The Jordan Harbinger Show
1132: Scott Payne | Infiltrating America's Extremist Underworld
Tue, 25 Mar 2025
How do ordinary people become dangerous extremists? Former FBI agent Scott Payne infiltrated America's most violent hate groups and reveals their playbook. What We Discuss with Scott Payne: Scott Payne worked as an undercover FBI agent infiltrating various extremist organizations, including white supremacists like the KKK and accelerationists such as The Base, which aimed to trigger societal collapse and establish a white ethnostate. Accelerationist groups differ from traditional white supremacist organizations in that they don't believe in political solutions, but train for violence and "Boogaloo" (race war), preparing with tactical gear and weapons while planning attacks on infrastructure and targeted individuals. During his undercover work, Scott encountered disturbing rituals and behaviors, including a goat sacrifice during which members drank blood and took LSD as part of a neo-pagan ceremony associated with white supremacist ideology. White supremacist recruitment often targets vulnerable individuals from broken homes who are seeking belonging and connection, with online platforms like Telegram and Gab serving as recruitment grounds where extremist content can radicalize disaffected youth. Deescalation and communication skills proved to be Scott's most valuable tools throughout his career. His experience shows that even in hostile environments, the ability to talk through situations and remain calm under pressure is often more effective than physical confrontation — a skill anyone can develop and apply to their own difficult interactions. And much more... Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1132 And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course! Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom! Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What are the dangers of infiltration into extremist groups?
Anything for the cause. It's crazy stuff. And now for a word from our sponsor, Al-Qaeda. That doesn't sound right. We'll be right back. This episode is sponsored in part by EveryPlate. Every plate delivers delicious restaurant-quality meals like crispy chicken Milanese or roasted garlic Dijon butter steak right to your door for less than you'd spend on groceries.
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Thank you so much for watching. What I like about Up First is the tone. The hosts know their stuff. They're not trying to scare the crap out of you. There's no real agenda being pushed. I caught the episode the other day on breaking down the latest with the economy and some election updates. It's just easily digestible.
They gave me just enough to know what's going on, so they hit the sweet spot, in my opinion. It's national and international, fact-based but still conversational, and a great thing to add to my morning routine while I'm fixing my coffee. So if you're over the news but you still want to actually know what's happening, check out Up First. Short, smart, and actually useful.
Listen now to the Up First podcast from NPR. If you're wondering how I know all these great authors, thinkers, and creators, it's because of my network. I'm teaching you how to build your network for free over at 6minutenetworking.com. I know networking is kind of gross, but hey, undercover folks like Scott Payne, this is their bread and butter.
These relationship building skills, inspiring other people to want to develop relationships with you, get them to trust you. In a non-cringe, very down-to-earth way, nothing awkward, nothing cheesy, nothing unethical, just practical exercises that'll make you a better connector, a better colleague, a better friend, a better peer at work. Six minutes a day is all it takes.
And hey, many of the guests on the show subscribe and contribute to the course. I have taught this course to three-letter agencies all over the U.S. and abroad. Come on and join us. You'll be in smart and somewhat dangerous company where you belong. You can find the course for free over at 6minutenetworking.com. All right, back to Scott Payne. in this meeting though.
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