#907 - Mike Baker
NaN minutesEpisode #907
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's Winter Adventures in Idaho: Snow, Skiing, and Family Time
- Mike Baker discusses enjoying winter sports in scenic Idaho, particularly skiing and fishing.
- He shares experiences about fresh snowfall and captivating views while skiing with family and friends.
- Mention of Ryan Callahan, who runs First Light, a hunting clothing company based in Ketchum, Idaho.
The Fight for Public Lands: Jason Chaffetz's Controversial Bill
- Discussion about Jason Chaffetz's proposed bill to sell public lands, sparking outrage among outdoor enthusiasts.
- Emphasis on the importance of public land for recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and hunting.
- Highlighting the economic impact of hunting and fishing on conservation efforts and local economies.
Family Dynamics and Martial Arts: Insights from a Former CIA Operative
- The speaker discusses the challenges and humor of parenting three boys named Scooter, Sluggo, and Muggsy, aged 9, 7, and 5.
- The children have started training in Taekwondo, which the speaker believes will help channel their natural energy and competitive spirits.
- The speaker compares parenting experiences, revealing the unique personalities of his children and how they're influenced by their upbringing and individual interests.
Political Intrigue: Trump's Controversies with the Intelligence Community
- The conversation shifts to the tensions between Donald Trump and the intelligence community, highlighting Trump's controversial comments about flu shots and vaccinations.
- The speaker reflects on the historical context of Russian meddling in U.S. politics, tracing a timeline back to World War II and its implications on current events.
- There is a discussion on the complexities of international relations, focusing on how foreign influence has been a consistent element in American politics.
DNC Hacking: The Russian Influence Behind the 2016 Elections
- The narrative surrounding Russian meddling in the U.S. elections simplifies their actions to mere influence, while they engaged in DNC hacking.
- Discussions around the involvement of Trump and his administration in acknowledging Russian interference highlight a lack of effective communication.
- Concerns raised about public trust in democratic institutions relate to Russia's history of creating chaos, which has implications for global stability.
The Need for American Leadership in a Chaotic Global Landscape
- The U.S. is cautioned against stepping back from global leadership, which may leave a vacuum for ruthless dictatorships to fill.
- America's role in international affairs is debated, with arguments emphasizing the necessity for the U.S. to maintain power and influence to prevent chaos.
- Reflections on previous administrations reveal a struggle between prioritizing domestic concerns and engaging in international responsibilities for global stability.
The Global Perspective: A Dual Citizen's Take on America's Uniqueness and Responsibility
- The speaker emphasizes the uniqueness of the United States as a self-governing experiment compared to other nations.
- Attention is drawn to the flawed nature of humanity, calling for a balanced perspective on America's challenges.
- There’s a discussion on international relations, highlighting the contrasting interests of the U.S. with countries like Russia and parts of Europe.
Unraveling the Russian Influence: The DNC Hack, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and the 2016 Election
- The speaker critiques the narrative around Russia hacking the elections, arguing the focus should be on the exposure of corruption within the DNC.
- Debbie Wasserman Schultz's controversial role in rigging the primaries is scrutinized, showcasing the need for electoral transparency.
- The discussion touches on the broader implications of foreign influence and the importance of recognizing internal political manipulations.
Gabby Garcia's Controversial Fight: A 50-Year-Old Opponent in Japan
- Gabby Garcia, a towering fighter at 6'3" and 240 lbs, faced a 50-year-old woman in a shocking match that raised eyebrows.
- The event showcased Japan's willingness to host extreme and unconventional fights, often called 'freak show fights'.
- The match was criticized for its clear mismatch, illustrating the extreme nature of some sporting events in Japan.
Foreign Interference and Political Chaos: Putin's Interest in Trump vs. Clinton
- The discussion centered around Russian interference in the 2016 election, focusing on the perspectives of Putin regarding Trump and Clinton.
- It was argued that Putin may have seen a Trump victory as a way to create instability within American democracy.
- The segment concluded with the controversial actions of Secret Service agent Kerry O'Grady, who publicly stated she would not protect President Trump, raising ethical concerns.
Bill Clinton's Inauguration Day Stares: The Intriguing Moments of Eyeing Melania Trump
- Discussion of a Secret Service agent's inappropriate public criticism of the president.
- Bill Clinton caught checking out Melania Trump during the inaugural ceremony.
- Speculation about Clinton's controversial past and how it mirrors current political dynamics.
Chelsea Manning's Release: A Legacy of Political Controversy and Personal Transformation
- Obama's controversial commutation of Chelsea Manning and her public statements afterward.
- The complexities around Obama’s handling of the Dakota Access Pipeline issue.
- Manning's potential future in media and the psychological effects of her prison experience.
Chelsea Manning's Torture Claims and the Debate on Military Treatment
- Chelsea Manning describes her experience on suicide watch, stripped of clothing and eyeglasses, leading to feelings of humiliation and mental distress.
- Discussion revolves around the perception of Manning's treatment as torture, with contrasting opinions on the reality of the situation.
- The conversation shifts to the theoretical implications of military protocols and the potential for embarrassment in such environments.
Edward Snowden's Revelations and the Public Response to Government Surveillance
- The conversation highlights the contrast between Chelsea Manning's legal consequences and Edward Snowden's escape from trial after leaking classified information.
- Snowden is portrayed as a complex figure, with some viewing him as a patriot for raising awareness of privacy violations while others criticize him for fleeing to Russia.
- The discussion emphasizes the ongoing debate about national security, civil liberties, and the need for transparency in government practices, especially in the wake of terrorist threats.
The Illusion of Control: Idaho's Local Politicians and the New World Order
- The speaker jokes about the idea of a one world government and reflects on local politics in Idaho.
- Highlights interactions with local politicians, including the governor and senator, emphasizing their connection to the community.
- Advocates for term limits to reduce the influence of lobbyists and enhance the democratic process.
Unsubstantiated Rumors: The BuzzFeed Dossier and Political Discourse
- Discussion about the BuzzFeed dossier alleging misconduct by President Trump involving unverified claims.
- Critiques the media's reliance on anonymous sources and the sensationalism in political reporting.
- Observations on public reactions to political events, highlighting stress and paranoia among citizens regarding government actions.
Confrontation with New Yorkers: The Election's Epic Consequences
- Unexpected dinner conversation in New York highlights extreme reactions to election results.
- Discussion includes comparisons to historical tragedies like 9/11 and the Great Depression.
- The speaker argues we should maintain perspective amidst political chaos.
Middle East Turmoil: The Growing Influence of Iran and Israel's Isolation
- Iran gains leverage in the Middle East while the U.S. loses its influence after Obama's term.
- Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu is left questioning U.S. commitment in the region.
- Emerging alliances between Russia and Iraq, and the implications for security in the Middle East.
The Libyan Chaos: Gaddafi's Shift from Ally to Adversary
- Gaddafi initially cooperated with U.S. counterterrorism efforts but faced removal due to French and Italian interests.
- Libya's complex tribal system has led to chaos, surpassing even Iraq's challenges post-occupation.
- The vacuum created by the fall of Gaddafi allowed extremist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda to thrive.
International Conflicts: Lessons from Afghanistan and Jihadism's Persistence
- The speaker reflects on the futility of expecting democracy in war-torn areas like Afghanistan and Iraq.
- A former GRU officer suggests that temporary military gains without sustained presence are futile against extremism.
- The complexities of identifying and addressing local threats require community engagement and trust-building.
The Struggles of U.S. Superpower Dynamics: Bradley and America's Role
- Discussion on how the U.S. navigates foreign policy while acting in its own best interest.
- The contrast between U.S. and China's economic situations, including concerns of China's economic slowdown.
- Highlighting the risks posed by smaller nations with nuclear capabilities, with a focus on Pakistan and Iran.
The Cybersecurity Dilemma: Trump's Rhetoric and Military Responses
- Analysis of Donald Trump's 'America First' stance and its implications on international relations.
- Concerns about how cyber warfare blurs the lines of military response protocols.
- Debate on what constitutes a significant cyber attack and the preparedness of the Pentagon to respond effectively.
Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges: Insights from Pentagon Experts
- Discussion on the frailty of the power grid and potential military responses to cyber-attacks from nations.
- Importance of diplomacy and constant communication between intel services to mitigate global tensions.
- Recognition of good pragmatic individuals in the new administration, emphasizing a measured response to crises.
The Trump Administration: A Divided Response and National Security Speculations
- Reflection on the divided opinions surrounding Donald Trump’s candidacy and leadership style.
- Concerns over the media's bias and its impact on public perception of the Trump administration.
- Hope for positive outcomes under Trump’s presidency despite underlying chaos and partisan divisions.
Engaging in Democracy: The Tea Party's Impact on American Politics
- The Tea Party is highlighted as a successful grassroots movement that organized politically and impacted elections.
- The discussion emphasizes the importance of constructive political engagement regardless of ideological disagreements.
- There is a call for the far-left to adopt similar organizational strategies as the Tea Party to enhance political dialogue.
Trump and the Media: Scott Adams' Perspective on Persuasion
- Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, discusses Trump's unique ability to dominate media coverage through persuasion.
- Adams, who refrains from voting, illustrates how Trump's outrageous statements keep him in the public eye.
- The conversation explores both media interactions and the implications of security protocols surrounding presidential events.
Inside the Challenging World of Celebrity Protection: A Candid Look at Bodyguarding for the Elite
- The executive protection industry is challenging, requiring skill, diplomacy, and common sense.
- Bodyguards often deal with clients who are indifferent or resistant to their presence, like high-net-worth individuals.
- Physical appearance alone does not determine effectiveness; the smartest person on the team could often be the least imposing.
Vladimir Putin's Grip on Power: A Deep Dive into His Influence and the Threat to Global Stability
- Putin considers the collapse of the Soviet Union the greatest catastrophe of the 20th century, impacting his policies.
- Control over territory and influence, as seen with Crimea and Georgia, is central to Putin's strategy.
- The need for pragmatic engagement with Russia is crucial, given the differences in interests between Putin's agenda and Western ideals.
Corruption in Afghanistan: The Legacy of Hamid Karzai
- Hamid Karzai's regime marked by widespread corruption.
- Initial U.S. support for Karzai turned to scrutiny over the mismanagement of funds.
- Discussion on the need for a strong military stance against global threats, particularly regarding Russia.
Jim Baker's Survival Food: A Modern Televangelist's Gimmick
- Jim Baker markets survival food buckets as essentials for apocalyptic scenarios.
- Controversial approach to prioritizing Syrian Christians in refugee policies under Trump's administration.
- Critique of the unfairness in religious discrimination against Muslim refugees.
Joe Rogan and Mike Baker Discuss Upcoming Events and Fight Companion Plans
- Joe Rogan thanks Mike Baker for his appearance on the show.
- Rogan announces the schedule change regarding the Fight Companion event.
- The next episode will feature Brendan Schaub, Eddie Bravo, Brian Callen, and Jimmy Burke.
Wrap-Up and Future Plans with the Podcast Crew
- Rogan humorously emphasizes not watching the fights before Sunday's recording.
- He plans to fast forward through commercials during the recap.
- The group is excited about the upcoming show and engaging with fans.