Behind Enemy Lines - From Waco to the War on Terror with Chris Whitcomb

Chris Whitcomb is one of only 200 agents who've had the honor of serving in the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team. A veteran of multiple theaters of operation, from Ruby Ridge, Waco to Afghanistan and beyond, Whitcomb's unique and hard-earned insights into the world of elite law enforcement and intelligence services is unparalleled.
Having seen the crucible of conflict up close in highly volatile environments such as Kosovo, Israel, Somalia, Zambia, and Timor-Leste, Whitcomb is no stranger to the trials and tribulations of the field. Featured in the Netflix docuseries, "Waco: American Apocalypse", and a bestselling author, he's now using his platform to shed light on the realities of frontline conflict, the war on terror, and the intricacies of domestic and foreign intelligence work.
In addition to his hands-on experiences, Whitcomb's post-FBI career as a Global Security Advisor for NBC News, co-host of Checkpoint CNBC, and a prolific commentator and public speaker, lends a unique and broad-spectrum perspective. Prepare yourself for a journey as we uncover the hidden world of the elite forces shaping our world, discuss Whitcomb's role in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, and the heart-pounding moments of live operations to the intense preparation and training required for such critical assignments.
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[@gmack3739]

Andy going hard in the paint on the fatherly questions that we were all asking ourselves. Way to keep it real. This is exactly what I love about your podcast, you're not afraid to say what everyone else is thinking.

[@Swamp_Lad]

Yes and rightfully so. I am still a bit shocked that a guy my age with probably three kids till today clearly doesn’t see what he did was so wrong. He puts his sons drug problems, says he had a stable home… but that clearly isn’t the case. His father was traveling a lot and clearly has a distorted view of what is acceptable risk. Getting send with 14 to Nicaragua was probably one of these: ow let’s breed some character. Then taking his sons to East Timor? And I don’t even want to know what he did in Ukraine sounds like he gave some trainings to some right wing guys back before it was in fashion. Makes all for cool stories except if this is your dad

[@patrickmcelhone1446]

​@@Swamp_LadI couldn't agree more

[@chrisweber1931]

This is the problem with beliefs. He believed he was doing the right thing and why wouldn’t he bring his kids along. Very crazy thought process but awesome guy.

[@unluckytourist]

"How much controversy do you want in your career?" "Yes"

[@how2diy7]

My biggest takeaway from this, I can now see how Ruby Ridge and Waco escalated so quickly when you have sociopaths behind the scope. This interview devolved into the ramblings of a self absorbed and self aggrandizing sociopath. I’m in utter disbelief a father would proudly and purposefully place his children in harms way. I’m glad Andy called him to task on this.

[@Hideaway904]

I couldn't agree with you more. This fella definitely drank the LEO training "kool-aid." Don't even get me started on one of his counterparts, who was "behind the glass" (sent rounds down range) @ both Ruby Ridge and Waco.

[@jodylivengood4061]

Good job Andy. That looked super uncomfortable.

[@tanksherman9875]

39:43 he left out the fact that the U.S. Marshals shot Randy Weaver’s son, who was only 14 years old, and they shot him in the fucking back as he ran away. Absolutely a murder.

[@LMarshall73]

Not only that, but the initial forensic report showed the Marshal died to friendly fire and wasn't shot by Sammy or Harris.

[@towhomitmayconcern8866]

Don't ever trust statist to tell the truth

[@a.j.taylor4401]

The fact that the atf and fbi still exists shows how fucked up our country is. I have absolutely Zero respect for anybody in those organizations. It takes a real piece of shit to join either one.

[@42D6JD210C]

And the Dog

[@l_shaun_bunds_l]

at least people are aware of this and they received compensation. My siblings were gassed in a double down and they used transcripts of noise interpreted and misrepresented to jurors along with pseudoscientific failures in Occam's razor when it comes to consideration of accelerants like kerosine in a no heat, no light, and no fire otherwise environment. The compound was a glorified shed. Danforth and Smith let them pretend 100% not responsible for the fire is a real or scientific conclusion amidst the evidence when it is a double down of the same myopic blind spot laden confirmation bias that didn't use a simple audit to engage a legal ffl in the first place.

[@paddyleather5676]

He does not mention the 14 year old boy at Ruby Ridge was shot in the back and Mrs Weaver was holding her baby when she was shot and killed by Lon Tomohisa Horiuchi. Since the FED does not want to name this SOB I will .

[@dythshroomstamper]

Didn't oh Lon have 3 unaccounted for rounds at Waco aswell

[@hogie1259]

Right!! I was thinking, this fed is leaving a lot out .

[@ryanvargas4889]

@@dythshroomstamperHe also immediately had his rifle re-barreled and promptly misplaced the one he used.

[@nobodycares9579]

He doesn't need to.

[@MakerInMotion]

Koresh left the compound all the time. He went for morning runs. He went into town to see live music. When the feds talk about how tragic and unintended the results of the siege were, I just don't buy it. It didn't need to be a siege at all.

[@danielmarshall4587]

I very much appreciate the "hearty laughter" to me it gives the feeling of sitting down with some geezas keeping my mouth shut and ears open. Many thanks Mr Stumpf and Mr Whitcomb.

[@TheMotleyPatriot]

Great show. Chris is the generation who paved the way for modern warriors. It's all too easy to judge in the rear view mirror from a couch in the comforts of a first world living room. We owe Whitcomb a gratitude eternal.

[@jcar1417]

When Andy asked why he brought his kids to Timor and he couldn’t respond, thinking about it later why do drunks get behind the wheel with their kids in the car. They shouldn’t be behind the wheel at all, but something in their head doesn’t register. His self described “adrenaline “ addiction was an actual addiction, and addicts don’t think linear. I’m not a psychiatrist but seem like a possible answer

[@niemdan]

He said he doesn't have adrenaline, lol. What a sham this guy

[@davecollins6113]

Certainly an unforgettable character, and a bit of "Yes Virginia, there are people like that in the world". Definitely needs a round two. Whole lot of people going WTF when he talks about his kids in Timor, guess they learned a lot and changed their outlook about the world with stuff like that, make 'em or break' em. Need to interview them too.

[@GreenMountainOutdoorsman]

Wow, this is an intense one. Probably one of the best guests you could have had for a variety of reasons. In regard to ruby ridge and Waco, I think there are obvious communications and initial contact to individual issues.(ie, obvious other methods of approach) such as possible evidence of entrapment and not taking Koresh by himself on a walk. His perspective speaks to the ludicrous nature of the early years of fed bureaucracy. It changed my perspective on what was actually going on in Waco with human shields and no coms. However, it is clear by the END, that this man has been through one hell of a life and needs to work through that. Regardless, this was an important episode detailing important moments of U.S. history.

[@daviddemand6856]

Now, Andy should have Sarah Weaver on to tell her first-hand experience of those days at Ruby Ridge, before and after. GSL Uncut just ran that story and did so well! I trust her side more than Whitcomb’s as experienced extreme trauma burns every visual, smell, sound and feel into your memory, which she experienced and he did not! Ruby Ridge was not “peacefully resolved” as he stated. It was a setup murder scene in in which he unknowingly participated at that time. Key takeaway: the Federal Authorities will use overwhelming and disproportionate force to carry out their will if it supports their narrative. Yes, they are hit squads. Yes, they break laws for which they are never held accountable for, then expect citizens to trust and support them. He has done well for his “work”.

[@susandaniels9733]

Ruby ridge was unnecessary, all they did was murder a boy ,his mom and likely one of their own in the first shootout.the FBI sniper has never been charged for shooting thru the house with no established target.had we had cell phone with video then or even bodycams you wouldn't have done half of what you did.

[@joshuajackson4289]

@@susandaniels9733he was charged at the county level but the feds immediately picked it up and dropped the charges.

[@edpayne29]

Id like to hear Glover's comments about this guy and Ruby ridge

[@DanByDesign]

Same!

[@Orko99900]

Glover had him on his podcast a few years ago.

[@edpayne29]

@@Orko99900 couldn't find it. MG actual?

[@WinStoNs_Mith]

@@Orko99900if you could possibly post that link, I’d love to see/hear that one. Thanks

[@cristianlp84]

nailed it

[@philwood2687]

There's something about everything this guy said post Waco that was tough to believe. It sounds like a really blurred line between his novels and real life.

[@jimgallo6909]

I agree with that. It sounds like he is trying to promote his new book

[@andrewminnich5106]

None of them are going to say what the ATF did..otherwise they wouldn't let them write a book on it

[@dezinke3862]

Many different subtle and obvious in your face influences move him to the position he takes. One event alone bites him and his masters in the ass. The release of the 29 Davidians who expressed the wish to be removed. Interviews from these members made it cristal clear no abuse of children in any form took place. So his notion of " my job is saving those folks by taking out one " is nonsense at every level.

[@homescholed]

52:00 he neglected to mention that Vicki Weaver was holding a baby.

[@tusharin1984]

Probably because he was the scum bag who shot her

[@jcar1417]

Once again days of an event being condensed it a few minutes of conversation. That is the problem with most books,movies reports etc. you have a 300 foot oak tree being whittled down to a tooth pick there is a lot that gets tossed aside, misplaced, lost ,forgotten or overlooked.

[@homescholed]

@@jcar1417 yaa Maybe. Except he had time to tell you what guns everyone else was holding, but forgets to mention the one unarmed lady who is shot and killed holding her baby

[@Hanks1938ELKnucklehead]

​@@homescholedYup, a significant detail indeed. I like how he justified all their actions, and then said HRT had to change everything after that event.

[@jcar1417]

@@Hanks1938ELKnuckleheadthat’s how it works in the world, doesn’t matter if it’s military, law enforcement, civil service, corporate or Walmart. The boots on the ground don’t make policy, rules , procedures, it is dictated by management, commmand ,politicians etc usually people who have never been in the position or don’t have that skill set. There is almost always a huge disconnect between the people in charge and the people who actually do the work.

[@Glenn_and_ShannonsSalty_Life]

Well, that was interesting. Amazing difference in headspace between someone that’s an adrenaline junkie/sociopath that’s spent a lot of his life on the edge of wars vs someone who has been stuck in several. Who the f*** brings their kids to a war zone just to satisfy their adrenaline rush?? Thanks to Andy for pointing out that he needs mental health

[@niemdan]

He has done this so much he doesn't have adrenaline rushes, remember? 🤣

[@kyledanger45]

This guys a douche. This is who the FBI hires? Listening to him talk its no wonder Ruby ridge and Waco went the way they did.

[@kristenpiercey1033]

Incredible interview Andy! It’s good to hear about these catastrophes from the side of law enforcement, especially after reading Jon Ronson’s book “Them”.

[@NoahWDell]

Ruby Ridge, where the Feds killed a dog, an 11 year old boy, and a mother holding a baby. In that order. Fucking bad ass bro! In this episode, the Feds entraped Randy Weaver, a former Green Beret, into sawing some shotgun barrels down, shorter than an arbitrary number, detailed in the NFA, knowing he was desperate for cash. Same crime as owning an unregistered pistol brace is about to be in the US. There are estimated to be between 10 and 40 million pistol braces in the US. And only around 250k registered to date. So, around 9.75 to 39.75 million Randy Weaver level criminals out there... That's GOTTA mean a LOT of dogs, 11 year old boys, and mothers holding babies for the Feds to shoot in the coming year!! Get some boys!!!

[@AhHereWeGo]

All because of a $200 extortion tax

[@bboness713]

The federal agencies are full of absolute trash

[@dythshroomstamper]

It's more about the registry of that $200 tax stamp than the actual tax

[@tomwilson1006]

Randy Weaver was not a GB. He may have been attached to SF in a support role and had some combat engineer training, but 100% NOT a GB

[@parklloyd6690]

At 1:18:55, Mr. Whitcomb’s question, Andy’s response, and Mr. Whitcomb’s taking it at face value, that was priceless. And of course Andy had to clarify that he was joking. Another great episode, Andy! Thanks for all your great work. Cheers.

[@jlew6890]

Amazing how ppl throw justifications into situations that shouldn’t have happened in the first place.

[@toynazi]

BINGO

[@perryflowers8125]

Whether they should have been there or not, they did end up there and had to deal with A LOT of BS during those 52 days. They all had to deal with it in their own ways!!

[@jlew6890]

@@perryflowers8125 you sound a lot like the interviewee. Here’s a thought; maybe the alphabet crew should’ve realized that they shouldn’t be there with their agendas, and packed up and left. “Dealing” with it just to prove a point and then having it result in the catastrophe that it was is deplorable.

[@perryflowers8125]

@jlew6890 And you sound like one of those people that have their head in the ground and never had to do something that somebody told you to do something maybe when you didn't have all the information. Some jobs that are done by people have to rely that the information they are given is true.. Sorry but that is the way of the world. Could this have been handled differently, absolutely, but to Monday morning quarteback a job that somebody was tasked to do when you yourself probably could NEVER do is unwarranted...

[@jlew6890]

@@perryflowers8125 I was Army SF, 5th Grp, 2B, for just under 15 hrs. Don’t tell me about how things run and that I have my head in the sand chucklehead. If a unit discovers they’ve screwed up or intelligence was Fkd, you pull out quicker than a priest in a nun. You need to kick rocks out of this convo asap

[@randymichel459]

Best advice I have for him is to deny being a friend to Lon Horiuchi. Ruby Ridge was a hit job and the day the government earned the moniker “jack-booted thugs.”

[@theunforgiven462]

I have a feeling the comments are gonna get spicy on this one...

[@MN-ke5uu]

Seacow Snowplow Bitches😏

[@hellhammerfan1893]

Somethings glowing...

[@theunforgiven462]

​@@hellhammerfan1893sounds like something a fed would say

[@DanByDesign]

As they should!

[@jasons4882]

I like this podcast, it was hard to keep track at certain points but Chris seemed like he has lived life to the fullest. Sad to hear the ending about the kids going with him to a warzone, but I can only imagine Chris sees things differently then everyone else. Everyone should respect Chris for coming on the podcast and sharing his story with honesty.

[@Hitched14]

There is so much misinformation out there regarding Waco in particular, it was great to get an honest account from a first hand witness.

[@jasonm949]

Lick that boot

[@thenoneckpeoplerepresentat8074]

@@Hitched14His version, many others have a different version.

[@hxdercre]

i’m not sure we should call his story “honest”..

[@larryapl]

I'm glad Andy finally called him out. I'm a generation above him and I think he's mentally unbalanced in so many ways.

[@MrMcorraro]

Andy, Really enjoy your show. I think you may have struck gold with Chris, he is a very entertaining story teller and I hope to hear more from him. His connection to the Kennedy assassination, his fathers employee and the people he opened the show with could probably be an episode on its own, As he was talking about bringing his kids to a war zone I was hoping, then thankful for your follow up questions. Although I've never been to war, I couldn't imagine that being a a take your kids to work trip.

[@teamperry757]

Awesome interview. The whole tone changed when he said he flew his kids to a civil war that they didn't even have to fight. You could tell he just couldn't understand how fucked up that is. Dudes dangerous

[@j.daskalakis3034]

Right? Imagine the jacked up things he’s done that he has no remorse for.

[@cool_breeze_actual9643]

Loads of dudes like this in police forces and alphabet agencies.

[@johnclark5914]

Dude was lying.

[@alexrivera4275]

I wonder what Andy really thinks of this guy.

[@Timothythebrewer]

Wow, this dude is quite the thrill seeker. Not trying to pass judgement, BUT ... as a father I can't think of a situation where I would willingly bring my kids into an active war zone. 🤔

[@VanTuylAjax]

Caught this on another platform, came here just to read the comments, the most intense cleared hot I've heard, much respect to both of these guys.

[@fmxmyway]

Same. Respect to Andy for calling him out in a respectful way at the end.

[@jasonm949]

Chris murdered Americans. Real hero.

[@fukdog]

Ditto. Listen to the Aaron Howard pod with Andy, that is an uncomfortable listen

[@fmxmyway]

@@fukdog I just finished it per your recommendation. I don't think it was that bad. Left me feeling more for the dude that got shafted by the command more so.

[@ChrstianTroy720]

Great listen. Guy definitely knows how to tell a story

[@Vxr2237]

One of the best recent podcasts, what a crazy interesting life, such a good story teller too!

[@layneseawright5855]

2:31:17 Its depressing that a guy so wreckless and unhinged could get hired at a US federal agency. I mean he brought his own kids to a warzone with no means of protection all in the name of “adventure”. When people talk about a few bad apples, theyre talking about guys like this

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

The agencies, bureaucracy, etc. has become quite large. When you're hiring thousands of people, it's inevitable, I think. Unfortunately, it's probably more common than we'd hope. For example, the FBI has 35,000 employees.

[@Snorky_88]

For real.

[@Chertoff88]

Fascinating to see the generational difference and I love the mutual respect. Andy is such a good interviewer. This guy is on edge, you can tell but a fascinating historical perspective.

[@niemdan]

Just FYI, this guys made up a lot of shit.............

[@AhHereWeGo]

Was watching this on spotify on a drive, and you and I said “Napalm, Motherfucker” at the same time in the same way. I almost pissed myself laughing at the timing. Edit: Normally, being as he was involved in both Ruby Ridge (foundation is still there BTW, I’ve walked right up to it, he’s not kidding about the terrain) and Waco, I’d be inclined not to like him, however, it seems as if after all these years he’s come to the conclusion that neither of these things should have happened, especially the way they did. It sheds some light on the issues we have still in these agencies where nobody on these teams like HRT is allowed to speak up and stop these kinds of things. Like he said, imagine if koresh had been arrested off the property, instead of 50 guys showing up and assaulting a hardened position. In Randy Weaver’s case, they entrapped him 100%, because they were mad that he wouldn’t join the local Nassi group as a spy for the marshals and ATF, so they fabricated a story about him cutting a shotgun a little too short. Both things happened because the government didn’t get their $200 unconstitutional extortion tax

[@Dan-kd3dr]

Andy, great interview! What I took away is this guy is selfish and an sociopath. Thanks for having the guts to do this interview.

[@chrisriis]

Word!

[@JonLSchecter]

For sure glad to see everyone else is all thinking the same thing

[@BirdDogey1]

My takeaway.

[@jasonm949]

Andy sure did like to laugh a lot with Chris. What does that make Andy?

[@chrisriis]

@@jasonm949 A good podcast host. How do I think that? He gives him the benefit of the doubt up until the moment he realized what this guy really is, and then he draws a crystal clear line in the sand.

[@chrissheffield5468]

Thank you for adding context and nuance to a complex and contentious issue in law enforcement.

[@dylanbuckley6583]

His book Cold Zero was a fascinating read.

[@jhl72]

Great episode. This guy is a little younger than my dad and there is definitely a generational thing. The part about why bring your kids to East Timor. If you grew up in the 60's, 70's or 80's you just had a different outlook on risk and risky behavior and when you've become so numb to it all I can totally understand how it never crossed his mind.

[@larryapl]

I'm 77yrs old and this guy is off center of any generation. Worst guest that I can imagine.

[@vitigaymer1053]

This dude is a disturbed wacko. No need to dress it up 😂

[@tscotw1997]

I don’t know if I’m confused, impressed or depressed….

[@jameshinton429]

All of the above.

[@Ras7685]

To this day I remember Ruby Ridge and what happened. I am still pissed what happened. I can appreciate Chris 's candor and his point of view , however just like most of these situations the people at the top got away with no punishment.

[@niemdan]

If I was involved with Ruby Ridge, I’m sure by now I would have killed myself just out of guilt and shame

[@joesondag6801]

100%

[@SodaPrezsing]

@@niemdanreally? Would you say the same about troops involved in our wars overseas. Vietnam and Iraq vets?

[@whiskeyhelps8182]

@@SodaPrezsingIf you can’t differentiate between enemy combatants and American citizens, there is no help for you.

[@garrettd.6215]

@@SodaPrezsingwhat a dogshit comparison

[@ProjectPete]

This is a really eye-opening interview with a true sociopath/psychopath. A rare glimpse into the mind of a fed who was at two of the most criminally negligent operations in US history. A shameful display of arrogance and hubris. The real people who died at the hands of these monsters. The kids who were burned alive. Wow. This guy should be in GTMO.

[@hogie1259]

Agree. Also, the people in the comments, commending this POS like he’s someone to look up to are equally as sick and off. He left out all the parts about shooting 14yr olds in the back and rounds taken by agents that ended up being friendly fire, to justify his stories. The dude is a total shitbag and I’m sure there are several folks who’d like to share his “intimate moment” with him from opposite sides of a range.

[@KRN762]

Well said. I had to turn that shit off.

[@SJ-kj3jq]

This dude just has that vibe that he wants everybody to think he is on the same level as Tier 1. The fact he was involved with Ruby Ridge and Waco is just the cherry on top for how much I disliked listening to him.

[@AccuSol-ERN]

Andy - I would love to get the other perspective on WACO........I would like to see an interview with David Thibodeau (a WACO survivor). I have seen a presentation with Mr. Thibodeau in the past and the pictures and layout explanation would be a great addition to your no holds barred questions.

[@shannon7206]

Sme here that would be a great interview for sure

[@michaelmcclendon9688]

Interview concerning HRT started out well but it kind of went downhill after that. He says he has proof of his exploits but most of what he said was hard to believe. Andy's reactions, facial expressions and questions maybe suggest he was having trouble believing everything too. Don't know if I'll buy the book. Wow!

[@brettrobertson2538]

great interview I agree but obviously is going to be steered on the side of the FBI. Ruby Ridge was a tragedy and in my humble opinion there is no way in hell it should have gone down the way it did. FBI was in the wrong sorry

[@HankHank1287]

There’s something with this guy that’s very self congratulatory, but he tries to come off as humble that I can’t put my finger on

[@amylaurin7269]

I had the same feeling.

[@peterquinn3424]

That was the attitude for a lot of these people who participated in the sieges on Waco and Ruby Ridge.

[@Snorky_88]

Exactly. Everything about this dude stinks!

[@jonnyduckhunter8821]

Great job Andy! 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@jc3_nft875]

i read his book Cold Zero a few months after I became a cop. Loved it. I'm waiting for his next one. He's got a great way of telling a story.

[@brotherwah5630]

I’ve been waiting for this episode since 2020. Agree with the subject material or not, Cold Zero is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next.

[@niemdan]

fiction is riveting

[@bawhitham23]

People that are full of shit usually do....

[@morelanc]

Incredibly engaging guest. Thanks!

[@christopherE47051]

The more Chris Whitcomb speaks the less I want to hear from him. GFY.

[@Chertoff88]

So Andy asks him how rendition started and the guy starts talking about poker

[@832KJV]

Wow - what an interesting guy - he could probably tell stories for days. He's led the least boring life anyone could have - good for him.

[@DRFelGood]

Thank you Andy S. & Chris W. Just when you thought you’re last interview is going to be hard to beat. 💥“Grenades for Balls”💥

[@marks2920]

Please bring his wife on the podcast. I’d like to hear her perspective on the war zone, Molotov cocktail making, “adventure” her boys went on.

[@RodrigoRamirez-eq6gj]

Dude reeks of sociopathy.

[@rdlnd2265]

This absolutely needs a round 2 one of the top 5 CH I’ve heard

[@DMU386]

Forget about this dude for a second. I am just stunned at how much trust and respect the average American citizen has lost for all federal agencies in the last couple years. For good reason. But it is wild.

[@jasonm949]

Andy laughs with a murderer. Wow. Didn't Chris pose on the ashes of Waco? Chris lies about everything. Show those photographs,Chris.

[@StevelandCleamer]

I’m very excited to watch this, and even more so now that I’ve read some of the comments. This guy seemed like an interesting personality in the Waco doc on Netflix.

[@callmecamo2]

8 minutes in and already thinking he's a Fed shill... To be continued.

[@1low8te]

Yep! I listened to him on Jocko's Podcast. I just don't buy any Government BS.

[@Reddgie512]

yeahhh idk some things feel embellished but others I’m sure are 100% legitimate. seems like a cool guy nonetheless

[@manhalen7046]

Oh krist, you folks are such tools. You admitted you havent even listened to the whole gdamn podcast. You couldnt have summized your "tribe" any better.

[@LordPerique]

@@Reddgie512 a cool guy who just happened to be at 2 government sanctioned mass-murders? Okay.

[@GruntProof]

100%

[@mugshotmarley]

To get around that title status (civilian/military) for non-military, federal incidents, it would be an HRT mission on paper with a few HRT heads but a JSOC squadron/team would be "attached" and fall under HRT. Excuse me for using the wrong terminology, but as part of the support team, we'd see this plenty of times. Regardless of scenarios, you always wanted the best team going through that door. And JSOC is the bee's knees.

[@Matthw-7B]

Absolutely 💯 EPIC interview!

[@chrisriis]

Andy: you kept it real, brother. Even when it got uncomfortable. I can’t imagine what was going on in your mind during this conversation. I was WTF on so many occasions, but the kids in a war zone bit got my bullshitmeter way the fuck up. I would never have brought my kids with me to a FOB in back-country Afghanistan, no matter how many SOF units stayed around me. And his defensiveness when confronted by Andy just confirmed my take on this guys story (definitely not buying the book). I understand posting it, but no need for a round 2 in my book. Get Tyler Grey on instead 😊

[@StevelandCleamer]

Tyler Grey is the frickin man

[@rezarcher]

Victorious! If he wasn't clearly telling the truth... I'll say this anyone else told me that story I'd say," you sir are a damn liar!" I can see why that psychiatrist walked away thinking he was crazy till he researched him. If they are giving out awards for world's most interesting man that can't talk about the things he's done, and they're not. Mr. Whitcomb would all the awards. That's an offline conversation that would change your life. I only wish I knew how to read so I could go check out his books.

[@scout2531]

That storyteller excitement came to a crashing end when Andy ask about his kids. Whitcomb shuts down and this is the first time he crosses his arms. Typical body language for someone not accepting of the conversation. He’s an obvious narcissist. Thanks Andy!

[@762longrange]

Part 2 needed

[@TroubleActual]

This has to be 1 of the most intriguing stories!! I'm always interested in hearing the older stories instead of newer stuff. I still love the young stories, but the older ones are more interesting.

[@niemdan]

you spelled "fictional" wrong

[@painthorse1628]

Absolutely fascinating thanks Andy!

[@robertmillwee6409]

The Hollywood director he's talking about is Peter Berg.

[@sockonafish]

Man, maybe it’s just my probably third case of COVID talking, but this guy had my bullshit detector ringing once he started playing poker with Brad Pitt. Hope I’m wrong, I never like to think someone is a liar, and hope we get to see those receipts. Just the volume of fantastic situations, all the reassurances that it’s for real, too-high praise for Andy, and so many “probably shouldn’t say this” and then saying it anyway. Wouldn’t he need to let the Pentagon read his book before it comes out? No mention of that on book release timeline, but Jack Carr always makes light of it.

[@stauffer20]

That did seem weird. He seems like a sociopath that is continually trying to prove himself to himself.

[@jackhull8304]

He never actually said anything. Lots of talk but he never answered any questions.

[@raifsevrence]

The podcast was interesting right up until around that point. I don't even remember what Andy asked him out what he was talking about before that part of his monologue came up. The whole thing went off the, rails over the edge, off the bridge and down into the river some immeasurable distance below. I'm not sure if he ever got back to anything relevant after that. It felt like it spiraled off into an orgy of self aggrandizement after that. Had to stop listening. It was just weird.

[@chrisjohnson6765]

Reminds me of the scene in Mr. And Mrs. Smith where Pitt is drunk and playing poker. He was talking trash to the other players like that. Seemed a bit close for coincidence, but what do I know.

[@dforgash]

Just an amazing episode! Hope that Chris comes back, shares more stories and life perspectives! Don't think Chris knows about Andy's Javelin missile sniper rifle...

[@scottgreen6538]

"It would have been perfect" except it was a terrible shot that killed a woman holding a baby.

[@sockonafish]

The backstop on that shot is the cabin where he lived with his family. High likelihood that wife and kids are going to be peeking through windows and doors to see if dad is okay. My only hope is that HRT updated training to not fire on moving targets in front of houses unless certain they’re unoccupied.

[@jpm7596]

What an amazing podcast and sad at the same time.

[@kellinarramore6480]

What a great man!!!He is so very right that not everyone comes away broken even in the hardest of lives.Seems super honest and loves life!

[@bluestarlily1354]

YES RUBY RIDGE! I remember!!! Why was Sam shot? Ty for saying the case was possible set up!!!! LOVE TO YOU BOTH!!

[@pilotboy217]

Nothing scares me more than the people who willingly work for these people to support their families. They are totally fine with infringement upon other Americans.

[@MikeT86d]

The way he got silent when Andy questioned his parenting kind of creeped me out

[@fireincumbents]

That was the most telling snippet of the entire podcast. That he didn't even consider the ramifications of what he was doing is pretty wild.

[@MikeT86d]

@@fireincumbents Started an entire new level of rambling from there too like it completely broke any focus or thought pattern he had.

[@belladora1224]

Andy has a unique way of putting things in prospective while telling someone they need help.

[@coorsknight5616]

timestamp?

[@daveboon5992]

This is the most confusing interview I’ve ever heard 😳

[@williamforbes7156]

This is an all-time highlight for best episodes. Enjoy your holiday weekend ladies and gentlemen, thank you.

[@MrCashewkitty]

Im 45 and frombthe Ozarks. I knkw all about the Hankins clan. Glad they got their prison time. Nasty people. Its a different word down here. There are places deep in the Mark Twain where a chick named Goat shooting holes in trailers is to be expected and stories like Winter's Bone are not uncommon. 13 MS13 gang members were busted down there, trafficking drugs and people, a few years back. The woods are so thick that ive backpacked for 13 days straight and never seen another human.

[@danielmarshall4587]

I have to get to work now ...... I'm coming back to finish this in the morning.

[@birdmusic1206]

As far as seeking help goes his wife is a psychologist so there might be a story there. He also had his sons visit East Timor after they started University. It's still crazy but I assume they were adults by then? Great interview, I have wanted to hear a first hand account on law enforcement side of Ruby Ridge and Waco for a long time.

[@Loreny258]

“Ruby Ridge” Shot a child in the back twice, woman in the face while holding an infant, another child in the arm chest cavity and a man in the arm/armpit. They were for all intents and purposes assaulted on their property and then a kill order put on them. “I’m from the government I’m here to help” pretty pathetic and a testament that people will do as they are told.

[@kenwaltson7113]

God bless the weaver family

[@adamsmith6389]

This dude does not get a pass. I couldn't listen past 53:19 (if he stated his opinion, other than the Brown Shirt facts). I say this as someone who deployed to OEF III and OIF I, I regret the manner in which we "occupied", especially in Iraq. So when the Federal Govt does the same method internally, look out. My regret is I regurgitated the "Company Line" about why we should be in Iraq. I pray this man regrets being used against a fellow Citizen. As American service members, we are obligated to only follow legal orders

[@terrynealy5919]

One of your best interviews!

[@givemethemusicd]

Man! Miles Davis' B!tches Brew is some wild music to play in that situation. Trippy.

[@kevinmurphy8727]

Damnnnn we deff need a part 2 and maybe 3 lol. You should get his wife or maybe son on for their perspective .

[@pittsky]

powerful episode.

[@Mattyice-zr5wq]

Just bought Cold Zero. I’d love to see Chris back on the show. Great content as always.

[@PepperLewisAndCo]

Thank the Gods that the Weavers didnt make a run for the border. If they had ran to Canada, Ruby Ridge would have had a completely different meaning. Mr.Whitcomb, Chris, Thank You for the brutal honesty about Ruby Ridge. You helped me gain a different perspective about the case, and in doing so, led me to have a newfound respect for the agents involved.

[@parkermccade7174]

I think this guy’s meds wore off about 75% of the way through the podcast. Lol.

[@job2447]

Wowwwww, wot a crazy story, I'd love to hear his story in true entirety.

[@josephlooney8890]

One of the Best Podcasts you have had 🤙🏼🇺🇸

[@parkermccade7174]

Hmmm,…. Don’t really know what to think about this dude.. seemed legit and fascinating until he started talking about going to Afghanistan by himself, after that, I feel like Andy’s bullshit meter was going off a little bit, but hey, who am I to judge?

[@micfasto8700]

I read his book. "Cold Zero" 20 years ago. Outstanding read. The only reason it was not more popular was because It was released 2 days after 9/11.

[@Make-Asylums-Great-Again]

9/11 it was raining

[@JSPT440]

Anyone else get the vibe that Bryan Callen is a mutual friend?

[@byork1983]

Fascinating interview. Thanks Andy & Chris. Read black years ago, it was great

[@AKsusan907]

This was wild! Thank you gentlemen

[@HobbyistVentures]

It was good hearing him acknowledge that his acts throughout his career were selfish. Each one of us acts selfishly in some form or another and who’s to say that is wrong. Sure, it is highly important to be selfless as well but you can’t knock someone for living life how the deemed fit. That is what this country was established to be. Would I bring children into a war zone, no. Do I have a right to judge him, no. All that said, I enjoyed the stories and appreciated the conversation.

[@billmorton6977]

Good morning y'all have a great week. Stay safe and stay strong