#245: Doing the Baghdad Shuffle with LtCol Josh Bates (Ret.)

#245: Doing the Baghdad Shuffle with LtCol Josh Bates (Ret.)

From MCA Scuttlebutt by MCA Scuttlebutt

May 28, 2026 · 1h 4m

About this episode

Josh Bates discusses his experiences as a Marine and his book 'Baghdad Shuffle'.

Hey, Scuttlebutt listeners. Thank you for joining us and your continued support. This week, we welcome Josh Bates to the scuttlebutt. Josh is a retired Marine infantry officer, podcaster, and author of the book,  Baghdad Shuffle , a noir crime thriller set in the backdrop of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It goes without saying that this is a genre-bending story. Josh talks to us about his path to the yellow footprints, serving with his dad, the impetus for writing a book that centers on a geopolitical murder mystery, and how his personal experiences in Iraq shaped the plot of  Baghdad Shuffle . One topic Josh shares with us is his experience in getting a book “on the shelves” and the current state of publishing. It was really interesting to get his perspectives on veterans entering the literary world. Also, you can check out more of Josh on the  Green Door Podcast , where veterans, innovators, and creatives share stories that bind the battlefield, intelligence, industry, innovation, and creativity.    Enjoy!&nbsp…

People in this episode

Host: MCA Scuttlebutt

Guests: Josh Bates, LtCol Josh Bates (Ret.)

Topics covered

  • military
  • publishing
  • veterans
  • literature
  • Iraq war
  • crime thriller

Keywords

  • Baghdad Shuffle
  • Josh Bates
  • military literature
  • Iraq
  • veterans
  • crime thriller
  • publishing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Green Door Podcast, Marine Corps Association

Books & works: Baghdad Shuffle

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