From Linguist to Author: Ian Fritz's Afghan Journey

Explore Ian Fritz's journey from Air Force linguist to author of 'What the Taliban Told Me.' Join Beyond the Mic as he humanizes the Taliban, shares his soul-easing memoir, and offers unique insights into Afghanistan.

Welcome Ian Fritz

We’re joined on the Starline by a man who likes words. He was a linguist, studied biology and invented blood alcohol biosensors on the way to becoming a physician and author. His book is “What the Taliban told me.” We welcome Ian Fritz.

Ian, let’s go Beyond the Mic. In “What the Taliban told me” you put a face on the Taliban. Why was that important for you?

Was writing this memoir a way of easing your soul of what you’ve heard and experienced?

It’s been ten years since you’ve been a member of the Air Force. What do you miss?

Did you begin over time to feel differently about the Taliban because of what you heard?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. When you dieted before you joined the service to lose 40 pounds, what was the one thing you couldn’t stand to eat?

2. How many books have you read in 2023?

3. On your bookshelf, how do you sort your books, by title, author, topic or color?

4. Best thing about your dog Monty?

5. What emotions went through you when you first opened the box of “What the Taliban told me” books?

6. Best place to think at Columbia University?

7. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

8. What’s your most important book in your collection?

One Big Question:

How did the withdrawal from Afghanistan make you feel about the work you did?

Sneaking in One More:

You have had so many life changing experiences in your life. Which teacher changed your life forever?

The Wrap:

He would live in Monterey California or New York, sorts books alphabetically by author and wants you to read his book “What the Taliban told me”. Ian Fritz, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

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