Brett Johnson: US Most Wanted Cybercriminal | Lex Fridman Podcast

Brett Johnson was a US Most Wanted cybercriminal, called the Original Internet Godfather by US Secret Service for building the first organized cybercrime community called ShadowCrew, which was the precursor to today's darknet and darknet markets. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
- Public Goods: publicgoods.com/lex and use code LEX to get $15 off
- NetSuite: netsuite.com/lex to get free product tour
- Blinkist: blinkist.com/lex and use code LEX to get 25% off premium
- MasterClass: masterclass.com/lex to get 15% off
- Onnit: lexfridman.com/onnit to get up to 10% off
EPISODE LINKS:
Brett's Twitter: / gollumfun
Brett's Website: anglerphish.com
PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: lexfridman.com/podcast
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2lwqZIr
Spotify: spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
RSS: lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
Full episodes playlist: • Lex Fridman Podcast
Clips playlist: • Lex Fridman Podcast Clips
OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction
3:15 - Early years
37:32 - Phishing and social engineering
55:36 - SolarWinds cyberattack
1:01:23 - Future social engineering fears
1:04:04 - Early cybercrimes
1:16:38 - Cybercrime entrepreneurship
1:20:06 - ShadowCrew
1:51:10 - Dark web
1:59:56 - ShadowCrew arrested
2:11:55 - Cybercrime
2:17:02 - Love
2:49:06 - Prison
3:17:18 - Life after prison
3:39:06 - Advice for young people
3:40:30 - Hope for the future
3:43:59 - Meaning of life
SOCIAL:
- Twitter: / lexfridman
- LinkedIn: / lexfridman
- Facebook: / lexfridman
- Instagram: / lexfridman
- Medium: / lexfridman
- Reddit: / lexfridman
- Support on Patreon: / lexfridman

[@lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Public Goods: publicgoods.com/lex and use code LEX to get $15 off - NetSuite: netsuite.com/lex to get free product tour - Blinkist: blinkist.com/lex and use code LEX to get 25% off premium - MasterClass: masterclass.com/lex to get 15% off - Onnit: lexfridman.com/onnit to get up to 10% off 3:15 - Early years 37:32 - Phishing and social engineering 55:36 - SolarWinds cyberattack 1:01:23 - Future social engineering fears 1:04:04 - Early cybercrimes 1:16:38 - Cybercrime entrepreneurship 1:20:06 - ShadowCrew 1:51:10 - Dark web 1:59:56 - ShadowCrew arrested 2:11:55 - Cybercrime 2:17:02 - Love 2:49:06 - Prison 3:17:18 - Life after prison 3:39:06 - Advice for young people 3:40:30 - Hope for the future 3:43:59 - Meaning of life

[@korsakov1997]

@@tannerannichiarico7255 shhh

[@nielminor7529]

His stripper girlfriend likely never stopped doing drugs. She hid it better.

[@vanessa1569]

@@npc2172 Ali G (if he can stop himself pontificating for 5 minutes) for shiz. Louis CK would be amazing but I doubt he’s doing any podcast; love him but he’s too much of a control freak …Ricky Gervais would be good as would Hugh Laurie.

[@pb-vj1qs]

Lex, this is very similar to gunmo's interview kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWfMmIeAjcikrNE

[@asap9779]

@@tannerannichiarico7255 nah but like he would if he could

[@chauck1118]

I'm glad he's seen the error of his ways, but I keep coming back to the people whose retirement accounts he robbed. Think about that. Working your entire life towards this goal and having it stolen from you. And then the guy who does it gets to act like a hero for turning his life around and yucking it up with Lex for 4 hours. Something about that just bothers me.

[@ActivEthan]

Retirement accounts are covered, they’re fine.

[@williamhodge8095]

I see your side well, but when look at how much congress representatives, like Pelosi and pretty much all of them come into office poor and with in a couple years are worth millions at our expense makes this guy look like small potatoes,, Just sad for us the citizens

[@seannym95]

Dang… you ain’t wrong

[@creationbeatsuk]

I had this exact same thought. As interesting as this guy is he has ruined lives. We turn people like this into celebrities, while people like us who try to do good for others get shit on in life. It's like when criminals start a legit business and get praised for turning their life around, well yeh... you stole a shit load of money from people, you have the cash to start your own business.

[@ericavram361]

N😅hh m i gt ini😮 nn

[@thiefoftomorrow]

It’s rare u can listen to someone you’ve never heard of for nearly 4 hours and immediately want another 4. This was off the charts

[@jasonf3963]

Exactly. I was so hooked.

[@realjamesbond]

@@jasonf3963 1

[@watchprayact2069]

Not really, what keeps you hooked is wanting to know how a criminal can rip you off . In hopes they won't get you.

[@GrittyC13]

Yeah I just saw his episode of koncrete, and clicked on this one immediately after finishing that entire episode. It’s the same story but I’m watching anyway for the details that may be in this episode that wasn’t in that one lol

[@tpalden753]

@@watchprayact2069 or how you can be the criminal 👀

[@ALL_CAPS__]

When you grow up in a cycle of dysfunction, drugs, and crime, your thinking and behavior will always be colored by this. Unless you’ve experienced it firsthand, it’s hard to grasp how difficult it is to break these norms. Congrats to this man for changing his life. These stories need to be told so those of us that have experienced it see examples of ones that make it out.

[@sooperfly88]

Said well my friend

[@forthehomies7043]

It's unfortunate because he will always have to live with what he's done. He grew up, and he's lucky to have done so because many criminals are not given that opportunity. He's addicted to the nature of crime, that's why he's doing what he does today, by helping catch the bad guys. Fortunately he's realized and had the opportunity to realize that being in prison isn't fun. I agree with you, and for most people it is impossible to break their habits.

[@god_is_good493]

Truth!!! I've lived it and overcome a difficult childhood and young adulthood by testimony and faith in Jesus Christ.

[@josephmcgrath5267]

1

[@ALL_CAPS__]

@@god_is_good493 I’m glad for you. I’ve known a lot of people, some in my own family, that used religion or a 12 step program to overcome. whatever your difficulties are, keep and use whatever helps you stay clean or fly straight. As they say, "the program doesn’t work, unless you work it." I’m not a believer, or did not use religion, but I do like the saying " to each their own". all religious texts can help you be better. we just have to be sure we are using what can help people, and not the parts that hurt and tear down.

[@TayWoode]

I can imagine a lot of people will think he’s cool while he’s laughing and joking like he doesn’t care what he’s done, he doesn’t seem sorry, he’s never to be trusted, but people will still fall for his bs, he’ll still manipulate people in a different way. He really is a narcissistic psychopath

[@Lisabug2659]

How anyone would believe this guy is anything other than a Narc/psychopath is beyond me. He literally is enjoying his time reliving his sad and useless escapades. Such a BS artist. He’s criminal, manipulative and finds himself fascinating.

[@SacredOwl]

Ya, it's obvious. When he pays his victims back and stops telling his story with glee, maybe I will change my mind, but probably not.

[@peacepocket]

All the laughing is psychotic to me!

[@jaygoodman2466]

Soo

[@jimjones8967]

But he's soo good at storytelling

[@peterfazio9306]

This guest came out of left field, Lex. Great job. People need to know that this type of story is a real thing in the US, the richest country on Earth. It's a surreal world we live in.

[@loreneskidmore2591]

"Richest country on earth" has a red flag and white cross. Economic wealth has been drained from us citizens for a long long time

[@drewcookies]

The US is the 8th ranked richest. Get your head out of your ass lol

[@gustavsjokvist2668]

Care to elaborate?

[@gustavsjokvist2668]

@Black2th that is

[@ZandarKoad]

But is this story real? The speaker is a self-labeled master manipulator. After listening to him speak for 5 minutes... I mean, there's just no way I can know for sure if important elements of his story are true.

[@ignasa007]

Oh man, the diversity of interviewees, this is such a special channel!

[@ALCRAN2010]

Try Soft White Underbelly channel

[@ignasa007]

oh wow, that's a great channel, thanks for the rcmd!

[@michaelgorden8111]

Almost like he learned from Rogan lol

[@AJ-pc9gu]

@@ALCRAN2010 great channel for individual stories, but doesnt do intellectual education as far as i know

[@siamakkhodadoust6393]

@@AJ-pc9gu I guess the challenge is upon us, the commentators, to come up with our own unique conclusion.

[@user-cm8en8or1p]

Hard to believe he became a criminal having such a fine upstanding mother in his life.

[@raydead2670]

My mom does things similar but not as extreme. In terms of manipulation not selling drug nd illegal activities

[@kennethianhusband7433]

Plenty of people have horrible parents but don't end up being a complete scumbag

[@omnificad]

Sounds like a case of a mother with Borderline Personality Disorder

[@007nadineL]

We can assume someone abused him as a child

[@kennymacdowell1257]

I detect your sarcasm, but it’s truly sad for children to endure adult issues 26th year teaching elementary. :-(

[@rawgasmiclove]

This guy is getting a lot of pleasure telling his stories... I get the sense he still doesn't care about the hurt & trauma he has caused. I would believe he understands the gravity of his choices if he spent the rest of his life working to pay those poor people back. I appreciate the calm & quiet Lex maintains. He let's the guy spill & spill & spill.

[@mcshwazy]

I kinda have feeling we are hearing a lot of untrue stories that aren't really ways to find out if what he says is true or not. He was supposedly this amazing theatre student. He is very skilled with his words.

[@headhuntergaming0210]

i disagree

[@victorblock3421]

He wouldn't do what he did if he had any moral compass. Incarceration didn't change him.

[@rawgasmiclove]

@@victorblock3421 I do believe that people can change & see the error of their thinking but I agree with you. He hasn't changed. You can see be how much he's enjoying telling his stories &... when he gets emotional talking about the prostitute he shacked up with he's selfishly crying for himself.

[@victorblock3421]

@@rawgasmiclove I certainly believe people can reform themselves from bad/negative things but it depends a lot on the motivation that person had or what their moral compass is. I make mistakes every day and made some big ones in the past but shame and my moral compass brought me back from the brink and set me straight. I didn't need counseling or any of that. Being more mature helped. The key is no bad screw ups and greatly exceed bad stuff with good stuff.

[@joblow8392]

textbook narcissism, psycopathy and antisocial personality disorder. the glibness, charm, recklessness, disregard for authority, manipulation of every character in his story. amazing interview - Lex just allowed him to speak

[@kam1am]

So true

[@xKarenWalkerx]

It’s actually Borderline. Borderline in men encompasses narcissism (grandiosity), psychopathy (factor 2), antisocial is psychopathy all with Borderline pathology organization (incredibly dangerous). His mother, by his description, is Borderline too, but more female typology. Borderline Personality Disorder is strongly associated with Native American admixture. Kentucky has high amounts of native Indian in the Anglo population. Johnny Deep also from Kentucky had a similar Borderline mother.

[@MisterNMason]

Truth

[@brezhnev89]

Exactly what I thought

[@Zenden1ST]

@@xKarenWalkerx so borderline Personality Disorder is a racial trait now or just correlated to bad living environment???

[@CodenameDuchess1984]

"If you're addicted to something, you can not love anything else, except the addiction" - This line hit me on so many levels, and has put a lot into perspective

[@mwalsh128]

Amen to that!

[@spacecees9013]

The problem if You look bret in his eyes ,by the way blue means snakes oilsman

[@CiCiLeathercraft]

@Brett Johnson ok “Brett Johnson” I’m sure you’re really experienced with drugs 💀🤣 is this something you talked about in bible study?

[@programmer1840]

@Brett Johnson Great to have you in the comments, Bret. Thanks for the podcast. That point on addiction really resonated with me and it can be addiction to anything, like work.

[@DotJus]

Addiction is the progressive narrowing of what brings you joy.

[@JasonWh]

So, as the owner of a Cybersecurity Provider firm that works to ensure guys like this aren't successful, I deal with guys like Brett daily. Ask him this... .did he go back and pay back ANY of his victims? NOPE. He's still bragging. The answer here is this.... If they sound like a used car salesman, walk away.

[@Bri-254]

Exactly the guy is a absolute cretin.

[@BulkernatorKerb]

If you knew what you're talking about you'd know their sentencing (especially for federal cases) almost always features "restitution" which is garnished from their income from the day of their sentence, even being garnished from their in-prison income.

[@JasonWh]

@@BulkernatorKerb I’m a cybersecurity and forensics expert. Not a corrections or legal expert. The bragging is particularly disheartening and being I deal with scum like this daily, I have no tolerance for bragging. Perhaps I don’t know what I’m talking about. Who knows.

[@rockitmeena]

@@JasonWh What did he brag about?

[@JasonWh]

@@rockitmeena at the beginning, he laughed and bragged about his theft exploits. The smile on his face tells me he’s enjoying the retelling of his exploits. I deal with guys like this on a daily basis as rhetorical owner of a cybersecurity and forensics firm. Trying to save companies from these guys dealing with terrified business owners and smalll business employees who may not have a job the next day. Dealing with those who are being extorted and threatened with the disclosure of their data and the extortion of their clients. It’s an incredibly dirty and unsavory world masked as something else.

[@enriquecardona1819]

Lex this has got to be one of your best interviews ever. Elon musk, bustamante and this guy. I have listened to all 3 interviews like 30x each

[@brettjohnsonshow]

Thank you for listening!

[@jaredcrenshaw7665]

Bustamante? That dude us a total slimy scammer.

[@SteelxWolf]

@@jaredcrenshaw7665well he is a government agent. Thats their game lol

[@Jath2112]

It is terrifying that such a compelling and articulate person could be so casually evil.

[@MrThenry1988]

I'm skeptical

[@crilf5830]

i couldn't agree more.

[@jacobgirman6352]

Master social engineer

[@flowerwater9136]

It is also terrifying how casually evil his mother is to her own child.

[@equaliser2265]

Articulate? Hahahaahah

[@jimbowred1983]

Best Lex Fridman episode ever. This guy could carry 8 hours of material. Well done. Esp staying out of his way and letting him talk.

[@azithro8]

Qwww

[@jt9907]

Best for me was Escobar’s pilot mule

[@jspot_5198]

My thoughts exactly

[@anthonycarrasquillo5883]

@@jt9907 no t a

[@anthonycarrasquillo5883]

@@jt9907 no t a

[@elizabethscrivner6891]

I am a therapist. I have worked in private practice and with people getting out of prison. I did CBT both types of spaces. I believe it makes a difference. I have listened to this 2 times. I find it fascinating. I have been a therapist for 25 years.

[@hoi-polloi905]

What do you do for work?

[@elizabethscrivner6891]

@@hoi-polloi905 😂

[@DUSTINBARTRUM]

People may think he’s exaggerating about how things are around here but I can assure you it’s even worse now then what he’s explaining. As hard as that is to believe. Kudos to this guy for not letting the toxicity of eastern Kentucky keep him down forever because most people around here stay here until they die.

[@plasmaman9592]

I can relate to his childhood. I was selling drugs at 12 to pay all the bills for my mom and moved out to live on my own at 14 and continued to selling massive amounts until I turned 18 and could get a job without a parent's signature. I took a huge pay cut but was able to get a license and buy a house and move to the county, start a landscaping business and I'm still in that house 22 years later. Now I have a metal fabrication shop.

[@dreckigerdan3739]

and do you wonder how many people died because of your drugs?

[@kittiesandcolas7957]

​@dreckigerdan3739 Why would he? Not once in my life have I met a dealer who forces anyone to buy..

[@dreckigerdan3739]

@@kittiesandcolas7957 by your logic it's also okay to sell weapons, do even understand what kinda bullshit you wrote?

[@ASTERisk44946]

@@kittiesandcolas7957 🤣

[@kaspervestergaard2383]

@@dreckigerdan3739 One might hurt others. Drug don't directly hurt anyone else but those taking it. They know the risk. A person buying a weapon illegally, is very likely to go out and kill someone. Terrible example.

[@ErvNoelProduction]

This was an incredibly fascinating conversation. Lex, you are KILLING these, please more of these cyber security/cyber criminal sit downs, they're fire

[@ninajefferson4018]

What's wrong w you. This dude stole masses of money from individuals. Not corporations from regular people. You should hate him not praise him cause he paid for his crime in prison. He didn't pay anyone back! He's a piece of garbage who should be made to pay back that lady he defrauded with the elephant.

[@ErvNoelProduction]

@@ninajefferson4018 nowhere in my comment did I say I liked him. I liked the conversation. Reading comprehension is essential. I also showed appreciation for Lex. If you don’t like the content, you can always watch something you enjoy. Wish you the best

[@spacecees9013]

Reed book John macfee

[@spacecees9013]

@@ErvNoelProduction at the moment cybercrime is even more dificult

[@ninajefferson4018]

@@ErvNoelProduction Whatev Erv.

[@midnitelite7210]

I commend you for what you are doing with your channel. Thank you for allowing us to hear stories straight from the people who lived them.

[@kevthepoet]

Lex is really good at asking the questions that will get interesting philosophical and/or emotional answers.

[@sacredflowspace]

Seriously sat here and watched entire 3 hours and 47 minutes of this epicness ♾☀️🖤 thanks lex appreciate your time and consideration!!!

[@seanmichael7714]

Same so amazing

[@user-sw2tt9nl8y]

This podcast is like listening to a movie like 'Blow'! Amazing!! Tanx a lot @lex

[@rrek7]

Click the ellipses (three dots in top right hand screen) and change the playback speed to 2. Cuts time in half ;)

[@treverdrew6993]

You skipped the last 25 seconds? What's wrong with you?! Lol ...this is an amazing interview.

[@morganowo1350]

Same. First time, too.

[@makobrkic1988]

This guy is happy where he is now, and would not change anything in his past because he would not be where he is now... He caused so much pain and suffering and we, as society, are feeding him now. He doesn't deserve to be concerned a hero!

[@SP-iv2jj]

agreed

[@coryaw95]

He has served his time. He is allowed to be satisfied with who he is.

[@anthonysteen56]

And what if you made a list of your shortcomings, rules and laws you’ve broken? What if you shared them publicly? How do you imagine the people would think of you?

[@mrbananaflasher]

@@Cookieisaqueer Sounds like you don't believe in redemption. That being your opinion you're obviously entitled to, but you don't fundamentally get to dictate the inner state of any individual; regardless of their actions. Especially when your virtues are predicated on the belief of being better than someone. If you truly believe in what you say, then your problem wouldn't be with the individual, rather the justice system as a whole. What is the purpose of serving a sentence then, if not to pay for what you've done?

[@mrbananaflasher]

He would not change anything in his past, because he can't. This is a foolish statement. To me this seems to be made to invoke a reaction because it literally has no other purpose or meaning. Him not deserving being 'concerned a hero' is a valid opinion, yet I've not seen a single comment stating this. Again, stated to invoke a reaction. Saying anyone doesn't deserve, or denying an individual happiness regardless of their actions, only reflects upon your own poor sense of worth. How can you find happiness unless you accept things, including the past, as they are?

[@nancyjukanovich-knapp2789]

I cannot relate to any of his story...at the same time I find it fascinating!! I hope Brett has a much better life today. The lessons he has to of learned...amazing. Amazing story. Thank you for sharing.

[@bohemianlamb4309]

Hand's down the best conversation I have seen in a podcast. Much love to you both! Thank you for sharing.

[@josephmorgan2981]

This is the best episode you’ve seen Homie why?

[@bohemianlamb4309]

@@josephmorgan2981 That's a really hard one to justify given all the amazing people he has interviewed. I would say with a little more thought it feels the most relevant to current events. With all the lie's, scams, and world changing tech out there this episode gives many a glimpse of how it operates behind closed doors. Brett's honesty was refreshing.

[@NexusOfBach]

Lex BY FAR has the greatest introductions ever. They are so graceful, unequivocally precise, and greatly capturing. Rock on sir.

[@ninajefferson4018]

What's wrong w you. This dude stole masses of money from individuals. Not corporations from regular people. You should hate him not praise him cause he paid for his crime in prison. He didn't pay anyone back! He's a piece of garbage who should be made to pay back that lady he defrauded with the elephant.

[@NexusOfBach]

@@ninajefferson4018 Talking about Lex get off the pipe and stop looking for a fight

[@leuquim]

You mean unequivocally?

[@NexusOfBach]

@@leuquim yes I did! Ty for the catch sir.

[@jeweltunstall7073]

Very well said! Per usual it took me a Novelette to express your short and sweet and deeply meaningful perspective!!! Love this!!!

[@kenaaronbabbit9987]

Imagine what this guy has done that he's not telling.

[@alexacosta2140]

That’s a good point

[@justinesmith3498]

Probably next level degenerate sex and drugs.

[@chriss1672]

I’m sure there’s a few bodies he isn’t talking about

[@dibaz1]

Can you imagine what devastation he could do!

[@CCC0122]

Sometimes the attention one gets from telling a surreal, extremely intense true story, can trigger a person to continue with different stories that may be totally fraudulent. Amazingly enough, the man seems to have some serious things to feel guilt or shame for. These childhood stories can be true; if so, is it an excuse for some sociopathic tendencies but my attitude towards this , is at what point in your life do you stop making excuses and start building a new set of healthy memories. I wish him luck, And God Bless

[@OverLeveragedTrader]

I literally sat the whole interview and oh man was this a good one thanks for sharing

[@Reallionaire314]

Idk how this channel keeps popping up on my auto play. I usually let KZbin auto play for hours, and lately about half the time I do this I see an interview from this channel. I'm always waking up to it or falling asleep to it. But today, this interview actually caught my attention. I'm going to subscribe now, and go down the rabbit hole of interviews I've missed!!

[@exapsy]

I woke up listening to this podcast, dreaming about Prisons, and I learned 2 main things: 1. Listening to Lex Fridman's podcast's while sleeping makes you go trippin' 2. Never ever tell a prison inmate or guard or anybody that you're in there for "some computer crimes" even if you're a cybercriminal xD

[@allenclark4235]

I woke up listening to Theo Von and Duncan Trussel. Much nicer experience lol.

[@mcshwazy]

Yes! I had same experience but Lex had Donald Hoffman talking about reality. My dreams were of what he was talking about with consciousness and interfaces like what he was saying was directing my dream. When I woke up I was trippin and felt like I understood everything Hoffman was talking about in the pod. I went back and tried to watch the podcast again since i hadn't watched it prior to autoplay during sleep. When I really watched it while awake it made no sense. It was such a strange feeling I had waking up like things finally made sense and then just went away thru out the day.

[@04dram04]

You shouldn't listen to any media while sleeping. That programs your subconscious mind. I recommend just white noise, to sleep

[@allenclark4235]

@@04dram04So wouldn't the smartest thing be to let something educational play.

[@sjmzeldaavgnfan]

No way! It happened to you too? I swear it happened to me as well!

[@kennethcarrier6739]

I fell asleep with YT running in the background, I started having this crazy dream, and woke up and this guy was telling his story which was part of my dream…. This is crazy!

[@juliecarr2465]

Same here!

[@garrysekelli6776]

Also

[@jimjones8967]

This is actually a common occurrence among many people. Outside stimuli has a big effect on how your brain processes information while you are in different states of sleep. REM sleep is where the brain is influenced by outside stimuli the most.

[@michaelstanley9143]

Same. Wild police chase dream.

[@stuntman0691]

Crazy exact same thing here lol

[@Mlaprades]

This is a fantastic interview.. It certainly not the only one. I'm glad I found this podcast.. thanks for your dedication and hard work

[@brettjohnsonshow]

Thank you for listening!

[@laurakosch]

@@brettjohnsonshow How do you feel about the comments that assess your personality? Especially those that remain skeptical… It must feel a bit irritating to be faced with people who are confident that they know the “real” Brett…

[@brettjohnsonshow]

@@laurakosch First, thank you for listening. I appreciate it. As far as the negative comments? Well, I cannot control those, nor would I want to. The positive response far outweighs the negative, so I'm pleased. That said, some of the negative comments do cause me to think if the person were watching the same interview as others

[@laurakosch]

@@brettjohnsonshow These comments mainly reveal the speakers’ own hearts. In our house, the one rule we have is no mind reading. We cannot know what is in someone else’s heart, or what is motivating them. To accuse someone in this way is arrogant and foolish.

[@brettjohnsonshow]

@@laurakosch Thank you. Truly

[@brettbennett-kp7mq]

This mans truth and Story, must be made in to a movie ! Its complete with such honesty, and a youthful, and heartbreaking love story ! Its actually such a beautiful love story this is the second time ive listened to this complete episode ! I can hear his heart continue to break as he tells the story !

[@jordenfuhriman740]

This is the best podcast I've ever came across. I love the diversity of ppl he's able to bring on here it's actually impressive

[@MrDonpasqualino]

This one and Soft White Underbelly on KZbin

[@ninajefferson4018]

What's wrong w you. This dude stole masses of money from individuals. Not corporations from regular people. You should hate him not praise him cause he paid for his crime in prison. He didn't pay anyone back! He's a piece of garbage who should be made to pay back that lady he defrauded with the elephant.

[@jonmarquis4952]

@@MrDonpasqualino I'll have to check that one out as well....used to watch jre til he went to Spotify but lex definitely gets great guests on here

[@otkspazz103]

@@MrDonpasqualino kw

[@lilnato4248]

@@jonmarquis4952 he😊😊j 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊in

[@TomRumbaugh]

I feel like I just heard the most persuasive psychopath on earth. It’s stunning how much I want to enjoy his shocking and terrifying stories told with such laughter.

[@JoeyVol]

Most psychopath's merely hide the fact that they are so; Therefore you have to study those in your life and especially public figures who "have you" under their guise.

[@pinkysidealmond2854]

100 💯

[@LetsGetSmarted]

most psychopaths are persuasive, they just don't let you in on the lie, so you assume they're normal.

[@bernardinelane1718]

Hard to believe. Thinking Bret’s acting skills were masking some truth in his story.

[@DrumL3000]

I think the mom is the worst.

[@eddier155]

Some might despise this guest, but he's highly intelligent and carries a metric ton of real life wisdom. We should all be happy that he's supposedly turned his life around.

[@justinthomas2805]

I watched the whole interview closely hoping to see real remorse, it’s very clear that this was all just bragging and proud of what he did, and still is proud about the things and amounts he pulled off

[@ComicBookVault]

The way he even said he is an amazing actor. Just pure narcissist, he’s so gullible of himself

[@TheREALJackFurious]

Like he has ALL these talents the world needs to know about. As Conor said, “who the fook is this guy?”

[@daAwns3r]

Lex, I really like your interviews with criminals that turned their lives around. Like this one with Brett Johnson and Roger Reaves. Its very interesting.

[@CincyPharmer]

Roger Reaves interview was one of my top 10 podcast episodes ever. It was like listening to Bob Ross paint stories about cocaine trafficking. Incredible.

[@Patso44]

@@CincyPharmer underrated Bob Ross comment!

[@chrisruskai9341]

It makes you wonder though. Did he turn it around or is it another scam?

[@Shiyounin]

They aren't 'turning their lives around'. They get caught and then go where the money is.

[@jeweltunstall7073]

@@chrisruskai9341 Again I love this! You’ve so sweet and short summed up my novelette!! Exactly it feels as if he may never be capable of truly being a permissive or trash his criminal minded justifications of being a predator even after himself being traumatized. Thank you I appreciate this well said comment!!!!

[@odnilniloc]

Brett is an excellent story teller. Thoroughly enjoyed this episode. Thank you Lex and Brett for this fantastic episode.

[@ninajefferson4018]

What's wrong w you. This dude stole masses of money from individuals. Not corporations from regular people. You should hate him not praise him cause he paid for his crime in prison. He didn't pay anyone back! He's a piece of garbage who should be made to pay back that lady he defrauded with the elephant.

[@jimmicrackhead12]

He's lying

[@trevor4175]

​@@ninajefferson4018don't be mad at someone because they don't hate someone enough, that's a bad reason.

[@ginalacombe633]

It took three different sittings to watch this interview. Damn that honest eight. I took so much away from both of you. Lex, you're just so chill. You love love. Awe, be still my heart. Brett, you ooze charisma. A paradox INDEED. Aside from the criminal man, when you spoke of never loving anything more than the addiction. How one cheats themself of real human connection to another. FUCKING OUCH. I'm still choking back tears, but for the first time maybe ever, I'm ready to face me. Funny were a person gets a pearl. I'm a FUCKING liar. It's exhausting. Thank You. I hope for you PEACE & LOVE & LIGHT

[@msblanqui1]

Wow...your reaction is quite interesting, truly. Thx for sharing

[@syme9925]

I had the pleasure of being given a Top-Secret classified briefing on Cybersecurity as it relates to industry in 2021 (in light of Colonial Pipeline). After that briefing I bought: 6 month supply of rations (rice, salt, supplements) with supplements A 9mm pistol with 1000 rounds of ammo Water filter system Backlog of prescription meds (3 months best I can get)

[@Linux333]

So you’re a crazy person..

[@jameshanna8762]

@@Linux333 In just the past 3 years, I watched people quarantined indefinitely, line up in the hundreds around a grocery store in the hopes of buying something to feed their family, people fighting over toilet paper, cities on fire as people run through the streets with big screen TVs, and pharmacies looted systematically. With that in mind, are they really crazy? Or are they a sane person doing the bare minimum precautionary steps to deal with a crazy world? I think you are suffering from normalcy bias to avoid having to face how fragile our society really is. But don't feel bad, as you are in the majority. Most people aren't ready for the power to go down for 24 hours, even after living through a global pandemic. They just put it out of their mind and believe that everything is going to be fine, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. "So you’re a crazy person.."

[@lucashinch]

Absolutely the very best interview I've heard. Lex, this interview has been positively entertaining with educational insight as to the behavioral motivation, actions and consequences, for better or worse of a decent human being. I feel Brett is a success in many ways, more than I'll ever know. His story has inspired me on this quiet Sunday afternoon. Lex, I gave you 3 hours by listening to the interview and I'm certain I've spent my time wisely. This interview has reinforced to me that most decisions are made "to arrive at a destination by means of least resistance" whether metaphorically or not, changes are made due to lifes' impedances or a fear of consequences. I believe that when life becomes unmanageable , a person can truly do good for others and themselves and hopefully create change. I appreciate your work . Thank you for sharing the awesome results of your time and efforts. I'm certain what you do is not easy . You're truly a professional. Well done and thank you. Best Regards, LTH

[@davidcagle920]

Don't forget those 47 minutes too Also this guys learned to code.

[@crbradbury8282]

Brett's honestly and cohones shined brightest in this one sir. Lex does absolutely amazing in every interview, that's a given

[@taintedsasquatch398]

If this is the best you haven’t seen very good interviews before.

[@auspicioustoot]

Well Brett has turned his story into a novel basically so that he can sell it.

[@lang1892]

nothing beats elon interview tho😙

[@nicoleselsky7273]

When Lex said, “I always wear my heart on my sleeve. If I get hurt for it? That’s life” how sorrowful that we live in a world where some people that are so unconditionally full of love have to coexist with people that only know hate and dishonesty. Sadly, we can only hope that love overshadows the hate. Keep grinding Lex 🤟🏼

[@malikialgeriankabyleswag4200]

I don't agree with your dualism

[@nicoleselsky7273]

@@malikialgeriankabyleswag4200 I don’t even know what that means? I just meant like there is happiness and sadness, it sucks that really good people encounter the worst of the worst of other people sometimes. I don’t have to agree… since it’s also a personal view, I haven’t met too many good people in my life but that doesn’t mean I don’t know that good people are out there/exist

[@novictim]

Everyone is evil in the wrong circumstances. And the other way round. People that are unaware aren't aware of being unaware. Everyone thinks they are justified in their actions.

[@nicoleselsky7273]

@@novictim Oh I like this

[@malikialgeriankabyleswag4200]

@@nicoleselsky7273 I know I'm just saying sometimes when we get fed up of the bad things we like to escape to this very well defined world of good people here vs evil people there.. and then we get tricked into wars lol

[@peaknonsense2041]

His story about snapping put of nowhere reminds me of that recent story of that guy jumping over the Judge's tsble to attack her out of nowhere. Maternal parental abuse is less talked about but often creates monsters.

[@alejandroestevez876]

What a great episode 🙏🏻 A lot of lessons to be learnt from it. Thank you for sharing Lex!

[@rjt98]

At the minimum.... this is 1000x better than anything you've ever watched on cable TV.

[@insigniamalignia]

listen the fuck up randy whateverthefuck name travis, cable tv died in the 1980's. since then, it has been fake propaganda created by the fbi to brainwash us into buying products so that they can support their overseas operations

[@justinesmith3498]

If you like these kid of stories you should follow these 2 channels -Matt Cox True Crime -Koncrete

[@thusomodika5065]

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[@thusomodika5065]

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[@thusomodika5065]

@@justinesmith3498 0

[@astrladam4392]

This is a great interview and the fact that it is in all likelihood another act of social engineering makes it all the more interesting.

[@SilentShiba]

I was thinking about that too. This guy doesn't think anything like me, but why do I like him so much?!

[@bezzzbezzy473]

@@SilentShiba because he is a great con Artist

[@kurt6469]

Yeah, notice how he avoids answering any details and instead just sorta steam rolls over Lex. I wonder if even half his story is true.

[@selbstbestimmt]

The power of psychopaths.

[@halbrooks4654]

@@selbstbestimmt My sentiments exactly, Not much emotionally centered,( sympathy/ empathic) expression, with Brett. The dudes got an attitude, of not my fault, look at my bad upbringing. BS, He knew the difference between right and wrong, but chose to do wrong. I'm, not getting any real vibes of compassion or regret, from this predator,he was stealing vunerable ppls life savings. DISPICABLE

[@Not-thatKaren]

Of all the interviews Lex has done (that I’ve watched) I remember this one more than any.

[@brettjohnsonshow]

Thank you for listening

[@antzrussell4404]

Lex in your opening commentaries exactly how u feel, your podcast is amazing and I hear it more and more everyday and I appreciate you for at least trying to get through to some, to create a better understanding for all of us thank you ❤️✌️🐜

[@DasGigPig]

I can listen to this guy tell stories all day long. Lex has a knack for finding these people, sitting them down and getting the best from them. Always wondered why his podcasts were so long, now I know why. Compelling interview.

[@andyb4863]

About 2 1/2 hours in I forgot I was even watching a Lex Fridman interview. Had a split second doing other things, I almost thought I was watching a movie.

[@pixl2286]

I pray for this man. It seems he recognizes how terrible he has been in his past, and I truly hope he works towards change in his life. I see a great person underneath all this trauma and unfortunate habitual behavior, hopefully it can shine through irrefutably through time and effort.

[@Parkissssss]

By openly laughing and publicly mocking the victims of his crimes?

[@pixl2286]

@@Parkissssss I think you're exaggerating what he did because he even got emotional at one point. However, I never claimed that he did anything great, only that I hope he works toward change in his life from his past. Laughing is by no means a measure for his regret of what he did, people react and express themselves differently.

[@nigelcrits]

​@pixl2286 it's an act.

[@pixl2286]

@@nigelcrits maybe, maybe not

[@Phreakazoid_]

Brett has such an interesting story man. A good example of how all of us can turn things around in a positive way, no matter what

[@jaymanishere13]

He still stole many people’s retirement funds and permanently ruined their lives

[@Joelio8701]

This guy is like the Breaking Bad version of Dave Ramsey 🤣. Amazing story this should be a movie - It’s like Catch Me If You Can meets Shawshank Redemption meets Breaking Bad meets Wolf Of Wall St

[@landenx]

😂😂 literally same voice

[@Jaspermoises1835]

Holy crap! I thought the EXACT SAME THING!! 🤣

[@barryroodhuizen2365]

😂😂

[@ericwilson2632]

Dam....

[@jacobdorph816]

Perhaps Hollywood screenwriter will pick upp om this imterview and present new movie idea, "The Social Engineer"

[@timothyjones2143]

The more I watch Lex, the more I am liking him and getting hooked on his podcast. Used to be a JRE fan for years but I’ve switched to Lex, I trust him more and I think it’s a better program.

[@jhorsechief]

Lex challenges his guest on a human level that we can all relate to

[@rmdbourg]

Lex is light years more intelligent than Joe…and Joe isn’t a dummy

[@ericvoots]

Thats because Lex doesn't tell the same 10 anecdotes every episode

[@callancollins7708]

@@ericvoots or make every conversation about trans or the pandemic

[@stevrgrs]

As many people have stated prior, Lex is the intellectuals JRE :P

[@Austin_Bowers]

What an opening👏👏👏 Can't wait to hear more stories like this, thank you Brett!

[@jonathancunningham8377]

Lex you’ve quickly become one of my favorite channels. Love all the different aspects of life you touch on and for some reason it’s all topics I’m interested in. Hope you never quit!

[@ironassbrown]

I gotta say Brett makes me a bit uncomfortable, he reminds me in ways of the other psychopaths that I have met in my life. It's hard for me not to imagine him as a manipulator and dangerous individual. I see every indication that it is still a fundamental piece of his personality, it seems to me that you would really be relying on Brett to decide not to take advantage of you if you were to lower your guard around him or were not sufficiently guarded from him. I would think that about all it would take would be for him to be feeling a bit lazy, or bored for him to turn to manipulations that could have negative consequences for his targets, mentally or otherwise. I see in him a kind of insecure confidence that to me appears like coping with vast insecurity, but is presented as joy and strength and secret celebration of the domination of others, and the superiority of duping and harming others without them understanding what is happening. This kind of charm that everyone in the comments is responding to so well is nothing new, this is what a charismatic psychopath is like. Now imagine yourself under their spell and you decide that you want to trust them wholeheartedly, big mistake, big mistake. This isn't about shaming Brett, this is about how easily most of us are guided away from good judgement. I don't think you can trust Brett anymore than you can trust a rattlesnake loose on a bus, you know maybe the snake just wants to curl into the corner and be left alone, are you going to put your trust in that when your getting on that bus, the question is are you still going to get on that bus? You say no, but if the snake was as persuasive as Brett I think a lot of these people in the comments would be overjoyed to sit on the bus with the charismatic rattlesnake.

[@MrRedstonefreedom]

Of course he hasn't completely changed, he was nearly pure evil, he's not going to suddenly become reformed even if he truly genuine wants to, which is impossible to verify. Your suspicions or hesitation are completely sound. Reputation & record matters for a reason. And it *really* matters. I would never trust this kind of person. Save your trust for people who have earned it.

[@bowlofsoup12]

And i bet you like to listen to yourself speak

[@nickpearce2968]

Good assessment. Given the way he was raised, it's not hard to see why he is this way.

[@bookofbrah]

​@@bowlofsoup12 stop crying if you aren't able to read more than 6 words its because your attention span is fucked up from watching all these tictocs and reels - its your problem :D

[@sonnylambert4893]

“Takes one to know one”

[@rg10870]

This was incredible. As somebody who started his life off not as a choirboy much like Brett Johnson did. This podcast brought back a lot of memories of the old me. And he's absolutely right and I don't know if it's former criminals only that want to live their life in this fashion. But he is absolutely 1000% correct. It's all about how can I benefit somebody else. Service over self. Famous quote that help change my life in a very dark time was from Gandhi and he said "if you want to find yourself lose yourself in the service of others" that's probably a paraphrase and you're welcome to Google the exact quote. But it changed my life. Just like this man. Unfortunately I did not have to go through what he did to get myself on track. I did unfortunately have to deal with the Secret Service and I can say they were extremely professional and very good at what they did. But if anybody's reading this take my word for it and Brett Johnson's word for it and try your best to help others, make the world a better place to live in, open doors for old people when you're not having a good day. The getting is in the giving. Thank you for listening to my TED talk. Lol

[@michelemurphy3541]

Lex, is was a fantastic interview bud. Nice job. Super proud of you. You are truly a delight and I love you so much.

[@GenXGal]

Fascinating interview. Gonna look into Brett further. I don’t like the interviewer’s style but appreciate his effort and access to this type of insight.

[@brettjohnsonshow]

Thank you for listening. I appreciate it. Brett

[@douglasbennett1768]

As it happens, I watched the interview with Chris Tarbell then this one. Chris mentioned that he didn't have any anger towards the people he took down, but that Brett really pissed him off. It would be a very interesting show to see Lex moderate a back-and-forth style Q&A between Chris and Brett. I'm sure they would venture into some engaging technical areas, but the conversation around actions and their consequences would be intriguing. This idea would probably be something Lex could do with many of his guests since he talks with such wide ranging subjects. His calm and deliberate demeanor would most definitely produce some great conversations.

[@Mdautkreix]

Would love this.

[@sheenatiller3502]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 I’d like to see that.

[@tylermiller8142]

I could see how Brett would piss him off 😂😂 that’s a good idea though I would watch

[@RichardCranium321]

brett > chris

[@douglasbennett1768]

@@RichardCranium321 Maybe... Brett has an amazing ability to understand systems and , I'd say, to instinctively identify vulnerabilities. Chris is a protector with an ambush predator's patience. He'll poke and prod and eventually find that one thing that let's him get his man. Both men have genuine skills and those skills come with upsides and downsides for those around them depending on how they're utilized. They have different moral compasses. That's why I think it would make for a good talk, as long as there's a moderator who can keep them on track and away from each other's throats. I see a possibility of genuine hostility developing in the absence of third party guidance.

[@mattstakeontheancients7594]

This man’s childhood sounds horrible. He can laugh about it now but imagine it was traumatic. If this guy did grow up normally I wouldn’t believe him. Glad he was able to take all that has happened and make it out. Sometimes it takes a good woman to believe in you.

[@billynock8452]

@@e.proteusyinyang.e5237 That sucks you had to endure all that, I promise you that there are good people in this world. Don't give up!!

[@JW-op9bb]

Youd have to laugh at it to get the weight off

[@sacredflowspace]

Yasssssss

[@miraperko7493]

OMG I feel for the child in him as well as his poor little sister!

[@ethanpius5635]

*Despite the economic crisis,this is a Still a good time to invest in stock and Crypto****

[@edikii]

I get this episode in my autoplay queue everyday. At this point ive seen it like 5 times completely

[@SkittleMom]

Fantastic story and lessons… Brett is Dave Ramsay’s voice twin. I kept hearing Dave talking about debt and income and getting rid of car payments while he talked. 😅

[@josephkraus]

💯

[@jers132]

Love Brett's openness. Sharing history, no matter how challenging, helps so many!!

[@sepi372]

He lies that’s why it’s exciting. Just sounds like every other b.s. artist. Total garbage not a human being.

[@LoremLorem]

I think around 2:10, when opens up about lying, I first time felt love towards him. He is smart, he knows what he has done. If only all these smart griminals used their power to change the world to good. If anyone, I assume they know how to do it. Don't you? Peace and love man, not suffering.

[@boredagain1]

Hey Lex could you please tell Brett that there's an opening for a leadership position at the Thieves Guild, I already have too much on my plate as Archmage of the college

[@mikemyer3361]

Wait I’m the grey fox now soooo what’s wrong with the guild?

[@mikeg4691]

STOP You have violated the law!

[@taglor]

I'd help out but I'm tending to my knee. It took an arrow 🥸

[@Jayfordy]

I will be awaiting him in Riften, unless you see the meeting more fit for Whiterun.

[@Ultimate9tailchakra]

What In the secret code is going on here?

[@jayander7705]

Was this guy in Oklahoma/Arkansas border in 2012/2013? My family had a “AT&T” person come to the home, a “TV Repair” guy at the home and a “Mailman” driving a mail truck that monitored/surveyed/stole from us! Every single person we looked into to and all three were “fake” and the 1st inclination something was happening was our home internet was compromised (fake websites) no HTTPS would work, and got worse from there! I have always believed they were involved with killing our 3 family dogs and then my father. I encourage everyone to be against hackers, as they have no limits.

[@NurseClaudia]

I listened to the whole thing! So fascinating!!!!! Thank you

[@Mike-bs5pi]

Being a "very good social engineer", as he says, in conjunction with what he's known for and what he brags about, the smart move would be to disbelieve everything he says. Bringing my own experience with social engineers/manipulators into focus, my sensors go off when he talks. What makes this most interesting, and lends to his ability to social engineer, he even explains how he's engineering us, the audience, as he does so @ 44:50

[@sacredflowspace]

Very interesting imma have to go back n check it….

[@nou6587]

He still doesn't care. Just less risk and maybe more beneficial to be "legit" at this point in his life.

[@adamlane6453]

Reminds me if that scene from A Scanner Darkly... "See, the guy never really posed as any of it. He only posed as a worldfamous imposter. Turns out he just pushed a broom at Disneyland, until he read about this actual world-famous imposter, and he thought, I can pose as all those things, then he thought, hell, I'll just pose as an imposter. Save a lot of time, a lot easier. Made almost as much money as the real imposter with books and movie rights."

[@chadeddy5042]

He's a POS, still full of it. Just yuck!

[@ReedoAce]

@@chadeddy5042 he’s definitely 2 faced going against his own crew. Trust no one

[@Christian-ry3ol]

I was planning on watching 5-10 mins jjsut to see what this guy was about. and i stayed the whole fucking show. Amazin conversation. i'll be definetely following brett's podcast

[@egoten5578]

I did the exact same thing! Lol

[@einnor165]

100% same here

[@BrainHealth-]

Brett you are a born teacher. You are not only smart, but compelling. Lex thanks for the long form dives you offer. Outstanding .

[@stephenroland3907]

I’ve just now seen this episode last week and I’ve watched this episode twice and I love the Brett Johnson Show. I work in tech and I’m learning a lot from your show

[@brettjohnsonshow]

Thank you so much!

[@fishingbob8374]

Lex really shedding a light on a lot of the dark corners of our society. Great work here.

[@bitrage.]

That thing he said about his dad coming from a good family into this abuse that he didn't know how to get out of is the best most accurate description of a situation I went through with my ex.... I seen the problems, red flags, I seen it all but I already promised "I'd ride or die" and thought I could fix it, I could show her what good is and change her.... Biggest EPIC fail EVER!! 🤣🤦‍♂️

[@BDOT310]

I went through the same thing.

[@bitrage.]

@@BDOT310 did ur situation work out?

[@Under-Kaoz]

I don't understand how people take that much abuse from women. I get arguing, but as soon as something physical happens that's a no go. Too easy for them to lie and send ya to jail. Peace good bye

[@bitrage.]

@@Under-Kaoz yea bro, I know exactly wgat you mean, it's not like u think it's like starts off ok, then u get invested then shit hits the fan and you in a position where you love the person AND you know that person is capable of putting you in jail for bs they made up, so you have to dance this delicate dance to gtfo

[@Under-Kaoz]

@@bitrage. I feel for ya though, women be crazy af. So I do understand all situations are different. Seen dad's ex get him thrown in jail over lies. Then later admits to court she lied and gets him out early, but of course she doesn't get in trouble for lying and wasting the courts time and destroying his life, and severely altering mine. He lost all the savings that would have went to college, car and house for me. Best wishes bro.

[@04dram04]

The biggest issue for me with scammers, is that it has made me have to take lots of precautions when dealing with all business I do. And that over cautious hoops I ask customers or sellers jump through, will often highly offend, people that are actually honest people.

[@Internaut787]

Fascinating interview, his life can be made into a TV series or a movie.

[@JenEpervary]

This might be one of my favourite interviews to date. Not only is Brett an incredible story teller (and has an incredible story) but I feel, it is only on the Lex Fridman podcast that a conversation can hold the vulnerability and complexity of the human condition. I am always so appreciative of the way Lex interviews with heart, with holding that space for the guest to speak their truth. That silent support, that space leaves so much room for emotion and beauty. Thank you for creating that space Lex. Thank you Brett for your truth.

[@JoseMartinez-zh1tk]

Good point and well said.

[@strawmanfallacy]

Wow. So I'm 34 and started my career of cybercrime at the age of 9. Very similar story. Abusive, narcissist parents. Had to learn how to manipulate the unreliable adults in my life. Led to alcoholism "ultimately". Great story man. Thanks for sharing.

[@joshlitman8310]

Sounds like a shitty past bro but you also sound smart which is a great tool but also a curse. Wish the best for you

[@strawmanfallacy]

@@joshlitman8310 Thanks man. I got to work for AT&T for a while. Originally I got the job just to work with the Telegence billing system and other tools I knew about. Ended up loving the job, didn't use the tools to commit any crime, learned a lot. But the alcoholism got that in 2016. But I got sober a couple years ago and I'm getting back on my feet. Hopefully going back in to telecom or IT but I'm thinking of social work or counseling because of what I've done through my recovery.

[@strawmanfallacy]

@UC9I_wJq2QsS1MMH7SwFCNfw channel isn't compromised but there's some dummy trying to spoof his name with Unicode characters trying to get people to Whatsapp him

[@onimusha13]

@@strawmanfallacy that sounds rough man, wish you all the best in getting the hold of your life, love and peace

[@arturstypukowski1279]

@@strawmanfallacy good luck man! Or woman!

[@sibyl999]

I have watched this interview, in an enthralled state about four times. I love Brett and this talk. Yet I question why is this talk promoted to such a degree that more and more millions of humans have now listened to it? I have already heard it and loved it and Brett, bien sûr. Why is this talk being promoted so much by the AI algorithms? Why does it want me to watch it again and again? Don't get me wrong I love Brett. Many hearts I send to Brett and Denise.

[@jbshark5941]

That was the most interesting,engaging guest you have ever had on your show. Well done lex.

[@XLpacman805]

This is actually a really good PSA for cybersecurity.

[@treader1974]

at first glance, i passed over Lex multiple times. But man, he has me hooked. Mindful, interesting, and inquisitive.

[@mrslkungpowchikn1206]

Wow what a great interview. Probably one of longest ive ever listened to / watched (i did over about 3 evenings). At the end, i was a little sad it was over. Helps me maintain my hope in people and great wisdom at the end there. So enjoyed both your interactions together - thank you very much gentlemen. PS at the end of the Bret Johnson interview for a second there i thought you were about to share a quote from the King James Bible! 📚 😂 ❤

[@ashred9665]

Brett's honesty is there for everyone to see.

[@happytrailsgaming]

Hopefully you’re being sarcastic 😅 Dudes full of shit

[@Mercury6_]

Lex this is upper level conversation. You’re a legend for this one. So good

[@BigShotsEric]

wow this guy ...the way he describes his mom ...matches my life so soo much .. the extreme abuses...heard the same trying to change it up to avoid others focusing on things she did ...the extreme situations she would put us through ..I was homeless from 8 years old until I was able to leave at 18 ..living in the parks in las vegas ..under bridges .. spending weeks on greyhound buses .. and any time we would get any kind of stable life going she would think someone was stalking her or we was going behind her back to see her ex-boyfriends ..a phrase burned into my mind is her standard chant to me "what the fuck where you doing?...what where you out getting butt fucked by Johnny, Robert and renee..I will fucking kill you" that rant always said with as much hate and malice as you can imagine about her EX's I can never forget (obviously she has both a head injury and mental illness) and with zero notice we would be hitch hiking across the country and any time she was under stress she would take it out on me or my brother or sister and being homeless you are always under stress etc .. I remember hiding in a sleeping place while some drunk men beat another man to death 20 feet from us .. we had no schooling no nothing and like your sister I often thought why doesn't someone help us .."isnt the government supposed to step in if you dont go to school?" etc of course no one ever did and I was on the same path at 14 I had pawn shops who would buy anything I could steal no questions asked and I started to do anything and everything to make money and not for ...what I would say are selfish reasons ..not to buy new shoes or anything, just to have some money to give to my mom to help her because again if she got stressed the abuse which was always present sometimes for no reason or notice would ramp up to 10 ..anyway just a horrible childhood ...I also read books on social engineering etc and at 15 I was a absolute master ..I was so good at one point I called a travel agency and convinced a woman who worked there who was married to buy me airline tickets to meet her for a weekend ..I knew what she wanted to hear and made up a character I could tell she would be attracted to ... I learned that if you look like you are supposed to be character ABC everyone just assumed you were. I was able to go into resorts and would pick out people around my age and I would just suck up every bit of info I would need to charge anything to their parent's rooms ...I look back and cannot believe the things I had done ...but even at 15 after years of being homeless I also knew "this is fucked up" and I also knew I would one day get caught and this had no future but I had zero education what was I to do? well to be blunt I have been struggling with that question even today at 38 ..I did end up working for the Texas dept of corrections for years and other dangerous state jobs until my body was no longer able to do it anymore ...so now years later ..I live in tx and my brother and sister live within 15 miles of me and my mom as well ..but what I am struggling with is my mom ..she will never admit to doing anything wrong and I have begged her to do so one day but she just won't ..well now she is older and needs a lot of help but I am so very conflicted about it ...if my mom calls me I often get angry to the point where I cannot hide it ..for no reason just her calling me can get me angry to the point I just want to destroy something ..anything...and she could just call to say Hi ..and I don't understand why but I just cannot be around her without being angry most times ...and of course like I said she is in poor health and she will go the hospital and I will get calls saying she needs this or that and I just can't explain to these people our history why I can't .. do I love my mom? or do I think im just supposed to love my mom because she is my mom? it is difficult to explain ... your story has just reminded me so very much of my own life ...I would love to know how your relationship with your mom goes and will attempt to follow your story more .... it's just amazing to me how close your story matches my own I mean even your crimes many of them I was doing myself ..im listening and shaking my head when you say you was doing this and this and thinking "hey I was doing the same thing!"

[@mouth9001]

thank you for sharing this

[@NotFalling4it]

I can relate very much to where you are with your mom being at an age now where she needs help and being conflicted. My mother wasn’t as bad as yours but she was pretty bad, she also refuses to acknowledge or apologise for the harm she caused. For decades I would say to myself …… there’s going to be a day when my mom needs help and I will refuse to give it to her. It’s that time now and I don’t care about all this forgiveness stuff - I refuse, I cannot forgive such an awful, selfish, nasty, manipulative and abusive person. She can shove any inheritance up her arse - she gets NOTHING from me. I think turning my back to the woman and going “no contact” was the best thing for me. Don’t let her continue her control over you - you are allowed to go “no contact” with your abuser. My mom still tries to manipulate and play the victim but NO! Nothing from me. Don’t feel bad.

[@TR-IRL]

You don't have to explain anything to anyone about your mom. Been there.

[@mayarasi3167]

@@NotFalling4it I could not agree with you more. Very similar situation here in my life as yours. The trauma these women cause effects you your whole life. Eventually it starts effecting your health. I was in the same dilemma about helping her when she got old. Then I was listening to a religious program on the radio and they said you have no responsibility towards your " parent" if they are the abuser. So i felt so much better after hearing that. I often wondered how I would react when she passed. Well I felt no emotion at all. I got a call that she passed and I went on with my day. i hope all of us with abusive mothers recover, learn to love our selves and continue with a productive happy life, God Bless.

[@geraldjones8010]

Dropped a tear reading this.hope u are ok bro

[@Sharkdog11b]

Lex that intro was beautiful that’s the perfect way to explain how we should all treat people and ourselves. I appreciate you and your heart felt way of thinking. You use not your heart and brain not just the brain like so many others

[@suzakico]

As I perused this, I reflected on the significance of having a strong role model. Overcoming challenges often involves shattering the confines of our perspectives and habits, embracing a life guided by sincerity and truthfulness.

[@astraltraveler257]

One of the most authentic, honest, gripping, moving, interesting conversations I've ever seen or heard. About a fascinating subject that's been mostly glamorized by filmmakers and the media. Thank you Lex.

[@ninajefferson4018]

What's wrong w you. This dude stole masses of money from individuals. Not corporations from regular people. You should hate him not praise him cause he paid for his crime in prison. He didn't pay anyone back! He's a piece of garbage who should be made to pay back that lady he defrauded with the elephant.

[@astraltraveler257]

@@ninajefferson4018 I don't know what's wrong with me. Perhaps you are a linguistic neuroscientist and can tell me based on my post? Also, maybe you should re-read my comment on the interview. Especially the part about the subject being glamorized in past treatments. Which implies that this interview does not glamorize the subject matter or the interviewee.

[@astraltraveler257]

Also, it's apparent that Brett is deeply remorseful for his actions. And, perhaps as a result, has become a self-aware and compassionate human. I don't think we can ask anything more from someone who has harmed another. I think Brett's shift in consciousness raises all all of us... what a different world it would be if every person who caused harm experienced such a shift. That's what I find most beautiful and inspirational about his interview.

[@astraltraveler257]

@@_NightoftheComet I think you missed my point. I'm a fan of the process of someone who has harmed others shifting their consciousness, viewing their actions from a higher moral place and experiencing remorse and regret. that's the only way we evolve as a species, IMO. you may think he's lying about regret and remorse and you may be right and that's a different debate about how to determine that. but if it's honest then I think it's a good thing and I applaud sharing the story.

[@vsaucemichaelhere3409]

@@astraltraveler257 yeah no I don't think he has any remorse at all. He might no longer be a criminal but if so it's because crime is now too risky for him. This guy's so full of shit

[@dongfap]

This guy has lived an insane life. Thanks for the honesty Brett.

[@rootbeer4888]

He prolly sugar coated and left plenty out he is a manipulator. I will give him the benefit of the doubt but lets be real here.

[@tiemen88]

I think he is not honest. You might be tricked here.

[@rootbeer4888]

Sorry but you realise you are the type he would have con'd right lol

[@onewiththeragingwind6730]

@@rootbeer4888 he knows his shit w scams but i dont believe much about his story

[@taintbrush237]

As someone who grew up with a pathological liar father, I urge you to be on the side of caution when believing anything this guy says. Stay safe

[@RByrne]

He definitely has the criminal personality. He actually reminds me of myself. Trying to be overly articulate and likeable. Its about dropping people's guard and having them trust you. Hes ruined lives. I cant say I've done that.

[@Mtbdrumrunner]

thank you so much for posting this! I have a lot of trouble falling asleep, this helped so much, I was OUT like a sleeping baby, thank you!

[@kbtred51]

backhanded but me too, not one I will repeat

[@ladanmanavi]

This almost 4 hours, but I can't stop watching. What an fantastic interview.

[@surfingtothestars]

now you see how he could easily manipulate and scam people lol

[@lethalentertainment4728]

This is going to be a good one. Plus 3hrs. Love how you do longer content lex. Ok let's check this out!

[@patrickdevlin4060]

I have listened to this guys interview a lot, I think this is the best interview ever, Brett has had a colorful life, as we would say in Ireland, he is some craic 👍🏼

[@brettjohnsonshow]

I really appreciate you listening. Thank you. If I can ever assist with anything, please let me know.

[@Ariel-Like.The.Mermaid]

Aye buddy! I'm born and raised right in your neck of the woods! Me and my family are Harlan County natives, born and raised majority across Pine Mountain in the middle of nowhere; Greasy Creek. 💙South-Eastern KY, Appalachia💙

[@robertrozier2940]

One of the most incredible podcasts I’ve ever seen hands down. Extremely affecting, deep, and dripping with wisdoms.

[@andersestes]

yes,agreed

[@quuqeemonster]

2:13:50 "Crime is an addiction......" This answers a question I needed answered. Super great conversation.

[@just.play1ng]

One of the best interviews to date. We need more of these kind of guests.

[@brettjohnsonshow]

Thank you so much for listening. I appreciate it