111. Darrell Blocker: Ex-CIA Agent and Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal Recipient

Apr 16, 2024

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Horror, adventure, comedy, name any genre of movie or entertainment you can think of, and they’ll all take a backseat to a great spy thriller! From James Bond to Jason Bourne to Mission Impossible, on and on, there is nothing like sitting back and getting lost in a piece of work that centers on espionage and spies. The combination of storytelling, strategy, cat, and mouse and so many other elements make it a must-see for any entertainment enthusiast!

Our guest today knows a little bit, make that a lot, about spying, espionage, and real-life thrills and dangers. Over the course of his illustrious 32-year career, Darrell M. Blocker has served his country well and, in the process, walked away as one of the most respected members of our nation’s military apparatus. Today he sits down to discuss his childhood, career in the armed forces, Black Hawk Down, and the hunting of notorious drug lord Manuel Noriega. This is one incredible conversation with an equally incredible man. If espionage, counterintelligence, or spying is your thing, this interview is definitely one you won’t want to miss!

In This Episode:

(1:00) – How being a middle child impacted Darrell.
(2:47) – Not Black enough, not accepted by Whites.
(4:24) – Darrell discusses how confidence played a role in his success.
(8:13) – First experience with CIA people.
(13:41) – Captain in USAF or moving to the CIA?
(15:00) – Joins the CIA and reads every negative book he could find.
(16:40) – Reveals his true identity to Peace for Kids.
(21:30) – Manipulation is in all of us.
(24:35) – It’s about trusting the person you bring in to be an asset.
(29:21) – Arrives on the desk shortly before Black Hawk Down.
(35:53) – Nigeria becomes a strong ally after 9/11.
(39:12) – Using children as weapons was part of Al-Qaeda.
(46:00) – Finding his path after 32 years of service.
(48:03) – Most of his heroes are females.
(49:20) – Business begins to gain traction.
(52:14) – Balancing anger and ego.

Our Guest

Darrell Blocker is a 28-year veteran of the CIA’s Clandestine Service. A recipient of the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, Darrell served multiple tours as a station chief, and was the most senior black Directorate of Operations officer when he retired in October 2018 with the rank equivalent to a three-star general.

Resources and Links

Hawke Media

Darrell M. Blocker

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