Mexico's Drug War

PODCAST: Interview with Dr Kevin Sabet, former Senior Policy Advisor to ONDCP Director

I was very excited to speak with Dr Sabet this morning for my latest podcast because, personally, I've been going back and forth regarding my stance regarding the legalization of drugs. In my last podcast, I spoke with the Director of Texas NORML, who is clearly in favor of legalizing marijuana. There are also many well-respected authorities on drugs and drug policy, like Dr Sanho Tree, who feel that ending drug prohibition makes sense if done properly, and would put an end to the violence in Mexico.

However, Dr Sabet makes a compelling case for why drugs like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin should remain illegal, why increasing treatment and prevention programs is not an easy, nor inexpensive, answer, and why current drug policies - although not perfect by any means - are keeping illegal drug use in America down in a way that ending drug prohibition could not.

To listen to this really informative and eye-opening conversation, just click on the audio link below!

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PODCAST: Interview with Josh Schimberg, Executive Director of Texas NORML

In my latest podcast, I had a greatly informative and eye-opening conversation with Josh Schimberg, the Executive Director of Texas NORML (which stands for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), about the legalization of marijuana. We talked about what Texas NORML advocates, how marijuana compares to tobacco and alcohol, and the general attitude in America about marijuana use.

More importantly, we talked about how legalizing marijuana would potentially impact Mexico's drug war - the violence across the country, and the huge drug profits being raked in by the Mexican TCOs who produce it, smuggle it, and sell it in the US. The most surprising/shocking thing I learned? Members of NORML are not only aware of the impact illegal marijuana use has on the drug war - they make a conscious effort to not contribute to the bloodshed by "buying American" and supporting local growers.

This is a can't-miss podcast for those of you who want to learn more about the legalization debate, find out if marijuana really is or isn't that bad for you, how it stacks up to cigarettes and beer, and if you want to hear some (good) surprises along the way.

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PODCAST: Interview with Nick Valencia, CNN Spanish Desk Editor

This is the second edition in my new series of podcasts with prominent people who follow Mexico's drug war, and I'm very excited to present my chat with CNN's Nick Valencia! We had a fascinating conversation this evening, talking about some of Nick's war stories as a young journalist in Mexico, the challenges of finding good news sources, the threat posed to journalists who cover these stories, and the rise of social media as a way to get real uncensored news out of the country.

To listen to our chat, please click below, and enjoy!

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PODCAST: Interview with Nicholas Stein, Producer of NatGeo's "Border Wars"

Today, I'm very honored to have as my first podcast guest Nicholas Stein, series producer for the fascinating show "Border Wars"! I was very fortunate a few months ago that Nick reached out to me after reading my blog a few times, and we've become fast friends. He and his crew have had many adventures and have seen some amazing and disturbing things while following the days and nights of CBP and USBP officers while they work the southwest border.

In this podcast, Nick shares some of the more exciting moments while filming the show, while explaining in first-hand detail many of the things that the men and women of CBP and USBP do tirelessly, day in and day out, to not only protect our border, but also the lives of those who are in danger while trying to cross it. His is a unique and mesmerizing perspective, and I hope you can take some time to listen to our conversation below!

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