00:00

Alright, everyone. So I did this podcast for me, and I'm gonna explain why today's guest is this guy named Jack Carr.

Alright, everyone. So I did this podcast for me, and I'm gonna explain why today's guest is this guy named Jack Carr.

00:07

If you don't know who Jack Carr is, you guys should look him up. But, basically, he has this series of books called the terminalist. Terminalist is now a it's definitely a best selling book. They've sold millions and millions of copy. It's a novel about a navy seal who's wronged, and then there's, like, eight books of him getting revenge. And it's an Amazon Prime Show with Chris Pratt. It's awesome. However,

If you don't know who Jack Carr is, you guys should look him up. But, basically, he has this series of books called the terminalist. Terminalist is now a it's definitely a best selling book. They've sold millions and millions of copy. It's a novel about a navy seal who's wronged, and then there's, like, eight books of him getting revenge. And it's an Amazon Prime Show with Chris Pratt. It's awesome. However,

00:26

I had Jack Carr on the podcast because I read his book when I was going through a little bit period where I had just had a daughter, and I wanted to do something where I would become a little bit more of a man than before. I wanted to learn something about high integrity about things I should be doing as a man. And it just kind of honestly changed my life. And it doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman. I think you're gonna enjoy this episode. We talk a lot about his writing process. But we mostly talk about the process of masculinity and what it means to be a stand up person. We talked about the business of writing books and how he makes money. Think you're gonna enjoy this one. It's a little bit out of left feel, but try it out. I,

I had Jack Carr on the podcast because I read his book when I was going through a little bit period where I had just had a daughter, and I wanted to do something where I would become a little bit more of a man than before. I wanted to learn something about high integrity about things I should be doing as a man. And it just kind of honestly changed my life. And it doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman. I think you're gonna enjoy this episode. We talk a lot about his writing process. But we mostly talk about the process of masculinity and what it means to be a stand up person. We talked about the business of writing books and how he makes money. Think you're gonna enjoy this one. It's a little bit out of left feel, but try it out. I,

01:05

I love this guy. So check it out.

I love this guy. So check it out.

01:15

So I'm happy you're here, man. We

So I'm happy you're here, man. We

01:17

This is a business show. And so, like, we don't do, like, authors and stuff like that all the time, but I published a podcast where I was talking about how I loved your books. And I I'm halfway through the third one. And the reason I found you guys, or I I found you,

This is a business show. And so, like, we don't do, like, authors and stuff like that all the time, but I published a podcast where I was talking about how I loved your books. And I I'm halfway through the third one. And the reason I found you guys, or I I found you,

01:33

is because I tweeted out I want to read a book that's the ultimate man novel,

is because I tweeted out I want to read a book that's the ultimate man novel,

01:39

something that is action,

something that is action,

01:41

adventure, page turning, high integrity, like, teaches you values because I just had a kid. And I was, like, I I wanna be inspired a little bit. And all these people were tagging you and saying Jack Carr. And I was like, I've never heard of Jack Carr. I don't know I don't know anything about this. What is this all about? And I started reading the terminal list. And I read the first book, and I was hooked. And I'm so hooked. I'm on, I'm halfway through number three, and I'm gonna make it through all through seven. And,

adventure, page turning, high integrity, like, teaches you values because I just had a kid. And I was, like, I I wanna be inspired a little bit. And all these people were tagging you and saying Jack Carr. And I was like, I've never heard of Jack Carr. I don't know I don't know anything about this. What is this all about? And I started reading the terminal list. And I read the first book, and I was hooked. And I'm so hooked. I'm on, I'm halfway through number three, and I'm gonna make it through all through seven. And,

02:08

you I I think you actually are, like, a lot more business savvy than most authors if I had to guess.

you I I think you actually are, like, a lot more business savvy than most authors if I had to guess.

02:14

It's it's more entrepreneurial than, I think there's a difference between being funeral and being business minded, which is why at some point your garlic startup eventually sell or bring in a business person to run it and professionalize it and scale it and that sort of a thing.

It's it's more entrepreneurial than, I think there's a difference between being funeral and being business minded, which is why at some point your garlic startup eventually sell or bring in a business person to run it and professionalize it and scale it and that sort of a thing.

02:27

But I didn't really think of myself that way until about I'd say a month before the fuck, burke, first book came out. So I'm all in the the novel leaving the seal teams, and just writing because I love it. My mom is a librarian. So I grew up surrounded by books and I love of reading, as you can tell from the the background here. I have quite the quite the collection. Always been a reader, and it's really the foundation from which everything else has grown. And so it's all about the book. And then about a month, maybe two before first book publication in March of twenty eighteen,

But I didn't really think of myself that way until about I'd say a month before the fuck, burke, first book came out. So I'm all in the the novel leaving the seal teams, and just writing because I love it. My mom is a librarian. So I grew up surrounded by books and I love of reading, as you can tell from the the background here. I have quite the quite the collection. Always been a reader, and it's really the foundation from which everything else has grown. And so it's all about the book. And then about a month, maybe two before first book publication in March of twenty eighteen,

02:56

I was like, oh, okay. I'm gonna look at this the way I looked at the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan, meaning you are looking for gaps in the enemy's defenses. You're looking how to adapt, how to capitalize on momentum. And I just looked at the space in general,

I was like, oh, okay. I'm gonna look at this the way I looked at the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan, meaning you are looking for gaps in the enemy's defenses. You're looking how to adapt, how to capitalize on momentum. And I just looked at the space in general,

03:09

And I was like, oh, wow.

And I was like, oh, wow.

03:12

Publishing really hasn't kept up. It's a very it's a very legacy type of a business. And they do so well because they've been around for so long. So they're very entrenched in what they do, and they make some money, but they're safe as far as business goes. Very slow to adapt to things. Me even like audiobooks or ebooks, that sort of that thing. So I looked at it, and I was like, okay. Why when I get my

Publishing really hasn't kept up. It's a very it's a very legacy type of a business. And they do so well because they've been around for so long. So they're very entrenched in what they do, and they make some money, but they're safe as far as business goes. Very slow to adapt to things. Me even like audiobooks or ebooks, that sort of that thing. So I looked at it, and I was like, okay. Why when I get my

03:35

iPhone.

iPhone.

03:36

It doesn't just come in a Manila envelope. It comes in a packaging and as much thought went into that packaging as went into the actual product. Itself. And when I was getting books from other authors for blurbs or that sort of a thing, they were just coming in these Manila envelopes.

It doesn't just come in a Manila envelope. It comes in a packaging and as much thought went into that packaging as went into the actual product. Itself. And when I was getting books from other authors for blurbs or that sort of a thing, they were just coming in these Manila envelopes.

03:51

Yeah. You you send these, like, amazing gift boxes. One of my one of my really close friends is Richard Ryan, and I went to his house. Awesome. Went to his house and I saw, like, the boxes that you send to people. And I told I go I told Richard, I go, after this pod, I'm gonna try to make Jack like to me so much that he sends me one of these boxes. Got your names. Your names on him on this for the next one. So it's a gun case, and it has the book. Does it have anything else in it? Yep. So it's, you'll finish thing up and it's kind of a a way to make people who want to help you. Like, make it easy for them. Like, if I send this to Chris and Brad, maybe he has time to open it, maybe he doesn't, But if he does, then this makes it easy for him to do a fifteen second something to help. You know? That's awesome. This bookmark that has the leather bookmark all super high quality stuff because everything has to be, that commensurate level as the novel itself. So everything I do has to be, like, right here. Like, we talked about you guys talked about your site, merch on the site. It's not just a glass where you go to some company and, like, pick key chain, pick hat, pick mug. It's like those are handpicked by me, and they're all the best you can possibly find or the best that I could possibly find. I try to do made in America not always possible. Try to veer towards better known businesses. But book is in there inside the book is personalized to the person, and then they have stickers. There's three stickers. Personalized all of them. Personalize all of them. How many do those did you send out? I send out about three hundred and fifty, and most of them go to people as just thank you. So if people have no social media presence at all, just to thank you for whatever x y or z. Someone help me with with research on a novel.

Yeah. You you send these, like, amazing gift boxes. One of my one of my really close friends is Richard Ryan, and I went to his house. Awesome. Went to his house and I saw, like, the boxes that you send to people. And I told I go I told Richard, I go, after this pod, I'm gonna try to make Jack like to me so much that he sends me one of these boxes. Got your names. Your names on him on this for the next one. So it's a gun case, and it has the book. Does it have anything else in it? Yep. So it's, you'll finish thing up and it's kind of a a way to make people who want to help you. Like, make it easy for them. Like, if I send this to Chris and Brad, maybe he has time to open it, maybe he doesn't, But if he does, then this makes it easy for him to do a fifteen second something to help. You know? That's awesome. This bookmark that has the leather bookmark all super high quality stuff because everything has to be, that commensurate level as the novel itself. So everything I do has to be, like, right here. Like, we talked about you guys talked about your site, merch on the site. It's not just a glass where you go to some company and, like, pick key chain, pick hat, pick mug. It's like those are handpicked by me, and they're all the best you can possibly find or the best that I could possibly find. I try to do made in America not always possible. Try to veer towards better known businesses. But book is in there inside the book is personalized to the person, and then they have stickers. There's three stickers. Personalized all of them. Personalize all of them. How many do those did you send out? I send out about three hundred and fifty, and most of them go to people as just thank you. So if people have no social media presence at all, just to thank you for whatever x y or z. Someone help me with with research on a novel.

05:18

This one, someone helped me with some aircraft stuff because I'm not a pilot. So he'll get one.

This one, someone helped me with some aircraft stuff because I'm not a pilot. So he'll get one.

05:23

Some fans that were with me from the very beginning, they get they get them. And then people like Chris Pratt get them. And and, and he gets the same one as as everybody else. But the coin goes in there in a coin different coin with every single That's awesome. And you can't buy these. And I know you talked about, on the that podcast where you talked about me and James Patterson. You, you also,

Some fans that were with me from the very beginning, they get they get them. And then people like Chris Pratt get them. And and, and he gets the same one as as everybody else. But the coin goes in there in a coin different coin with every single That's awesome. And you can't buy these. And I know you talked about, on the that podcast where you talked about me and James Patterson. You, you also,

05:43

talked about the Memento Morrick coins.

talked about the Memento Morrick coins.

05:45

I don't sell these. You should.

I don't sell these. You should.

05:49

It should, but so if I were for if you were to make some money on it, but for me, right, and I'm not saying I never will because people ask me to sell them all the time, but I have to give you one. So that's kind of the thing with these is I have to get a book signing law enforcement, military, firefighter, somebody they they coin you, and they have this in their hand, and they shake your hand. And then I have these in my back pocket and I coin them back. I wanna talk about the economics and all this stuff. But how do how do I introduce you to people? So, like, I was thinking about this. I was like, well, So Jack writes these books. That's so the the one line summary is basically, a navy seal who's wronged And he goes and gets revenge involving family, country, and a bunch of adventure.

It should, but so if I were for if you were to make some money on it, but for me, right, and I'm not saying I never will because people ask me to sell them all the time, but I have to give you one. So that's kind of the thing with these is I have to get a book signing law enforcement, military, firefighter, somebody they they coin you, and they have this in their hand, and they shake your hand. And then I have these in my back pocket and I coin them back. I wanna talk about the economics and all this stuff. But how do how do I introduce you to people? So, like, I was thinking about this. I was like, well, So Jack writes these books. That's so the the one line summary is basically, a navy seal who's wronged And he goes and gets revenge involving family, country, and a bunch of adventure.

06:27

It's a seven or eight book series. Now it's a, Amazon Prime Show starring Chris Pratt. But the cool thing about the book,

It's a seven or eight book series. Now it's a, Amazon Prime Show starring Chris Pratt. But the cool thing about the book,

06:35

you do a bunch of thing interesting interesting, but it's like a huge hit and

you do a bunch of thing interesting interesting, but it's like a huge hit and

06:41

When I was on Amazon, it has, like, a hundred thousand plus reviews across all the books, something like that. Can you say how many copies have you sold so far? You know, I don't know because I don't keep track of those things. And this is where the entrepreneurial side versus the business side comes in that we talked about at the beginning is I spend zero bandwidth worried about that So my my metric is is Simon and Schuster happy.

When I was on Amazon, it has, like, a hundred thousand plus reviews across all the books, something like that. Can you say how many copies have you sold so far? You know, I don't know because I don't keep track of those things. And this is where the entrepreneurial side versus the business side comes in that we talked about at the beginning is I spend zero bandwidth worried about that So my my metric is is Simon and Schuster happy.

07:01

And how happy are they? And they're ecstatic.

And how happy are they? And they're ecstatic.

07:04

So that is my millions, I would assume. Yeah. It's up there. Yeah. Is it, do you think it's north of ten million? No. So that's just a guess. I don't know, but I think they tell me if it was north of ten million. It's up there. I think we had,

So that is my millions, I would assume. Yeah. It's up there. Yeah. Is it, do you think it's north of ten million? No. So that's just a guess. I don't know, but I think they tell me if it was north of ten million. It's up there. I think we had,

07:18

I'm I'm friendly with James Clear in Mark Manson, and I think that they have some of the best selling books of the last, like, maybe decade. But I would imagine I I would have imagined that after a few more years, you're gonna be up there because you You were a navy seal, which you've talked a bunch about, but you started writing, but the books are relatively new. Right? Yep. So twenty eighteen, I started writing the first one when I was still in I was getting out of the military. So I think December of twenty fourteen, I wrote my first words for the first book. So I think it came out twenty eighteen, and then there's been one a year. Ever since. And this is the first year with two books. So I have my newest one, the seventh book in the series, red sky morning comes out in June, and then I have my first non fiction that comes out in September. So September twenty fourth, and that's on the nineteen eighty three Beirut Barrick's bombing. And you've probably noticed that we have a lot of history into the app. As well. That's why I liked it so much. You know, I'm I'm reading a looming towers right now, and I typically read American history. That's what my audience knows me for. And that's why I wanted to read yours. And What's weird is a lot of I think without giving a away, there's talk of a virus, there's talk of Ukraine

I'm I'm friendly with James Clear in Mark Manson, and I think that they have some of the best selling books of the last, like, maybe decade. But I would imagine I I would have imagined that after a few more years, you're gonna be up there because you You were a navy seal, which you've talked a bunch about, but you started writing, but the books are relatively new. Right? Yep. So twenty eighteen, I started writing the first one when I was still in I was getting out of the military. So I think December of twenty fourteen, I wrote my first words for the first book. So I think it came out twenty eighteen, and then there's been one a year. Ever since. And this is the first year with two books. So I have my newest one, the seventh book in the series, red sky morning comes out in June, and then I have my first non fiction that comes out in September. So September twenty fourth, and that's on the nineteen eighty three Beirut Barrick's bombing. And you've probably noticed that we have a lot of history into the app. As well. That's why I liked it so much. You know, I'm I'm reading a looming towers right now, and I typically read American history. That's what my audience knows me for. And that's why I wanted to read yours. And What's weird is a lot of I think without giving a away, there's talk of a virus, there's talk of Ukraine

08:22

before any of this stuff was even a thing. Yeah. That was crazy. So the work with Ukraine came out in twenty nineteen, so I was writing it before. I was writing it actually before I sent the first novel to Simon and Shuster. I didn't have a publishing deal, but I always knew I was gonna write two books because of the John Grisham story. He wrote a time to kill first, and he could not give that book away. And then he rides the firm that takes off. It's the movie with Tom Cruise, and we've had a John Grisham legal thriller every year since.

before any of this stuff was even a thing. Yeah. That was crazy. So the work with Ukraine came out in twenty nineteen, so I was writing it before. I was writing it actually before I sent the first novel to Simon and Shuster. I didn't have a publishing deal, but I always knew I was gonna write two books because of the John Grisham story. He wrote a time to kill first, and he could not give that book away. And then he rides the firm that takes off. It's the movie with Tom Cruise, and we've had a John Grisham legal thriller every year since.

08:48

You you you've got a good track record at the moment for, like, predicting a handful of things. Well, I hope this next one doesn't count sure as this next one's pretty brutal. So I hope this next one does not predict the future. Alright, everyone really quick. If you've heard this podcast before, you know that Sean and I think that the most important skill set you need in business is copywriting. And so what we did was we went through all of the podcasts that we've done. It's like five hundred of them, and we've found all the best copywriting tips, our resources, our frameworks, our templates, We aggregated all of them into one simple document. So you could skim it all and get everything that we've ever talked about with copywriting. It's in the link below. It's awesome. Check it out. What did you I know that, you're writing you're talking about, like, finding an agent and things like that. And you're like, I didn't even know you needed an agent. I think you read Stephen Pressfield to, like, learn a little bit about the publishing process. But what did what would you have defined as,

You you you've got a good track record at the moment for, like, predicting a handful of things. Well, I hope this next one doesn't count sure as this next one's pretty brutal. So I hope this next one does not predict the future. Alright, everyone really quick. If you've heard this podcast before, you know that Sean and I think that the most important skill set you need in business is copywriting. And so what we did was we went through all of the podcasts that we've done. It's like five hundred of them, and we've found all the best copywriting tips, our resources, our frameworks, our templates, We aggregated all of them into one simple document. So you could skim it all and get everything that we've ever talked about with copywriting. It's in the link below. It's awesome. Check it out. What did you I know that, you're writing you're talking about, like, finding an agent and things like that. And you're like, I didn't even know you needed an agent. I think you read Stephen Pressfield to, like, learn a little bit about the publishing process. But what did what would you have defined as,

09:36

a success? Like, when you're first starting, because I imagine now you You've made millions of dollars. You're famous. Your books are loved. It's a movie. I know that you originally

a success? Like, when you're first starting, because I imagine now you You've made millions of dollars. You're famous. Your books are loved. It's a movie. I know that you originally

09:45

before Chris Pratt was even a movie star, he was just a parks and rec guy, you're, like, Chris Pratt's the guy. So, like, you've kinda manifested all this, but what would you have defined as success, like, ten years ago? You know, it it personal or professional different different sides. But,

before Chris Pratt was even a movie star, he was just a parks and rec guy, you're, like, Chris Pratt's the guy. So, like, you've kinda manifested all this, but what would you have defined as success, like, ten years ago? You know, it it personal or professional different different sides. But,

10:00

for me growing up, I'm reading all these books. They all say number one New York Times best selling author. On the cover. So I'm reading Tom Plancy.

for me growing up, I'm reading all these books. They all say number one New York Times best selling author. On the cover. So I'm reading Tom Plancy.

10:07

I'm reading Nelson De Mill. I'm reading AJ Kumar, JC Pollock, Mark Olden, Louisville Moore. All these guys who are, like, my professors in the art of storytelling. But at the top of each one of those paperbacks, and I think I have a tie of the top Nancy one somewhere here, but it says, number one, New York has best line off. So in my head, from age well, let's say eleven. So sixth grade, when I start reading all the same types of books, my parents are reading, I'm in fifth grade. It's got that transition time from young adult type fiction to the same types of books that I'm reading and writing today.

I'm reading Nelson De Mill. I'm reading AJ Kumar, JC Pollock, Mark Olden, Louisville Moore. All these guys who are, like, my professors in the art of storytelling. But at the top of each one of those paperbacks, and I think I have a tie of the top Nancy one somewhere here, but it says, number one, New York has best line off. So in my head, from age well, let's say eleven. So sixth grade, when I start reading all the same types of books, my parents are reading, I'm in fifth grade. It's got that transition time from young adult type fiction to the same types of books that I'm reading and writing today.

10:36

They all said that. And so in my head, at that age, knowing that I wanted to write the future, just like I knew that I wanted to be a navy seal from h seven onward, that I I didn't think of it in terms of, hey, this is success. Once I do this,

They all said that. And so in my head, at that age, knowing that I wanted to write the future, just like I knew that I wanted to be a navy seal from h seven onward, that I I didn't think of it in terms of, hey, this is success. Once I do this,

10:49

but that was like a benchmark. That's funny. That was your goal because I think in the same podcast you said you listened to, for MFM, we talked about this guy. I don't remember his name, but basically, he self published a book. And he got really popular in Goodreads. And I think on Goodreads, he also had hundreds of thousands,

but that was like a benchmark. That's funny. That was your goal because I think in the same podcast you said you listened to, for MFM, we talked about this guy. I don't remember his name, but basically, he self published a book. And he got really popular in Goodreads. And I think on Goodreads, he also had hundreds of thousands,

11:07

of of reviews.

of of reviews.

11:08

And from reading your books, I wouldn't call you anti establishment, but there's, like, some sub context there of, like, don't trust too many people and and whatever. I would have not thought that you'd give a shit about New York times and more so just do lots of people love this and does this create, like, financial freedom and, and, like, spiritual

And from reading your books, I wouldn't call you anti establishment, but there's, like, some sub context there of, like, don't trust too many people and and whatever. I would have not thought that you'd give a shit about New York times and more so just do lots of people love this and does this create, like, financial freedom and, and, like, spiritual

11:29

wholesomeness

wholesomeness

11:30

for you. You know what I'm saying? Like, if if you could, like, make if you could feel good and and make money, that would be the win, not New York Times.

for you. You know what I'm saying? Like, if if you could, like, make if you could feel good and and make money, that would be the win, not New York Times.

11:36

Yeah. Well, the New York Times, like, you know, like, when you see a book that says,

Yeah. Well, the New York Times, like, you know, like, when you see a book that says,

11:40

number one or just, like, USA today bestseller,

number one or just, like, USA today bestseller,

11:44

What that tells me and what has always told me is that they didn't make the New York Times list. So the New York Times list is kind of the benchmark, because you can be a number one something on Amazon and pretty much anything.

What that tells me and what has always told me is that they didn't make the New York Times list. So the New York Times list is kind of the benchmark, because you can be a number one something on Amazon and pretty much anything.

11:55

So I knew that that that's not my I'm never gonna say that. I think the the publisher for the first or second book, they put something like that somewhere. And I was like, take that down. I don't want that in my calculus. That's not that's not me. For me, like, leaving the military, the things that were important, I think it's important to articulate that.

So I knew that that that's not my I'm never gonna say that. I think the the publisher for the first or second book, they put something like that somewhere. And I was like, take that down. I don't want that in my calculus. That's not that's not me. For me, like, leaving the military, the things that were important, I think it's important to articulate that.

12:11

No matter what it is, guys, we're all gonna go through transitions in life, whether it's,

No matter what it is, guys, we're all gonna go through transitions in life, whether it's,

12:15

professional transition, death of a loved one, divorce, whatever it might be, but you're gonna move on and do something else, change, just change jobs. And for me, it was financial freedom and being able to control my schedule. And I knew I wanted to write. I've written from a very early age that after my time in the military, I would write thrillers just like I'm writing today. Were you writing,

professional transition, death of a loved one, divorce, whatever it might be, but you're gonna move on and do something else, change, just change jobs. And for me, it was financial freedom and being able to control my schedule. And I knew I wanted to write. I've written from a very early age that after my time in the military, I would write thrillers just like I'm writing today. Were you writing,

12:35

books

books

12:36

from a early age? So, yeah, always a writer. So at any time, we're having an English English class in in high school, that's what I gravitated towards. Or the most dangerous game, which is a short story that came out in nineteen twenty four. Heavenly inspired,

from a early age? So, yeah, always a writer. So at any time, we're having an English English class in in high school, that's what I gravitated towards. Or the most dangerous game, which is a short story that came out in nineteen twenty four. Heavenly inspired,

12:49

your book three, I assume. Exactly. Exactly. That's my and so in sixth grade, I said one day I'm gonna write a novel. It's tribute to that short story, and that savage son, the one that you're on right now. So it's a so it's it's a so I was writing, but I wasn't

your book three, I assume. Exactly. Exactly. That's my and so in sixth grade, I said one day I'm gonna write a novel. It's tribute to that short story, and that savage son, the one that you're on right now. So it's a so it's it's a so I was writing, but I wasn't

13:04

writing throughout my time in the military. I was reading. So I'm always reading, and I'm reading both non fiction and fiction. So I'm always just gotta there's never been a time when I haven't had a book in my hand or know what I'm gonna read next.

writing throughout my time in the military. I was reading. So I'm always reading, and I'm reading both non fiction and fiction. So I'm always just gotta there's never been a time when I haven't had a book in my hand or know what I'm gonna read next.

13:15

There's a bunch of jokes. I'm friends with a bunch of, seal guys, and, there's a joke that, like, many of them wanna write a book. Because you guys experience such, like, crazy lives.

There's a bunch of jokes. I'm friends with a bunch of, seal guys, and, there's a joke that, like, many of them wanna write a book. Because you guys experience such, like, crazy lives.

13:26

But there are, like, some actually interesting people doing stuff, in the creative space so, obviously, you, and then we know Jocko and and and people like that. But then there's mister Ballin. Do you follow mister Balin? No. I know who he is. I've never never met him, and I haven't watched any of his, stuff yet, but I know who he is. I'd So, mister Ballin, I listened to all of his stuff. So, mister Balin,

But there are, like, some actually interesting people doing stuff, in the creative space so, obviously, you, and then we know Jocko and and and people like that. But then there's mister Ballin. Do you follow mister Balin? No. I know who he is. I've never never met him, and I haven't watched any of his, stuff yet, but I know who he is. I'd So, mister Ballin, I listened to all of his stuff. So, mister Balin,

13:46

started, I think, as a YouTube page, and he was basically, like, just telling scary ten and twenty minute stories of true crimes.

started, I think, as a YouTube page, and he was basically, like, just telling scary ten and twenty minute stories of true crimes.

13:55

And I don't know how he managed to do this because but for I mean, he's a great delivery. He he delivers his stories wonderfully. So I guess it's it's it's it's

And I don't know how he managed to do this because but for I mean, he's a great delivery. He he delivers his stories wonderfully. So I guess it's it's it's it's

14:04

clear how he kinda figured it out. But now it's like this massive thing. I'd he's got millions and millions of subscribers in Austin near where I live. He's got a billboard now where he's got this deal with Audible.

clear how he kinda figured it out. But now it's like this massive thing. I'd he's got millions and millions of subscribers in Austin near where I live. He's got a billboard now where he's got this deal with Audible.

14:15

And it's, like, pretty amazing that, this guy's pulled us off. He doesn't pull too many details from his his military days, but it is, like, interesting to see some of these, like, ex seal guys or seal guys, like, tell some of these, like, interesting stories and be creative because when I think of you guys, I think of, like, a tough guy. I don't think of, like, an artistic guy. Do you know what I mean? Yeah. Well, on the battlefield, you have to be creative. And I think that's something that really was what made us successful in Iraq and Afghanistan and other places around the world. Over the last of the twenty years that we were at war engaged in those places is being able to be creative and be very we create it very quickly and be aggressive problem solvers.

And it's, like, pretty amazing that, this guy's pulled us off. He doesn't pull too many details from his his military days, but it is, like, interesting to see some of these, like, ex seal guys or seal guys, like, tell some of these, like, interesting stories and be creative because when I think of you guys, I think of, like, a tough guy. I don't think of, like, an artistic guy. Do you know what I mean? Yeah. Well, on the battlefield, you have to be creative. And I think that's something that really was what made us successful in Iraq and Afghanistan and other places around the world. Over the last of the twenty years that we were at war engaged in those places is being able to be creative and be very we create it very quickly and be aggressive problem solvers.

14:54

So now I can be an aggressive problem solver. But you know what? If I make a mistake, no one's coming home in a body bag, and I can sleep on it, and I can come back to something in a month is why when I do the outlines for these books and I get to a place where I'm like, oh, how's James Rees gonna get out of this one? I don't that it's stalling me out. I know that I have a year to figure this out because it's one book a year. So it takes about a the whole process takes about a year, but, I don't get stuck there. I know that I'm gonna figure it out. We're on the battlefield. You're making split second decisions. That are gonna impact people's lives forever if you make the wrong one. There's this amazing book called May To Stick. I read May To Stick in two thousand and eight or two thousand ten. It's awesome. It's by I think his name is I think it's the Heath Brothers out of Stanford, and it's a whole book about how to make ideas stick. And there's, like, six or eight principles.

So now I can be an aggressive problem solver. But you know what? If I make a mistake, no one's coming home in a body bag, and I can sleep on it, and I can come back to something in a month is why when I do the outlines for these books and I get to a place where I'm like, oh, how's James Rees gonna get out of this one? I don't that it's stalling me out. I know that I have a year to figure this out because it's one book a year. So it takes about a the whole process takes about a year, but, I don't get stuck there. I know that I'm gonna figure it out. We're on the battlefield. You're making split second decisions. That are gonna impact people's lives forever if you make the wrong one. There's this amazing book called May To Stick. I read May To Stick in two thousand and eight or two thousand ten. It's awesome. It's by I think his name is I think it's the Heath Brothers out of Stanford, and it's a whole book about how to make ideas stick. And there's, like, six or eight principles.

15:42

And one example they give is,

And one example they give is,

15:46

like, if I told you,

like, if I told you,

15:48

movie theater popcorn had a hundred grams of fat. That doesn't really mean anything, but if I got a hundred

movie theater popcorn had a hundred grams of fat. That doesn't really mean anything, but if I got a hundred

15:56

grams fat and I showed that butter and, like, you can grab it. Or if I showed you, like, a black smoker's lung, then it's an easier way to understand and remember an idea.

grams fat and I showed that butter and, like, you can grab it. Or if I showed you, like, a black smoker's lung, then it's an easier way to understand and remember an idea.

16:06

One thing that the book says is they, talk about the demise of local newspapers, and they tell a story about this guy in North Carolina who's got a thriving local newspaper.

One thing that the book says is they, talk about the demise of local newspapers, and they tell a story about this guy in North Carolina who's got a thriving local newspaper.

16:15

And they go, hey, Will. What's your what's your deal? What's your secret with this newspaper? And he goes, names,

And they go, hey, Will. What's your what's your deal? What's your secret with this newspaper? And he goes, names,

16:21

names, and names. It's simple. If I could print the yellow pages, I would. All I wanna do is name as many local people and their friends as possible in their newspaper in my newspaper because people will buy it more to see their friends and family and themselves.

names, and names. It's simple. If I could print the yellow pages, I would. All I wanna do is name as many local people and their friends as possible in their newspaper in my newspaper because people will buy it more to see their friends and family and themselves.

16:35

Something you do in your book, and this is what I talked about in the last podcast. And what what I thought was savvy is you name so many products. Like, it's to the point now where I'm

Something you do in your book, and this is what I talked about in the last podcast. And what what I thought was savvy is you name so many products. Like, it's to the point now where I'm

16:46

I have a a notification on my bring a trailer profile to see a land cruiser, because I wanna buy a I wanna buy a land cruiser. I know all about land cruisers. I just bought someone just I talked about the on the podcast. Someone just sent me one of your

I have a a notification on my bring a trailer profile to see a land cruiser, because I wanna buy a I wanna buy a land cruiser. I know all about land cruisers. I just bought someone just I talked about the on the podcast. Someone just sent me one of your

16:58

or, not one of yours, but a, a hatchet. I'm looking at, like, hill people,

or, not one of yours, but a, a hatchet. I'm looking at, like, hill people,

17:03

like, fanny packs. You, like, name, all of this stuff where I'm, like, I didn't even know I need this pair of sunglasses, but because James Reese is using this sunglass, like, I want it or, like, black rifle coffee on president Richard Ryan, one of the founders, You name black rifle coffee all the time. You talk about, I think his name is,

like, fanny packs. You, like, name, all of this stuff where I'm, like, I didn't even know I need this pair of sunglasses, but because James Reese is using this sunglass, like, I want it or, like, black rifle coffee on president Richard Ryan, one of the founders, You name black rifle coffee all the time. You talk about, I think his name is,

17:20

reef. He has this leather type of boot, that's a little bit more sophisticated than James Reese's because he's a more of a a suave type of guy. And I find myself googling this stuff, and I noticed on your website, you list many of the stuff. So it's like James Reese's, like, daily wear in

reef. He has this leather type of boot, that's a little bit more sophisticated than James Reese's because he's a more of a a suave type of guy. And I find myself googling this stuff, and I noticed on your website, you list many of the stuff. So it's like James Reese's, like, daily wear in

17:37

book one or or the guns, planes, cars, and and supplies in book two. Do you monetize that? Well

book one or or the guns, planes, cars, and and supplies in book two. Do you monetize that? Well

17:45

No. I've been a gear guy in my entire life, and I should monetize people, like, assume that you are, like, right from the get go, but I don't know at the beginning, I knew I knew some of those brands because I'm just friends with them from getting that gear to go down range within the seal teams and that sort of a thing. But not all of them. It's just stuff that I use, but I have no personal connection to the the company. But it added a a personal not a an authentic element. So if you're a lot somebody in law enforcement or a firefighter or intelligence agent or, you know, military

No. I've been a gear guy in my entire life, and I should monetize people, like, assume that you are, like, right from the get go, but I don't know at the beginning, I knew I knew some of those brands because I'm just friends with them from getting that gear to go down range within the seal teams and that sort of a thing. But not all of them. It's just stuff that I use, but I have no personal connection to the the company. But it added a a personal not a an authentic element. So if you're a lot somebody in law enforcement or a firefighter or intelligence agent or, you know, military

18:12

and you're reading this thing, and you can be reading a book And it can just say he picked up the shotgun. He picked up the pistol. He but doesn't tell me anything about the character. Yeah. When I see somebody, they walk in or they walk onto a range. I can see the pistol that they have on. I can see the holster they're using, the belt, their shoes, their hat, their watch. That tells me a story about them, the car they pull up in. That all tells me something. That's giving me information.

and you're reading this thing, and you can be reading a book And it can just say he picked up the shotgun. He picked up the pistol. He but doesn't tell me anything about the character. Yeah. When I see somebody, they walk in or they walk onto a range. I can see the pistol that they have on. I can see the holster they're using, the belt, their shoes, their hat, their watch. That tells me a story about them, the car they pull up in. That all tells me something. That's giving me information.

18:35

And so same thing in these books. And I think if you if you spend, let's say, twenty years in the seal teams or special forces or whatever it is, then you're reading a book and it says, Hey, the main protagonist has a background similar to yours, but he's and it says what he's carrying. And you're like, oh, man. We would never carry something like that. Like, this doesn't make any sense. This person obviously doesn't know what they're writing about. And so then that impacts their story in general. So it's a it's a way to to add authenticity and tell a story about that person because sometimes I'll use brands that,

And so same thing in these books. And I think if you if you spend, let's say, twenty years in the seal teams or special forces or whatever it is, then you're reading a book and it says, Hey, the main protagonist has a background similar to yours, but he's and it says what he's carrying. And you're like, oh, man. We would never carry something like that. Like, this doesn't make any sense. This person obviously doesn't know what they're writing about. And so then that impacts their story in general. So it's a it's a way to to add authenticity and tell a story about that person because sometimes I'll use brands that,

19:05

that it says this person doesn't know. What they're doing. And that tells that reader who's in law enforcement or military,

that it says this person doesn't know. What they're doing. And that tells that reader who's in law enforcement or military,

19:11

it tells me something about this guy's character even before he described before he even opens is mouth.

it tells me something about this guy's character even before he described before he even opens is mouth.

19:17

And so I so I love using those brands that way. So I haven't monetized it the way people

And so I so I love using those brands that way. So I haven't monetized it the way people

19:22

think that probably I have by looking at the website because I put together gear guides for each book, and I have a father's day gear guide and a holiday gear guide, and that sort of thing. And I link out. And if you of them have affiliate links, there's an Amazon, affiliate link. I don't really think it makes I have no idea if it makes any money or not actually. But it's more for the fun of it. And also to help a lot of those companies, like better known businesses, Like, this is a way for me to give back and offer a helping hand. Yeah. And I get that for, like, a small business, but there's many businesses that you mentioned are brands that aren't small. And your website gets traffic. And I'm like, why wouldn't you monetize that? You know, like, there's gear junkie dot com. There's

think that probably I have by looking at the website because I put together gear guides for each book, and I have a father's day gear guide and a holiday gear guide, and that sort of thing. And I link out. And if you of them have affiliate links, there's an Amazon, affiliate link. I don't really think it makes I have no idea if it makes any money or not actually. But it's more for the fun of it. And also to help a lot of those companies, like better known businesses, Like, this is a way for me to give back and offer a helping hand. Yeah. And I get that for, like, a small business, but there's many businesses that you mentioned are brands that aren't small. And your website gets traffic. And I'm like, why wouldn't you monetize that? You know, like, there's gear junkie dot com. There's

19:59

gear patrol.

gear patrol.

20:00

There's a Steve Renella's company,

There's a Steve Renella's company,

20:03

Me eater, and they have turned these into, like, big businesses of merchandise or affiliates.

Me eater, and they have turned these into, like, big businesses of merchandise or affiliates.

20:09

What is the because I know you're entrepreneurial. What's stopping you from turning this into? Like, a legitimate media company beyond

What is the because I know you're entrepreneurial. What's stopping you from turning this into? Like, a legitimate media company beyond

20:15

what most authors do. I the the first hesitation was, that I wanted it to remain authentic. I didn't want anyone to ever be able to say it anyway,

what most authors do. I the the first hesitation was, that I wanted it to remain authentic. I didn't want anyone to ever be able to say it anyway,

20:24

but it I didn't want it to be true. Hey. All of a sudden, he had this one pistol in there. And all of a sudden, he switched. How much are they paying him to put that in there? And they answer zero dollars. The answer is always zero dollars. People have reached out and said, how much how can I how much do you need to put my product on your your gear guide? And the answer is nothing. What do you think, an author like you if you wanted to do it, which you don't? But I bet it happens. What would you act what would a brand charge?

but it I didn't want it to be true. Hey. All of a sudden, he had this one pistol in there. And all of a sudden, he switched. How much are they paying him to put that in there? And they answer zero dollars. The answer is always zero dollars. People have reached out and said, how much how can I how much do you need to put my product on your your gear guide? And the answer is nothing. What do you think, an author like you if you wanted to do it, which you don't? But I bet it happens. What would you act what would a brand charge?

20:50

I don't even know. And at some point, maybe it might turn into to something like that where it's a little more more obvious, and there's, like, the podcast is something that that gets sponsored.

I don't even know. And at some point, maybe it might turn into to something like that where it's a little more more obvious, and there's, like, the podcast is something that that gets sponsored.

20:58

And has the ads on it, but those are obvious.

And has the ads on it, but those are obvious.

21:01

Totally. Yes. And that's separate. And there's never anything attached to that that says, you're gonna do any of these posts on social media, and you're gonna do dear died and you're gonna put it in the book or you're gonna put it in the show. So none of that exists.

Totally. Yes. And that's separate. And there's never anything attached to that that says, you're gonna do any of these posts on social media, and you're gonna do dear died and you're gonna put it in the book or you're gonna put it in the show. So none of that exists.

21:13

And I I wanna keep it pure like that, but I saw the podcast as a way to semi monetize a little bit of those some of those relationships because they wanna help anyway. They wanna be associated at this podcast that is a way that authors couldn't reach an audience twenty, thirty, forty years ago. So once again, looking at that battle space, I looked at it at well, James Patterson. He's been around. Yes. You did your research since the seventies,

And I I wanna keep it pure like that, but I saw the podcast as a way to semi monetize a little bit of those some of those relationships because they wanna help anyway. They wanna be associated at this podcast that is a way that authors couldn't reach an audience twenty, thirty, forty years ago. So once again, looking at that battle space, I looked at it at well, James Patterson. He's been around. Yes. You did your research since the seventies,

21:35

at Steven King's Seventy. So there's a reason that those names on the New York Times list that are at the top are the same names that our parents would have opened in the New York Times best seller list and seen back in the eighties, nineties. So it's, I I realized that, hey, what can I do today to create new because those authors that have been around for so long, they have a reader base that they have built up over thirty, forty years? I had to I have not done that. And there's more distractions today. So back then, let's say, seventies eighties, you have a book that's competing with maybe television and possibly film those are three things, a newspaper, a magazine, but that's that's about it. So now when I'm stepping into this space, now I'm competing with all those other distractions.

at Steven King's Seventy. So there's a reason that those names on the New York Times list that are at the top are the same names that our parents would have opened in the New York Times best seller list and seen back in the eighties, nineties. So it's, I I realized that, hey, what can I do today to create new because those authors that have been around for so long, they have a reader base that they have built up over thirty, forty years? I had to I have not done that. And there's more distractions today. So back then, let's say, seventies eighties, you have a book that's competing with maybe television and possibly film those are three things, a newspaper, a magazine, but that's that's about it. So now when I'm stepping into this space, now I'm competing with all those other distractions.

22:16

And all those other products and platforms streaming, every single streaming service, every single app, every single social media, all internet,

And all those other products and platforms streaming, every single streaming service, every single app, every single social media, all internet,

22:24

everything out there plus the movies and TV shows still.

everything out there plus the movies and TV shows still.

22:27

So I realized that if you want to build an audience today with new readers, Well, now it's podcast. It's social presence. It's that blog. It's adding something of value to their lives throughout the year that they're not paying for.

So I realized that if you want to build an audience today with new readers, Well, now it's podcast. It's social presence. It's that blog. It's adding something of value to their lives throughout the year that they're not paying for.

22:41

But that helps create that connection. Yeah. Another guy who does that well is, a friend of mine who, and I'm I I had imagined you're friendly with him too. It's Ryan Holiday. So Ryan does a really good job. I don't know how his output is so high because he's always has a book that he's doing. I think he has maybe two daily emails for sure. One, He has a business selling merchant coins and things like that. And then he has a bookstore. I don't know how his, output so high as a podcast. And then

But that helps create that connection. Yeah. Another guy who does that well is, a friend of mine who, and I'm I I had imagined you're friendly with him too. It's Ryan Holiday. So Ryan does a really good job. I don't know how his output is so high because he's always has a book that he's doing. I think he has maybe two daily emails for sure. One, He has a business selling merchant coins and things like that. And then he has a bookstore. I don't know how his, output so high as a podcast. And then

23:09

you have a bunch of stuff. You got the site. You have the newsletter, social media. You got your podcast. You're always on other people's podcasts.

you have a bunch of stuff. You got the site. You have the newsletter, social media. You got your podcast. You're always on other people's podcasts.

23:16

How big's your team?

How big's your team?

23:17

It was me until,

It was me until,

23:19

this last fall, and then I got a chief of staff with no staff, and she's she's amazing. And then starting in February, we started adding to the team. So this is my first year of putting a team together. I was writing this last book. I thought it was gonna be first, I thought I was gonna be finished December first, and then January first, and then February first. It ended up being the longest book here.

this last fall, and then I got a chief of staff with no staff, and she's she's amazing. And then starting in February, we started adding to the team. So this is my first year of putting a team together. I was writing this last book. I thought it was gonna be first, I thought I was gonna be finished December first, and then January first, and then February first. It ended up being the longest book here.

23:40

It's, it ended up being the longest book today because you just don't know when you start. Like, I thought I had a pretty good idea. Seventh book. Like, I it'll be about a hundred and fifteen, hundred and twenty thousand words. Ended up being, like, a hundred and fifty thousand words, which just adds months to the writing process. So I had started hiring some people to help. I didn't really get to interact with him at all until about two weeks ago when I finally sent my final edits in,

It's, it ended up being the longest book today because you just don't know when you start. Like, I thought I had a pretty good idea. Seventh book. Like, I it'll be about a hundred and fifteen, hundred and twenty thousand words. Ended up being, like, a hundred and fifty thousand words, which just adds months to the writing process. So I had started hiring some people to help. I didn't really get to interact with him at all until about two weeks ago when I finally sent my final edits in,

24:03

for the good and all. So It's, so now the team is as of yesterday,

for the good and all. So It's, so now the team is as of yesterday,

24:07

six.

six.

24:08

But it's very new. Very new. How how are you balancing being a writer or a creator

But it's very new. Very new. How how are you balancing being a writer or a creator

24:14

and also a manager. Is that a pain? I mean, it's I think it sucks.

and also a manager. Is that a pain? I mean, it's I think it sucks.

24:18

Yeah. Well, to his point of span, just me, my wife, like, she was doing all fulfillment in our our boxes all over our bedroom, all over the the living room, like, just chaos.

Yeah. Well, to his point of span, just me, my wife, like, she was doing all fulfillment in our our boxes all over our bedroom, all over the the living room, like, just chaos.

24:28

And I realized early on that I needed help, but you're not yet to a place financially where it makes sense to do that. So it's just been me essentially

And I realized early on that I needed help, but you're not yet to a place financially where it makes sense to do that. So it's just been me essentially

24:36

start up in the garage making a computer in nineteen seventy six, nineteen seventy seven, building all of the parts, also letting people know it exists why they need it and doing every single being the CEO, the CFO, the CMO,

start up in the garage making a computer in nineteen seventy six, nineteen seventy seven, building all of the parts, also letting people know it exists why they need it and doing every single being the CEO, the CFO, the CMO,

24:49

the creator being every single piece.

the creator being every single piece.

24:53

Now and as of yesterday, I hired six person yesterday to handle the Hollywood side of the house because there's multiple projects in Hollywood now, and I was doing all the calls, all the writing, all the creative, everything. No shit. You are doing that by yourself?

Now and as of yesterday, I hired six person yesterday to handle the Hollywood side of the house because there's multiple projects in Hollywood now, and I was doing all the calls, all the writing, all the creative, everything. No shit. You are doing that by yourself?

25:06

So, no, each one has a team. And as each project, and a lot of some haven't been announced yet. But you're putting together a team of a showrunner director,

So, no, each one has a team. And as each project, and a lot of some haven't been announced yet. But you're putting together a team of a showrunner director,

25:14

a lead,

a lead,

25:15

a production team, all of those things.

a production team, all of those things.

25:17

And you're essentially putting together this package then to take to to Netflix, usually through another production company that you have a relationship with. So There's multiple of those going on right now. So I'm jumping between,

And you're essentially putting together this package then to take to to Netflix, usually through another production company that you have a relationship with. So There's multiple of those going on right now. So I'm jumping between,

25:29

either writing a script, writing a,

either writing a script, writing a,

25:31

writing a executive summary, writing an outline, doing a creative back and forth to see if someone is the right person to be a showrunner,

writing a executive summary, writing an outline, doing a creative back and forth to see if someone is the right person to be a showrunner,

25:38

for the show, or be a lead writer on a show for a new idea. And I'm jumping back in because I have a deadline on my novel, and I'm doing that. And then I have to jump over to the podcast, but I have How are you dealing with that context switching? Because that's that's that's really hard. Yeah. No. I'll yesterday, I had my call with the person I brought on to run the Hollywood side of the house. And I I just told them I'm, like, I need to do prioritize and execute. I need to be focused on one thing at a time and then switch the next one. There'll be a little bit of overlap there as you're editing or coming up generating some new ideas.

for the show, or be a lead writer on a show for a new idea. And I'm jumping back in because I have a deadline on my novel, and I'm doing that. And then I have to jump over to the podcast, but I have How are you dealing with that context switching? Because that's that's that's really hard. Yeah. No. I'll yesterday, I had my call with the person I brought on to run the Hollywood side of the house. And I I just told them I'm, like, I need to do prioritize and execute. I need to be focused on one thing at a time and then switch the next one. There'll be a little bit of overlap there as you're editing or coming up generating some new ideas.

26:05

But for the most part, I need to be focused on one thing at a time and then switch gears. And I know you do something cool. So you, you write I think I heard on your podcast, you'd like to write a one pager. And you write a one pager. I think we're didn't exactly explain what's on the one pager, but I imagine it's like an a summary of the book,

But for the most part, I need to be focused on one thing at a time and then switch gears. And I know you do something cool. So you, you write I think I heard on your podcast, you'd like to write a one pager. And you write a one pager. I think we're didn't exactly explain what's on the one pager, but I imagine it's like an a summary of the book,

26:25

but maybe there's more to it. Like, my goal is that it sells as many copies or it makes a reader feel like this. But you said, I do this one pager because I know that this project, I'm gonna spend eighteen minutes of my life, and I wanna make sure that Like, I'm willing to do that. And I think that's kinda cool because

but maybe there's more to it. Like, my goal is that it sells as many copies or it makes a reader feel like this. But you said, I do this one pager because I know that this project, I'm gonna spend eighteen minutes of my life, and I wanna make sure that Like, I'm willing to do that. And I think that's kinda cool because

26:42

when, you know, running a business tends to actually probably go into three year, five year cycles.

when, you know, running a business tends to actually probably go into three year, five year cycles.

26:49

But I thought it was pretty cool that

But I thought it was pretty cool that

26:51

writing this one pager know, Amazon does this thing where they go, we're gonna create this product. Go ahead and write the press release now.

writing this one pager know, Amazon does this thing where they go, we're gonna create this product. Go ahead and write the press release now.

26:59

So we know, like, what do we want it to say in twenty four or twelve months when product is live. What how do we want it to be received? What do we wanna tell people it do it does? And then let's work backwards to creating that. And that's sort of like what you're doing. And I thought that was pretty interesting. And I try to do that with a bunch of projects in my life, whether it be like a fitness challenge that I have or a business or whatever, like, a new life event where it's like, what's what's the outcome gonna be like this in twelve or eighteen months, and and do I really wanna go all in on that? And I thought that was cool. You do that. Yeah. I didn't know that about Amazon, but it makes total sense. So do that. Alright. It's it's, like, it's kind of like what you'd find on the back of a in a on the back of a paper back or in the front flap of a of a book, you know, something that describes it. So about a one one pager, and it's like a executive summary. And then I read it to myself, and I ask myself that question, is this worth the next year, year and a half of my life? And if the question is yes, if I'm that excited about it, then I read it again. And I ask myself another question, if someone's walking by Hudson News in the airport, they're pulling this off the shelf, and they're to read this same thing or something similar, is that some is it does this idea get them excited enough to wanna spend time that they're never gonna get back in these pages? So as I'm writing, I am thinking about that. That's what I'm thinking about. Thinking about the story. It's all about the story. It's not about what's selling. It's not about short short chapters or longer chapters. What's popular? It's about none of those things. It is all about the story because you're never gonna gonna please everyone.

So we know, like, what do we want it to say in twenty four or twelve months when product is live. What how do we want it to be received? What do we wanna tell people it do it does? And then let's work backwards to creating that. And that's sort of like what you're doing. And I thought that was pretty interesting. And I try to do that with a bunch of projects in my life, whether it be like a fitness challenge that I have or a business or whatever, like, a new life event where it's like, what's what's the outcome gonna be like this in twelve or eighteen months, and and do I really wanna go all in on that? And I thought that was cool. You do that. Yeah. I didn't know that about Amazon, but it makes total sense. So do that. Alright. It's it's, like, it's kind of like what you'd find on the back of a in a on the back of a paper back or in the front flap of a of a book, you know, something that describes it. So about a one one pager, and it's like a executive summary. And then I read it to myself, and I ask myself that question, is this worth the next year, year and a half of my life? And if the question is yes, if I'm that excited about it, then I read it again. And I ask myself another question, if someone's walking by Hudson News in the airport, they're pulling this off the shelf, and they're to read this same thing or something similar, is that some is it does this idea get them excited enough to wanna spend time that they're never gonna get back in these pages? So as I'm writing, I am thinking about that. That's what I'm thinking about. Thinking about the story. It's all about the story. It's not about what's selling. It's not about short short chapters or longer chapters. What's popular? It's about none of those things. It is all about the story because you're never gonna gonna please everyone.

28:22

So if you honor the story and to all your band with all your heart soul into every single word, then you're respecting that reader or that listener today, who is spending time with you that they're never gonna get back. So that's how I approach it. I don't approach it, from a business side, which maybe I should, like, oh, it's selling. What's popular? But, no, it all has to be about the story.

So if you honor the story and to all your band with all your heart soul into every single word, then you're respecting that reader or that listener today, who is spending time with you that they're never gonna get back. So that's how I approach it. I don't approach it, from a business side, which maybe I should, like, oh, it's selling. What's popular? But, no, it all has to be about the story.

28:43

Why not just, be your own publisher at this point? You know, you have, like, a pretty nice direct audience you're, you've been on Joe rogan a bunch of times and those get millions of views. You get millions of impressions across all these other podcasts.

Why not just, be your own publisher at this point? You know, you have, like, a pretty nice direct audience you're, you've been on Joe rogan a bunch of times and those get millions of views. You get millions of impressions across all these other podcasts.

28:55

Why not just do your own thing at this point?

Why not just do your own thing at this point?

28:58

Well, I I like being where I am. I like the team that they have at Simon Institute for all, like, the production value of the audiobooks.

Well, I I like being where I am. I like the team that they have at Simon Institute for all, like, the production value of the audiobooks.

29:05

I like Ray Porter, who narrates, who's absolutely amazing.

I like Ray Porter, who narrates, who's absolutely amazing.

29:08

I like that they have regional representatives all across the country. You get these books into Target and Walmart and all that. I like that machine that's doing that because that allows me to focus solely on writing. And I don't have to worry about that other side. So it's, I can see why someone would want to first build up a social media presence or something or an audience and then have the book that a certain percentage of that audience will take the action that you want, but that's not that wasn't my my way. And that's not how I grew up, and that's not how I wanted wanted to adapt to the new space. I wanted to adapt to it in a different way, where I still have a publisher, and there's still an art department for the cover, and they're still all the so I have that machine working there, and I can solely focus on writing and then also figure out the things that maybe a large publishing company isn't so great at. So the social side of the house and the digital marketing side of the house and the podcasts and all of that. So I think it's a very good partnership as far as a business goes. For for me, everybody's gonna have it differently.

I like that they have regional representatives all across the country. You get these books into Target and Walmart and all that. I like that machine that's doing that because that allows me to focus solely on writing. And I don't have to worry about that other side. So it's, I can see why someone would want to first build up a social media presence or something or an audience and then have the book that a certain percentage of that audience will take the action that you want, but that's not that wasn't my my way. And that's not how I grew up, and that's not how I wanted wanted to adapt to the new space. I wanted to adapt to it in a different way, where I still have a publisher, and there's still an art department for the cover, and they're still all the so I have that machine working there, and I can solely focus on writing and then also figure out the things that maybe a large publishing company isn't so great at. So the social side of the house and the digital marketing side of the house and the podcasts and all of that. So I think it's a very good partnership as far as a business goes. For for me, everybody's gonna have it differently.

30:03

We have this guy, on the pod, and we've had him a few times. His name's Scott Galloway. Scott Galloway is a successful entrepreneur, but he also, is a author and kind of a thought leader. I don't know what you would would describe him as, but he, he's a wonderful speaker, and his new crusade right now is on young men.

We have this guy, on the pod, and we've had him a few times. His name's Scott Galloway. Scott Galloway is a successful entrepreneur, but he also, is a author and kind of a thought leader. I don't know what you would would describe him as, but he, he's a wonderful speaker, and his new crusade right now is on young men.

30:20

And how young men are are kinda getting forgotten a bit, you know, if you look at, like, suicide rates, depression rates, if you look at, education, like, young men are are getting are getting left behind a bit.

And how young men are are kinda getting forgotten a bit, you know, if you look at, like, suicide rates, depression rates, if you look at, education, like, young men are are getting are getting left behind a bit.

30:31

And I felt that. And I remember I was going through a period in my late twenties where I had a little bit of success, but I was, like, I still. Like, I I I now have a young family, and I was like, I need I wanna learn a little bit more about what it means to be a man. And so I went through this,

And I felt that. And I remember I was going through a period in my late twenties where I had a little bit of success, but I was, like, I still. Like, I I I now have a young family, and I was like, I need I wanna learn a little bit more about what it means to be a man. And so I went through this,

30:47

this, like, reading,

this, like, reading,

30:48

like, I read all these, like, man books, like, teach me to become a man, I guess. And so

like, I read all these, like, man books, like, teach me to become a man, I guess. And so

30:54

I noticed that I would read your books, and I felt like I was being inspired to be a more high integrity man in which James Reese is what books have you read that sort of, like, got you on that path of being this sort of

I noticed that I would read your books, and I felt like I was being inspired to be a more high integrity man in which James Reese is what books have you read that sort of, like, got you on that path of being this sort of

31:08

I don't know. Like, teacher of young men because that's kinda like what you've become a little bit. Yeah. And it's interesting now when I go to book signings,

I don't know. Like, teacher of young men because that's kinda like what you've become a little bit. Yeah. And it's interesting now when I go to book signings,

31:16

that first book came out in twenty eighteen. So now somebody read that book when they were fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen. Now there are a few years into a,

that first book came out in twenty eighteen. So now somebody read that book when they were fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen. Now there are a few years into a,

31:24

their time in uniform in the military, law enforcement or whatever else. So now I have people coming up to me and saying I was inspired to join the military. I was inspired to get into law enforcement. I was inspired to do this because of your books. And I knew that was a possibility, but I didn't really dwell on it, but the last book tour, or maybe we're alone before was the first time where that really started happening. But,

their time in uniform in the military, law enforcement or whatever else. So now I have people coming up to me and saying I was inspired to join the military. I was inspired to get into law enforcement. I was inspired to do this because of your books. And I knew that was a possibility, but I didn't really dwell on it, but the last book tour, or maybe we're alone before was the first time where that really started happening. But,

31:42

you know, It happened naturally for me. So I didn't, like, get to a certain age and say, what book should I read in order to? Which is I was constantly reading as a student of warfare.

you know, It happened naturally for me. So I didn't, like, get to a certain age and say, what book should I read in order to? Which is I was constantly reading as a student of warfare.

31:53

And and one book that stands out as my most gifted book. It's called Once and Eagle by Anton Meyer. It's written in nineteen sixty eight, and it's historical fiction. And it follows two people from right before World War one up to Vietnam. They don't call it Vietnam in the book. They call it something else, but that's what it is. One of them is an officer one of them gets a battlefield commission on the battlefield in World War One. And then you have the interwar years, you have World War two, and it goes, like I said, up to vietnam. But the guy who was the,

And and one book that stands out as my most gifted book. It's called Once and Eagle by Anton Meyer. It's written in nineteen sixty eight, and it's historical fiction. And it follows two people from right before World War one up to Vietnam. They don't call it Vietnam in the book. They call it something else, but that's what it is. One of them is an officer one of them gets a battlefield commission on the battlefield in World War One. And then you have the interwar years, you have World War two, and it goes, like I said, up to vietnam. But the guy who was the,

32:18

he's a politician in uniform. He's the he's the officer. He's always just a little bit ahead of this guy, Sam Damon, who is, who who's who's the He's, like, the leader of men that you would want to be as you read this book. And so a gift this book to people who are starting their career in the profession of ours, and there's a reason it's called the profession of arms were not the career of arms. And I would write a letter, and I would put it in the front cover, and that's one that they could read before they started reading. It would kind of set the tone why I'm giving them this book. And then I would say in that letter, but there's another letter at the back, and that is sealed. And you have to work your way through this book, and it's pretty thick. So you can use it as a blunt impact weapon or as a door stop if you need to. So it's dual use technology.

he's a politician in uniform. He's the he's the officer. He's always just a little bit ahead of this guy, Sam Damon, who is, who who's who's the He's, like, the leader of men that you would want to be as you read this book. And so a gift this book to people who are starting their career in the profession of ours, and there's a reason it's called the profession of arms were not the career of arms. And I would write a letter, and I would put it in the front cover, and that's one that they could read before they started reading. It would kind of set the tone why I'm giving them this book. And then I would say in that letter, but there's another letter at the back, and that is sealed. And you have to work your way through this book, and it's pretty thick. So you can use it as a blunt impact weapon or as a door stop if you need to. So it's dual use technology.

32:57

And at the end, then that's my take on what you just read. And I don't want them to read it beforehand because I don't wanna pollute their reading experience with my interpretation. So it gives them incentive to get to the end to get to read that last letter and setting the tone with the first one. So that's my most gifted book, but it really is a is a book about leadership.

And at the end, then that's my take on what you just read. And I don't want them to read it beforehand because I don't wanna pollute their reading experience with my interpretation. So it gives them incentive to get to the end to get to read that last letter and setting the tone with the first one. So that's my most gifted book, but it really is a is a book about leadership.

33:16

And, and so that's why we give it to these to these guys. But through that context of historical fiction, so read like a thriller, but you're learning about history at the same time, but it's really all about leadership. Well, you have this I mean, you had a career where you sorta you had a rite of passage. So you went to the military, you experienced some crazy stuff. And I imagine

And, and so that's why we give it to these to these guys. But through that context of historical fiction, so read like a thriller, but you're learning about history at the same time, but it's really all about leadership. Well, you have this I mean, you had a career where you sorta you had a rite of passage. So you went to the military, you experienced some crazy stuff. And I imagine

33:35

it's like, I imagine there's some times where it's like, I just grew up really fast. And now I officially feel like a man. Women a little bit have, you know, they have a physical thing where it's like, you're now a woman. Men don't typically have that at least not now. In some cultures, they do, where they're, like, you know, I like to read about the spartans and they're, like, alright, you go off in the wilderness and you do this thing. You come back. You're a man. You know?

it's like, I imagine there's some times where it's like, I just grew up really fast. And now I officially feel like a man. Women a little bit have, you know, they have a physical thing where it's like, you're now a woman. Men don't typically have that at least not now. In some cultures, they do, where they're, like, you know, I like to read about the spartans and they're, like, alright, you go off in the wilderness and you do this thing. You come back. You're a man. You know?

33:57

The Jewish culture has, apart Mitzvah, and bat Mitzvah. So there's a little bit of a, you're a man now. But we don't really have that in America for, like, most men. And the reason why and and I always felt that was lacking. I'm like, I I don't have this, like, I didn't I didn't there wasn't this, like, beginning middle and end of a journey where it's, like, I've come out and I'm

The Jewish culture has, apart Mitzvah, and bat Mitzvah. So there's a little bit of a, you're a man now. But we don't really have that in America for, like, most men. And the reason why and and I always felt that was lacking. I'm like, I I don't have this, like, I didn't I didn't there wasn't this, like, beginning middle and end of a journey where it's, like, I've come out and I'm

34:17

now an adult.

now an adult.

34:19

And so I think that's why I like reading your stuff because it's like I'm living vicariously through the through through James Reese, and I experienced

And so I think that's why I like reading your stuff because it's like I'm living vicariously through the through through James Reese, and I experienced

34:26

this like, heartache and this, like, evolution. And it's, like, I now feel

this like, heartache and this, like, evolution. And it's, like, I now feel

34:31

weirdly

weirdly

34:32

more manly, I mean, as as cringe as that sounds. But it's, like,

more manly, I mean, as as cringe as that sounds. But it's, like,

34:37

You know, they say you're the average of the five people you spend with most. I think I'm the average of, like, the last year's worth of reading I've done. You know what I'm saying? So it's, like, I'm getting a little bit of a right, a passage, a little bit through, like, your work if that's if that makes sense. Well, yes. And that's why it's so important kids, especially, like, who they follow now in this world. Because you those five people you're spending the most time with, how it can be virtual? It's not that per person on the playground, or as you get older, someone you're in a that that's a mentor type relationship or in an internship or or something like that. A lot of these people are the people that they're following. So that's why it's so important for you to follow. But, yeah, for most of human history, there was exactly that. There was a rite of passage and it was there for a reason. It was a reason. The reason the reason was that you could prove to tribe to the community that you could add value. Because if you didn't, then, well, your your tribe's not gonna last for very much long. So with these trials, there are these teachings,

You know, they say you're the average of the five people you spend with most. I think I'm the average of, like, the last year's worth of reading I've done. You know what I'm saying? So it's, like, I'm getting a little bit of a right, a passage, a little bit through, like, your work if that's if that makes sense. Well, yes. And that's why it's so important kids, especially, like, who they follow now in this world. Because you those five people you're spending the most time with, how it can be virtual? It's not that per person on the playground, or as you get older, someone you're in a that that's a mentor type relationship or in an internship or or something like that. A lot of these people are the people that they're following. So that's why it's so important for you to follow. But, yeah, for most of human history, there was exactly that. There was a rite of passage and it was there for a reason. It was a reason. The reason the reason was that you could prove to tribe to the community that you could add value. Because if you didn't, then, well, your your tribe's not gonna last for very much long. So with these trials, there are these teachings,

35:30

mentorships,

mentorships,

35:31

and then you'd have this trial that you would go through to prove that you were a valued member of the tribe. And then that's we started to go away, but mostly in the the, well, nineteenth twentieth century because there was still it was still around before that. But,

and then you'd have this trial that you would go through to prove that you were a valued member of the tribe. And then that's we started to go away, but mostly in the the, well, nineteenth twentieth century because there was still it was still around before that. But,

35:43

today, it is almost entirely lacking. Which is why I think so many people feel lost because they it's not institutionalized

today, it is almost entirely lacking. Which is why I think so many people feel lost because they it's not institutionalized

35:50

into our society.

into our society.

35:52

But it's in our DNA because I think that there there's a reason that it was around from the beginning of time up until the time we got so comfortable where we didn't have to have it.

But it's in our DNA because I think that there there's a reason that it was around from the beginning of time up until the time we got so comfortable where we didn't have to have it.

36:01

And that was so that we could survive as a species. So your tribe could survive.

And that was so that we could survive as a species. So your tribe could survive.

36:05

But that's why I think young men, whether they know it or not, are drawn towards typically in this country. It's Marine boot camp. Like, that's the one that most people think of, but it's also Yeah. You see these things where it's, like, rich guys spending, like, fifteen grand for a week and And a little bit, if it's like, dude, that's fucking lame.

But that's why I think young men, whether they know it or not, are drawn towards typically in this country. It's Marine boot camp. Like, that's the one that most people think of, but it's also Yeah. You see these things where it's, like, rich guys spending, like, fifteen grand for a week and And a little bit, if it's like, dude, that's fucking lame.

36:21

But on the other side, I'm like, I understand why you want that. And, you gotta get it, how you can get it, I guess. Yeah. They missed it when they should have done it or when, another culture, a thousand years ago, would have had it as part of this process to bring people into the tribe. We don't have it. So people find it later, and they're like, oh, geez. I missed that part. And then they start reading these books, and they're like, oh, that's what I was missing. That's why I felt this draw at a certain age that I didn't listen to. Listen to that calling. Like, the hero's journey, you heed the call. And,

But on the other side, I'm like, I understand why you want that. And, you gotta get it, how you can get it, I guess. Yeah. They missed it when they should have done it or when, another culture, a thousand years ago, would have had it as part of this process to bring people into the tribe. We don't have it. So people find it later, and they're like, oh, geez. I missed that part. And then they start reading these books, and they're like, oh, that's what I was missing. That's why I felt this draw at a certain age that I didn't listen to. Listen to that calling. Like, the hero's journey, you heed the call. And,

36:50

so, yeah, Marie Boot Camp or it's army special forces cue course, navy seals. It's called Buds Training. But something allows you to go through this trial and tribulation allows you to test yourself and then prove to the group that you're worthy of joining the ranks.

so, yeah, Marie Boot Camp or it's army special forces cue course, navy seals. It's called Buds Training. But something allows you to go through this trial and tribulation allows you to test yourself and then prove to the group that you're worthy of joining the ranks.

37:03

And I think if you don't do that, in one way, shape, or form, it doesn't have to be military. But if you don't do that, then I think that's why people feel so lost these days, geno.

And I think if you don't do that, in one way, shape, or form, it doesn't have to be military. But if you don't do that, then I think that's why people feel so lost these days, geno.

37:13

Yeah. Look, I get those things, and maybe I'll do them. Just don't post any pictures of me online doing it because

Yeah. Look, I get those things, and maybe I'll do them. Just don't post any pictures of me online doing it because

37:20

that would I would I would need another

that would I would I would need another

37:22

write a passage to get through the ridicule that I would receive or posting,

write a passage to get through the ridicule that I would receive or posting,

37:27

we're obsessed. I, there's a in the comfort crisis, I'm obsessed with this idea. They had, It was called Masoji. Have you ever and we talked about a bunch here on this file. But have you heard of of Masoji? It's basically like this idea of, it stems from this Japanese guy who this Japanese myth of, like, he goes to, like I think he goes to, like, hell or something to find his wife who has been kidnapped. And he goes to this massive journey where he gets dirty and grimy, and he's finally saves his wife. He brings her back. He washes himself off in this waterfall,

we're obsessed. I, there's a in the comfort crisis, I'm obsessed with this idea. They had, It was called Masoji. Have you ever and we talked about a bunch here on this file. But have you heard of of Masoji? It's basically like this idea of, it stems from this Japanese guy who this Japanese myth of, like, he goes to, like I think he goes to, like, hell or something to find his wife who has been kidnapped. And he goes to this massive journey where he gets dirty and grimy, and he's finally saves his wife. He brings her back. He washes himself off in this waterfall,

37:56

and he's now a new man because of the hardship that he went through. And, the

and he's now a new man because of the hardship that he went through. And, the

38:01

it was I think his name was Masoji. And so a lot of people now, what they're doing is

it was I think his name was Masoji. And so a lot of people now, what they're doing is

38:05

they're doing these, like, really hard things, physical things. So for example, guy who made it popular. He'd be like, today, we're gonna get our paddle board, and we're gonna paddle to this island that's fifteen miles out, and then we're gonna paddle back. And the there's basically two rules, which is one, you have to only have a fifty percent chance of succeeding. And number two, don't die. And so I'm training for my Misogi right now, which is a fifty mile race.

they're doing these, like, really hard things, physical things. So for example, guy who made it popular. He'd be like, today, we're gonna get our paddle board, and we're gonna paddle to this island that's fifteen miles out, and then we're gonna paddle back. And the there's basically two rules, which is one, you have to only have a fifty percent chance of succeeding. And number two, don't die. And so I'm training for my Misogi right now, which is a fifty mile race.

38:29

But I got, like, obsessed with this idea of, like, a Misogi of, like, having this, like, really hard concept.

But I got, like, obsessed with this idea of, like, a Misogi of, like, having this, like, really hard concept.

38:36

And I would, like, went to this whole, like, phase where I was reading you and and all about all this stuff. Have have you ever heard of the the Masoji? I feel like I shouldn't have because I read the comfort crisis, but I read it, couple years ago now when it first came out at, Michael Lisa on the podcast.

And I would, like, went to this whole, like, phase where I was reading you and and all about all this stuff. Have have you ever heard of the the Masoji? I feel like I shouldn't have because I read the comfort crisis, but I read it, couple years ago now when it first came out at, Michael Lisa on the podcast.

38:50

Yeah. I I won't feel that anymore because I feel like I did that already. I'm like, oh, this looks exhausting. I think I feel like I've done that most of my life. Now it's really all about writing. Had me each book better than the last. That's always my goal, which is why the last book I finished is always my favorite up to this point anyway. I don't know if it'll always be that way. But that's how it is thus far because I do feel like I'm improving with each with each book improving as as as an author, as a writer. And that's what I owe Oh, the audience. So, so, yeah, but so I don't but I understand it. I understand that law to do something difficult,

Yeah. I I won't feel that anymore because I feel like I did that already. I'm like, oh, this looks exhausting. I think I feel like I've done that most of my life. Now it's really all about writing. Had me each book better than the last. That's always my goal, which is why the last book I finished is always my favorite up to this point anyway. I don't know if it'll always be that way. But that's how it is thus far because I do feel like I'm improving with each with each book improving as as as an author, as a writer. And that's what I owe Oh, the audience. So, so, yeah, but so I don't but I understand it. I understand that law to do something difficult,

39:20

to test yourself. I certainly understand

to test yourself. I certainly understand

39:23

You kinda have this even though, you know, your I would stereotype you as, like, a tough guy.

You kinda have this even though, you know, your I would stereotype you as, like, a tough guy.

39:28

You have this, like, weird,

You have this, like, weird,

39:30

not weird, but you have this,

not weird, but you have this,

39:33

I don't know how how to describe it almost spiritual way about you, where I remember you told the story about how before or maybe when you were writing the first book, You were like, Chris Pratt is the guy. I need to get him to do this.

I don't know how how to describe it almost spiritual way about you, where I remember you told the story about how before or maybe when you were writing the first book, You were like, Chris Pratt is the guy. I need to get him to do this.

39:45

And

And

39:46

lo and behold, after a handful of years, he calls you, and he was like, hey, Your book's awesome. I would love to turn this into a show, and maybe I'll star in it, whatever. Do you believe in the these weird type of, like, spiritual manifestation

lo and behold, after a handful of years, he calls you, and he was like, hey, Your book's awesome. I would love to turn this into a show, and maybe I'll star in it, whatever. Do you believe in the these weird type of, like, spiritual manifestation

40:00

type of things of, like, if you want it bad enough, it things come true because it seems like it's happened a few times in your life where it's kinda you've kind of called your shot when it seemed ridiculous at the time. Yeah. I mean, it seems like but it it's more than just calling it or manifesting it, you know, sitting down and visualizing it. It's more that's, like so it's more that's when you think about some

type of things of, like, if you want it bad enough, it things come true because it seems like it's happened a few times in your life where it's kinda you've kind of called your shot when it seemed ridiculous at the time. Yeah. I mean, it seems like but it it's more than just calling it or manifesting it, you know, sitting down and visualizing it. It's more that's, like so it's more that's when you think about some

40:21

thinking about how they're gonna make that a serve in tennis or a,

thinking about how they're gonna make that a serve in tennis or a,

40:25

extra kick point soccer or whatever. Like, that's very tactical. And you can watch videos and you can manifest it and think of it the strategic one and that obviously that tactical level requires work, but the strategic level one also requires work. But it's not that one thing, like that one foot placement or that one, that way you're gonna throw the ball or whatever it might be.

extra kick point soccer or whatever. Like, that's very tactical. And you can watch videos and you can manifest it and think of it the strategic one and that obviously that tactical level requires work, but the strategic level one also requires work. But it's not that one thing, like that one foot placement or that one, that way you're gonna throw the ball or whatever it might be.

40:45

So I think that's but if there's a spiritual side to it, which I think there there's a spiritual side of everything that connects us, but,

So I think that's but if there's a spiritual side to it, which I think there there's a spiritual side of everything that connects us, but,

40:52

it's more the work. And it's not gonna happen without putting in the That's the thing. It might not happen if you put in the work. That's that's possible too. But it's certainly not gonna happen if you don't. So as I'm starting to write this thing as a child of the eighties, very natural for me to think about who's gonna star in the fell? Who's gonna star in the TV show? And at the time, I was like, oh, I saw Chris Pratt transform

it's more the work. And it's not gonna happen without putting in the That's the thing. It might not happen if you put in the work. That's that's possible too. But it's certainly not gonna happen if you don't. So as I'm starting to write this thing as a child of the eighties, very natural for me to think about who's gonna star in the fell? Who's gonna star in the TV show? And at the time, I was like, oh, I saw Chris Pratt transform

41:12

from this guy who played Andy Dwire on parts and rec funny, overweight.

from this guy who played Andy Dwire on parts and rec funny, overweight.

41:16

And then I saw his transformation in zero dark thirty two a seal. And, so I said, this is a guy who needs a role like this. He needs it for his career. And so I'm thinking this in December of twenty fourteen. And, so I'm like Chris Pratt will play the main character. He'll play James Reats. He needs it for his career. And then who do I wanna direct Antoine Fuqua? I love Antoine Fuqua training day and choose the sun and all these. And he's the guy. That's that's who I want to, to direct this thing. I just go by writing. I have no connection to Hollywood, no connection to publishing. And you haven't even, published the first one at this point? No. Nope. I haven't published the first one. No idea how I'm gonna get into a publisher, but I'm not thinking about those things. No social media presidents,

And then I saw his transformation in zero dark thirty two a seal. And, so I said, this is a guy who needs a role like this. He needs it for his career. And so I'm thinking this in December of twenty fourteen. And, so I'm like Chris Pratt will play the main character. He'll play James Reats. He needs it for his career. And then who do I wanna direct Antoine Fuqua? I love Antoine Fuqua training day and choose the sun and all these. And he's the guy. That's that's who I want to, to direct this thing. I just go by writing. I have no connection to Hollywood, no connection to publishing. And you haven't even, published the first one at this point? No. Nope. I haven't published the first one. No idea how I'm gonna get into a publisher, but I'm not thinking about those things. No social media presidents,

41:52

no Facebook page. Did you tell your friends that you wanted this to happen?

no Facebook page. Did you tell your friends that you wanted this to happen?

41:56

No. In the seal teams, you wanted to keep anything about writing close to a vest. But, like, would you tell your wife or whatever, like, pillow talk? You're like, hey. Would it be neat one day if Chris Pratt was Jay's Reese? Yeah. Yeah. No. I told people, like, like, my wife, she's known I wanted to be a seal and right. We've known each other since we're eighteen years old. So, she's been on this journey for the entire time.

No. In the seal teams, you wanted to keep anything about writing close to a vest. But, like, would you tell your wife or whatever, like, pillow talk? You're like, hey. Would it be neat one day if Chris Pratt was Jay's Reese? Yeah. Yeah. No. I told people, like, like, my wife, she's known I wanted to be a seal and right. We've known each other since we're eighteen years old. So, she's been on this journey for the entire time.

42:17

But, but how it manifested, I guess, is a way that I never would have expected is that I call that I called from a friend who I served with in the steel teams. Who calls me in November of twenty seventeen. So, six, seven months before the book even comes out. And he calls me and says, Hey, do you remember me? Because I didn't talk to him in about five years. And he said, I said, yes, of course. I remember you. And he said, do you remember what you did for me in the seal teams? And I was like,

But, but how it manifested, I guess, is a way that I never would have expected is that I call that I called from a friend who I served with in the steel teams. Who calls me in November of twenty seventeen. So, six, seven months before the book even comes out. And he calls me and says, Hey, do you remember me? Because I didn't talk to him in about five years. And he said, I said, yes, of course. I remember you. And he said, do you remember what you did for me in the seal teams? And I was like,

42:40

no. And he said, well, you're the only person when I said I was getting leaving the teams. You're the only person that's stepping out of your office, talked about transitioning out of the military, introduced me to people in the private sector, followed up with me, said, asked if you could do anything else, I've never forgotten it. And I always wanted to thank you. And I said, no problem. How's it going? And he said, it's going great, but I heard through the great find you have a book coming And I said, yeah, it's coming out in a few months. It's called the terminal list. I can send you a copy if you wanna check it out. And he said, I'd like that, but I'd like to give it to a friend of mine also. And I'm like, yeah, who who's that? He's like, well, it's my my best friend, is Chris Pratt.

no. And he said, well, you're the only person when I said I was getting leaving the teams. You're the only person that's stepping out of your office, talked about transitioning out of the military, introduced me to people in the private sector, followed up with me, said, asked if you could do anything else, I've never forgotten it. And I always wanted to thank you. And I said, no problem. How's it going? And he said, it's going great, but I heard through the great find you have a book coming And I said, yeah, it's coming out in a few months. It's called the terminal list. I can send you a copy if you wanna check it out. And he said, I'd like that, but I'd like to give it to a friend of mine also. And I'm like, yeah, who who's that? He's like, well, it's my my best friend, is Chris Pratt.

43:12

I was like, oh, well, that's very convenient for me because I pictured him playing this role all these years ago. So he gave it to Chris. Chris read it in December of twenty seventeen, and then he called me the first week in, twenty eighteen and wanted to option it. At the same time, another friend unbeknownst to me had given a copy to Anton

I was like, oh, well, that's very convenient for me because I pictured him playing this role all these years ago. So he gave it to Chris. Chris read it in December of twenty seventeen, and then he called me the first week in, twenty eighteen and wanted to option it. At the same time, another friend unbeknownst to me had given a copy to Anton

43:28

they've met at a speaking event, and he gave a copy to the Antwan food by Antwan, what, Reddit, and he wanted to option it. And Chris and Antwan knew each other from Magnificent seven so that they called and and worked it out. We have the terminal list on Amazon Prime.

they've met at a speaking event, and he gave a copy to the Antwan food by Antwan, what, Reddit, and he wanted to option it. And Chris and Antwan knew each other from Magnificent seven so that they called and and worked it out. We have the terminal list on Amazon Prime.

43:40

How's that field to be

How's that field to be

43:42

not a nobody, but just a guy just a guy making these ridiculous predictions,

not a nobody, but just a guy just a guy making these ridiculous predictions,

43:49

and they're

and they're

43:50

they come true. Yeah. Well, I mean, it wouldn't have happened if, obviously, if I hadn't I always really cared about

they come true. Yeah. Well, I mean, it wouldn't have happened if, obviously, if I hadn't I always really cared about

43:56

people in the teams, and my focus was always on on the guys and helping them whether they're staying in or getting out. And I did notice that a lot of other people, especially officers, didn't do that if you said you were getting out. They only cared about you if you were in the field. And that just wasn't wasn't me.

people in the teams, and my focus was always on on the guys and helping them whether they're staying in or getting out. And I did notice that a lot of other people, especially officers, didn't do that if you said you were getting out. They only cared about you if you were in the field. And that just wasn't wasn't me.

44:11

So if I hadn't helped chair it out, and at the time, I didn't think anything would ever come back around. That wasn't the reason I did it, obviously.

So if I hadn't helped chair it out, and at the time, I didn't think anything would ever come back around. That wasn't the reason I did it, obviously.

44:17

But it did. Came came back around and now I'm flying out to Buddha Best in about a week to go film out there. They're on set right now. Jared's a writer and a producer and an actor a technical advisor on set right now. Jared Shaw gave, Chris the book. And, and this is the second season. And we have another one coming up here with the second book with with Chris in it that's, should start filming in twenty twenty five. You never know until it's actually all completed and ready and actually up there on the screens. But so I try to manage those expectations, but

But it did. Came came back around and now I'm flying out to Buddha Best in about a week to go film out there. They're on set right now. Jared's a writer and a producer and an actor a technical advisor on set right now. Jared Shaw gave, Chris the book. And, and this is the second season. And we have another one coming up here with the second book with with Chris in it that's, should start filming in twenty twenty five. You never know until it's actually all completed and ready and actually up there on the screens. But so I try to manage those expectations, but

44:45

Yeah. So now we're off to the races, and then there's other Hollywood projects and multiple books and now the non fiction, and I have a I have a strategic plan. That's, that I've written out just by being a a student of all this, my whole life, but not with the intent of being a student more so just like I said from the fan perspective. But have a strategic plan with all these things that I wanna build because essentially those goals that I that I wanted was serve my country need to form as a seal. Do the best job I could, be the best leader, be the best operator I possibly could. Then write a novel, have it be available in New York Times best seller, and get it up on the screen. So those things are done. And now it's just by doing all those things better and continuing to grow. A way that's real and authentic and adds value to people's lives and allows me to do what I love to do. And then also allows me to hit my my my mission. So my mission is taking care of my family. My passion is writing. I wanted to combine those things for purpose going forward as I left the field, because I saw so many people not

Yeah. So now we're off to the races, and then there's other Hollywood projects and multiple books and now the non fiction, and I have a I have a strategic plan. That's, that I've written out just by being a a student of all this, my whole life, but not with the intent of being a student more so just like I said from the fan perspective. But have a strategic plan with all these things that I wanna build because essentially those goals that I that I wanted was serve my country need to form as a seal. Do the best job I could, be the best leader, be the best operator I possibly could. Then write a novel, have it be available in New York Times best seller, and get it up on the screen. So those things are done. And now it's just by doing all those things better and continuing to grow. A way that's real and authentic and adds value to people's lives and allows me to do what I love to do. And then also allows me to hit my my my mission. So my mission is taking care of my family. My passion is writing. I wanted to combine those things for purpose going forward as I left the field, because I saw so many people not

45:36

know what they wanted to do or think that they knew And then all of a sudden, step into it, realize this wasn't really what they wanted after all. Do you think you have you hit the, you know, I sold my company my first company when I was thirty one And that's where I hit that's where I hit the financial where it was, like,

know what they wanted to do or think that they knew And then all of a sudden, step into it, realize this wasn't really what they wanted after all. Do you think you have you hit the, you know, I sold my company my first company when I was thirty one And that's where I hit that's where I hit the financial where it was, like,

45:52

on paper, I never need to work again because my income from my,

on paper, I never need to work again because my income from my,

45:57

stock portfolio can pay for a really great life forever. Of course, I still wanna work forever because I I enjoy it. Have you been able to cross that threshold to where financially you're, like, I can breathe because,

stock portfolio can pay for a really great life forever. Of course, I still wanna work forever because I I enjoy it. Have you been able to cross that threshold to where financially you're, like, I can breathe because,

46:11

I you know, as a working for the government, you're you're not rolling in it, but I imagine you are now. Like, have you have you been able to, like, cross that threshold? Yep. Not yet. Not yet. But I'm I'm on the on the cusp. But not, not quite there yet. And,

I you know, as a working for the government, you're you're not rolling in it, but I imagine you are now. Like, have you have you been able to, like, cross that threshold? Yep. Not yet. Not yet. But I'm I'm on the on the cusp. But not, not quite there yet. And,

46:24

getting closer, but a lot of this has been invested back in. So I think a lot of people probably would have held on and not done boxes when you can't afford it. You put it all on your credit card early on, like, those boxes. Is that what you're doing? Those boxes were Everything. So it's everything's going back in. Like, how do I do I get a podcast going? How do I do a video for this book that looks like a movie that's better than any author has ever made before to promote a book? Okay. How do I do that? Well, I invest.

getting closer, but a lot of this has been invested back in. So I think a lot of people probably would have held on and not done boxes when you can't afford it. You put it all on your credit card early on, like, those boxes. Is that what you're doing? Those boxes were Everything. So it's everything's going back in. Like, how do I do I get a podcast going? How do I do a video for this book that looks like a movie that's better than any author has ever made before to promote a book? Okay. How do I do that? Well, I invest.

46:50

Because it's cost money to do that.

Because it's cost money to do that.

46:52

So I invested a lot back in to grow. You can't get the publisher to pay for that? I think people think that the publisher pays for these things. I would have thought that. Yeah. And I think some other people now, because now I see other others doing something similar, and I've like, I got a desk one from Media do the other day. You talked about those and it came from the from who? From from Meteor. He has a new, T Mobile has a new, Cookbook out. It came a couple days ago, and so I'm not gonna be on my father's daycare guy just to, you know, do my part and be, you know, help him out a tiny bit. But it came from certainly came from the publisher.

So I invested a lot back in to grow. You can't get the publisher to pay for that? I think people think that the publisher pays for these things. I would have thought that. Yeah. And I think some other people now, because now I see other others doing something similar, and I've like, I got a desk one from Media do the other day. You talked about those and it came from the from who? From from Meteor. He has a new, T Mobile has a new, Cookbook out. It came a couple days ago, and so I'm not gonna be on my father's daycare guy just to, you know, do my part and be, you know, help him out a tiny bit. But it came from certainly came from the publisher.

47:21

So I think maybe other publishers also think

So I think maybe other publishers also think

47:24

my publisher pays for these things, but it's really just me out of pocket as a business.

my publisher pays for these things, but it's really just me out of pocket as a business.

47:29

My hope for you in this probably doesn't align with your one. So I don't know if it's gonna happen. But what I want as a fan is I wanna see Jack Car become the new meat eater. I wanna see, like, a lifestyle media company

My hope for you in this probably doesn't align with your one. So I don't know if it's gonna happen. But what I want as a fan is I wanna see Jack Car become the new meat eater. I wanna see, like, a lifestyle media company

47:44

all around your

all around your

47:45

dick. And I know I I had told you about churning. So churning company,

dick. And I know I I had told you about churning. So churning company,

47:49

churning is a company that invests in meat eater or things like it. So you know, brands that have a strong affinity with different lifestyles, and then they eventually make more content and sell stuff. And

churning is a company that invests in meat eater or things like it. So you know, brands that have a strong affinity with different lifestyles, and then they eventually make more content and sell stuff. And

48:01

whole hopefully,

whole hopefully,

48:02

and they've done it a bunch, they create really big businesses,

and they've done it a bunch, they create really big businesses,

48:06

that are awesome for you as an owner because you make money, but also awesome as me as a consumer because now, I have more,

that are awesome for you as an owner because you make money, but also awesome as me as a consumer because now, I have more,

48:12

James Reese, terminalist, Jack Carr stuff in my life. That's my hope for you is that you,

James Reese, terminalist, Jack Carr stuff in my life. That's my hope for you is that you,

48:17

that one day you take that path because I am being selfish, but it would be cool for you as well. Maybe if it aligns with your values. Thank you. Yeah. As long as every way to do it where it still remains authentic and and real to that, that person who's trusting me with their time or their and and money,

that one day you take that path because I am being selfish, but it would be cool for you as well. Maybe if it aligns with your values. Thank you. Yeah. As long as every way to do it where it still remains authentic and and real to that, that person who's trusting me with their time or their and and money,

48:32

then then yeah. So I think it's it's things are going in that direction. That's certainly a possibility.

then then yeah. So I think it's it's things are going in that direction. That's certainly a possibility.

48:37

Last question.

Last question.

48:38

Which

Which

48:39

books that or resources that are a little bit less known

books that or resources that are a little bit less known

48:42

that helped you that taught you most about the storytelling or creative process that I can go and read. Yeah. So those those for sure, the one on Stephen King on writing, series of books by Stephen Frostfield at all, really talk about same thing, but going to different nuances as far as,

that helped you that taught you most about the storytelling or creative process that I can go and read. Yeah. So those those for sure, the one on Stephen King on writing, series of books by Stephen Frostfield at all, really talk about same thing, but going to different nuances as far as,

48:58

overcoming resistance, doing the work, putting in the time becoming a professional. So those One's another one's called the successful novelist by David Murrell who created Rambo with First Blood back in nineteen seventy two.

overcoming resistance, doing the work, putting in the time becoming a professional. So those One's another one's called the successful novelist by David Murrell who created Rambo with First Blood back in nineteen seventy two.

49:09

Where's that one. And then the heroes

Where's that one. And then the heroes

49:12

the hero's journey through hero with a thousand faces,

the hero's journey through hero with a thousand faces,

49:15

by Joseph Campbell. And that one right there influenced Star Wars. And once you read that book, watch a series of interviews that he did on PBS back in nineteen eighty eight with Bill Motors, called the power of myth, he realized

by Joseph Campbell. And that one right there influenced Star Wars. And once you read that book, watch a series of interviews that he did on PBS back in nineteen eighty eight with Bill Motors, called the power of myth, he realized

49:26

how similar these stories are across cultures and why they resonated from the beginning of time because some of these stories, these myths were really created to pass on lessons. Lessons of the hunt, lessons of warfare. So the next generation doesn't have to learn those same lessons in blood and that tribe that community can grow and not just survive hopefully, but thrive.

how similar these stories are across cultures and why they resonated from the beginning of time because some of these stories, these myths were really created to pass on lessons. Lessons of the hunt, lessons of warfare. So the next generation doesn't have to learn those same lessons in blood and that tribe that community can grow and not just survive hopefully, but thrive.

49:46

You're the man. I,

You're the man. I,

49:48

I appreciate you doing this. You,

I appreciate you doing this. You,

49:50

your books have,

your books have,

49:52

not only been fun, but they've changed me a little bit as a kind of as a man, as a husband, as a father, as a citizen of America.

not only been fun, but they've changed me a little bit as a kind of as a man, as a husband, as a father, as a citizen of America.

49:59

You you you've done amazing stuff, and I, I wish nothing, but amazing success for you and your family. So thank you for all this. This is awesome. Oh, man. I appreciate that. And then thank you for the podcast. I'm so glad I discovered it. Because I'm gonna be taking taking notes going forward on how to to to scale things and how to do things a little better because no matter what I'm doing in life, I always wanna do it a little better the next time. I always wanna adapt to be more effective and efficient with what I'm doing. So, thank you for what you do as well. I appreciate you. And that's the pod.

You you you've done amazing stuff, and I, I wish nothing, but amazing success for you and your family. So thank you for all this. This is awesome. Oh, man. I appreciate that. And then thank you for the podcast. I'm so glad I discovered it. Because I'm gonna be taking taking notes going forward on how to to to scale things and how to do things a little better because no matter what I'm doing in life, I always wanna do it a little better the next time. I always wanna adapt to be more effective and efficient with what I'm doing. So, thank you for what you do as well. I appreciate you. And that's the pod.

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