The Ace of Spades

[00:01:35] – (First Question) – Eric explains the significance of the framed Cuban cigar.

[00:02:53] – How did this journey start and what were Eric’s skills that led him to being part of this momentous event

[00:03:55] – Eric is told he is going to Iraq, specifically Tikrit

[00:05:24] – Early experiences with interrogation and how he shifted his strategy to listening more than intimidating

[00:10:07] – What was the rate of success with the typical interrogation methods vs what Eric was trying to do

[00:11:57] – Why was Eric the right guy to alter how investigations were handled

[00:18:33] – Eric explains why he throws false evidence at his interrogation subjects and why it would help him

[00:27:59] – The moment he realized he was on to Saddam Hussein

[00:29:05] – Some politics started to interfere with the investigation but Eric pushed back to continue down his path

[00:30:22] – What happened from December 1st to December 13th of 2003 when they ultimately captured Saddam Hussein

[00:31:40] – The significance of fish in this investigation

[00:35:24] – The prisoner that broke and took them to the house

[00:36:30] – After the raid, how they found the actual bunker housing the Ace of Spades, Saddam Hussein

[00:37:40] – The role of empathy and was it genuine in the process of interrogating enemies of the state.  Also, how anyone can use empathy more effectively

[00:42:56] – Why it is difficult to really listen to each other

[00:45:45] – How to get past the constant distractions that we are faced with, both internally and externally

[00:49:40] – Is confirmation bias the biggest distraction to listening

[00:51:12] – What is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for Eric

[00:52:26] – What are Eric’s daily habits that help him most

[00:54:44] – Any advice to help people cultivate this skill of being able to listen better and empathize