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Using Fictional Work As A Tool For Political And Social Commentary
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Today, I sit down with Robert Cook to explore how fiction can be used to explain real-world issues, especially political tension and military conflict. Mr. Cook is a Vietnam veteran, former infantry officer, high-tech entrepreneur, and award-winning novelist whose books draw from both personal experience and global geopolitical research. He begins by taking us through his military service, his time in Germany and the Pentagon, and his deployment to Vietnam—an experience that shaped how he views both war and the people who fight it.
Mr. Cook explains why he voluntarily returned to Vietnam decades later and how that emotional experience—the memories, the grief, and the contrast between past and present—launched his writing career. During a typhoon aboard a cruise ship, he sat alone in his sealed bow cabin and drafted his first novel, allowing years of lived experience to fuel a fictional story that captured deeper truths about conflict. We talk about the mistreatment Vietnam veterans endured, the political controversies of the era, and why fiction allows him to portray complex realities without the limitations of journalism or political commentary.
We also discuss his newest novel, The Mahdi, which imagines a path toward Middle Eastern stability through education, technological cooperation, and a reframed narrative that rejects fear-driven stereotypes. Mr. Cook breaks down how he uses fictional elements—such as quantum cell phones and advanced EMP-neutralizing technology—to explore realistic political futures. His protagonist, shaped by both Arab and American cultures, examines Israeli, Palestinian, Sunni, and Shia tensions through a lens of nuance and humanity.
In our conversation, Mr. Cook also addresses misconceptions about religion, the dangers of political indoctrination, and the importance of teaching children truthful, unbiased history. We talk about the need for education, literacy, and early childhood development as keys to building long-term stability in any society. Whether someone agrees with his perspective or not, Mr. Cook’s intention is to use fiction as a teaching tool—to present common sense solutions, promote peace, and build empathy across cultural divides.
Before closing, I direct listeners to his website where they can find The Mahdi as well as his other novels—Cooch, Patriot, and Assassin, and Pulse. Mr. Cook’s work blends military experience, political insight, and fictional creativity to spark meaningful conversations about war, peace, and what the world could look like if we chose collaboration over conflict.
https://robertcooknovels.com/
Website: https://coupleonukes.com
Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/
Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007
Sign Up For A PodMatch Account: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/coupleonukes
*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.
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By Mr. Whiskey
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Send us a text
Today, I sit down with Robert Cook to explore how fiction can be used to explain real-world issues, especially political tension and military conflict. Mr. Cook is a Vietnam veteran, former infantry officer, high-tech entrepreneur, and award-winning novelist whose books draw from both personal experience and global geopolitical research. He begins by taking us through his military service, his time in Germany and the Pentagon, and his deployment to Vietnam—an experience that shaped how he views both war and the people who fight it.
Mr. Cook explains why he voluntarily returned to Vietnam decades later and how that emotional experience—the memories, the grief, and the contrast between past and present—launched his writing career. During a typhoon aboard a cruise ship, he sat alone in his sealed bow cabin and drafted his first novel, allowing years of lived experience to fuel a fictional story that captured deeper truths about conflict. We talk about the mistreatment Vietnam veterans endured, the political controversies of the era, and why fiction allows him to portray complex realities without the limitations of journalism or political commentary.
We also discuss his newest novel, The Mahdi, which imagines a path toward Middle Eastern stability through education, technological cooperation, and a reframed narrative that rejects fear-driven stereotypes. Mr. Cook breaks down how he uses fictional elements—such as quantum cell phones and advanced EMP-neutralizing technology—to explore realistic political futures. His protagonist, shaped by both Arab and American cultures, examines Israeli, Palestinian, Sunni, and Shia tensions through a lens of nuance and humanity.
In our conversation, Mr. Cook also addresses misconceptions about religion, the dangers of political indoctrination, and the importance of teaching children truthful, unbiased history. We talk about the need for education, literacy, and early childhood development as keys to building long-term stability in any society. Whether someone agrees with his perspective or not, Mr. Cook’s intention is to use fiction as a teaching tool—to present common sense solutions, promote peace, and build empathy across cultural divides.
Before closing, I direct listeners to his website where they can find The Mahdi as well as his other novels—Cooch, Patriot, and Assassin, and Pulse. Mr. Cook’s work blends military experience, political insight, and fictional creativity to spark meaningful conversations about war, peace, and what the world could look like if we chose collaboration over conflict.
https://robertcooknovels.com/
Website: https://coupleonukes.com
Exodus, Honor Your Heart, & Nulu Knives: https://www.coupleonukes.com/affiliates/
Want to be a guest on Couple O' Nukes? Send me a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1726279485588093e83e0e007
Sign Up For A PodMatch Account: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/coupleonukes
*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.