Welcome back to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. In this thought-provoking episode, Tom sits down with Mike Baker—former CIA officer, security expert, and host of the President’s Daily Brief podcast—to dissect some of the most pressing issues facing America and the world today. Together, they dive deep into the real threats posed by China, from cyber warfare and TikTok’s influence, to intellectual property theft and military ambitions in the South China Sea. Mike shares his insider perspective on just how vulnerable the U.S. population is to manipulation and misinformation, and why America’s short-term focus could leave us blindsided by powers playing the long game. The conversation doesn’t stop there. Tom and Mike tackle America’s mounting debt crisis—why it could be our biggest existential danger—and break down the hard realities of realpolitik, from uneasy alliances to the sometimes ugly calculations behind foreign policy. They take an unflinching look at the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel and Gaza, and the cultural and geopolitical tensions threatening to reshape the global order. SHOWNOTES 00:00 China's Influence and Manipulation 19:27 Counterintelligence: Targeting and Loyalty Challenges 24:05 China's View on Ukraine & Taiwan 39:15 Flexible Pandemic Response Debate 45:27 Debt: The Biggest U.S. Threat 01:01:32 Career Politicians and Wealth Accumulation 01:05:43 Putin Stalling Amid Peace Talks 01:15:55 Economy Concerns Over Foreign Issues 01:24:56 Iranian Regime: Root of Conflict 01:39:28 Phosphate Mining Debate in Florida 01:43:51 University Activism: Passion or Organization? 02:02:37 Border Security and Deportation Debate 02:05:27 "Fast-Moving Organization's Risky Strategy" 02:17:20 "Life Decisions: Do Your Best" FOLLOW MIKE BAKER:Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mbcompanymanPresident’s Daily Brief: https://www.youtube.com/@PresidentsDailyBriefPortman Square Group: https://www.portmansquaregroup.com/ CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to ⁠https://www.vitalproteins.com⁠ and entering promo code IMPACT at check out Upway: Get $150 OFF any purchase over a thousand when you use code IMPACT at ⁠https://upway.co⁠. iRestore: For a limited time only, our listeners are getting a HUGE discount on the iRestore Elite when you use code IMPACT at ⁠https://iRestore.com/impact⁠. Monarch Money: Use code THEORY at ⁠https://monarchmoney.com⁠ for 50% off your first year! Mint Mobile: If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Shop plans at ⁠https://mintmobile.com/impact.⁠  DISCLAIMER: Upfront payment of $45 for 3-month 5 gigabyte plan required (equivalent to $15/mo.). New customer offer for first 3 months only, then full-price plan options available. Taxes & fees extra. See MINT MOBILE for details. What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business:⁠ join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER⁠ SCALING a business:⁠ see if you qualify here.⁠ Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox:⁠ sign up here.⁠ ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast,⁠ Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook⁠ —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** Join me live on my⁠ Twitch stream⁠. I'm live daily from 6:30 to 8:30 am PT at⁠ www.twitch.tv/tombilyeu⁠ ********************************************************************** LISTEN TO IMPACT THEORY AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS:⁠ apple.co/impacttheory⁠ ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/⁠ Tik Tok:⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en⁠ Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/tombilyeu⁠ YouTube:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices