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.  

Steven has also written numerous non-fiction books including The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles, The Lion's Gate: On the Front Lines of the Six Day War, The Artist's Journey: The Wake of the Hero's Journey and the Lifelong Pursuit of Meaning, and others. 


Presented by SIG Sauer.