. Mark Moyar. Dr. Moyar is the Director of the Center for Military History and Strategy at Hillsdale College, where he holds the William P. Harris Chair of Military History. A summa cum laude graduate of Harvard with a Ph.D. from Cambridge, he served in the Trump administration as Director of Civilian–Military Cooperation at USAID and has advised across government and military institutions. He is the author of eight books, including his most recent and widely discussed work, TRIUMPH REGAINED: THE VIETNAM WAR, 1965–1968. In this episode, Dr. Moyar and Jack explore the Vietnam War through the lens of revisionist history, challenging the conventional wisdom that has shaped public perception for decades. From the early influence of French colonialism and the flawed assumptions that guided U.S. foreign policy, to the critical decisions of Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon, Moyar offers a clear-eyed reassessment of America’s involvement. They examine the Domino Theory, the role of media figures like David Halberstam and Neil Sheehan, and the controversial legacy of the Phoenix Program—often mischaracterized in pop culture and politics alike. The conversation also delves into the 1963 Buddhist protests, the assassination of President Diem, and the missed strategic opportunities that could have changed the trajectory of the war. Dr. Moyar draws compelling parallels between the U.S. exit from Vietnam and more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, connecting lessons from history to modern military and diplomatic challenges. He also speaks to the cultural forces—films like JFK and distorted media narratives—that continue to shape the American understanding of Vietnam to this day. This is a powerful discussion about the weight of history, the cost of misinformation, and the importance of revisiting the past with intellectual honesty. FOLLOW MARK X: @MarkMoyar Website: https://markmoyar.com/ 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 - BCM Stock MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-stock-mod-3-black/  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 

Jared Shaw, a former Navy SEAL and actor in The Terminal List, shares his journey from military service to the screen, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in storytelling. Alongside David DiGilio, the show's Executive Producer, they discuss the challenges of adapting the novel during the COVID era, including virtual collaborations and character development. They reflect on creating pivotal scenes and the bonds of brotherhood that enrich the narrative, while also highlighting the real military experiences that shaped the series.

Jim Hawes, a former Navy SEAL and CIA paramilitary officer, shares riveting tales from his covert missions in the 1960s. He discusses the intense operation aimed at capturing Che Guevara, revealing the unpredictable nature of military life. Jim reflects on his experiences in Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin incident, emphasizing the complexities of covert operations. He also delves into his work in the Congo, highlighting the historical context and external influences during the conflict. Finally, Jim offers insights for aspiring warriors and entrepreneurs, focusing on resilience and adaptability.

Steven Pressfield, a former Marine and bestselling author, shares insights into the heroic valor of the Spartans during the Battle of Thermopylae, emphasizing themes of duty and brotherhood. He recounts his personal challenges and the emotional turmoil of evacuating wildfires in Malibu. Pressfield explores his transition from screenwriting to historical fiction, discussing the significance of accuracy and storytelling. The conversation touches on the complexities of heroism, resilience in writing, and the profound bonds forged through sacrifice in combat.

Clint Smith, a Marine Corps and Vietnam combat veteran, shares his gripping reflections on war, drawing from his rich experiences in combat and life as a firearms instructor. He candidly discusses the chaos and camaraderie of Vietnam, revealing the stark realities and unexpected encounters soldiers faced. The conversation dives deep into the complexities of heroism, the transformative journey of military induction, and the emotional challenges veterans encounter upon returning home. Clint emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community support for military members transitioning to civilian life.

Larry Serra, a former Naval Intelligence Liaison Officer during the Vietnam War, shares gripping tales from his covert operations along the Vietnam-Cambodia border. He discusses the challenges of trust and intelligence in a fractured environment and uncovers critical communist supply routes. Serra's insights include a top-secret weapons agreement that he brokered, showcasing the delicate balance of power during a tumultuous period. His personal reflections underscore the importance of intelligence and camaraderie among veterans amidst the chaos of war.

Larry Serra is a former Naval Intelligence Liaison Officer whose covert missions along the Vietnam-Cambodia border placed him at the heart of one of the Vietnam War’s most dangerous fronts. From 1967 to 1970, Larry served as an officer in the United States Navy, spending nearly two years operating in Vietnam and Cambodia’s combat zones. In 1969, he volunteered for the critical intelligence post at Ha Tien, where he ran spy networks, crossed into Cambodia for clandestine missions, and exposed communist supply routes into South Vietnam.  His work uncovered Soviet communications intercepts and revealed vulnerabilities at the port of Sihanoukville, a key hub of communist weapons smuggling. In early 1970, Larry brokered a top-secret weapons agreement between the U.S. and the Cambodian Navy - approved by the White House - as Cambodia teetered on the brink of civil war. For his actions, Larry received the Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V," Air Medal, and other decorations. After Vietnam, he built a distinguished legal career and played a pivotal role in helping rebuild Cambodia’s legal system following the fall of the Khmer Rouge.  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 - BCM Stock MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-stock-mod-3-black/  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 

The Jack Carr Book Club April 2025 selection is THE UNVANQUISHED by bestselling author Patrick K. O’Donnell. THE UNVANQUISHED pulls back the curtain on a little-known shadow war that raged alongside the Civil War’s better-known battles. At its center: Lincoln’s special forces, the Jessie Scouts—Union soldiers who disguised themselves in Confederate uniforms to carry out daring raids, intelligence gathering, and high-risk missions behind enemy lines. Through vivid storytelling and never-before-published firsthand accounts, O’Donnell shines a light on the Scouts' deadly cat-and-mouse game with Mosby’s Rangers, uncovering espionage operations, plots to kidnap Abraham Lincoln, and a postwar proxy fight in Mexico.  Patrick K. O’Donnell is a combat historian, public speaker, and the bestselling author of 13 critically acclaimed books spanning from the American Revolution to Iraq. He is a leading authority on special operations and irregular warfare, having embedded with troops in Fallujah and advised on projects like BAND OF BROTHERS and MEDAL OF HONOR. His research blends archival discovery with thousands of oral history interviews, bringing lost stories back to life with intensity and precision. FOLLOW PATRICK Facebook - @patrickkodonnell X - @combathistorian Website - https://patrickkodonnell.com/index.html  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 - BCM Stock MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-stock-mod-3-black/  and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr  P365 Collection: P365XL with Red Dot Optic, P365, P365X-Macro, P365 Custom with True Precision, and P365 Legion. Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear 

In this special episode, Jack Carr revisits key insights from past guests to explore the shifting landscape of global power, warfare, and America’s place in what’s to come.Featured segments include geopolitical strategist ⁠Peter Zeihan⁠ on China’s looming internal collapse—from declining birth rates to famine threats—and its potential push for war to maintain control at home. Zeihan also outlines how Taiwan and semiconductors fit into the broader picture and why the U.S. may be uniquely positioned to weather global conflict.A segment from ⁠Ed Calderon⁠, former Mexican law enforcement officer and cartel expert, brings a raw, ground-level perspective to the fentanyl pipeline, giving added depth to the border’s role in this crisis.Investigative journalist ⁠⁠Peter Schweizer⁠⁠ breaks down how China is already waging a silent war against the U.S. through fentanyl, with Mexican cartels acting as second-tier partners. Referenced Episodes: Peter Zeihan: ⁠China, Ukraine, and What Comes Next⁠ Peter Zeihan: ⁠Hezbollah, Hamas, and China’s Crisis⁠ Peter Zeihan: ⁠The End of the World is Just the Beginning⁠ Ed Calderon: ⁠⁠Combating Mexican Drug Cartels⁠ Peter Schweizer: ⁠⁠The China Threat⁠⁠ FOLLOW JACKInstagram:⁠ @JackCarrUSA⁠ X: ⁠ @JackCarrUSA⁠Facebook: ⁠ @JackCarr ⁠YouTube: ⁠ @JackCarrUSA⁠SPONSORSCRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller ⁠https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/⁠Bravo Company Manufacturing - BCM Stock MOD3:⁠https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-stock-mod-3-black/⁠  and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSATHE SIGs of Jack Carr  ⁠P365 Collection⁠: P365XL with Red Dot Optic, P365, P365X-Macro, P365 Custom with True Precision, and P365 Legion.Visit ⁠https://www.sigsauer.com/⁠ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here ⁠https://jackcarr.co/gear⁠