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How did you start working for the CIA?

Hey Mike. I was curious if you applied to the CIA or if you were recruited by someone?

China invasion of Taiwan

While most attention lately has been on the US presidential elections, as well as the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, China has been increasing its military operations. And as they are pushing to become the new world, how likely is a full Chinese invasion of Taiwan within the next year? Could they pull it off? And what would that mean for the US?

Hello Mr. Baker. Within 24 our of the recent coup in Niger the Presidents of Ghana and Nigeria expressed a desire to use military intervention to thwart the coup. Do you believe this propensity for a military option over diplomacy was organic to the most important leaders in ECOWAS, or were there strings attached from capitals in the West?

Realistic spy movie

What would you consider to be the most realistic spy movie? My guess would be the 2011 movie Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy - an awesome flick!

Mike, is it possible for the world to blockade Yemen? Why hasn't this been tried or suggested?

Global Logistics in the Intelligence Community

Hi Mike, Mike from NC. Very much enjoying keeping up with the latest and appreciate you. As a global logistics professional with 20 years of experience in the industry - I wonder how much time and energy global logistics gets within the US intelligence communities? I know it’s easy for people to see the major topics covered in the news (Border, TSA, Red Sea, West Coast port issues) - but how deep does the community monitor global shipping events? Thank you! -Mike

Cigars?

Mike, are you interested in cigars at all? If so, what do you like to smoke? I'd love to have a conversation over a cigar with you.

mission centers

Not sure when you left, but if you were at the Agency during Modernization, what was your take on the mission center approach ? Chris from Maryland

Hi Mike, Mike from Pennsylvania here.

Just listened to your first mini AMA. My question is this, the government used the January 6 riot to dismantle, and imprison members of two conservative patriotic organizations, the oath keepers, and proud boys. I do not believe in violence or criminality in protest, but do believe the government used January 6 to vindictively prosecute conservatives. I guess the question is this are you aware of any patriotic conservative organizations that are a good fit for ex military/law enforcement, type personnel to organize and share camaraderie and training?

Commute / Get Home Bag items

Hey Mike, any chance you can provide a list of items we common guys/gals should have with us on a daily commute? Kind of a get-home bag from the office or something to through into the car for a weekend trip? Thanks, Chuck from Lower Gwynedd. And remember just because you are paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't after you.

Rootin for Putin by DNC for War

Jordan from Grand Rapids, Michigan. My question is about Biden’s opening remarks from his State of the Union. After his clique intern written joke about leaving after the applause, he immediately goes after Putin. Stating “He won’t stop with just Ukraine.” All that to ask, what evidence do we have to show that Putin has any intentions of adding to his territorial gains? Other than defense of his border nations from NATO rule. It’s almost like Biden is rooting for Putin to keep going vs asking him to get to the negotiating table REGARDLESS of what Putin asks. Hear him out at least.

Loss of US$ reserve currency status.

G'day Mike, Are you concerned about the threat posed to the US and therefore the West by the loss of the US Dollar's reserve currency status? China and Russia appear to be pushing a de-dollarization strategy, aiming to create a new reserve currency within the BRICS+. Not being able to print the currency in which the US borrows could force a sudden halt to the upward spiral of US Government debt, with serious consequences for America's economic strength and her influence in the world....The music will stop, someone will say the Emperor has no clothes etc.

Russian Stockpile Stewardship

Mike- considering the numerous sabers being rattled by Putins sycophants, I am curious about the Russian Stockpiles viability. I know the lengths we take here regarding stockpile stewardship, life extension programs, and mods for our own devices, but do we know about the reliability of the Russian devices? Do we believe that they’re fully capable and reliably effective? Thank you Sir! Respectfully, Lee in Brentwood Northern California

Hi Mike, Love the show. Thanks for all the great information. Since you mentioned a Plymouth martini the other day, I'm assuming that Plymouth is your favorite gin. It is certainly mine. Just wondering, do you drink conventionally martinis, or do you have a unique twist of your own? Thanks, Steve Stephen Falko, Southfield, Michigan.

Israel's mistakes

Vince, from Columbus, Ohio. Go bucks! It seems to be that Israel's response to 10/7 has had similar mistakes to our own response in the middle east, following 9/11. We lost a great deal of global standing and authority after those conflicts, and Israel has already been brought up on genocide charges in front of the World Court. If you could sit down with Benjamin Netanyahu, how might you advise him to avoid the same pitfalls America has stumbled into?

Skeptic

Bryan from Clearwater FL. Mike, keep the coffee and fake quotes coming. My mornings are grounded and well informed, thanks to you & the wonderful PDB staff. Question: Is it true that the Great Joe Rogan once ate a bag of Bat guano, while high on Mexican Peyote? It seems plausible but I'm a skeptic.

Being prepared

Hello Mike the podcast is great I listen everyday and trust you and your team with world news you give us reality but a sense of relief. Being father and husband with all this going on it’s hard not to feel panicked. I’m not sure what to be prepared for , but with that in mind what should be the most Essential things I need to buy or have on hand, maybe theirs a list. Also any advice on how to wake up a feel optimistic about the future. Seems like we are powerless

Please educate Joe Rogan

Not a question but I am beginning you to explain to Rogan that Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza and that failing to defeat Hamas will only bring more death to more people later. I beg you.

Just wondering

Mike what’s inside the nuclear football? And have you ever touched or even seen the biscuit ?

Mike! We have home in Coeur d’Alene. Are you nearby and would you want to grab a drink when we are there? Our main home is in the Bay Area. Love the podcast!

Congress who support and advocate Hamas openly on national tv keep a security clearance and there seat in congress

Audio that starts the podcasr

Mike, thank you for your time putting together what has become an important start to my day (I download the previous afternoon and morning briefs in the morning). What is the source of the audio at the beginning of the podcast and what is the actual audio (it's not very understandable)? - Scott from Houston. My pronouns are me, myself, and I

Hi Mike. I love your grasp of the news plus your droll comments. I have several questions, and tou can split this up if it is too much.. 1. You clearly have researched the topics you report on. What are your main aoirces of information? 2. How do you select the stories you report? 3. How long does it take you to prepare a morning report? Thanks for doing this! -- Ken from the Bluegrass area of Kentucky

Thank you and Whiskey Recommendation

Hello hello Mike, just wanted to say thank you for your insight and the podcast. It has been helpful in many ways, most notably political conversations with my dad. The humor and delivery of stories helps bring clarity and some levity to the craziness of everything. Highlight of the show so far: Jimmy BBQ Cherizier said he was ready to make an alliance with the devil. You followed up with, "and he's referring to the actual devil." Classic! My question: What is your go to whiskey or bourbon, factoring in price, when going out? Thanks again, stay golden Ponyboy!!

PDB Book Club

Love the show, Mike! Any good recommendations for additional reading for non-fiction international intrigue, non-fiction spy novels, "spy craft," etc.?

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