Better Call Daddy 439. Undercover with Hate: Former FBI Agent Scott Payne Exposes America's Darkest Secrets
"In my world, you just have to understand that there are evil people on the planet that want to do evil things to good people."
"I believe that society is going to collapse on its own or from man-made events and they want to accelerate the collapse."
"Hate begets hate. You do one thing, then the other side wants to do something back."
"You have to stay on top of it. I'm not a helicopter parent, but I did learn the hard way that Snapchat's the devil for children."
In this powerful episode of Better Call Daddy, hosts Reena Friedman Watts and Wayne Friedman welcome Scott Payne, a former FBI agent who went undercover to infiltrate American hate groups, including neo-Nazi organizations.
Scott Payne opens up about his harrowing experiences, shedding light on the complexities of hate, extremism, and the psychological toll of undercover work. With a blend of candor and insight, Scott discusses the challenges of navigating a world filled with radical ideologies and the importance of understanding the roots of hatred.
He shares his belief that evil can take over individuals, highlighting the need for a guiding light in our lives to combat darkness. Throughout the conversation, Scott reflects on his own journey, the impact of his faith, and the lessons learned from working in law enforcement.
Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the nuances of societal division, the dangers of misinformation, and the importance of compassion in addressing prejudice. The episode also touches on the significance of family, as Scott recounts the support of his wife and children throughout his tumultuous career.
This episode is a compelling exploration of the human experience, filled with thought-provoking discussions and a call to action for understanding and empathy in a divided world.
(00:00) Reena Friedman Watts: Better Call Dream Daddy Show returns with more daddy drama
(01:39) Scott Payne went undercover to expose American Nazi groups, hate groups
(05:53) I get people not liking law enforcement. And I can kind of get that
(10:46) Snapchat is the devil for children, as a parent
(15:17) You hit New York Times bestselling with your latest book
(18:28) You befriended some bikers while undercover in undercover FBI investigation
(19:48) You talked about how your mental health was challenged during the FBI
(23:57) When we sent the pitch out for the book, I met Amer from Atria Books
(27:06) Another question that my husband had was, who's the bigger threat
(32:01) Let's look at the opioid epidemic. Somewhere around 2010, I was
(36:54) I think at one point he was taking 20 plus opioid pills a day
(42:14) A lot of people are going to podcast and YouTube channels to get news
(42:50) Do you think the definition of Nazi has changed over the years
(49:22) I actually got called a Nazi by a neighborhood this year
(53:24) Like, it. Good tv. Like, there's so many people that have seen it
(53:49) You teamed up with a journalist to help you write the book
(56:35) Former FBI agent writes memoir about growing up in undercover unit
(01:01:05) TV series, maybe a movie. I think you would be perfect for it
(01:03:21) Do you see yourself in either of your daughters? Oh, yeah, yeah
(01:04:57) Growing up in Kentucky, I experienced anti Semitism both in Louisville and Purdue
(01:07:37) Can you say anything about Epstein allegedly committing suicide
(01:09:58) Scott tells you that there's people out there that choose a different way of life
Don't miss this eye-opening episode that challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths and fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities of human behavior.
Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with anyone who needs a dose of inspiration and insight!
Scott Payne is a retired FBI Special Agent with a distinguished 28-year career in law enforcement. Throughout his tenure, he led investigations targeting drug trafficking organizations, human traffickers, outlaw motorcycle clubs, gangs, public corruption, and domestic terrorists. Beyond investigative work, Payne served as a SWAT team operator and was an instructor in firearms, tactics, and undercover operations.
His extensive undercover experience includes infiltrating dangerous groups such as The Outlaws motorcycle gang and white supremacist organizations like the Ku Klux Klan and The Base.
In his new book, Code Name: Pale Horse: How I Went Undercover to Expose America's Nazis, he details his undercover missions within America's extremist underworld and unpacks the psychological toll of undercover work, as well as the pressing threats posed by domestic terrorism.
Connect with Scott:
https://linktr.ee/scottpaynebusiness
Connect with Reena:
https://linkedin.com/in/reenafriedmanwatts
https://instagram.com/reenafriedmanwatts
Thank you for tuning in to Better Call Daddy—where wisdom and heart meet.