Episode Summary
In this exclusive conversation, bestselling author Jack Carr joins John Nantz to discuss his latest thriller, Cry Havoc — a meticulously researched and deeply resonant novel set during the Vietnam War’s Tet Offensive. Carr explains why he dedicated the book to David Morrell, the creator of Rambo, and how Morrell’s work fused British espionage with American action to create a new genre standard.
Carr opens up about the rigorous process behind writing Cry Havoc, including the painstaking historical detail required to authentically recreate 1968. He shares how even clothing, weapons, and dialogue demanded exacting research to ensure that every perspective in the novel reflected the knowledge and mindset of that era. “I wanted Cry Havoc to be a time machine to 1968,” Carr says.
The conversation dives into Carr’s philosophy of writing as a battle space — how he approached the modern publishing landscape with the mindset of a Navy SEAL, building his readership through consistent engagement, authenticity, and adding value to readers’ lives. “You’re not just competing with movies or TV anymore,” Carr observes. “You’re competing with everything ever created that can stream on a phone.”
John and Jack also explore the parallels between the Fourth Estate of Vietnam and today’s digital “Fifth Estate” — social media — and how both have shaped the way Americans perceive truth, conflict, and power. Carr reflects on how media influence began shifting during Vietnam and why Cry Havoc explores not just the war itself, but how it was seen.
Other highlights include Carr’s experiences with pre-publication censorship by the Department of Defense, his cameo appearances in The Terminal List series, and the generational storytelling that connects his Vietnam-era characters to the modern James Reece universe.
This episode isn’t just about a book — it’s about discipline, legacy, and how truth can be conveyed more powerfully through fiction than fact.
Also, read John’s full review of Cry Havoc at Townhall.
Notable Topics & Quotes
On Research and Authenticity:
“Every sentence in Cry Havoc had to be written through the lens of 1968. That meant every character could only bring life experience up to that point. It became more historical fiction than anything I’d done before.”On Competing for Attention:
“Writers today aren’t just competing with other books — they’re competing with every movie, every series, and every distraction ever made. You have to add value year-round, not just during book tour season.”On Building a Readership:
“I looked at publishing like a battlefield. You have to adapt, maneuver, and add meaning to people’s lives — not just noise.”On Truth in Fiction:
John Nantz: “The truths in fiction are often more true than nonfiction — because you’re dealing with big, eternal principles.”On Generational Legacy:
Carr connects his Vietnam-era protagonist, Tom Reese, to James Reece in the modern series: “I wanted readers to see where the watch, the weapons, and the wisdom came from — a lineage of sacrifice and quiet resilience.”On Media Power:
“Vietnam was the first war shaped by how it was televised. The media realized it could influence not just opinion — but events themselves.”On Government Censorship:
“They redacted words like ‘Morocco’ — then my lawyers proved every one of those redactions came from publicly available U.S. documents. The irony? Their censorship revealed more than I ever could have.”
Episode Highlights
00:03 — Jack Carr joins from his East Coast stopover before launching his Cry Havoc book tour.
00:20 — Dedication to David Morrell and Rambo connections.
06:00 — How Carr built his brand before Hollywood or Joe Rogan.
13:00 — The deeper truth in fiction and why Cry Havoc rivals Without Remorse.
16:00 — The hidden timing mistake that shaped the Tet Offensive.
25:00 — Carr’s battles with Pentagon censors and why he stopped submitting manuscripts for pre-review.
31:00 — Weapons, gear, and tributes to legends like Col. Jeff Cooper.
35:00 — Vietnam’s media war and today’s “Fifth Estate.”
39:00 — Plans for future novels in the Reese and Hastings universe.
Books Mentioned
Cry Havoc — Jack Carr
Targeted Beirut — Jack Carr (Nonfiction)
Triumph Forsaken & A Question of Command — Dr. Mark Moyar
First Blood — David Morrell
Without Remorse — Tom Clancy
The Tin Man — Nelson and Alex DeMille
To Ride, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth — Col. Jeff Cooper
Connect & Follow
Jack Carr: jackcarrusa.com | @jackcarrusa
John Nantz: @thejohnnantz — on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Truth Social
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