#1115 - Mike Baker
NaN minutesEpisode #1115
Mike Baker is a former CIA covert operations officer. Currently he is the president of Diligence LLC, a global intelligence and security firm.
Episodes with Mike Baker
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Episode Timestamps
Mike Baker Discusses the Wolf Crisis in Idaho with Funny Anecdotes
- Mike Baker updates on his experience in Idaho, highlighting an overrun by wolves.
- He shares a story about hikers discovering dead elk, showcasing the wolf issue.
- Baker emphasizes the differing perspectives on wildlife problems between Idaho ranchers and California residents.
Mike Baker Analyzes Trump's Approach to Iran and North Korea
- Baker critiques reactions to the current U.S. President's foreign policies regarding Iran.
- He discusses the inadequacies of the Iran deal and its implications for future negotiations with North Korea.
- Baker expresses the importance of a functioning government, regardless of his political stance.
Gina Haspel's Confirmation Hearings: Scrutinizing the Past of CIA's Rendition Program
- Gina Haspel appears before the Senate for confirmation as the new CIA Director.
- Democratic senators question her past involvement in the CIA's rendition and interrogation practices.
- The discussion highlights the shift in legal and moral standards since the post-9/11 era.
Controversy and Context: The Political Landscape Surrounding Gina Haspel's Nomination
- Debate centers around whether the senators genuinely understand the context of 9/11.
- Discussions arise over political grandstanding influencing perceptions of Haspel's qualifications.
- Support is expressed for Haspel's clear stance against reverting to past interrogation policies.
Senators Question Huawei's Potential Espionage: Insights from Security Experts
- Senators express concerns about Huawei and ZTE amid allegations of economic espionage and cyber activities by China.
- Huawei is linked to the theft of intellectual property, including fake Apple products being sold in China.
- The discussion emphasizes the close relationship between China's military intelligence and its commercial sector, raising alarms about data security.
The Battle Against Huawei: U.S. Attempts to Prevent Chinese Tech Domination
- The U.S. government is actively trying to limit Huawei's presence in America to prevent potential spying.
- Speculation around Huawei's products suggests they could be used to infiltrate companies and access sensitive information.
- Concerns about Huawei's significant data transfer rates lead experts to suspect illegal activities, further complicating tech relations between the U.S. and China.
Intellectual Property Threats: Huawei's Intrusion and the Challenges of Verification with Iran and North Korea
- Discussion on Huawei's potential to acquire intellectual property and its implications for security in collaboration with Chinese and Iranian systems.
- Critique of the previous administration's handling of deals with Iran and North Korea, emphasizing the lack of verification access to military sites.
- Concerns about the growing regional influence of Iran over Middle Eastern affairs, countering claims of effective diplomacy.
Debunking Idealism: Military Necessities Amid the Reality of Global Aggression
- Critique of the notion that America should adopt a more passive foreign policy based on idealistic views of global interactions.
- Emphasis on the importance of maintaining military readiness and intelligence capabilities to counter threats from countries like Iran and Russia.
- Discussion on the misconceptions held by the public regarding the nature of international relations and the need for a pragmatic approach to national security.
Putin's Reign of Terror: The Oligarchs and Assassinations in Russia
- The text discusses the resurgence of the CIA in response to Cold War tensions and the ongoing threats posed by Russia.
- Highlights multiple assassination attempts orchestrated by the Kremlin, including the case of Sergey Skripal and his daughter, illustrating Putin's ruthless methods.
- Mentions the fate of oligarchs like Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who faced imprisonment for political aspirations, showcasing Putin's tight grip on power.
Xi Jinping's Strategic Long Game vs. Short-Term Thinking in America
- Details the contrasting governance styles of Xi Jinping and American leadership, emphasizing China's long-term strategic planning.
- Describes how Xi has solidified his power, creating a cult of personality akin to Mao, while showcasing inconsistencies within American political cycles.
- Draws attention to China's method of embedding assets within American society for decades, contrasting with American intelligence's short-term perspective.
Anna Chapman and the Art of Espionage: Uncovering Russian Intelligence Tactics
- Discussion of the recruitment tactics used by Russian spies, referencing the TV show 'The Americans' and the Anna Chapman incident.
- Explanation of how different responsibility levels exist within espionage activities, emphasizing long-term planning over immediate actions.
- Revelation of a recent Chinese spy case, highlighting the challenges of intelligence work and the complexities of national security interests.
Political Polarization: Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, and the Fight for the Democratic Nomination
- Overview of the internal conflicts within the Democratic Party, mentioning the DNC's alleged collusion against Bernie Sanders.
- Speculation on Joe Biden's potential candidacy for the presidential election and his past controversies such as plagiarism.
- Critique of Trump's combative political stance and an optimistic note on potential diplomatic progress with North Korea.
Dennis Rodman's Surprising Role in US-Korea Relations
- Discussion about Dennis Rodman's unexpected friendship with a young North Korean leader.
- Reflection on Rodman's basketball prowess and partying lifestyle.
- Mention of Billy Corgan's stories about Rodman affecting his music career.
Seth Simpson's Unique Pets: A Coyote and Baby Badger
- Introduction of Seth Simpson, who raises a pet coyote and a baby badger.
- Details about the baby badger's rescue and socialization process.
- Humorous incident involving a police officer shooting a groundhog, raising questions about animal handling.
Groundhog Confrontation: Cops, Humor, and Animal Interventions
- Discussion of a cop's comical encounter with a groundhog, highlighting human reactions to wildlife.
- Exploration of the absurdity in attempting humane animal interventions, with humorous suggestions like using a tennis racket.
- Reflection on the nature of deer during the rutting season, including a viral video of a confused deer.
Kim Jong-un's Strategic Moves: Prisoner Releases and North Korean Survival
- Analysis of Kim Jong-un's decision to release prisoners and its implications for international relations.
- Insight into the backgrounds of released prisoners, including their ties to espionage and academia in North Korea.
- Discussion of the broader context of North Korean challenges, including malnutrition and control over the population.
Iran's Rogue Activities: Misconceptions About Moderation under Rouhani
- The narrative labeling the Iranian regime as moderate is challenged by their involvement in proxy wars and support of militants across several countries.
- The discussion highlights evidence of Iranian military support leading to U.S. soldier fatalities in Iraq, undermining claims of moderation.
- Historical reflections are made about the hopes of revolution against clerics since the fall of the Shah, indicating persistent disillusionment with the Iranian regime.
Masaad's Bold Operation: Exposing Iran's Nuclear Ambitions
- Masaad reveals a concealed Iranian nuclear program, with documents retrieved indicating plans for multiple nuclear warheads from 1999 to 2003.
- The negotiation failures are emphasized, particularly the controversial decision to halt investigations at military sites like Parchin under pressure from the Iranians.
- Criticism is aimed at the diplomatic strategies that led to insufficient oversight and verification measures regarding Iran's nuclear developments.
Navigating Childhood Competitiveness: Lessons from Mike's Sons
- Mike discusses the importance of instilling a strong work ethic in his children, emphasizing that competition is essential for growth.
- He reflects on a recent cheerleading incident where his children learned that not everyone makes the team based on merit.
- Mike shares personal experiences from coaching, highlighting the need for kids to understand accountability and improvement in sports.
The Challenge of Modern Parenting: Mugsy's Playground Antics and Internet Dangers
- Mike recounts a humorous incident where his youngest son, Mugsy, used inappropriate language on the playground, showcasing the innocence and challenges of childhood.
- He discusses the pitfalls of modern parenting, including the exposure to the internet and its potential impact on children's understanding of the world.
- The conversation shifts to the necessity of supervision in children's online activities to protect them from harmful content.
Childhood Exposure to Violence: An Insight from Parents on Gun Access and Media Impact
- Discussion on the alarming trend of children gaining access to violent media and its potential correlation to real-world violence.
- Exploration of the rapid changes in childhood experiences and media consumption between generations, particularly comparing the speaker's daughter's experiences with their own.
- Acknowledgment of the challenges parents face in protecting children from disturbing content and the evolving nature of childhood as they are introduced to the online world.
From Pay Phones to Smartphones: A Personal Journey through Communication Technology
- Recollection of the early days of communication technology, including experiences with pay phones and the introduction of car phones in the 1980s.
- A humorous recounting of the evolution of answering machines, including anecdotes about access to messages remotely.
- Reflection on societal transitions regarding communication technology and its implications on contemporary life, emphasizing a stark contrast with today’s digital landscape.
The Birth of the Car Phone: St. Louis Leads the Way in 1946
- The first car phone service was launched in St. Louis on June 17, 1946, shortly after World War II.
- The invention is credited to a radio enthusiast who envisioned mobile communication while driving.
- Prominent figures, such as President Lyndon Johnson, used car phones even before mobile phones became widely available.
Kitchen Renovation Dreams Amidst Upstate Idaho's Scenic Beauty
- Discussion of a kitchen renovation project where plans include installing a skylight and a wine cooler.
- The conversation touches on idyllic summer getaways to a cabin in McCall, Idaho, known for its beautiful lake.
- Humor about cooking during renovations, recalling using a hot plate while managing family life.
Jamie’s Reflections on Idaho Adventures and the Perils of Skiing
- Jamie discusses moving to Idaho, highlighting the lure of pike fishing and the beauty of Payette Lake.
- A humorous take on skiing injuries leads to the revelation of three friends who suffered ACL injuries.
- Intense experiences while snowboarding culminate in a near-death realization after a fall into a tree well.
Wild Encounters: Coyote Adaptation and the Dangers of Nature
- The conversation shifts to wildlife encounters, including a story of a bobcat attacking a dog in Connecticut.
- Discussion of the adaptability of coyotes and their surprising presence in urban environments like New York City.
- A reflection on ethical hunting practices, particularly focusing on the benefits of hunting elk and axis deer.
Hunting and Fishing Adventures with Joe and His Son in Hawaii and Alaska
- Discussion about the deer population on Lord Molokai and the responsibility to manage it due to overpopulation and its effects.
- Joe shares his experience ocean fishing in Alaska, targeting halibut and salmon during yearly trips with friends and his son.
- Details on fishing regulations, including size requirements for halibut, and the joy of catching large fish while reflecting on the beauty of nature.
Historical Reflections: The Louisiana Purchase and American Expansion
- A discussion on the Louisiana Purchase and its impact on the growth of the United States, highlighting Jefferson's foresight.
- Comparison between the purchase of Alaska from Russia and the Louisiana Purchase, emphasizing the historical context and economic implications.
- Exploration of the challenges faced by early settlers in Montana and Idaho, with anecdotes about abandoned homesteads and the difficulty of farming in harsh conditions.
The harrowing journey of the Donner Party: Survival in the face of cannibalism
- The discussion revolves around the historical context of the Donner Party's expedition and their ultimate fate.
- A seven-year-old learns about the grim story of the Donner Party, sparking conversations about survival and cannibalism.
- References to historical explorations like Lewis and Clark highlight the risks and uncertainties faced during westward expansion.
Living in Idaho: Lyme disease, survival challenges, and a journey from Connecticut
- The speaker shares their personal experience with Lyme disease, emphasizing the struggle to obtain a proper diagnosis.
- A contrasting look between healthcare in Connecticut versus Idaho showcases the importance of finding knowledgeable doctors.
- Mention of the Lone Star tick and its dangerous diseases highlights ongoing public health concerns.
The Alpha Gal Allergy: Ticks, Red Meat, and Health Myths Explored
- Discussion on the Alpha Gal allergy, a condition triggered by tick bites causing red meat allergies.
- Concerns raised about ticks in Texas and how they spread diseases like Lyme.
- Debate over red meat consumption, heart health, and the effects of processed carbohydrates.
The Atkins Diet Controversy: Misconceptions and Misattributed Blame
- Clarification on the death of Dr. Robert Atkins, emphasizing viral illness over diet-related heart failure.
- Myth-busting surrounding dietary cholesterol and misconceptions about fats.
- The discussion highlights how misinformation has influenced public perception of diets and health.
Sam Harris's Struggles with Veganism and the Ideological Divide in Dieting
- Sam Harris attempted a vegan diet but experienced health issues, highlighting the complexities of dietary choices.
- The discussion reflects on the ideological extremes in nutrition, contrasting views of vegans and meat eaters.
- The importance of moderation in diet is emphasized, with a focus on understanding the real relationship between food and health.
Celebrating Culinary Joy: Mike Baker on Cooking and Eating Fresh Ingredients
- Mike Baker shares his enjoyment of cooking, especially using fresh ingredients from his wife's vegetable garden.
- The joy of grilling and preparing meals outdoors is conveyed, emphasizing the importance of food as fuel and satisfaction.
- The conversation touches on breaking traditional breakfast norms, advocating for personal choice in food preferences.