Danger Close Archives

Unraveling Lee Harvey Oswald

In this episode, Jack and David discuss the inspiration behind The Persian, the real-world dynamics of the intelligence community, and the meticulous craft of writing espionage fiction rooted in truth. They talk about the creation of The Rest is Classified — a top-charting podcast exploring untold spy stories, manhunts, and historical intrigue.

Garrett Lansdown2025-11-27T20:11:37+00:00

Exit Strategy – Lee Child & Andrew Child

This month’s conversation explores the evolution of Jack Reacher, the craft behind maintaining one of the world’s most iconic heroes, and how Lee and Andrew continue to push the Reacher universe forward with fresh energy and a deep respect for the character’s legacy.

Garrett Lansdown2025-11-21T00:21:20+00:00

Secrets, Spies, and The Persian: Inside the Mind of CIA Veteran David McCloskey

David McCloskey is a former CIA analyst, bestselling author, and co-host of the hit podcast The Rest is Classified. Before becoming a novelist, David served at the Central Intelligence Agency where he wrote for the President’s Daily Brief, testified before Congressional oversight committees, and briefed senior White House officials, ambassadors, and military leaders.

Garrett Lansdown2025-11-13T22:39:57+00:00

Semper Fi – Battles in Iraq and Beyond

Today’s guest is Billy Birdzell, founder of Horatius Group, an independent investment bank focused on creating exceptional outcomes for founder-led and family-owned businesses, and Horatius Impact, a non-profit dedicated to training and equipping scouts to defend endangered species like rhino and lion from poachers in Africa.

Garrett Lansdown2025-11-06T19:00:00+00:00

The Widow – John Grisham

John Grisham is the author of more than fifty consecutive #1 bestsellers translated into nearly fifty languages. His recent books include FRAMED, CAMINO GHOSTS, and THE EXCHANGE: AFTER THE FIRM. A two-time winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and recipient of the Library of Congress Creative Achievement Award for Fiction, Grisham serves on the boards of the Innocence Project and Centurion Ministries, two organizations dedicated to exonerating the wrongfully convicted. He lives on a farm in central Virginia.

Garrett Lansdown2025-10-30T20:27:16+00:00

The Need to Lead – Dave Berke

Dave Berk is a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, fighter pilot, ground combat leader, and now a leadership instructor with Echelon Front. As an F/A-18 pilot, Dave deployed twice from the USS John C. Stennis in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan before joining the ranks of TOPGUN, where he was dual-qualified in both the F/A-18 and F-16, serving as the Training Officer—the senior pilot responsible for the conduct of the TOPGUN course.

Garrett Lansdown2025-10-26T22:25:39+00:00

Charlie Sheen: Don’t Wish Your Days Away

In this episode, Jack and Charlie reconnect on familiar ground, sharing stories that range from Hollywood sets to baseball stadiums—including a full-circle moment on Martin Sheen’s birthday that ties back to Apocalypse Now.

Garrett Lansdown2025-10-27T20:45:39+00:00