Jack Barsky: KGB Spy | Lex Fridman Podcast #301

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

it's nice seeing two KBG agents get together and brain storm

This podcast is one of the best things on the internet.

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.

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.

honestly one of the best episodes yet. not surprised lex was able to pull a former kgb spy the man simply never misses

An A.I. scientist (suspected by many to be a robot) & an KGB agent talking about love is the best part. ❤️😂🎵🍻

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.

Jack Barsky, what a man. One of the best podcasts by Lex so far.

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.

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

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!

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.

“The pain of loss is still part of love” is a beautiful quote

One of your best Lex. I was hanging on every word.

‘My first kiss.’ And Lex investigates. Best interviewer ever. ❤

Lex, My mom was Russian. This was an outstanding podcast and so interesting, it verified so many things she explained to me!

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

Once you start listening to a Lex Fridman podcast you cannot stop. Fantastic story!

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.