About this episode

Shilo Brooks and Jack Carr discuss the influence of Richard Connell's short story 'The Most Dangerous Game' on the thriller genre and explore themes of violence and military operations.

For tickets to our live recording with Jon Meacham in Philadelphia, CLICK HERE and register. Use code TFP for a 20 percent discount. Richard Connell’s 1924 short story “The Most Dangerous Game” tells of a hyper-sophisticated aristocrat who hunts human beings for sport on his private island. In this episode, best-selling author, screenwriter, and former Navy SEAL sniper Jack Carr joins Shilo to discuss the story’s enormous influence on the thriller genre, including on Carr’s own novels. The conversation explores the thin line between killing and murder—and when violence becomes necessary for peace. Carr also explains why he is skeptical of current U.S. operations against Iran and talk of regime change, and recounts his successful push to change the name of the U.S. Department of Defense back to the Department of War in 2025. Old School is proudly brought to you by the Jack Miller Center. If you believe in the importance of civic education and want to help prepare the next generation to carry on our democracy, join us at JackMillerCenter.org. Become a paid subscriber to The Free Press today to enjoy exclusive bonus episodes and reduced ads. Click here to subscribe. Learn more about…

People in this episode

Host: Shilo Brooks

Guest: Jack Carr

Topics covered

• thriller genre
• human hunting
• violence and peace
• U.S. military operations
• civic education

Keywords

• hunting humans
• thriller
• Jack Carr
• The Most Dangerous Game
• violence
• U.S. operations
• civic education

Sponsors

Jack Miller Center

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Free Press

Books & works: The Most Dangerous Game

Places: U.S., Iran, Philadelphia

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