In this special episode of the Danger Close Podcast, I sit down with national security expert and New York Times bestselling author Peter Bergen. 

We discuss Peter's interview with Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan in 1997, his visit to the compound where the leader of al-Qaeda met his fate in Abbottabad, Pakistan in 2011, the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan 2021, and what that has transpired on the world stage since. His new book, ALL THE PRESIDENTS’ WARS, explores our response to 9/11, the growth of the CIA’s armed drone program, the transformation of U.S. Special Operations Forces and CIA paramilitary units, and the role of the NSA in penetrating terrorist communications. The book also examines bin Laden’s escape from Tora Bora in late 2001, the decision to invade Iraq, the Saudi connection to 9/11, and the foreign policy decisions of four administrations that extended the War on Terror for two decades and set the conditions for the current conflict with Iran.

Peter’s book ALL THE PRESIDENTS’ WARS is available now.

David McCloskey is a former CIA analyst, bestselling author, and co-host of top-rated The Rest Is Classified podcast.

Before turning to fiction, David worked in CIA field stations across the Middle East and in the Counterterrorism Center, where he focused on Syria and Iraq.

He is the author of DAMASCUS STATION, MOSCOW X, THE SEVENTH FLOOR, THE PERSIAN, and the upcoming LONDON STATION.

In this episode, we get into the intelligence world, the 6-part 9/11 series on The Rest is Classified, and the inspiration behind LONDON STATION.

LONDON STATION is available September 29, 2026.

FOLLOW DAVID https://www.davidmccloskeybooks.com/

“Cry ‘Havoc!,’ and let slip the frogs of war”

Buy the audiobook, https://bit.ly/CryHavocAudio 

CRY HAVOC is now available in trade paperback.

Order your copy: https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ 

Copyright: Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from CRY HAVOC by Jack Carr, read by Ray Porter. Copyright © 2025 by Tomahawk Creative, Inc. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

FOLLOW SIMON & SCHUSTER AUDIO

Instagram:@simon.audio

TikTok: @simon.audio

Threads: @simon.audio

X: @SimonAudio

Facebook: @SimonAudio

FOLLOW RAY PORTER

Instagram:@the.ray.porter

Facebook: @NarratorRayPorter

FOLLOW JACK CARR

Instagram: @JackCarrUSA 

X:  @JackCarrUSA

Facebook:  @JackCarr 

YouTube:  @JackCarrUSA

“Cry ‘Havoc!,’ and let slip the frogs of war”

Buy the audiobook, https://bit.ly/CryHavocAudio 

CRY HAVOC is now available in trade paperback.

Order your copy: https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/ 

Copyright: Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from CRY HAVOC by Jack Carr, read by Ray Porter. Copyright © 2025 by Tomahawk Creative, Inc. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

FOLLOW SIMON & SCHUSTER AUDIO

Instagram:@simon.audio

TikTok: @simon.audio

Threads: @simon.audio

X: @SimonAudio

Facebook: @SimonAudio

FOLLOW RAY PORTER

Instagram:@the.ray.porter

Facebook: @NarratorRayPorter

FOLLOW JACK CARR

Instagram: @JackCarrUSA 

X:  @JackCarrUSA

Facebook:  @JackCarr 

YouTube:  @JackCarrUSA

In this special Danger Close episode, I sit down with Glenn Beck to talk about the importance of books and reading, preserving American history, the dangers of social media and AI, and why understanding the past is essential to navigating the future. We discuss physical media, audiobooks, the changing publishing landscape, critical thinking, America at 250, and how to get the next generation excited about history. We also talk about success, sacrifice, family, and the lessons learned along the way. Glenn’s book CHASING EMBERS is now available on audio. Learn more about Glenn Beck: https://glennbeck.com/ Listen to CHASING EMBERS on Audible: https://amzn.to/4hEmx41 View more Jack Carr Book Club picks: https://www.officialjackcarr.com/the-jack-carr-book-club/

The JACK CARR Book Club August 2026 selection is EMPIRE OF ASHES by James M. Scott. The final months of World War II. Truman and Hirohito. Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and the decision that changed the world. In this episode, we discuss the firebombing of Tokyo, the politics behind Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan’s surrender, and the lessons history still holds for us today. We also look ahead to our next co-written nonfiction book, TARGETED: PAN AM 103, and the families at the center of that story. Get EMPIRE OF ASHES: https://amzn.to/3SgfLaa Order TARGETED: PAN AM 103: https://amzn.to/3SeFZtJ Follow James M. Scott: https://www.instagram.com/jamesmscott1/ https://x.com/jamesmscott3 https://www.facebook.com/p/James-M-Scott-100032787951220/ Read more Jack Carr Book Club picks: https://www.officialjackcarr.com/the-jack-carr-book-club/

The Jack Carr Book Club July 2026 selection is SKYRING WATER by Louis L’Amour and Beau L’Amour.

A Cold War thriller, a secret that could change the world, and a deadly race to control it.

In this episode, I sit down with Beau L’Amour to talk about his father’s life, his path to writing, the stories behind classics like LAST OF THE BREED and THE HAUNTED MESA, and the newly released SKYRING WATER. FOLLOW Louis L'Amour & Beau L'Amour Instagram - @louis_lamour X - @Louis_LAmour Facebook - @louislamourpage Website - https://louislamour.com/

FOLLOW JACK CARR Instagram - @JackCarrUSA X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr YouTube - @JackCarrUSA Website - https://www.officialjackcarr.com/

Today on DANGER CLOSE: THE FOURTH OPTION, I’m joined by Greg Lapin. Greg is a former police officer and contractor, Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and tactical instructor with more than two decades of hard-earned experience. In this episode, we get into Hurricane Katrina, undercover narcotics, human trafficking, SWAT selection, explosive breaching, K9s, Jiu-Jitsu, everyday carry, preparedness, and the mindset required when things go bad. This is the final episode of the DANGER CLOSE companion series to my new thriller, THE FOURTH OPTION. This podcast series is presented by HUXWRX Safety Co., Staccato 2011, and Bravo Company. Follow Greg Lapin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greglapin/ This podcast series is presented by HUXWRX Safety Co., Staccato 2011, and Bravo Company.

The Jack Carr Book Club June 2026 selection is THE LOST EMPIRE OF EMANUEL NOBEL by New York Times bestselling author Douglas Brunt. With the exception of the tsar, Emanuel Nobel was likely the wealthiest man in early 20th-century Russia, and one of the wealthiest in the world. Over three generations, he and his family grew the Russian petroleum industry into a behemoth that surpassed even John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil. The Nobels imported best practices from America and improved on them, transforming every aspect of the industry. Though Emanuel’s uncle Alfred would become world famous due to his creation of the Nobel Prize, the even more successful Nobels in Russia have been largely forgotten. The reason why is one of history’s most gripping untold stories. Douglas Brunt is a New York Times bestselling author of THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF RUDOLF DIESEL, host of the SiriusXM show Dedicated with Doug Brunt, and former cybersecurity executive. This conversation explores Doug's research, insights, and writing process behind THE LOST EMPIRE OF EMANUEL NOBEL. FOLLOW DOUGLAS BRUNT Instagram - @douglas_brunt X - @DougBrunt Facebook - @dougbrunt YouTube - @DedicatedwithDoug Website - https://douglasbrunt-author.com/ FOLLOW JACK CARR Instagram - @JackCarrUSA X - @JackCarrUSA Facebook - @JackCarr YouTube - @JackCarrUSA Website - https://www.officialjackcarr.com/

Today on DANGER CLOSE: THE FOURTH OPTION, I’m joined by Gerald Posner. Gerald is an investigative journalist, attorney, Pulitzer Prize finalist, and the author of thirteen books including CASE CLOSED, WHY AMERICA SLEPT, GOD’S BANKERS, and PHARMA. In this episode, we get into the pharmaceutical industry, the opioid crisis, the Sackler family, the JFK assassination and the conspiracy industry that grew in its aftermath, and the duty to follow the evidence wherever it leads. We also discuss how secrecy, power, money, and institutional failure shape public trust, and what it takes to stay focused on the facts. This is a companion podcast to my new thriller, THE FOURTH OPTION, talking to those on the front lines, analyzing modern warfare, and taking listeners deeper into the themes that inspired the novel. This podcast series is presented by HUXWRX Safety Co., Staccato 2011, and Bravo Company.

Learn more about Gerald Posner: https://www.posner.com/ Follow Gerald on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/posnergram/ Order THE FOURTH OPTION Books by Gerald Posner: PHARMA: Greed, Lies, and the Poisoning of America CASE CLOSED GOD’S BANKERS: A History of Money and Power at the Vatican WHY AMERICA SLEPT: The Failure to Prevent 9/11

Today on DANGER CLOSE: THE FOURTH OPTION, I’m joined by Peter Santenello. Peter is an independent filmmaker and storyteller who goes deep into places most people only know through headlines. From the southern border and forgotten corners of America to communities shaped by poverty, culture, politics, and pressure, Peter captures the human terrain with a small camera, honest questions, and a willingness to listen. In this episode, we get into cartel-run routes at the border, fentanyl, New Orleans, legacy media, the business of YouTube, and the stories most outlets miss. We also discuss Peter’s upcoming book, YOUR FELLOW AMERICANS. This is a companion podcast to my new thriller, THE FOURTH OPTION, talking to those on the front lines, analyzing modern warfare, and taking listeners deeper into the themes that inspired the novel. This podcast series is presented by HUXWRX Safety Co., Staccato 2011, and Bravo Company. Learn more about Peter: https://petersantenello.com/

Follow Peter on YouTube and Instagram:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Vuq4Q1bKFtAiKYlwRv3oA
https://www.instagram.com/petersantenello/ Order THE FOURTH OPTION: https://amzn.to/4erxqmy Order YOUR FELLOW AMERICANS: https://amzn.to/3QsH8wW