What is Freedom? The human spirit at its core seeks two opposing ideals; to be free from the influence of others, yet to be part of a community of like-minded people. Journalist and Best-Selling Author Sebastian Junger joins Fran Racioppi live from the 2023 Sandlot Jax and GORUCK Games to share how his new #1 New York Times Best-Selling book Freedom is exploring this simple, yet complex ideal of the human character. 

Through a 400-mile trip along Pennsylvania’s Amtrak line, Sebastian chronicles the nuances of human nature's plight to forge their own path, while remaining reliant on the resources of their communities and government. He defines the differences freedom brings between the wealthy and the poor, and how despite our best efforts to be self-sufficient, there is no complete freedom of the human spirit. 

Fran and Sebastian also cover the state of the news media, the negative impact of the non-news commentary on America, and the bond between journalists and soldiers who often share the same experiences in war, but from very different perspectives. 

Learn more about Sebastian Junger and pick up your copy of Freedom or any one of his best-selling books on his website or follow him on social media. 

Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website. Subscribe to us and follow @jedburghpodcast on all social media. Watch the full video version on YouTube.

Highlights:

• 0:00 Welcome to The Jedburgh Podcast 
• 0:59 The bond between journalists and soldiers
• 3:56 Reporting on the most violent places on Earth 
• 7:47 How the non-news media is dividing America
• 14:36 Allowing journalists onto the front lines with American soldiers  
• 19:32 Defining “Freedom”
• 22:17 Sebastian’s new book: Freedom
• 27:17 Exploring America’s wealth along the railroad
• 29:22 The power of the American railroad and trains
• 33:40 Sebastian’s Three Daily Foundations To Success

Quotes: 

• “It never occurred to me that the US would wind up in another ground war.” (1:24)
• “What I try to do is pick stories that illuminate something important about humans.” (4:59)
• “News is an objective delivery of facts and objective analysis of facts.” (8:06)
• “What’s not fine is distorting reality to produce pre-formatted conclusions.” (10:22)
• “It’s not a news source unless they’re willing to critique their own. And if they’re not…it’s propaganda.” (11:05)
• “There is no complete freedom. You either owe your life and your loyalty to your local community or to your government.” (21:10)
• “Wealthy people have enormous choices in their lives and that’s a form of freedom..” (27:50)

Sebastian Junger’s Three Daily Foundations To Success

• Be emotionally and intellectually present with my family
• Remain physically active
• Play the accordion 

This episode is brought to you by Jersey Mike’s, Compass Workforce Solutions and GORUCK.