JRE 1793 · June 27, 2024

Mike Baker

militaryintelligencecrimehistoryconspiracy

Who is Mike Baker?

Mike Baker is a former CIA covert operations officer and current CEO of Portman Square Group, a global intelligence firm. He's also the host of "Black Files Declassified" on Discovery+ and the Science Channel.

Topics and Timestamps

01Mike Baker discusses his career as a CIA covert operations officer and what that work actually entails versus Hollywood depictions
02The conversation covers modern intelligence gathering, surveillance capabilities, and how technology has changed espionage
03Baker explains the reality of undercover operations, asset management, and the psychological toll of living double lives
04Discussion of declassified intelligence stories and what the government still keeps hidden from the public
05Baker shares insights on international conflicts, proxy wars, and how intelligence agencies operate globally
06The two explore conspiracy theories, debunking some while acknowledging legitimate government secrets and classified programs
▶Baker explains the reality of CIA covert operations versus Hollywood depictions0:05:30
▶Discussion of how technology has transformed intelligence gathering and surveillance0:22:15
▶Baker describes the psychological toll of maintaining undercover identities for extended periods0:38:45
▶Conversation about declassified operations and what the government still keeps classified1:05:20
▶Baker addresses conspiracy theories with credibility and explains which ones have kernels of truth1:45:00

The Show

Joe brings on Mike Baker, a former CIA officer who's worked in covert operations across the globe and now runs Portman Square Group, an intelligence consulting firm. Baker is also the host of 'Black Files Declassified' on Discovery+ and the Science Channel, so he spends his time between actual intelligence work and explaining the classified world to regular people.

The episode digs into what intelligence work actually looks like versus what you see in movies. Baker breaks down the difference between the glamorous spy thriller versions and the grinding, tedious reality of asset recruitment, dead drops, surveillance, and the bureaucratic nightmare of working within government agencies. He talks about how modern technology has completely transformed the game, making old-school tradecraft partly obsolete while creating new vulnerabilities.

A big chunk of the conversation focuses on the psychological side of undercover operations. Baker explains what it takes to maintain a cover identity for months or years, the compartmentalization required, and how that kind of work messes with your head. Living as someone you're not, building relationships under false pretenses, and constantly watching your back takes a toll that doesn't show up in spy movies.

They get into declassified operations and the kinds of things the government has admitted to, then move into the murkier territory of what's still classified and why. Baker's perspective is interesting because he's not a conspiracy guy but he also knows the government keeps legitimately significant stuff under wraps. He's got credibility because he's lived it, not just read about it online.

The conversation also touches on international intelligence operations, proxy wars, and how different countries' intelligence agencies operate. Baker gives insights into how these agencies coordinate, compete, and sometimes work against each other. He addresses questions about famous declassified operations and explains the logic behind why certain things were classified for decades before being released.

Throughout the episode, Joe and Baker have the kind of back and forth where Joe asks the questions people actually wonder about, and Baker answers honestly without either pretending he knows everything or being unnecessarily vague. It's a refreshing take on the intelligence world from someone who's actually been in it.

Best Quotes

“The movies make it look way more action-packed than it actually is. Most of the time you're sitting in a car or waiting for a meeting that might not even happen.”

— Mike Baker