#1226 - Mike Baker
NaN minutesEpisode #1226
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
Black Files Show Discussion on Hidden Defense Department Budgets
- Mr. Baker and Mr. Rogan talk about a new show on Discovery Network called Black Files
- The show delves into programs funded by hidden money in the Defense Department
- Discussions on CIA's budget being placed inside the Defense Department and its classified nature
Declassified Operations and Secrecy in Defense Budgets
- Detailed discussion on the history and present-day operations funded by hidden money
- The importance of secrecy in budget allocation and development of new technologies
- Challenges faced in shedding light on declassified operations and the need for cooperation
SEALs Overexposure & Bond of Silence
- Discussion on SEALs being overexposed and causing resentment among some operators
- Importance of maintaining honor and bond of silence in special operations
- Challenges faced by old school operators due to information flow in modern times
Lowered Standards in Journalism & Implications
- Critique on lowering standards in journalism and quick information dissemination
- Comparison to corporate competition tactics in accepting losses for the sake of business
- Challenges posed by the administration's loose information handling and impact on news credibility
Impact of Potential Withdrawal on Kurdish Allies and Regional Stability
- Military hints at potential loss of servicemen and impact on Congress and White House focus
- Concerns about leaving Kurds vulnerable to Turkey's aggression and potential massacre
- Historical background on U.S. alliance with Kurds and the importance of honoring commitments
Complexities of U.S. Presence in Syria and Considerations for National Security
- Discussion on the challenges related to involvement in Syria and the interests of key players like Russia and Iran
- Need to balance commitments to allies with national security and strategic interests
- Debate on the effectiveness of continued military presence in Syria versus domestic defense strategies
Trump Administration Policies and the Shutdown
- Discussion on administration policies and their impact
- Views on President Trump's relationship with Russia
- Effect of shutdown on government workers and contractors
Border Security and Political Divide
- Debate on border security and immigration policies
- Impact of political polarization on decision-making
- Analysis of political strategies and voter sentiments
El Chapo Negotiations with Colombian Trafficker
- Colombian trafficker approached El Chapo through campaign manager for $250 million
- Negotiated deal settled at $100 million to the trafficker
- Speculation on orchestrated arrests of El Chapo and money transfer details
Government Shutdown and Political Interference
- Discussion on ongoing government shutdown and its impact
- Criticism of politicians' behaviors and strategies
- Analysis on the need for centrist positions and potential for third party dynamics
Huawei's Penetration into Poland and NATO Communications
- Huawei's telecommunications equipment embedded globally, including in Poland for over 10 years
- Founder of Huawei being a former military People's Liberation Army engineer
- Huawei's access to NATO communications raises concerns regarding data security
National Security Risks Associated with Huawei's Technology
- Potential for Huawei's technology to intercept and access sensitive information
- History of Chinese cyber espionage targeting US corporations
- Concerns about hardware vulnerabilities leading to unauthorized access
Senators Call for Investigation of T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, AT&T for Selling Location Data
- Phone companies are selling location data of users such as T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T.
- Senators demand an investigation into the selling of location data for profit.
- Concerns raised about the tracking and selling of individuals' location information for commercial purposes.
National Security Concerns: China's Focus on Information Domination and Anti-Satellite Technology
- China is prioritizing cyber and space capabilities over traditional military power.
- Developing anti-satellite technology to disrupt communication and surveillance abilities.
- Potential threat posed by China's advancements in information control and satellite disruption.
Analysis of Russia and China's Strategic Interests
- Russia's interest in Syria is primarily about maintaining leverage and military foothold, not ideological alignment.
- Discussion on the importance of focusing on China's growing influence and economic power.
- Addressing the need to appreciate certain policy decisions by the current administration, irrespective of personal opinions on President Trump.
Perceptions of Russia and China in Domestic and International Policy
- Contrasting perceptions of Russia and China regarding their approach to foreign policy and power projection.
- Understanding Russia's aggressive stance under Putin's leadership and concerns about rebuilding the Soviet Union.
- Assessment of the current administration's actions against Russia and the discussion on potential election scenarios.
Discussion on Universal Basic Income and Andrew Yang
- Universal Basic Income explained for job loss due to automation
- Concerns on motivation and work ethic with guaranteed income
- Comparison to trust fund kids and impact on motivation
Conspiracy Theories and Michael Hastings' case
- Overview of Michael Hastings' controversial story on General McChrystal
- Speculation on the possibility of remote control of vehicles
- Debate on conspiracy theories and car hacking possibilities
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Affair Revealed
- Lauren Sanchez, an actress resembling someone from 'Modern Family,' has been in a romantic relationship with Jeff Bezos since April 2018.
- News reveals text messages sent by Sanchez to a friend, leading to a scandalous exposure of the affair.
- Comments by Donald Trump and speculations on Bezos' handling of the situation add to the intrigue of the affair.
Exploring Idaho's Underrated Natural Beauty
- Discussion on the beauty of Boise, Idaho, as a fast-growing city and a popular relocation destination.
- Idaho's rich wildlife and outdoor activities like fishing, climbing, and mountain biking described.
- Personal anecdotes about family involvement in fly fishing and appreciation for Idaho's scenery.
Mugsy's Educational Progress and Parenting Dilemma
- Received a note from Mugsy's teacher regarding his assignments
- Discussed ways to motivate a 7-year-old to finish tasks
- Contemplated the pressure on kids and the obsession with success
Stand-Up Comedy and Art of Jokes
- Strategy behind developing and performing stand-up comedy
- Evolution of jokes and the importance of enthusiasm
- Challenges and rewarding feeling of performing in front of an audience
Los Angeles Public School System
- Families at or below poverty level rely on free meal assistance provided by schools.
- Only 12% of high school kids in Los Angeles go on to college, further exacerbating educational inequality.
- California faces significant homelessness issues, with a quarter of the nation's homeless living in the state.
Debate on Income Inequality and Appreciation
- Concerns raised around universal basic income and its potential impact on motivation and entitlement.
- Discussion on effort inequality and the appreciation of opportunities in the current socio-economic system.
- Challenges related to expanding college accessibility and the importance of addressing root issues of inequality from an early age.
Student Loan Debt Crisis
- Discussion on the burden of student loans on college graduates
- Reflection on the impact of student loan debt on future financial prospects
- Concerns about the growing amount of student loan debt and its implications
Presidential Responsibilities and Curiosity
- Conversation about the diverse responsibilities of a president and the need for curiosity
- Comparison of different presidents in terms of their inquisitive nature
- Speculation on the impact of curiosity in dealing with stress and decision-making
Theories Surrounding the JFK Assassination
- Oswald had sufficient training for the massive event.
- Speculation on Oswald's motivation and ties to the Soviets.
- The speaker believes Oswald did not act alone in the assassination.
James Earl Ray - An Investigation
- Ray's sudden behavior change leading up to the MLK assassination is suspicious.
- The lack of an obvious source of income for Ray raises questions.
- The speaker finds Ray's transformation most striking compared to his criminal past.