Today’s guest is Richard Ryan, a tech innovator, media executive, and digital pioneer with over 20 years of experience driving growth at the intersection of technology and creative strategy. 

An early mover in digital media, Richard developed a YouTube app four years before YouTube released its own and built FullMag into a channel with over 2.7 million subscribers and a digital footprint totaling more than 20 billion views. He also launched Rated Red with Verizon Media and Hearst, scaling it to over one million organic subscribers in its first year and is a co-founder of Black Rifle Coffee Company. Today, his focus is on privacy, algorithmic influence, and empowering consumers in the digital era.

In this episode, Jack and Richard dive into Richard’s book, THE WARRIOR'S GARDEN, and its call to cultivate awareness in a tech-dominated world. They explore the war for the mind in the attention economy, the role of algorithms in shaping behavior, and how authenticity and accountability can serve as antidotes to manipulation. The conversation touches on AI, deception online, and the dangers of outsourcing memory to devices—while also using nature as a metaphor for resilience and mental well-being. Richard shares his optimism for the future, the importance of reclaiming time, and his hope to inspire others to adapt and thrive in the digital age.

FOLLOW RICHARD

Instagram: @RichardRyan

X: @RichardRyan

Facebook: @RichardRyan

LinkedIn: @Richard Ryan

Website: https://www.warriorsgarden.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 - https://bravocompanyusa.com/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA

THE SIGs of Jack Carr:

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Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear 

Today’s guest is former Naval Intelligence Officer, global tech executive, and New York Times bestselling author M.P. Woodward. During his service with U.S. Pacific Command, Woodward developed strategic war games and deployed multiple times to the Persian Gulf and Far East, working alongside U.S. Special Operations Forces, the CIA, and NSA.

After leaving the military, he earned his MBA and built a career in the tech sector, eventually leading international distribution marketing for Amazon Prime Video. His work at the intersection of media, geopolitics, and technology now informs his acclaimed espionage novels, including The Handler and Dead Drop, and his contributions to the Tom Clancy universe. 

In this episode, Jack and M.P. discuss his path from the Navy to the tech world, the lessons learned in uniform that translate to business, and how he approaches writing with both an operational and market-driven mindset. They dive into the research and process behind The Handler, the strategic vulnerabilities explored in his upcoming standalone thriller Red Tide, and the family and service themes woven into the novel. The conversation also touches on writing historical fiction, the art of a strong prologue, book cover design, and Tom Clancy’s legacy, along with a few detours into classic films, Dark Wolf, True Believer, and Land Cruisers.

FOLLOW MP Woodward

X: @MPWauthor 

Facebook:@MP_Woodward 

Website: http://mpwoodward.com

FOLLOW JACK

Instagram: @JackCarrUSA 

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YouTube:  @JackCarrUSA

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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 

Today’s guest is Elliot Ackerman—decorated Marine veteran, former CIA paramilitary officer, and New York Times bestselling author. A recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, and Purple Heart, Elliot served five combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the battle of Fallujah, before going on to serve as a White House Fellow. 

His acclaimed books - 2034, Halcyon, Waiting for Eden, Places and Names, and The Fifth Act - blend authenticity with a sharp literary edge. His latest novel, SHEEPDOGS, follows an ex-CIA officer and an Afghan pilot caught in a high-stakes heist that spirals into a deadly web of betrayal.

In this episode, Jack and Elliot dive into the inspiration behind Sheepdogs, Elliot’s path to the Marine Corps after 9/11, and his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. They also explore his transition from the battlefield to publishing, his time with the CIA and as a White House Fellow, and the craft of writing stories that confront the moral complexities of war.

FOLLOW ELLIOT

X: @elliotackerman

Instagram: @Elliot.ackerman

FOLLOW JACK

Instagram: @JackCarrUSA 

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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 

The Jack Carr Book Club July 2025 selection is STRANGERS IN TIME by #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.

Set in London during the Second World War, STRANGERS IN TIME follows a grieving bookseller and two war-scarred teenagers as they navigate loss, danger, and unlikely kinship amid the chaos of war. What begins as a story of survival becomes a profound exploration of trust, found family, and the healing power of books.

David Baldacci is one of the most prolific writers of our time.  His 52 novels have sold over 150 million copies worldwide.  A former trial lawyer and lifelong Virginian, Baldacci is also the founder of the Wish You Well Foundation, which supports literacy and educational programs across the U.S.

This conversation explores the characters and inspirations behind STRANGERS IN TIME, and Baldacci’s journey from practicing law to becoming a literary powerhouse.

FOLLOW DAVID

Instagram - @davidbaldacciauthor

Facebook - @David Baldacci

X - @davidbaldacci

Website - https://www.davidbaldacci.com/ 

FOLLOW JACK

Instagram - @JackCarrUSA 

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Facebook - @JackCarr 

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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

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.

FOLLOW ALEX

X: @ryanpotebooks

Instagram: @ryanpotebooks

Facebook: @ryanpotebooks

Website: https://www.ryanpote.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 - 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

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/

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 

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/ 

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 

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

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 

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 

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

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