#2390 - Jack Carr

Overview

Jack Carr discusses his latest book, Cry Havoc, a Vietnam-era espionage thriller, while delving into themes of historical accuracy, the evolution of warfare, and the challenges of storytelling. The conversation also explores broader topics like AI, societal shifts, and personal reflections on hunting, security, and resilience.

Notable Quotes

- World War II was what we think America is. Vietnam is what America really is. - Joe Rogan, on the contrasting legacies of war.

- If you learn to think for yourself, read, and work out, you’ll leave everyone else in the dust. - Jack Carr, on the importance of personal development.

- I’m a symptom of a broken system. If I’m a source of information, it means the media has failed you. - Joe Rogan, reflecting on the role of independent media.

📖 Writing Historical Fiction

- Jack Carr’s Cry Havoc is set in 1968 Vietnam, focusing on espionage and the human experience during the war.

- Carr emphasized the importance of historical accuracy, using period-specific dictionaries, maps, and cultural references to immerse readers in the era.

- He aimed to write through the lens of 1968, avoiding hindsight, and ensuring authenticity for readers who lived through the time.

- The book explores themes of government corruption, the human cost of war, and the cultural upheaval of the Vietnam era.

🦈 The Evolution of Warfare

- The conversation highlighted the terrifying advancements in drone warfare, including kamikaze drones and the potential for micro-drones targeting individuals.

- Carr reflected on the psychological toll of modern warfare, contrasting it with historical combat scenarios like Vietnam’s tunnel fighting.

- Joe Rogan noted the surreal nature of witnessing trench warfare in Ukraine via high-definition drone footage, underscoring the stark realities of contemporary conflict.

🤖 AI and Creativity

- Both Carr and Rogan expressed concerns about AI’s impact on creative industries, from writing to music.

- Carr shared anecdotes about AI mimicking his writing style and the unsettling potential for AI-generated art and media.

- Rogan argued that AI’s ability to replicate human creativity might devalue authentic human-made works, but could also inspire a renewed appreciation for genuine artistry.

🏞 Hunting, Security, and Resilience

- Carr shared personal stories about hunting in Alaska and Hawaii, emphasizing the importance of conservation and the connection to nature.

- He discussed the challenges of living in remote areas, including encounters with strangers and the need for heightened security.

- Rogan and Carr reflected on the primal instincts of survival and the uneasy balance between trust and caution in isolated environments.

🎥 The Journey from Page to Screen

- Carr detailed the process of adapting his books into TV series, highlighting the creative freedom gained after the success of The Terminal List.

- He praised Chris Pratt’s dedication to the project and the camaraderie among cast and crew.

- Carr revealed plans to pitch Cry Havoc as a Vietnam-era series, noting the cultural appetite for stories set in that period.