Episode
#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
3:43:16
Published: Sat Jul 09 2022
Description
Jack Barsky is a former KGB spy and author of "Deep Undercover: My Secret Life and Tangled Allegiances as a KGB Spy in America". Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off - Notion: https://notion.com/startups to get up to $1000 off team plan - BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off - Blinkist: https://blinkist.com/lex and use code LEX to get 25% off premium - Athletic Greens: https://athleticgreens.com/lex and use code LEX to get 1 month of fish oil EPISODE LINKS: Jack's Twitter: https://twitter.com/deepcoverbarsky Jack's Website: https://jackbarsky.com Deep Undercover (book): https://amzn.to/39XMTgG The Agent (podcast): https://cumuluspodcastnetwork.com/pods/the-agent PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (06:52) - KGB (19:43) - Communism (38:45) - Childhood (45:32) - Becoming a KGB agent (1:24:04) - Training (1:37:53) - Language (1:43:45) - Moscow (1:58:45) - Spying (2:15:43) - Putin (2:18:35) - War in Ukraine (2:30:02) - Putin in the KGB (2:36:56) - Yuri Bezmenov (2:47:33) - FSB and CIA (2:55:24) - Putin and Zelenskyy (3:04:13) - Quitting the KGB (3:30:32) - Love and regrets (3:38:44) - Mortality
Chapters
The potential benefits of collecting and analyzing data from the body and brain are discussed, as well as the use of Notion for organized note-taking.
00:00 - 04:08 (04:08)
Summary
The potential benefits of collecting and analyzing data from the body and brain are discussed, as well as the use of Notion for organized note-taking.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode provides a brief overview of the infamous KGB intelligence agency, including its history and power.
04:08 - 09:43 (05:35)
Summary
This podcast episode provides a brief overview of the infamous KGB intelligence agency, including its history and power. It also discusses the benefits of reading nonfiction books and the daily drink habits of people.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The story of a double agent who infiltrated the KGB and provided valuable information, despite facing the constant threat of discovery and endangering the lives of his family.
09:43 - 15:31 (05:47)
Summary
The story of a double agent who infiltrated the KGB and provided valuable information, despite facing the constant threat of discovery and endangering the lives of his family.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Empires have the power to shape historical narratives and spread propaganda through the stories they tell us.
15:31 - 22:55 (07:23)
Summary
Empires have the power to shape historical narratives and spread propaganda through the stories they tell us. Although their ambitions may seem outlandish, they can often materialize and create lasting legacies, with their version of events going down in history as the truth.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Robert Wright warns of the overconfidence bias that can arise when believing you own side is unequivocally in the right, leading to the dehumanisation of those who disagree with you.
22:55 - 32:37 (09:42)
Summary
Robert Wright warns of the overconfidence bias that can arise when believing you own side is unequivocally in the right, leading to the dehumanisation of those who disagree with you. He uses the example of communism as a lesson in human nature.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Disagreement with intelligence apparatus can be complicated, especially when you're in a position of power.
32:37 - 41:37 (09:00)
Summary
Disagreement with intelligence apparatus can be complicated, especially when you're in a position of power. Sometimes, leaders will prioritize a different intelligence agency if they are displeased with the information they are receiving from another, as exemplified by Vladimir Putin's preference for the GRU over the FSB in Ukraine.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A man talks about his experience of not being able to maintain a long-distance relationship in college and how he eventually overcame his notions of love to form deeper, more profound connections.
41:37 - 46:04 (04:26)
Summary
A man talks about his experience of not being able to maintain a long-distance relationship in college and how he eventually overcame his notions of love to form deeper, more profound connections.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the speaker talks about the importance of having a mentor in achieving success and puts it in perspective with his own experience of academic pursuit.
46:04 - 50:30 (04:26)
Summary
In this episode, the speaker talks about the importance of having a mentor in achieving success and puts it in perspective with his own experience of academic pursuit.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Guest Michael Meyer recounts a story in which he guessed correctly that someone he met in East Germany was likely followed by the Stasi due to the size of the organization, despite having no personal knowledge of anyone who had been followed.
50:30 - 56:37 (06:06)
Summary
Guest Michael Meyer recounts a story in which he guessed correctly that someone he met in East Germany was likely followed by the Stasi due to the size of the organization, despite having no personal knowledge of anyone who had been followed.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A former East German citizen shares his experience of operating outside the law during his time in the country and the lengths he went to gather information for a magazine about what life was like in West Germany.
56:37 - 1:02:29 (05:51)
Summary
A former East German citizen shares his experience of operating outside the law during his time in the country and the lengths he went to gather information for a magazine about what life was like in West Germany.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A former Soviet spy recounts his early experiences in America, including his first visit to a supermarket and his first "conspiratorial" meeting with another spy.
1:02:29 - 1:09:06 (06:37)
Summary
A former Soviet spy recounts his early experiences in America, including his first visit to a supermarket and his first "conspiratorial" meeting with another spy.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about the feeling of being watched when trying to steal something from a store, and how the energy of the person you're interacting with can have a big impact.
1:09:06 - 1:14:06 (05:00)
Summary
The speaker talks about the feeling of being watched when trying to steal something from a store, and how the energy of the person you're interacting with can have a big impact. They also mention having paraphernalia such as a bust of Chorzinski and paintings of Lenin.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares personal stories, including a love for Balzac's books and a rejected recruitment offer from the Stasi.
1:14:06 - 1:17:59 (03:52)
Summary
The speaker shares personal stories, including a love for Balzac's books and a rejected recruitment offer from the Stasi.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A man narrates his move to an apartment in Ackner, a town in Berlin assigned by KGB, who also told him that he will do something significant.
1:17:59 - 1:22:47 (04:48)
Summary
A man narrates his move to an apartment in Ackner, a town in Berlin assigned by KGB, who also told him that he will do something significant.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The One Time Pad algorithm used by Soviet spies involved an equal distribution of digits for optimal manual usage, rather than cryptographic security.
1:22:47 - 1:28:39 (05:51)
Summary
The One Time Pad algorithm used by Soviet spies involved an equal distribution of digits for optimal manual usage, rather than cryptographic security. The training process for KGB spies required difficult and systematic learning, with insights that may generalize to other training processes.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast speaker was taught about the basics of counter surveillance wherein one learns to detect if they're being followed and surveillance detection routes to wander around in the city.
1:28:39 - 1:33:14 (04:35)
Summary
The podcast speaker was taught about the basics of counter surveillance wherein one learns to detect if they're being followed and surveillance detection routes to wander around in the city. It's important for surveillance to never lose sight of the individual being surveilled and to record faces seen along a fixed route.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Integrating yourself into a different culture is crucial for successful spying and intelligence gathering, as it allows for effective interaction and communication with locals.
1:33:14 - 1:37:28 (04:14)
Summary
Integrating yourself into a different culture is crucial for successful spying and intelligence gathering, as it allows for effective interaction and communication with locals. This involves becoming familiar with cultural elements such as sports teams and other common knowledge.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about the power of learning through space repetition, which is a programmatic way of remembering and optimizing long-term memory retention.
1:37:28 - 1:43:50 (06:21)
Summary
The speaker talks about the power of learning through space repetition, which is a programmatic way of remembering and optimizing long-term memory retention. This system can be applicable for learning languages, medical facts or anything one wishes to learn.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The importance of pronunciation and the technique of repeating words to learn a new language is discussed.
1:43:50 - 1:51:12 (07:22)
Summary
The importance of pronunciation and the technique of repeating words to learn a new language is discussed. The difference between a cover story and actually doing the thing is also mentioned.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on his experience with the different way of life in Moscow, where he had to know the right people to get ahead.
1:51:12 - 1:57:47 (06:34)
Summary
The speaker reflects on his experience with the different way of life in Moscow, where he had to know the right people to get ahead.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
After calling the registrar's office to get a copy of his birth certificate, the speaker received a copy stamped "deceased" instead.
1:57:47 - 2:05:30 (07:43)
Summary
After calling the registrar's office to get a copy of his birth certificate, the speaker received a copy stamped "deceased" instead. He finds humor in the situation and shares his story as a secret to happiness.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares a story about attempting to burn money and a passport after being robbed, but the money was flame retardant and created a cloud of smoke, potentially setting off a smoke detector.
2:05:30 - 2:10:46 (05:15)
Summary
The speaker shares a story about attempting to burn money and a passport after being robbed, but the money was flame retardant and created a cloud of smoke, potentially setting off a smoke detector.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Some conspiracy theories give intelligence agencies like CIA, FSB, Mossad and MI6 control over powerful individuals and the populace.
2:10:46 - 2:19:56 (09:10)
Summary
Some conspiracy theories give intelligence agencies like CIA, FSB, Mossad and MI6 control over powerful individuals and the populace. However, good intelligence can help avoid high tension situations like those during the 80s that almost resulted in nuclear war.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Russian-Ukrainian conflict is often portrayed as a struggle between the forces of democracy and authoritarianism.
2:19:56 - 2:26:20 (06:24)
Summary
The Russian-Ukrainian conflict is often portrayed as a struggle between the forces of democracy and authoritarianism. But the reality is much more complex than that.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the importance of making correct decisions geopolitically and militarily, and how this can define a person's worldview and analysis of human nature, using the example of Putin's leadership in Russia and the possibility of a nuclear attack on Ukraine.
2:26:20 - 2:32:18 (05:57)
Summary
The podcast discusses the importance of making correct decisions geopolitically and militarily, and how this can define a person's worldview and analysis of human nature, using the example of Putin's leadership in Russia and the possibility of a nuclear attack on Ukraine.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the need to remove corruption and destructive aspects of governments involved in the Syrian war to allow people to flourish, while also emphasizing the importance of objective analysis to understand all parties involved.
2:32:18 - 2:38:28 (06:09)
Summary
The speaker discusses the need to remove corruption and destructive aspects of governments involved in the Syrian war to allow people to flourish, while also emphasizing the importance of objective analysis to understand all parties involved.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A discussion about the feasibility of long-term manipulation of populations, as proposed by conspiracy theories, and how the reality is more likely to be rooted in incompetence.
2:38:28 - 2:45:50 (07:22)
Summary
A discussion about the feasibility of long-term manipulation of populations, as proposed by conspiracy theories, and how the reality is more likely to be rooted in incompetence.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The world is transitioning into a cyber war and it's important to have serious discussions about how to manipulate information flows.
2:45:50 - 2:48:42 (02:52)
Summary
The world is transitioning into a cyber war and it's important to have serious discussions about how to manipulate information flows. Despite the rise in Russian and Chinese students studying in the United States, powerful individuals with close connections to conflicts like Ukraine and Russia must consider the deep truths behind the information being spread.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the speaker questions if he has ever interacted with a spy from an intelligence agency due to the number of people he interacts with, and how trusting he is with others.
2:48:42 - 2:55:37 (06:54)
Summary
In this podcast, the speaker questions if he has ever interacted with a spy from an intelligence agency due to the number of people he interacts with, and how trusting he is with others.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A person discusses that accidents can easily be arranged in countries with a lot of lawlessness, and that Ukrainian and Polish people are among the proudest people in history.
2:55:37 - 3:04:13 (08:35)
Summary
A person discusses that accidents can easily be arranged in countries with a lot of lawlessness, and that Ukrainian and Polish people are among the proudest people in history. Additionally, they note that assassinations in foreign countries can be difficult to plan and implement.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses a system of signals used by diplomat agents to communicate, and his own use of this system in 1988.
3:04:13 - 3:14:16 (10:02)
Summary
The speaker discusses a system of signals used by diplomat agents to communicate, and his own use of this system in 1988. He also touches on the importance of empathy in communication.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about starting a new life as an American, discovering divine intervention and working on his own version of the American Dream.
3:14:16 - 3:25:12 (10:56)
Summary
The speaker talks about starting a new life as an American, discovering divine intervention and working on his own version of the American Dream. He also mentions buying a house with his wife.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares their experience of being in a witness protection program and the process of becoming an American citizen, including the help they received from a contact to a German journalist.
3:25:12 - 3:32:40 (07:28)
Summary
The speaker shares their experience of being in a witness protection program and the process of becoming an American citizen, including the help they received from a contact to a German journalist.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In a podcast chat, Wendy Williams speaks with astronaut Leland Melvin about his love for his daughters, the importance of kindness, and how overcoming racism taught him that love conquers all.
3:32:40 - 3:38:01 (05:21)
Summary
In a podcast chat, Wendy Williams speaks with astronaut Leland Melvin about his love for his daughters, the importance of kindness, and how overcoming racism taught him that love conquers all.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast episode, the host shares his random thoughts on love, Christianity, and life.
3:38:01 - 3:42:53 (04:51)
Summary
In this podcast episode, the host shares his random thoughts on love, Christianity, and life. He talks about the proof of Christianity, a song about reconnecting with an old love, and his approach to living the last years of his life.
Episode#301 – Jack Barsky: KGB Spy
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Former KGB Spy, Jack Barsky, reflects on his journey of love, faith and espionage, providing insight into the real-life of a spy.
3:42:53 - 3:43:37 (00:44)
Summary
Former KGB Spy, Jack Barsky, reflects on his journey of love, faith and espionage, providing insight into the real-life of a spy.