Recap/Discussion: JRE #2147 Mike Baker
Mike Baker is a “former” CIA agent who is a frequent guest on the Joe Rogan Experience. I use quotes around the word ‘former’ because the biggest criticisms of Mike’s appearances are centered around the vague approach he takes when discussing certain topics. This is something I’ve noticed myself but I found this episode to be one of his most engaging to date.
The episode opens up with a discussion about the rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake that took over the internet. Although Rogan brought up the topic as a joke, I’m glad they didn’t stay on the topic for long. As expected, both gentlemen were grossly uninformed on the matter. Mike eventually quips that global conflicts should be resolved through battle rap.
At 10:01, Mike reveals emerging technology that can help counteract the recent influx of AI audio and deep fakes that are becoming increasingly difficult to identify. He says that the technology would include geotags and other embedded information that can serve as a type of watermark. Both Joe and Mike are currently raising teens and pre-teens and they’ve both noticed that the younger generation seems to be rejecting “wokeism” and a lot of liberal ideology (17:28).
Baker’s affiliation with the CIA typically makes for fun conversation. We’re not sure what prompts the question but at 29:41 Joe remembers to ask about CIA disguises and how good they can be. I don’t recall which episode it came up but I know Joe has been conceptualizing the idea of going to concerts in disguise, so as not to be recognized. Perhaps this is related.
At 46:18, Mike begins discussing the nature of the protests and their curious source of funding — largely relating to billionaire George Soros. Soros is often implicated in such activity, which has left many to speculate what he stands to gain from such unrest. Baker and Rogan acknowledge that impressionable college students are providing the manpower behind these protests. The two then deliberate on the kind of ideology that is prevalent in universities around the country, including the disruption of capitalism (55:23).
Baker is at his best when he is discussing foreign policy and global events. As we acknowledged, however, it’s always worth corroborating the information he provides. He gives an update on the Russia-Ukraine war at 1:11:05. Shortly after, Joe asks Mike to weigh in on the state of Gaza and offer a prediction of how the current conflict may end (1:26:18).
At 1:49:29, the pair give a rundown on the state of the Democratic Party. This of course includes speculation on Joe Biden’s overall health and the possibility that he may be replaced, leading up to the election later this year. Of course, in an effort to give a full view of the current political landscape, Mike and Joe also discuss the implications of a Trump election win that could be coupled with a loss in his court case that may see him end up in jail (1:59:31).
Mike: People can’t keep secrets for long periods of time.
Joe: What about the JFK papers?
At 2:09:17, Baker references a somewhat shocking statistic that half of the arrests being made at protests are people who aren’t affiliated with the school at which they’re protesting.
Again Mike demonstrates his knowledge of foreign affairs by citing a Wall Street Journal article that reports America’s dependence on magnets. Apparently, China owns 90% of this rare magnet supply (2:15:33). This topic bleeds into a conversation on long-term energy concerns and solutions.
At 2:27:08, Joe picks Mike’s brain about the UAP sightings that have been occurring over the past couple of decades. Mike expresses his belief that they’re likely tests of advanced technology that belong to one of the developed nations in the world.
Mike then plugs his podcast, The President’s Daily Brief (2:35:04). The show touts itself as an unbiased platform for news media, with insight given from Mike himself, as the host. The promotion leads Mike and Joe to discuss the current appetite for impartial news reporting. In a very endearing and human moment, Mike asks Joe for advice on interviewing people, as it will soon become the forefront of Mike’s show (2:42:01). Joe’s answer seamlessly transitions to the TikTok ban that was recently approved.
