Andrew Bustamante: CIA Spy | Lex Fridman Podcast #310

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0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions:
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0:56 - CIA and the President
12:34 - War in Ukraine
53:30 - Most powerful intelligence agencies
1:00:40 - David Petraeus
1:10:17 - Undercover disguises
1:23:16 - Human nature
1:32:36 - CIA recruitment process
1:49:19 - CIA and secrecy
1:55:52 - Cyber security
2:06:34 - Sexpionage
2:13:08 - Private intelligence
2:26:35 - NSA and Snowden
2:54:34 - Conspiracy theories
3:15:42 - CIA and UFOs
3:30:27 - Spy tricks
3:47:10 - Advice for young people

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

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

Lex did just an amazing job interviewing Mr. Bustamonte, I’ve heard probably eight or nine interviews with him and Lex asked the most probing and interesting questions which Andrew seem to have trouble answering some but I’m very proud of Lex doing such a great job asking probing questions I’ve been a listener and love this podcast almost since it’s inception and the growth in his ability to interview is clearly apparent in my estimation. Keep doing what you do Lex I believe you have one of the most important platforms out there for conversation, and from what I’ve seen, always acting in good faith, love for his fellow man and optimism.

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

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

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

His statements about the war between Russia and Ukraine has aged like fine milk 🥛

This video pops up on my auto play at least 3x a week and I close it immediately

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

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

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

We've seen dozens of Lex interviews ~ all of them good, this one the best ~ 4 hours well spent ~ thanks for a challenging world view... even when we weren't so sure it was right.

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

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

the way that he neither confirmed nor denied remote viewing and then gave that "hey, according to einstein's theory, anything's possible" felt quite revealing actually

I felt you a bit overwhelmed, Fridman. I loved the interview. Thx for your hard work.

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

This guy is like a cool youth pastor for the cia

Really enjoy these conversations, thanks Lex and Co. Always fascinating and interesting 😎 Equally grateful for all professionals who give their time for everyone to appreciate 🙏🏻 Keep pushing !