Welcome Rob:
We’re joined on the Starline by a storyteller. He said no to a career as a vet and once developed boutique hostels. Now a journalist and communications director with his project “Witnessed: Borderlands”. We welcome the podcast creator Rob D’Amico.
It’s amazing what we do here Beyond the Mic, Rob. 4 years of your life since you started on this path to this story. It’s a long way from Jalin Malin at the Lost Horse Saloon. “You want to do a real story? Do one on the old Marfa sheriff” was the quote I read. How has your life changed from that 1st moment to today?
Your story has a four term 18 year sheriff caught with 2,400 pounds of pure cocaine, a drug smuggler, lead investigator for the DEA, a US Customs agent, a defense attorney and a muckraking journalist. How could this get any more bizarre?
As a reporter, every story has a lead, the details and the end. With Witnessed, how do you format such a layered story?
With a story that is known from the paper, how do you format it so you can you release a story most people know but have people go, ‘wait a minute, I didn’t know that,” ?
Why do you have such passion for storytelling?
Rob D’Amico, host and producer for the layered and intense project “Witnessed: Borderlands” goes Beyond the Mic. Rob, what makes the borderlands so surreal?
What have you learned researching this story form both sides of the border?
“…when squints confront the morning glare, and puddles in muddy ruts await a freeze. When wind rustles life to chimes, and a distant table saw perforates their discord.” Who taught you to write and who influenced your style?
The Rockin’ 8:
“Witnessed: Borderlands” is the podcast, its host Rob D’Amico joins us Beyond the Mic and it’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is however no Pressure.
1. 1st bicycle you ever got and do you still have it?
2. You’ve been known to float a river or two, what’s the best river to float?
3. How many animals do you have now?
4. Ok, what’s the biggest fish you’ve ever caught?
5. Best way to cook a tri-tip?
6. Your best strategy to win at Catan?
7. One lesson you want to pass onto Alex?
8. Best album you own?
The Back Half with Rob D’Amico:
“Witnessed: Borderlands” is the podcast, its host joins us on the back half. You’ve written, been a comms direct at the Texas AFT and once owned Camp Sloop but you believe in separate vacations and once took a six hour car trip to see Maya ruins. What’s that all about?
What will surprise people about “Witnessed: Borderlands”?
As you discovered these characters, did you ever fear for your safety or the safety of your loved ones?
Now this project of 4 years, tons of research and many stories are coming to light, how do you feel?
One Big Question with Rob D’Amico
Rob, the “war on drugs” has been going on for decades with good and bad actors on each side. What do you think is the future on the war and will you see closure in your lifetime?
When this project is finished and the story has been told, what will be the next story you want to show us?
Why should people listen to “Witnessed: Borderlands”?
The Wrap:
Once listened to true crime podcasts six days straight for 10 hours a day and always has ping pong paddles in case he’s challenged by John McEnroe. We thank the producer and host of “Witnessed: Borderlands” available now, Rob D’Amico for taking the time to talk with us today.
And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.
Check out other conversations with authors here.
Check out Witnessed: Borderlands on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find podcasts
