Jack Barsky: Insights from a KGB Spy | Stories of Us

Jack Barsky, a former KGB spy born in Soviet-controlled East Germany, was sent by the Russian government to infiltrate the United States during the Cold War. But after building a new life, starting a family, and embracing American values, he abandoned his mission and broke free from communist ideology. In this episode of PragerU’s Stories of Us, Jack shares how he escaped the KGB, found faith in Christianity, and why he believes America’s fight for freedom is worth defending. Get all our content ad-free on PragerU.com or download the PragerU app: https://l.prageru.com/45GvWlu Follow PragerU on social media: YouTube Instagram X/Twitter Facebook Rumble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Born in the Soviet Union and raised in Brooklyn, Michael Malice always knew America offered something radically different: freedom. A self-described anarchist since childhood, Michael has spent his life questioning authority and rejecting government overreach—from visiting North Korea to fleeing New York’s COVID lockdowns. He shares why he left the city he loved, what the U.S. still gets right, and why it’s up to you, not politicians, to defend liberty and push the world in a better direction. Get all our content ad-free on PragerU.com or download the PragerU app: https://l.prageru.com/45GvWlu Follow PragerU on social media: YouTube Instagram  X/Twitter Facebook  Rumble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shabbos Kestenbaum grew up a proud Jew and a proud American—never seeing a conflict between the two. A former progressive and social justice advocate, he entered Harvard Divinity School expecting open-mindedness. Instead, he found hostility toward Jews, radical leftist ideology, and institutional silence in the face of rising antisemitism. After October 7, he was harassed, threatened, and ignored—simply for being Jewish. Shabbos filed a civil rights lawsuit against Harvard and began rethinking everything he’d been taught about politics, identity, and what it truly means to stand for justice. Follow PragerU on social media: YouTube Instagram  X/Twitter Facebook  Rumble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rawan Osman grew up in Syria and Lebanon, where she was taught to hate Jews and fear Israel. But after moving to France, a chance encounter shattered everything she thought she knew. Rawan shares how she unlearned the lies she was raised with, converted to Judaism, and found the courage to speak out against Islamist extremism and the West’s moral decline. Follow PragerU on social media: YouTube Instagram  X/Twitter Facebook  Rumble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did a former drug addict with face tattoos become the favorite rapper of conservatives? After battling addiction and hitting rock bottom, Tom MacDonald found salvation in music. Now, as an independent rapper, he’s built a successful career by rejecting wokeism, defying the mainstream music industry, and staying true to his values. Follow PragerU on social media: YouTube Instagram  X/Twitter Facebook  Rumble  Follow Tom on: YouTube Instagram X/Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He had it all—fame and success—with Mumford & Sons, one of the world’s biggest bands. But a single tweet changed everything. After praising Andy Ngo’s book on Antifa, Winston Marshall faced intense backlash, forcing him to choose: stay silent to save his career or stand by his beliefs. He chose truth, even at great personal cost. Now, he shares his powerful story of conviction and courage—and why he wouldn’t change a thing. Follow PragerU on social media: Instagram  X/Twitter Facebook  Rumble  YouTube Follow Winston on social media: Instagram X/Twitter Facebook Rumble YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Born into the family that created Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Royce Gracie was destined to fight—but no one expected him to revolutionize martial arts. After immigrating to America, he became the first UFC champion, proving skill beats brute strength. His victories launched the UFC and made Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a global phenomenon. Now, he shares the mindset that made him a champion—and why his story could only happen in America. Follow PragerU on social media: Instagram  Twitter Facebook  Rumble  YouTube Follow Royce on social media: Instagram: @realroyce and @roycegracienetworkofficial Twitter Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Misha Petrov believed what she was told—America was oppressive, the patriarchy controlled her life, and rejecting femininity was empowering. But after seeing the hypocrisy of progressive activism and the dangers of leftist-enforced conformity, she broke free. Now she’s helping others do the same. Watch our content ad-free on our app: https://prageru.onelink.me/3bas/vgyxvm79 Follow PragerU on social media: Instagram Twitter Youtube Facebook Rumble Follow Misha Petrov on social media: Instagram Twitter Youtube Facebook Rumble Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Known to millions as WWE legend “Kane,” Glenn Jacobs has lived the American dream—rising from humble beginnings to become one of the most iconic professional wrestlers in the world. Now serving as mayor of Knox County, Tennessee, Glenn is on a new mission: to fight for the values that make America great and ensure future generations achieve their own dreams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Born in California to Egyptian Christian parents, James Kaddis comes from a family deeply rooted in ministry. A pastor for over 30 years, he warns that America is drifting from its biblical foundations and calls on Christians to defend the nation’s founding values, stand with Israel, and boldly speak truth in a world that desperately needs to hear it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices