Podcast Summary: Jocko Podcast Episode 470 - "Don't Get Caught In The Crossfire in The Information War" with Jeremy Stern
Introduction and Overview
In Episode 470 of the Jocko Podcast, retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink engages in an in-depth conversation with Jeremy Stern, Deputy Editor of Tablet Magazine. The episode, titled "Don't Get Caught In The Crossfire in The Information War," delves into Jeremy's multifaceted career spanning military service, journalism, and diplomatic roles. The discussion also touches upon the recent devastating attacks in southern Israel and the broader implications for information warfare and propaganda.
Jeremy Stern's Background
Family History and Upbringing
Jeremy Stern was born in Encino, San Fernando Valley. His father, an 88-year-old creative advertising professional, had a tumultuous early career, including being fired from writing for Johnny Carson due to a conflict with a sock puppet character named Lamb Chop. Jeremy's maternal grandparents were Jewish refugees from Vienna who escaped the Holocaust. However, his parents led a largely secular life, assimilating into American culture without practicing Judaism actively.
Notable Quote:
"They completely stopped speaking Yiddish or German in the house with my mom and her kids. They did not observe the Sabbath, they did not believe in God, they didn't talk about God." [10:19]
College Years and Studying Russian
During his time at Oakwood School and later in high school, Jeremy engaged in typical teenage activities, including sports and experimenting with substances, without a clear life direction. Upon entering college in rural Ohio, he faced a language requirement, initially considering Spanish but ultimately choosing Russian on a whim. His Russian studies were profoundly influenced by his teacher, Natalia Shanska from Odessa, Ukraine, who emphasized immersive learning.
Notable Quote:
"She really took it really, really seriously. And that just showed me kind of how much pride she had in her own profession." [16:09]
Jeremy's immersion in Russia lasted over a year in St. Petersburg, where he lived with a host family and became fluent in the language, reflecting a significant personal transformation.
Military Career
Joining the Army
Inspired by interactions with military officers during his time in Washington, D.C., Jeremy enlisted in the Army in 2014 at the age of 28. He pursued a commission as an officer, completing Basic Training and Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning. His determination to shift from a previously lackadaisical lifestyle to a disciplined military role was evident.
Notable Quote:
"My. I just wanted to do it and ran around the woods as a little kid playing army. And just as soon as I could, you know, I played army for the next 20 years after that." [27:00]
EOD Training and Deployments
After OCS, Jeremy specialized in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), attending a seven-month program in Niceville, Florida. His deployments included missions in Saudi Arabia, Syria, and humanitarian demining operations in Tajikistan. In Syria, he supported counter-ISIS operations, while in Oman, he assisted in addressing chemical threats from the Yemeni conflict.
Notable Quote:
"The Houthis in Yemen were firing these chemical rounds over the border. It was like, where are they getting these chemical rounds?" [46:00]
Transition to the State Department
Upon completing his military service, Jeremy transitioned to the State Department, taking on a role as a defense attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin. His appointment was influenced by his extensive field experience and ability to bridge military and diplomatic efforts. In Berlin, Jeremy navigated complex geopolitical dynamics, including sanctions on Iran and relations with Russia.
Notable Quote:
"The ambassador gave me that job. So, they kind of like finesse this lateral transfer for me to the defense attaché's office at the embassy in Berlin." [63:00]
Information War and Media Perspectives
The latter part of the podcast focuses on the recent attack in southern Israel on October 7th, described by Jocko as the most lethal killing of Jews since the Holocaust. Jeremy analyzes the ensuing information war, highlighting how anti-Israel rhetoric surged globally, particularly in Western media. He contrasts the domestic misinformation campaigns in the U.S. with the more direct propaganda faced overseas, emphasizing the challenges Israel faces in managing its public relations amidst intense scrutiny and political pressure.
Notable Quote:
"When we talk about the information warfare, what you mentioned earlier about the information operations that are happening on all fronts at all times... it's really impacting the way people think." [93:00]
Jeremy discusses the unified political response in Israel post-attack, driven by a surge in popular support for decisive military action against Hamas and Hezbollah. He also critiques the spread of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories on both the left and right, linking them to attempts to undermine collective agency and promote divisive ideologies.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
The episode underscores the intricate interplay between military service, journalism, and diplomacy in shaping public narratives and policy. Jeremy Stern's unique career path offers insights into the mechanisms of information warfare and the pervasive influence of propaganda on global perceptions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of disciplined leadership and objective analysis in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
Notable Quote:
"Patriotism and where my family came from and the lives they built for me and in America... there was a genuine connection to those kinds of motivations." [32:26]
Final Thoughts
Jocko Willink and Jeremy Stern conclude by reinforcing the significance of maintaining personal discipline and staying informed amidst global chaos. They encourage listeners to engage critically with information, avoid falling prey to propaganda, and uphold leadership principles that foster resilience and clarity.
Notable Quotes Summary:
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"They completely stopped speaking Yiddish or German in the house with my mom and her kids. They did not observe the Sabbath, they did not believe in God, they didn't talk about God." — Jeremy Stern [10:19]
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"She really took it really, really seriously. And that just showed me kind of how much pride she had in her own profession." — Jeremy Stern [16:09]
-
"My. I just wanted to do it and ran around the woods as a little kid playing army. And just as soon as I could, you know, I played army for the next 20 years after that." — Jeremy Stern [27:00]
-
"The Houthis in Yemen were firing these chemical rounds over the border. It was like, where are they getting these chemical rounds?" — Jeremy Stern [46:00]
-
"When we talk about the information warfare, what you mentioned earlier about the information operations that are happening on all fronts at all times... it's really impacting the way people think." — Jeremy Stern [93:00]
-
"Patriotism and where my family came from and the lives they built for me and in America... there was a genuine connection to those kinds of motivations." — Jeremy Stern [32:26]
These quotes encapsulate the pivotal moments and insights shared during the podcast, providing a glimpse into Jeremy Stern's experiences and perspectives on leadership, information warfare, and personal transformation.