Today’s guest is Ryan Pote, a former Navy helicopter pilot, NASA search and rescue aviator, and mission commander who served in a joint interagency special operations task force countering narcotics trafficking throughout Central and South America. After a decorated career flying across the globe, Ryan transitioned to federal investigative work on prototype aircraft and now serves with the Navy’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Test and Evaluation Unit. He’s also a musician, SCUBA instructor, and holds a master’s in U.S. history.

His debut thriller, BLOOD AND TREASURE, begins with the violent destruction of the International Space Station and a mysterious survivor who plunges into the Indian Ocean—where treasure hunter Ethan Cain must unravel a plot that spans both ancient secrets and futuristic threats.

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X: @ryanpotebooks

Instagram: @ryanpotebooks

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Website: https://www.ryanpote.com/  

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Today’s guest is Jon Dubin—former prosecutor, FBI Special Agent, SWAT Operator, and now the managing partner of Pineapple Brothers Lānaʻi. 

Jon began his career in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecuting violent crimes before joining the FBI in 2003. Over his time with the Bureau, Jon specialized in counterintelligence, gangs, and counterterrorism. He served as a SWAT operator for 13 years, trained agents as a firearms instructor, and was assigned to the Oakland Police Department-FBI Homicide Task Force. He finished his time in service on the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

In this episode, Jon shares how he went from prosecuting domestic abuse cases, to chasing gang members and terrorists with the FBI, to building a luxury hunting business in Hawaii - with wild stories from the courtroom, the streets, and the islands. 

FOLLOW JON

Instagram: @pineapplebrotherslanai

Website: https://pineapplebrothers.com/about-us/

Website: https://www.highadventurecompany.com/

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This week on DANGER CLOSE, Jack Carr is joined by Alex Berenson—former New York Times reporter, bestselling thriller author, and investigative journalist.

Alex began his career as a journalist after graduating from Yale with degrees in history and economics, joining The Denver Post and later becoming one of the first reporters at TheStreet.com. He spent more than a decade at The New York Times, where he covered everything from Big Pharma to Hurricane Katrina—including two assignments reporting from Iraq. Those experiences inspired his debut spy novel, THE FAITHFUL SPY, which won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel.

Alex went on to write twelve bestselling novels in the John Wells series—gritty, high-stakes thrillers centered on a rogue CIA operative who infiltrates al Qaeda and operates in the shadows of global terrorism – and a standalone thriller titled THE POWER COUPLE.  Berenson eventually stepped away from the series, pivoting back to journalism and nonfiction with TELL YOUR CHILDREN and PANDEMIA. 

In this episode, Alex discusses the personal and professional journey that shaped his fiction, his thoughts on the thriller genre today, and what he’s working on next.

FOLLOW ALEX

Instagram: @alberen

X: @AlexBerenson

Facebook: @AlexBerensonAuthor

Website: https://alexberenson.com/ 

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THE SIGs of Jack Carr:

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This week on DANGER CLOSE, Jack Carr is joined by Eugene H. Pugh, a Vietnam veteran and former member of MACV-SOG’s elite Recon Team Asp.

Born in Colón, Panama, Gene began his military journey in 1966, volunteering for Special Forces and serving as a communications sergeant, assistant medic, and intelligence specialist. In 1968, he deployed to Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces Group and was assigned to the highly classified MACV-SOG. His recon team, RT-ASP, was uniquely comprised of former North Vietnamese soldiers—an extraordinary advantage in conducting prisoner snatches, wiretaps, and deep reconnaissance behind enemy lines.

Following Vietnam, Gene taught school in Washington, D.C., became a pilot, and later worked as a private investigator in Texas. Now retired, he is an author, screenwriter, and co-founder of both Impact Studios and Veterans Mortgage of America. His novels include SURRENDER NOT AN OPTION and THE DIPLOMAT.

FOLLOW GENE

Instagram: @veteransmoa

Facebook: Veterans Mortgage of America

LinkedIn: Veterans Mortgage of America

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THE SIGs of Jack Carr:

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The Jack Carr Book Club June 2025 selection is POINT OF IMPACT by Pulitzer Prize–winning author Stephen Hunter.

POINT OF IMPACT introduces readers to legendary Marine Corps sniper Bob Lee Swagger, a war hero turned recluse who is lured out of retirement for one final mission—only to find himself framed as the patsy in a high-level assassination plot. With the country hunting him down, Swagger must rely on instinct, skill, and raw grit to uncover the truth and bring the real conspirators to justice.

A modern classic of the thriller genre, the novel blends precision marksmanship, deep psychological tension, and breakneck pacing. POINT OF IMPACT was adapted for both television and film as SHOOTER.

Stephen Hunter is the author of over 20 novels and was the chief film critic for The Washington Post, where he earned the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Criticism. His fiction is known for its authentic detail, razor-sharp prose, and unflinching portrayals of American warriors.

In this episode, Jack and Stephen dive into the roots of the Bob Lee Swagger character, the cultural legacy of the Vietnam War, the evolution of the modern thriller, and what it means to write with authenticity, precision, and heart.

FOLLOW STEPHEN

Website - https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Stephen-Hunter/1485163 

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THE SIGs of Jack Carr:

Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc 

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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/

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THE SIGs of Jack Carr:

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This week on Danger Close, Jack Carr is joined by two pivotal figures behind the hit Amazon Prime Video series THE TERMINAL LIST: former Navy SEAL Jared Shaw and Executive Producer and Showrunner, David DiGilio.

Jared Shaw, a longtime friend and SEAL teammate of Jack’s, played a crucial role in bringing THE TERMINAL LIST to life — handing the manuscript to Chris Pratt before the book was even published. That single act set the project in motion and laid the foundation for what would become a powerhouse creative team.

David DiGilio entered the story after reading the novel and immediately connecting with its authenticity, psychological complexity, and emotional depth. As showrunner, he helped shape the tone, structure, and cinematic vision of the series alongside director Antoine Fuqua and star Chris Pratt.

Jared came on board as a technical advisor and producer and was later cast as “Boozer,” training alongside fellow SEALs and contributing to the show’s realism, tactical authenticity, and emotional weight. David guided the production through the unique challenges of the COVID era, with writers’ rooms, casting, and collaboration taking place entirely over Zoom.

Together, Jared and David worked closely with Jack at every stage — from script development and character arcs to tunnel fight choreography and post-production editing. Their combined efforts helped ensure that The Terminal List remained grounded in truth, honoring the brotherhood and sacrifices of those who serve.

This episode pulls back the curtain on how a bond forged in the SEAL Teams — and a shared commitment to authentic storytelling — helped create one of the most compelling and accurate military thrillers ever brought to screen.

FOLLOW DAVID

Instagram: @digiliofilms

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CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/

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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 

Jim Hawes, a Navy SEAL and CIA paramilitary officer, whose covert maritime missions in the 1960s helped shape the early fight against communism in Vietnam and Africa.

In 1964, Jim became the first SEAL Team 2 officer permanently assigned to MACV-SOG in Vietnam, where he led maritime operations into North Vietnam - operations initially run by the CIA and unknown to most outside a tight circle of operatives. From a remote base outside Da Nang, Jim conducted coastal raids and intelligence-gathering missions behind enemy lines. 

These formative missions, including involvement in what was to become known as the Gulf of Tonkin incident, laid the groundwork for the Navy’s involvement in the larger SOG effort. 

Following Vietnam, Jim brought his maritime expertise to Africa, joining the CIA’s paramilitary ranks during the height of the Cold War. On Lake Tanganyika, he helped run one of the most successful clandestine operations in Agency history - intercepting weapons, disrupting communist movements, and tracking Che Guevara’s insurgency in the Congo.

Jim is the author of Cold War Navy SEAL: My Story of Che Guevara, War in the Congo, and the Communist Threat in Africa. Today, six decades after BUD/S, he lives in Africa - now telling the stories that shaped a generation.

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CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/

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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 May 2025 selection is GATES OF FIRE by New York Times bestselling author Steven Pressfield.

GATES OF FIRE is a modern classic of historical fiction that immerses readers in the grit, blood, and brotherhood of the Battle of Thermopylae. Told through the eyes of a wounded Greek survivor, the novel chronicles the heroism and sacrifice of the 300 Spartans who stood against the Persian Empire in one of history’s most iconic last stands.

With visceral detail and timeless insight, Pressfield captures the warrior ethos in its purest form—duty, honor, courage, and the deep bonds forged in combat. The book has become required reading in military circles across the globe, revered for its authenticity and emotional depth.

Steven Pressfield is a former Marine and the bestselling author of The War of Art, The Legend of Bagger Vance, The Afghan Campaign, and numerous other acclaimed works of fiction and nonfiction. His writing blends historical precision with philosophical reflection, earning him a devoted readership among writers, warriors, and leaders alike.

In this episode, Jack and Steven discuss the timeless code of the warrior, the craft of writing, and the enduring power of storytelling.

FOLLOW STEVEN

Instagram - @steven_pressfield

Facebook - @StevePressfield

X - @SPressfield

Website - https://stevenpressfield.com/

FOLLOW JACK

Instagram - @JackCarrUSA 

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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.

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Clint Smith is a Marine Corps veteran, Vietnam combat veteran, former law enforcement officer, and the founder of Thunder Ranch—one of the most respected firearms and tactical training facilities in the country. Since its founding in 1993, Thunder Ranch has set the standard for innovative, practical firearms instruction, training students from all walks of life with an emphasis on safety, discipline, and mindset.

In this raw and powerful conversation, Clint shares hard-won lessons from his time in Vietnam, offers honest reflections on combat, and pulls no punches when it comes to modern misconceptions about war and the warrior mindset. From early firefights and booby traps in the triple-canopy jungle to post-war perspective and a lifetime of training others, Clint’s insights are forged from experience and rooted in humility.

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Instagram: @JackCarrUSA 

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FOLLOW CLINT

Instagram: @clintsmith.csss 

Facebook: @ThunderRanchIncSchool

Website: https://www.traintr.com/ 

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Bravo Company Manufacturing - BCM Stock MOD3:

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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