Everything's Political Joe Strecker Productions

When Morgan Lorette swapped his military fatigues for the less conspicuous attire of a Blackwater contractor, he was stepping into a world shrouded in both mystique and controversy. Our latest conversation with the former mercenary takes you beyond the headlines into the dusty streets and political shadows of Iraq, where private military contractors operate in a realm peppered with financial lures and ethical landmines. Morgan's candid recollections serve as a stark reminder of the blurred lines between duty and profitability, and the elusive pursuit of normalcy after the adrenaline subsides.

The conversation with Morgan broadens as he recounts the surreal moments of patrolling an Iraq stripped of Saddam, where corruption blooms in the void of order and paradoxes run rampant—like the sight of Blackwater's founder, Erik Prince, himself needing protection amidst the chaos. These tales from the heart of Baghdad offer a glimpse into the daily ironies faced by those who signed up to guard lives but ended up navigating a maze of moral complexities. Morgan's reflections underscore an environment rife with unspoken rules, where contractors become pawns in a larger geopolitical game.

Our exploration with Morgan culminates in a raw dialogue about the lasting scars of life in the theater of war—the psychological toll it exacts and the cold reception many contractors face upon their return. As Morgan shares his own journey, he peels back the curtain on a world that is both intoxicating and destructive, providing an invaluable perspective for those trying to grasp the true essence of the mercenary experience. His unvarnished narrative, etched into the pages of his book, is a tribute to the untold stories of those who have walked in his shoes, and a sobering reminder of the cost of conflict.

In this podcast episode, J. Michael Waller, author of "Big Intel", discusses his journey from an anti-nuclear activist to a CIA insider and author. He explores the history of the CIA, particularly the Dulles brothers' anti-communism efforts, and criticizes the infiltration of critical theory into the intelligence community, tracing its rise to an Obama-era executive order. Waller shares personal anecdotes, including his conservative challenges within the CIA and encounters with notable figures like Bill Casey and Felix Rodriguez. The episode concludes with Waller's perspective on the FBI's and CIA's evolution and the impact of critical theory on their original missions.


J. Michael Waller's background and involvement with the CIAThe impact of critical theory within the intelligence communityHistory of the CIA and the influence of critical theoryThe role of the Dulles brothers in fighting communismOperation Ajax and its impact on Iran's animus and extremismInfluence of critical theory in government policies, particularly during the Obama administrationInfluence of critical theory in education policy and government institutionsTipping points leading to the imposition of critical theory across the American governmentFormer President Obama's influence and involvement in policy mattersJ. Michael Waller's personal experiences and challenges as a conservative in the CIA