Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Public Goods: publicgoods.com/lex and use code LEX to get $15 off - NetSuite: netsuite.com/lex to get free product tour - Blinkist: blinkist.com/lex and use code LEX to get 25% off premium - MasterClass: masterclass.com/lex to get 15% off - Onnit: lexfridman.com/onnit to get up to 10% off 3:15 - Early years 37:32 - Phishing and social engineering 55:36 - SolarWinds cyberattack 1:01:23 - Future social engineering fears 1:04:04 - Early cybercrimes 1:16:38 - Cybercrime entrepreneurship 1:20:06 - ShadowCrew 1:51:10 - Dark web 1:59:56 - ShadowCrew arrested 2:11:55 - Cybercrime 2:17:02 - Love 2:49:06 - Prison 3:17:18 - Life after prison 3:39:06 - Advice for young people 3:40:30 - Hope for the future 3:43:59 - Meaning of life
@@npc2172 Ali G (if he can stop himself pontificating for 5 minutes) for shiz. Louis CK would be amazing but I doubt he’s doing any podcast; love him but he’s too much of a control freak …Ricky Gervais would be good as would Hugh Laurie.
I'm glad he's seen the error of his ways, but I keep coming back to the people whose retirement accounts he robbed. Think about that. Working your entire life towards this goal and having it stolen from you. And then the guy who does it gets to act like a hero for turning his life around and yucking it up with Lex for 4 hours. Something about that just bothers me.
I see your side well, but when look at how much congress representatives, like Pelosi and pretty much all of them come into office poor and with in a couple years are worth millions at our expense makes this guy look like small potatoes,, Just sad for us the citizens
I had this exact same thought. As interesting as this guy is he has ruined lives. We turn people like this into celebrities, while people like us who try to do good for others get shit on in life. It's like when criminals start a legit business and get praised for turning their life around, well yeh... you stole a shit load of money from people, you have the cash to start your own business.
Yeah I just saw his episode of koncrete, and clicked on this one immediately after finishing that entire episode. It’s the same story but I’m watching anyway for the details that may be in this episode that wasn’t in that one lol
I’m Just a normal middle class dad, husband .. with two little children. Will never rob a person . Will get robbed in my 401k by the corporate system . I’ll never appear on a podcast. But I’d like to think my life and other young dad’s life’s is what matters most . Walking a straight a line . Being boring . Really “Loving” others
Some people have been there and done that, and when they get bored, sometimes they go on a hike, sometimes they steal millions of dollars just to see if they can. Boredom is crazy.
The lives of young fathers may matter most to you and those young fathers, but the lives of young fathers surely don't matter most in an objective sense or to many others in their own subjectives. My childless life and what I care about matters most to me. While I wouldn't rob anyone, I'm quite happy to make a profit to the point of ripping someone off if I can - all so I can have a more enjoyable life - and I don't care who I gouge a profit from. I do not care about the next generation, and what matters most to me is having a pleasurable time in my own life. Other smaller, more basic lifeforms will inevitably outsurvive humans, so reproducing as a human is futile, and in my opinion is quite selfish.
This guest came out of left field, Lex. Great job. People need to know that this type of story is a real thing in the US, the richest country on Earth. It's a surreal world we live in.
But is this story real? The speaker is a self-labeled master manipulator. After listening to him speak for 5 minutes... I mean, there's just no way I can know for sure if important elements of his story are true.
What's wrong w you. This dude stole masses of money from individuals. Not corporations from regular people. You should hate him not praise him cause he paid for his crime in prison. He didn't pay anyone back! He's a piece of garbage who should be made to pay back that lady he defrauded with the elephant.
When you grow up in a cycle of dysfunction, drugs, and crime, your thinking and behavior will always be colored by this. Unless you’ve experienced it firsthand, it’s hard to grasp how difficult it is to break these norms. Congrats to this man for changing his life. These stories need to be told so those of us that have experienced it see examples of ones that make it out.
It's unfortunate because he will always have to live with what he's done. He grew up, and he's lucky to have done so because many criminals are not given that opportunity. He's addicted to the nature of crime, that's why he's doing what he does today, by helping catch the bad guys. Fortunately he's realized and had the opportunity to realize that being in prison isn't fun. I agree with you, and for most people it is impossible to break their habits.
@@god_is_good493 I’m glad for you. I’ve known a lot of people, some in my own family, that used religion or a 12 step program to overcome. whatever your difficulties are, keep and use whatever helps you stay clean or fly straight. As they say, "the program doesn’t work, unless you work it." I’m not a believer, or did not use religion, but I do like the saying " to each their own". all religious texts can help you be better. we just have to be sure we are using what can help people, and not the parts that hurt and tear down.
textbook narcissism, psycopathy and antisocial personality disorder. the glibness, charm, recklessness, disregard for authority, manipulation of every character in his story. amazing interview - Lex just allowed him to speak
It’s actually Borderline. Borderline in men encompasses narcissism (grandiosity), psychopathy (factor 2), antisocial is psychopathy all with Borderline pathology organization (incredibly dangerous). His mother, by his description, is Borderline too, but more female typology. Borderline Personality Disorder is strongly associated with Native American admixture. Kentucky has high amounts of native Indian in the Anglo population. Johnny Deep also from Kentucky had a similar Borderline mother.
What's wrong w you. This dude stole masses of money from individuals. Not corporations from regular people. You should hate him not praise him cause he paid for his crime in prison. He didn't pay anyone back! He's a piece of garbage who should be made to pay back that lady he defrauded with the elephant.
This was an incredibly fascinating conversation. Lex, you are KILLING these, please more of these cyber security/cyber criminal sit downs, they're fire
What's wrong w you. This dude stole masses of money from individuals. Not corporations from regular people. You should hate him not praise him cause he paid for his crime in prison. He didn't pay anyone back! He's a piece of garbage who should be made to pay back that lady he defrauded with the elephant.
@@ninajefferson4018 nowhere in my comment did I say I liked him. I liked the conversation. Reading comprehension is essential. I also showed appreciation for Lex. If you don’t like the content, you can always watch something you enjoy. Wish you the best
Absolutely the very best interview I've heard. Lex, this interview has been positively entertaining with educational insight as to the behavioral motivation, actions and consequences, for better or worse of a decent human being. I feel Brett is a success in many ways, more than I'll ever know. His story has inspired me on this quiet Sunday afternoon. Lex, I gave you 3 hours by listening to the interview and I'm certain I've spent my time wisely. This interview has reinforced to me that most decisions are made "to arrive at a destination by means of least resistance" whether metaphorically or not, changes are made due to lifes' impedances or a fear of consequences. I believe that when life becomes unmanageable , a person can truly do good for others and themselves and hopefully create change. I appreciate your work . Thank you for sharing the awesome results of your time and efforts. I'm certain what you do is not easy . You're truly a professional. Well done and thank you. Best Regards, LTH
This was incredible. As somebody who started his life off not as a choirboy much like Brett Johnson did. This podcast brought back a lot of memories of the old me. And he's absolutely right and I don't know if it's former criminals only that want to live their life in this fashion. But he is absolutely 1000% correct. It's all about how can I benefit somebody else. Service over self. Famous quote that help change my life in a very dark time was from Gandhi and he said "if you want to find yourself lose yourself in the service of others" that's probably a paraphrase and you're welcome to Google the exact quote. But it changed my life. Just like this man. Unfortunately I did not have to go through what he did to get myself on track. I did unfortunately have to deal with the Secret Service and I can say they were extremely professional and very good at what they did. But if anybody's reading this take my word for it and Brett Johnson's word for it and try your best to help others, make the world a better place to live in, open doors for old people when you're not having a good day. The getting is in the giving. Thank you for listening to my TED talk. Lol
I can relate to his childhood. I was selling drugs at 12 to pay all the bills for my mom and moved out to live on my own at 14 and continued to selling massive amounts until I turned 18 and could get a job without a parent's signature. I took a huge pay cut but was able to get a license and buy a house and move to the county, start a landscaping business and I'm still in that house 22 years later. Now I have a metal fabrication shop.
@@dreckigerdan3739 One might hurt others. Drug don't directly hurt anyone else but those taking it. They know the risk. A person buying a weapon illegally, is very likely to go out and kill someone. Terrible example.
"If you're addicted to something, you can not love anything else, except the addiction" - This line hit me on so many levels, and has put a lot into perspective
@Brett Johnson Great to have you in the comments, Bret. Thanks for the podcast. That point on addiction really resonated with me and it can be addiction to anything, like work.
I can listen to this guy tell stories all day long. Lex has a knack for finding these people, sitting them down and getting the best from them. Always wondered why his podcasts were so long, now I know why. Compelling interview.
I can imagine a lot of people will think he’s cool while he’s laughing and joking like he doesn’t care what he’s done, he doesn’t seem sorry, he’s never to be trusted, but people will still fall for his bs, he’ll still manipulate people in a different way. He really is a narcissistic psychopath
How anyone would believe this guy is anything other than a Narc/psychopath is beyond me. He literally is enjoying his time reliving his sad and useless escapades. Such a BS artist. He’s criminal, manipulative and finds himself fascinating.
I think around 2:10, when opens up about lying, I first time felt love towards him. He is smart, he knows what he has done. If only all these smart griminals used their power to change the world to good. If anyone, I assume they know how to do it. Don't you? Peace and love man, not suffering.
What's wrong w you. This dude stole masses of money from individuals. Not corporations from regular people. You should hate him not praise him cause he paid for his crime in prison. He didn't pay anyone back! He's a piece of garbage who should be made to pay back that lady he defrauded with the elephant.
This guy is happy where he is now, and would not change anything in his past because he would not be where he is now... He caused so much pain and suffering and we, as society, are feeding him now. He doesn't deserve to be concerned a hero!
And what if you made a list of your shortcomings, rules and laws you’ve broken? What if you shared them publicly? How do you imagine the people would think of you?
@@Cookieisaqueer Sounds like you don't believe in redemption. That being your opinion you're obviously entitled to, but you don't fundamentally get to dictate the inner state of any individual; regardless of their actions. Especially when your virtues are predicated on the belief of being better than someone. If you truly believe in what you say, then your problem wouldn't be with the individual, rather the justice system as a whole. What is the purpose of serving a sentence then, if not to pay for what you've done?
He would not change anything in his past, because he can't. This is a foolish statement. To me this seems to be made to invoke a reaction because it literally has no other purpose or meaning. Him not deserving being 'concerned a hero' is a valid opinion, yet I've not seen a single comment stating this. Again, stated to invoke a reaction. Saying anyone doesn't deserve, or denying an individual happiness regardless of their actions, only reflects upon your own poor sense of worth. How can you find happiness unless you accept things, including the past, as they are?
listen the fuck up randy whateverthefuck name travis, cable tv died in the 1980's. since then, it has been fake propaganda created by the fbi to brainwash us into buying products so that they can support their overseas operations
Lex. You handle each person before you with grace, with curiosity, with warmth, and with love. In return you have cultivated what has become a beautiful place of refuge and sanity in a divisive world. I hope you appreciate what a gift this is for us
I fell asleep with YT running in the background, I started having this crazy dream, and woke up and this guy was telling his story which was part of my dream…. This is crazy!
This is actually a common occurrence among many people. Outside stimuli has a big effect on how your brain processes information while you are in different states of sleep. REM sleep is where the brain is influenced by outside stimuli the most.
Lex, you have become such an amazing interviewer. The way you steer the interview, ask the right questions at the right time; I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate you and the work you put into this podcast. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Lex.
@@jaredcrenshaw7665 : Bustamante is very creepy former CIA . Run his name on UA-cam . Invest ~ four hours listening to Bustamante and you will be intellectually exhausted. He is EVIL !!
Sometimes the attention one gets from telling a surreal, extremely intense true story, can trigger a person to continue with different stories that may be totally fraudulent. Amazingly enough, the man seems to have some serious things to feel guilt or shame for. These childhood stories can be true; if so, is it an excuse for some sociopathic tendencies but my attitude towards this , is at what point in your life do you stop making excuses and start building a new set of healthy memories. I wish him luck, And God Bless
@@selbstbestimmt My sentiments exactly, Not much emotionally centered,( sympathy/ empathic) expression, with Brett. The dudes got an attitude, of not my fault, look at my bad upbringing. BS, He knew the difference between right and wrong, but chose to do wrong. I'm, not getting any real vibes of compassion or regret, from this predator,he was stealing vunerable ppls life savings. DISPICABLE
Yup, my thoughts exactly. My dad was a con artists and I see it a lot here. I get a sense of it every time I talk to him. Good story teller, lots of laughs and things to get you comfortable/think they're close friends. They get the guard down really quickly. I don't think to my dad much or for long for this reason. Once he's got me comfortable, it's always asking to burrow money or buy him this and that.
I have watched this interview, in an enthralled state about four times. I love Brett and this talk. Yet I question why is this talk promoted to such a degree that more and more millions of humans have now listened to it? I have already heard it and loved it and Brett, bien sûr. Why is this talk being promoted so much by the AI algorithms? Why does it want me to watch it again and again? Don't get me wrong I love Brett. Many hearts I send to Brett and Denise.
I feel like I just heard the most persuasive psychopath on earth. It’s stunning how much I want to enjoy his shocking and terrifying stories told with such laughter.
Most psychopath's merely hide the fact that they are so; Therefore you have to study those in your life and especially public figures who "have you" under their guise.
Lex, I really like your interviews with criminals that turned their lives around. Like this one with Brett Johnson and Roger Reaves. Its very interesting.
Roger Reaves interview was one of my top 10 podcast episodes ever. It was like listening to Bob Ross paint stories about cocaine trafficking. Incredible.
@@chrisruskai9341 Again I love this! You’ve so sweet and short summed up my novelette!! Exactly it feels as if he may never be capable of truly being a permissive or trash his criminal minded justifications of being a predator even after himself being traumatized. Thank you I appreciate this well said comment!!!!
@@BCNS3388 That's a really hard one to justify given all the amazing people he has interviewed. I would say with a little more thought it feels the most relevant to current events. With all the lie's, scams, and world changing tech out there this episode gives many a glimpse of how it operates behind closed doors. Brett's honesty was refreshing.
Every thing that Brett says is important in life.... is exactly what he said is important to an active criminal. Social enginering is this man's forte... and after listening to this entire interview.... I can tell that Lex has been hooked... full line... and sinker. Quite frankly, after shaking Brett's hand.... I'd still count my fingers.
Especially important episode. Keep getting reformed citizens, rebels, and critics. Alongside the awesome giants these episodes really help provide a honest, helpful insight of humanity.
This guy is getting a lot of pleasure telling his stories... I get the sense he still doesn't care about the hurt & trauma he has caused. I would believe he understands the gravity of his choices if he spent the rest of his life working to pay those poor people back. I appreciate the calm & quiet Lex maintains. He let's the guy spill & spill & spill.
I kinda have feeling we are hearing a lot of untrue stories that aren't really ways to find out if what he says is true or not. He was supposedly this amazing theatre student. He is very skilled with his words.
@@victorblock3421 I do believe that people can change & see the error of their thinking but I agree with you. He hasn't changed. You can see be how much he's enjoying telling his stories &... when he gets emotional talking about the prostitute he shacked up with he's selfishly crying for himself.
@@rawgasmiclove I certainly believe people can reform themselves from bad/negative things but it depends a lot on the motivation that person had or what their moral compass is. I make mistakes every day and made some big ones in the past but shame and my moral compass brought me back from the brink and set me straight. I didn't need counseling or any of that. Being more mature helped. The key is no bad screw ups and greatly exceed bad stuff with good stuff.
@@brettjohnsonshow How do you feel about the comments that assess your personality? Especially those that remain skeptical… It must feel a bit irritating to be faced with people who are confident that they know the “real” Brett…
@@laurakosch First, thank you for listening. I appreciate it. As far as the negative comments? Well, I cannot control those, nor would I want to. The positive response far outweighs the negative, so I'm pleased. That said, some of the negative comments do cause me to think if the person were watching the same interview as others
@@brettjohnsonshow These comments mainly reveal the speakers’ own hearts. In our house, the one rule we have is no mind reading. We cannot know what is in someone else’s heart, or what is motivating them. To accuse someone in this way is arrogant and foolish.
This was the first time I’ve heard a Lex Fridman podcast and I gotta say I really enjoyed it. I’ll be talking about it with friends as well as finding another episode. Very entertaining and I enjoy the questions Lex asks.
I am a therapist. I have worked in private practice and with people getting out of prison. I did CBT both types of spaces. I believe it makes a difference. I have listened to this 2 times. I find it fascinating. I have been a therapist for 25 years.
Please incorporate as much DBT as you can, especially explaining mindfulness or making book recommendations like "Mindfulness in Plain English" or "Wherever You Go There You Are" or even "Mindfulness Through Depression." If you don't want to buy Marsha Linehan's books I know that "DBT Skills and Training Manual: Second Edition" is easily found online as a free pdf with a Google search. I still don't understand why this information as well as Brené Brown's research aren't being taught everywhere.
People may think he’s exaggerating about how things are around here but I can assure you it’s even worse now then what he’s explaining. As hard as that is to believe. Kudos to this guy for not letting the toxicity of eastern Kentucky keep him down forever because most people around here stay here until they die.
As it happens, I watched the interview with Chris Tarbell then this one. Chris mentioned that he didn't have any anger towards the people he took down, but that Brett really pissed him off. It would be a very interesting show to see Lex moderate a back-and-forth style Q&A between Chris and Brett. I'm sure they would venture into some engaging technical areas, but the conversation around actions and their consequences would be intriguing. This idea would probably be something Lex could do with many of his guests since he talks with such wide ranging subjects. His calm and deliberate demeanor would most definitely produce some great conversations.
@@RichardCranium321 Maybe... Brett has an amazing ability to understand systems and , I'd say, to instinctively identify vulnerabilities. Chris is a protector with an ambush predator's patience. He'll poke and prod and eventually find that one thing that let's him get his man. Both men have genuine skills and those skills come with upsides and downsides for those around them depending on how they're utilized. They have different moral compasses. That's why I think it would make for a good talk, as long as there's a moderator who can keep them on track and away from each other's throats. I see a possibility of genuine hostility developing in the absence of third party guidance.
This is one of the very few if not only 4 hour interview i can watch in one sitting; and even come back to and revisit, and still not be bored. Any other interviews from this guy?
I woke up listening to this podcast, dreaming about Prisons, and I learned 2 main things: 1. Listening to Lex Fridman's podcast's while sleeping makes you go trippin' 2. Never ever tell a prison inmate or guard or anybody that you're in there for "some computer crimes" even if you're a cybercriminal xD
Yes! I had same experience but Lex had Donald Hoffman talking about reality. My dreams were of what he was talking about with consciousness and interfaces like what he was saying was directing my dream. When I woke up I was trippin and felt like I understood everything Hoffman was talking about in the pod. I went back and tried to watch the podcast again since i hadn't watched it prior to autoplay during sleep. When I really watched it while awake it made no sense. It was such a strange feeling I had waking up like things finally made sense and then just went away thru out the day.
This might be one of my favourite interviews to date. Not only is Brett an incredible story teller (and has an incredible story) but I feel, it is only on the Lex Fridman podcast that a conversation can hold the vulnerability and complexity of the human condition. I am always so appreciative of the way Lex interviews with heart, with holding that space for the guest to speak their truth. That silent support, that space leaves so much room for emotion and beauty. Thank you for creating that space Lex. Thank you Brett for your truth.
Lex you’ve quickly become one of my favorite channels. Love all the different aspects of life you touch on and for some reason it’s all topics I’m interested in. Hope you never quit!
When Lex said, “I always wear my heart on my sleeve. If I get hurt for it? That’s life” how sorrowful that we live in a world where some people that are so unconditionally full of love have to coexist with people that only know hate and dishonesty. Sadly, we can only hope that love overshadows the hate. Keep grinding Lex 🤟🏼
@@malikialgeriankabyleswag4200 I don’t even know what that means? I just meant like there is happiness and sadness, it sucks that really good people encounter the worst of the worst of other people sometimes. I don’t have to agree… since it’s also a personal view, I haven’t met too many good people in my life but that doesn’t mean I don’t know that good people are out there/exist
Everyone is evil in the wrong circumstances. And the other way round. People that are unaware aren't aware of being unaware. Everyone thinks they are justified in their actions.
@@nicoleselsky7273 I know I'm just saying sometimes when we get fed up of the bad things we like to escape to this very well defined world of good people here vs evil people there.. and then we get tricked into wars lol
The more I watch Lex, the more I am liking him and getting hooked on his podcast. Used to be a JRE fan for years but I’ve switched to Lex, I trust him more and I think it’s a better program.
I was planning on watching 5-10 mins jjsut to see what this guy was about. and i stayed the whole fucking show. Amazin conversation. i'll be definetely following brett's podcast
Hey Lex could you please tell Brett that there's an opening for a leadership position at the Thieves Guild, I already have too much on my plate as Archmage of the college
I gotta say Brett makes me a bit uncomfortable, he reminds me in ways of the other psychopaths that I have met in my life. It's hard for me not to imagine him as a manipulator and dangerous individual. I see every indication that it is still a fundamental piece of his personality, it seems to me that you would really be relying on Brett to decide not to take advantage of you if you were to lower your guard around him or were not sufficiently guarded from him. I would think that about all it would take would be for him to be feeling a bit lazy, or bored for him to turn to manipulations that could have negative consequences for his targets, mentally or otherwise. I see in him a kind of insecure confidence that to me appears like coping with vast insecurity, but is presented as joy and strength and secret celebration of the domination of others, and the superiority of duping and harming others without them understanding what is happening. This kind of charm that everyone in the comments is responding to so well is nothing new, this is what a charismatic psychopath is like. Now imagine yourself under their spell and you decide that you want to trust them wholeheartedly, big mistake, big mistake. This isn't about shaming Brett, this is about how easily most of us are guided away from good judgement. I don't think you can trust Brett anymore than you can trust a rattlesnake loose on a bus, you know maybe the snake just wants to curl into the corner and be left alone, are you going to put your trust in that when your getting on that bus, the question is are you still going to get on that bus? You say no, but if the snake was as persuasive as Brett I think a lot of these people in the comments would be overjoyed to sit on the bus with the charismatic rattlesnake.
Of course he hasn't completely changed, he was nearly pure evil, he's not going to suddenly become reformed even if he truly genuine wants to, which is impossible to verify. Your suspicions or hesitation are completely sound. Reputation & record matters for a reason. And it *really* matters. I would never trust this kind of person. Save your trust for people who have earned it.
@@bowlofsoup12 stop crying if you aren't able to read more than 6 words its because your attention span is fucked up from watching all these tictocs and reels - its your problem :D
Lex in your opening commentaries exactly how u feel, your podcast is amazing and I hear it more and more everyday and I appreciate you for at least trying to get through to some, to create a better understanding for all of us thank you ❤️✌️🐜
I work in a Hospital that specialises in treating cancer. Some might think that it is quite a depressing job but no. From day 1 it felt like I was (and still am) with my second family. What a beautiful, warm and place to live my working life in. Helping ourselves and others together, as Brett just said. Thank you Lex and Brett for solidifying what I definitely felt and believed but didn't 100% know, until now.
About 2 1/2 hours in I forgot I was even watching a Lex Fridman interview. Had a split second doing other things, I almost thought I was watching a movie.
The famous charm of the sociopath is chillingly on display. Lovable, infectious laugh. The pain he caused is touched upon but eventually lost in the entertaining recounting of his adventures.
Best episode/guest yet! I absolutely loved every minute of this one. It's been a minute since I've had a chance to sit & watch one of your episodes in it's entirety & I could instantly see that you've been working very hard at honing this particular craft of yours & I just want to let you know that I, for one am very impressed & just as grateful. Keep 'em coming, Lex
This man’s childhood sounds horrible. He can laugh about it now but imagine it was traumatic. If this guy did grow up normally I wouldn’t believe him. Glad he was able to take all that has happened and make it out. Sometimes it takes a good woman to believe in you.
As I perused this, I reflected on the significance of having a strong role model. Overcoming challenges often involves shattering the confines of our perspectives and habits, embracing a life guided by sincerity and truthfulness.
Interesting: Social Engineering; knowing people's responses, what they care about and knowing how to exploit their interests. It can be useful if used constructively or manipulative if misused. Fascinating study; I'm so glad you became of value to the U.S.A Government in helping to catch other Cyber criminals. You're responsible for what you do as a grown up, sorry that your childhood was so hard.
This guy is like the Breaking Bad version of Dave Ramsey 🤣. Amazing story this should be a movie - It’s like Catch Me If You Can meets Shawshank Redemption meets Breaking Bad meets Wolf Of Wall St
Being a "very good social engineer", as he says, in conjunction with what he's known for and what he brags about, the smart move would be to disbelieve everything he says. Bringing my own experience with social engineers/manipulators into focus, my sensors go off when he talks. What makes this most interesting, and lends to his ability to social engineer, he even explains how he's engineering us, the audience, as he does so @ 44:50
Reminds me if that scene from A Scanner Darkly... "See, the guy never really posed as any of it. He only posed as a worldfamous imposter. Turns out he just pushed a broom at Disneyland, until he read about this actual world-famous imposter, and he thought, I can pose as all those things, then he thought, hell, I'll just pose as an imposter. Save a lot of time, a lot easier. Made almost as much money as the real imposter with books and movie rights."
So, as the owner of a Cybersecurity Provider firm that works to ensure guys like this aren't successful, I deal with guys like Brett daily. Ask him this... .did he go back and pay back ANY of his victims? NOPE. He's still bragging. The answer here is this.... If they sound like a used car salesman, walk away.
If you knew what you're talking about you'd know their sentencing (especially for federal cases) almost always features "restitution" which is garnished from their income from the day of their sentence, even being garnished from their in-prison income.
@@BulkernatorKerb I’m a cybersecurity and forensics expert. Not a corrections or legal expert. The bragging is particularly disheartening and being I deal with scum like this daily, I have no tolerance for bragging. Perhaps I don’t know what I’m talking about. Who knows.
@@rockitmeena at the beginning, he laughed and bragged about his theft exploits. The smile on his face tells me he’s enjoying the retelling of his exploits. I deal with guys like this on a daily basis as rhetorical owner of a cybersecurity and forensics firm. Trying to save companies from these guys dealing with terrified business owners and smalll business employees who may not have a job the next day. Dealing with those who are being extorted and threatened with the disclosure of their data and the extortion of their clients. It’s an incredibly dirty and unsavory world masked as something else.
He definitely has the criminal personality. He actually reminds me of myself. Trying to be overly articulate and likeable. Its about dropping people's guard and having them trust you. Hes ruined lives. I cant say I've done that.
What a life. There should be a movie made - with the guy as the main protagonist - at last, putting his actor skills to some use. There are probably millions of similar comments - but thanks for the honesty - hope you're doing alright, by the looks of it, you are. By the way - the bank name is Lateko (not Lateeko) - and to the best of my knowledge it's called BluOrange Bank now. Probably the only podcast that I've listened throughout work hours as background - and then continued the next day because wanted to know how things turned out. Well done. Best of luck from Latvia.
God, this guy really knows what he's talking about. He's been in this for a LONG time and has a wealth of knowledge about how this kind of crime works. Such a mind. It irritates me to think that there are some really smart people like him all over the world that haven't been able to capitalize on it for something good.
@@smokedbeefandcheese4144 No, banks and corporations, as much as we might not like them, can be victims. Stop thinking so black & white. Criminals delude themselves when they believe things like 'Oh, it's okay because that company has a lot of money and insurance to protect themselves from someone like lil' ole me stealing from them!' Having to play by fair regulatory rules is a FAR CRY from being manipulated and stolen from, as is the case with cuber criminals like him.
Thank you Lex for another great interview, and thank you Brett for sharing all the fine details of your rocky past. It really was enjoyable to hear the story of how your life moved and changed and seeing you in a better place now.
Wow. So I'm 34 and started my career of cybercrime at the age of 9. Very similar story. Abusive, narcissist parents. Had to learn how to manipulate the unreliable adults in my life. Led to alcoholism "ultimately". Great story man. Thanks for sharing.
@@joshlitman8310 Thanks man. I got to work for AT&T for a while. Originally I got the job just to work with the Telegence billing system and other tools I knew about. Ended up loving the job, didn't use the tools to commit any crime, learned a lot. But the alcoholism got that in 2016. But I got sober a couple years ago and I'm getting back on my feet. Hopefully going back in to telecom or IT but I'm thinking of social work or counseling because of what I've done through my recovery.
@UC9I_wJq2QsS1MMH7SwFCNfw channel isn't compromised but there's some dummy trying to spoof his name with Unicode characters trying to get people to Whatsapp him
Wow, good stuff, I just watched this twice, he should be on the TV shows breaking down the politicians speaches and how they lie/social engineer. Him being scared about the narrative being more important than the facts, speaks to where we are as a society, and the trouble "we" are in, with fake news and fake facts, vs real......really good, thanks!
wow this guy ...the way he describes his mom ...matches my life so soo much .. the extreme abuses...heard the same trying to change it up to avoid others focusing on things she did ...the extreme situations she would put us through ..I was homeless from 8 years old until I was able to leave at 18 ..living in the parks in las vegas ..under bridges .. spending weeks on greyhound buses .. and any time we would get any kind of stable life going she would think someone was stalking her or we was going behind her back to see her ex-boyfriends ..a phrase burned into my mind is her standard chant to me "what the fuck where you doing?...what where you out getting butt fucked by Johnny, Robert and renee..I will fucking kill you" that rant always said with as much hate and malice as you can imagine about her EX's I can never forget (obviously she has both a head injury and mental illness) and with zero notice we would be hitch hiking across the country and any time she was under stress she would take it out on me or my brother or sister and being homeless you are always under stress etc .. I remember hiding in a sleeping place while some drunk men beat another man to death 20 feet from us .. we had no schooling no nothing and like your sister I often thought why doesn't someone help us .."isnt the government supposed to step in if you dont go to school?" etc of course no one ever did and I was on the same path at 14 I had pawn shops who would buy anything I could steal no questions asked and I started to do anything and everything to make money and not for ...what I would say are selfish reasons ..not to buy new shoes or anything, just to have some money to give to my mom to help her because again if she got stressed the abuse which was always present sometimes for no reason or notice would ramp up to 10 ..anyway just a horrible childhood ...I also read books on social engineering etc and at 15 I was a absolute master ..I was so good at one point I called a travel agency and convinced a woman who worked there who was married to buy me airline tickets to meet her for a weekend ..I knew what she wanted to hear and made up a character I could tell she would be attracted to ... I learned that if you look like you are supposed to be character ABC everyone just assumed you were. I was able to go into resorts and would pick out people around my age and I would just suck up every bit of info I would need to charge anything to their parent's rooms ...I look back and cannot believe the things I had done ...but even at 15 after years of being homeless I also knew "this is fucked up" and I also knew I would one day get caught and this had no future but I had zero education what was I to do? well to be blunt I have been struggling with that question even today at 38 ..I did end up working for the Texas dept of corrections for years and other dangerous state jobs until my body was no longer able to do it anymore ...so now years later ..I live in tx and my brother and sister live within 15 miles of me and my mom as well ..but what I am struggling with is my mom ..she will never admit to doing anything wrong and I have begged her to do so one day but she just won't ..well now she is older and needs a lot of help but I am so very conflicted about it ...if my mom calls me I often get angry to the point where I cannot hide it ..for no reason just her calling me can get me angry to the point I just want to destroy something ..anything...and she could just call to say Hi ..and I don't understand why but I just cannot be around her without being angry most times ...and of course like I said she is in poor health and she will go the hospital and I will get calls saying she needs this or that and I just can't explain to these people our history why I can't .. do I love my mom? or do I think im just supposed to love my mom because she is my mom? it is difficult to explain ... your story has just reminded me so very much of my own life ...I would love to know how your relationship with your mom goes and will attempt to follow your story more .... it's just amazing to me how close your story matches my own I mean even your crimes many of them I was doing myself ..im listening and shaking my head when you say you was doing this and this and thinking "hey I was doing the same thing!"
I can relate very much to where you are with your mom being at an age now where she needs help and being conflicted. My mother wasn’t as bad as yours but she was pretty bad, she also refuses to acknowledge or apologise for the harm she caused. For decades I would say to myself …… there’s going to be a day when my mom needs help and I will refuse to give it to her. It’s that time now and I don’t care about all this forgiveness stuff - I refuse, I cannot forgive such an awful, selfish, nasty, manipulative and abusive person. She can shove any inheritance up her arse - she gets NOTHING from me. I think turning my back to the woman and going “no contact” was the best thing for me. Don’t let her continue her control over you - you are allowed to go “no contact” with your abuser. My mom still tries to manipulate and play the victim but NO! Nothing from me. Don’t feel bad.
@@NotFalling4it I could not agree with you more. Very similar situation here in my life as yours. The trauma these women cause effects you your whole life. Eventually it starts effecting your health. I was in the same dilemma about helping her when she got old. Then I was listening to a religious program on the radio and they said you have no responsibility towards your " parent" if they are the abuser. So i felt so much better after hearing that. I often wondered how I would react when she passed. Well I felt no emotion at all. I got a call that she passed and I went on with my day. i hope all of us with abusive mothers recover, learn to love our selves and continue with a productive happy life, God Bless.
Lex, love your interviews. As a retired bank robber I and well versed in the Criminal World, I appreciate your willingness to engage with and give voice to those who have made mistakes. I would only say that everyone has a sad story. Its about responsibility and choice. I agree, everyone is close to being a criminal at some time or another. Some though, embrace it and want to brag about it, others learn from it and move on. This guy is neither rehabilitated nor remorseful. He is sociopathic and a con artist. Does it make him a bad guy? I don't know him. I do know hundred people like him. If you want to interview criminals look to murderers or people who caught large cases but came from nothing. Those are the ones who either have lost their humanity and look for it every day or made survival decisions that seemed like an only option. Love your shows.
Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast.
0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions:
- Public Goods: publicgoods.com/lex and use code LEX to get $15 off
- NetSuite: netsuite.com/lex to get free product tour
- Blinkist: blinkist.com/lex and use code LEX to get 25% off premium
- MasterClass: masterclass.com/lex to get 15% off
- Onnit: lexfridman.com/onnit to get up to 10% off
3:15 - Early years
37:32 - Phishing and social engineering
55:36 - SolarWinds cyberattack
1:01:23 - Future social engineering fears
1:04:04 - Early cybercrimes
1:16:38 - Cybercrime entrepreneurship
1:20:06 - ShadowCrew
1:51:10 - Dark web
1:59:56 - ShadowCrew arrested
2:11:55 - Cybercrime
2:17:02 - Love
2:49:06 - Prison
3:17:18 - Life after prison
3:39:06 - Advice for young people
3:40:30 - Hope for the future
3:43:59 - Meaning of life
@@tannerannichiarico7255 shhh
His stripper girlfriend likely never stopped doing drugs. She hid it better.
@@npc2172 Ali G (if he can stop himself pontificating for 5 minutes) for shiz. Louis CK would be amazing but I doubt he’s doing any podcast; love him but he’s too much of a control freak …Ricky Gervais would be good as would Hugh Laurie.
Lex, this is very similar to gunmo's interview ua-cam.com/video/g6igTJXcqvo/v-deo.html
@@tannerannichiarico7255 nah but like he would if he could
I'm glad he's seen the error of his ways, but I keep coming back to the people whose retirement accounts he robbed. Think about that. Working your entire life towards this goal and having it stolen from you. And then the guy who does it gets to act like a hero for turning his life around and yucking it up with Lex for 4 hours. Something about that just bothers me.
Retirement accounts are covered, they’re fine.
I see your side well, but when look at how much congress representatives, like Pelosi and pretty much all of them come into office poor and with in a couple years are worth millions at our expense makes this guy look like small potatoes,,
Just sad for us the citizens
Dang… you ain’t wrong
I had this exact same thought. As interesting as this guy is he has ruined lives. We turn people like this into celebrities, while people like us who try to do good for others get shit on in life. It's like when criminals start a legit business and get praised for turning their life around, well yeh... you stole a shit load of money from people, you have the cash to start your own business.
N😅hh m i gt ini😮 nn
Oh man, the diversity of interviewees, this is such a special channel!
Try Soft White Underbelly channel
oh wow, that's a great channel, thanks for the rcmd!
Almost like he learned from Rogan lol
@@ALCRAN2010 great channel for individual stories, but doesnt do intellectual education as far as i know
@@AJ-pc9gu I guess the challenge is upon us, the commentators, to come up with our own unique conclusion.
It’s rare u can listen to someone you’ve never heard of for nearly 4 hours and immediately want another 4. This was off the charts
Exactly. I was so hooked.
@@jasonf3963 1
Not really, what keeps you hooked is wanting to know how a criminal can rip you off . In hopes they won't get you.
Yeah I just saw his episode of koncrete, and clicked on this one immediately after finishing that entire episode. It’s the same story but I’m watching anyway for the details that may be in this episode that wasn’t in that one lol
@@watchprayact2069 or how you can be the criminal 👀
I’m Just a normal middle class dad, husband .. with two little children. Will never rob a person . Will get robbed in my 401k by the corporate system . I’ll never appear on a podcast. But I’d like to think my life and other young dad’s life’s is what matters most . Walking a straight a line . Being boring . Really “Loving” others
Some people have been there and done that, and when they get bored, sometimes they go on a hike, sometimes they steal millions of dollars just to see if they can. Boredom is crazy.
This was boring to read. It's like you guys are watching hour of porn and then complaining your wife doesn't get the recognition she deserves.
The lives of young fathers may matter most to you and those young fathers, but the lives of young fathers surely don't matter most in an objective sense or to many others in their own subjectives. My childless life and what I care about matters most to me. While I wouldn't rob anyone, I'm quite happy to make a profit to the point of ripping someone off if I can - all so I can have a more enjoyable life - and I don't care who I gouge a profit from. I do not care about the next generation, and what matters most to me is having a pleasurable time in my own life. Other smaller, more basic lifeforms will inevitably outsurvive humans, so reproducing as a human is futile, and in my opinion is quite selfish.
Absolutely. "Boring dads" are my favourite people. I married one. Salt of the Earth.
@@kdjnhdojgdjjdhrge7824Yikes 😬
Best Lex Fridman episode ever. This guy could carry 8 hours of material. Well done. Esp staying out of his way and letting him talk.
Qwww
Best for me was Escobar’s pilot mule
My thoughts exactly
@@jt9907 no t a
@@jt9907 no t a
This guest came out of left field, Lex. Great job. People need to know that this type of story is a real thing in the US, the richest country on Earth. It's a surreal world we live in.
"Richest country on earth" has a red flag and white cross. Economic wealth has been drained from us citizens for a long long time
The US is the 8th ranked richest. Get your head out of your ass lol
Care to elaborate?
@Black2th that is
But is this story real? The speaker is a self-labeled master manipulator.
After listening to him speak for 5 minutes... I mean, there's just no way I can know for sure if important elements of his story are true.
Lex BY FAR has the greatest introductions ever. They are so graceful, unequivocally precise, and greatly capturing. Rock on sir.
What's wrong w you.
This dude stole masses
of money from
individuals. Not
corporations from
regular people. You
should hate him not
praise him cause he
paid for his crime in
prison. He didn't pay
anyone back! He's a piece
of garbage who should
be made to pay back that
lady he defrauded with
the elephant.
@@ninajefferson4018 Talking about Lex get off the pipe and stop looking for a fight
You mean unequivocally?
@@leuquim yes I did! Ty for the catch sir.
Very well said! Per usual it took me a Novelette to express your short and sweet and deeply meaningful perspective!!! Love this!!!
When you grow up in a cycle of dysfunction, drugs, and crime, your thinking and behavior will always be colored by this. Unless you’ve experienced it firsthand, it’s hard to grasp how difficult it is to break these norms. Congrats to this man for changing his life. These stories need to be told so those of us that have experienced it see examples of ones that make it out.
Said well my friend
It's unfortunate because he will always have to live with what he's done. He grew up, and he's lucky to have done so because many criminals are not given that opportunity. He's addicted to the nature of crime, that's why he's doing what he does today, by helping catch the bad guys. Fortunately he's realized and had the opportunity to realize that being in prison isn't fun. I agree with you, and for most people it is impossible to break their habits.
Truth!!! I've lived it and overcome a difficult childhood and young adulthood by testimony and faith in Jesus Christ.
1
@@god_is_good493 I’m glad for you. I’ve known a lot of people, some in my own family, that used religion or a 12 step program to overcome. whatever your difficulties are, keep and use whatever helps you stay clean or fly straight. As they say, "the program doesn’t work, unless you work it."
I’m not a believer, or did not use religion, but I do like the saying " to each their own". all religious texts can help you be better. we just have to be sure we are using what can help people, and not the parts that hurt and tear down.
textbook narcissism, psycopathy and antisocial personality disorder. the glibness, charm, recklessness, disregard for authority, manipulation of every character in his story. amazing interview - Lex just allowed him to speak
So true
It’s actually Borderline. Borderline in men encompasses narcissism (grandiosity), psychopathy (factor 2), antisocial is psychopathy all with Borderline pathology organization (incredibly dangerous). His mother, by his description, is Borderline too, but more female typology.
Borderline Personality Disorder is strongly associated with Native American admixture. Kentucky has high amounts of native Indian in the Anglo population. Johnny Deep also from Kentucky had a similar Borderline mother.
Truth
Exactly what I thought
@@xKarenWalkerx so borderline Personality Disorder is a racial trait now or just correlated to bad living environment???
This is the best podcast I've ever came across. I love the diversity of ppl he's able to bring on here it's actually impressive
This one and Soft White Underbelly on UA-cam
What's wrong w you.
This dude stole masses
of money from
individuals. Not
corporations from
regular people. You
should hate him not
praise him cause he
paid for his crime in
prison. He didn't pay
anyone back! He's a piece
of garbage who should
be made to pay back that
lady he defrauded with
the elephant.
@@MrDonpasqualino I'll have to check that one out as well....used to watch jre til he went to Spotify but lex definitely gets great guests on here
@@MrDonpasqualino kw
@@jonmarquis4952
he😊😊j 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊in
This was an incredibly fascinating conversation. Lex, you are KILLING these, please more of these cyber security/cyber criminal sit downs, they're fire
What's wrong w you.
This dude stole masses
of money from
individuals. Not
corporations from
regular people. You
should hate him not
praise him cause he
paid for his crime in
prison. He didn't pay
anyone back! He's a piece
of garbage who should
be made to pay back that
lady he defrauded with
the elephant.
@@ninajefferson4018 nowhere in my comment did I say I liked him. I liked the conversation. Reading comprehension is essential. I also showed appreciation for Lex. If you don’t like the content, you can always watch something you enjoy. Wish you the best
Reed book John macfee
@@ErvNoelProduction at the moment cybercrime is even more dificult
@@ErvNoelProduction
Whatev Erv.
Why do I keep getting Lex Friedman on auto play after every damn yt video I watch.
Do you watch Rogan regularly?
lol same
Yeah fall asleep and here’s lex. You can disable his channel being recommended to you. Had this issue with kitboga and it’s solved
Same thing happens when im watching tim pool or something alike, it starts playing CNN MSNBC
I always wake up to him no matter what I was listening to before I fell asleep
Absolutely the very best interview I've heard. Lex, this interview has been positively entertaining with educational insight as to the behavioral motivation, actions and consequences, for better or worse of a decent human being.
I feel Brett is a success in many ways, more than I'll ever know. His story has inspired me on this quiet Sunday afternoon.
Lex, I gave you 3 hours by listening to the interview and I'm certain I've spent my time wisely.
This interview has reinforced to me that most decisions are made "to arrive at a destination by means of least resistance" whether metaphorically or not, changes are made due to lifes' impedances or a fear of consequences. I believe that when life becomes unmanageable , a person can truly do good for others and themselves and hopefully create change.
I appreciate your work . Thank you for sharing the awesome results of your time and efforts. I'm certain what you do is not easy . You're truly a professional. Well done and thank you.
Best Regards,
LTH
Don't forget those 47 minutes too
Also this guys learned to code.
Brett's honestly and cohones shined brightest in this one sir. Lex does absolutely amazing in every interview, that's a given
If this is the best you haven’t seen very good interviews before.
Well Brett has turned his story into a novel basically so that he can sell it.
nothing beats elon interview tho😙
This was incredible. As somebody who started his life off not as a choirboy much like Brett Johnson did. This podcast brought back a lot of memories of the old me. And he's absolutely right and I don't know if it's former criminals only that want to live their life in this fashion. But he is absolutely 1000% correct. It's all about how can I benefit somebody else. Service over self. Famous quote that help change my life in a very dark time was from Gandhi and he said "if you want to find yourself lose yourself in the service of others" that's probably a paraphrase and you're welcome to Google the exact quote. But it changed my life. Just like this man. Unfortunately I did not have to go through what he did to get myself on track. I did unfortunately have to deal with the Secret Service and I can say they were extremely professional and very good at what they did. But if anybody's reading this take my word for it and Brett Johnson's word for it and try your best to help others, make the world a better place to live in, open doors for old people when you're not having a good day. The getting is in the giving. Thank you for listening to my TED talk. Lol
I can relate to his childhood. I was selling drugs at 12 to pay all the bills for my mom and moved out to live on my own at 14 and continued to selling massive amounts until I turned 18 and could get a job without a parent's signature. I took a huge pay cut but was able to get a license and buy a house and move to the county, start a landscaping business and I'm still in that house 22 years later. Now I have a metal fabrication shop.
and do you wonder how many people died because of your drugs?
@dreckigerdan3739 Why would he? Not once in my life have I met a dealer who forces anyone to buy..
@@kittiesandcolas7957 by your logic it's also okay to sell weapons, do even understand what kinda bullshit you wrote?
@@kittiesandcolas7957 🤣
@@dreckigerdan3739 One might hurt others. Drug don't directly hurt anyone else but those taking it. They know the risk. A person buying a weapon illegally, is very likely to go out and kill someone. Terrible example.
If you let UA-cam autoplay run long enough it will always find a lex video without fail.
Lol, I wake up almost every morning to a Lex video. 😂🤣😂🤣😂
I’ve been waiting for someone to say this I thought it was just me
Man I was watching HOTD lore it took me here 😂😂
Hahaha fell asleep with my earbuds in and just woke up to this 😂
I swear
"If you're addicted to something, you can not love anything else, except the addiction" - This line hit me on so many levels, and has put a lot into perspective
Amen to that!
The problem if You look bret in his eyes ,by the way blue means snakes oilsman
@Brett Johnson ok “Brett Johnson” I’m sure you’re really experienced with drugs 💀🤣 is this something you talked about in bible study?
@Brett Johnson Great to have you in the comments, Bret. Thanks for the podcast. That point on addiction really resonated with me and it can be addiction to anything, like work.
Addiction is the progressive narrowing of what brings you joy.
I can listen to this guy tell stories all day long. Lex has a knack for finding these people, sitting them down and getting the best from them. Always wondered why his podcasts were so long, now I know why. Compelling interview.
Seriously sat here and watched entire 3 hours and 47 minutes of this epicness ♾☀️🖤 thanks lex appreciate your time and consideration!!!
Same so amazing
This podcast is like listening to a movie like 'Blow'! Amazing!! Tanx a lot @lex
Click the ellipses (three dots in top right hand screen) and change the playback speed to 2. Cuts time in half ;)
You skipped the last 25 seconds? What's wrong with you?! Lol ...this is an amazing interview.
Same. First time, too.
I can imagine a lot of people will think he’s cool while he’s laughing and joking like he doesn’t care what he’s done, he doesn’t seem sorry, he’s never to be trusted, but people will still fall for his bs, he’ll still manipulate people in a different way. He really is a narcissistic psychopath
How anyone would believe this guy is anything other than a Narc/psychopath is beyond me. He literally is enjoying his time reliving his sad and useless escapades. Such a BS artist. He’s criminal, manipulative and finds himself fascinating.
Ya, it's obvious. When he pays his victims back and stops telling his story with glee, maybe I will change my mind, but probably not.
All the laughing is psychotic to me!
Soo
But he's soo good at storytelling
It is terrifying that such a compelling and articulate person could be so casually evil.
I'm skeptical
i couldn't agree more.
Master social engineer
It is also terrifying how casually evil his mother is to her own child.
Articulate? Hahahaahah
Love Brett's openness. Sharing history, no matter how challenging, helps so many!!
He lies that’s why it’s exciting. Just sounds like every other b.s. artist. Total garbage not a human being.
I think around 2:10, when opens up about lying, I first time felt love towards him. He is smart, he knows what he has done. If only all these smart griminals used their power to change the world to good. If anyone, I assume they know how to do it. Don't you? Peace and love man, not suffering.
Brett is an excellent story teller. Thoroughly enjoyed this episode. Thank you Lex and Brett for this fantastic episode.
What's wrong w you.
This dude stole masses
of money from
individuals. Not
corporations from
regular people. You
should hate him not
praise him cause he
paid for his crime in
prison. He didn't pay
anyone back! He's a piece
of garbage who should
be made to pay back that
lady he defrauded with
the elephant.
He's lying
@@ninajefferson4018don't be mad at someone because they don't hate someone enough, that's a bad reason.
Hard to believe he became a criminal having such a fine upstanding mother in his life.
My mom does things similar but not as extreme. In terms of manipulation not selling drug nd illegal activities
Plenty of people have horrible parents but don't end up being a complete scumbag
Sounds like a case of a mother with Borderline Personality Disorder
We can assume someone abused him as a child
I detect your sarcasm, but it’s truly sad for children to endure adult issues 26th year teaching elementary. :-(
Lex this is upper level conversation. You’re a legend for this one. So good
This guy is happy where he is now, and would not change anything in his past because he would not be where he is now...
He caused so much pain and suffering and we, as society, are feeding him now. He doesn't deserve to be concerned a hero!
agreed
He has served his time. He is allowed to be satisfied with who he is.
And what if you made a list of your shortcomings, rules and laws you’ve broken?
What if you shared them publicly?
How do you imagine the people would think of you?
@@Cookieisaqueer Sounds like you don't believe in redemption. That being your opinion you're obviously entitled to, but you don't fundamentally get to dictate the inner state of any individual; regardless of their actions. Especially when your virtues are predicated on the belief of being better than someone. If you truly believe in what you say, then your problem wouldn't be with the individual, rather the justice system as a whole. What is the purpose of serving a sentence then, if not to pay for what you've done?
He would not change anything in his past, because he can't. This is a foolish statement. To me this seems to be made to invoke a reaction because it literally has no other purpose or meaning. Him not deserving being 'concerned a hero' is a valid opinion, yet I've not seen a single comment stating this. Again, stated to invoke a reaction. Saying anyone doesn't deserve, or denying an individual happiness regardless of their actions, only reflects upon your own poor sense of worth. How can you find happiness unless you accept things, including the past, as they are?
At the minimum.... this is 1000x better than anything you've ever watched on cable TV.
listen the fuck up randy whateverthefuck name travis, cable tv died in the 1980's. since then, it has been fake propaganda created by the fbi to brainwash us into buying products so that they can support their overseas operations
If you like these kid of stories you should follow these 2 channels
-Matt Cox True Crime
-Koncrete
00
000
@@justinesmith3498 0
I commend you for what you are doing with your channel. Thank you for allowing us to hear stories straight from the people who lived them.
Lex. You handle each person before you with grace, with curiosity, with warmth, and with love. In return you have cultivated what has become a beautiful place of refuge and sanity in a divisive world. I hope you appreciate what a gift this is for us
I fell asleep with YT running in the background, I started having this crazy dream, and woke up and this guy was telling his story which was part of my dream…. This is crazy!
Same here!
Also
This is actually a common occurrence among many people. Outside stimuli has a big effect on how your brain processes information while you are in different states of sleep. REM sleep is where the brain is influenced by outside stimuli the most.
Same. Wild police chase dream.
Crazy exact same thing here lol
Lex, you have become such an amazing interviewer. The way you steer the interview, ask the right questions at the right time; I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate you and the work you put into this podcast. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Lex.
Lex this has got to be one of your best interviews ever. Elon musk, bustamante and this guy. I have listened to all 3 interviews like 30x each
Thank you for listening!
Bustamante?
That dude us a total slimy scammer.
@@jaredcrenshaw7665well he is a government agent. Thats their game lol
Bustamante and Johnson are CREEPS .
Musk is a MONSTER .
@@jaredcrenshaw7665 :
Bustamante is very creepy former CIA .
Run his name on UA-cam .
Invest ~ four hours listening to Bustamante and you will be intellectually exhausted.
He is EVIL !!
Imagine what this guy has done that he's not telling.
That’s a good point
Probably next level degenerate sex and drugs.
I’m sure there’s a few bodies he isn’t talking about
Can you imagine what devastation he could do!
Sometimes the attention one gets from telling a surreal, extremely intense true story, can trigger a person to continue with different stories that may be totally fraudulent.
Amazingly enough, the man seems to have some serious things to feel guilt or shame for. These childhood stories can be true; if so, is it an excuse for some sociopathic tendencies but my attitude towards this , is at what point in your life do you stop making excuses and start building a new set of healthy memories. I wish him luck, And God Bless
at first glance, i passed over Lex multiple times. But man, he has me hooked. Mindful, interesting, and inquisitive.
This is a great interview and the fact that it is in all likelihood another act of social engineering makes it all the more interesting.
I was thinking about that too. This guy doesn't think anything like me, but why do I like him so much?!
@@SilentShiba because he is a great con Artist
The power of psychopaths.
@@selbstbestimmt My sentiments exactly, Not much emotionally centered,( sympathy/ empathic) expression, with Brett. The dudes got an attitude, of not my fault, look at my bad upbringing. BS, He knew the difference between right and wrong, but chose to do wrong. I'm, not getting any real vibes of compassion or regret, from this predator,he was stealing vunerable ppls life savings. DISPICABLE
Yup, my thoughts exactly. My dad was a con artists and I see it a lot here. I get a sense of it every time I talk to him. Good story teller, lots of laughs and things to get you comfortable/think they're close friends. They get the guard down really quickly. I don't think to my dad much or for long for this reason. Once he's got me comfortable, it's always asking to burrow money or buy him this and that.
I have watched this interview, in an enthralled state about four times. I love Brett and this talk. Yet I question why is this talk promoted to such a degree that more and more millions of humans have now listened to it? I have already heard it and loved it and Brett, bien sûr. Why is this talk being promoted so much by the AI algorithms? Why does it want me to watch it again and again?
Don't get me wrong I love Brett. Many hearts I send to Brett and Denise.
Lex really shedding a light on a lot of the dark corners of our society. Great work here.
I feel like I just heard the most persuasive psychopath on earth. It’s stunning how much I want to enjoy his shocking and terrifying stories told with such laughter.
Most psychopath's merely hide the fact that they are so; Therefore you have to study those in your life and especially public figures who "have you" under their guise.
100 💯
most psychopaths are persuasive, they just don't let you in on the lie, so you assume they're normal.
Hard to believe. Thinking Bret’s acting skills were masking some truth in his story.
I think the mom is the worst.
Lex, I really like your interviews with criminals that turned their lives around. Like this one with Brett Johnson and Roger Reaves. Its very interesting.
Roger Reaves interview was one of my top 10 podcast episodes ever.
It was like listening to Bob Ross paint stories about cocaine trafficking. Incredible.
@@CincyPharmer underrated Bob Ross comment!
It makes you wonder though. Did he turn it around or is it another scam?
They aren't 'turning their lives around'. They get caught and then go where the money is.
@@chrisruskai9341 Again I love this! You’ve so sweet and short summed up my novelette!! Exactly it feels as if he may never be capable of truly being a permissive or trash his criminal minded justifications of being a predator even after himself being traumatized. Thank you I appreciate this well said comment!!!!
Hand's down the best conversation I have seen in a podcast. Much love to you both! Thank you for sharing.
@@BCNS3388 That's a really hard one to justify given all the amazing people he has interviewed. I would say with a little more thought it feels the most relevant to current events. With all the lie's, scams, and world changing tech out there this episode gives many a glimpse of how it operates behind closed doors. Brett's honesty was refreshing.
Every thing that Brett says is important in life.... is exactly what he said is important to an active criminal.
Social enginering is this man's forte... and after listening to this entire interview.... I can tell that Lex has been hooked... full line... and sinker.
Quite frankly, after shaking Brett's hand.... I'd still count my fingers.
Especially important episode. Keep getting reformed citizens, rebels, and critics. Alongside the awesome giants these episodes really help provide a honest, helpful insight of humanity.
This guy is getting a lot of pleasure telling his stories... I get the sense he still doesn't care about the hurt & trauma he has caused. I would believe he understands the gravity of his choices if he spent the rest of his life working to pay those poor people back. I appreciate the calm & quiet Lex maintains. He let's the guy spill & spill & spill.
I kinda have feeling we are hearing a lot of untrue stories that aren't really ways to find out if what he says is true or not. He was supposedly this amazing theatre student. He is very skilled with his words.
i disagree
He wouldn't do what he did if he had any moral compass. Incarceration didn't change him.
@@victorblock3421 I do believe that people can change & see the error of their thinking but I agree with you. He hasn't changed. You can see be how much he's enjoying telling his stories &... when he gets emotional talking about the prostitute he shacked up with he's selfishly crying for himself.
@@rawgasmiclove I certainly believe people can reform themselves from bad/negative things but it depends a lot on the motivation that person had or what their moral compass is. I make mistakes every day and made some big ones in the past but shame and my moral compass brought me back from the brink and set me straight. I didn't need counseling or any of that. Being more mature helped. The key is no bad screw ups and greatly exceed bad stuff with good stuff.
This is a fantastic interview.. It certainly not the only one. I'm glad I found this podcast.. thanks for your dedication and hard work
Thank you for listening!
@@brettjohnsonshow
How do you feel about the comments that assess your personality? Especially those that remain skeptical…
It must feel a bit irritating to be faced with people who are confident that they know the “real” Brett…
@@laurakosch First, thank you for listening. I appreciate it. As far as the negative comments? Well, I cannot control those, nor would I want to. The positive response far outweighs the negative, so I'm pleased. That said, some of the negative comments do cause me to think if the person were watching the same interview as others
@@brettjohnsonshow
These comments mainly reveal the speakers’ own hearts.
In our house, the one rule we have is no mind reading. We cannot know what is in someone else’s heart, or what is motivating them.
To accuse someone in this way is arrogant and foolish.
@@laurakosch Thank you. Truly
This was the first time I’ve heard a Lex Fridman podcast and I gotta say I really enjoyed it. I’ll be talking about it with friends as well as finding another episode. Very entertaining and I enjoy the questions Lex asks.
I am not sure if I have heard a better podcaster/interviewer.
Joe Rogan has always been my favorite and one of his interviews with Lex led me here. Now I have two favorite podcast hosts.
This almost 4 hours, but I can't stop watching. What an fantastic interview.
now you see how he could easily manipulate and scam people lol
Thank You Lex ! These Podcast have really been a beacon of hope for me ! Thank for doing you and being you !
💯✌️
I am a therapist. I have worked in private practice and with people getting out of prison. I did CBT both types of spaces. I believe it makes a difference. I have listened to this 2 times. I find it fascinating. I have been a therapist for 25 years.
@hoi-polloi905 😂
Please incorporate as much DBT as you can, especially explaining mindfulness or making book recommendations like "Mindfulness in Plain English" or "Wherever You Go There You Are" or even "Mindfulness Through Depression." If you don't want to buy Marsha Linehan's books I know that "DBT Skills and Training Manual: Second Edition" is easily found online as a free pdf with a Google search. I still don't understand why this information as well as Brené Brown's research aren't being taught everywhere.
I want some therapy 🥱
Cbt? Cock and ball torture
People may think he’s exaggerating about how things are around here but I can assure you it’s even worse now then what he’s explaining. As hard as that is to believe. Kudos to this guy for not letting the toxicity of eastern Kentucky keep him down forever because most people around here stay here until they die.
This is going to be a good one. Plus 3hrs. Love how you do longer content lex. Ok let's check this out!
As it happens, I watched the interview with Chris Tarbell then this one. Chris mentioned that he didn't have any anger towards the people he took down, but that Brett really pissed him off. It would be a very interesting show to see Lex moderate a back-and-forth style Q&A between Chris and Brett. I'm sure they would venture into some engaging technical areas, but the conversation around actions and their consequences would be intriguing. This idea would probably be something Lex could do with many of his guests since he talks with such wide ranging subjects. His calm and deliberate demeanor would most definitely produce some great conversations.
Would love this.
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 I’d like to see that.
I could see how Brett would piss him off 😂😂 that’s a good idea though I would watch
brett > chris
@@RichardCranium321 Maybe... Brett has an amazing ability to understand systems and , I'd say, to instinctively identify vulnerabilities. Chris is a protector with an ambush predator's patience. He'll poke and prod and eventually find that one thing that let's him get his man. Both men have genuine skills and those skills come with upsides and downsides for those around them depending on how they're utilized. They have different moral compasses. That's why I think it would make for a good talk, as long as there's a moderator who can keep them on track and away from each other's throats. I see a possibility of genuine hostility developing in the absence of third party guidance.
I get this episode in my autoplay queue everyday. At this point ive seen it like 5 times completely
This is one of the very few if not only 4 hour interview i can watch in one sitting; and even come back to and revisit, and still not be bored.
Any other interviews from this guy?
I woke up listening to this podcast, dreaming about Prisons, and I learned 2 main things:
1. Listening to Lex Fridman's podcast's while sleeping makes you go trippin'
2. Never ever tell a prison inmate or guard or anybody that you're in there for "some computer crimes" even if you're a cybercriminal xD
I woke up listening to Theo Von and Duncan Trussel. Much nicer experience lol.
Yes! I had same experience but Lex had Donald Hoffman talking about reality. My dreams were of what he was talking about with consciousness and interfaces like what he was saying was directing my dream. When I woke up I was trippin and felt like I understood everything Hoffman was talking about in the pod. I went back and tried to watch the podcast again since i hadn't watched it prior to autoplay during sleep. When I really watched it while awake it made no sense. It was such a strange feeling I had waking up like things finally made sense and then just went away thru out the day.
You shouldn't listen to any media while sleeping. That programs your subconscious mind. I recommend just white noise, to sleep
@@04dram04So wouldn't the smartest thing be to let something educational play.
No way! It happened to you too? I swear it happened to me as well!
This might be one of my favourite interviews to date. Not only is Brett an incredible story teller (and has an incredible story) but I feel, it is only on the Lex Fridman podcast that a conversation can hold the vulnerability and complexity of the human condition. I am always so appreciative of the way Lex interviews with heart, with holding that space for the guest to speak their truth. That silent support, that space leaves so much room for emotion and beauty. Thank you for creating that space Lex. Thank you Brett for your truth.
Good point and well said.
Lex you’ve quickly become one of my favorite channels. Love all the different aspects of life you touch on and for some reason it’s all topics I’m interested in. Hope you never quit!
❤
When Lex said, “I always wear my heart on my sleeve. If I get hurt for it? That’s life” how sorrowful that we live in a world where some people that are so unconditionally full of love have to coexist with people that only know hate and dishonesty. Sadly, we can only hope that love overshadows the hate. Keep grinding Lex 🤟🏼
I don't agree with your dualism
@@malikialgeriankabyleswag4200 I don’t even know what that means? I just meant like there is happiness and sadness, it sucks that really good people encounter the worst of the worst of other people sometimes. I don’t have to agree… since it’s also a personal view, I haven’t met too many good people in my life but that doesn’t mean I don’t know that good people are out there/exist
Everyone is evil in the wrong circumstances. And the other way round. People that are unaware aren't aware of being unaware. Everyone thinks they are justified in their actions.
@@novictim Oh I like this
@@nicoleselsky7273 I know I'm just saying sometimes when we get fed up of the bad things we like to escape to this very well defined world of good people here vs evil people there.. and then we get tricked into wars lol
This is probably the most beautiful conversation I have ever heard in my entire life… I will never forget this one!
Bravo.
The more I watch Lex, the more I am liking him and getting hooked on his podcast. Used to be a JRE fan for years but I’ve switched to Lex, I trust him more and I think it’s a better program.
Lex challenges his guest on a human level that we can all relate to
Lex is light years more intelligent than Joe…and Joe isn’t a dummy
Thats because Lex doesn't tell the same 10 anecdotes every episode
@@ericvoots or make every conversation about trans or the pandemic
As many people have stated prior, Lex is the intellectuals JRE :P
Not condoning what the guy did obviously but this is one of Lex's best interviews IMO
I was planning on watching 5-10 mins jjsut to see what this guy was about. and i stayed the whole fucking show. Amazin conversation. i'll be definetely following brett's podcast
I did the exact same thing! Lol
100% same here
Hey Lex could you please tell Brett that there's an opening for a leadership position at the Thieves Guild, I already have too much on my plate as Archmage of the college
Wait I’m the grey fox now soooo what’s wrong with the guild?
STOP
You have violated the law!
I'd help out but I'm tending to my knee. It took an arrow 🥸
I will be awaiting him in Riften, unless you see the meeting more fit for Whiterun.
What In the secret code is going on here?
I gotta say Brett makes me a bit uncomfortable, he reminds me in ways of the other psychopaths that I have met in my life. It's hard for me not to imagine him as a manipulator and dangerous individual. I see every indication that it is still a fundamental piece of his personality, it seems to me that you would really be relying on Brett to decide not to take advantage of you if you were to lower your guard around him or were not sufficiently guarded from him. I would think that about all it would take would be for him to be feeling a bit lazy, or bored for him to turn to manipulations that could have negative consequences for his targets, mentally or otherwise. I see in him a kind of insecure confidence that to me appears like coping with vast insecurity, but is presented as joy and strength and secret celebration of the domination of others, and the superiority of duping and harming others without them understanding what is happening. This kind of charm that everyone in the comments is responding to so well is nothing new, this is what a charismatic psychopath is like. Now imagine yourself under their spell and you decide that you want to trust them wholeheartedly, big mistake, big mistake. This isn't about shaming Brett, this is about how easily most of us are guided away from good judgement. I don't think you can trust Brett anymore than you can trust a rattlesnake loose on a bus, you know maybe the snake just wants to curl into the corner and be left alone, are you going to put your trust in that when your getting on that bus, the question is are you still going to get on that bus? You say no, but if the snake was as persuasive as Brett I think a lot of these people in the comments would be overjoyed to sit on the bus with the charismatic rattlesnake.
Of course he hasn't completely changed, he was nearly pure evil, he's not going to suddenly become reformed even if he truly genuine wants to, which is impossible to verify. Your suspicions or hesitation are completely sound.
Reputation & record matters for a reason. And it *really* matters. I would never trust this kind of person. Save your trust for people who have earned it.
And i bet you like to listen to yourself speak
Good assessment. Given the way he was raised, it's not hard to see why he is this way.
@@bowlofsoup12 stop crying if you aren't able to read more than 6 words its because your attention span is fucked up from watching all these tictocs and reels - its your problem :D
“Takes one to know one”
Lex in your opening commentaries exactly how u feel, your podcast is amazing and I hear it more and more everyday and I appreciate you for at least trying to get through to some, to create a better understanding for all of us thank you ❤️✌️🐜
I work in a Hospital that specialises in treating cancer. Some might think that it is quite a depressing job but no. From day 1 it felt like I was (and still am) with my second family. What a beautiful, warm and place to live my working life in. Helping ourselves and others together, as Brett just said. Thank you Lex and Brett for solidifying what I definitely felt and believed but didn't 100% know, until now.
About 2 1/2 hours in I forgot I was even watching a Lex Fridman interview. Had a split second doing other things, I almost thought I was watching a movie.
The famous charm of the sociopath is chillingly on display. Lovable, infectious laugh. The pain he caused is touched upon but eventually lost in the entertaining recounting of his adventures.
Yeah it’s worth seeing so we can recognise it. Sad for the victims loosing their savings
Best episode/guest yet! I absolutely loved every minute of this one. It's been a minute since I've had a chance to sit & watch one of your episodes in it's entirety & I could instantly see that you've been working very hard at honing this particular craft of yours & I just want to let you know that I, for one am very impressed & just as grateful. Keep 'em coming, Lex
This guy has lived an insane life. Thanks for the honesty Brett.
He prolly sugar coated and left plenty out he is a manipulator. I will give him the benefit of the doubt but lets be real here.
I think he is not honest. You might be tricked here.
Sorry but you realise you are the type he would have con'd right lol
@@rootbeer4888 he knows his shit w scams but i dont believe much about his story
As someone who grew up with a pathological liar father, I urge you to be on the side of caution when believing anything this guy says. Stay safe
This man’s childhood sounds horrible. He can laugh about it now but imagine it was traumatic. If this guy did grow up normally I wouldn’t believe him. Glad he was able to take all that has happened and make it out. Sometimes it takes a good woman to believe in you.
@@e.proteusyinyang.e5237 That sucks you had to endure all that, I promise you that there are good people in this world. Don't give up!!
Youd have to laugh at it to get the weight off
Yasssssss
OMG I feel for the child in him as well as his poor little sister!
*Despite the economic crisis,this is a Still a good time to invest in stock and Crypto****
Lex is special in a special way man. I'd love a chance to sit down and talk to this dude about what ever the hell came up. WE LOVE YA LEX!
So it is about you 😂😂😂
What? @@aleks71438
As I perused this, I reflected on the significance of having a strong role model. Overcoming challenges often involves shattering the confines of our perspectives and habits, embracing a life guided by sincerity and truthfulness.
This was one of my favorite guests you've had on. So entertaining.
Supremely interesting guest. Keep up the great work.
One of the most incredible podcasts I’ve ever seen hands down. Extremely affecting, deep, and dripping with wisdoms.
yes,agreed
Brett's honesty is there for everyone to see.
Hopefully you’re being sarcastic 😅 Dudes full of shit
This is actually a really good PSA for cybersecurity.
Thanks for keeping me up until 1 am. I would like a part 2 diving more into the modern world of cyber crime and the fight against it.
Interesting: Social Engineering; knowing people's responses, what they care about and knowing how to exploit their interests. It can be useful if used constructively or manipulative if misused. Fascinating study; I'm so glad you became of value to the U.S.A Government in helping to catch other Cyber criminals. You're responsible for what you do as a grown up, sorry that your childhood was so hard.
Brett you are a born teacher. You are not only smart, but compelling. Lex thanks for the long form dives you offer. Outstanding .
Lex is really good at asking the questions that will get interesting philosophical and/or emotional answers.
This guy is like the Breaking Bad version of Dave Ramsey 🤣.
Amazing story this should be a movie - It’s like Catch Me If You Can meets Shawshank Redemption meets Breaking Bad meets Wolf Of Wall St
😂😂 literally same voice
Holy crap! I thought the EXACT SAME THING!! 🤣
😂😂
Dam....
Perhaps Hollywood screenwriter will pick upp om this imterview and present new movie idea, "The Social Engineer"
2:13:50 "Crime is an addiction......" This answers a question I needed answered. Super great conversation.
I listened to the whole thing! So fascinating!!!!! Thank you
Being a "very good social engineer", as he says, in conjunction with what he's known for and what he brags about, the smart move would be to disbelieve everything he says.
Bringing my own experience with social engineers/manipulators into focus, my sensors go off when he talks.
What makes this most interesting, and lends to his ability to social engineer, he even explains how he's engineering us, the audience, as he does so @ 44:50
Very interesting imma have to go back n check it….
Reminds me if that scene from A Scanner Darkly...
"See, the guy never really posed as any of it. He only posed as a worldfamous imposter. Turns out he just pushed a broom at Disneyland, until he read about this actual world-famous imposter, and he thought, I can pose as all those things, then he thought, hell, I'll just pose as an imposter. Save a lot of time, a lot easier. Made almost as much money as the real imposter with books and movie rights."
He's a POS, still full of it.
Just yuck!
@@CDE2022 he’s definitely 2 faced going against his own crew. Trust no one
Seems like most people watching this video have met sociopaths in real life. Just don't know it yet.
Listened to this whole thing while programming my college assignment about web security and preventing hacking/exploits. :D
So, as the owner of a Cybersecurity Provider firm that works to ensure guys like this aren't successful, I deal with guys like Brett daily. Ask him this... .did he go back and pay back ANY of his victims? NOPE. He's still bragging.
The answer here is this.... If they sound like a used car salesman, walk away.
Exactly the guy is a absolute cretin.
If you knew what you're talking about you'd know their sentencing (especially for federal cases) almost always features "restitution" which is garnished from their income from the day of their sentence, even being garnished from their in-prison income.
@@BulkernatorKerb I’m a cybersecurity and forensics expert. Not a corrections or legal expert.
The bragging is particularly disheartening and being I deal with scum like this daily, I have no tolerance for bragging. Perhaps I don’t know what I’m talking about. Who knows.
@@JasonWh What did he brag about?
@@rockitmeena at the beginning, he laughed and bragged about his theft exploits. The smile on his face tells me he’s enjoying the retelling of his exploits. I deal with guys like this on a daily basis as rhetorical owner of a cybersecurity and forensics firm. Trying to save companies from these guys dealing with terrified business owners and smalll business employees who may not have a job the next day. Dealing with those who are being extorted and threatened with the disclosure of their data and the extortion of their clients. It’s an incredibly dirty and unsavory world masked as something else.
He definitely has the criminal personality. He actually reminds me of myself. Trying to be overly articulate and likeable. Its about dropping people's guard and having them trust you.
Hes ruined lives. I cant say I've done that.
What a life. There should be a movie made - with the guy as the main protagonist - at last, putting his actor skills to some use. There are probably millions of similar comments - but thanks for the honesty - hope you're doing alright, by the looks of it, you are. By the way - the bank name is Lateko (not Lateeko) - and to the best of my knowledge it's called BluOrange Bank now. Probably the only podcast that I've listened throughout work hours as background - and then continued the next day because wanted to know how things turned out. Well done. Best of luck from Latvia.
God, this guy really knows what he's talking about. He's been in this for a LONG time and has a wealth of knowledge about how this kind of crime works. Such a mind. It irritates me to think that there are some really smart people like him all over the world that haven't been able to capitalize on it for something good.
@@smokedbeefandcheese4144 No, banks and corporations, as much as we might not like them, can be victims. Stop thinking so black & white. Criminals delude themselves when they believe things like 'Oh, it's okay because that company has a lot of money and insurance to protect themselves from someone like lil' ole me stealing from them!'
Having to play by fair regulatory rules is a FAR CRY from being manipulated and stolen from, as is the case with cuber criminals like him.
Most people with this type of spirit will never be supported or embraced by society vaulting them to redirect energy from more productive endeavors
Thank you Lex for another great interview, and thank you Brett for sharing all the fine details of your rocky past. It really was enjoyable to hear the story of how your life moved and changed and seeing you in a better place now.
Oh boy…
This is a great podcast, please disregard any mean messages, this is just another perspective that we wouldn't have without you Lex.
Wow. So I'm 34 and started my career of cybercrime at the age of 9. Very similar story. Abusive, narcissist parents. Had to learn how to manipulate the unreliable adults in my life. Led to alcoholism "ultimately". Great story man. Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like a shitty past bro but you also sound smart which is a great tool but also a curse. Wish the best for you
@@joshlitman8310 Thanks man. I got to work for AT&T for a while. Originally I got the job just to work with the Telegence billing system and other tools I knew about. Ended up loving the job, didn't use the tools to commit any crime, learned a lot. But the alcoholism got that in 2016. But I got sober a couple years ago and I'm getting back on my feet. Hopefully going back in to telecom or IT but I'm thinking of social work or counseling because of what I've done through my recovery.
@UC9I_wJq2QsS1MMH7SwFCNfw channel isn't compromised but there's some dummy trying to spoof his name with Unicode characters trying to get people to Whatsapp him
@@strawmanfallacy that sounds rough man, wish you all the best in getting the hold of your life, love and peace
@@strawmanfallacy good luck man! Or woman!
This is one of the best podcasts I've ever listened to.
This is one of the most engaging podcasts I have ever listened to what a story. Thanks for sharing.
Lex, when a person is experiencing emotions. You need to be with a person/be present, let them experience what came up, and then talk/ask questions.
Wow, good stuff, I just watched this twice, he should be on the TV shows breaking down the politicians speaches and how they lie/social engineer. Him being scared about the narrative being more important than the facts, speaks to where we are as a society, and the trouble "we" are in, with fake news and fake facts, vs real......really good, thanks!
Trump said the news lies and they called him a fascist
Turns out trump predicted the future. He called exactly what happens if he loses
wow this guy ...the way he describes his mom ...matches my life so soo much .. the extreme abuses...heard the same trying to change it up to avoid others focusing on things she did ...the extreme situations she would put us through ..I was homeless from 8 years old until I was able to leave at 18 ..living in the parks in las vegas ..under bridges .. spending weeks on greyhound buses .. and any time we would get any kind of stable life going she would think someone was stalking her or we was going behind her back to see her ex-boyfriends ..a phrase burned into my mind is her standard chant to me "what the fuck where you doing?...what where you out getting butt fucked by Johnny, Robert and renee..I will fucking kill you" that rant always said with as much hate and malice as you can imagine about her EX's I can never forget (obviously she has both a head injury and mental illness) and with zero notice we would be hitch hiking across the country and any time she was under stress she would take it out on me or my brother or sister and being homeless you are always under stress etc .. I remember hiding in a sleeping place while some drunk men beat another man to death 20 feet from us .. we had no schooling no nothing and like your sister I often thought why doesn't someone help us .."isnt the government supposed to step in if you dont go to school?" etc of course no one ever did and I was on the same path at 14 I had pawn shops who would buy anything I could steal no questions asked and I started to do anything and everything to make money and not for ...what I would say are selfish reasons ..not to buy new shoes or anything, just to have some money to give to my mom to help her because again if she got stressed the abuse which was always present sometimes for no reason or notice would ramp up to 10 ..anyway just a horrible childhood ...I also read books on social engineering etc and at 15 I was a absolute master ..I was so good at one point I called a travel agency and convinced a woman who worked there who was married to buy me airline tickets to meet her for a weekend ..I knew what she wanted to hear and made up a character I could tell she would be attracted to ... I learned that if you look like you are supposed to be character ABC everyone just assumed you were. I was able to go into resorts and would pick out people around my age and I would just suck up every bit of info I would need to charge anything to their parent's rooms ...I look back and cannot believe the things I had done ...but even at 15 after years of being homeless I also knew "this is fucked up" and I also knew I would one day get caught and this had no future but I had zero education what was I to do? well to be blunt I have been struggling with that question even today at 38 ..I did end up working for the Texas dept of corrections for years and other dangerous state jobs until my body was no longer able to do it anymore ...so now years later ..I live in tx and my brother and sister live within 15 miles of me and my mom as well ..but what I am struggling with is my mom ..she will never admit to doing anything wrong and I have begged her to do so one day but she just won't ..well now she is older and needs a lot of help but I am so very conflicted about it ...if my mom calls me I often get angry to the point where I cannot hide it ..for no reason just her calling me can get me angry to the point I just want to destroy something ..anything...and she could just call to say Hi ..and I don't understand why but I just cannot be around her without being angry most times ...and of course like I said she is in poor health and she will go the hospital and I will get calls saying she needs this or that and I just can't explain to these people our history why I can't .. do I love my mom? or do I think im just supposed to love my mom because she is my mom? it is difficult to explain ... your story has just reminded me so very much of my own life ...I would love to know how your relationship with your mom goes and will attempt to follow your story more .... it's just amazing to me how close your story matches my own I mean even your crimes many of them I was doing myself ..im listening and shaking my head when you say you was doing this and this and thinking "hey I was doing the same thing!"
thank you for sharing this
I can relate very much to where you are with your mom being at an age now where she needs help and being conflicted. My mother wasn’t as bad as yours but she was pretty bad, she also refuses to acknowledge or apologise for the harm she caused. For decades I would say to myself …… there’s going to be a day when my mom needs help and I will refuse to give it to her. It’s that time now and I don’t care about all this forgiveness stuff - I refuse, I cannot forgive such an awful, selfish, nasty, manipulative and abusive person. She can shove any inheritance up her arse - she gets NOTHING from me.
I think turning my back to the woman and going “no contact” was the best thing for me.
Don’t let her continue her control over you - you are allowed to go “no contact” with your abuser.
My mom still tries to manipulate and play the victim but NO! Nothing from me.
Don’t feel bad.
You don't have to explain anything to anyone about your mom. Been there.
@@NotFalling4it I could not agree with you more. Very similar situation here in my life as yours. The trauma these women cause effects you your whole life. Eventually it starts effecting your health. I was in the same dilemma about helping her when she got old. Then I was listening to a religious program on the radio and they said you have no responsibility towards your " parent" if they are the abuser. So i felt so much better after hearing that. I often wondered how I would react when she passed. Well I felt no emotion at all. I got a call that she passed and I went on with my day. i hope all of us with abusive mothers recover, learn to love our selves and continue with a productive happy life, God Bless.
Dropped a tear reading this.hope u are ok bro
Lex, love your interviews. As a retired bank robber I and well versed in the Criminal World, I appreciate your willingness to engage with and give voice to those who have made mistakes. I would only say that everyone has a sad story. Its about responsibility and choice. I agree, everyone is close to being a criminal at some time or another. Some though, embrace it and want to brag about it, others learn from it and move on. This guy is neither rehabilitated nor remorseful. He is sociopathic and a con artist. Does it make him a bad guy? I don't know him. I do know hundred people like him. If you want to interview criminals look to murderers or people who caught large cases but came from nothing. Those are the ones who either have lost their humanity and look for it every day or made survival decisions that seemed like an only option. Love your shows.