BigDeal Podcast: A Raw Conversation with My Husband...
Hosted by Codie Sanchez
Release Date: January 22, 2025

1. Celebrating Codie’s Book Success
Timestamp: 00:24 – 01:40

The episode kicks off with Codie Sanchez and her husband, Tanner, discussing the whirlwind week following the release of Codie's latest book, "Main Street Millionaire", an instant New York Times bestseller. Tanner proudly announces, "Main Street Millionaire... first author in the family." (00:25) highlighting the significant milestone Codie has achieved.

They reminisce about the hectic schedule, including multiple appearances on Today shows, extensive book signings—especially the record-breaking event at Barnes & Noble in New York—and the physical toll it took, with Tanner humorously commenting on not wanting to talk due to mouth cramps from signing books (01:37).

2. Favorite Reads and Their Influence
Timestamp: 04:00 – 09:09

Codie delves into her preferred books, emphasizing "The Surrender Experiment" by Michael A. Singer, which inspired her during her transition out of the military. She describes it as "an entrepreneurial journey where he... didn't sacrifice his morals." (04:36)

Additionally, she discusses her ongoing relationship with Frank Herbert’s "Dune", treating it like a "cookbook or like the Bible" with numerous notes and highlights (05:30). Codie highlights how "Dune" resonates with her experiences as a veteran, particularly the iconic line, "fear is the mind killer," which she relates to her own life-threatening experiences during deployment (07:38).

Tanner shares his favorite book, "Shantaram" by Gregory David Roberts, praising its immersive storytelling and the profound lessons on humanity and resilience (09:09).

3. Capitalism vs. Socialism: An Ongoing Debate
Timestamp: 09:28 – 12:12

The conversation shifts to economic systems, where they contrast capitalism and socialism. Tanner recounts a story from "Shantaram" illustrating the beauty of labor in capitalism, emphasizing how "giving somebody labor is so beautiful because it gives them an opportunity to be needed, useful, and then to provide for others." (10:25)

Codie adds her perspective, arguing that socialism and communism require constant oversight, whereas capitalism tends to "right size itself." (11:40) They agree that while good ideals can lead to bad outcomes, capitalism, in their view, inherently supports individual freedom and protection through financial autonomy.

4. Open Borders and Their Consequences
Timestamp: 12:25 – 25:39

A significant portion of the episode tackles the controversial topic of open border policies between the U.S. and Mexico. Tanner shares his intense experiences covering narco-trafficking and the resulting violence along the border, particularly in Juarez. He recounts witnessing the tragic "Las des parecidas" memorial, adorned with pink ribbons for missing women, which profoundly impacted him (17:43 – 18:48).

Codie and Tanner discuss the systemic issues exacerbated by open borders, including exploitation and increased vulnerability among migrant workers. Tanner illustrates the plight of women in maquiladoras—factories where they endure harsh conditions and low pay (19:14), highlighting the intersection of capitalism and human suffering.

5. Journalism Ethics: Observer vs. Intervener
Timestamp: 29:20 – 32:02

The duo delves into the ethics of journalism, debating whether journalists should remain detached observers or intervene in crises. Tanner reflects on his journalistic training, emphasizing the importance of "documenting... tell the stories factually to what you see as humanly possible and nothing else." (30:20)

Codie expresses concern over modern journalism's tendency to blend opinion with reportage, contrasting it with Tanner's disciplined approach. They touch upon the challenges journalists face when witnessing atrocities but being constrained from taking action, leading to a discussion on the "tragedy of the commons"—where individuals assume others will intervene, resulting in inaction (35:16).

6. The Price of Intervention and Legal Protections
Timestamp: 32:02 – 35:39

The conversation shifts to the personal repercussions of intervening in violent situations. Reflecting on the Daniel Penny case, where Penny was acquitted after intervening in a violent incident, Codie suggests the need for laws that "afford some protections to people who intervene." (33:34)

Tanner shares anecdotes from his journalism days, illustrating how victims often retract their claims, leaving interveners without legal support and discouraging others from acting. They agree that societal norms and legal frameworks need to evolve to encourage and protect those who step in to help others in distress.

7. Valuing Service-Based Professions: The Teaching Experience
Timestamp: 37:41 – 40:14

Codie and Tanner honor the unsung heroes in service-based professions, particularly teachers. Tanner praises Codie's mother, a 30-year special education teacher, detailing the immense challenges she faced, from handling unruly students to inadequate resources (38:30). They lament the low compensation and societal undervaluing of such critical roles, advocating for better support and recognition.

8. Reflections on Civilizational Fragility and Political Systems
Timestamp: 40:35 – 53:35

The discussion broadens to the fragility of civilizations and the delicate balance of political systems. Codie shares insights from witnessing the collapse of systems in countries like Argentina and Chile, emphasizing how quickly stability can erode under mismanagement (50:22). They express concern over the concentration of power and the ease with which it can be disrupted, drawing parallels to the complexities and vulnerabilities within the United States.

Tanner recounts witnessing firsthand the impacts of political upheaval in Latin America, reinforcing the notion that "what we have here... is super delicate and interconnected." (50:52)

9. Conclusion: The Pursuit of Freedom and Protection
Timestamp: 53:30 – End

In their closing remarks, Codie and Tanner reiterate the importance of financial freedom and societal protection. They emphasize that money serves as both protection and a pathway to freedom, arguing that "people who have less money have more violence committed against them... it's because they don't have as much protection." (23:37)

They conclude with a mutual affirmation of their commitment to fostering freedom through ownership and advocating for systemic changes that prioritize protection and equitable opportunities for all.

Notable Quotes:

• "Main Street Millionaire... first author in the family." — Tanner (00:25)
• "Fear is the mind killer." — Cole from "Dune" (07:38)
• "Giving somebody labor is so beautiful because it gives them an opportunity to be needed, useful, and then to provide for others." — Tanner (10:25)
• "Documenting... tell the stories factually to what you see as humanly possible and nothing else." — Tanner (30:20)
• "Fear is the mind killer." was a recurring theme related to personal experiences and coping mechanisms during deployment.

Final Thoughts:

This episode of BigDeal offers an in-depth and candid dialogue between Codie Sanchez and her husband, Tanner, covering a spectrum of pressing issues from personal achievements and literary influences to profound societal challenges. Their insights into economic systems, border policies, journalism ethics, and the value of service professions provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities shaping our world today. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful reflections, Codie and Tanner underscore the importance of freedom, protection, and the relentless pursuit of meaningful change.