#1617 - Mike Baker
NaN minutesEpisode #1617
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
Episode Timestamps
Global Cyber Threats and Espionage
- Discussion on recent cyber threats from Russia and China as highlighted by Joe Rogan
- The sophistication and impact of cyber attacks on governmental and commercial sectors
- Exploration of Chinese espionage tactics and long-term strategic approach
Response Strategies and Potential Consequences
- Deliberation on response mechanisms against cyber threats from nations like China
- Consideration of sanctions and trade wars as possible ways to deter cyber espionage
- Challenges in defining appropriate responses in cyberspace and the need for clearer strategies
Global Geopolitics and Strategic Planning
- Discussion on cyber threats and potential adversaries like China, Russia, and North Korea probing weaknesses
- Importance of having contingency plans for prolonged power outages and critical infrastructure failures
- Comparison of strategic planning between major powers and the need for the US to maintain influence
Technology, Intellectual Property, and Information Access
- Concerns about Chinese aggressive tactics including theft of intellectual property
- Conversation on tech giants operating in China despite cybersecurity concerns
- Exploration of search engine preferences and information curation with examples like DuckDuckGo vs. Google
Discussion on Food Choices and Travel Experiences
- Humorous conversation about duck eggs and quail eggs, including peculiar comparisons and preferences
- Exploration of unique dining experiences and mentions of food like tuna tartar
- Brief comments on living in different countries and cultural preferences
Global Politics, Vaccine Propaganda, and Social Media Influence
- Insights into Russia's covert propaganda campaign against US-made vaccines, particularly Pfizer, and the influence on public opinion
- Discussions on the development and approval process of vaccines like Sputnik, highlighting potential side effects and controversy
- Reflections on international relations, misinformation spread via social media, and the impact of divisive political narratives
Revisiting Civil Rights and Political Manipulation
- Discussions on domestic terrorism, racism, and the manipulation of demographics for political gains
- Reflections on civil rights movements of the past and the perception of progress
- Joe Rogan's stance on identity-based discrimination and his support for individual character over superficial traits
Human Complexity, Social Issues, and Personal Defense
- Analysis on the societal impact on individuals leading to criminal behavior
- Joe Rogan's viewpoint on the right to self-defense against dangerous situations
- Consideration of the complexities of human nature and the role of upbringing and environment
Education System Challenges During the Pandemic
- Discussion about the disparities in education during the pandemic based on socio-economic factors
- Critique of narratives spread through social media and their impact on decision-making
- Debate on the effectiveness of remote learning and the importance of physical school attendance for children's well-being
Comedy Community and Public Events during the Pandemic
- Exploration of tensions in the comedy community regarding returning to live performances
- Debunking the concerns of super spreader events at public gatherings
- Criticism of politicization and misinformation surrounding the handling of the pandemic
Questioning American Values and International Comparisons
- Discussion about frustration with people comparing America to other countries
- Comparison of values between America and Iran
- Exploration of anti-American sentiments within America
Global Leadership, National Suppression, and Pragmatism
- Analysis of Chinese leadership under Xi Jinping and tactics of suppression
- Concerns about privacy and information security in international business ventures
- Reflections on political dynamics in the US focusing on varying ideological factions
Technological Symbiosis and the Future of Human Connectivity
- Concerns over the potential rise of technological symbiosis where humans could read each other's minds, making us less human
- Discussion on Elon Musk's Neurolink project aiming to increase human-information bandwidth
- Exploration of the impact of social media and algorithms on human interactions and the potential consequences
Polygraph Challenges and the Quest for Mind-Reading Technology
- Insights into the limitations and failures of polygraph tests in detecting deception
- Discussion on introducing false memories through hypnosis and its implications
- Debate on the need for mind-reading technology for counterintelligence operations while considering ethical concerns
Impact of Access to Information on Society and Human Behavior
- Discussion on the implications of increased access to information and instantaneous understanding on society
- Exploration of how access to information has influenced societal divisions and siloed thinking
- Joe Rogan and guest speculate on the potential effects of technological advancements and human nature
Technological Evolution and Biological Limitations
- Conversation on the intersection of technological evolution and human biological instincts
- Joe Rogan and guest discuss the impact of tribal instincts in the modern world
- Speculation on the role of technology in mitigating societal conflicts and echo chambers
Impact of Media Evolution on Societal Unity
- Reflection on the past when news media had a broader audience creating shared experiences
- Discussion on the current lack of shared moments leading to increased divisiveness
- Debate on the pros and cons of curated information from the past and current awareness of government issues via technology
Technological Advancements and Privacy Concerns
- Exploration of technology's role in data collection and the impact on personal privacy
- Discussion on corporations profiting from personal data shared on platforms like Google and Facebook
- Debate on the balance between technological advancement, information accessibility, and potential threats to individual privacy
Discussion on Preparedness for Power Outages and Winter Storms
- Joe Rogan recalls experiences with power outages in Connecticut and the preparedness needed for such situations
- Comparison between Texas and Connecticut's readiness for winter storms and power outages
- Observations on individual reactions to extreme weather conditions based on their familiarity and preparedness
Debate on Car Reliability and Differences in Brands
- Conversation on the reliability of British cars like the Land Rover and new Defender models
- Comparison of old vs. new Land Cruisers in terms of durability and ease of maintenance
- Humorous banter on the stereotypes associated with different car brands and nationalities
Customized Land Cruiser and Experience with Land Cruisers and other Cars
- Joe Rogan talks about his souped-up 1995 Land Cruiser customized by Icon with a supercharged Corvette engine
- Reflections on the reliability and sturdiness of Land Cruisers during travels overseas
- Comparison with new Defender SUVs and discussion on classic cars like 65 MGB and 67 triumph
Discussion on Modern Cars, GM Vehicles, and Tesla Experience
- Insight into the unreliable nature of new Defender SUVs and other modern cars like Range Rovers
- Praise for the reliability and engineering of new GM vehicles, specifically mentioning the Chevy Corvette as a well-engineered and reliable sports car
- Joe Rogan's admiration for Tesla cars, highlighting the speed and performance of Tesla models compared to traditional vehicles
Appreciation for Vintage Cars, 56 Bel Air, and Automotive Design
- Discussion on the appeal of vintage cars, specifically the 56 Bel Air
- Appreciation for the design aesthetics and excess of cars from the 1950s
- Mention of attending car shows, admiration for customized vehicles, and the joy of owning a car for pure enjoyment rather than just transportation
Vaccine Experience and Reactions to Second Shot
- Personal experience with getting the Moderna vaccine and the reaction to the second shot
- Observations on common symptoms post-second shot like fever, chills, and aches
- Reflection on the decision to get vaccinated despite temporary discomfort and comparison to previous health challenges
Vaccine Hesitancy and Public Perception
- Discussion on the surprising number of healthcare professionals and general public hesitant to take the vaccine
- Concerns about the impact of healthcare professionals refusing the vaccine on public perception
- Mention of different vaccine options and individual decision-making process
Medicine as Educated Guesses and Public Expectations
- Exploration of how medicine involves educated guesses and is not always definitive
- Explanation of inconsistency in messaging during a pandemic like COVID-19
- Advice for the public to be responsible and not expect immediate clear-cut answers from medicine or the government
Health Challenges and Reflection on Life
- Narrative about a heart condition, experiences with blood thinners, and engaging in a post-heart attack exercise program
- Discussion on undergoing colon cancer treatment and advice on the importance of regular check-ups
- Personal insights on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and dietary habits after health scares
Attitudes Towards Veganism and Philosophical Reflections
- Exploration of interactions with vegans and differing dietary beliefs
- Anecdote about a vegan acquaintance's behavior towards non-vegans
- Philosophical musings on righteousness, mortality, and the value of everyday life experiences
Reflections on Movie Storytelling and Public Focus
- Discussion on movie storytelling in the past emphasizing more dialogue, story, and character development
- Analysis of people's short attention span and preference for sensational news
- Reflection on the shift in public focus from international events to domestic politics and entertainment
US Troop Presence in Iraq and Media Prioritization
- Examination of the US military presence in Iraq and Syria, and the recent airstrikes
- Questioning the reasons for continued US military presence in the region
- Critique of media prioritization of sensational news over complex international issues
International Women's Day and Dealing with Criticism
- Discussion on International Women's Day and the fear of being called out for perceived sexism
- Joe Rogan's experience of handling criticism for his views on political extremism and centrism
- Insight into dealing with backlash and standing by personal beliefs even when controversial
Election Integrity and Voting Security
- Exploration of the topic of election fraud and the need for secure voting systems
- Joe Rogan's view on in-person voting versus mail-in ballots and the importance of transparency in elections
- Concerns about potential future electoral issues and the necessity for thorough investigations in DC
Capitol Hill Attack and Social Media's Influence
- Discussion on the events at Capitol Hill and the role of social media in exacerbating divisions
- Exploration of the impact of echo chambers and misinformation on the public
- Analysis of Trump's actions and messaging leading up to the events
UFOs and Defense Program Transparency
- Conversation about the UFO CIA disclosure in the COVID relief bill
- Exploration of the need for transparency in defense programs
- Discussion on the weaponization of space and UFO sightings like the Commander Fraver incident
Exploration of Extraterrestrial Life and Cannabis Business
- Discussion on the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the idea of alien interaction with Earth
- Investment in the cannabis business and the intersection with tax and banking issues
- Importance of legitimizing cannabis and transitioning it into the legitimate world of commerce
Enhancing Performance with Cannabis and Pool Playing
- Effect of cannabis consumption on performance improvement in activities like golf and pool playing
- Observation on high-level pool players using cannabis for improved performance
- Exploration of legal cannabis derivatives like Delta-8 for milder effects