#1942 - Mark Greaney

Tom Clancy

The first book I ever bought in my life was, or thriller I've ever bought was Patriot games, which was a Tom Clancy novel.

Tom King

Is it called The Operator? It's a Navy SEAL book. And he read it. And I was like, this guy could be a professional audiobook guy.

I co-authored a military thriller, in 2019 called Red Metal, with then active duty Marine Lieutenant Colonel, a good friend of mine, Rip Rawlings.

Guest: Mark Greaney

Episode summary

Mark Greaney is the New York Times bestselling author of the "Gray Man" novels. Look for book 12 in the series, "Burner," on February 21, 2023. www.markgreaneybooks.com

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Tom Clancy

The host mentions 'Patriot Games' as the first thriller he ever bought, highlighting its significance in shaping his…

Tom King

The host mentions 'The Operator' to highlight the effectiveness of the author, Rob O'Neill, as an audiobook narrator.…

The host mentions 'Red Metal' to highlight their experience co-authoring a military thriller that reflects their long…

Can't Hurt Me

David Goggins

The host mentions David Goggins' book to emphasize the importance of conquering one's inner doubts and pushing throug…

On Writing

Stephen King

The host mentions Stephen King's book 'On Writing' as a source of inspiration, highlighting King's struggles and pers…

Sierra Six

The host discusses the research and experiences that influenced the writing of 'Sierra Six', particularly focusing on…

Armored

The host mentioned 'Armored' as an example of an audio play they created, which included sound effects and actors ins…

Clancy novel

The host reflects on how Tom Clancy's work, particularly 'Patriot Games', influenced his writing journey and interest…

Stephen King's writing process(2)adaptation of books to movies(1)audiobook narration(1)audiobook production(1)book to film adaptation(1)discipline and mental toughness(1)editing process for books(1)Gray Man series discussion(1)

Book mentions19

Media mentions12

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Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for #1942 - Mark Greaney on The Joe Rogan Experience.

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The conversation centers on Stephen King's writing process.
A second recurring theme is adaptation of books to movies.
Referenced books include Patriot Games by Tom Clancy and The Operator by Tom King.
The strongest audience signal points to Aspiring writers and fans of military fiction and Fans of military non-fiction and audiobook enthusiasts.

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Which books are mentioned in #1942 - Mark Greaney?

Patriot Games by Tom Clancy, The Operator by Tom King, and Red Metal are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

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Mention sentiment

Passing Reference(10)Highly Recommended(5)Deep Dive(3)Critical Analysis(1)

Audience signals

Aspiring writers and fans of military fictionFans of military non-fiction and audiobook enthusiastsFans of military thrillers and aspiring writers in the genre.Individuals seeking motivation for self-discipline and mental resilience.Aspiring writers and fans of Stephen KingReaders interested in realistic action thrillers

Books Mentioned

The full list below is ranked by how useful each mention is to a listener: stronger recommendation language, clearer quote context, and better timestamp support rise first.

Tom Clancy

Best for Aspiring writers and fans of military fictionOften cited around influence of Tom Clancy

“The first book I ever bought in my life was, or thriller I've ever bought was Patriot games, which was a Tom Clancy novel.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Highly Recommended

Trigger: influence of Tom Clancy

For: Aspiring writers and fans of military fiction

Key quote: “The first book I ever bought in my life was, or thriller I've ever bought was Patriot games, which was a Tom Clancy novel.”

The host mentions 'Patriot Games' as the first thriller he ever bought, highlighting its significance in shaping his interest in espionage and military fiction. He reflects on how this early influence has contributed to his current writing career, emphasizing the importance of life experiences in storytelling.

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Tom King

Best for Fans of military non-fiction and audiobook enthusiastsOften cited around Navy SEAL audiobook

“Did you read the Rob O'Neill, the Navy SEAL guy? No, I didn't. Is it called The Operator? It's a Navy SEAL book.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Highly Recommended

Trigger: Navy SEAL audiobook

For: Fans of military non-fiction and audiobook enthusiasts

Key quote: “Is it called The Operator? It's a Navy SEAL book. And he read it. And I was like, this guy could be a professional audiobook guy.”

The host mentions 'The Operator' to highlight the effectiveness of the author, Rob O'Neill, as an audiobook narrator. They appreciate how his intensity enhances the storytelling experience.

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Best for Fans of military thrillers and aspiring writers in the genre.Often cited around military thriller writing

“I wrote a military thriller, co-authored a military thriller in 2019 called Red Metal, with then active duty Marine Lieutenant Colonel, Rip Rawlings.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Highly Recommended

Trigger: military thriller writing

For: Fans of military thrillers and aspiring writers in the genre.

Key quote: “I co-authored a military thriller, in 2019 called Red Metal, with then active duty Marine Lieutenant Colonel, a good friend of mine, Rip Rawlings.”

The host mentions 'Red Metal' to highlight their experience co-authoring a military thriller that reflects their long-standing interest in the genre. They emphasize the fulfillment and success they found in writing this book, which resonated well with readers.

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Can't Hurt Me

David Goggins

Best for Individuals seeking motivation for self-discipline and mental resilience.Often cited around discipline and mental toughness

“I love his book. His first book. His second book's even better. He's amazing.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Highly Recommended

Trigger: discipline and mental toughness

For: Individuals seeking motivation for self-discipline and mental resilience.

Key quote: “He procrastinates. Yeah. Like he'll think about it. Because he knows he's going to push himself through hell.”

The host mentions David Goggins' book to emphasize the importance of conquering one's inner doubts and pushing through discomfort. Goggins' experiences and insights serve as a powerful motivation for those struggling with self-discipline.

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On Writing

Stephen King

Best for Aspiring writers and fans of Stephen KingOften cited around Stephen King's writing process

“His book on writing is really inspirational.”

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Sentiment: Highly Recommended

Trigger: Stephen King's writing process

For: Aspiring writers and fans of Stephen King

Key quote: “His book on writing is really inspirational.”

The host mentions Stephen King's book 'On Writing' as a source of inspiration, highlighting King's struggles and perseverance in his writing career. This book serves as a motivational guide for writers who face challenges in their creative processes.

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Sierra Six

Best for Readers interested in realistic action thrillersOften cited around writing Sierra Six

“The speaker mentions 'Sierra Six' as the book they are currently writing, which includes a significant scene on scaffolding.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: writing Sierra Six

For: Readers interested in realistic action thrillers

Key quote: “And in the first Gray Man book, he has to have basically surgery or he has to get sutured up while he's driving, get his gut sutured up.”

The host discusses the research and experiences that influenced the writing of 'Sierra Six', particularly focusing on the importance of realism in action scenes. He shares insights from his interactions with Special Forces members and how those conversations shaped the plausibility of the story's events.

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Armored

Best for Fans of innovative storytelling and audio dramasOften cited around audiobook production

“Last year, I did an Audible original audio drama. So, it's not a Gray Man story. This other book that I have called Armored.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: audiobook production

For: Fans of innovative storytelling and audio dramas

Key quote: “Last year, I did an Audible original audio drama. So, it's not a Gray Man story. This other book that I have called Armored.”

The host mentioned 'Armored' as an example of an audio play they created, which included sound effects and actors instead of traditional narration. This innovative approach allowed them to experience their writing in a new way, enhancing the storytelling with audio cues.

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Clancy novel

Best for Aspiring writers and fans of military fictionOften cited around influence of Clancy novels

“The speaker mentions researching a 'Clancy novel' while in Hong Kong, indicating it is a book by Tom Clancy.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: influence of Clancy novels

For: Aspiring writers and fans of military fiction

Key quote: “The first book I ever bought in my life was, or thriller I've ever bought was Patriot games, which was a Tom Clancy novel.”

The host reflects on how Tom Clancy's work, particularly 'Patriot Games', influenced his writing journey and interests in espionage and military fiction. He shares a personal connection to Clancy's legacy, highlighting the impact of life experiences on his storytelling.

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Beyond the Valley of the Dolls

Roger Ebert

Best for Aspiring writers and criticsOften cited around Roger Ebert's screenwriting

“The speaker discusses Roger Ebert's screenplay 'Beyond the Valley of the Dolls' and critiques its quality.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Critical Analysis

Trigger: Roger Ebert's screenwriting

For: Aspiring writers and critics

Key quote: “It was – it's a strange thing to be a critic of stuff.”

The host discusses Roger Ebert's screenplay for 'Beyond the Valley of the Dolls' to highlight the disconnect between critics and creators. They suggest that Ebert's failure as a screenwriter informs his critical perspective, revealing a deeper frustration with the creative process.

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The Shining

Stephen King

Best for Fans of Stephen King and aspiring writersOften cited around Stephen King's writing process

“Stephen King famously didn't like The Shining, which is wild, right? Because it's Stanley Kubrick and it's Jack Nicholson. The movie was very different than his book.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: Stephen King's writing process

For: Fans of Stephen King and aspiring writers

Key quote: “Some of his early stuff, like The Shining or Cujo, or Pet Sematary or The Tommyknockers.”

The host mentions 'The Shining' while discussing Stephen King's prolific writing career and his unique approach to storytelling. It serves as an example of King's early impactful work, highlighting the intensity of his writing during a tumultuous period in his life.

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Misery

Stephen King

Best for Fans of psychological thrillers and Stephen KingOften cited around pressure of deadlines

“The conversation references 'Misery' in relation to the pressure of writing and the quality of work, highlighting it as an amazing book.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: pressure of deadlines

For: Fans of psychological thrillers and Stephen King

Key quote: “It makes me think of Misery.”

The host mentions 'Misery' in the context of feeling overwhelmed by deadlines and expectations. This reference highlights the intense pressure that comes with creating something significant, akin to the struggles faced by the characters in the book.

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Gray Man

Mark Greaney

Best for Fans of thriller and action novelsOften cited around Gray Man series discussion

“The speaker discusses the differences between the Gray Man movie and the book, stating that the movie is not as good as the book.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: Gray Man series discussion

For: Fans of thriller and action novels

Key quote: “I really, I listened to them on, on audio when I'm in the sauna all the time.”

The host mentions the 'Gray Man' series while discussing the author's writing style and the impact of his books on readers. He reflects on how the violent themes resonate with people during challenging times.

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The U.S. Intelligence Committee

Best for Writers and researchers interested in military and intelligence topics.Often cited around writing about military operations

“The speaker mentions having a book called 'The U.S. Intelligence Committee' that contains detailed information about military units and operations.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: writing about military operations

For: Writers and researchers interested in military and intelligence topics.

Key quote: “I mean, I have this book called The U.S. Intelligence Committee.”

The host mentions 'The U.S. Intelligence Committee' to highlight the complexity and detail involved in writing about military and intelligence operations. This book serves as a resource for understanding the classified aspects of such topics.

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Jack Ryan

Best for Aspiring authors and fans of Tom ClancyOften cited around editing process for books

“The speaker discusses being asked to continue the Jack Ryan series after Tom Clancy's passing, expressing a sense of pride and connection to the original work.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: editing process for books

For: Aspiring authors and fans of Tom Clancy

Key quote: “I crammed 14 pages into a Clancy book once after Tom had passed away and I was writing the Jack Ryan books.”

The host briefly mentions the Jack Ryan books while discussing the editing process and the challenges of finalizing a manuscript. This reference highlights the complexities involved in writing and editing, particularly in relation to well-known works like those of Tom Clancy.

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Red October

Tom Clancy

Best for Fans of book-to-film adaptationsOften cited around adaptation of books to movies

“I think Alec Baldwin was great in Red October. Yeah. And too bad he didn't stick with it.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: adaptation of books to movies

For: Fans of book-to-film adaptations

Key quote: “Alec Baldwin was great in Red October.”

The host mentions 'Red October' in the context of discussing how adaptations can differ significantly from their source material. He reflects on the differences between Tom Clancy's portrayal of Jack Ryan and the casting choices made in the films.

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11/22/63

Stephen King

Best for Fans of time travel stories and historical fiction.Often cited around time travel and history

“It's about a high school teacher who goes back in time to stop the Kennedy assassination.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: time travel and history

For: Fans of time travel stories and historical fiction.

Key quote: “It's about a high school teacher who goes back in time to stop the Kennedy assassination.”

The host briefly mentions '11/22/63' as an example of a time travel narrative. This book explores the implications of altering historical events, specifically the Kennedy assassination.

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The Power of the Dog

Best for Fans of audiobooks and narrative storytellingOften cited around audiobook narration

“There's one called The Border. I think it's the cartel. Well, The Power of the Dog. It's three books. They're fantastic.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: audiobook narration

For: Fans of audiobooks and narrative storytelling

Key quote: “Well, The Power of the Dog. It's three books. They're fantastic.”

The host mentioned 'The Power of the Dog' while discussing the skill of audiobook narrators. They highlighted how Ray Porter effectively differentiates characters in the narration, showcasing his talent.

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Tom Clancy

Best for Aspiring writers and those considering a career changeOften cited around writing career challenges

“The speaker reflects on being a huge Tom Clancy fan and the experience of writing in the style of Clancy for a tryout.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: writing career challenges

For: Aspiring writers and those considering a career change

Key quote: “And then the film rights got optioned for Gray Man.”

The host mentions Tom Clancy in the context of his own journey as a writer and the challenges he faced when transitioning from a stable job to pursuing a writing career. Clancy's success serves as a backdrop to illustrate the unpredictability of a writing career and the varying outcomes for different individuals.

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Burner

Best for Fans of action films and aspiring writersOften cited around book to film adaptation

“The speaker refers to their book 'Burner', which opens with a character blowing up Russian yachts as part of the story.”

View mention details

Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: book to film adaptation

For: Fans of action films and aspiring writers

Key quote: “Burner, my new one, is my 23rd book.”

The host mentioned 'Burner' in the context of discussing the long gap between writing the book and its film adaptation. They highlighted the excitement of seeing a film based on their work, especially with a big star like Chris Evans involved.

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Patriot Games

The Joe Rogan Experience · 22:57

The first book I ever bought in my life was, or thriller I've ever bought was Patriot games, which was a Tom Clancy novel.

The Operator

The Joe Rogan Experience · 1:21:29

Is it called The Operator? It's a Navy SEAL book. And he read it. And I was like, this guy could be a professional audiobook guy.

Red Metal

The Joe Rogan Experience · 1:40:43

I co-authored a military thriller, in 2019 called Red Metal, with then active duty Marine Lieutenant Colonel, a good friend of mine, Rip Rawlings.

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Shop This Episode

Pick up the books after you hear them in context.

Buy links stay tied to the same book cards and timestamps shown above.

Mentioned at 22:57

Check price Jump to mention

Tom Clancy

The host mentions 'Patriot Games' as the first thriller he ever bought, highlighting its significance in shaping his interest in espionage and mili…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link

Mentioned at 1:21:29

Check price Jump to mention

Tom King

The host mentions 'The Operator' to highlight the effectiveness of the author, Rob O'Neill, as an audiobook narrator. They appreciate how his inten…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link

Mentioned at 1:40:43

Check price Jump to mention

The host mentions 'Red Metal' to highlight their experience co-authoring a military thriller that reflects their long-standing interest in the genr…

Direct Amazon listing · affiliate link

Movies & Documentaries Mentioned

Movie

The Gray Man

Confidence: 95%

“The speaker discusses the film 'The Gray Man' and its differences from the original book, including casting choices.”

Movie

The Man from Nowhere

Confidence: 90%

“The speaker mentions 'The Man from Nowhere' as a Korean film they consider one of the best they've seen, relating it to 'The Gray Man'.”

Movie

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls

Confidence: 90%

“The mention of 'Beyond the Valley of the Dolls' comes up in a discussion about Robert Ebert's screenplay.”

Movie

Misery

Confidence: 90%

“Kathy Bates was perfect for that role in the movie Misery, where a crazy person is obsessed with a book.”

Movie

Spider-Verse

Confidence: 90%

“The animated Spider-Verse completely changed the world and made it a multiverse thing with a young kid.”

Movie

Mad Max

Confidence: 90%

“The mention of 'Mad Max' comes up in a discussion about action films and character casting.”

Movie

The Shining

Confidence: 90%

“Stephen King famously didn't like The Shining, which is wild because it's an amazing movie.”

Movie

Patriot Games

Confidence: 90%

“I forgot about Patriot Games too, which was another film adaptation of Tom Clancy's work.”

Movie

Red October

Confidence: 90%

“Alec Baldwin was great in Red October, and it's too bad he didn't stick with it.”

Movie

13 Hours

Confidence: 80%

“The speaker references '13 Hours' as a film featuring actor Max Martini, discussing his physical presence and acting skills.”

Movie

Who Killed Bambi

Confidence: 80%

“'Who Killed Bambi' is listed among the screenplays associated with Robert Ebert.”

Movie

Up

Confidence: 80%

“'Up' is mentioned in the context of discussing Robert Ebert's screenplays.”