JRE #1931 – Mike Glover

26-Jan-23

This podcast features Mike Glover, a Special Forces/CIA veteran, outdoorsman, and CEO of Fieldcraft Survival. It dives into a range of topics, including preparedness, the military experience, mental health, and the controversial labeling of Glover and his company as potential domestic terrorists.

Provocative topics include Glover’s personal experience with the VA system, the challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life, the dangers of over-reliance on social media and technology, and the potential for government overreach in labeling individuals and organizations as extremists. Underlying themes explore the importance of self-reliance, resilience, community, and the need for a more nuanced approach to understanding and addressing potential threats.

Topics and Summary

1. Bugging Out and Self-Sufficiency

   1. Glover discusses a self-sustained bug-out trip from Phoenix to the Canadian border, emphasizing the impracticality of relying on gas stations during a crisis.
   2. He advocates for preparedness through self-reliance and distancing from institutions, emphasizing the importance of having a backup plan in case of societal breakdown.
   3. This topic connects to the broader theme of preparedness, particularly in the context of potential natural disasters, societal collapse, or other crises.
   4. The discussion highlights the potential for government overreach in labeling those who prepare as extremists, raising concerns about the erosion of individual freedoms.

2. The VA System and PTSD

   1. Glover shares his experience with the VA system, describing the challenges of navigating the evaluation process and the potential for being labeled as having PTSD.
   2. He discusses the subjectivity of PTSD diagnoses and the potential for misinterpretations, particularly in the context of veterans with combat experience.
   3. This topic highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment for mental health issues, particularly for veterans, while also raising concerns about potential misuse of such diagnoses for political purposes.
   4. The discussion connects to the broader theme of mental health and the challenges of transitioning from a high-stress environment to civilian life.

3. The Transition from Military Service to Civilian Life

   1. Glover emphasizes the difficulties of transitioning from military service, particularly for special operations personnel, due to the lack of integrated support programs.
   2. He describes the sense of purpose and community found in military service and the difficulty in finding similar connections in civilian life, leading to feelings of isolation and lack of direction.
   3. This topic highlights the importance of mental health support, community building, and meaningful employment opportunities for veterans, particularly those with specialized skills.
   4. The discussion connects to the broader theme of societal breakdown and the need for individuals to find purpose and meaning beyond traditional institutions.

4. Fieldcraft Survival and Modern Preparedness

   1. Glover explains his vision for Fieldcraft Survival, emphasizing modern preparedness and a practical approach to self-reliance.
   2. He distinguishes his approach from traditional survivalist or bushcraft methods, focusing on skills and knowledge relevant to modern challenges and potential disasters.
   3. This topic highlights the importance of proactive preparedness, including skills like first aid, communication, and self-defense, as a means of mitigating risk and enhancing individual resilience.
   4. The discussion connects to the broader theme of societal breakdown and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their own safety and well-being.

5. Labeling as a Domestic Terrorist

   1. Glover recounts his experience being labeled as a domestic terrorist by the FBI and the subsequent suppression of his business and online presence.
   2. He discusses the lack of due process and the arbitrary nature of this labeling, highlighting the potential for misuse of such classifications against individuals with dissenting views.
   3. This topic raises concerns about government overreach, the abuse of power, and the chilling effect on free speech and dissent, particularly for those who challenge mainstream narratives.
   4. The discussion connects to the broader theme of societal breakdown and the potential for authoritarianism when fear and distrust become dominant forces.

6. The Importance of Resilience

   1. Glover emphasizes the importance of resilience, both physical and mental, as a crucial component of preparedness.
   2. He discusses the concept of “trait anxiety” and how it can lead to overreaction and poor decision-making during stressful situations.
   3. He advocates for regular exercise, mental conditioning, and exposure to challenging situations as a means of building resilience and developing the ability to cope with stress effectively.
   4. This topic connects to the broader theme of self-improvement and the need for individuals to take ownership of their physical and mental well-being.

7. Hypoarousal and the “Freeze” Response

   1. Glover discusses the phenomenon of “hypoarousal,” a freeze response that can occur during traumatic events, leading to a temporary inability to act.
   2. He highlights the importance of understanding this response and developing coping mechanisms for overcoming it, particularly for individuals who have experienced trauma.
   3. This topic connects to the broader theme of mental health and the challenges of dealing with traumatic experiences, particularly in the context of military service.
   4. The discussion highlights the need for more research and understanding of these complex psychological responses to trauma.

8. The Power of Community

   1. Glover emphasizes the importance of community in fostering resilience and a sense of purpose, particularly for those who have experienced trauma or difficulty transitioning to civilian life.
   2. He discusses the benefits of shared experiences, open communication, and shared burdens in building strong bonds and promoting healing.
   3. This topic highlights the need for social connection and support systems as a means of mitigating the negative effects of isolation and societal breakdown.
   4. The discussion connects to the broader theme of human connection and the need to find meaning and purpose beyond individual goals and achievements.

9. The Dangers of Social Media and Technology

   1. Glover expresses concerns about the negative effects of social media on mental health, including the addictive nature of dopamine-driven platforms and the potential for polarization and misinformation.
   2. He discusses the disconnect between virtual realities and real-world experiences, and how this can lead to a lack of incentive for personal growth and self-improvement.
   3. This topic highlights the importance of setting boundaries with technology, fostering real-world connections, and developing a critical eye for information consumed online.
   4. The discussion connects to the broader theme of societal breakdown and the need for individuals to cultivate a healthy relationship with technology and social media.

10. The Role of Government and Corporate Influence

    1. Glover discusses the potential for government overreach in controlling narratives and suppressing dissenting voices, particularly in the context of social media platforms.
    2. He highlights the increasing power of corporations and special interest groups in shaping public discourse and influencing political outcomes.
    3. This topic raises concerns about the erosion of free speech, the manipulation of information, and the need for greater transparency and accountability from both government and corporations.
    4. The discussion connects to the broader theme of societal breakdown and the need for individuals to actively engage in critical thinking and activism to defend their freedoms and protect their interests.

Memorable Quotes

1. “If you’re preparing for the worst case scenario, by default, you are covering everything in between.”
2. “Nobody’s coming to save you. You are your own first response.”
3. “If people want to be better prepared, they have to live the lifestyle. The shit can’t be a hobby.”
4. “The worst thing that’s ever happened to you is the worst thing that’s ever happened, even if it’s someone being mean to you on Twitter.”
5. “We live in a comfort crisis. 93% of Americans’ lives are spent indoors.”