A Spy's SECRETS To Sleep, Recovery, Fitness, Nutrition & Relationships, With Former Covert CIA Officer Andrew Bustamante, "The EverdaySpy"

Ben Greenfield

Aug 15, 2024

Episode description

In today’s episode, you'll get to dive into a world few ever get to see...

I'm joined by Andrew Bustamante, a former CIA intelligence officer and the founder of EverydaySpy.com. Andrew’s journey from the Air Force to the CIA is a story of transformation, grit, and adapting elite skills to everyday life. In our conversation, you'll uncover the intricacies of the CIA recruitment process, Andrew’s transition into this high-stakes world, and how his experiences have shaped the way he approaches life and business today.

Andrew Bustamante is a former covert CIA intelligence officer, decorated military combat veteran, successful Fortune 10 corporate advisor, and a proud husband and father. After 20 years running human and technical intelligence operations for private and government clients worldwide, Andrew founded EverydaySpy.com—the first-ever digital spy training platform. Headlining both US and international media, Andrew’s training events have been praised for their innovative, authentic, and life-changing impact. When he isn’t giving interviews, running spy exercises, or supporting private intelligence contracts, Andrew lives with his wife (also an ex-CIA officer) and his two children in western Colorado.

Now, while Andrew can’t reveal the specifics of his covert operations due to a lifetime secrecy agreement, he’s got a treasure trove of general CIA skills and tactics that he shares through his platform, EverydaySpy.com. In our episode together, you’ll discover how these espionage techniques can enhance your personal and professional life. We even delve into the fascinating topic of polygraphs—did you know it's possible to beat one by focusing on the polygrapher rather than the machine itself?

Andrew will also reveal why biohacking is a necessity for those in high-stress fields like espionage. He discusses the practical recovery routines he developed while on operations, focusing on sleep, nutrition, and tailored exercise. He also shares some of his go-to practices for managing stress and maintaining peak health, like the use of L-theanine for anxiety and magnesium supplements. His pre-sleep and morning routines are meticulously designed to optimize recovery and performance, providing you with actionable tips to incorporate into your own life.

Full Show Notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/everydayspy

Episode Sponsors:

LMNT

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Dilute sugar-based electrolyte solution for effective recovery

A go-to recovery drink is a sugar-based electrolyte solution, like Gatorade, diluted 50/50 with water to provide hydration, electrolytes, and calories.

#hydration

#recovery

Acknowledge difficult truths to understand physiological responses

Telling a difficult, sensitive truth can cause a more significant physiological response on a polygraph than telling a simple lie.

#emotion

Avoid wearables to maintain operational security

CIA officers have a strict no-wearables rule because signals from devices like Fitbits can be tracked, hacked, and used to monitor their locations.

#risk

#wearables

Enhance caffeine with L-theanine for focus and stability

Adding 100mg of L-theanine to a caffeinated drink can create an extended-release effect with less jitteriness and more focus.

#focus

#supplement

Avoid THC and Diazepam to protect REM sleep

THC from cannabis edibles and Diazepam (Valium) are two common sleep aids that significantly reduce REM sleep, hindering learning and memory consolidation.

#REM

#sleep

Rehydrate with water before coffee to curb cravings

Drinking 500ml of water immediately upon waking can rehydrate you so effectively that you may no longer crave your morning coffee.

#coffee

#hydration

Intentionally break routine to energize and excite your body

An intentional break from your routine, such as varying your workout, can challenge your body in new ways and create a new level of energy and excitement.

#exercise

#routine

List your partner's priorities to enhance relationship understanding

To improve a relationship, take 30-45 minutes to list everything your partner cares about to better understand their perspective.

#relationships

Empower children with false dilemmas for better choices

Give children a sense of control by offering a 'false dilemma,' where both choices lead to the desired outcome, like asking if they want to brush their teeth now or in five minutes.