Joe Rogan Experience #2390 - Jack Carr

Jack Carr discusses his new Vietnam-era thriller, 'Cry Havoc,' emphasizing the extensive research required for historical accuracy and expressing concerns about AI's impact on creative industries, while also sharing updates on his successful book-to-screen adaptations with Amazon.

• Jack Carr's new thriller 'Cry Havoc' is a meticulously researched dive into the complex history of the 1968 Vietnam War.

• Concerns are mounting over AI's impact on creative industries, potentially devaluing human art and intellectual property.

• The 'Terminal List' series success on Amazon grants creative freedom, emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling over corporate interference.

Jack Carr's new book, 'Cry Havoc,' is a Vietnam-era thriller set in 1968, meticulously researched to capture the perspective of the time without hindsight, drawing a parallel between the Vietnam War's complexities and contemporary American issues. Carr also explores the pervasive influence of AI on creative fields like publishing and entertainment, highlighting its potential to disrupt the value of human-made art. The conversation further delves into the successful adaptation of his 'Terminal List' series into a show for Amazon, which has given him significant creative freedom for subsequent projects like 'Darkwolf' and 'True Believer,' showcasing the unique and collaborative environment fostered on set.

The Making of 'Cry Havoc'

• 00:02:21 Jack Carr's latest book, 'Cry Havoc,' is set in 1968 Vietnam, an era he meticulously researched to ensure historical accuracy. He acquired a 1969 dictionary and period maps, and aimed to write through the lens of those living in 1968, without the benefit of hindsight. This commitment to detail significantly extended the writing process beyond his initial expectations.

Vietnam War's Legacy

• 00:04:06 The Vietnam War, particularly 1968, the bloodiest year for American forces, is depicted as a morally ambiguous conflict, 'birthed on a lie' and stemming from the Gulf of Tonkin incident. Unlike World War II veterans who were celebrated, Vietnam veterans were often met with protests and called 'baby killers,' leaving a deep generational scar on the nation. The conflict was the first televised war, profoundly influencing public perception and demonstrating the media's newfound power to sway policy and events.

Media's Influence and Fiction

• 00:08:51 The media's reporting during the Vietnam War, particularly after the Tet Offensive, is seen as a strategic loss for the U.S. despite tactical gains, illustrating the power of narrative. Carr emphasizes the importance of fiction, arguing that it fosters compassion and empathy by allowing readers to experience events through characters' eyes, unlike non-fiction which often relies on statistics.

AI's Impact on Creativity

• 00:10:31 Carr expresses significant concern about Artificial Intelligence (AI) infringing on intellectual property rights in publishing and Hollywood, citing a potential $1,000 settlement for his books being used by an Open AI deal. While acknowledging AI's ability to imitate human creations, he worries about the devaluation of authentic human art and the potential for AI to disrupt creative industries, leading to a future where distinguishing human from AI-generated content becomes crucial.

The 'Terminal List' Series

• 00:22:50 The Amazon adaptation of Jack Carr's 'Terminal List' series has been highly successful, allowing him creative freedom that many authors lack. Unlike many adaptations that 'gloss up' the original material, Carr's involvement ensures the screen version aligns closely with his gritty vision. This success has also allowed Amazon to take risks on future projects like 'True Believer' and 'Darkwolf,' where complex character development and unique storylines are maintained.

Challenges of Military Service

• 01:21:09 SEAL training, specifically BUDS, is an intensely challenging process where 80% of recruits typically quit, mostly during Hell Week. Evolutions like 'pool comp,' where instructors physically assault trainees underwater to test their composure and adherence to procedures, highlight the extreme mental and physical fortitude required. Carr expresses concern about recent discussions to lower standards or offer more chances for specific demographics, believing it could compromise the elite nature of special forces units.

Political Discourse and Social Division

• 01:41:43 The current political landscape is characterized by extreme division and a troubling celebration of violence against political opponents, as exemplified by reactions to the Charlie Kirk assassination. Carr also criticizes the manipulation of public opinion by 'elected representatives' and media outlets, highlighting the self-censorship driven by fear of social repercussions and the growing threat of government overreach through digital identification and social credit scores.

The Podcast's Role

• 01:57:07 Joe Rogan reflects on the unexpected success of his podcast, attributing its growth to an authentic, unplanned approach, rather than a calculated pursuit of clicks or alignment with ideological boxes. He sees the podcast's role as filling a void left by mainstream media, which he believes has failed by prioritizing commercials, sponsors, and predetermined narratives over genuine, in-depth conversations, allowing a platform like his to become a primary source of information for many.