What books does the guest recommend rereading?

The guest recommends 'The Surrender Experiment' for its insights on entrepreneurship and integrity, and 'Dune' for its themes of personal impact and belief in virtues.

What is the speaker's stance on open border policies?

The speaker strongly disagrees with the idea that open border policies are kind, arguing they lead to massive tragedy, violence, and exploitation.

What was the most striking image from the speaker's time in Juarez?

The most striking image was a large wooden cross on the Juarez side of the Rio Grande bridge, covered in pink ribbons and tokens, each representing a missing woman.

Why does the speaker believe money is protection and freedom?

The speaker argues that people with less money experience more violence and are more likely to end up in jail, not because they are inherently bad, but because they lack the protection that financial resources provide.

What is the role of a journalist according to the speaker's early training?

Early journalism training emphasized being a quiet observer, documenting stories factually, and removing personal opinions or the urge to intervene in events.

What are the challenges faced by teachers, especially in special education?

Teachers, particularly in special education, face demanding conditions, including managing diverse student needs, often in inadequate facilities, with support infrastructure that has historically been lacking.

What was the situation in Kurdistan during the counter-ISIS campaigns?

Kurdistan, a semi-autonomous region, was dealing with internal skirmishes between Iraqi and Kurdish forces after ISIS was defeated, despite having fought alongside each other against ISIS.

Why is the speaker protective of American society?

Having witnessed the fall of civilizations and the fragility of economies in countries like Argentina and Chile, the speaker is more protective of what exists in America, recognizing its delicate and interconnected nature.

I Worked in the Most Dangerous City in the America's

Codie Sanchez

People & Blogs3 min read56 min video

Jan 22, 2025|2,637 views|120|12

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Explores danger, intervention ethics, and human nature through personal stories and book insights.

Key Insights

Book tours and author signings can be surprisingly demanding but rewarding experiences.

Personal growth and self-reflection are often spurred by challenging life experiences and literature.

The ethical dilemma of intervention versus observation is a complex issue in journalism and everyday life.

Understanding the socioeconomic factors behind issues like border crossing and crime is crucial.

Service-based professions require better compensation and societal recognition.

Societal structures and historical dynamics significantly influence individual lives and group behaviors.

THE ROLLERCOASTER OF AUTHOR SUCCESS

The conversation begins with reflections on a successful book tour, including a significant Barnes & Noble signing in New York. The authors discuss the exhaustion and overwhelming nature of such events, juxtaposed with meeting many community members and experiencing the unique pressures of being a first-time author. They even humorously note out-selling Martha Stewart, highlighting the unexpected milestones in their publishing journey.

LITERARY INSPIRATION AND PERSONAL GROWTH

The discussion delves into books that have significantly impacted the authors. 'The Surrender Experiment' is highlighted for its message of staying true to one's morals through an entrepreneurial journey. 'Dune' is praised for its exploration of power, belief, and overcoming adversity, resonating with themes of personal impact and the struggle against difficult circumstances, particularly for those feeling powerless.

THE ETHICS OF OBSERVATION VERSUS INTERVENTION

A core theme explores the journalist's role: to observe and report versus to intervene. Drawing from personal experiences and current events like the Daniel Penny case, they question the disincentive to help when seeing violence or threats. The difficulty of intervening, the potential legal repercussions, and the societal conditioning that leads to inaction in group settings (like the bystander effect) are deeply examined.

BORDERLANDS: TRAGEDY AND VULNERABILITY

The conversation shifts to the harrowing experiences along the U.S.-Mexico border, specifically in Juarez. The authors recount witnessing the tragic reality of missing and murdered women, the transient nature of the population drawn by maquiladoras, and the immense vulnerability of women and children seeking a better life. This sheds light on the human cost of open border policies and the exploitation that thrives in such environments.

THE VALUE OF LABOR AND SOCIOECONOMIC STRUGGLES

The narrative touches upon the concept of labor, reframing it not as exploitation but as an opportunity for individuals to be needed and provide for their families. This is contrasted with the system's tendency to leave the most vulnerable behind, such as the elderly, termed 'Los abandonados.' The authors discuss the socioeconomic factors that contribute to crime and lack of protection, emphasizing that money provides essential security.

THE FRAGILITY OF CIVILIZATION AND SOCIETAL STRUCTURES

Reflecting on experiences in places like Argentina and Chile, the authors stress the delicate nature of societal stability. They argue that systems can crumble quickly, making it essential to protect what exists. The conversation underscores the often-overlooked importance of service-based jobs, like teaching, highlighting the immense challenges faced by professionals and advocating for better recognition and compensation.

THE EXISTENCE OF EVIL AND HUMAN NATURE

The dialogue grapples with the difficult reality of evil, acknowledging that it exists and can manifest in horrific ways. The authors express a profound lack of surprise regarding human behavior's extremes, stemming from their extensive experiences observing both triumphs and depravities. They conclude by cherishing the possibility of good while acknowledging the ever-present potential for darkness in human nature.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Products

●Organizations

●Books

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Common Questions

The book signing was at a large Barnes & Noble in New York and was described as 'sweet,' with the guest feeling proud of the diverse community that showed up to support the new book.

Topics

Book Tour Authorship Labor Border Policy Narcotrafficking Kurdistan

Mentioned in this video

organizationWalter Cronkite School for Journalism

The journalism school the speaker attended, where she was encouraged to apply for the grant to cover border issues.

conceptKurdish people

An ethnic group living across parts of Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Syria, some of whom are treated as terrorists, while others are welcomed.

conceptLos abandonados

A term used to describe the 'abandoned generation' of elderly people left behind in border regions while younger family members seek opportunities elsewhere.

organizationJuarez Cartel

Referred to as the 'snoring cartel', it was in conflict with the Caloan Cartel in Juarez during the speaker's visit.

conceptTragedy of the Commons

A phenomenon mentioned in the context of crowds where individuals assume others will act, leading to inaction.

personJordan B. Peterson

Mentioned as an author whose book sales beat Cody Sanchez's.

personSpencer Corson

A friend in the security world who has shared cases illustrating the disincentive to intervene in public violence.

locationKurdistan

A semi-autonomous region in Iraq characterized by its natural beauty, resources, and diverse population, contrasting with the rest of Iraq.

productApache helicopter

Mentioned as being used in a jailbreak from a prison in Mexico, raising questions about how cartels acquire such equipment.

bookShantaram

A book the host rereads every few years, praised for its immersive story and its insights into labor and perspective.

personCristina Fernández de Kirchner

Mentioned in the context of the fall of companies in Argentina, highlighting the fragility of economies.

personDaniel Penny

A service member acquitted for his actions on the subway, his case is discussed in relation to intervening in violence and the disincentives for doing so.

organizationRancho Feliz

A non-profit organization in Mexico where people receive a house by helping others build theirs, functioning as a self-sustaining capitalistic non-profit.

personIron & Wine

An artist whose song 'Walking Far From Home' was listened to by the guest during deployment.

cityJuarez