Andrew Bustamante: CIA Spy | Lex Fridman Podcast

[@lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Wealthfront: wealthfront.com/LEX to get $50 sign-up bonus - LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/lex to get free sample pack - BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off - ExpressVPN: expressvpn.com/lexpod to get 3 months free - MasterClass: masterclass.com/lex to get 15% off 0:56 - CIA and the President 12:34 - War in Ukraine 53:30 - Most powerful intelligence agencies 1:00:40 - David Petraeus 1:10:17 - Undercover disguises 1:23:16 - Human nature 1:32:36 - CIA recruitment process 1:49:19 - CIA and secrecy 1:55:52 - Cyber security 2:06:34 - Sexpionage 2:13:08 - Private intelligence 2:26:35 - NSA and Snowden 2:54:34 - Conspiracy theories 3:15:42 - CIA and UFOs 3:30:27 - Spy tricks 3:47:10 - Advice for young people

[@DailyTechNews4U]

Thanks, Lex! Any updates on interview with Putin?

[@lisettegarcia]

I'm only 3:00 minutes in and he already misspoke about the source of the authorities. It is not divvied up by the executive. The authorities are legislative in nature, stemming directly from federal statute, codified in the US Code following drafting and ratification by the US Congress. He's also wrong about how money is appropriated/spent 6:20 but he is accurate that 6:25 the directors "serve at the pleasure of the President." Ntl, he's wrong about this appointment structure being reducible to cronyism because the agency could effectively mount a coup against the president and the country if Presidents can't choose leaders to those organizations that they trust. The body of the organization in the form of nonpolitical staff -- each of which is empowered to disregard any illegal order -- is the check against the corruption he purportedly decries.

[@1walicki]

Every now and again his voice & intonations sounds just like Joe Rogan

[@garad123456]

29:30 He claims that UK paid off the lend-lease aid in 2020. That is absolutely false. Lend-lease of WW2 didnt have to be paid back. "The Lend-Lease agreements with 30 countries provided for repayment not in terms of money or returned goods, but in "joint action directed towards the creation of a liberalized international economic order in the postwar world." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lend-Lease He may be mixing it with the anglo-american loan which was given after war and UK paid back in 2006. It helped UK economy to stay running. Also US gave enormous amounts of aid to europe to rebuild, known as marshall aid. This guy frames american aid to europe as malicious, wanting to debt countries. He spreads downright lies and Lex does nothing about it. That's the quality of this podcast.

[@danielshaffer1283]

Just listened to the Ukraine part. I am glad to hear Lex doing more pushback, and it seems the visit to Ukraine maybe revealed to him something that Bustamante does not understand, that Ukrainians are fighting for their freedom. Bustamante is wrong, by the way, that revolutions and wars of independence have only been one with support of great powers. Look at India or Israel for some examples, or say Algeria. Bustamante also seems to miss the bigger geopolitical picture and why it’s important for the West that Ukraine wins: if Russia wins, it will keep invading it’s neighbors, as will other countries that calculate that they can get away with it. That will weaken the western order of the world we live in, including democracy, freedom and other human rights. So his assessment on Ukraine I believe is as wrong as it was on how quickly Russia will take Ukraine (as he admits), and for the same reason. Even if Ukraine falls to Russia, they will resist the puppet government, just like the Finns did in 1930’s. Russia lost already, even if it conquers Ukraine. To Lex, if you read this: I had been banned by you or one of you admins on your telegram. Most likely because I speculated that you might still be looking up to Putin as you seemed to before. I can’t know what your true opinion is, but I am hopeful that if you ever did admire Putin, that visiting Ukraine changed your mind. It takes strong character to change your own mind. Hopefully you can then understand why I was upset with you before, if that showed through my comments. As you, this conflict is personal to me. I am still not sure what your stance is now, but I’ll be looking forward to your video on the trip to Ukraine with some hope now.

[@mrgman1326]

I’m a retired FBI Special Agent, and I can say that Andrew’s thoughts on our government not using surveillance against us, but only for terrorism is incredibly naive.

[@misterserious3522]

One doesnt need to be a retired FIB speshul agent to get that.

[@monica1811]

It’s also a lie. Though he may actually believe that, deceive until one believes can apply to themselves as well.

[@sqatsi1101]

Security over freedom leads to neither-he’s had a cup of kool-aid too many despite his high IQ.

[@deejhay]

That's not Andrew's thoughts... it's legend

[@mgmassey174]

Well then, as the daughter of predatory pedophiles, I'd say my naivete went back in 1963. I trust no one .

[@mrmofopink]

"When exposing a crime is treated as committing a crime, you are being ruled by criminals" - Edward Snowden.

[@mariannorton4161]

Yep.

[@Ojja78]

Damn, that hits hard.

[@jannichi6431]

Wonder how the free Snowden movement is doing, haven't heard anything a while?

[@marineviet-vet2908]

correction my friend, Not where that sublime Detective Sherlock Holmes enters an apperance

[@user-qc8vj3vp9v]

Great, and accurate statement.👍🏼❤

[@therikkest310]

I like that Lex always has prepared questions but also goes off script when he's interested. He's the perfect AI.

[@markandremy]

lol

[@zekea7873]

@Melvin Deeply He told Zuckerberg, “a lot of people dislike you, some may even say hate you”.

[@seeyanexttuesday23]

"Off script" Lex is the best. We want to see him engaged in the conversation enough to forget he has an audience. I believe the best has yet to come here. He is a butterfly. ♥️

[@JohnCraic89]

🤣🤣

[@Y0utubePresident]

🤣

[@NathanAnderson-kl2rf]

This episode of the Lex Friedman podcast brought to you by the CIA.

[@stephaniewhite9668]

And For Kamala Harris 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

[@donnakirkpatrick8599]

As a citizen of 78 years old, I haven't trusted government since November 1963. Lots of people in my generation think this more and more . Corruption has grown in this country as it has in every government throughout time.

[@anuragmadan]

but was there a good time at all?

[@user-qr2kt2oq7s]

Before the criminals showed us who they were.

[@terranwars3504]

But it's your generation making the rules right now. And have been for a while.

[@Brian-nl1ok]

: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Ben Franklin.

[@alexandrailubs2945]

78?😮

[@iiii4024]

Don’t trust a guy that defends national surveillance. Especially when he says those that care about privacy are a threat & shouldn’t have a say in the topic. “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety”~ Ben Franklin

[@trinydex]

people always say this, but how realistic is it when your peer competitors don't do that? when they don't have to be restrained? especially since the actual real damage to the populace from these surveillance programs is actually close to 0. can I ask you when the last time government surveillance negatively affected your life? meta data collected was used against you?

[@dmc6262]

Just because Mr Franklin said it, doesn't make it true or at least true all the time. That quote is parroted out ad nauseam without much thought. Second, just because someone disagrees with the refrain, doesn't necessarily make them untrustworthy.

[@incredible5587]

he also said the president is the number one customer. that was just weird.

[@iiii4024]

@@trinydex I’m pro life & have had multiple friends of mine approached by FBI due to their political beliefs One because he was pro life and another because he posted a meme about Jan 6th. It does have real world effects

[@trinydex]

your friend got a visit for posting a meme, on the internet I presume. that has nothing to do with these clandestine programs. that's called open source intelligence. your other friend who is pro life didn't get a visit just because they were pro life.

[@ChiaraDBrown]

Andrew: I am trained by the most competent spy agency in the world to lie to people and pretend that I am their friend and giving them something they want, but I actually have ulterior motives and am willing to do or say practically anything to achieve those motives. And even though I am not longer employed by the CIA, I still enjoy doing that in my personal life. Everyone: But he's not doing that with us!!!

[@vivekjain1948]

nice. He's a fucking sociopath.

[@sneauxday7002]

For fucking real dude, can't trust this lifer one bit.

[@missdaisy2853]

😆

[@Grant3758]

100%

[@aprylvanryn5898]

facts

[@Akashmash]

How many times will they recommend this to me as I get to sleep???

[@peterabnormal327]

😂😂😂😂 same

[@RasmusJ]

The question is how many times will you fall for it 😂

[@uhleessha]

It helps me fall asleep 😴

[@hol08048275]

Same. At least 4 times for me already over the last year. Always start hearing it while dreaming.

[@predatxr7624]

@@RasmusJ an elaboration would be greatly appreciated

[@brentm9848]

He has an amazing ability to sound so certain and so knowledgeable about things he was entirely (and predictably) wrong about.

[@Skaggs666]

Like the US trying to seek diplomatic solutions to abducted citizens. I lol’d at that one

[@spermwater]

@brentm9848 do you have any sources that can validate this? (Serious question)

[@chrisf4268]

That is how people like him earn a living. There are many of his kind out there.

[@stephencurtis2282]

This guy is a salesman for US interests and stated intentions. He's a clever and highly intelligent mind manipulator and I would not trust him with a toothpick. The US is going through a remarkable moral conflict within itself. It says "democracy and freedom" while it parlays with the worst examples of non-democratic regimes worldwide. The mantra is that the ends must justify the means at any cost. They are embedded in a truly immense moral vacuum where principles are exchanged for expedient so blithely and often; so conflicted and removed from truth, that it's hard to comprehend what they stand for anymore. If only they did what they said. The real reason they don't is because their moral compass has been so overrun by the military imperative that it's impossible anymore to know what is real and what they truly value. This is 'Orwell' written in the language of cubic dollars, the lies of the US government, while at the cost of the lives of the propagandized and indentured governments. War is a terrible thing, but we don't mind, if we get the result we want - this is what they are saying. Ukraine is the plaything of the hegemonic interests of the US as it faces down Russia while it invokes its worn-out platitudes for an expedient.

[@stefanpopescu9664]

like any sociopath liar ... he is just another Wayne Simmons, not even a good one ... I have no idea how he tricked Lex to get on his podcast

[@ultramiddle4991]

Why am I waking up in the middle of the night with this playing on my phone? This interview is one year old

[@salvaloco17]

This literally just happened to me. lol

[@selmeb1291]

Me too!

[@leslielearnorth]

You too??! I thought I was the only one who fell asleep to yt 😅

[@michaelhicks3909]

Same

[@ultramiddle4991]

@@leslielearnorth Cannot fall asleep unless I have a story or conversation going to occupy my mind so I will lay still long enough to zonk out. Also it runs interference with tinnitus. You?

[@renaissanceredneck73]

One thing I heard a CIA operative say is, there is "No such thing as former CIA."

[@renaissanceredneck73]

@@minibobber ask a Marine if they were "formerly" a Marine.

[@Roberto-de8xv]

​@@renaissanceredneck73my friend says former Marine but he felt duped for fighting in Iraq..the propaganda was strong back then

[@vibes24osrs]

thats simply not true theres a former CIA agent that lives in my town his whole identity is being a former CIA member lol

[@renaissanceredneck73]

@@vibes24osrs you apparently missed the point. Yes, there are people that are former employees of the CIA, and yet most still maintain their contacts with the agency, and will do favors for their former employer, just search for "Anderson+Cooper+CIA". But yes, technically you're correct.

[@cemdursun]

Criminal organizations tend to work that way

[@jomartcanlas6917]

Woke up 3am and this is playing 😂

[@sarahsantora8592]

Me too!! And I listen to Buddhist wisdom, Eckhart Tolle and meditation- so what algorithm picked this one?

[@izrealfluid24]

The last thing I'm going to do is trust anything CIA agent says

[@aaronjenkins2135]

When the cia agent is telling you the opposite is true of what the official media is telling you then you listen.

[@Wisdom_and_truth]

All information is good information. It is good to distrust and question everything. It's foolish to completely turn away someone's voice because of their past.

[@CockSmasher-xw4px]

@@Wisdom_and_truth You probably read through all your spam emails dont you?

[@indogyrsimdead]

@@CockSmasher-xw4px lol

[@ChicagoHaitian3566]

@@CockSmasher-xw4px😂😂😂

[@LogZyn]

Ive woken up to this video for the past 200 days. I can almost recite it.

[@danielsmith337]

He's your DMC .. Daily Man Crush

[@danielgyllenbreider]

wow....just wow.

[@hotbam37]

I keep waking up to different videos from this channel. I have never watched this channel before either.

[@Akeoni]

🤣😂🤣😂

[@1badjesus]

pick another with a more informed/intelligent guest.

[@JoshMckinneyShow]

There's something I don't quite trust about Andrew. He seemed really sharp and I was loving his dispassionate analysis of situations but as the podcast went on, I began trusting him less and less. So many questions Lex asked, didn't really get answered, and his opinion on NSA mass surveillance and the need for us to feel safe are major red flags.

[@ZorexZockt]

Clearly part of CIAs PR department

[@andrewgusak123ua]

The whole Ukraine segment on his part was a total bs.

[@pwilliams3600]

Exactly. His NSA defense was...something. We are seeing in real time what an out of control FBI, DOJ and likely NSA can do. It doesn't require a whole new "secret police, secret court", etc. This guy is either a fanboi or part of the PR effort.

[@mofayer]

@@andrewgusak123ua are you aware of your obvious bias given you have UA in name and UA flag? because if you did you would've known that your opinion on this matter is worth nothing.

[@dimebucker2]

I had exactly the same feeling

[@zapyourbrainexposed]

Actually, Andrew. The words you speak of Edward Snowden apply to you, not him. He was a whistle blower against the over reach and abuse of power. Charging him for whistle blowing against the over reach and abuse of power is a crime. He is an international hero. Your a blip on the radar of history, Andrew.

[@Magdalena8008s]

But you know he didn't just steal patriot act stuff, right? Yes, he did the right thing with that. But he also took other things that had nothing to do with what was illegal. Nobody talks about that. And it should be.

[@chrisburke624]

​@Magdalena8008s True. And thats a fair point. I dont know the specifics of what else Snowden took, so maybe he is a bad actor who just pulled the wool over our eyes (i dont feel like thats the case, but its a possibility) Maybe he took the other material as a safety ticket? Because I'm fairly confident the agency would take him out without hesitation if he didn't have something ensuring his safety

[@sbarmiueenl]

That guy made a living out of lying, but he would never lie to us.

[@saxhound2003]

. . ever . . His eyes can see thru a concrete wall, as easily as a bank vault door, and read your mind like an open book, already closed. Thank You Andy and Lex! Have some more Kool aid . . and relax . .

[@saxhound2003]

1:46:00 1:46:00 1:46:00 Z-row One of You are one too . . oroZ.;¿

[@letyourlightshine8646]

Once CIA always CIA. No one ever leaves. The role may change, but I think it’s obvious to most that ole Andy is tasked with repairing the image of the spooks.

[@Humanfirst528]

😂😂😂 oh no he would NEVER lie to "who"???

[@Humanfirst528]

CIA needs to be dismanled! They are out of control for the gouverment!!

[@DoctorGorbon]

CIA PAYING KZbin TO PUMP THIS INTO MY BRAIN AT 4AM LOLLL

[@jmwlife2k]

For real!!! I’m up at 5am listening to this like what the heck. This man is so contradictory it’s crazy lol

[@jamesmcclain3588]

It’s always my play next I don’t understand

[@carlrigby9231]

6am for me ☠️

[@Alex-Johnson404]

Same lmao. I slept while listening to it and woke up to him talking absolut bullshit. I thought to myself wtf is this 2:44:24 and slept again 😂

[@copperspartan1643]

The CIA mind controlling me while I sleep! Only anonymous online people agree. Am I the schitzo now?

[@PronkDaMonk]

This guy is like a cool youth pastor for the cia

[@jamiegoldstein9356]

He taught Bobby Hill how to skateboard 🤣

[@sidiquegeloo1816]

Lol

[@julius333333]

did you listen to what he was saying

[@sidiquegeloo1816]

@@julius333333 yeah he sounds more like a Pro Putin realist

[@MiaKhalifa-mj5xz]

Yeah except not cool. Spouting bs

[@GenXstacker]

This guy's attitude is a perfect example of why the Founders insisted on civilian leadership. He assumes that putting someone outside the agency in charge is cronyism, but how better for the President to ensure that his priorities for the agency are being put into action than for him to appoint his own man to lead it? The fact that these people's careers were put on hold for 4 years is a feature, not a bug. An intelligence agency is there to serve the President, not the other way around.

[@Branko353]

He finally found his dream job. Working for CIA as an ex-CIA.

[@SalemSphynx]

Lol🤷🏻‍♀️

[@tewekdenahom485]

ex cia is code for CIA agent for life

[@lprophit]

haha

[@irajohnson1101]

The interviewee is giving his thoughts on the possibility of the outcome of the war bad or not.

[@jmp01a24]

There's a word for such a guy... can't quite remember, plz help me. TRAITOR!!!

[@momentarynarration]

Loving Mike Baker’s new disguise, almost couldn’t tell it was him

[@kwameowusu8351]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@goranbrajkovic9925]

😂😂😂

[@remix-yy1hs]

Hahahah I love you man. I was losing hope. Thanks man I really mean it

[@juniorcusn]

🤣

[@henry06x]

Mike baker leaves his phone at home and takes an old dumb car woody wagon to disappear in the woods. This dudes full on let the government spy on you we would never turn it against you….

[@victorjans3771]

His "moral flexibility" really showed when he talked about Snowden and mass surveillance.

[@PhilipDirven]

Indeed, I also think that for the majority of the people 'Snowden' was a wake up call instead of a bleep on their radar.

[@sb75ification]

Victor Jans….you’ve just been put on 17 additional Fed lists.

[@victorjans3771]

@@sb75ification trust me, I'm on all of them

[@jovianfour20]

His "bass-line" was squirming.

[@jovianfour20]

"Its much more sensible to be a silent servant humbly carrying the burden of public service". Sounds legit. I wish some of our tax money would silently and humbly give us some health care and public education.

[@MrMichael1989v]

Never trust the judgment of a person who is so certain about things.

[@marksutherlandjr.2121]

Snowden is literally the definition of doing the right thing in the face of incredible adversity. 👏

[@iancrawford7655]

Yeah bull shit Snowden is in Russia rn with US secrets Snowden did the right thing the wrong way he tried to leverage info to get sanctuary and although it worked he's fucked later if we ever captured a Russian with info we would just trade lmao

[@jennifermommy9373]

What Snowden did was brave and people needed to know but the execution of getting the info out was sloppy. The news "blacked" out information but you could still see the info. Snowden should be in America living free but the way the release was handled put "American assets" at risk.

[@reecie44]

@@jennifermommy9373o

[@moodybugg-2098]

Snowden is controlled opposition. 100%. Do you really think we would have had such mainstream coverage on him. Although they portrayed it as negative. He was getting paid for an acting gig.. what does he care. Snowden is a made for TV character. Period. If they didn't want us to hear Snowden, WE'D NEVER KNOW . We only see and hear what They want us to see & hear. I can't believe grown men and women haven't ALL figured this out. It's so ridiculous, the amount of SHIT people believe if heard on the news. Like the moon landing 6

[@WhoWannaKw]

​@@moodybugg-2098 I Definately believe that. There is No Snowden altho there Was an entity tht Was a Whistle Blower... on tht subject. The character portrayed is a job for an actor possibly living out of country but is more likely some merman embedded in a community who never is in the general public as a norm... Or whatever. The Original Snowden carries a different name and in my opinion is still working for some part of the behind the scenes "good" military & is protected by a different identity in return for his work. And I Also think he lives here in the US. While the made for TV version is exactly what you described. Lk I sd... it's my gut opinion but I honestly feel alot of ppl out there feel the same. Sending 💌 Love 💖Light ✨️ & Blessings ✝️ Take Care

[@GerardVaughan-qe7ml]

"Our disinformation campaign will be complete when everything the American citizen thinks they know, is untrue". William Casey CIA director ( way back when)

[@denovo62]

Yeah and Mike Pompeo’s more recent comment “we lie, we cheat, we steal….” When referring to his stint heading the CIA. Their resume reads like the right hand guy of Satan himself.

[@alexlaw1892]

They're campaign must be close to complete then. Pretty much everyone thinks. Race mixing, pedophilia, the moon landing, and germ theory are true and moral. So job done.

[@user-ws3sl9xi7y]

What a creepy quote huh?

[@Jamesfrancosdog]

There’s no proof this quote is even real. A staffer claimed she heard it in a meeting with Him And President Reagan.

[@Jenny-uv4dl]

Wht a creepy and a telling statement THEY WARNED US didn't they😮

[@vovasemenenko9458]

I was thinking “wow what a likable guy” until he started talking about the NSA. Then I remembered- Oh yeah, this guy is a fed 😂

[@johnmcauliffe8824]

A rule of thumb is that there is no such thing as "ex CIA"

[@JonBonDylan]

Yes exactly - we are ignorant, and he is on the side of the law 😂 Jesus was a criminal in the eyes of law

[@susanlorraineknox5780]

I'd be real careful about lumping everyone onto an either/or paradigm. There are always exceptions and gradients. It's hard to tell who's who these days.

[@vovasemenenko9458]

@@susanlorraineknox5780 ok Karen

[@saveamerica7502]

2:33 yes a private court, along with with having the knowledge of what some politician is said privately to use against them. Sometimes it's not about prosecution it's about leverage and you can bet this guy knows I agree with the original poster the sky is likeable but he is definitely drank the Kool-Aid that we should trust these agencies as if they haven't had an agenda to be able to drag in billions and billions of dollars for their operations. And they need Congress to approve a lot of that dark money what a better way to do it than to read into their metadata which is already been proven that the organizations have done this. One last thing they don't need to take it to the courts and have the courts arrest people they just need to say we don't like this person's view take them off Twitter or X right like we have already seen proven again that if they don't like your views they will remove you from social media while the government just hints at the fact that this person is a bad person.

[@GlenCooper-sj4lh]

"To actually be safe?" What a great question you made Lex. Thank you. We should all be concerned about a surveillance state.

[@uasiddiq]

Andrew was mostly consistent except when he said he was okay with a surveillance state without the permission of Congress... "I'm okay with the NSA having all my passwords for that safety." He kept speaking of empirical evidence. There's no empirical evidence that the mass surveillance saved any lives and that the mass surveillance would have stopped previous attacks like 9/11. Snowden may be a blip, but his reasoning was far more sound than the way Andrew made it seem in this interview.

[@elevenpsy]

It is Andrew’s job to talk Snowden down like he was a “blip” and nothing more. This is a PR campaign for the CIA.

[@traceyjohnson7521]

Agreed.

[@ErnestCarroll]

He was speaking of “empirical” evidence

[@jakeonyx4775]

Good point lad

[@neptunejoo]

Agreed. The more I hear him talking the more I am convinced the CIA is an evil organisation as a whole.

[@MrEazyE357]

Never thought I'd see two spies from opposing countries talking to each other on a podcast. The world we live in!

[@rachelmolina986]

😂😂😂 .. best comment here!!

[@idn]

LOL

[@stephenuhe9229]

There is a story where you had to be the survivor and it was a contest so only soldiers entered this contest This contest was on a really really rugged wild mountain track with wild weather and snow and one had to hunt to catch their tucker their food and hike and miss landmines and then get back to the base and be the 1st first back and be the winner and than you would get to become an elite soldier a spy or whatever or the equivalent of the green Berrets. Anyway the contestant the brave soldier would be dropped off in the wild at the beginning of this extremely crazy and unpredictable corse with just a compass and weapon and moderately warm clothing and a tarp that could be easily carried also a very sketchy map and then get driven to the drop off point where the soldier the contestant would have to hike back to base the best way he could. The track was made so that the soldiers the contestant would enivatably have to go over the mountain and along a ridge to get back to base and they were given the bare essentials in order to survive or sometimes die as it was a harrowing journey. They sent the soldiers out one by one so when one got back usually after a month then they would send out the next contestant the next soldier. Anyway this one soldier came back only after one day and one night and the judges looked really surprised as absolutely no one had finished their quest the corse so quickly or usually did not return within a month so the judges the commanders were like um "CONGRADULATIONS augh um we think... but we can't work out why you finished the hike the corse augh that by the way usually takes a month and mostly more than a month to return and you soldier are back the next day...how " the judges asked and the soldier "how did you manage to do this "? the judges were confused as they asked hesitantly. A sly smile came over the soldiers the winners face. If your reading this story have you worked out how the soldier the winner how he managed and how he returned back to base only after a day and night and so efficiently or and quickly ?? "Like I stated" the dude soldier said and then ...a sly smile returned and came over his face as the judges shuffled their feet and he said " well i didn't really want to get frozen out there where its minus ten degrees and I heard that most soldiers died trying to make it back to the finish line first so he said I will tell you so he went on to say "well on the way to the drop off point I started thinking about my chance of winning and at this point may I remind you gentlemen um officers that you said " first back" so I thought about that and my survival chances and spoke to my driver about it and he told me he had dreamed of doing the corse and becoming a top gun and a hero but he said he knew from past exercises and training drills that his chances of even finishing the corse were slim and he said he was" pretty much a failure and then the driver went on to tell me how he didn't know if he would ever even get up the nerve to speak and it was at this stage of the conversation I offered him a smoke as he the driver finished his sentence..." to any gir.... " "So in my mind at this moment I assessed his life and thought yeah mate your not really soldier material and your life sounds so depressing and it was at that piont that I knew how I was going to win and get back to the finish line first and how I would be certain to win" said the soldier and he stated and it was at that moment that I pulled out my knife and as swiftly as I could i mustered all my strength and all my inner gall and put aside my guilt and then without another thought to my fellow driver I plunged the knife deeply into the drivers body and I managed to kill him quickly and cleanly thus I won " he looked satisfied and said ". I am the winner ....correct. ????!! I hope you enjoyed this story. I wonder how many readers guessed the ending before the end ?? The END.

[@JeffKubel]

Lmao

[@stephenuhe9229]

@@AB-wf8ek I never claimed to be a good story writer but it does make one wonder about the stakes and the outcome and the justification. The dude was made for killing I guess. I just got fascinated by the tale.

[@loganontherun]

Found Lex when he was on Rogan's podcast and can say this is now my #1 watched/listen too thing on the internet. Amazing questions and calmness can have me listening for hours

[@Sorayaraqs]

Welcome to the 🤓 group. Haha

[@XxGMANxXaltered]

Same. Lex is the best for knowledgeable pods.

[@yannikakapralli]

[@luke144]

He's good!!!

[@AdventureAvengers]

I watch this more now too

[@kal4315]

this video is the one that autoplays most often on youtube. no matter what i watch (and no im not subscribed to lex) this is the next video! now i see that it has 17m views 😂 dude you’re making money of of people who are not watching but sleeping! i dont know if its a glitch or what but if i hear lex’s voice again in the middle of the night i am caneling my subscription to youtube

[@mattingly8322]

This dude is still an active operator. His defense of the NSA is ludicrous.

[@veprk8662]

I skipped most interview but glad the bs is getting calles out

[@mattingly8322]

@@veprk8662 it's a great interview and he is obviously a very talented intelligent human but he just is so un trust worthy. He basically tells the listener to not trust him

[@simbareps682]

Came here just to say this. His take on Snowden was ridiculous. This motherfucker was planted on this show lol

[@caseyleonard1327]

Lex's handler

[@raceeverythinga1326]

@@jamiewoodstock1006 they absolutely would.

[@onetoolfan]

Dang! This fed is so cool, with his hippie shirt, his bandana, his cool guy long hair and beard! He's one of us! I now completely agree with his warped intepretation of freedom of speech and agree that all communication must be monitored and controlled, due to the threat of propaganda aimed at English speaking Russians. Big brother is actually pretty cool, dunno what we were all so scared of.

[@hawkeyeplank]

One of us. One of us. One of us.

[@stevenguevara2184]

What does His Shirt say? What's it about? Im dying to know

[@elevenpsy]

It’s so good to see people on here that have a good sense of awareness

[@millissa3756]

eNgLiSh SpEaKiNg RuSsIaNs

[@joshualeblanc8557]

CIA operatives aren’t feds

[@wnstephens]

I really appreciate your calm demeanor, Lex. Tired of hyper, screaming interviewers. Also appreciate the intelligent conversation rather than one sided aggression. Good job! I’m always ready to listen to Mr. Bustamante. Thanks!

[@genesises]

@@nicholaskrancher2693 the ones she doesnt like and never listened to 😅 to be fair 90% of the comments are just the same comment made over and over again, specifically that AI joke. i think the sentiment is more important here!

[@alexr3526]

I so enjoy your podcast... I know it was not easy to hear things so bluntly... I do appreciate both of y'alls authenticity... A true conversation!! Thanks

[@welcome33333]

One year later, it has luckily not played out as Andrew predicted. Germany survived winter, the Ukrainian South has not fallen, Odessa is still free and the war has not come to Moldova.

[@ChamikaraBandaraFilm]

But RUS is keep shelling at Odessa harbor.

[@vanritma4198]

He might give you some true informations, but i think this is false programming. Still an agent as you say, so who knows what they are about here.

[@jennifermommy9373]

Well, it's been a bit since your comment and Ukraine isn't doing well. They are begging for more money. No money? Then credit? There is talk of putting troops on the ground. People are worried about a draft because it's going "so well" for Ukraine. Nah. We are being fed lies about how that war is going. Fortunately for the North American governments, Gaza is getting scary spicy. A great distraction from Ukraine and the taxpayers' money being laundered through these wars for our political elites and their oligarchies and whatever foreign power has money to grease our government or wants grease money from America. Have we all forgotten how many of these nations hate us. Hate our freedom from religion and our freedom to be whatever religion we want. North America isn't a cou try any more it's a corporation, and it's run like a slum lord runs his rental units. Ukraine can't win this war the way zelensky is demanding. The fact that a cease fire, truce, and negotiations are not a priority. Why? All we get is propaganda. Gaza? That war has been raging for thousands of years. Both sides are willing to be rabid, out of control monsters to each other. There is noway that your everyday moron knows enough true information to be cheering for a Jewish genocide or a Palestinian genocide. Hamasaki is using the ppl as a shield while the kill members on the other side. So should Isreal just lay down and let Hamasaki kill them in events like oct 7th? Of course not. At this point, both sides have done horrifying crimes against humanity to each other. For ppl in month America to act so sure, so cavalier about that conflict like Amy of us have a real clue about it or even have a right to tell other countries what to do. Meanwhile North American citizens are going to freeze this winter, starve, lose their homes, etc, and our governments are more worried about their bank accounts than the fact that how they are governing is destroying our nation's. It's slimy and disgusting, and as long as we keep buying the woke narrative the way the politicians want us to things will only get worse. Humans thrive under boundaries, borders, structure, routine, certainties in our life but woke is robbing us of all of that while fixing nothing.

[@bluesuedeshoes801]

True that tbh, but I won't fault his train of thought at the time. Plus Russia has the upper hand rn and Odessa is still in their sights

[@Ihateevilpeople]

He was right about Israel

[@Roam-One]

This dude is nuts! His whole world view is scary, and that's why the intelligence community is so dangerous.

[@rebeccab.2270]

Finally some not worshiping this spy. As if he might not be telling the truth on.

[@richy2258]

@@rebeccab.2270people believed it like the gospel at the time. They worship Rogan and Fridman, etc. He could not have been more wrong. What a dangerous putz.

[@dickface9157]

Right off the bat we learn: Mossad(Israel) will do anything. The CIA are competing for "business" with their "customer"(president) and Trump was a problem because he wasn't interested in the CIAs stock and trade of dirty tricks, so the CIA started going against the president.

[@rdxdarckstar]

@@richy2258explain your point

[@I_have_Aquestion]

Often time the things we want to be true so badly are absolutely wrong. To the point of disbelieving reality. I am not sure which part you don’t like about what this guy is saying. However, “Russia is winning” is true. He is right about Americans not understanding the implications of freedom of speech. He is right about the lend lease act. He is objectively right about many things that I don’t personally like to hear.

[@grantwalkersound]

Let me first say I found Andrew fascinating and agreed with a lot of his perspectives... except one... Andrew's argument on surveillance... His value proposition is that safety is more valuable than maintaining constitutional rights. This is where I (and many citizens) would disagree... To me... The whole point of having a military and intelligence apparatus is to protect not just the physical safety of the citizens of this country, but also to protect their rights. Most soldiers I know will talk that way... They're fighting for the rights of US citizens. We send men and women to die with that mentality. So clearly we believe as a nation that it's worth sacrificing lives to protect. Mass surveillance was itself a direct attack on the 4th amendment right of every US citizen. To me that's just as bad as physically attacking US citizens. It's for the same reason that Andrew said the US sees foreign data collection as a hostile offense. I'd argue it's worth the risk of missing another major attack on the US if it meant maintaining our basic rights as citizens... First of all, it's not like they don't have 1,000 other tools at their disposal. I'm ok with it being a little harder for them to do their jobs. Because at the end of the day... Without rights, what the hell is there to even protect?

[@NathanLee225]

I couldn't agree more.

[@CollinRapp33]

I agree with you in terms of values, but I think you misunderstood his point. He wasn’t stating that he values safety more than rights; he was stating that the UAE value safety more than rights because their situation is different than that of the US. Like you said, in the US, it’s a discussion of whether to give up rights to prevent another major attack, and I agree that it’s probably not worth the cost; but from the sound of it, in the UAE, the discussion is perhaps whether to give up rights to prevent many major attacks (basing this on what he said, not my own knowledge). I just thought this was a useful distinction. It’s important to remember that the situation in the US could change, which warrants continual conversation around such topics, such as the evolving conversation around gun control. And it’s important to remember that there’s a false dichotomy to avoid here. Certain policies and technologies can be adopted or disallowed to meet specific goals. It’s not like our choice is “surveillance state” or “non-surveillance state.” But like Andrew said, hopefully the US won’t reach a point at which we’d have to consider reevaluating our priorities on this matter.

[@zbigniewiksinski]

youre wrong. "values" are for regular people, in hight stakes politics and/or attacks, criminal/terrorist groups etc there are none

[@lancer8830]

The ends always seem to justify the means when it comes to the gov’t controlling the people instead of being controlled by them

[@williamgill5286]

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."-Benjamin Franklin We are going to find that out the hard way if it continues unchecked

[@lawistruth]

I promise this is not in a disrespectful way as you are one of my best channels out there, but i do sleep very well when i start playing your videos. Has to do with the voice frequency very calming✌️

[@fighterpilot1112]

This dudes stance on surveillance is exactly what I'd expect from a dude from the government. I could not trust him less

[@alteredcatscyprus]

No wonder we have problems, is what I was thinking. These guys are way out of line.

[@TheSassygrasshopper]

Glad I'm not the only one yall this guy glows so bright I'm getting a tan...

[@fighterpilot1112]

@@TheSassygrasshopper he's so good at lying and blending in, yet every single person that watched this interview saw right through him. Including Lex😂

[@wallrider73]

Some of his stuff is interesting but he was delivering his fair share of propaganda here. Lex wasn’t convinced.

[@fburton8]

I think he was saying that Ignorance is Strength. (The ignorance of the masses, of course.)

[@Heiserton]

As soon as he started talking about the NSA and trading all freedom for a false sense of security, he showed his cards.

[@larrymalan3815]

Truth

[@moter2179]

100%

[@innerlockbreaker3916]

Speaks Chinese, and, can dance like Astaire, overseas

[@petey1115]

Sounds like a Cia commercial rather then an interview huh

[@micheldevries7975]

Once a spook, always a spook

[@goldfishy]

Take everything this guy says with a grain of salt. Public trust in government institutions is at an all time low. The military is having trouble finding enough people (both volunteers and volunteers who are actually capable). Government is in major need of an image makeover and what better way than having a smart young attractive wellspoken “former” CIA asset go on popular podcasts to promote the positives of government. He isn’t all wrong but he is also sugar coating a lot of this information. Especially the Snowden situation. There is very good reason to be skeptical of the intelligence community. Convenient he doesn’t mention anything about the major spy agencies (US, UK, France, Australia) all spy on each other’s citizens to get around their local laws. Or Assange leaking information about the US Government knowingly killing journalists in the Iraq war. He paints a naive fairytale of government looking out for the best interests of the people. When in fact it is a bloated bureaucracy that loses trillions of dollars (yes, trillions!) that go unaccounted for and there is no oversight. The institutions might do some good but they are rotten to the core and the history of these agencies proves out that fact again and again.

[@MiguelGarcia-vj7oo]

💯 well said......

[@carter_1]

one thing you're wrong about, he very much mentions the 3 I. agencies that are the "best" (in dif categories) China, France, & Isreal. Right before 1:00:00 (aprox) and was the most interesting part of the vid so far. You need to go back and 👀 ...I'm skeptical why Isreal wasn't at the top of your list??? The rest of your statements I agree with but am even more cynical and untrustworthy 😁

[@arcadyskoit]

He is clearly scripted

[@elmeriodamaker]

You are exactly right. This dude is a spokesperson for CIA

[@goldfishy]

@@carter_1 Yep, agreed, Israel too. My comment was just an impromptu post to provide a quick counterpoint to this 4 hour discussion. Definitely people should look more in depth to see all the horrible truths about these agencies and where he is smoothing over details or omitting damning information.

[@cuttingtoolgrinder9182]

This guy works for the PR division of the CIA. Why he’s on the Lex podcast is a question only Lex can answer. I stopped being bullshitted at 5 min in.

[@jamesd1106]

This guy is a perfect representative of the u.s "government".. 20% true 80% I'm looking you in the eye and just believe what I say.

[@DBFIU]

Show me on the doll where Andrew hurt you

[@voiceofsilencio]

Every good lie has to include some measure of truth.

[@jamesd1106]

@@DBFIU HA!!

[@Patriots316]

I'm glad I'm not the only one seeing this...

[@yunggoosbumps215]

Don't be shocked to find out that the CIA PR agent has the CIA bots in the comments designed by AI to present a group of people who actually believe his BS.

[@ems7500]

It’s amazing how long this man can talk and how open he seems but still… didn’t really tell us anything we couldn’t already find out with a google search. These CIA guys are CIA for life

[@jtzoltan]

And his whole speech about the US liking to talk pro democracy, but are not willing to put real boots on the ground when democratic nations are attacked is insane. He used the example of Afghanistan, Ukraine and Hong Kong: Afghanistan was a debacle invasion and occupation that was mismanaged and doomed to fail and should never have happened in the first place. Was a massive black budget outlet to pay god knows what interests. Hong Kong was China's sphere of influence and part of China. I hate seeing them go down and support their freedom, but it is not for us to dictate. Ukraine was something we forced the hands of Russia on as everyone in US State knows that a neutral Ukraine was the only feasible position. When the CIA got involved in the coup that threw out the government in 2014, Russia was going to react militarily. When Ukraine broke the Minsk 2 accords and continued to shell The Donabas and Lugansk People’s Republics and when Ukraine was gearing up to join NATO, then Russia was going to act. Ukraine gives too good a staging position to invade Russia and severl other reasons, it would be like China overthrowing Canada by subterfuge and allying with them bringing in weapons, equipment and soldiers in a military alliance. The US wouldn't stand for it either. I love Lex but he talks like the Russians are propagandized when what he described them believing is considerbly more true amd real thn what Westerners know and think about this war.

[@aono335]

This was most likely PR stuff or psyops. You give people just enough to keep their interest and to distinguish doubts.

[@mst7155]

To EMS: exactly: the Che Guevara looking like guy talks a lot but nothing real interesting.... Except maybe his theory of Putin winning the war in Ucraine! Is there a scientifical definition of winning???? The common sense can evaluate the winning of the war in terms of human life losses, territorial gains, economical costs,short/ long term benefits...... Assessing that Putin is winning is a bold affirmation not very well supported by empirical data... Of course Putin can grab some territory and declare victory. But how about the economical consequences and the tens of thousands Russian soldiers who died and tens of thousands soldiers wounded and crippled for life..... How about the NATO being much more powerful and united against Putin ???? Putin will claim victory but who will be fooled by one more lie coming out of the mouth of a criminal???????

[@TheMattj88]

“Former” 😂😂

[@theswiftschoolofselfhealing]

@@georgiypotulov23 Felt exactly the opposite about him. Put perceptions ate based on our unexposed reality, not truth.

[@Truth_Hurts528]

Yes the NSA is focused only on threats to national security. Except their idea of national security is protecting their power not the security of American citizens. Any American citizen who threatens their power is considered a "national Security" threat. Even if that citizen is democratically elected representative.

[@Zultzify]

What elected officials did they do that to

[@BridgeportIPA]

@@Zultzify Pay attention, clown. And have somebody change your diapers.

[@JC06NJ]

Yes, any American that threatens the power our goverment holds will be considered a national security because ot can fuck infrastructure up. How is that a hard thing to understand?

[@StaalBurgher0]

​@@Zultzify Dont be an idiot, it is public court record that the FBI withheld evidence from the FISA could to wiretap a presidential candidate. The same FBI that raided that person this week.

[@vladimirofsvalbard9477]

@@Zultzify No idea, but I think one of them lives in Florida at Mar-a-Lago.

[@lukewinkler5271]

Lex you should interview someone on development economics/helping create democracy. Daron Acemoglu or Stefan Darcon are two examples, but interviewing anyone in that type of work would be incredibly interesting.

[@thomassen_thomas]

Snowden also tried to run to US allies, but here in Norway the pressure was to great to deny asylum. The truth is that few countries were brave enough to accept him.

[@nicholaslawrence3379]

Right? Doing that to me seems like a quick way to get seal team 6'd

[@PeterGozinyaTV]

💯👍🏼

[@alexobed4252]

Because all these countries are beholden to the United States!

[@elonif4125]

True. Its pretty simple: countries that have positive relationships with the US won’t risk those by giving asylum to an supposed „enemy of the state“, so of course he had to flee to countries which are enemies of the US.

[@disruptIT]

I have even less trust in the CIA, NSA, FBI etc.. after this. Good Interview.

[@cupofsadge8359]

When someone leaves the "Clowns in America" they dont actually leave. They will always be a clown even if not officially on paper. I dream of the day JFK's vision of dissolving them comes true. The small amount of job loss is economically negligible and the benefit to citizens worldwide enormous.

[@interesting7906]

@@cupofsadge8359 The clown hairdo is in full display lol... Can you imagine having this guy as a colleague?..making meetings longer with horsesh*t arguments. His prospective on the world is just as expected. Unfortunately, Lex seems to also be a clown man.

[@arkology_city]

Same. This guy was chosen by the agency to do this show as a PR campaign. They know their reputation has never been lower, and rightfully so.

[@dirtbagdover1591]

spot on. andrew bustamante's is %100 a shill for the intelligence community. The fact he is ignorant to the intelligence branch of govt. being weaponized via politicians makes me doubt how smart he is or if he ever "left"..

[@execthegaming]

Yeah, this guy seemed affable enough, but he's a dyed-in-the-wool fed. At least when you look at Mike Baker, you know what he is.

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

This guy has been trained well that's for sure. He delivered all of that like a pro. Almost no signs of deception or anything....almost.

[@chantzarcher4807]

As if you can really believe anything this guy says….he is from the govt…..or at least just an actor for the govt….saying scripted shit in a convincing way

[@LaRoucheisright]

You're referring to Fridman right?

[@yqisq6966]

Yep real masters of deception always hide lies within the truth ;)

[@TheFreddieFoo]

yeah yeah, you're an expert at spotting spies! you must be a child prodigy too! Can you enlighten us how you figured it all out, what are the tells??

[@thegizmologist8325]

@@TheFreddieFoo The fact that he's a commie and from the CIA.

[@FinisReflectatOpus]

I initially watched this several months ago. I was a little put off. As I re-watch it realize that I was mistaken. This is actually a very important and high quality interview. A very high quality guest.

[@R0undbrush]

I love how he talks about the world letting Ukraine, Syria, Yamen, and Afghanistan become destabilized. But he fails to mention all the nations the CIA intentionally destabilized in South America for multiple decades. (Edit 5/29/24) Wording was ambiguous.

[@NorthKoreanSimp]

this dude is basically like someone from the CIA hr department who they allow to spill generic info about them.. literally EVERYTHING he says and talks about can be learned by any civilian

[@SillyLittleAshTree]

His information about those three places is basically mental malware. There were no deaths in Hong Kong carried by the police, only by the protestors themselves, and luckily it is all on camera with ample context which is why I know is true. And, Ukraine is basically natzee central. Stepan Bandera is practically a deified martyr in Ukraine. 🙄

[@cmonz9]

and he’s fully for NSA spying on everyone like the government wont grow even more intrusive and over-each like it inherently always does.

[@samael__33]

@Grayble's Gringus is the cia mostly white

[@panama2468]

@Grayble's Gringus exactly. Another token as a spokesperson for the agency. They arent going give a nonwhite person deep dark secrets.

[@chrisismail]

Wife: did U cheat on me last night? Husband: lex and andrew said it's a need to know basis and you don't need to know and that if I lie and say I didn't you will trust me more. It's always better to let the lie live, as I'll gain immense trust.

[@ke8739]

Well played Lex, we finally got to the ultimate Turing test, can a covert CIA agent spot a covert AI. You won't fool me, R2D2

[@Sl33zytheclown]

This exactly. This "agent" is an obvious disinfo. Plant. He's full of it. And when he find out how corrupt the see. I. A. really is. He'll just say well my upper ups.misled me. What a waste of podcast.

[@MMbyAlexander]

Who is who though, really? Results may be shocking.

[@alexisjuillard4816]

all answers can be found if you watch "this is my conversation with a goose. or is it a duck?" podcast best 2 minutes i ever watched, felt like 2h, fascinating

[@alexoolau]

CIA agents motivated to make trouble around world in order to keep their jobs. Now I understand. No difference from military industrial complexes. These people shape our international politics, which is quite dangerous.

[@yunggoosbumps215]

Don't be shocked to find out that the CIA PR agent has the CIA bots in the comments designed by AI to present a group of people who actually believe his BS.

[@execsapp9587]

Lex: "so, the guy here sitting quietly is the one in control?" Person who just got done telling you they've been trained in the art of interrogation, and has been talking the entire time in complete control of what he wants to or not talk about: "oh absolutely"

[@hazyhunt9493]

Gold comment

[@nemovi5379]

Yep, 'the CIA doesn't have stuff for us to do as a family with a kid' Sure they don't. I'm sure you are the first agent to ever have a family. I'm sure they are just willing to let 2 very experienced field agents, retire, instead of giving them another long term assignment 'oh yea, I was CIA, ask me anything. JFK? Let me give a SUPER precise answer that leaves lots of room for the truth' Did anyone else notice how his tone, body language, and cadence changed when Lex changed from talking about generalities to talking about the stuff the CIA is accused of being in bed with? You could hear it in his voice and see it in his eyes that he was desperate to say the right thing the right way. I'll finish with; Lex- I've always wondered, if the CIA ever showed up and interviewed me, would I know about it? CIA operative - No Lex, no you wouldn't. We're just that good. 😐 As he literally sits there and does a passive interview. Ok I lied, one more thing. The line about, 'the person asking questions has all the power in a conversation ' total bullshit. This guy gets a B+ overall. Still an obvious glowie. Retired my ass. 😂

[@theophrastusvonhoenheim4022]

This isn't an interrogation ya ding dong

[@be12]

@@theophrastusvonhoenheim4022 Try not thinking with yours. Ding dong.

[@trevorthetherapist4200]

Check out the Congressional hearings with FBI Direction Christopher Wray or Andy McCabe a few years back. Congress exercises a degree of control because Wray and McCabe have to show up and answer questions even thought the answers are all lies. Brian C Turner is going to be the FBI Director in the next Democratic Administration by the way. Check out what happened to Steve Bannon when you decide you will not answer questions and ignore subpoenas.

[@AaronDaley117]

Love how he went complete poker face with the JFK questions and the drug questions. I'm betting Bustamante is 100% still in the CIA.

[@RyanWbjj170]

100%

[@lobes117]

Exactly, there's no way he's not still in the alphabet institution.

[@tbrech8625]

I’m actually liking Bustamante a bit. 🥸

[@VincentCVazquez]

Doubt he’d put his face out there on a podcast with millions of viewers if he still works as an operator

[@otisjacksonjunior9795]

When he claimed ignorance about the drug stuff with Seale & Bush I got a strong lying vibe.

[@isagrace4260]

I find it comforting that something about this guy sets off my radar 🙏

[@Yeetabix]

After 7 years he got the big promotion. As another comment said, working for CIA as ex CIA lol

[@isuckatgaming7225]

I remember Lex and Joe talking and asking themselves if an agent ever came on their podcast to do the propaganda.... Well, here is your answer..

[@yunggoosbumps215]

Don't be shocked to find out that the CIA PR agent has the CIA bots in the comments designed by AI to present a group of people who actually believe his BS.

[@rebeccabode8764]

I was thinking that too. he was verrrry good though...

[@vani3335]

Haha propaganda 😆 Such a dismissive word from someone who wishes Russia would fall. LONG LIVE RUSSIA 🇷🇺 ✊✊✊✊

[@vani3335]

@@paulbarclay4114 80% of Russians agree with Russia and their power moves. I know first hand from speaking with people who actually lived in Russia and were born there! Whatever NATO country you're from has you super fooled.

[@vani3335]

@@paulbarclay4114 I really em talking to the wrong person. Wake tf up! Talk to real russians and not NATO based mfers

[@vadimmedvedev7895]

Andrew is clearly an intelligent and articulate guy, it was an interesting and informative podcast. Having said that, his justification to anything unethical or criminal the U.S. intelligence service has ever done with a version of "it was a different time" or "the circumstances were different" or "the public needed security" or any other variant is rather weak and disappointing. Especially after towards the end of the podcast saying that perspective is a great tool to understand others and to gain trust. Not once did I recall him admitting any screw up by the CIA or the US spy administration more broadly in terms of overt moral or ethical breaches, where in reality they are legendary. The most worrying aspect is that he seems to think security should always trump individual liberty while it is almost always the opposite. Finally, I am not convinced he is completely retired from the service, although of course this is just a guess. Sounds a lot like PR to me.

[@fire_rises]

No one every really retires or quite the CIA or other intelligence agencies. He was working on this podcast, unofficially, but still working. The CIA is very interested in being seen in a positive light by the public

[@enddy123456]

Yea, this dude glows bright enough to light a gymnasium.

[@zombiehampster1397]

You know I was thinking the very same thing about his actual "retirement". I was speculating to myself as to how much of this could be a PR campaign, but I'm not certain myself.

[@adamc1803]

The fact he didn't have a disparaging comment about the agency other than "incompetence" is an indication his presence on the podcast is him working to improve the CIA perception, or he loves the agency so much he refuses to acknowledge facts such as CIA smuggling drugs into the United States.

[@ShinobiDrip999]

Idk what else you were expecting from a CIA agent lol

[@mariocamara3171]

I have lived 18 years in the UAE. His comment about Snowden was a red flag. His praise about the UAE Police State to solve a fender bender was the nail in the coffin. His credibility is ZERO. I call BS!

[@pozloadescobar]

He couldn't be more nakedly obsessed with totalitarianism. If there's ever a war in the US, this guy will go full Hans Landa

[@andrewkuoppala3925]

he is an institutionalized thug all the way. these types are responsible for ALL evil in the world. his charm does not fool me one bit.

[@Brandonmehrabi]

I enjoyed and felt trust until trust of the police state. How many times do we know of where they abused that power within the USA in just the last 10 years. Hell look at since trump got elected. The state Intel agencies with their msm have been sitting on the scales so obviously. We know because if you investigate any suspected false flag, lie or fabrication long enough you will either not find enough evidence it is beyond any doubt true....or 1. you will not find enough evidence to prove anything definitively or 2. You will find the evidence that shows there is a fabrication such as architects& engineers for truth of. 9/11, as well as the simultaneous collapse of building 7 in the same way which are mathematical impossible. Or JFK & rfk both.got shot from both sides yet the official conclusion of the government say for both Kennedy's that it was a lone gunman. This evidence doesn't prove anything except that we don't know what really happened. If the government agreed that.this evidence leaves the investigaton unsolved it would be more understandable than their insistence that these cases are 100% solved & we must accept their conclusions. How the help do you trust that?

[@jpcolindesign517]

Yes, because all people who defend the USA end up in Moscow. "Red Flag"? Are you serious? I worked in the NSA. Snowden's nonsense was a load of lies.

[@danginfo]

He is an absolute master of talking without actually saying anything…

[@las2725]

Exactly!

[@MB-to5gl]

I discovered Lex about 4-5 weeks ago. I enjoy his down-to-earth, calm demeanour and intelligent banter.

[@jacksonhunkle2444]

Yeah, he really has a way of making the system of global capitalist hellscape that is destroying the planet seem like a good friend.

[@rhino202]

You have a great back log of episodes to listen to. One of the best at playing devil's advocate and asking questions that bring out the best answers from his guests

[@bivvystridents3752]

A year later... this guy was pretty wrong on Ukraine and Europe.

[@michaell3105]

man was just thinking that. intelligence is only worth so much

[@privacyhelp]

imagine an ex cia LOL

[@Vinemaple41]

His assessment is completely baseless and ungrounded, yet he spewed that out with full confidence 😂

[@brandonchan8667]

Yep I was just about to comment that this didn't age so well lol

[@7Vooby]

@@Vinemaple41 the "europe will freeze" part is especially hilarious

[@avienated]

Bustamante is an extremely likable employee of the Cocaine Importation Agency and they should be so proud to have him.

[@FazeParticles]

Of course. Why wouldn’t they be? lol 😆

[@timontide6404]

Capitalism's Invisible Army. Christians In Action.

[@avienated]

@@timontide6404 Criminals In Action is good too, from the song C.I.A. by KRS One :)

[@megwenger8756]

Great podcast. A must to those who have the intellect & desire to comprehend & learn not through their ignorant perspective but by utilizing perception.

[@user-ce7ok8fu9y]

Girl have you seen by now he knows squat??

[@BlowingbytheOz]

They send this guy to make the CIA seem like “normal” people 🤣

[@GaminHasard]

He tells us that a guy that looks like him does not stand out and is trusted to be in a class role.

[@luciferlight243]

It’s the bandana lowers your guard

[@Mylittledistraktions]

That what he literally says in the interview too. Nice catch

[@GaminHasard]

@@Mylittledistraktions haha yeah i was like....wait a minute......aren;t you doing this right now..... hmmmmmz.z.. HMMMMMZZZ

[@mikeuptegrove]

Exactly! It’s all a scripted PR stunt whenever a spies goes public. They’re all criminal POS! Period.

[@leonardoperez379]

Andrew: I befriend criminals. They’re the only ones who understand what it is to be willing to do anything for the mission. Also Andrew: Snowden broke a law :’(

[@maverick9708]

two faced fed dissonance is a prerequisite to being promoted

[@dimitrisivak738]

yea he was already brainwashed so we can't trust him at all

[@foolish.intellectual9967]

Yea too bad he didn’t break the law FOR America then he’d be a hero

[@leonardoperez379]

@@foolish.intellectual9967 he did break it for America. And he did it in a system that was supposed to have legitimate outlets for these concerns but they were corruptly blocked. And he exposed criminals who were lying before congress.

[@pinkbubblebath]

@@foolish.intellectual9967 exactly. Bustamonte ignored the fact that the NSA was breaking the law by spying on its citizens. He also ‘didn’t know’ about the CIA selling drugs in the US. This guy is a company man and a CIA apologist.

[@sbbenjamin9845]

The interview was fascinating and informative. I really appreciate how Lex Fridman doesn't let his ego interfere. Mr. Fridman is so humble and open to ideas. He proposed certain questions that were dismissed casually. He gracefully moved on in a way that makes it easy to forget that he's a brilliant guy and deep thinker. And even more, seems to have a great heart. But his humility really does lead to hearing the thoughts of diverse participants, and that's a great opportunity for us all. I gained more insights into the intelligence world from this than from many videos combined by former FBI / CIA experts. I will have to add, though, that I found Mr. Bustamante's take on surveillance naive or even suspicious. His argument that mass surveillance probably wouldn't have unintended consequences because of being bureaucratically complicated is, frankly, pathetic. It's really not that hard. Look at the bizarre but actually-true-conspiracy theories mentioned in the video that never should have been. Yes, they have to be understood through the lens of time. Exactly. If we create "times" where government abuse of power seems reasonable, that's exactly what has happened and will happen. They're not going to reach out to Joe Policeman to arrest someone to then have his or her day in court with the obviously-to-be-dropped charge of using free speech. That's not how it went with Martin Luther King and the FBI, is it? Even look at how people in Canada had bank accounts frozen for supporting the trucker's rally. Or people suspected of a crime simply waiting and waiting in detention with ruined careers and relationships--even if found not guilty, the damage is done. All it takes is an emergencies act or redefining of a term / action to be "terrorism", and poof, there ya go. Everything else is already in place. Since it's a super secret organization with immense resources to conduct operations all around the world, just use those internal capabilities instead of involving multiple general Gov agencies that may bungle things? Just...yeah, that excuse really felt weak. Sadly, history teaches that when there's a sufficient power motive, never assume that something terrible won't happen because it's complicated or there are too many honest people to bribe / blackmail.

[@redditforee]

woke up to this shit playing while i had "soft music for sleep 10 hours playlist" dafaq

[@kingkb1624]

Ong😂😂

[@SALTINBANK]

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the american public believes is false." - William Casey, CIA Director 1981

[@nickbrodziak611]

You nailed it. Perfect quote

[@travispoettcker1078]

And ALWAYS Will be . . . .

[@McCandlessMike]

@@travispoettcker1078 bot

[@SALTINBANK]

@@nickbrodziak611 thanks mate yeah sad so many people dont know "willy" casey ...

[@SALTINBANK]

​@@McCandlessMike "yeah you are the smartest guy on earth :) " quoted by a BOT ...

[@Oni_Shinobi_JiuJitsu]

His point of view on secrecy is exactly what I would expect to hear from a CIA operative

[@duganrocks100]

Makes no sense lmao. Bias as hell. Seems like a smart guy though

[@njswampfox474]

"Public service is a sacrifice." I guess that's why our politicians all end up with wads of money.

[@jguerrero322]

Soul sacrifice

[@uusilm3245]

All devil's narratives deceptions attacks weapons desires tricks brainwash lies plans deeds be failed stopped in the name of Jesus Christ everywhere always!

[@livewellwitheds6885]

that's sacrificing the public, not public service lmao. real public service is a sacrifice [like fire fighters and shit]

[@RafaelLopeztattoos]

But he would assume the Snowden needs to keep doing something different to keep relevant and not for the same romantic cause he claims

[@Larrypint]

from a objective perspective this war has over 8 years of history and the escalation was partially planned. Read the US Neocon Strategypaper 2019 extent russia and overextent and unbalancing russia or Brezinski - the only global power or watch Friedmann Stratfor about the Eurasian chessboard . The plan is to escalate the conflicts around the Russian borders and to isolate Russia and China politically,medial, economically and militarily. To interrupt/cut the Eurasian energy and raw material market specially between Germany China and Russia and to keep dominance to stay the only global power. Ukraine is just a Geostrategical tool to these falcons and the Biden administration is part of that Neocon elite. They make millions from smart insider trading and investments in the military industrial complex and They give a shit how many people die in Europe or Asia, it's just about Imperial dominance.

[@dentylad_plays7159]

yo i swear to god i was watching this in bed and i thought this was joe rogan speaking the whole time

[@hammy9622]

😂😂😂

[@777gnom]

Title says "former" cia agent tho

[@dentylad_plays7159]

@@777gnom actually the title does not say that but the description of the video does. also the video came on by auto play and i didnt open my eyes to check

[@ZoroNZara]

Nothing like Lex interviewing an Ex CIA agent playing in the background while I sleep. Such a weirdly comforting episode 🤣

[@Kilo3ene1]

Same

[@peacedreamerable]

I usually fall to sleep listening to Richie Allen Show , but have a new go to for his nights off ,had the amazon guy on first , yes strangely comforting

[@cathyedwards3861]

I thought I was all alone in my "weirdness"!!! LOL

[@aSSGoblin1488]

yeah maybe a little half lie here and there, while you sleep. ukraine being indebted to america, sure yeah. but the terms of that debt is so generous. 20 years until first payment and no interest accumulated??? that is more of a grant rather than a LOOMING DEBT. and obviously ukranians would prefer debt rather than war and conquest.

[@LosVanGhost]

I did the same unknowingly. 👍🏽

[@alleymae335]

One never stops being a CIA Agent knowing that, makes this interview interesting.

[@nikolaikrow238]

My thoughts exactly. As if he retired and was like, "Ah, now I can share my own opinion and speak absolute truth without restriction or prejudice and certainly no fear of retribution. Where's the nearest globally popular podcast? Rogan's busy? Get me the next one!" Never trusted Mike Baker either, as much as I like him.

[@ericinthecircle3631]

This was my thought by the end of it. Seems like he was trying to promote a positive Image for the CIA.

[@marinecor23]

Bro anyone who thinks he isn't driving an agency approved narrative is naive. You don't listen to this to glean facts from words. You listen too this to get a rough guess of what the agency is trying to promote or denounce.

[@nikolaikrow238]

PS: the YT algorithm is consistently playing this video next, no matter how many times I skip and remove from my queue..

[@earlgrey691]

And all these agencies have seperate departments if you recall the Lenin bearded,slithery character in the Homeland tv series.MI6-CIA-Mossad all have nefarious insulated 'weapon tips'.

[@JoseTheRover]

Man this video and this guy’s predictions didn’t pan out…

[@yarik12341]

Yeah this pod just auto played to me after a Joe Rogan video and his confidence on south Ukraine by fall was odd. I think with my personal bias I thought, at the time, that Ukraine would hold onto the south.

[@MelbourneMeMe]

"western propaganda is basically the same as Russian propaganda" was just as laughable... What a bs 'expert', lex should have him back on and just replay parts of this...

[@LauraLouLou]

They are now!

[@applestienwilocox6381]

Guys an idiot and doesn't know anything he keeps talking about the lend lease act since the invasion not a dollar or military equipment has been sent through the lend lease they owe us nothing this guy is a clown.

[@ReturnToSender1313]

@@MelbourneMeMewell, all governments lie. We the people, are a means to an end. Politicians are strangers who enjoy the trappings of power

[@juanmontoya9326]

I love your optimism lex! This guy speaks the hard truths we often ignore. I saw videos at the start of the war, and I admire how the Ukrainian people are fighting for their beliefs. They won’t let another country take over, and I’d do the same for my country. Thanks for your podcast love you, man! It’s great to listen to you.

[@bartswarm869]

CIA interviews for new recruits will just be an analysis on how well you can BS on a long form podcast.

[@DaniilDimitrov]

LMAOOOOOOO tru

[@konberner170]

Best comment!

[@stevenseagull9683]

Lol right.. I'm about convinced at this point the cia doesn't even exist... every "former" agent we hear from is about 3 notches off of SlingBlade.. yet they want us to believe they go out and do James Bond shit lol alright fellas whatever ya say just don't whack me

[@Ayzie]

Agreed this guys a c.i.a. opp/plant only took 5 mins and i feel like this dude is full of shit and naive

[@noahvannote363]

Hahaha yes

[@vincentburger9093]

His take on Snowden just goes to show his true views on the american people and the approach that any act is acceptable no matter how terrible if it is for the "agenda". It was an interesting interview but that stood out as a red flag to me.

[@VangelisFilms]

Ditto. And his wholehearted defense of the IC agencies and their agendas. Not to mention, JFK??! He’s a homer who was practically raised in the system. I’m sure he’s seen and knows a lot of things that many in the public wouldn’t be able to stomach, but he gives the agencies wayyyy too much credit.

[@dannythomson8123]

@@VangelisFilms Exactly right, both of you. And he calls Operation Northwoods, which by all means would have been an act of terror, just a bad idea (to build upon).

[@LifeinAmerica2022]

Mr Andrew, you are a very intelligent young man. I have listened to this whole podcast, taking breaks in between, and still not being able to proces the mixture of information there being said. From psychology to UFO to intimacy and everything in between. I plan to listen to this again and again until I absorb most of it and becomes my point of reference when discussing subject related to it. The only small correction I may need to point out is probably you misspoke when you said Emirates is scared to the threath of Islam (paraphrasing here). Emirates is a Muslim country and Islam is its religion. Probably what you mean is the threat of extremism. Anyhow, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. It was enjoyable learning stuff like this. I am an Accountant by profession. So listening to those podcast is a pure bliss

[@ToriZealot]

Looking at Assange, it seems a wise decision for Snowden to go to a "enemy state"

[@conradthediscoviking]

Sad but true 😔

[@robertjulesyoung9994]

this guy wouldn't be able to even breath without permission. this podcast is bs.

[@lars337]

also, he asked for asylum in germany but was denied. that is the real sad thing.

[@chito127]

@@robertjulesyoung9994 It may be a recruitment outreach for the CIA. Bustament is really sharp.

[@stereoreviewx]

Snowden is not in a maximum security prison why because he’s in Russia what would you do the answer is obvious

[@bstlang]

The way this dude played Lex in the first two hours to establish rapport was astounding. 100% still in the CIA.

[@johnlee-kz9vo]

I think Lex let him in..Lex is NO FOOL....

[@ZorexZockt]

@@johnlee-kz9vo exactly, Lex wants US to make an opinion

[@thomasleach6577]

@@johnlee-kz9vo yes. Yes, he is a fool

[@nedhill1242]

@@johnlee-kz9vo Lex is not a fool but on occasion he does fanboy and he does make a fool of himself. He makes a fool of himself sometimes the way he’s incredibly biased about the Ukraine and watch the interview with Rick Rubin. It was ridiculous. He fanboyed through the whole interview. There weee a ton of comments by people that were disappointed in the way he was gushing all over Rubin.

[@capitalistwire]

Andrew is one of the most naive smart people I’ve ever met. Hardly anything he predicts happens including 95% of what he said on this show.

[@d3maccus]

what did he "predict" exactly?

[@Caminacels]

@@d3maccus He very explicitly predicts Ukraine falling by last autumn.

[@d3maccus]

@@Caminacels lol - yea he definitely seemed to me like he was arrogant.... like the fact he worked for the c.i.a. made him an expert on everything when in reality he was just being manipulated and used.

[@marekstefunko161]

what do you mean by naive?

[@aturner488]

@@d3maccus Just got to the part when he said we'd freeze to death in the winter (UK), then looked at the 9 months ago and laughed.

[@robert_starling]

Epic long interview! That's not easy to pull off. I'm going to have to watch this one in sections!

[@loodiksa]

I'm no expert but I am someone who knows a thing or two about a thing or two and after watching this and I can safely say that Andrew is definitely STILL an active agent, not former.

[@LucifersDeathSquad]

Ok Dwight Hansen 👏

[@HauntzTV]

yeah i honestly doubt you actually know a thing or two mate

[@funfun5656]

Doesn't take being a guy who knows a thing or two to know a thing or two to figure that one out bud. Obviously NDAs for intelligence workers are signed upon termination that prevent them from talking strategy...therefore the only people doing the talking are the ones they want you to hear.

[@michaelwhardy1908]

YOU CAN SAFELY SAY THAT HUH? I CAN SAFELY SAY....... THAT YOUR WORDS LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT YOU'RE BORDERLINE MENTALLY DEFICIENT

[@alchemicalweddings7489]

It's very interesting but I agree he has to still be active or he wouldn't be allowed to speak in this way about the CIA and matters pertaining to war. I find Lex generally very intriguing, as on the one hand he is very calm, intelligent, astute and likeable and has a great interview technique ,but I can't quite put my finger on his agenda and what is in his heart. As ALL journalists (because they are human) have an inner agenda and preference, I find it difficult to trust them unless they are very blunt and explicit, saying, OK guys, I'm pro Russia, this is my angle, or I'm pro-Ukraine, or whatever (whatever the issue or politics, just mentioning Russia as it's the current topic). If someone comes out and states their position, you then have a great starting point for discussion - or 'analysis' as Lex would put it - and can argue against them if you choose, or wholeheartedly agree. This makes it much easier to get to the actual truth of a topic as you have the openness and trust required to 'neutralise the binaries', synthesise the mass of knowledge and arrive at the absolute reality of a situation.

[@HiSpeeedLoDrag]

You would have to have immense trust in the government, the courts, and the police for his assumptions about the NSA not being able to abuse their power to be true.

[@stickjohnny]

We already know, for a fact, that he is LYING. Snowden already exposed all of this.

[@panacea.palace]

Anyone who works for the CIA either has immense trust in the system, or doesn't care about the unsavory, often outright evil, things it does. Was everyone working for the CIA from 1950-1990 evil? Probably not, but they all contributed to a system that committed objectively evil acts

[@darcskies777]

Yes, you would have to be immensely naive

[@leskobrandon691]

And how many abuses have we seen from that triumvirate? When the government becomes corrupt, then it's the courts & police doing their bidding!

[@Mperkins813]

Looking at what was released with twitter....the only logical answer is he's still a Cia schmuck

[@michaelrhodes258]

Problem is some of NSA and CIA individuals view the bill of rights as a threat to national security.

[@iiii4024]

Exactly

[@trinydex]

everything is a balance. freedom is very much the opposite of security. no one should say we don't need one or the other. there's a balance.

[@liamlynch2115]

Seems you can count this fella in on that list given his thoughts on Snowden.

[@cdiers26]

@@trinydex thats completely illogical. History teaches us quite the opposite in fact! Those who'd prefer security to freedom deserve neither! I find my security within my liberties because I am competent and capable just like the majority of Americans are as individuals. The more freedom I have the more security I can create for myself. The opposite is only true for the most downtrodden and unlikeable. People who can't support themselves and have no one willing to be charitable to them. A charitable person could give a homeless person 2 dollars, but if we expect the gov to support them 1- 1.75 is lost to corruption and inefficiency. Similar effects hold true outside of financial security. My firearms are far more likely to protect me than the ones carried by police in my own home! My ability to participate in whatever market I chose, communicate with who I like, ect. The opposite is only ever true for the lowest common denominator. Those LCDs make up the headlines that make the politicians look bad, and that's why the gov treats us like babies. School shooters make up a fraction of a percent of total homicides but people are gung ho as a MF to create overarching policy centered around those disastrous statistical anomalies.

[@trinydex]

@@cdiers26 you're actually historically wrong. for the majority of history, the benevolent dictator has provided more safety and more security for centuries worth of lives than unadulterated freedom. your example doesn't even pass the thought experimentals stage. there's lots of examples of modern government and even modern benevolent restrictive democracy (like Singapore and Israel), where the far majority of people enjoy great quality of life and enjoy limited liberties that enrich their lives all while maintaining great safety for their countrymen. I'm not saying America should shift to tyranny, I am saying that there are strategic concessions that have to be made by every country (that will be made regardless of how much noise you make) and the typical American response to such basic military and intelligence needs is really unhelpful and borderline silly. let's not forget these intelligence techniques were used against the British in the revolutionary war. these techniques were used against both sides in the civil war, etc etc. blindly beating a drum of liberty should be getting pretty culturally fatigued.

[@jenniferjay3109]

I love this pod cast and will send it on to others. Having a psych minor I love the information.

[@aimsdrew9]

I really enjoyed the interview and liked hearing Andrew’s perspective. However, one consequence of choosing a career built on a foundation of lying means that every thing you do or say can be disregarded. It was very telling that he said the CIA tends to recruit people who have a fluid/conditional relationship with the truth. When you’ve embraced that worldview you’ve eroded your trustworthiness. It’s too bad because he seems like a good dude… but then again, he would want you to think that wouldn’t he? Live not by lies.

[@1blueeye]

Precisely. Well-said.

[@mihaelapopescu3160]

You are 100% right .

[@EmilyMoyer]

Yup!

[@GD-tt6hl]

Then again, let the legend lie.

[@GoodForYou4504]

Just remember that individuals that have a capacity for deceit (and also violence) are very necessary to protect a society. Don't judge this man as a lier. Look at him as someone who sacrificed his morals so you can have yours. Would you call a combat veteran a murderer? He made choices that he will live with for the rest of his life and believe me he knows it.

[@MattAngiono]

Any time someone says they are "ex" CIA, we should just assume they are still working for them, just in a different capacity.... I'm not judging this guy specifically, but I think that's just the rational way to look at it!

[@dlmsarge8329]

Well said.

[@aaronquillen8797]

CHECK PLEASE.....nope no dessert no drink for the road this comment section is OVER. This Matt person said it perfectly, we are done here no need to read any further!!!!

[@aono335]

agreed

[@1shpendi]

He basically admitted that every agency wants the world to know about their capacity and mystery so this guy is chosen to work online reputation of CIA, much like physicists elect neil tyson or michiokako as spokesman to make science interesting.

[@junipersnow1]

I think he is basically saying... the CIA is not what we remember it.... The people they hire don't have to be as secretive as "we the people" thought or they used to be.... basically there are other secretive organizations in America doing what the CIA, we known, used to do. I think the end of the reign of the infamous Bush family , signified the reorganization of the CIA.

[@filipmitf]

This guy is a spokesperson for the CIA 100% xD All the horrible CIA shit is actually great hahaha

[@MTS7140]

I don't believe at least from what I heard was he ever saying this stuff was great but more like explaining how these things work.

[@filipmitf]

@@MTS7140 I also thought that until the stuff with Snowden came up and how happy he is withs nsa, cia...

[@MTS7140]

@@filipmitf what he was saying about "happy" was that he would happily give up his and his family's personal privacy which anyone who uses the internet doesn't really Have anyway if it meant keeping American safe from outsider wanting to do harm to us and the country as a whole.

[@Beunibster]

@@MTS7140 But it doesn't. And I'd rather have my privacy.

[@tobiasreaper6784]

Absolutely

[@xPirus26]

God damn Lexy, ya rockin'ma world with this podcasts! ❤

[@Mer0hwl]

I applaud Lex for having all kinds of people on the podcast and being so open minded with all of them. The fake ones expose themselves anyway, no confrontational questions needed.

[@rasmushertzum252]

Exactly 😂😂 'I like criminals. I'm friends with a number of criminals, because the only people who get me are criminals'. - Andrew Bustamente, 2022 kzbin.info/www/bejne/imSpdGqnfqZ6kM0

[@iLLuminatedWithDren]

Who were some fakes I can watch on the podcast

[@arandom1024]

@@iLLuminatedWithDren you just watched one

[@dragomirivanov7342]

@@arandom1024 So those don't support your narrative are fake ones...Good thought, will lead you long way in the future.

[@monica1811]

@@AB-wf8ek No. They didn’t say “some other”, they said “some”. He replied, This is one. It IS a start.

[@Echo4Hotel40]

Interesting podcast... but, my gut screams that this guy is still CIA and their apologist. Also, Edward Snowden is a hero!!

[@mordie31]

Once CIA always CIA.

[@LacedUpWill]

Yea kinda what I was thinking, I'd just assume with what we knew about the CIA they wouldn't just let any ex agent go on podcast rounds

[@MGarafano]

Clearly they allow him to say what he says, but I think they do so because he steers the narrative in a positive light on sensitive subjects. Still the amount of insight we otherwise gain is certainly not nothing, and I think we can all agree that if he went too far they would shut him down.

[@rossgw6363]

Bingo !

[@phillylove7290]

I don't believe him about his background. So much information he gave out was just incredibly false. I don't want to write an essay because that's what it would take. But as a highlight example in his 60 seconds talking about lend lease he got about a dozen things wrong. I could literally go over hundreds of things he got wrong over this Podcast. Not like opinion wrong but factually wrong. Like saying the UK was paying off lend lease until 2020 from ww2. That is completely false. The loan hes referring to was after World War II to rebuild their economy. It was also paid off in 2004 not 2020. This guy has all the red flags

[@josephdocis1488]

watching this through the lens of this guy describing the inner workings of the most successful crime organization on earth should be interesting.

[@freddiepizerhall8324]

In history

[@josephdocis1488]

just finished the war in europe segment and can confirm I made the correct choice of lens to watch through

[@edub1170]

@@josephdocis1488 I mean I know I shouldn’t be surprised but the corruption really is shocking isn’t it?

[@MIKE_THE_BRUMMIE]

@@josephdocis1488 The CIA is just the intelligence arm of Mosad with active assets, they also have extra legal groups that can influence events to a desirable outcome. many governments are controlled directly or indirectly by mosad.

[@miketexas4549]

I fell asleep with a 3 1/2 hour long cave disaster video playing, which I chose intentionally as well as enjoy. I woke up around 4:00 a.m. and this is magically playing on my phone? I see in the comment section this has happened to a lot of us. Absolutely insane.

[@solefood7477]

This dude is definitely deeply engrained with his service to this country. It has him with some heavy blinders on. Definitely makes you realize you can't trust anyone in the government

[@highestpariah]

I mean... he has every eyeball in the CIA and shadow govt watching what he says. You wouldn’t talk shit either lmao

[@alexbrewer3675]

His service to the CIA, not the country.

[@solefood7477]

@@highestpariah true. Just seems like a decent guy at the core but the more he talks the more I see he's been compromised and won't ever see things any other way.

[@highestpariah]

@@solefood7477 Absolutely he seems like a good guy and I’m sure he would treat anyone who came into his home with the utmost hospitality and respect - none of that changes the huge bloody skid marks that the CIA has left on our country.

[@Jay_in_Japan]

@@alexbrewer3675 country, actually