Blindsided by the Taliban: A Journalist's Story of War, Trauma, Love, and Loss

Based on his book of the same name, Carmen Gentile is a longtime conflict correspondent with a flair for storytelling and will make his own tale of survival from a deadly and unusual attack compelling and thought-provoking for anyone who's faced adversity in their own lives.

Journalism and Conflict Reporting

Getting the story from the front lines has become increasingly difficult, what with news outlets and news consumers paying less attention to the fighting and suffering overseas.

Carmen Gentile has reported on wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as bouts of unrest around the world.

Most of his work has appeared in mainstream publications like USA Today and other leading outlets.

But with more Americans focusing their interest on events at home, Carmen has turned his attention towards finding new ways to get audiences and readers to pay attention to the important stories happening thousands of miles away.

While reporting on the fighting in Iraq between local forces and the Islamic State, Carmen and a photographer found a new angle on the story.

Both being passionate about motorcycles, they found in the embattled city of Mosul a unique bike which they purchased from a local man, then hired a mechanic to repair.

The duo then rode the bike in northern Iraq, telling the story of the war and the people affected by it through their motorcycle adventure.

The story proved so popular that Carmen is currently collaborating with a production team to create a series that combines motorcycle riding and reporting in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Haiti, The Balkans and elsewhere.

In his talk about journalism and conflict reporting, Carmen will discuss:

• The recent conflicts and hardships he’s covered, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as the refugee population along the Turkish/Syrian border.
• The changing nature of conflict reporting: fewer resources and diminishing interest among news consumers and editors.
• Finding creative new ways to continue telling important stories and enticing new readers and viewers to take an interest in other parts of the world.

Safety and Security Precautions in a Hostile Environment

Carmen Gentile has spent years working in war zones and other hostile environments the world over.

Now Carmen is imparting the lessons he learned in the field to others who cover conflict and wish to remain safe while getting the story.

He imparts years of accrued knowledge as a volunteer instructor for the nonprofit organization Trauma Training for Journalists.

Earlier this year, TTJ held a training for journalists working Cambodia, where those reporting the news have been harassed by authorities and caught in the middle of deadly protests.

Carmen instructed a group of multinational journalists on how to cover violence while remaining safe in the process.

Among the topics he covers in his lessons:

• Preparations for going into a hostile environment: having the right accreditation, visas, and other essential documents.
• Finding a reliable translator and driver.
• What to do in the event of a mass shooting, bombing or other spontaneous outburst of violence.
• How to act when detained by authorities or violent non-government groups.
• Staying safe while reporting for prolonged periods in a war zone.
• Safety equipment: body, armor, helmet, first aid kits, emergency contacts.