Chris Ryan: SAS Operator and Bestselling Author - Danger Close with Jack Carr
Chris Ryan is a former member of the Special Air Service. He is the bestselling author of seventy fiction and non-fiction books including the Geordie Sharp series, Alpha Force, the Danny Black series and The One That Got Away, which details his experience on E&E (Escape & Evasion) during the 1991 Gulf War. The only member of his eight-man team to not be captured or killed, Chris evaded enemy patrols and survived over a 300 kilometer journey to the Syrian border. It was the longest escape and evasion in the history of the SAS. His book Strike Back was adapted into a TV series for the UK’s Sky 1 and he helped create the action-drama TV series Ultimate Force.
He’s also hosted popular TV shows including Hunting Chris Ryan, Terror Alert: Could You Survive, How Not to Die, and Armed and Dangerous.
In this episode, Jack and Chris discuss how Chris survived his 1991 experience in Iraq, his transition from the military into publishing and the importance of reading.
Visit Chris’ website: www.chrisryanauthor.co.uk/
Presented by SIG Sauer.
Featured Gear:
The One That Got Away by Chris Ryan
Hardy Boys Handbook: Seven Stories of Survival
Kifaru Slick Bag
Micro Start XP 10
We should all be extremely grateful for UK and US special forces. Heroes to a man. Thank you all for your service and sacrifice.
I never learnt how to read growing up and it wasn’t until I found myself in prison in a desperate state of mind I learnt how to read. The One That Got Away was the book that helped me the most with my reading and state of mind. Respect ✊
Well done TCA. My experience with prison is those who are illiterate tend to do nothing about it. Reading is one of the pure joys in life, painting the scene in your mind, laughing out loud on the bus, being upset when a great character suffers. The English language has a word to describe everything, often more than one. You might like an author called John Sandford. He has a character called Lucas Davenport who features in over twenty novels. Excellent author, strong characters and great action.
I cannot imagine your experiences - respect that you are not giving in and are developing yourself.
Good on you.Hope things turned arowned for your life.?everyone makes mistakes in their lifes.
Learning how to read on your own is an almost impossible challenge- 22:34 Congratulations! 👵🏽✌🏾🦅☀️🦅
What a pleasure to hear two intelligent ex-soldiers conversing. There have been a few times when I have been struggling on an endurance event or long bike ride when I have recalled Chris`s long march and have dug deeper. An inspirational guy.
I'll always be grateful to Chris Ryan for Strike Back. Scott and Stonebridge forever!
I miss watching his show "Elite World Cops".
There's a couple of new seasons with a new cast but I've been avoiding giving them a chance. If it's gone woke, it would just break my heart. In rewatching the Scott & Stonebridge seasons, I kept seeing stuff that you couldn't get away with today. That's how I like it.
@@MakerInMotion You're not wrong, I tried, it sucks. It's gotten very woke with the female characters and the brother/buddy dynamic is very weakly done. Nothing like Scott and Stonebridge
@@apexhunter109 the only good thing about the new seasons is when Scott and Stonebridge returned for the final few seconds of the second to last episode and the last episode of the first new season
@@robertjohnson9756 I just found that clip so no need to watch the season. The girl with the feminist haircut snapping at Scott after he just saved her life told me all I need to know. In the old seasons he would have been properly rewarded with some boning.
Love these podcasts hats off for getting lots of Brits on 🇬🇧
“Bravo Two Zero” and “The one that got away” I literally read those two books into oblivion.. both in italian and english..
Bilingual? UV got the makings tode lad 😶😉🤨😄
@@charliebacca8170 yes Sir, born and risen in Italy, moved to the US 7 years ago..
@@udp1073 Glad to hear Ur happy I trust buddy? "The land of the free!" Would b my first choice too 👍
@@charliebacca8170 ohh yes, I am, it is incredible! and, on top of that, I have chosen Texas.. which is a world apart even from many other place in the US.. really happy and enjoying it! sure, at first culture shock was something to take care of.. but I adapt fast
This is incredible
Had the pleasure of meeting Chris at RAF Hereford in ‘96, I was there playing enemy for SAS training for a couple of days, although he had left the Regiment by that point he was there as training staff. Being so close to the gulf war we were a little star struck, I’d only been in the army 3 or 4 months and there I was working with Legends.
Best podcast I've seen in some time. Absolute balls of British steel. Thanks to Mr. Ryan for sharing his story, and thanks to Mr. Carr for giving him the platform and letting him paint the word-pictures of his ordeal without unnecessary interruptions and questions. Huge thanks to both of you warrior poets for your service to the rest of us both on and off the battlefield.
Did you ever look up what his SAS colleagues say about his book and this particular mission Bravo 2 Zero. Same as his colleague Andy McNab. Both are extremely lucky that the SAS does NOT comment of any of their missions, but to know what his mates think of him is very humbling. Basically they think that as far as his books on the missions he did while the SAS are full of BS. But good on him; he's sold millions of his books to gullible people.
That’s because he was critical of McNab, as he was in this podcast.
Chris Ryan at his peak was probably the most competent soldier in the world. An absolute machine. I have seen him participating in the toughest training regimes among elite Special Forces units around the world and he usually came top of the class for any exercise: local commanders were astonished that this foreigner could just turn up and out-compete their own soldiers. A legend. Attributed to George Orwell: "People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.". Thankyou Chris Ryan
You are a fantasist
@@ianmangham4570 where exactly did you acquire your degree in psychiatry? Asking for a friend.
@@oriorda9470 🇬🇧
@@oriorda9470 Like you have a friend! 🤣
Amen !
My Dad was in the SAS.. Guess what? He didint speak about anything he did to his death bed.. Feel so sorry for their underlying issues that werent even diagnosed at that time..
That was the first live action scowl I've ever seen on Jack. 1:08:30 When Ryan talked about the Syrians playing a joke. That look was a glimpse of that caged monster. Every other moment he has a smile on his face. With regard to Mr. Ryan ... what a story. Thank you again Jack for bringing great stories to the world.
Great observation, Jack is good looking, so polite and soft spoken, we forget he could kill someone in so many ways.
Excellent interview!!! FYI: Colonel (General) Wayne Downing was my 2/75 Ranger Battalion Commander, great man and leader!! RIP warrior!! RLTW-ATW
So irritating when the interviewer would interrupt Chris Ryan with irrelevant questions. I just wanted to hear Chris Ryan talking about his escape but the interviewer kept interrupting and talking over Chris. If only he would just shut up and let Chris speak without interrupting!
what I love about Chris is that he doesn't look dangerous, he only looks dangerous to a delicious hamburger. Love this guy.
Chris Ryan, British Special Forces soldier, warrior and badass legend, the Strike Back Series is 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Amazon series on this guy’s experiences will be a hit
What a true warrior. Honor and respect to Chris! Keep up the great work Jack, GOD bless you both!
My dad bought Andy’s and Chris’s books, I read them both a few times over, my dad died in 1995 and reading those books brought him back, hanging on every page late into the night. Thanks for this interview Dad would have watched your channel. I subbed, stay free, we are counting on you and people like you to save us right now.
Thanks Jack Carr for having Chris Ryan on. What a story! What a life! Thank both of you for your service. God bless you both.
Jack what a podcast. As a young bloke I read both Andy McNabb and Chris Ryan's book . It was great to here Chris tell the story raw and unedited in person. Great work.
Absolutely this. ^ High praise and a new subscription here!
I too read both bravo two zero and the one that got away. If I’m not mistaken, didn’t Andy McNab criticize Chris’s book as being “ a load of bollocks?” I personally read it at face value and enjoyed it.
Yeah, there was/is a bit of friction between those two 👹
@@tonybussey8763 Glad u asked that question( And I haven't got around to reading either book)But I'm sure I read there was a difference of opinion of what went down& I think he fell out with the Hereford Org?.But correct me if I've got it all F##ked up backwards!
@tonybussey8763 No, not Andy it was a bitter sergeant major who was despised by most sas soldiers ,and criticised both books but I can't remember his name he wrote a book that rubbished them.
The Kardashians, kneeling sports zeroes, as well as those praised for bravery for changing genders gets media coverage and worshipped by the masses when real heroes like Chris Ryan walk the earth? This guy should never have to buy a steak or a beer in his life. This was absolutely great and humbling.
Bell by name. Bell-end by nature
@@Strafuzz Triggered much? Go back to playing with your new transgender Barbie, brave boy.
Well said
Yes it's pathetic. Gen Z whine about everything, want free stuff, are gutless victims ... Kids their ages and younger died in trench warfare so they can complain. Screw them and the WOKE bullshit brigade.
Dead things float to the surface
I met chris when i was in my early teens, one of the reasons i stuck it out for a bit in army cadets, awesome guy
This is the third time i have watched this in over two years,even had flashbacks to my youth and have gone and bought comic books I used to by at the local newsagents COMMANDO,thanks to Chris to remind me of my youth.
You can tell how hard it was for Chris talking about Vince.
Amazing. The SAS are just astounding.
I've watched quite a few interviews with Chris and this is probably the best one to date. You know when to be quiet and listen and when to push for more info. Great interview technique.
Great chat with Chris Ryan. What a top bloke.
Met Mr Ryan in 99, at one of those book talks, makes me smile to see how well he's done in life :) a gentlemen for staying on so long , Thank you for the interview.
2 tier 1 operators now both amazing authors 👏🏻that shows the whole life attitude 👏🏻 ur both top draw but still the common touch nowadays 👏🏻👏🏻
Usually I just skim through this type of interview but I couldn’t stop watching this. Amazing story.
Great approach to your interviews. You've got a great way with your guests. Your personality fits really well with the English SF guys. I guess no matter UK or US, you all have similar traits. Humble but confident
This is great, I read The One That Got Away, eye opening to the stuff that was going on over there, and I watched his short series "Catching Chris Ryan" where he showed what a single special forces soldier insertion could be capable of doing and then attempt to evade and extract in several different environments.
Was on the edge of my office chair and getting little work done listening to his escape and evasion! What a story and so well delivered to us the viewers!
Love listening to this while falling asleep , imagine yourself there , incredibly realistic commentator, thank you foe your service sir
Chris has always come across as an absolute gentleman, his own podcast is a good listen.
Awesome guy very honest seems approachable.I’ve enjoyed all his work loved worlds elite police.No doubt Chris is a seasoned soldier has earned his success and then some.Seems a number of guys who became successful SAS soldiers came from humble beginnings and the army became their all.I’m sure anyone who passes selection for the SAS gives it absolutely everything.Best wishes to Chris I hope he continues to enjoy his life keeps us entertained with any future projects.
This was fantastic!! Chris has such a positive personality and a great story teller! One of the best interviews I’ve seen for ages! 🇬🇧
Wow I’ve talked to many of my veteran brothers and watched many podcasts and this might be the craziest most badass story I’ve ever heard!! Wow I was just in awe listening to his story!! Amazing and never quit!
Jack it is so awesome how you interview these living legends. Young men really need to hear from these men and learn how these men came to the understanding the world and the values they have developed in through their experiences. Men learn to be great men by learning how great men understand and operate in the real world. Thank you for this podcast.
Had someone written such a story as fiction it would be hard to suspend disbelief. Real life more amazing than fiction, this man’s will power is off the charts.
It's mostly FICTION
@Michael Myers Because his company sergeant major said none of what was in the book was ever reported to him, Peter Ratcliffe.
Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good bestseller. Look into this if you dare.
Great watch and an incredible feat. I'm a British Gulf War vet and the skin issues Chris describes is common place among vets, myself included and as he says, definitely gets worse with stress.
Really enjoyed this an amazing story and a good interviewer drawing out the story. Two amazing guys with a lot of hard earned experience and very little conceit. In these strange and unpredictable times it's good to know we have people like these two watching our backs. As I am also from the North East of England good to hear that Geordie humour and warmth respect to both you guys, the special relationship in a nutshell 🇬🇧🇺🇸.
I remember seeing the TV series they made about this mission. Absolutely incredible survival story.
What was it called?
Chris Ryan is amazing. The One That Got Away is great. Are you going to get Steven Mitchell (Andy McNabb) on about Bravo Two Zero? I'd definitely be interested in seeing a podcast with Mitchell
I was thinking the same thing, as a kid I grew up listening to these guys stories on the history channel
Incredible story! Makes me feel like my problems and worries are silly compared to what he went thru.
What a pleasure to hear / watch this legend and another who is giving him plenty of room instead of interrupting as is often the case... kudos on a great interview Jack!
Awesome podcast, I have read most of Chris Ryan’s books and simply loved hearing his accounts firsthand.
Fair play, Chris Ryan. LEGEND
Thanks for having him on. One of my personal heroes. Great stuff!
Unbelievable interview and WOW! Just could not stop watching....... Thank you both so much !
Great story. This will be required listening for my 13 year old son. Today.
So good Jack. Have loved Chris Ryan for years. Was so excited when I saw this. Thank you.
Have read and watched Bravo 2 Zero, will definitely have to find The One That Got Away now! Great interview!
Chris Ryan is a great guy. He doesn't mess about in criticising when it is due. Should get Colin Mclaughlan on Jack. Another SAS hero.
This man is amazing! I love listening to past military member's stories! You learn sooooo much and hopefully are able to apply to current jobs. It never ceases to amaze how many "superiors" don't want to help out those on the ground!!! Keep up the great work!
An incredible interview with an incredible man with a truly amazing and powerful story.
Jack, I'm so grateful for your desire to teach and share. All I know of what you've done has been of great value. All the best. Stay safe?
Amazed and riveted to the screen throughout. Total respect for Chris.
Great interview. I read his book plus two others about that mission. All were very interesting.
This is so awesome. Chris Ryan is legendary. Love the Strike Back series. Are you going to interview Andy McNab as well?
I would love that sooooo much
Amazing podcast Jack-a real hell of a chat. Hats off to Chris Ryan.
What a great interview! I'm glad I saw this. I had no idea Chris Ryan also wrote books on this. Loved Immediate Action and Bravo Two Zero.
What an impressive story and so well told. Hats off to this guy.
Awesome guest Jack. Chris' story is inspirational.
Three members of the patrol wrote books about the event. Despite their differences, everyone in that patrol is/was a real hero.
Excellent video, it's amazing listening to the legend Chris Ryan. He's an incredible hero.
Wonderful interview! Thank you.❤️ from Coronado.
This was awesome. First time I've watched your podcast Jack. You're a very good interviewer.
What a fantastic watch. Great interview, incredible story. Thanks.
Absolutely loved this. I was hooked all the way through.
Hes really great at story telling & making you visualize It all so well! Again, really excellent episode/interview really enjoyed listening to it!
Love these interviews, keep em coming man! 🤘
Excellent interview. I've read a few of Chris Ryan's novels, and watched the Strikeback series. Will need to buy more of his and your books, so thankyou for getting him on your podcast. Two of my favorite hard cover books I read as a young teenager, was the Combat / Survival books by Len Cacutt (editor), which I assume is the accumulation of information from the Combat and Survival magazines, but split into 2 separate books. Learnt some great stuff on bushcraft survival that I still use to this day.
What a brave and humble man, total respect
Absolutely first rate interviewing! Listening is just as important as asking questions. There are few interviewers that can manage not asking unnecessary questions every few minutes. Well done to you Sir.Great show,thanks.👍👍
Thank you for your service sir
realy nice to hear this story from a primary source ive watched 3 documentrys on this story and this was brilliant to hear up the boro
I worked with Chris in northern Ireland great fellow
This is the wildest story I’ve ever heard. What a damn warrior. Love this one Jack!
Absolutley brilliant interview.... Chris Ryan reminds me of Tolkein's Gandalf... such wisdom on life.
Awesome interview, thanks for sharing
This is an awesome Channel & Podcast! Great stories, excellent reading material & all around entertaining/educational content! Thank You Sir 🙏👍
Chris Ryan does a lot of interviews. I think this is the best of them.
I was 14 when i first read The one that got away and that was the start of following Chris's career in books, some fantastic reads and great series. Now Jack Carr is doing a similar thing and as great a story teller.
Thank you what a great 2 hrs some great stories of past exploits
Phew what a roller coaster, brilliant interview,
45mins in and your just thinking how could this man get any tougher! Great story and a legendary man.
Outstanding!!! Good work guys. Keep the writing rolling.
Chris Ryan and Christian Craighead, showing the Geordie (Newcastle) spirit!
This is the first time listening to your podcast. I just finished listening to all 4 of your books and can’t wait for the Amazon series to come out next year and even more so for your next book! I’m especially looking forward to listening to more of your podcasts. The story on this one is amazing and I see how you having conversations with people like this can support in fueling your creative mind to take a lot of truth and actual life experiences of yourself and others to make some of the best books and characters with such amazing details that really makes your writing stand out above and beyond most books I’ve read or listened too. Keep it up! You are fucking awesome! I discovered you on rogan and will forever be a life long fan! I got through all 4 novels in 3 weeks on audio and am listening them again with my wife but on a much slower pace with her :)
An amazing interview. Really enjoyed it.
Awesome interview one of the best lessons on getting through a very difficult situation I have a lot of Chris's books and always take away a lot of great info.
Can you imagine going thru this . This is such a insane story and this dude is a hero
Wow! What an amazing story! Best podcast yet!
What an awesome awesome man a fantastic human being brave courageous, it just makes me so proud to be british much respect for the SAS and our American cousins the seals&delta.🇬🇧🇺🇸👍👏👏👏👏👏👏
Man, I’m glued to all 2+ hours of this video. Riveting.
Sounds like another great book to get. thanks. I'm drinking my morning coffee and noticed your drinking BRC too. Great coffee
Remember the old Book Mobile’s? I would snag a half-dozen books at a time as a kid. I know I dated myself but life was so simple back in the days. Fabulous interview by the way!
Brilliant interview
What a fantastic pod cast. Awesome story
Having not read The one that got away, I thought the story sounded very familiar when he was telling it; Turns out I remember it from a book I read when I was younger by Shaun Clarke that had a great recollection of his story, and he's written a load of other novellas on the SAS which are all great reads and got me into reading again. Having seen this I'll for sure have to check it out from the man himself they're fascinating stories.