The HIGHEST Form of WARFARE | WHERE IS SAFE? Intel on China, Korea, King of Thailand w/ Michael YON
Interview recap: Michael Yon on truth, information warfare, and the role of intoxicants
In this episode, Pastor Steve sits down with Michael Yon, a war correspondent and author joining from near Tokyo, Japan. Michael has traveled to 99 countries and has written multiple books (including Danger Close, Moment of Truth in Iraq, Gates of Fire, and Inside the Inferno). The conversation starts with Scripture, moves into the nature of truth and deception, and then explores Michael’s central claim: that modern conflict is often fought less with bullets and more with information, psychology, and the erosion of human resilience.
Scripture focus: John 18:37–38 — “What is truth?”
Pastor Steve opens with John 18:37–38, where Pilate asks Jesus, “What is truth?” while standing face-to-face with Christ, “truth personified.” The episode frames Discover Church’s mission around this idea: if we love truth, we also need discernment—because deception is always working overtime.
“The highest form of warfare is information war”
Michael argues that the most powerful warfare today isn’t primarily “kinetic” (weapons and battlefield tactics), but information warfare, with psychological operations as a major subset. In his view, shaping beliefs, weakening communities, and destabilizing families can be as strategically decisive as military force.
A key theme he returns to repeatedly: what weakens the mind weakens the people.
Intoxicants as “rocket fuel” for psychological operations
One of the strongest (and most sobering) sections of the discussion centers on intoxicants—including alcohol, drugs, and certain medications—and how they can contribute to societal breakdown.
Michael claims intoxicants have historically been used to:
weaken communities from the inside
increase family dysfunction and violence
erode education, stability, and “executive function” (clear thinking and self-control)
make populations easier to influence and control
He shares observations from travel and research, referencing examples among indigenous communities and describing intoxicants as a “devil’s poison” that destroys individuals and then ripples outward into entire families.
Pastor Steve connects this to Scripture, referencing the biblical warning against drunkenness and the call to be filled with the Spirit rather than intoxicated (paraphrasing the theme of Ephesians 5:18).
A practical “reset” for mental health and resilience
Michael also offers a blunt, practical approach to feeling mentally stronger—especially for people who feel overwhelmed, depressed, or mentally worn down:
cut out intoxicants completely
remove “sad” or destructive media inputs
get sunlight and daily walks
prioritize sleep (“sleep is super medicine”)
stay connected to healthy community (including church)
Pastor Steve reinforces the spiritual dimension: he shares part of his own story, describing how faith and a transformed inner life helped him break patterns of darkness and despair. The conversation repeatedly comes back to the idea that community + clean living + spiritual strength is a powerful counter-force to despair and deception.
Victimhood, cult dynamics, and manipulation
Another thread in the episode is how brainwashing and cult patterns work: isolation, intoxicants, and the cultivation of victim identity. Michael claims that “professional victimhood” can become a pathway to predatory behavior—because it can create a sense of entitlement or moral exemption (“I can do whatever I want because I’ve been wronged”).
Whether listeners fully agree or not, the shared point is clear: discernment matters, and spiritual maturity includes learning to recognize manipulation—inside and outside religious contexts.
Thailand, resilience, and preparing for uncertainty
Toward the end, the discussion shifts toward resilience planning and the idea of preparing for instability (including supply chain disruption and famine risk). Pastor Steve shares his personal vision for a Christian refuge/safe place project in southern Thailand, emphasizing:
safety and stability
food security
strong community life
the importance of preparation without panic
Michael speaks positively about Thailand’s historical resilience and food infrastructure, describing it as a strategically important and stable country in many ways.
Pastor Steve encourages viewers to be prepared in simple, practical ways—starting with at least a month of food and water, and then making wise decisions from there.
Key takeaways
1) Truth requires discernment.
If we pursue truth, we must also learn how deception works.
2) What weakens the mind weakens the people.
This episode argues that many societal battles are fought by eroding clarity, self-control, and community.
3) Resilience is spiritual and practical.
Faith, sleep, sunlight, clean living, and community aren’t small things—they’re foundational.
4) Prepare without fear.
Practical preparation is framed as wisdom, not panic.
Reflection questions (for comments or small groups)
What does it look like to “listen to the truth” in a world overflowing with information?
Where do you notice your mind and habits being strengthened—or weakened?
What is one practical change you can make this week to increase resilience (sleep, walking, media, substances, community)?
How can the church better support people who are struggling privately?