On the latest episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, Jack Carr, former Navy SEAL, best-selling author, and host of the Danger Close podcast, shared his incredible journey from military service to becoming a top-tier author in the world of thrillers. Carr’s reflections highlight the value of building upon a foundation established by previous generations of authors while adapting to today’s constantly evolving media landscape.
Jack Carr is a former Navy SEAL who served for 20 years, transitioning from military operations to becoming a successful author and podcast host. His military experience, particularly in tactical operations and leadership, deeply informs his writing, lending authenticity to his thrillers. Carr’s time in the Navy SEALs laid the foundation for his post-service career, where he draws on his battlefield experiences to create compelling, action-packed stories. His journey from elite military service to top-tier author showcases his adaptability and commitment to excellence across different fields.
Building on the Legacy of Great Authors
Carr emphasized how crucial it has been for him to recognize and build upon the literary foundations laid by iconic thriller authors. "I’m not just regurgitating things—I’m building off the foundation that’s been built by all these other authors," he explained. He cited classic stories like *The Most Dangerous Game* and *Rogue Male* as significant inspirations, but it didn’t stop there. Carr outlined a timeline of influences, including legendary figures like Ian Fleming, John le Carré, Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy, David Morrell, and Nelson DeMille.
Carr acknowledges that the works of these authors have allowed him to forge his own path. "These guys gave me this foundation by writing such amazing books, and I build on that," he said, adding that he’s taken lessons from the past and applied them to modern-day storytelling in a way that honors those who came before him.
The Importance of Adapting to the Battlefield of Media
One of Carr’s unique insights in the podcast was how the modern publishing environment requires authors to adapt to new challenges, much like a battlefield. "You couldn’t have done what I’m doing now back in 1985," he said, reflecting on how digital platforms, podcasts, and social media have revolutionized the way creators can engage with their audience.
In Carr’s early career, traditional book tours and limited media appearances were the main avenues for engaging with readers. Today, authors like Carr have an abundance of ways to connect with fans, express gratitude, and contribute value, whether through social media interactions or hosting podcasts. “You might just want to write the book, and that’s wonderful. But for me, I need to build a readership,” Carr shared, explaining his motivation to create content beyond just writing novels.
This approach is more than just business—it’s personal. Carr, who has a middle child with severe special needs, shared that the financial responsibility of caring for his family drives his efforts to engage with his audience consistently. "For me, thanking people, being authentic, and adapting to this new environment is just as important as writing the books."
From Page to Screen
A particularly exciting moment of the conversation came when Carr recounted the story of how his book The Terminal List was adapted into a major television series. As he was writing the book, Carr imagined Chris Pratt playing the lead role, even though Pratt was then known primarily for comedic work on *Parks and Recreation*. After Pratt’s transformation in Zero Dark Thirty, Carr saw him as the perfect actor to embody the main character.
It turns out that Carr’s intuition was spot on. Through a fortunate series of connections—thanks to a friend, Jared Shaw—Pratt ended up reading the book and called Carr in 2018 to option the story. Pratt would not only star in the series but also serve as a producer. Additionally, famed director Antoine Fuqua, known for films like Training Day and Shooter, became part of the project after another friend of Carr’s handed Fuqua a copy of the book.
Reflecting on this journey, Carr emphasized how taking the time to help someone, even in small ways, can lead to unexpected opportunities. "Never miss an opportunity to make someone’s day," he advised, sharing how he had once helped Shaw transition out of the military, which ultimately paved the way for their collaboration.
Navigating the Complexities of Social Media
While the digital era has opened new doors, Carr also highlighted some of its downsides. As an introvert by nature, he acknowledged the challenges of maintaining a social media presence, especially when faced with negative feedback. “People are unkind, generally,” he said, noting how even though 98% of his followers are supportive, it’s the negative voices that tend to stand out.
Carr’s solution is simple but profound: focus on the positive. "If you don’t like something, you don’t have to say anything about it. But if you like something, you can make somebody’s day by just saying that."
A Legacy of Authenticity
In wrapping up the conversation, Carr was asked about the legacy he wants to leave. He admitted that he doesn’t often think about it in those terms, but his actions speak for themselves. Carr’s career, from Navy SEAL to author and podcast host, is a testament to his dedication to building on the foundations laid by others, adapting to new environments, and consistently putting in the hard work to craft stories that resonate with his audience.
Through his writing, his podcast, and his interactions with fans, Jack Carr is leaving behind more than just best-selling novels—he’s building a legacy of authenticity, gratitude, and resilience.
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You can follow Jack Carr’s journey through his website and social media platforms. His latest non-fiction work, *Targeted*, releases on September 24th, 2024.*
