How CIA spies disguise their identity | Andrew Bustamante and Lex Fridman 

Man this guy unsurprisingly is a master of conversation. Not only does he answer every question Lex throws(which doesn't happen as much as you would think) he also articulated every point to the point of being able to visualize it in the mind. One of my favorite interviews ever.

A Russia spy interviewing an American spy. Crazy times we live in

Joe has a CIA friend that never answers questions. Now Lex went and got a CIA friend that answers all the questions! Lately I've been listening to Lex quite more.

I traveled and was "homeless" for 13 years of my life. Many of the things he spoke about are crucial to survival on the streets. Authenticity of character. Observation of EVERYTHING around you. Hustling/gaining trust. Life is always in danger. Everyone is a potential threat. Daily.

Man this guy is a damn good spy. To have a long form conversation about espionage, question and answer all the questions and to do that sitting infront of an ex CIA agent is gutsy and commendable

I can't believe the quality and variety of these guests. Absolutely fascinating conversation.

@13:16 "you are in control of this interview". Says the CIA operator in order to gain trust.

Lex is starting to fill the gap where Rogan is starting to drop off. Ultra interesting, articulate guests, discussing the most fascinating and relevant topics

This is the most interesting conversation I've heard on any podcast in years.

He forgot level 4, the Groucho Marx glasses nose and mustache

From the first time I saw Lex Fridman, I've thought of him as a spy or an undercover character. Watching this is like watching two spies testing each other out

He is so good, that even his appearance on the podcast, makes you think he may not be CIA, then you hear him talk and he’s so well articulated it amazing and makes sense. Truly witnessing two masters at their craft having a conversation

No such thing as ex CIA

Long time fan of Lex's podcast but this is the first time commenting on this channel. This is the MOST engaging and fascinating episode ive heard on Lexs podcast! The exchange on Ukraine, social dynamics etc..I was captivated for all 3 hr and 52 mins!!well done!👏

Lex, so many interviews drive me crazy because the interviewer constantly interrupts the guest to show how smart they are. You never do that as you have a base line of confidence and your ego a under control. I hope you never change.

I sell car and it’s crazy how the “smell” part is so true, being friendly and nice attitude and getting people to like you, it’s amazing what you can get away with. “The one asking the question is the person in control”

I must be a level 2 spy. Ive gained 50lbs. I didnt even know. Im that good a spy, I wasnt even aware of my disguise.

This was one of the best interviews/conversations I’ve ever listened to

This touched on many points which I didn't expect, but very much appreciated. This was interesting. Ill have to watch the full podcast.

Incredible podcast Lex… one of my favourite episodes, everything about this interaction, connection, exchange is pure brilliance Iv been hanging on every word, thank you so much xx

A-furry is level 3. Damn that’s impressive

Fascinating interview lads thank you !!! I’m intrigued by the tree disguises ,and how it would be extremely difficult to not get emotionally attached to the people which your are dealing with and the characters that you need to become ,

Nicely done. Good delivery and formidable questions. 👍🏼

Very good interview. There is strength in numbers, and the more numbers we have tied to us, the stronger and more confident we feel overall. Hence the reason why children from broken homes wander around seeking a tribe to connect to. We all long to be part of a family (gang, club, team). It becomes a core aspect of our identity and perspective on life. Enlightening discussion. I appreciate it.

VERY interesting stuff Lex and Andrew. Thank you for this conversation OR Interview.

Incredibly smart guy. I found this fascinating bc I'm in sales. It's crazy bc u can only practice if front of a client. It's a long road to get good enough to even answer well. This guy is super smooth. I liked the nuances he identifies.

This interview got much deeper than the original topic of disguise. Thanks!

Lex has wonderful understated style. As a videographer who documents people’s life stories, I have a real appreciation of it.

"when you look and act like a spy, people will think your a spy" so true

A guest of immense interest. Thank you !

Veey interesting conversation. I could listen to these 2 talk all day

This was great, loved the interview

I get the sense this guy would be an exceptionally good therapist. He would see right through your BS and explain how your thought process got you there...

Man I still haven’t figured if Andrew is still active cia or not but just feel like I get smarter each time I listen to him

Both of you are so well spoken and respectful of one another. The interview goes to really neat places. I love this guy! So interesting to hear the inside information

Great content. Love hearing stuff like this because there isn't a ton of ex-CIA officers getting interviewed. Atleast non-cap content. Lol

This guy...this highly intellegent and amazingly well spoken guy is the most interresting person I ever watched on youtube.

I love that he asks questions that I feel I would ask. I love Joe Rogan but I enjoy these clips more cuz they have a more raw feel to them and I’m sitting there next to both of them rather than listening to Joe

Powerful interview, that part about what suprised him about Human Nature of everyone having that longing for a human connection is profound. And, then removing that connection as a punitive effect to gain leverage is so true.

phenomenal conversation

He is wearing a lvl 2 disguise right now. - if he shaved, cut his hair, lost the bandana and put on a suit & tie he would be a totally different guy

It’s not a very difficult skill to narcissistic/ sociopathic individuals. They’re constantly doing this anyway. I would just assume most the agents are just naturally leaning towards this temperament so it wouldn’t be very hard to teach at all. Once they have an objective then they can convince themselves and their target that it’s real and get whatever outcome they desire.

Lex, thank you for such interesting content!

I could listen to you two talk / interview forever!

I’m so glad I stumbled across this! This is one the most interesting conversations I’ve seen between two intelligent and insightful individuals. Thank you for material that is not generic like everyone else is putting out.

This guy is so articulated and well-spoken, I can only wish someday I'd have the level of intelligence and communication skills he possesses.

This was fascinating, thank you!!

Interesting conversation, definitely food for thought

2 spy’s talking about being ex spy’s. Interesting 😂

Probably be great to have a game of I Spy with him.

That was incredible. Thanks

lex you da man bro keep doing what you do‼️

Bro lex is having a fuckin blast sitting there pretending to ask all these questions like he's not a project of the KGB to prove they can fully infiltrate our culture.

I think one interesting thing about the bullshit meter is that even if someone calls bullshit it’s pretty common for people to go against their better judgement if you are offering something else they want. Which can often be that human longing for a connection he mentions. If you were to use that, I’d say most people would overlook a lot of red flags.

It’s refreshing to hear people speak about these topics

This is a very good dynamic between the two of them

One of the most interesting conversations yet. Thank you Lex.

This man is obviously very socially intelligent. I'm curious about the pipeline and training. They are looking for something, not just intelligence...like grabbing the person who will be a successful criminal before they commit their first crime...

the fact that this is being talked about and i got to listen to it, is the exact reason im so close to shutting off my "phone?" and the internet all together. REALLY? OMG??

This conversation was amazing😢❤

Man, I am so glad this dude criticized micro-expressions. There are so many variables when it comes to interpreting micro-expressions and TV and movies have really misled people about how accurate they are. They are definitely useful as a tool but in a high-stress situation, micro-expressions and body language can occur for different reasons. And even if a lie is detected, it may not be an important lie. My uncle worked in law enforcement for a while and then went on to become a grief counselor for his dept and he said that it was really confusing at times because most detectives are so experienced in interrogations that they will alter their behavior and physical ticks. Sometimes it was on purpose but a lot of times it was almost involuntary and they would almost instinctively avoid doing things that can indicate deception. And it wasn't usually for important things. Usually just embarrassing things or personal information that they'd rather not share. People tell unnecessary lies all the time...

Wow. This was powerful, that last line hit me like a ton of bricks

Excellent interview.

Man this interview was so good

I’ve never dealt with CIA level spies, but I’ve dealt with undercover police, and they always do something to give it away.

Turns out I've been an undercover spy my whole life because I've been pretending to be things I'm not since I was a child...

Relived to see I’m not the only one who closes his eyes when he’s trying to think of what to say.

Learned so much from this one video very interesting

KGB low key interviewing the CIA😂👀

The concept of podcasting is brilliant it's a great way to conversate and learn from each other taking turns to answer questions and sharing ideas 💡 it's amazing

As someone who did his graduate in behavioral analysis it’s fun to watch this stuff

The Gentlemen answers AND needs not to digress. What a comforting footnote for the mind. This conversation fluid like a well oiled machine in verbal intellect 🤔😊

Just him reading Lex for a second was WILD lol

Plot twist: the real spy is actually posing as Lex for this entire interview.

Saw this guy on trendifier, can't wait to listen to this one!

Wow...he really hit some home run balls with this conversation!

He actually looks like he’s the type to just be able to blend in the background anywhere 😂😂

Oh I bet this guy was good. I can totally picture him undercover for years infiltrating some crazy shit. Its hard to take an ex agent at this word, but just the general things he is talking about shows me how well he could be at manipulating people.

When he says in people's souls to be with other people, I can state that's not me, the best part of my life, was when I was deemed essential and I was able to do my job, driving. I found the most satisfying peace, when no one was around because they were all locked down in their homes. Then they let you back out and my world changed because I had to have you around again. The whole world is too full of themselves and we're just fed BS Some must think they're really important or their shit doesn't stink, I don't I'm only a man. At night when I'm alone, I know I'm fine, because no one wants anything and no one is demanding anything from me. I feel peace by myself.

This is so flippin interesting Lex

I think the cia chose this guy bc he’s so excited about the challenge and games involved in cia manipulation type of stuff.

I like this host. Lex, is it? I'm a lot like you. I am kinda quiet and shy and don't make eye contact. People often assume certain things about me like I'm slow or on drugs or scared or something but it's not true and I can see you're the same. We are just confident in a different way than overtly confident people. Honestly, this is why I'm subscribing.

There's a channel dedicated to people playing multiple celebs and this guys interview fills the gaps on how they do it.

Amazing questions I’m subbing

The last bit is massive and maybe a bit depressing as it's so obvious. People naturally yearn for social connections. Not just for the one wife/mate. I'm drunk as heck but my guess would be if you left people to their own devices we'd be mostly congregating around a fire/place to eat and then dancing. Happy as fookin Larry.

I find it hard to believe that this guy would be telling anything truthful. He said it himself. And he knows ALOT of classified and crazy info. And the CIA would not like him giving away training techniques to our adversaries.

Very nice interview right here.

I love Lex’s voice! So comforting and soothing.

5:50 how do the CIA train you to compartmentalize the self/set the self aside? -is there a way to learn/look into it?

This guy is brilliant. no once did I feel he wasn't sure of what he was saying. But then again, were talking about spies here lol

Lex has the best thumbnails out of all the Podcast on RU-vid 🤣

This was a dope podcast, one of the best in my perspective cuz i really like the psychology part or intelligence agents

Also, the day Mike Baker came on Rogan, something was up. These tenuous but also real links to intelligence, are not there by accident. If you think agencies like CIA, or NSA suffer fools in ANY way you’re mistaken. They look upon a conjunction of information, like these very popular podcasts, as a well to be tapped, quietly, and efficiently. Sometimes the quietest way to tap a keg is while everyone is talking. Of course there’s nothing anyone can do about it. It’s just interesting to understand this while “consuming” the content is all.

this guy is absolutely in the CIA, I automatically trust this dude, and he’s almost shockingly well spoken. not shocked by ethnicity btw before I get torched, just his sheer ability to vocally articulate situations I’ve never even thought of, to the point I’m like yup spies exist all around me haha

Wow, recently discovered Lex... New favorite...

An aware person 'gets it' intrinsically and engagement with another who 'gets it' with added skills, now I get it so thanks for sharing!

I get it! Lex is actually level 2 disguised Sean Penn!

As a former undercover narcotics detective for a federal multi jurisdictional task force, I can relate to a lot of this. What would be hard is the amount of time they have to keep up that covert identity for such a long amount of time.

This is fascinating!

17:00 I can remember wanting to be near other people, especially people similar to me, but I lost it somewhere along the way. There is no better place for me than completely alone, it's where I am my happiest self. I dont mind having to be near other people and talk to them, but I never ever seek it out or wish for it. After a long day of work, nothing is better than coming home and being all by myself.