Jack Barsky: KGB Spy | Lex Fridman Podcast
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- Опубліковано 1 тра 2024
- Jack Barsky is a former KGB spy and author of "Deep Undercover: My Secret Life and Tangled Allegiances as a KGB Spy in America". Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
- InsideTracker: insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off
- Notion: notion.com/startups to get up to $1000 off team plan
- BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off
- Blinkist: blinkist.com/lex and use code LEX to get 25% off premium
- Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/lex and use code LEX to get 1 month of fish oil
EPISODE LINKS:
Jack's Twitter: / deepcoverbarsky
Jack's Website: jackbarsky.com
Deep Undercover (book): amzn.to/39XMTgG
The Agent (podcast): cumuluspodcastnetwork.com/pod...
PODCAST INFO:
Podcast website: lexfridman.com/podcast
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2lwqZIr
Spotify: spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
RSS: lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/
Full episodes playlist: • Lex Fridman Podcast
Clips playlist: • Lex Fridman Podcast Clips
OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction
1:18 - KGB
14:09 - Communism
33:10 - Childhood
39:57 - Becoming a KGB agent
1:18:30 - Training
1:32:19 - Language
1:38:10 - Moscow
1:53:11 - Spying
2:10:09 - Putin
2:13:01 - War in Ukraine
2:24:28 - Putin in the KGB
2:31:21 - Yuri Bezmenov
2:41:59 - FSB and CIA
2:49:49 - Putin and Zelenskyy
2:58:39 - Quitting the KGB
3:24:57 - Love and regrets
3:33:10 - Mortality
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Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast.
0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions:
- InsideTracker: insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off
- Notion: notion.com/startups to get up to $1000 off team plan
- BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off
- Blinkist: blinkist.com/lex and use code LEX to get 25% off premium
- Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/lex and use code LEX to get 1 month of fish oil
1:18 - KGB
14:09 - Communism
33:10 - Childhood
39:57 - Becoming a KGB agent
1:18:30 - Training
1:32:19 - Language
1:38:10 - Moscow
1:53:11 - Spying
2:10:09 - Putin
2:13:01 - War in Ukraine
2:24:28 - Putin in the KGB
2:31:21 - Yuri Bezmenov
2:41:59 - FSB and CIA
2:49:49 - Putin and Zelenskyy
2:58:39 - Quitting the KGB
3:24:57 - Love and regrets
3:33:10 - Mortality
Man, I was hoping to hear his opinion on UFOs. Interesting interview so far.
what a perfect way to interview an ex kgb spy, by having the interviewer himself be a current kgb spy
Lex, someday you should interview a specialist on nuclear weapons and how they work. Both the technicalities (which can be known as far as the information is declassified) and the actual functioning of the decision-making behind it.
Please interview Scott Horton, recently on Jockos unravelling podcast and of Austin, Texas.
Pp z
it's nice seeing two KBG agents get together and brain storm
This Jack Barnsley is really full of it. How was a the dis info that AIDS was CIA made a victory for the KGB? Hardly anyone believes that.
It would be hilarious training, recruiting, or smokescreening.
Yeah Lex kinda slipped didn't he. They're so obvious
Lol
Actually, Lex is SVR, not technically KGB.
Lex is humble and not obnoxious or dominant like many podcasters! He comes across as sympathetic to his guests, non-threatening yet very deeply knowledgeable and conversational on the subject matter in question.
Always
He's the real deal - he is intelligent, curious, and secure with himself. 👍😎
Lex Fridman sets a very high standard to follow. He's prepared, knowledgeable and very intelligent. It is very hard to listen to another podcast after listening to Lex. God bless you Lex Fridman.
I like that statement and the way you said that!!
I can listen to 2 more - Dr. Huberman & Joe Rogan
He's also humble and not obnoxious like many podcasters! He comes across as sympathetic to his guests, non-threatening yet very deeply knowledgeable and conversational on the subject matter in question..
@@charlesm9190 Well said. He's a mensch.
Plus he is no slouch. He seems to think highly enough to dress well; which is a sign of respect to his platform and his guests, and to himself (imho). Refreshing to see some sense of formality in this culture of t-shirt you tube channels.
This gentleman is fascinating. I don't know how so much people waste their lives watching trash shows on tv or netflix when you can enjoy this incredible real histories from so interesting people.
I love this stuff and Netflix 'trash' no need to take a side
this guy literally said hed watch tv everyday…
Yeah...real.
Watching a great film is not a waste of time whether on Netflix or any other platform. I know that Lex likes good movies.
2023 - where people get mad thinking about what strangers watch on tv. Wild.
honestly one of the best episodes yet. not surprised lex was able to pull a former kgb spy the man simply never misses
Exactly man! He really knows what we want to listen to!
Barsky has been out in the open media for years, so it wasn't that hard to pull.. he just said he even has his own podcast. stop being a simpleton.
@@kukublof5057 bro got offended over this 💀
I confronted my Russian teacher on communism. He told me that democracy and freedom were just an illusion. No matter what I told him, he wouldn't change his mind.
@@BlackMan614 Putin wrote the script himself. KGBBB.
This podcast is one of the best things on the internet.
If not the best. Thank you Joe for introducing this man into my life.
Been fascinated by Lex as a person and turns out im so blessed and grateful that Lex is just as fascinated by people himself, and has the chance to interview those people and then some. Can't wait for Lex to interview Putin!! It better happen
‘Tis indeed a good one sir.
Yes, it was my best internet discovery of 2021, by far.
Khazarian Mafia TOOK OVER CATHOLISISIM...AND THE JEWISH FAITH THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGE...THEY ARE..THE JESUIT'S
Jack Barsky, what a man. One of the best podcasts by Lex so far.
‘My first kiss.’ And Lex investigates. Best interviewer ever. ❤
“The pain of loss is still part of love” is a beautiful quote
Love this ❤️
Grief is the price we pay for love.
Once you start listening to a Lex Fridman podcast you cannot stop. Fantastic story!
So true. I've listened to a few, having discovered them yesterday, but for me, this is the greatest by far - maybe the best interview I've ever seen.
yup hopefully jre ends lol this guy actually knows how to have a coherant conversation
Notice all the jewish names?
@@pcraft8785you’re weird
@@damnmuggle you mad jew?
Glad I took the time to watch this. Sorry to say it, but this is my first encounter with Lex and his podcast. I honestly don’t know who impressed me more. I’ll also say, as proud of a man that Jack spent a lifetime to become, I loved his humility and honor to be corrected in his line of thinking at one point in the interview and even made a point to retract one of his comments. Only God can change a heart! What a story, thanks for sharing it with us.
Lex, My mom was Russian. This was an outstanding podcast and so interesting, it verified so many things she explained to me!
I skipped reading papers and studying just because this conversation absorbed me. It made me reflect on my own life and I can't believe we have access to these stories. Precious.
You have current access to the stories.
"Current".
Once liberal UA-cam is done with stories like this, this story, & the MANY others like it, will be but a whisper in a bullet-ridden alleyway between two winos, too over-the-hill to do much of anything.
Mister Paper Reader himself, precious
Yes, I’m doing my Masters degree and have a lot of research to do, but must finish this episode first haha!
Yes, I’m doing my Masters degree and have a lot of research to do, but must finish this episode first haha!
@@nicholaselliott2484 93 people love to Mister Paper Reader
An A.I. scientist (suspected by many to be a robot) & an KGB agent talking about love is the best part.
❤️😂🎵🍻
🍻😉
Fridman is a dolt.
@@leomarkaable1
see, the Al has fooled u
Bots have evolved the capacity to love.
@@diogenes. the AI fooled you
This is an engrossing life story for sure. Jack makes no attempt to sugar-coat his early ambition and thirst for the high life, which fueled his induction into the spy world and commitment to his training all of which he recalls in lucid detail. The manner in which he recounts his life is charming and infused with good-natured wit and honest insight. I have to infer that this humanist outlook had to be suppressed considerably after he became a real-life steely James Bond type. I am glad that he realized in the end that he is storyteller at heart, or did I just imagine he said that? No matter, I will listen again down the line or read more. Well done, Lex and Jack. 3m views!
Here to listen again because I remember him being one of the best storytellers on here. Greatttt show, glad you enjoyed too
@@mindovermatterpodcast1973 Hi, thx for the response. Hardly ever happens, probably because I'm too wordy. I subscribed to your podcast and look forward to checking it out. Cheers
@@larsvontrio Of course man, I love discourse. A comment with too many words doesn't typically scare me on youtube, depending on the video hahah
@@larsvontrio And cheers m8, thanks for subscribing!
Wow, prelude to his next book 💪🏼
A good cup of coffee paired with a Lex Fridman podcast always brings me a feeling of warmth and comfort that sometimes even moves me to tears.
ok
@@JaeSwift aw did that make you feel insecure
@@Pixelkip Which part are you referring to buddy? I don't see how any part of it can make anyone insecure. Or are you just unfamiliar with the words you are typing?
@@JaeSwift seems like a cringe thing to type in response to a really nice comment xD And im very familiar with words buddy lmao
@@Pixelkip 'moved to tears' is a bit fuckin extreme don't you think?
Jack Barsky was one of the technical advisors for the show ' The Americans ' .
Great series...
Lex is so old inside that he's able to comfort a 70 year old retired KGB agent and send him back to his child state to relive his first love.
He’s just a high functioning highly intelligent psychopath, they can do that to anyone
Haha
thats a weird way of saying someone has cancer
It's because he's an agent/spy too. Deathly obvious if you're observant.
@@TransNeingerian why what did /do you mean by that bro? I got cancer so you’re commenti caught my eye extra
This man’s description of the loss of his first love must bring back everyone who heard it, back to their own first love and loss… that loss for most is absolutely devastating if you’re the one on the losing end.
Just dopamine bro...like eating that first box of chocolate...it's all an illusion for the furthering of the species...
One thing that really annoys me about UA-cam is auto play. I've read this from others to, but when it often will select videos you've already watched, even several times. Perhaps infinite. However, this particular episode has come on I think 4 times now. Each time it has I can't turn it off. Possibly one of the most pleasant episodes out of any podcasts to date. Very engaging. Very beautiful
same same on all that..i wasn't gonna comment but since you did, ya..is annoying and ya, i find myself leaving it play if i don't have others in que..and in case eye's watchin me for whatever reasons they find assigned to this is dan wessels of the UAMAC covert unit and again," it's not classified" & if i determine it's a threat against 'we the people' I will bring it up as matter of civic duty somewhere, always when crosses my radar. ...dlw sui-juris,III%
Jack telling his story about his last moments as kgb agent and describing in detail what he was going through was honestly more immersive and captivating that any spy could ever pull off
YEAH BC ITS A LIE...HUSH
@@stanlee2200 by
Being born in a country that does not exist anymore (GDR) in 1982 close to the chzech border and being raised in a household that defeated the Stasi, listening to this really gave me shivers.
I’m a huge fan of you and your podcast, Lex. I spend nights and nights listening to it and I would have never guessed that sb. would mention the city I live in and love for the past 20 years. The city of Jena!
The “student club” that Jack mentioned still exists.
The people you talk to and the compassion you have are extraordinary. Thank you! If you ever come to this part of the world you have someone who would love to show you around and tell stories or listening to you.
Keep up the good work. 9 July 2022 - 4 am - Jena, Germany
I've been reading The Spy and The Traitor about Oleg Gordiewsky and I've been fascinated by espionage and counterintelligence. Interviewing a former KGB spy is a window into another world and I really appreciate having this perspective.
This was such an interesting interview! My parents were both from Germany, My father from the Dresden area in eastern Germany and my Mother from the Koln / Bonn area in the West, so I could relate with Jack and understand what his driving forces were. Thank goodness he has two beautiful children here in the U.S..he didn’t mention if he was still with his wife or nor but he is very insightful and I wish him a long healthy life.🌟
One of your best Lex. I was hanging on every word.
The guest is fantastic
he should have Mike Baker and this guy on the same episode
@@dragospahontu nah
@@soopertooclose what
@@dragospahontu u
This guys life is something out of a movie. I read his book . Really sad that his mother died never knowing what happened to him.
She should have been more of a mom. Been there, done that.
My father died June 24th. We bury him on Tuesday the 12th. In my case good father, bad mother.
@@teddibear1943 well that was random.
@@teddibear1943 sorry for your loss... My family story is complicated.. but it seems like those who should love us most are often times the same people who hurt us the most.. ♡ I cant say it gets easier but I can say it does gets easier to cope with as the years pass.. ♡
for emotional conections you need 2 sides, its his and her fault
Khazarian Mafia TOOK OVER CATHOLISISIM...AND THE JEWISH FAITH THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGE...THEY ARE..THE JESUIT'S
You are doing a good job and providing a nessacery service. Im saying that as an English man from the UK 🇬🇧 we dont have the same transparency in this country in the courts and certainly don't have the same rights. You are privileged to live in a country like you do thank you sir.
This is a really good one, Lex always does a great job at engaging with the guests with deep and interesting questions but letting them tell their story. This man's story was incredible, thank you for helping share it with us.
I worked in Navy intelligence for 20 years.
People don't understand how boring most of it is.
I saw a comment on his book... "there's no action".
Yup. That's 99% of it
I know I’m a nerd for laughing way too hard at this comment 😂
*99.5%
The moment you grow old is the moment you understand that most of life is fucking boring, don't forget that our goal in life is to eat, reproduce and die, everything's in between is just a filler to avoid the void
I say 'Define action' -hehe
Nerds stay back and crunch numbers and theories while the meat heads go to the frontline as a Meat shield before they reach the nerds
Probably one of the best conversations I've listened to in a long time. Lex is getting really good at this.
@Eli you haven't seen the lampshades made from human skin didn't you? Creepy stuff.
You have oh so many great interviews, Lex, but I think this one is my favorite. I often revisit it because it's a great story that provides so hope and clarity for me in these trying times. Thanks for being a great person Mr. Friedman.
One of your best interviews. Thank you, Lex and Jack Barsky.
My dear Jack, I read your story years ago and shed tears at your courage that developed. You overcame much hardship. So glad to see you again.
Emotional debs
You think he’s wasting his time reading comments?
This was the most compelling 3.5 hour conversation I’ve listened to. Lex you are a gift to humanity.
What a story! Great interview, perfectly paced, minimal interruption. Podcasts can be brilliant.
This was one of the best podcast episodes ever. What an emotional roller coaster. What an insane life. It's so archetypal too of a lot of tropes we look up to in our culture. The kitchen bug + confession didn't help it either. The family Christmas dinner table must just be sought after year by year.
This episode has been genuinely the most entertaining, intriguing and exciting three hours of discussion I’ve listened to in a good while. Both great communicators who have a passion for good debate and storytelling. I haven’t listened to much of Lex’s podcasts but I’m now hooked 😍
This was my first time watching him, and I'm hooked... I love to learn about other countries and people that could come in handy one day. This is great to be able to hold such a deep conversation on this lvl... These two Men are extremely knowledgeable...
@@marinigrey4913 I couldn't agree more with you Mari, very well put! It's very rare that you get a podcast a true and unbiased as this.
Happy for ya!You know you can watch this on a continuous loop ? ! Im able to send you some kgb inside information if you send me your email.?
@@marinigrey4913 same.
Wow Lex is super laid back and calm whereas I’m used to watching extremely fast paced interviews.
There is so much to learn from these amazing guests, who hold their tongues and wait patiently while Lex gives his opinions on the space where these experts are the top of the game. I’m always amazed by this, and it’s really the one thing that binds every interview together. There must be something about human excellence that gives these masters that control.
I've just taken a six month break from Lex to listen to other interviewers on the block..some new and some established.
Indeed, there are some very good candidates for the top slot out there.
But, throughout the six months my mind wandered back to previously watched Lex interviews, I was almost pining for them.
I can't quite pin down what Lex has, but whatever it is it is witnessing the emergence of another immense talent.
If there was ever a contest in discussion talent, he'd be streets ahead.
It's good to be witness to his talents again and of course his guests, but I have a helluvalot of catchin' up to do..
That’s so funny that he says he overcame shyness moving to the American South. I’ve experienced that to a large extent spending time in Georgia and driving through the Deep South. It’s much easier for me to say hello to strangers now and have small talk. Big difference coming from South Florida, and broke stereotypes too as to how I would be treated, being Latino.
The Deep South will change you!
Working in Australia cured my British shyness.
You should take everything this man says with a grain of salt:)
Ha! I had the inverse, spending a little time in the American South shied my boisterous self up REAL quick. - Mixed-Race (Black) American from Denver, Colorado
@@mischa1880
Why would he lie about something like that?
Lex, you make we want to be a kinder person. Love your work 😎👍
An example of a great way to think and live
Being a piece of shit is cool, be a man. ✊🏾 but yeah I feel you man he’s great. As I say, the LexIcon
@@damicothebest 😂👍
He's a bore and a dolt.
Ive traveled oh so many miles at 76. But, my life has been spent in the cold war,,, 1947 till now, which makes so much sense now. Thank you Jack and Lex for all the love in this interview and understanding.
Lex is so real and honest..great guy..thankyou for this interview
Quoting Edward Snowden made me wonder why you haven’t interviewed him yet. I feel that you would do an excellent interview with him!!! I hope you can make this happen sometime soon!
It will never happen. He is not suicidal.
@@mischa1880 huh? Edward Snowden has done multiple podcasts?
Second this
That would be a decent episode. I wouldn't mind seeing lex interview Alex Jones. It would be super.
Interview Julian Assange before your govt gets to him! Please!!
If only Yuri bezmenov was alive to be interviewed by lex on his views of the modern world.
What an incredible interview, I appreciate the chemistry between you two! Its almost like you're two old friends talking. Great guest & great story!
Please PLEASE make this a movie or miniseries! This is the most fascinating story I’ve ever heard. I loved the book and read his book within three days. It’s incredible.
What an incredible conversation. Thank you Lex for your humility and the courage to continue having these difficult nuanced discussions.
There is NOTHING nuanced about it...its 100 percent America good Russia bad. Its utterly pro US war drive...its ignores Assange, Snowden Hales etc totally...it ignores Russiagate and its use to destroy democracy and advance the imperial agenda.
Maybe he could also do a "nuanced" conversation on Hitler and WW2. Maybe German expansionism wasn't all that bad, eh?
He was fighting his bias about mother Russia so hard here, that's why it seemed "nuanced".
If the USSR and the KGB were somewhat incompetent in terms of espionage and propaganda, current Russia is a big joke. Or it would be if they weren't killing hundreds of thousands of people in a country that just wanted to be left alone. Just like all of those eastern European countries, formerly in the Soviet block couldn't run faster towards the NATO.
my entire afternoon was lost due to being hooked on this podcast. Lex, you are an exceptional interviewer, host and communicator.
Lex, you are one of the best interviewers out there. Consistently great guests, producing top tier videos!
I feel so lucky for having discovered Lex and this podcast.
"Love always screws up your employment competence." Yes. Got a chuckle out of that one.
Reminds me of a quote from Game of Thrones. "Love is the death of duty".
I usually watch your interviews with scientists, comedians, etc. However, this one is riveting. One of my favorites, only twenty minutes in.
Mr. Fridman, you are doing a stellar job, sir. Thank you!
I was a US Marine Stationed at NWS Earle in New Jersey in the very early 80's and we already knew who he was (had pictures of him loitering the piers around Sandy Hook bay and around Colts Neck NJ counting the trains leaving the base) We were always briefed before we would go into town (Asbury Park ect) to be careful of the Russians who were monitoring us or asking questions and buying us drinks at the bars. We all knew and it was like a running joke on the base. He wasnt as slick as he thought he was...we knew who he was and there were others not just him. 😀
Look where all that espionage got both countries, pretty much nowhere...Lmfao what a joke..
Did any of them ever approach you or your friends at the base to attempt to get information?
@@emerald_ocean Never me, we just were aware of him malingering around the piers ect....
Thank u for your honorable service to the US of A ❤️😊😉 stay woke babes!
@@emilyclark840 he was a marine in New Jersey hahahaha. Probably did drills his entire tenure. xD bootlicker
I enjoyed this one a lot. Pure fire!
I hope Dietrich reads this one. Sehr unterhaltsam, sehr detailliert. Du hast ein wirkliches Talent Geschichten zu erzählen. Hut ab 👍
Really appreciate this one. You seem so comfortable interviewing this man, my favorite so far
This has by far been one of the most interesting podcasts to date! Really amazing story that even the men in the shadows have hearts and love. It is what truly makes us human.
Stalin had a family. That didn't stop him from killing millions.
Humanity is the greatest evil in the world.
Hands down my favorite interview yet.
Anyone else notice the wry smile on both Lex and Jacks faces when Lex asked the first question “what is the KGB” Jack was like you know Dam well what it is Lex 😂
@@landspide same as when Joe and Lex were taking about it last week. Something crafty going on 😂
Lex, I continue to be impressed with your long form interviews. You do an amazing job directing and facilitating interesting conversations and do so without getting in the way. Thank you for continuing to publish your magnificent work.
ua-cam.com/video/VQkx-u-7f_A/v-deo.html Ukrainian soldier says they need to remove zelensky guys you need to share this. This is a cry for help
@Aloha Agree 💯!!
First 3 minutes is an alphabetical onslaught lol
Tears in my eyes from the teenager love story of an ex KGB spy... what internet (and Mr Fridman) can bring us...
This podcast Lex and these discussions are worth more than gold.... becoming priceless. I didn't even need to buy the book (though I should). I heard about this guy somewhere else but this discussion with you being Russian and then he being an older man... it's such an amazing meeting. --- For every 100 nonsensical videos on YT, there's 1 Lex podcast.
few orders more of nonsense
I just discovered him through my neighbor. Who was listening to a podcast and I had to ask who & this was who. I’m like oh ya thank u new podcast to watch/listen to as well as learn from.
-a pro talker and question asker who lived trying not to ask questions by teachers to fam members who now knows I can make a career out of it. I finally realized… “does Oprah talk too much?” Maybe but that’s her CAREER WHY CAN IT NOT BE MINE????!!!!!!!!!
My strength can be my weakness too
Or a weakness can also be a great
Strength
Haha Freud is ridiculous
Conservatively 10,000 to 1. On second thought, 100,000 to 1 is still within the realm of possibility.
ua-cam.com/video/VQkx-u-7f_A/v-deo.html Ukrainian soldier says they need to remove zelensky guys you need to share this. This is a cry for help
Thank you for this amazing interview of this fantastic man!
why do we care what these spys have to say? some of the worst narricist psychos in human history creatures with no shame who live a life of a lie and lie for a life! everything about them should be seen in a negative light absolute losers in every aspect of life.
no spy is a fantastic amazing man as you described him.
I am Slav. 2nd generation born in US. I say ALL Slavs must put aside our heavy histories, the economic and religious philosophies that have DIVIDED us,our land, our cooking, our lively dance and marvellous Viennese music and share in Strauss and our children.
I wish I had exposed myself more Czech culture, though we celebrated it a LOT! And I think we are smarter than this, we can show the world how to unite.
Maintain heritage but join a regional pastoral, hearty rich culture.
Lex Fridman, master of dry humor. At the end of a 3 1/2 hour conversation:
"Well, life does eventually come to an end."
Barsky (sounding fatigued):
"Yes, as does this conversation I guess."
"No, this goes on for many more hours..."
Phenomenal conversation Lex. Perfect guest, theme, intonation, cadence and timing throughout the whole convo. Growing up in one of ex Yugoslavia's republic, losing family members during war for independence in Croatia during 90's., that whole post 2nd world war period (starting in 90's with Soviet "disintegration"), made a HUGE AND POSITIVE impact on my world view and EMPATHY for others.
@Lex Fridman±¹³¹⁰⁹⁸¹³²⁶⁴ 😈😎
One of my favorite things about the podcast is the graphics, the pictures of figures and events mentioned
This is one of the most beautiful interviews I have ever listened to.
Two FSB sleeper agents having a conversation out of boredom
Nah, they had a reason for this and at least one of them was to discredit Yuri Bezmenov and they did but those of us that know of Yuris warnings say thru the playing dumb and they outed themselves as agents...
I love the phrase, "... a well controlled inclination to adventure."
Enjoyed this. He's right about storytelling soft skills, he has a lovely way.
This episode brought me to tears what an inspiring interview.
I like seeing lex’s interview skills progress as he asks tougher questions. Lex, you’re an inspiration. Thank you for putting yourself out there.
As a language teacher, I've been fascinated about this guy's story for years. So curious about how he attained a convincing native accent using what seemed to be cram school methods.
I've met non Native English speakers with no trace of an accent, they told me they taught themselves English, and only listened to Native English speakers, not these Non Native English " teachers " polluting the English Language Centers in Asia, Some people just have a natural ability to pronounce English perfectly, like people with " musical ears ", who can play music without being taught, or being able to read a sheet of music.
He still has a foreign accent, but if he told me he came to the US at, say, 13 or 15, I would believe him. It's not a perfect native accent, though, but enviable in terms of anyone trying to learn a second, third, or whatever language.
Been a polyglot myself, I have always been fascinated how some people almost got rid of their foreign accent. Jack still has an accent but it's very little. You cannot teach it at any school, you must have it in you
@@realreality2232 I mean, he gives a pretty nice pathway to learning a language with a good accent. I didn't mean to belittle it. I speak a half dozen languages to various degrees, about 2 of which I would say I do or did have a near-native accent sort of like his. It can be improved, but it is work that most people don't want to do. Anyway, I definitely didn't mean to shit on him. His English is accurate and elegant. I was just more thinking about in a spy situation where he would have to still have a story to explain that small bit of an accent away.
He probably has a 'good' ear as well. But his English accent is not 100% native imo.
Hey Lex, this is my first listen/view on your cast. I am currently writing a novel based in military historical fiction / reflection on the cold war / war on terror. Very cool that I discovered this. Looking forward to your other episodes! I have a lot of catching up to do!
This is one of my favorite interviews. Could listen all day long.
I just love Lex for asking "What about the heartbreak that follows?" lol
Growing up in a small town in Canada, the Church put on an event called KGB once a year. 50-60 local kids and young adults would try to reach checkpoints while running from about 15 KGB spys in cars with spotlights and some with paintball guns. once you reached a checkpoint you would find a clue to let you know the next check point location. if you were the first person to arrive to the final check point you won. one year my friend and i did win! the prize was a free nights stay at a B&B so i gave it to my parents lol
Sounds suspicious. The church set this game up? Conditioned through play for war?
Sounds awesome lol
@@briankunkel2754 right?
Sounds like a game I played in Arizona, except it was called “fugitive” and we did not use paintball guns. Fun game
@@conorx3 oh no, it's just fun and games man. Nothing even close to suspicious or wrong about it. All about fun, M8.
I'm repeatedly surprised to realize that I like Lex and EVERY one of his guests more than anyone else I've never met...🤔
Love this interview, thank you Lex.
This is the best interview of Jack on the internet. It brought me to tears in the end. Thank you Lex.
30 minutes in I can see how you got there. This is very special.
I started to listen to this conversation at 1am, not knowing what I would get into.... 4am just flew by and I don't know how I will get out of bed in a few hours. Worth it !!!
Thank you for this captivating life story, a story I can relate to on some minor levels.
Happens to me all the time 😄
Oh my gosh. Unbelievable interview. So glad i can watch it again.
this man is so charming his storytelling is so entertaining. how he talked about his first love is so funny very wholesome.
I so loved the ‘Moscow’ section! First hand experience from people who are still alive. All these recollections are so interesting for understanding of the era. We need more on it. Can we get part two with Jack?
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This podcast has been legendary for quite some time now, but this guest is just next level shit! From one Jack to another-I’ll be buying the book!
You might be interested in Jason Breshear's channel Archaix
@Andy Godwin Thank you
You could say Lex is a Jack of all trades
This is the reason for all this bullshit stories. Lex got payed to promote this jokers book. No spy would run his mouth like that, especially if he ratted on his agency.
As a Canadian hearing "French Canadian or Regular Canadian?" (1:58:12) almost killed me. I havn't blown a drink out my nose in 27 years or so. Thanks my dude. For the conversations, the education and humor, and just being unabashedly you. Keep it up, my next pints for you 🍻
So, as a non-Canadian, how WOULD one differentiate between French Canadians and non French ("regular") Canadians? What would be the polite description?
I could listen this conversation forever. Thank you for the loooong podcast. Perfect.
Dont comment often. This was one of my favorite podcasts I ever listened too. Thank you to both gentleman.
This is one of the best episodes of any podcast I’ve seen/heard
I heartily agree!
Fantastic interview. Thank you both.
i am 53min in and wow. What an interesting and fascinating conversation. I just lost my dad not long ago, and Jack is his age. What a cold honesty this man has. Even when he speaks of less desirable(by todays lense) things...hes honest. This is a conversation about life and the human condition. Its about human instinct, and human disire. So facinating!
As I listen...as I watch. I can see and feel, recognize that history repeats itself. You can see paterns of those years and times, repeating themselves now.
I dont want to write a book here, so much to say and converse about. I will end with thank you, for sharing this rare and open opportunity to listen in.
This episode was a window into an incredible life
One of the best episodes of your podcast.
This is one of Lex's best interviews, ever. Full stop.
“Accidents can easily be arranged” damn.
I really enjoy watching Lex. Half the time I feel like he's drunk. 😂 I know he's not, but just the way he speaks. This is one of the most confident and engaging conversations I've seen him in. I can tell he was totally geeking out. And what a life this man has lived.