The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

412. True Stories From a Soviet Spy | Jack Barsky

Jan 8, 2024

01:38:43

Snipd AI

Former KGB spy and author Jack Barsky joins Jordan B. Peterson to discuss his upbringing under communist ideals, his infiltration into American society, and his experience with the FBI. They explore the allure of communism, the rise of elites in communist societies, and the decision-making process behind leaving East Germany. Barsky also shares insights into the recruitment and training process for the KGB and reflects on mentorship and accountability in young people's lives.

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Quick takeaways

Barsky's upbringing in East Germany highlights the indoctrination of young individuals with communist propaganda and their recruitment by the KGB.

The allure of fighting for the oppressed can blind individuals to the complexities of success and wealth, raising moral conundrums.

The transformative power of unconditional love led Barsky to resign from the KGB and embrace faith, emphasizing individuality and gratitude for living in the United States.

Deep dives

Joining the KGB and Living in East Germany

Jack Barsky talks about his upbringing in East Germany, where he was indoctrinated with communist propaganda from an early age. He explains how the communist regime focused on recruiting young, intelligent individuals like himself, and how he wholeheartedly believed in the utopian ideals of communism. Barsky also discusses how he was recruited by the KGB while studying chemistry in university and was eventually sent to spy in the West.

Revolutionary cell structure in Russia leading to no feedback in KGB

01:10

Perception of Poverty and Hatred

00:43

Facing a Dilemma of Responsibility

01:20

The Appeal and Rejection of Left-wing Utopianism

02:38

Introduction

2min

The Allure of Communism and the Propaganda in Eastern Europe

13min

The Inflation of Ego in Pursuit of Universal Salvation

2min

The Rise of Elites in Communist Societies

11min

Joining the Communist Party and Becoming a Partner of the KGB

4min

Comparing the Stasi and the KGB

13min

A Decision Made and a Communist Avoided

2min

Recruitment and Training in the KGB

6min

Journey to Montreal and Establishing Life in North America

23min

10.

Transition to the American Dream

18min

11.

Applied Spicology: A Master Class for Young Men

5min

12.

The Importance of Mentorship and Accountability Partners

2min

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson speaks with ex-KGB spy, author, and podcaster, Jack Barsky. They discuss Jack’s upbringing under the communist utopian dream, following the motivating sentiment of “freedom for the oppressed,” how he embedded himself in American society, what brought him into contact with the FBI, and how he was able to walk away.

Jack Barsky (born Albrecht Dittrich, Jack being at first an American alias) is a German-American author, IT specialist and former sleeper agent of the KGB. He spied on the United States from 1978 to 1988, and was exposed after the Cold War. Barsky then became a resource for U.S. counterintelligence agencies, which secured his citizenship. His autobiography, “Deep Undercover,” was published in 2017.

This episode was recorded December 9th, 2023

- Links -

For Jack Barsky:

Psychology Podcast website https://www.kgbspychology.com/

Deep Undercover: My Secret Life and Tangled Allegiances as a KGB Spy in America (Book) https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Undercover-Tangled-Allegiances-America/dp/1496416821 Jack’s personal website https://jackbarsky.com/

On Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackbarsky/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jackbarskyofficial/

On Facebook https://www.facebook.com/spybarsky

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The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

412. True Stories From a Soviet Spy | Jack Barsky

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Joining the KGB and Living in East Germany

Motivations and Moral Quandaries

Working as a Spy and Living in North America

Encounter with the FBI and Change of Allegiance

The Power of Unconditional Love

Rejecting Utopian Ideals and Embracing Faith

Revolutionary cell structure in Russia leading to no feedback in KGB

Perception of Poverty and Hatred

Facing a Dilemma of Responsibility

The Appeal and Rejection of Left-wing Utopianism

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

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highlights

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moment

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The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

412. True Stories From a Soviet Spy | Jack Barsky

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Joining the KGB and Living in East Germany

Motivations and Moral Quandaries

Working as a Spy and Living in North America

Encounter with the FBI and Change of Allegiance

The Power of Unconditional Love

Rejecting Utopian Ideals and Embracing Faith

Revolutionary cell structure in Russia leading to no feedback in KGB

Perception of Poverty and Hatred

Facing a Dilemma of Responsibility

The Appeal and Rejection of Left-wing Utopianism

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