Listen now:
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5GWlryYdIQ5QG0zbVYvvug?si=06a44c3e9cdd437d
📺 YouTube: https://youtu.be/1RmgoVBebjI
👤 Who Is Brig Barker?
Brig Barker is a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent, combat veteran with the 82nd Airborne, and now the founder of Kronus Intelligence Group — a cutting-edge security firm that’s working at the intersection of AI, terrorism, and human intelligence.
Over the course of his 30+ year career, Brig has:
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Interrogated over 600 jihadist terrorists
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Embedded with U.S. Special Forces in counterterrorism operations
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Conducted intelligence missions across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe
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Learned Arabic and studied the language of radicalisation
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Transitioned to the private sector to help the U.S. and allies face next-gen threats powered by AI
In Episode 161 of the Talk4 Podcast, Brig shares stories that are as jaw-dropping as they are important — opening a rare window into the real fight against terrorism and the new age of digital threats.
🧠 What We Covered In This Episode
This episode goes deep — not just into Brig’s incredible personal story, but into the mindset of terrorists, the evolving nature of global threats, and how AI is now being used by bad actors in terrifying new ways.
Key Topics We Discussed:
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Brig’s origin story: from growing up in Japan and California to joining the 82nd Airborne and later the FBI
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How he transitioned from investigating bank robberies to becoming a counterterrorism specialist
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The 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing in Kenya — and how that moment changed his life forever
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What it’s like to interrogate jihadists face-to-face, and how he turned many of them into informants
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The truth about terrorist mindset and how radicalisation actually works
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The disturbing rise of AI-enhanced terrorism, deepfakes, and autonomous attacks
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Why situational awareness is critical — and how to stay safe in an increasingly unstable world
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How the same interrogation and influence tactics can be used to win in business, negotiation, and leadership
🎯 Key Takeaways & Quotes
“They wanted to kill me… and I made them talk instead.”
Brig shared how listening, empathy, and calculated influence allowed him to flip some of the most dangerous people in the world — not with torture or force, but with conversation.
“The AI genie is out of the bottle. The question now is whether we control it… or whether our enemies do.”
He explained how AI agents can now be tasked with autonomous cyberattacks, fake identities, and security evasion — and how terrorist cells are already beginning to adapt these tools for hostile operations.
“All I did was make sure they were seen and heard — because most of them never had been before.”
This simple but powerful line captures the essence of Brig’s interrogation success — and reminds us that influence is rooted in understanding.
🚨 Why You Need to Hear This Episode
Most people think terrorism is a thing of the past. It’s not.
In fact, as Brig makes clear, we’re entering a new era of hybrid warfare, where AI, deepfakes, psychological manipulation, and undetected cyberattacks are the new norm.
But what makes this episode so powerful isn’t just the threat assessment — it’s the practical wisdom Brig shares for anyone in the real world:
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How to protect yourself and your loved ones with situational awareness
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How to build trust and influence even in the most extreme situations
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How to recognise manipulation and respond with clarity and strength
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How to apply FBI interrogation psychology to business, sales, leadership, or negotiation
📚 Learn More About Brig Barker
Brig is also the author of The Dark Trajectory of Jihad — a short, powerful book that dives into the psychology of radicalisation and where terrorism is heading in the years ahead. You can find it on Amazon or through https://kronusintelligencegroup.com.
He regularly shares insights on counterterrorism, intelligence, and national security over on LinkedIn.
🔗 Links & Resources
🎧 Listen to the episode now:
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5GWlryYdIQ5QG0zbVYvvug?si=06a44c3e9cdd437d
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YouTube: https://youtu.be/1RmgoVBebjI
📖 Brig’s Book: The Dark Trajectory of Jihad — available on Amazon
🌐 Brig’s Company: https://kronusintelligencegroup.com
🔗 Brig’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brig-barker/
💬 Final Thoughts
This episode of TALK4 is more than just an interview — it’s a wake-up call, a masterclass in influence, and a behind-the-scenes look at a world very few ever get to see.
Brig Barker is one of the most experienced and articulate voices in the field of counterterrorism and intelligence — and this conversation will stay with you long after it ends.
If you care about security, leadership, human behaviour, or the future of AI — you need to listen to this one.
🎧 Stream it now on Spotify or YouTube, and don’t forget to share it with someone who needs to hear it.
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