The Thunder Ranch Roundtable with Clint Smith and Steven Pressfield - Danger Close with Jack Carr

Today’s special roundtable discussion episode of Danger Close was recorded at Thunder Ranch in May of 2020 with Jack in conversation with best-selling author of Gates of Fire, Steven Pressfield, and Thunder Ranch founder Clint Smith. They examine what sets America apart from our adversaries, the importance of preparedness, modern virtues, and a lot more.
About Clint Smith:
Clint is the President and Director of Thunder Ranch, a 900-acre ranch in Southern Oregon that he operates with his wife Heidi. It is one of the world’s most highly acclaimed firearm training facilities.
Clint is a Marine Corps veteran who served two tours in Vietnam. After being shot in combat, Clint returned and began a decade in law enforcement before becoming the operations officer at API, later Gunsite, under LtCol Jeff Cooper. He then started his own training company and did a stint with the H&K training division before founding the legendary Thunder Ranch.
He’s also the author of the books Urban Rifle: 45 Years of Teaching and Training and Urban Rifle 2: Close Combat Conflict Resolution.
About Steven Pressfield:
Steven Pressfield is a bestselling author, Hollywood screenwriter and Marine Corps veteran. He’s penned several bestselling novels including The Legend of Bagger Vance, Gates of Fire, Tides of War, The Virtues of War, The Afghan Campaign, and his latest, A Man at Arms, about the solitary mercenary Telamon of Arcadia.
Presented by SIG Sauer.

[@jimhartzell5092]

Clint is a national treasure !!! I enjoy his no BS attitude toward things !!! You don't need the latest or the greatest, just learn on how to make what you have run !!! Stay Strong and Be Safe !!!

[@genbigmac2872]

“There is evil in the world…we don’t go looking for it, nor do we backup from it”…incredibly well said sir!!!

[@HAYAOLEONE]

You SHOULD GO AFTER psychos MUTILATING BABIES 24/7

[@OutdoorCanadians]

My grandfather just passed last year. Vietnam Army 2 Purple Hearts That man was a walking legend and nobody would’ve known. In his late years he spent most of it ripping through Texas in his brand new Cadillac into an entirely different state that he didn’t even belong in. Often times cops would find him asleep at the wheel in another county. Then he started getting found in other states! Either way he deserves to lose his memory and motor skills. His first Purple Heart was shrapnel from a Vietcong throwing a grenade down into his cave! Thank you Mr Clint, for representing a generation of legends. And when people watch you, they get to love their Vietnam vets even more! Much love ✊🏽

[@reofelts522]

An outstanding trio of gentlemen.

[@robkoons1891]

This is such a powerful video. I just lost my dad who was a vietnam vet and a marine reminds me so much of Clint. It is guys like this that we need so desperately need right now ro teach this younger generation.

[@corpsman1980]

Let's be honest, we're all here for the Clint'isms. We love Jack, but Clint is a National Treasure

[@chiefro7]

Clint: “I’m just being ornery” Wouldn’t have it any other way, sir!

[@deskuser1245]

I think this video needs to be seen by more people especially vets who struggle with their service. Clint has a realistic outlook at the war he was involved with and understands that the US wasn’t always in the right. Regardless, he realizes he can’t do anything to change the past and can only move forward.

[@CharlesHorning]

Warrior and Poet and Sage all in this podcast.

[@randyreddig5239]

No the least bit surprised but 52 minutes in Clint proves once again that his Crystal Ball is Crystal Clear...

[@Desertwarrior-bo4up]

"Who writes the history, decides the evil" Excellent statement!! #JackCarrUSA #ThunderRanch

[@JMac-md3vj]

Knowledge is the best weapon. I love these conversations, a wealth of knowledge in that room.

[@erikandersomething8022]

I could listen to the three of you for hours. I just returned from my 4th class at Thunder Ranch since this episode was filmed, it’s worth every penny it costs and every minute of your time spent, to train with Clint and the TR family.

[@sandraparks5170]

Steven is one of my favorite authors. My son met him at West Point and got a book signed by him for me for Christmas. Neat to hear this Thanks

[@michaelkidwell913]

At 21:10 Clint mentions the importance of preparation and brings up the towers on 9/11. I immediately thought of Rick Rescorla. He was chief of security for Morgan Stanley on that day. He had developed an emergency plan after the tower truck bombing years earlier. On that morning he implemented that plan and is credited with saving several thousand lives by being that prepared. He was last seen going back into the building to look for others to help. If you want more of Rick's story check out the book "We Are Soldiers Still".

[@EdSileo]

Two of my favorites in one interview? Clicked "like" before I pressed "play"!

[@garretdozier9596]

Once again, great interview Jack. Great lessons from all. Good thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Danger Close nation.

[@5trutta]

Danger Close Nation, I like it.

[@GhostRanger56]

Thank you Jack....like the hat...

[@richardcaruthers5998]

I've watched a lot of videos over time. I get inspired by some. I learn from others. This one brought back memories. Clint Smith is someone who I learned of as a firearms instructor. As a Maine it helped to listen to what he had to say. Watching this video reinforced what I try to teach as a correctional professional over the years. So much out there we shouldn't discount those out there that understand life even though they lived or are living in a different world than we do. Meaning not words. You have given me inspiration sir. Ooh Rah

[@billjordan5507]

As soon as this vid popped up in my feed, my mind went to "60 Minutes", and Clint saying: There are some people who need to be shot." Stellar chat, gentlemen! Godspeed to all!!!

[@tj048585]

Love how Clint replied when asked if he felt like a warrior. Well said.

[@pistolgrips]

Just a comment - At 70, good health, as fit as a replaced knee can be and a little lacking in the lung capacity department - I’m still willing and able to roll around on the pavement, shooting under cars and getting a little humbled in the process. It’s a passion and a term life insurance policy. (As oppose to a whole life policy. That distinction needs to be faced and made.) In about a month I’ll be there with the 25 year old guys and gals, doing my best to relearn, train and hone my pat-on-the-back decent skills. Year after year-twice a year - That training goes in my kit along with the Quik Clot and Icy Hot.

[@erikandersomething8022]

You forgot to say “and throwing hot brass at the 49 year old next to me” 😉 Good shooting, shooter #2!

[@johnfordham8133]

The shame is past 75 I am still fighting the evil ones. Clint is a good man and my hope is he will continue the fight...

[@5trutta]

Many lessons here from three pillars of our communities. Thank you Jack for another compelling podcast,

[@KCProcter]

Such a great conversation! Can't wait to hear more about Steven's project on warrior virtues.

[@tompewterpower]

One of the best interviews ever!

[@markmadsen6828]

Totally Awesome!!! Thank You. Great words of Wisdom... From a true American Hero..

[@karlfair]

This was a great conversation! One of your best podcasts.

[@shonny61]

Awesome. Thanks.

[@davemeyer1423]

Outstanding insight

[@chrismiles8225]

Thanks Jack, Steven, and Clint. Good Saturday listen. 👍 ✌

[@davidcarey7792]

Excellent - thanks to you all.

[@lawriemountain]

Love both of these guys! Thank you, all, for this interview.

[@mikewithers299]

This content was awesome Jack! I've never sat down to listen to a podcast in all my years, but this was golden. Subbed your channel and can't wait for more 😊

[@SuperGeekTattooSD]

This is an amainf podcast. Two of my favorite people

[@kylewood8327]

This was great! There memories of growing are mine too, except i wasn’t in Vietnam. I was in the 20 yr. cycle.

[@VETSINCRYPTO]

Thank you Clint! God bless and god speed! Semper Fi!

[@jamesstanley4764]

Seriously, what a blessing. Great podcast.

[@stevenkoehler6018]

I'll listen to Steven Pressfield, and anybody he's talking to ANY TIME.

[@chandlerblock9127]

I’ll listen to Clint smith talk all day

[@MrCashewkitty]

This was great!

[@bc6806]

Well done. Clint is great

[@jackieallison9895]

Great round table. Many good points were discussed.

[@nowherespecial6780]

Just the beginning 15 minutes is absolutely beautiful truthful it's full and amazing watching the watching those 2 older Marines ( Did not want to say old ass Marines I did not need Clint showing up At my house and stabbing me in the heart lol) collaborate and bounced thoughts off each other This is absolutely beautiful amazing Both Marines both at different ends of the spectrum. Marine myself I get it!!!! Is absolutely brilliant gathering of minds

[@sambond2473]

Amazing conversation. Three very accomplished individuals giving each other respect and room in the conversation. This seems rare in a me first society.

[@terrythoma6658]

you guys rock !!!

[@TacticalXRays]

after getting into knife channels on youtube, back in the day, i found the tactical side, gun side... a complete education. james yeager, and his connection with legendary sage clint smith. i am happy today!

[@leonardjanda6181]

Love ❤️ the channel, 🇺🇸🇺🇸👍🇺🇸👍👍

[@withoutfurtheradoforever]

Thanks for the name drop, Bro!

[@nowherespecial6780]

Beautiful play on Words great questions Even as a viewer you can feel the density of emotion in that room Of truth honesty and respect If you can see when Clint says the Jack is pretty much his son the emotion in jack's eyes beautiful You watch this conversation is going to turn into a book!!! And I want it!

[@liberty202]

Master Smith!! And the legendary Jack Carr

[@ricktompkins3427]

Fascinating discussion

[@scottsmith2224]

This should be an 8+ hours series with the three of you broken down into 1 hour segments. Most people from both sides of the aisle could learn quite a bit.

[@zalalapant]

Awesome

[@karlmadsen3179]

Fun. Interesting. And Jack is becoming The Master at branding and promotion! In addition, his products are fantastic! Purchase and read his books. Now.

[@TAR3N]

I nominate Clint Smith to help organize a curriculum for schools from k-12 !

[@bigmacattack7747]

If someone could get Clint to do a regular podcast, that'd be big.

[@scottgarrett7794]

Foreshadowing

[@REDGATT]

52:10 mark be hitting in April 2022... lololol

[@airborneshodan]

I had to use force against another officer after he hit my handcuffed inmate who cuffed to me after hitting me by mistake, I never reported him because we were the thin Blue line. Once he is cuffed he is my responsibility.

[@Whitesp44]

Oh boy saw Clint was on this podcast. When he speaks the snowflakes must feel a gut punch followed by an upper cut. He just speaks the blatant truth. Love to go up there and train. Fantastic Jack! Thanks

[@wheelguns4wheelmen802]

If you make it to the 52:16 mark, you'll hear the truest words ever spoken: "You can't tell me Russia wouldn't take back Ukraine if it could get it." Nice foreshadowing.

[@tsechejak7598]

commy shtcannery as G Ed Griffn predicted as well as Schaffley

[@WestPat23]

52:30 “you can’t tell me Russia wouldn’t take back Ukraine and Poland if they could”😮

[@oklahomahank2378]

So did Steven get trained and buy a gun?

[@flattire707]

I have never entirely depended on the police. Small point: Move mics away from the front your face.

[@partyfrog69]

Clint falling asleep.

[@HAYAOLEONE]

Lawyers are warriors now. Good old BS u s of a

[@chadjordan9382]

Clint's view on pistol braces is outdated and very fudd.

[@toiletpaper5770]

You're sayin that like it's a fact

[@schlempy]

Clint predicting the future....Russia and Ukraine 2022

[@TheWalterKurtz]

Been watching Clint Smith videos the last couple days waiting for Vlad to nuke Kiev. I'm 63 years old. Never been shot. Only broke my neck once. I don't recommend it. As for me; I'll listen to Mr Smith.

[@drupiROM]

Please stop saying "aha" every two words the guest is saying. It is kind of distracting, even for a non English speaking native. Thanks for the great podcast and guests btw :)

[@epwal3059]

Without God life is meaningless, and conversions go in relative circles.