Annie Jacobsen: Nuclear War, CIA, KGB, Aliens, Area 51, Roswell & Secrecy | Lex Fridman Podcast #420

Annie Jacobsen is an investigative journalist and author of "Nuclear War: A Scenario" and many other books on war, weapons, government secrecy, and national security. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:

TRANSCRIPT:

EPISODE LINKS:

PODCAST INFO:

OUTLINE:
0:00 - Introduction
2:13 - Nuclear war
6:57 - Launch procedure
12:36 - Deterrence
16:09 - Tactical nukes
25:35 - Nuclear submarines
28:35 - Nuclear missiles
35:46 - Nuclear football
44:53 - Missile interceptor system
49:10 - North Korea
55:46 - Nuclear war scenarios
1:04:38 - Warmongers
1:09:06 - President's cognitive ability
1:15:19 - Refusing orders
1:23:17 - Russia and Putin
1:28:23 - Cyberattack
1:29:45 - Ground zero of nuclear war
1:34:24 - Surviving nuclear war
1:38:42 - Nuclear winter
1:49:05 - Alien civilizations
1:54:40 - Extrasensory perception
2:08:25 - Area 51
2:12:23 - UFOs and aliens
2:22:51 - Roswell incident
2:29:30 - CIA assassinations
2:48:23 - Navalny
2:50:48 - KGB
2:57:24 - Hitler and the atomic bomb
3:01:27 - War and human nature
3:04:53 - Hope

SOCIAL:

[lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast.
0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions:
2:13 - Nuclear war
6:57 - Launch procedure
12:36 - Deterrence
16:09 - Tactical nukes
25:35 - Nuclear submarines
28:35 - Nuclear missiles
35:46 - Nuclear football
44:53 - Missile interceptor system
49:10 - North Korea
55:46 - Nuclear war scenarios
1:04:38 - Warmongers
1:09:06 - President's cognitive ability
1:15:19 - Refusing orders
1:23:17 - Russia and Putin
1:28:23 - Cyberattack
1:29:45 - Ground zero of nuclear war
1:34:24 - Surviving nuclear war
1:38:42 - Nuclear winter
1:49:05 - Alien civilizations
1:54:40 - Extrasensory perception
2:08:25 - Area 51
2:12:23 - UFOs and aliens
2:22:51 - Roswell incident
2:29:30 - CIA assassinations
2:48:23 - Navalny
2:50:48 - KGB
2:57:24 - Hitler and the atomic bomb
3:01:27 - War and human nature
3:04:53 - Hope

[therantingboy]

She's telling us the entire world and human race is minutes away from annihilation, and everyone in comments saying "I love her voice"

[jimjones]

Well this was a lovely uplifting little chat

[WilliamSmithRedundant]

I understand now why this guy got so popular so fast. This is one of the highest quality interviews I've ever seen.

[wellscampbell]

This is intense. Frankly it reminds me of my childhood. I'm 52, so 8 years old in 1980... We lived with an awareness of the perilous situation that existed, and hasn't changed, just below the surface. I remember nuclear drills in Elementary school, and the movie The Day After. Many nightmares... What she said about the situation itself was not revealing to me, but what got my attention was the confirmation that we are closer now than we ever were. Combine that with a societal move away from the awareness that was hammered into my generation and you have a widening gulf between our knowledge of and perception of the importance of the nuclear issue, and the reality on the ground. That gulf in my mind increases further the likelihood that we may end up in a situation where, as we wobble around on our way forward, one wobble will take us too close to the edge. Because we forgot how close the edge is. She is reminding us, and I think that what she is doing is of the utmost importance.

[ThatValorguy]

For everyone, she narrates her own books on audible

[imnotsayinitbutaliens]

I should not have 420 blazed it for the 420th podcast. This is intense.

[-SleepyNurse-]

New subscriber. Highly respect Annie Jacobsen. The entire world needs to hear this. Thanks

[ImaginalComponent]

If there’s anyone I want to read me bedtime stories it’s this woman. Please tuck me in Annie.

[boriskim]

I have a feeling that i've just watched a documentary. Explanations are so wide and detailed. Thank you Lex, for another great guest! Peace!

[JaFeeIMe]

Such a powerful conversation. I wish this would reach the masses.

[WestTexMMA]

Lex asks amazing questions. Then sits silently while actively listening. He's engaged and present second by second. I'm honored to be a fly on the wall for y'alls conversation. ❤

[spsawyer]

Episode 420 with Annie Jacobsen is just too much of a sign from the universe to roll one up and enjoy learning

[joem]

Why is this not the #1 topic of concern for everyone on earth

[hunahpuyamamoto]

Those enamored by Annie’s voice should know that she narrates her own books.

I’ve consumed 4 of her collection—all are great, but her narrations make them my top fav audiobooks.

[rossbaker]

Her book on nuclear war is incredible. Why these weapons still exist is mind boggling.

[JeppeJuhl]

Dear Lex: Of the many, many truly great interviews I've had the pleasure to watch on your podcast over the years, this is arguably the best for a number of different reasons: 1) The content; 2) the interview itself as conducted by you ; 3) AJ who, apart from being a phenomenal storyteller, comes through as an extremely likeable and trustworthy person and 4) as a reminder of how the mind of a real journalist operates...!

[RS-chino]

This was an absolutely incredible podcast and it blows me away once again that these kind of conversations are free to be a part of.

[BillyBoggle]

Lex you’re just on a real tear with the guests lately. Bravo

[SarasWickedCreations]

YAY! Anne is back with another podcast!
I seriously hope she does audio for her books.
Anne, I have Operation PaperClip, and your CIA book!
I have no words to describe how thoughtful, patient, smart, intriguing, studious… ( having a hard time with more adjectives to describe this amazing woman!)