
#1617 - Mike Baker
Mike Baker is a former CIA covert operations officer. He is now the president and cofounder of Diligence LLC, a global intelligence and security firm. Mike is also the host of "Black Files Declassified" now available on Discovery+.
Episodes with Mike Baker
Related Episodes
Categories
Key Takeaways
China's cyber strategy involves long-term planning and infiltration.
Understanding this helps in anticipating potential national security threats.
The SolarWinds hack underscores vulnerabilities across U.S. government and private sectors.
It highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures against sophisticated attacks.
The U.S. must prepare for potential cyber warfare.
Cybersecurity is critical as adversaries probe U.S. infrastructure.
Trade wars and sanctions are seen as necessary evils.
Despite their negative perception, they might be essential for national security.
DuckDuckGo is preferred for unbiased information retrieval.
This highlights concerns over information curation by major search engines.
Episode Timestamps
Concerns Over China's Cybersecurity Threats to the U.S.
- Discussion highlights China's growing naval power and technological influence over the U.S.
- SolarWinds hack exemplifies the risks posed by state-sponsored cyber attacks.
- Experts predict China's long-term cyber strategies aim for global dominance by 2049.
U.S.-China Relations and Cybersecurity Concerns Explored
- The U.S. faces escalating cybersecurity threats from China and Russia.
- Old sanctions are viewed as necessary despite their unpopularity.
- The fragility of the U.S. power grid presents significant vulnerabilities.
Discussion on Search Engines, Vaccines, and Information Curation
- The hosts critique Bing and praise DuckDuckGo for unbiased search results.
- They discuss the challenges of finding information about vaccine side effects online.
- A humorous exchange about duck eggs highlights the discussion's light-hearted nature.
Discussion on Trust and Vaccine Propaganda Amidst Global Tensions
- The conversation touches on trust issues regarding foreign influence in the US.
- Concerns about Russian propaganda affecting vaccine credibility are raised.
- Personal anecdotes about living abroad highlight cultural perceptions and preferences.
Discussion on American divides and social manipulation
- The United States faces unnecessary social divides, including racial and orientation issues.
- Foreign entities manipulate social media to sow discord and distract Americans.
- The speaker emphasizes the need for unity and understanding beyond political affiliations.
Pandemic Reactions: Balancing Health and Economic Realities
- Discussion on the implications of mask mandates and government guidelines.
- Exploration of the societal impact of lockdowns on mental health and children.
- Critique of narratives surrounding COVID-19 and their influence on public opinion.
Discussion on Media Influence and Political Narratives
- Media has a significant impact on public opinion and political narratives.
- The complexities of propaganda and covert actions in global politics are explored.
- Current U.S. political dynamics are critiqued through the lens of leadership and media.
Concerns Over Technology and Truth in Society
- Discussion on the impact of technology on human understanding and truth.
- Concerns about polygraphs and their reliability in truth detection.
- Debate around social narratives influencing public perception and actions.
Exploring the Impact of Technology on Human Perception and Truth
- Hypnosis can create false memories that individuals may genuinely believe.
- Technology is inevitable in enhancing our ability to access information rapidly.
- Access to information could either improve or complicate human interactions and trust.
Technology's Impact on Human Connection and Communication
- The rise of technology has created confusion and isolation among individuals.
- Access to information is driving societal divisions and echo chambers.
- Human biology struggles to keep pace with technological advancements affecting communication.
The Role of Technology and Information in Society's Evolution
- The influence of technology on societal behavior and governance remains significant.
- Concerns about data privacy and corporate control over personal information are increasing.
- Historical trends suggest a decline in violence and crime due to technological advancements.
Ted Cruz's Cancun Trip Sparks Controversy Amid Texas Freeze
- Ted Cruz's vacation during the Texas winter freeze raised significant backlash.
- The discussion highlights the importance of political optics in public service.
- Personal anecdotes illustrate regional differences in preparedness for winter storms.
Debate on the Reliability and Performance of Land Cruisers
- Old Land Cruisers are durable and can be repaired with basic skills.
- New Land Cruisers are praised for their reliability but criticized for their repair complexity.
- The discussion contrasts Land Cruisers with other brands like Range Rover and Corvette.
Passion for Classic Cars and Personal Experiences with Vaccines
- The speaker expresses a lifelong interest in classic cars, especially the 56 Bel Air.
- Discussion includes personal experiences with car repairs and the retro mod industry.
- The speaker shares an anecdote about vaccine reactions after receiving the Moderna shot.
Discussion on COVID-19 Vaccines and Personal Experiences
- Personal anecdotes reveal mixed reactions to COVID-19 vaccination side effects.
- Concerns raised about messaging from health experts regarding vaccine efficacy.
- The importance of individual choice in vaccine decision-making is emphasized.
Reflections on Health Challenges and Life Perspectives
- A near-death experience shifted the speaker's outlook on life.
- Misinformation in medicine creates public distrust during health crises.
- Importance of regular health screenings is emphasized for men's health.
Discussion on Politics, Military Presence, and Cultural Commentary
- The host reflects on the military's ongoing presence in Iraq and Syria.
- Media coverage of military actions is overshadowed by sensational news stories.
- The conversation shifts to cultural references and iconic films for context.
Discussion on Gender Stereotypes and Political Polarization
- Exploration of gender stereotypes in media and societal expectations.
- Debate on the political extremes and their impact on rational discourse.
- Concerns about election integrity and voting accessibility raised.
Concerns Over Election Integrity and Political Polarization
- In-person voting is seen as more transparent than online or mail-in ballots.
- Political fraud is suspected on both sides, creating distrust in the system.
- The Capitol riot highlighted the dangers of misinformation and social media echo chambers.
Election Dynamics and UFO Transparency Discussed
- Republicans lost the Georgia Senate race due to self-inflicted wounds.
- Concerns about voting integrity suppressed Republican turnout in key elections.
- The Pentagon's UFO disclosures highlight the need for transparency in defense matters.
Discussion on UFO sightings and emerging cannabis business
- Commander Fraver discusses his UFO sighting experience and its implications.
- The conversation shifts to cannabis business opportunities and future regulations.
- Humor is interjected about the benefits of cannabis in leisure activities.
People Mentioned
Joe Rogan
Podcast Host
Mike Baker
Podcast Host, Former CIA Officer, Security Consultant
Xi Jinping
President of China
Pussy Riot
Political dissidents, Activists
Jamie
Podcast host, Commentator
Governor Abbott
Governor of Texas
Joe Biden
President of the United States, President
Unnamed Speaker
Podcast Host/Guest
Jamie Metzl
Neuroscientist, Author
Stephen Pinker
Psychologist, Author
Ted Cruz
Senator from Texas, Politician, U.S. Senator
Jonathan Ward
Automotive Expert
Christopher Titus
Comedian
Dr. Anthony Fauci
Public health official, Immunologist
Unknown
Patient, Reflective Narrator
Donald Trump
Former President
Commander Fraver
Military Commander, UFO Sighting Witness
Places Mentioned
Australia
Country
New Zealand
Country
Austin, Texas
City
Idaho
State in the USA
Boise
City
Connecticut
U.S. State
Grapevine Institute, Heart Institute
Medical Facility
Cancun
Resort
Iraq
Country
Syria
Country
San Diego
Location
Notable Quotes
"Chinese, yeah, mean, we've focused four years Russians, know, they're, know, know, they're going able get touch us."
Discussing the focus on Russian cyber threats while underestimating China.
"They'll develop potential recruit years years years. they'll infiltrate society organization."
Describing China's methodical approach to cyber espionage.
"We've got to make clear understood Chinese regime we're going to put shit."
Discussing the need for a strong response to China.
"The thing, right? like we're it, people always say say something like that, well, U.S. too."
Reflecting on the U.S. role in global conflicts.
"DuckDuckGo gives uncurated information. That's good."
Discussing the advantages of DuckDuckGo over Google.