Terrorists, Defectors, Assassins: 22 Years in the CIA

John Lechner is a journalist, independent researcher, and consultant specializing in Africa. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and the BBC, among others. His latest book, DEATH IS OUR BUSINESS, is the definitive account of the Wagner Group—the mercenary force that changed modern warfare, from Ukraine to Syria to Africa. Through exclusive interviews and deep investigative research, Lechner exposes how Wagner operated as both a military and business empire, and how its influence continues beyond the death of its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin. FOLLOW JOHN Instagram: @johnalechner X: @JohnLechner1 LinkedIn: @jlechner  Website: https://www.johnlechnerauthor.com/ FOLLOW JACK Instagram: @JackCarrUSA  X:  @JackCarrUSA Facebook:  @JackCarr  YouTube:  @JackCarrUSA  SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr  P365 Collection: P365XL with Red Dot Optic, P365, P365X-Macro, P365 Custom with True Precision, and P365 Legion. Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

The Jack Carr Book Club March 2025 selection is FEARLESS by Eric Blehm. FEARLESS chronicles the remarkable journey of SEAL Team SIX operator Adam Brown. From his adventurous youth in Arkansas to his struggles with addiction and eventual redemption, Adam's life exemplifies unwavering courage and determination. Overcoming personal demons, he rose to the elite ranks of SEAL Team SIX, where his faith, family, and relentless spirit propelled him to heroic heights. His final act of bravery in Afghanistan stands as a testament to his selflessness and valor. FEARLESS offers an intimate portrayal of a man who faced immense challenges yet remained undaunted, leaving an enduring legacy of what it truly means to be fearless. Eric Blehm is an award-winning author renowned for his compelling nonfiction narratives. His New York Times bestseller, FEARLESS, was published in 2013. His other notable works include THE LAST SEASON, which won the National Outdoor Book Award, and THE ONLY THING WORTH DYING FOR. His latest release, THE DARKEST WHITE, delves into the life of legendary snowboarder Craig Kelly. Blehm's storytelling captures the essence of his subjects, offering readers profound insights into extraordinary lives.  FOLLOW ERIC Instagram - @ericblehmofficial Facebook - @ericblehm LinkedIn - @EricBlehm Website - https://www.ericblehm.com/ FOLLOW JACK Instagram - @JackCarrUSA  X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr  YouTube - @JackCarrUSA  SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr, From Savage Son: P320 X Compact, P320 Custom build from True Precision, P365 Customized from the Sig Custom Workshop, P226  Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  STACCATO HD: https://staccato2011.com/hd and on Instagram @staccato2011 Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

John L. Plaster is a legendary MACV-SOG operator who served three tours of duty in Vietnam leading high-risk reconnaissance missions deep behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia, striking supply lines along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Wounded in action and decorated for valor four times, he later flew over 350 aerial combat missions as a Forward Air Controller. After Vietnam, Plaster became a pioneer in modern sniper training, co-founding the National Guard Sniper School and instructing elite military and law enforcement units, including the FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A prolific author, he has chronicled the untold stories of SOG in books including SOG: THE SECRET WARS OF AMERICA'S COMMANDOS IN VIETNAM, SECRET COMMANDOS: BEHIND ENEMY LINES WITH THE ELITE WARRIORS OF SOG, and SOG: A PHOTO HISTORY OF THE SECRET WARS. Plaster has also been inducted into both the Air Commando and Special Forces Halls of Fame. FOLLOW JOHN Website: https://majorjohnplaster.com/ FOLLOW JACK Instagram - @JackCarrUSA  X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr  YouTube - @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr, From Savage Son: P320 X Compact, P320 Custom build from True Precision, P365 Customized from the Sig Custom Workshop, P226  Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  STACCATO HD: https://staccato2011.com/hd and on Instagram @staccato2011 Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

John L. Plaster is a legendary MACV-SOG operator who served three tours of duty in Vietnam leading high-risk reconnaissance missions deep behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia, striking supply lines along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Wounded in action and decorated for valor four times, he later flew over 350 aerial combat missions as a Forward Air Controller. After Vietnam, Plaster became a pioneer in modern sniper training, co-founding the National Guard Sniper School and instructing elite military and law enforcement units, including the FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A prolific author, he has chronicled the untold stories of SOG in books including SOG: THE SECRET WARS OF AMERICA'S COMMANDOS IN VIETNAM, SECRET COMMANDOS: BEHIND ENEMY LINES WITH THE ELITE WARRIORS OF SOG, and SOG: A PHOTO HISTORY OF THE SECRET WARS. Plaster has also been inducted into both the Air Commando and Special Forces Halls of Fame. FOLLOW JOHN Website: https://majorjohnplaster.com/ FOLLOW JACK Instagram - @JackCarrUSA   X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr  YouTube - @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr, From Savage Son: P320 X Compact, P320 Custom build from True Precision, P365 Customized from the Sig Custom Workshop, P226  Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  STACCATO HD: https://staccato2011.com/hd and on Instagram @staccato2011 Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

Ric Prado is a paramilitary, counter-terrorism, and clandestine operations specialist with a 24-year career in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations. A seasoned field operative, he spent a decade in the Agency’s Special Activities Division before serving as Deputy Chief of Station of the Bin Laden Task Force and Chief of Operations at the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center on 9/11. From running counter-terrorism missions in Central America, Peru, and the Philippines to coordinating high-stakes operations with our nation’s most elite special mission units, Ric has been at the heart of America’s most critical covert missions. He is the author of BLACK OPS: THE LIFE OF A CIA SHADOW WARRIOR.  FOLLOW SCOTT LinkedIn: @Enrique-Ric-Prado Facebook: @RicPrado Instagram: @prado_ric Twitter: @RicPrado2 Website: https://www.ricprado.com/ FOLLOW JACK Instagram - @JackCarrUSA  X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr  YouTube - @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr, From Savage Son: P320 X Compact, P320 Custom build from True Precision, P365 Customized from the Sig Custom Workshop, P226  Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  STACCATO HD: https://staccato2011.com/hd and on Instagram @staccato2011 Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

The Jack Carr Book Club February selection is THE JFK CONSPIRACY: THE SECRET PLOT TO KILL KENNEDY—AND WHY IT FAILED by Brad Meltzer. In this episode Jack sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer to discuss his latest non-fiction work, THE JFK CONSPIRACY. Brad delves into the little-known story of the first assassination attempt on John F. Kennedy, offering insights into the meticulous research and compelling narrative that bring this historical event to life. Beyond the book, Brad shares personal anecdotes from his diverse career as a novelist, television host, and comic book writer. Tune in for an engaging conversation that uncovers hidden history and explores the art of storytelling.   FOLLOW BRAD Website - www.bradmeltzer.com Instagram - @bradmeltzer Facebook - @BradMeltzer Threads - @BradMeltzer FOLLOW JACK Instagram - @JackCarrUSA   X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr  YouTube - @JackCarrUSA  SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry- havoc/ Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here - https://shop.officialjackcarr.com/

Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann is a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier with multiple tours in Afghanistan. He is the founder of Rooftop Leadership and the author of the instant New York Times Best-Seller OPERATION PINEAPPLE EXPRESS, which chronicles the heroic efforts of veterans and volunteers during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. His latest book, NOBODY IS COMING TO SAVE YOU, is available now.  FOLLOW SCOTT LinkedIn: Rooftop Leadership Facebook: @ScottMann Instagram: @scottmannauthor Twitter: @RooftopLeader YouTube: Rooftop Leadership Website: https://scottmann.com/ FOLLOW JACK Instagram - @JackCarrUSA  X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr  YouTube - @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr, From True Believer: M17/M18, P365, P320, P320X-Carry Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  STACCATO HD: https://staccato2011.com/hd and on Instagram @staccato2011 Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

Mike Howard is a former CIA clandestine services operative with over two decades of experience in counterterrorism, operating extensively in Asia and Africa. After leaving the Agency, he spent 16 years as the Chief Security Officer for Microsoft. Now, he shares his insights on leadership, security, and strategy through his RONIN LEADERSHIP podcast and blog. He is also the author of multiple books, including THE ART OF RONIN LEADERSHIP and the novels FULL CIRCLE and BLOOD PROMISE. His latest thriller, OMEGA DECEPTION, is available now. FOLLOW MIKE Instagram:  @mikehoward X: @roninauthor YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikehowardLeadershipPodcast  LinkedIn: @Ronin-Leadership-Thoughts  Website: www.mikehowardauthor.com FOLLOW JACK Instagram - @JackCarrUSA  X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr  YouTube - @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr, From True Believer: M17/M18, P365, P320, P320X-Carry Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  STACCATO HD: https://staccato2011.com/hd and on Instagram @staccato2011 Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

Master Chief (SEAL) Rick Kaiser (Ret.) is a decorated Navy SEAL Sniper and Silver Star recipient for his actions during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu - Black Hawk Down. He is the author of Frogman Stories and currently serves as the as CEO of the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum.  FOLLOW RICK: navysealmuseum.org navysealmuseumsd.org Instagram: @navyudtsealmuseum Facebook: @NavySEALMuseum LinkedIn: The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum X: @NavySEALMuseum FOLLOW JACK Instagram - @JackCarrUSA  X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr  YouTube - @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr, From True Believer: M17/M18, P365, P320, P320X-Carry Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  STACCATO HD: https://staccato2011.com/hd and on Instagram @staccato2011 Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear

Dr. Dick Thompson is a MACV-SOG U.S. Army Special Forces Vietnam War veteran.  Following 21 years of military service, he founded High Performing Systems, applying his combat-tested principles to help organizations and leaders perform at their best.  He is the author of SOG CODENAME DYNAMITE BOOK 1, SOG CODENAME DYNAMITE BOOK 2, and THE STRESS EFFECT. FOLLOW DICK Instagram - @hps_ceo  Facebook - @dick.thompson Website - http://www.hpsys.com/  FOLLOW JACK Instagram - @JackCarrUSA  X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr  YouTube - @JackCarrUSA SPONSORS CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ Bravo Company Manufacturing Mk15 Timepiece - MOD3: https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-mk15-timepiece-mod-3/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSA THE SIGs of Jack Carr, From True Believer: M17/M18, P365, P320, P320X-Carry Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc  STACCATO HD: https://staccato2011.com/hd and on Instagram @staccato2011 Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here: https://jackcarr.co/gear