Undaunted.Life: A Man's Podcast by Kyle Thompson cover image

Undaunted.Life: A Man's Podcast by Kyle Thompson

SCOTT PAYNE | Going Undercover to Expose America's Nazis (Ep. 734)

Mar 25, 2025
Scott Payne, a retired FBI Special Agent with 28 years of experience, shares gripping tales from his undercover days infiltrating neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups. He recounts the intense psychological toll of maintaining his cover, the absurdities he faced in the KKK, and the complexities of today's extremist ideologies like accelerationism. Payne also emphasizes the importance of mentorship in law enforcement and reflects on the moral dilemmas of confronting hate while navigating his own safety after retirement.
01:24:23

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Scott Payne's extensive undercover work against domestic terrorists, including infiltration of groups like the KKK, showcases the complexities and risks involved in law enforcement.
  • The process of building trust with criminals for evidence collection reveals the morally ambiguous challenges faced by undercover agents and its toll on personal beliefs.

Deep dives

Introduction to Scott Payne's Career

Scott Payne, a retired FBI special agent, has a remarkable career focused on fighting against complex crime such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and domestic terrorism. His undercover work included infiltrating notorious groups like the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazi factions, and organized biker gangs. His journey into law enforcement began humbly at a local sheriff's office, where he quickly developed a passion for crime investigation and moved up to federal levels. His extensive experience has led him to write a book called 'Codename Pale Horse,' which shares the intricacies of his undercover operations and personal struggles.

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