JRE #1923 – Mike Baker

11-Jan-23

This podcast dives into the world of espionage, crypto, and current global affairs with Mike Baker, a former CIA covert operations officer. He shares his insights on various topics, including the dangers of China’s intelligence gathering, the absurdity of the crypto craze, and his experience in building a successful business after leaving the CIA. Controversial themes like the potential for a deep state and the validity of conspiracy theories surrounding JFK’s assassination are also explored.

Here’s a deep dive into the podcast, broken down into major topics.

Joe Rogan Podcast #1923 – Mike Baker Topics

1. The Crypto Craze and FTX Collapse:

• Baker expresses his skepticism toward cryptocurrencies, highlighting the inherent vulnerabilities and lack of intrinsic value.
• He compares the FTX collapse to a Ponzi scheme, emphasizing how the lack of proper due diligence contributed to the downfall.
• The discussion emphasizes the dangers of investing in unregulated markets and the need for better oversight to protect investors.
• Baker highlights the importance of basic due diligence, questioning the motives behind the sudden rise and extravagant spending of FTX’s founder, Sam Bankman-Fried.

2. China’s Intelligence Operations:

• Baker details a specific case of Chinese intelligence targeting US aviation companies, highlighting the depth and extent of their efforts.
• He discusses China’s aggressive approach to information gathering, emphasizing their disregard for ethical boundaries and long-term goals.
• He warns about the potential for China to leverage collected biometric data, like facial recognition and fingerprint data, for future technologies.
• The discussion underscores the need for vigilance and proactive defense strategies against China’s growing influence and aggressive intelligence operations.

3. The Russia-Ukraine Conflict and Potential Escalation:

• Baker expresses uncertainty about the end game of the conflict, questioning the ability of the US and NATO to effectively strategize.
• He analyzes potential escalation points, including Russia’s use of unconventional weapons, cyber security attacks, and internal dissent.
• He highlights the difficulties in navigating the conflict’s complexities due to the lack of open discussions and a clear plan.
• The discussion underscores the need for a more open and strategic approach to the conflict, acknowledging the potential for unintended consequences and international tensions.

4. Iran and the Nuclear Threat:

• Baker discusses Iran’s potential for a nuclear breakout, highlighting the shrinking timeframe for enrichment and the potential for conflict.
• He expresses concern about Israel’s potential for preemptive action, warning of the potential for a wider conflict.
• The discussion emphasizes the complex dynamics of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the potential for a regional escalation, and the need for proactive diplomacy.
• He critiques the Biden administration’s approach to the nuclear deal with Iran, questioning the timing and effectiveness of such negotiations.

5. The Deep State and Government Transparency:

• Baker addresses the concept of a “deep state,” acknowledging the potential for intelligence agencies to act autonomously and outside of elected officials’ control.
• He asserts the CIA’s apolitical nature during his time with the agency, emphasizing a focus on information gathering and national security rather than political agendas.
• He discusses the changing landscape of intelligence agencies, highlighting the potential for individuals to gain political influence and undermine transparency.
• He emphasizes the need for ongoing vigilance and scrutiny of intelligence operations to ensure transparency and prevent potential abuse of power.

6. The JFK Assassination and Unreleased CIA Documents:

• Baker responds to Tucker Carlson’s assertion that the CIA was involved in JFK’s assassination, expressing skepticism about the source and the lack of concrete evidence.
• He contrasts the potential for a conspiracy in the JFK assassination with the case of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, highlighting his personal belief that there was more to King’s death.
• He analyzes the motivations behind the CIA’s withholding of documents, suggesting potential connections to Lee Harvey Oswald’s dealings with the Soviets.
• The discussion emphasizes the need for complete transparency and accountability, questioning the rationale for continued secrecy after decades.

7. The Importance of Due Diligence:

• Baker emphasizes the critical role of due diligence in preventing fraud and financial losses, highlighting the common failure to conduct thorough investigations.
• He analyzes the case of Sam Bankman-Fried and FTX, highlighting the red flags that should have been noticed during due diligence.
• He emphasizes the need for comprehensive due diligence on individuals, company structures, and trading activities, particularly in unregulated markets.
• The discussion underscores the importance of asking critical questions, avoiding blind faith in celebrity endorsements and public pronouncements.

8. The Future of Crypto:

• Baker discusses the potential for regulation in the crypto market, arguing that some level of oversight is necessary to protect investors.
• He analyzes the recent collapse of Binance, highlighting the rapid decline in investor confidence and the potential for further losses.
• The discussion emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the crypto market, calling for more robust regulations to prevent future scandals.
• He expresses skepticism about the long-term viability of cryptocurrencies, suggesting that the allure of decentralized currency may not outweigh its inherent risks.

9. The Influence of George Soros and Progressive Politics:

• Baker discusses George Soros’s philanthropic activities and his influence on progressive politics, highlighting his strategic funding of leftist candidates and organizations.
• He describes Soros’s approach as a “global game” of power and influence, emphasizing his desire to enact long-term societal change.
• He expresses concern about Soros’s tactics, highlighting the potential for corruption and manipulation within political systems.
• The discussion raises questions about the role of wealthy individuals in shaping political landscapes and the transparency of their funding practices.

10. The Pandemic’s Impact on Society and Work:

• Baker discusses the pandemic’s impact on societal norms and working practices, highlighting the rapid shift towards remote work.
• He analyzes the potential benefits and drawbacks of remote work, acknowledging both increased flexibility and potential for decreased productivity.
• He predicts a shift back towards in-person work as economic conditions change and employers seek to reestablish a more collaborative environment.
• The discussion emphasizes the evolving nature of the workplace and the need for adaptability and a balanced approach to remote work strategies.

11. Parental Leave and Shifting Societal Norms:

• Baker discusses the growing trend of extended parental leave, particularly paternity leave, highlighting the changing perceptions of fatherhood and societal expectations.
• He expresses skepticism about the effectiveness and practicality of extended paternity leave, questioning the rationale for lengthy periods of time off.
• He highlights the potential for abuse and the need for a more balanced approach, considering the economic implications for businesses and the practicalities of childcare.
• The discussion raises questions about the evolving role of fathers in modern families and the potential for unintended consequences related to work-life balance.

12. The Importance of Faith and Structure:

• Baker reflects on his own lack of emphasis on organized religion in his family life, expressing a potential regret for not providing his children with a stronger sense of faith and structure.
• He discusses the potential benefits of religion in providing moral scaffolding, community, and a sense of purpose, acknowledging the discipline and structure it often fosters.
• He emphasizes the importance of exploring spirituality and a sense of something bigger, regardless of specific religious beliefs, acknowledging the need for a deeper meaning in life.
• The discussion highlights the ongoing debate about the role of faith in society, exploring the complexities of religious influence and the potential for both positive and negative impacts.

Memorable Quotes

Here are some memorable quotes from the podcast.

• “You basically showed everybody how vulnerable this money on a hard drive is.” – Baker on the fragility of cryptocurrencies and the risks associated with digital assets.
• “They don’t really care. They hoover it all up. And then they look at it at some point.” – Baker on China’s intelligence gathering practices and their relentless pursuit of information.
• “I think it’s a good time to say, okay, 2023. Here we are. When should we pay attention to? What are we gonna look at?” – Baker on the need to analyze potential threats and global challenges in the current year.
• “I’ve spent enough time overseas in places where that happens. Every – and and and worse than that is where, you know, a dictator comes in, he goes out, wholesale cleaning, and then he the new guy brings in all his people.” – Baker on the potential for a deep state to develop in a democracy and the dangers of shifting power structures in authoritarian regimes.
• “We have firewalls. We have limits. We have things that we can’t do. Right? And they don’t. If it works, it works.” – Baker on the ethical differences between US intelligence operations and those of China and other hostile nations.