Ricky Schroder

Date: 2015-05-25 | Duration: 1h 39m

Episode Overview

Ricky Schroder shares his intense experiences filming “The Fighting Season,” a documentary series embedded with U.S. Army units in Afghanistan. He discusses the complexities of capturing authentic combat footage while navigating the dangers of war zones, including the challenge of distinguishing between civilians and Taliban fighters in villages. Schroder offers vivid insights into the Afghan environment, from the thriving heroin trade and black market weapons to the cultural dynamics that fuel the conflict, such as the use of child suicide bombers and the promise of 72 virgins motivating jihadists. The conversation delves into the technological advancements Schroder witnessed in military operations, including drone warfare and intelligence gathering, highlighting both their effectiveness and the moral weight of collateral damage. He also reflects on the human cost of the war, recounting moments of camaraderie with soldiers and the emotional toll of witnessing loss firsthand. Schroder emphasizes the importance of telling these stories accurately to honor the sacrifices made and to provide a nuanced understanding of the ongoing conflict. Throughout, he contrasts the harsh realities of Afghanistan with his return to everyday life in America, underscoring the profound impact the experience had on his perspective.

About Ricky Schroder

Ricky Schroder is a versatile actor and film director best known for his breakout role in the 1979 film "The Champ," which showcased his talent at a young age. He rose to stardom as a child actor on the beloved sitcom "Silver Spoons," captivating audiences with his charm and charisma. Over the years, Ricky has transitioned into directing and producing, with his latest project, the docu-series "The Fighting Season," highlighting his commitment to storytelling. His ability to evolve in the entertainment industry and tackle diverse roles keeps him relevant and intriguing, making him a notable figure in Hollywood.

Key Moments

– Afghanistan War
– Military Technology
– Suicide Bombers
– Taliban
– Heroin Trade
– War Journalism
– Drone Warfare
– US Military Strategy
– Afghan Culture
– Combat Experience
– Media Production
– Counterinsurgency
– Civilian Impact
– Propaganda
– Veteran Reintegration
– War Ethics
– Afghan Security Forces
– Black Market Weapons
– War Documentation
– Psychological Effects of War
0:00:00 – Introduction and greeting Ricky Schroder
0:01:31 – Encounter with negative journalist and camera crew
0:05:26 – Deployment to Afghanistan with camera team
0:07:11 – Discussion on advanced military technology in Afghanistan
0:08:30 – Use of children as suicide bombers by Taliban
0:09:12 – Explaining the concept of 72 virgins
0:11:25 – Overview of Kabul's paramilitary police and black market
0:13:42 – Taliban's restrictions on cameras and women
0:16:01 – Challenges identifying Taliban among villagers
0:19:21 – Explosion of poppy production and drug trade
0:23:36 – Growth of Afghan media outlets post-conflict
0:26:29 – Sense of helplessness in war zones
0:30:50 – Taliban's refusal to hand over al-Qaeda
0:32:15 – War funding and Halliburton's involvement
0:36:53 – Leadership assembly of battalion before missions
0:39:58 – High stakes of combat and media documentation
0:43:01 – Importance of showing true nature of war
0:46:32 – Afghan gratitude towards American soldiers
0:50:26 – Drone strike coordination with ground forces
0:52:25 – Personal questioning of purpose in war
0:56:34 – Discussion on Geneva Convention and war rules
0:58:32 – Chinook helicopter shootdown and loss of life
1:00:31 – Soldiers' mindset and yearning for combat
1:04:46 – Motivations behind suicide bombers
1:06:39 – Emotional difficulty witnessing child soldiers
1:08:20 – Resistance to Taliban rule among Afghan population
1:10:59 – Age of child suicide bombers
1:13:59 – Relief upon returning to the US from Afghanistan
1:15:48 – Ricky Schroder's privileged childhood contrasted
1:18:17 – Daily firefights and combat experience
1:21:05 – Calling in Apache air support
1:23:03 – Freedom to make decisions in war zones
1:26:07 – Challenges of filming in active war zones
1:31:01 – Commitment to releasing authentic war footage
1:34:58 – Promotion of 'The Fighting Season' documentary
1:35:52 – Conclusion and closing remarks

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 And we're live. What's up, Rick? Starting point is 00:00:43 time I was over your house and I I was, first of all, I was really impressed. Starting point is 00:01:31 a journalist a camera guy that was you know there to tell a story that was probably negative Starting point is 00:02:01 That's, that's pretty intense, man. Starting point is 00:02:42 So I was always looking for an opportunity where I could sort of experience Starting point is 00:03:25 13 years. We've spent a lot of money there. We've lost a lot of people there. We've had a lot of Starting point is 00:04:07 I mean, that's a 30-minute, it's not truly a reality show, right? Starting point is 00:04:29 I mean, it's a long form commercial, Joe, starting strong. Starting point is 00:04:51 They're the final judge and jury on those decisions when you have, you know, a creative Starting point is 00:05:26 Afghanistan by February by March and I brought three camera guys with me I brought I hired a Starting point is 00:06:12 and names and we were following them from the air and looking for opportunities to shoot a Starting point is 00:06:41 Yeah. Starting point is 00:07:11 You know, the technology that I saw and experienced with the Army and the way that they can, you know, fight and conduct war and gather intelligence and stuff was phenomenal. Starting point is 00:07:50 was really the first time that they had experienced that, Starting point is 00:08:30 they use kids a lot for suicide bombers. Starting point is 00:09:12 That term, 72 virgins, apparently, I looked it up. Starting point is 00:09:33 Yeah. Starting point is 00:09:47 What does that mean? Starting point is 00:10:16 such a long, um, extended stay? Yeah. So I did have second thoughts, um, before I went, you know, Starting point is 00:10:40 But I went. Starting point is 00:11:25 man paramilitary police force in Kabul, heroin industry thriving, black market for weapons Starting point is 00:12:04 And so the Taliban wanted Starting po...

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Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #652?

Ricky Schroder was the guest on JRE #652. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #652?

On Joe Rogan Experience #652 with Ricky Schroder, topics include Afghanistan War, Military Technology, Suicide Bombers, and Heroin Trade.

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