The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell

At the height of Florida's opioid epidemic, Derik was helping run a massive pill mill operation that brought in as much as $300,000 a day, saw 500 patients daily, and generated an estimated $40 million before the feds shut it down. With dozens of doctors, thousands of customers traveling from across America, and an endless demand for oxycodone, the business became a multimillion-dollar empire operating in plain sight. Derik reveals how doctors were recruited, how patients obtained hundreds of prescription pain pills at a time, and how he once moved 100,000 pills in a deal worth over $1 million. But the money came with consequences. As the FBI closed in, Derik found himself facing federal racketeering charges and a 20-year prison sentence. Derik takes us inside the rise and fall of Florida's notorious pill mill industry, revealing the unbelievable profits, corruption, violence, and chaos behind one of the darkest chapters of America's opioid crisis. He also opens up about his deeply traumatic childhood, the family tragedies that shaped him, and what it took to rebuild his life after prison. From making millions selling prescription opioids to losing everything in federal prison, this is a firsthand account of the American opioid epidemic from someone who helped fuel it. This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Hims! Ready to be him? Visit https://hims.com/connect to get personalized, affordable care for weight loss, hair loss, sex, testosterone, and more. Prescription products require an online consultation with a licensed healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Restrictions apply. Individual results may vary. *Based on a survey of Hims customers. See https://hims.com for full details. PrizePicks! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CONNECT and use code CONNECT and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 - Inside the $40 Million Florida Pill Mill Empire 5:16 - Where Did the Missing $15 Million Go? 12:26 - Running Clinics With 27,000 Patients 19:57 - 45-Second Doctor Visits and Roxy 30s 26:07 - MRI Kickbacks and the Business Behind the Pills 30:06 - This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 31:39 - Derek's Childhood and Troubled Family History 38:20 - Childhood Violence and His Father's Arrest 44:52 - Growing Up Around the Mafia 52:32 - A Second Devastating Family Tragedy 59:50 - How Tragedy Tore His Family Apart 1:06:07 - Meeting the George Brothers and Building Houses 1:12:18 - The Steroid Business That Started It All 1:16:24 - This Episode Is Sponsored By PrizePicks 1:18:37 - How Derek Got Into the Pain Clinic Business 1:25:26 - Inside Florida's Wild West of Prescriptions 1:32:47 - Why Florida Became the Pill Mill Capital 1:40:59 - How the FBI First Discovered the Operation 1:47:42 - Recruiting Doctors and Growing the Empire 1:54:53 - Violence, Trouble, and Expanding the Clinic 2:01:24 - The Chaotic Clinic Gets a Police Visit 2:08:30 - Greedy Doctors and Stolen Patients 2:15:17 - Hiring a Doctor Who Sold Drugs From His Trunk 2:22:06 - Big-Time Pill Buyers and Million-Dollar Deals 2:29:05 - The Drug Laws and Who Really Profited 2:36:21 - Why the Federal Government Went After Them 2:42:05 - The Rival Jacksonville Pill Clinic 2:49:04 - A Gunpoint Confrontation Ends in Arrests 2:56:09 - How the Feds Built Their Case 3:03:19 - Cooperating Witnesses and Allegations Against Derek 3:09:31 - The Plea Deal, Prison Sentence, and Life After Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Red Hat was born into a drug empire. His father was a millionaire drug kingpin who allegedly worked with corrupt cops, moved massive quantities of cocaine, and controlled the streets of Texarkana. But after serving time in prison, his father was brutally murdered over $1 million in hidden drug money. Instead of walking away from the criminal underworld, he followed in his father's footsteps. By just 15 years old, he was already selling drugs. By 17, he had his own house, multiple cars, and was making serious money in the streets. Eventually, he built his own drug trafficking operation, moving massive quantities of cocaine and marijuana across Texas and the surrounding states. Red Hat reveals what it was like growing up as the son of a powerful drug kingpin, his father's connections to corrupt police and organized crime, the shocking circumstances surrounding his murder, and how he went on to build a drug empire of his own. From childhood surrounded by drug money and violence to becoming a major trafficker himself, this is a firsthand account of generational crime, betrayal, unimaginable wealth, and the devastating consequences of the drug game. Go Support Red Hat! IG: https://www.instagram.com/on_da_spot725 YouTube: @OnDaSpotInterview Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 - The Midnight Call That Changed Everything 5:06 - Becoming a Major Weed Supplier 10:16 - Growing Up in a Drug Kingpin's Family 15:22 - My Dad's Secret Partnership With Corrupt Cops 21:22 - Jamaican Drug Dealers Kidnapped My Father 29:34 - From Stealing Rolexes to Federal Prison 34:36 - Getting Into the Drug Game at 15 40:03 - The Money Dispute That Got My Father Killed 46:02 - How I Started Selling Crack 52:13 - My Father's Gambling Addiction and Our Final Goodbye 58:30 - Making Connections in the Drug Business 1:04:20 - Running Multiple Crack Houses and Making Serious Money 1:11:33 - Escaping Police Raids on My Drug Houses 1:18:37 - How I Got a Corrupt Cop on My Side 1:25:49 - The Police Start Closing In on My Operation 1:32:02 - Leaving Crack Behind for the Weed Business 1:38:24 - Meeting My California Drug Connection 1:45:08 - Moving Hundreds of Pounds Across State Lines 1:53:12 - The Traffic Stop That Almost Ended Everything 2:00:37 - The Scare That Made Me Leave the Drug Game 2:06:04 - Lessons From the Streets and Breaking the Cycle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Floss Tha Boss was a notorious 52 Hoover Gangster Crip from Dallas, Texas, who started gangbanging at just 12 years old. By his mid-20s, he was calling the shots for a crew of 30 gang members, making serious money selling crack, robbing drug dealers, and getting into deadly shootouts. But everything changed when a confrontation turned fatal, landing Floss a murder conviction and a 25-year prison sentence. To make matters worse, Floss claims his own defense lawyer was secretly trying to sleep with his wife while representing him in court. In this episode, Floss sits down with Johnny Mitchell to reveal what life was really like inside some of Texas's toughest prisons. From brutal gang politics and prison riots to mandatory fights, corrupt guards, and the underground prison economy, Floss shares unbelievable stories from nearly two decades behind bars. Now a free man pursuing a rap career, Floss reflects on his violent past, how he survived prison, and what it took to turn his life around. Go Support Floss! IG: https://www.instagram.com/floss_thaboss YouTube: @kvpkatsvideoproductions8486 WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE CONNECT? Send us an email explaining your story and why you think you'd be a good fit to connectpodcastbookings@gmail.com This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Ridge! One thing to pack, five ways to power! Head to https://ridge.com/connect for Ridge’s Friends & Family Sale, where you can buy two Ridge Power Banks and get a third FREE. Kalshi! Download the Kalshi app and use code MITCHELL to get $10 when you trade $10. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information see https://kalshi.com/regulatory Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 - Floss Tha Boss: From Dallas Crip to Texas Prison 5:16 - Surviving a Drive-By Shooting 11:24 - Robberies and Gang Life in Dallas 17:38 - Leading the Head Busting Committee 23:01 - Robbing an Underground Gambling House 28:05 - This Episode Is Sponsored By Ridge 29:57 - Growing Up Poor in North Dallas 38:22 - The Shooting That Changed His Life Forever 43:42 - On the Run and Turning Himself In 51:49 - His Lawyer Betrayed Him: 25 Years in Prison 56:39 - This Episode Is Sponsored By Kalshi 57:55 - Entering the Texas Prison System 1:04:26 - Prison Politics, Gang Rules, and Hustling 1:10:22 - Becoming a Shot Caller Behind Bars 1:16:27 - Shanks, Fights, and Prison Violence 1:22:19 - Losing His Appeal and Finding God 1:29:58 - Forced Labor and Brutal Texas Prison Conditions 1:35:37 - Corrupt Guards and Racial Divisions in Prison 1:41:10 - Fighting for Parole After 17 Years 1:48:11 - Prison Fights and Almost Losing His Freedom 1:55:54 - Contraband, Dirty Guards, and Prison Money 2:04:05 - Finally Coming Home and Rebuilding His Rap Career Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Both of Josh's parents were police officers. He grew up surrounded by law enforcement, riding in patrol cars and spending time at police stations. But instead of following in their footsteps, he became everything they were fighting against — a heroin addict and drug dealer. In this episode, Josh, a former heroin dealer describes growing up in Maple Valley, Washington, an affluent suburban town hiding a deadly underground drug epidemic. After undergoing spinal surgery at just 15 years old, he was prescribed powerful opioids that helped set him on a path toward nearly two decades of addiction and crime. What started with selling weed and cocaine spiraled into prescription pill trafficking, heroin dealing, violent robberies, overdoses, and a criminal underworld where nobody could be trusted. He reveals how he nearly died from a cocaine overdose at 16, narrowly escaped involvement in an armed pharmacy robbery, watched close friends get murdered, and lost more than 30 people to the devastating drug epidemic that consumed his hometown. But after years of injecting heroin and destroying his body, Josh finally reached a breaking point. This is the story of a police officer's son who descended into the criminal underworld, survived a life that killed so many of his friends, and somehow found his way back. Go Support Josh! YouTube: @Joshpellz IG: https://www.instagram.com/sweet_leaf_co WANT TO BE A GUEST ON THE CONNECT? Send us an email explaining your story and why you think you'd be a good fit to connectpodcastbookings@gmail.com Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 Meet Josh Pellz: The Suburban Gangster 5:11 How Prescription Pills Flooded the Suburbs 11:34 Growing Up in the Epicenter of the Opioid Crisis 17:53 Overdosing on Cocaine as a Teenager 24:05 The Dark Reality of Heroin Addiction 30:01 Drug Busts, Informants, and Robberies 35:15 A Close Call With the Police 41:57 Betrayal, Murder, and the Drug World 46:57 From Prescription Pills to Black Tar Heroin 54:21 The Long Road to Getting Clean 1:00:03 A Generation Lost to Overdoses 1:05:03 The Fort Bragg Cartel and Big Pharma 1:11:07 A Drug-Fueled Crash and His Cop Father 1:16:03 A Violent Confrontation and Police Trouble 1:21:49 The Deadly Consequences of Suburban Gangster Life 1:27:41 Recovery, Selling Weed, and Getting Robbed 1:33:15 Becoming a Gun Dealer 1:40:27 Building a New Life and Business in Oklahoma 1:45:39 Sweet Leaf, YouTube, and Life After Addiction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He worked with the ATF helping federal agents bust drug dealers. Then he became one of Philadelphia's most notorious illegal gun traffickers. In this episode, Johnny sits down with Simon White, a former ATF informant who went on to supply firearms to dangerous drug organizations throughout North Philadelphia, Kensington, and the notorious Badlands. Simon reveals how he went from working alongside federal agents to selling hundreds of illegal firearms to Philly drug gangs. He describes the massive profits, the dangerous criminals he dealt with, and how legitimate gun stores continued selling him weapons despite scrutiny from the ATF. When the feds finally caught up with him, Simon was confronted with an indictment involving 150 guns, while prosecutors believed the actual number could have been closer to 500. But the craziest part came when he went to prison and found himself surrounded by the very criminals he had supplied with guns. Simon opens up about his complicated relationship with the ATF, the betrayal that changed his life, his decision to cooperate with federal investigators, and the devastating consequences of the illegal gun trade. This is an inside look at Philadelphia's criminal underworld from a man who helped arm it. Go Support Simon! Website: https://www.simonwhitespeaks.com/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Quince! Find your next fall favorites at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://quince.com. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Cash App! Download Cash App today and make your money work for you. Click here to get started: https://capl.onelink.me #CashAppPartner Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card (https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement), Sutton debit flex card (https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-sutton), and Bancorp debit flex card (https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-bancorp). Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Superpower! Head to https://superpower.com and use code CONNECT at checkout for $50 off your membership. Get 150+ biomarkers tested every year across two tests, plus a personalized health plan and on-demand care team. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 Meet Simon White: Philadelphia's Gun Runner 5:44 Why Philadelphia's Streets Were So Dangerous 14:25 How Gun Shops Supplied the Illegal Gun Trade 22:43 This Episode Is Sponsored By Quince 24:41 Selling Guns to Philly Drug Bosses 28:21 Gun Violence, Revenge, and the Reality of Murder 34:21 Working as an Undercover Informant for the ATF 39:37 This Episode Is Sponsored By Cash App 40:23 Betrayed by the Feds: Why Simon Lost Trust 47:37 From ATF Informant to Illegal Gun Dealer 54:09 This Episode Is Sponsored By Superpower 55:38 The Feds Accuse Him of Selling 500 Guns 1:03:09 Gun Dealers Escape Charges and the Rise of Ghost Guns 1:10:00 Harsh Gun Sentences and Close Calls With Police 1:17:06 Walking Into Prison and Seeing His Former Customers 1:24:44 Gambling, Street Fame, and the Money 1:32:18 How Hollywood Influenced the Illegal Gun Market 1:38:12 Operation Sunrise: The Massive Philly Drug Bust 1:45:13 His Son's Life Sentence and the Cost of Gun Violence 1:52:13 How His Customers Cooperated With Federal Agents 1:58:42 Facing More Prison Time and Protecting His Family 2:04:41 Prison Politics, Accountability, and His Final Message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nearly 30 years after Tupac Shakur was gunned down on the Las Vegas Strip, one of the most infamous murder cases in hip-hop history has finally reached a verdict. And the man convicted of orchestrating the killing may have sealed his own fate by refusing to keep his mouth shut. On August 31, 2026, Duane "Keefe D" Davis, a former high-ranking Southside Compton Crip, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur. But how did a street fight at the MGM Grand turn into the assassination of one of the biggest music stars in the world? And why did it take authorities three decades to bring someone to justice? In this episode, we break down the entire story—from Tupac's explosive rise with Death Row Records and his bitter feud with Biggie Smalls to the gang rivalries, stolen jewelry, and casino brawl that set the deadly events in motion. We also examine the shocking evidence presented at Keefe D's trial, including his own recorded confessions, television interviews, memoir, and jailhouse phone calls. We'll explore the allegations surrounding Diddy, the conflicting accounts of who actually pulled the trigger, and the investigative failures that allowed the case to remain unsolved for decades. Was Tupac's murder simply an act of gang retaliation, or was something bigger happening behind the scenes? And could Keefe D have gotten away with it if he'd just kept his mouth shut? This is the full story of Tupac Shakur's murder, the man convicted of his killing, and the extraordinary trial that brought a measure of justice nearly 30 years later. 00:00 – The Verdict: Keefe D Found Guilty 03:47 – Tupac's Rise, Death Row Records & Biggie Smalls 09:11 – Mike Tyson Fight Night in Las Vegas 13:10 – Orlando Anderson, Keefe D & the Compton Gang Rivalry 17:02 – The Gun, the White Cadillac & the Hunt for Tupac 20:39 – Tupac's Final Ride Through Las Vegas 24:25 – The Investigation, Witnesses & Gang Retaliation 31:38 – How Investigators Got Keefe D Talking 37:29 – The Interviews and Memoir That Changed Everything 40:52 – Keefe D's Arrest & Legal Battle 43:07 – Inside the 2026 Murder Trial 50:25 – The Guilty Verdict & Unanswered Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martin Munoz up in Anaheim, just minutes from Disneyland—but behind the scenes, his family was connected to a completely different world. In this episode, Martin tells the story of growing up around a family involved in high-level drug trafficking between Mexico and Southern California. He describes an uncle who operated at a major level before mysteriously disappearing in Tijuana, a father who went on to become a major meth and cocaine distributor, and how he eventually found himself stepping into the same business. After his father was arrested, he says his dad’s right-hand man was told: “Go grab my son and let him run with you.” From there, the operation grew fast. Martin eventually found himself receiving as much as 100 kilos of cocaine a week, handling massive amounts of cash, meeting his father’s network of customers, and running stash locations throughout Orange County. He talks about: • Growing up around narcos, gang members, money, and violence in Anaheim • His uncle’s rise—and mysterious disappearance in Mexico • How his father built his own trafficking network • Getting introduced to the business as a teenager • His father’s arrest and the moment he was brought into the operation • Receiving 100 kilos of cocaine per week • Counting and collecting millions of dollars • The surveillance operation that eventually brought the feds to his door • His federal prison sentence and why he finally walked away from the life This is the story of a kid who grew up wanting to become a narco, eventually entered his family’s world, and learned firsthand where that life leads. Go Support Martin! IG: https://www.instagram.com/48ways/ YouTube: @48ways62 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5kZEs5TcRjasUjFpdrdBv0?si=Fu_4vtUzTpGKqys9Tik7zg This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: PrizePicks! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CONNECT and use code CONNECT and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Hims! Ready to build a better sex life? Visit https://hims.com/connect for a personalized plan—for sex, hair, weight loss and more. Prescription products require an online consultation with a licensed healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Restrictions apply. Individual results may vary. *Based on a survey of Hims customers. See hims.com for full details. GLD! New customers get 40% Off with code MITCHELL at https://gld.com Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 Meet Martin Muñiz: Inside a Narco Family Dynasty 2:05 Growing Up Around Anaheim Gangs and Cartel Money 12:05 His Uncle's Meth and Ephedrine Empire 18:54 How the Family Came from Mexico to California 26:54 This Episode Is Sponsored By PrizePicks 28:03 His Uncle's Cartel and International Smuggling Routes 36:29 The Mysterious Disappearance of His Uncle 42:41 Living Between Street Gangs and Drug Kingpins 48:32 How His Father Rebuilt the Family Business 59:10 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 1:00:29 Corruption and Smuggling at the U.S.–Mexico Border 1:07:05 Entering the Drug Game at 18 1:14:00 From Small Deals to Moving Pounds of Meth 1:22:22 Getting Access to His Father's Supply 1:26:18 This Episode Is Sponsored By GLD 1:27:39 His First Big Deal With His Dad 1:39:50 His Father Gets Arrested 1:50:15 Taking Over the Family's Drug Network 1:58:18 His Dad Flees to Mexico and the Business Expands 2:05:04 Stashing and Distributing 100 Kilos of Cocaine 2:12:48 The Dream of Becoming a Kingpin in Mexico 2:23:31 The First Sting and Police Raid 2:31:13 Managing Millions and Tracking Missing Loads 2:40:39 Stolen Drugs, Enforcers, and Cartel Violence 2:49:52 The Hawaiian Distributor Who Became an Informant 2:55:13 Realizing Federal Agents Were Following Him 3:03:56 Why His Father Turned Down El Mayo Zambada 3:12:16 The Plot to Kill Martin 3:18:38 Finding a Tracking Device on His Car 3:26:33 The DEA Arrest and Raids 3:31:30 How the Informant Built a Federal Case 3:42:43 Facing 12 Years in Federal Prison 3:54:15 How His Father Retired from Drug Trafficking 4:03:25 Life After Prison: Rap and the Music Business 4:11:00 Regrets, His Children, and His Father in Mexico Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Diaz Aguilar went to prison at 23 years old and spent the next 22 years inside Mississippi’s notoriously violent prison system. In this episode, Diaz sits down to tell the unbelievable story of how he survived decades behind bars while navigating gang politics, corrupt prison staff, brutal violence, and a massive underground contraband economy. Diaz explains how inmates worked with guards to bring in marijuana, tobacco, liquor, smartphones, and other contraband worth enormous amounts of money inside the prison system. He describes guards cooperating with gangs, violent conflicts between prison factions, years spent in segregation, and the abuse he says he witnessed and experienced at the hands of correctional staff. He also breaks down the case that sent him to prison. Diaz maintains that he was convicted of manslaughter despite no DNA, fingerprints, or physical evidence tying him to the murder weapon. Over time, Diaz became a powerful figure within the prison gang hierarchy and helped operate an organized contraband business that could generate more money than many street hustles. But after spending nearly half his life behind bars, Diaz eventually had to face an entirely different challenge: learning how to live in the free world again. Today, he is rebuilding his life, pursuing professional certifications, working in management, and sharing his story through his memoir, Rosecrans. This is a story about prison corruption, gang politics, survival, institutionalization, and what it takes to start over after 22 years behind bars. Go Support Diaz! IG: https://www.instagram.com/diaz_santiago_55/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@diaz_santiago75 Book: https://a.co/d/00doiiEd This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Freecash! Sign up at https://signupfreecash.com/theconnect and get a $10 bonus! Hit the link, grab your bonus, and start getting rewarded for stuff you're already doing anyway. Shopify! If you’re ready to launch your business before Black Friday, go to https://shopify.com/mitchell to start your free trial. Cloaked! See if your SSN is for sale right now. My sponsor Cloaked will tell you for free in 2 seconds at https://cloaked.com/connect Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 Intro: 22 Years in Mississippi Prison 6:51 Corrupt Guards & Brutal Prison Conditions 13:22 How the Contraband Operation Worked 18:20 This Episode Is Sponsored By Freecash 19:53 Cash, Money Orders & the Prison Economy 25:14 Cell Phones, Contraband Laws & Prison Education 33:37 Growing Up Puerto Rican in Compton 39:48 Gang Life & the Road to Mississippi 44:56 Why He Stayed in Mississippi & the Vice Lords Network 49:01 This Episode Is Sponsored By Shopify 50:11 The Fight That Led to 22 Years in Prison 57:05 The Evidence, Trial & Case Against Diaz 1:03:44 Anger, Isolation & Learning to Survive 1:09:03 This Episode Is Sponsored By Cloaked 1:10:54 His First Years Inside Mississippi Prison 1:17:52 Security Threat Status & Abuse by Guards 1:24:21 Handcuffed, Beaten & Prison Violence 1:30:49 Gang Wars, Stabbings & Prison Riots 1:36:17 Spending Four Years in Solitary Confinement 1:42:05 Prison Weapons & Building Connections With Guards 1:48:03 Smuggling Contraband Through Prison Guards 1:55:44 Rising to the Top of the Contraband Operation 2:02:33 Hidden Stashes & Making Money in Prison 2:08:48 Weed Markups & the Prison Liquor Racket 2:15:57 Smuggling Contraband Through Maintenance Trucks 2:22:03 Adapting Prison Survival Skills to the Free World 2:28:13 Life After Prison, Career Plans & Final Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott Anthony had already lived a life most people wouldn't believe. He grew up in Chicago street gangs, robbed drug dealers, trafficked cocaine, fled the United States, lived under aliases, and eventually built a new life in Mexico. Then he discovered another business: Cuban cigars. While still on federal probation, Scott says he began traveling to Cuba, buying hundreds of boxes of cigars, moving them through Mexico, and smuggling them across the U.S. border. What started with 40 boxes eventually grew into loads of hundreds at a time. His customers ranged from wealthy businessmen and cigar dealers to some of Chicago's biggest names—including Michael Jordan. In this episode, Scott breaks down the rise of his Cuban cigar operation, the border seizures, the people who moved the merchandise, his encounters in Cuba, and why he ultimately walked away from the business and put the money into building a legitimate fitness empire in Mexico. This is the story of a career criminal who eventually decided he'd pushed his luck far enough. Go Support Scott! IG: https://www.instagram.com/scottanthonyog YouTube: @ScottAnthonyOG Website: https://www.scottanthonyog.com/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 Preview & Scott Anthony Intro 7:12 Gangs, Prison Influence & the Criminal World 14:58 Early Scores & Blowing the Money 21:55 Police Brutality & Run-Ins With Law Enforcement 28:12 Going From Petty Crime to Bigger Scores 38:17 Robbing Dealers 45:14 The $300K–$400K Drug Score 49:40 Shootout With the Cops 56:26 What Scott Was Wanted For 58:09 Fleeing to Mexico 1:07:35 Robbing Dealers & His Cop Cousin 1:12:26 Starting a New Life in Guadalajara 1:18:25 Fake Names & Living as a Fugitive 1:26:02 The Federales Find Him in Mexico 1:34:20 The Federal Plea Deal & Eight Years Probation 1:44:35 Back in Chicago & Life After the Case 1:53:59 How the Cuban Cigar Hustle Started 1:59:09 Smuggling Cuban Cigars Across the Border 2:04:49 Buying Cigars in Cuba & Moving Them North 2:10:12 Michael Jordan & Celebrity Cigar Customers 2:17:09 Smuggling Costs, Profit Margins & $500 Boxes 2:24:05 How Big the Cigar Operation Became 2:30:16 Could the Cuban Cigar Hustle Work Today? 2:39:40 Divorce, Scott’s Books & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Hells Angel Joby Walters sits down to tell the unbelievable story of how he entered the outlaw motorcycle world at nearly 50 years old, rose through the ranks, survived one of the most infamous biker wars in American history, and eventually walked away from it all. Joby recounts meeting legendary Hells Angel Sonny Barger, earning his patch, and becoming deeply involved in the Arizona club scene during escalating conflicts with the Mongols, Vagos, Bandidos, and other outlaw motorcycle clubs. He gives a firsthand account of the deadly 2002 fight at Harrah’s Casino in Laughlin, Nevada, describing the moments leading up to the violence, the chaos inside the casino, and the death of one of his closest brothers. Joby also tells the incredible story of ATF agent Jay Dobyns infiltrating the Hells Angels, a staged murder used to gain the club’s trust, the moment Joby realized something wasn’t right, and the federal investigation that followed. Facing potentially decades behind bars, Joby fled to Mexico, where he spent years living under a new identity, riding through the mountains, hunting mountain lions and bears, and eventually beginning the spiritual transformation that would change the direction of his life. After prison, violence, betrayal, and losing nearly everything, Joby walked away from the Hells Angels and found a new purpose through faith. Go Support Joby! Website: https://www.jobywalters.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HC3QQ54S This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Perplexity! Start your free trial of Perplexity Computer today at https://PPLX.ai/CONNECT and experience the next phase of AI. #ad CashApp! Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/1ekoiacn #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. PrizePicks! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CONNECT and use code CONNECT and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 Joby Walters: Hells Angels Outlaw Story 6:15 Getting Sober Before Joining the Hells Angels 11:52 The Bullhead Confrontation 18:08 Meeting Sonny Barger 25:00 This Episode Is Sponsored By Perplexity AI 26:47 From Prospect to Full-Patch Hells Angel 34:18 Expanding the Hells Angels in Arizona 41:16 Early Club Wars & Mongols Tensions 48:15 This Episode Is Sponsored By Cash App 49:25 The Laughlin Riot: How It Started 57:07 The Laughlin Shootout Explodes 1:05:03 Aftermath, Arrests & the Mongols War 1:07:15 This Episode Is Sponsored By PrizePicks 1:08:54 Two and a Half Years in Mexico 1:20:01 The ATF Undercover Infiltration 1:27:33 The Revenge Plot & Fake Murder Setup 1:35:03 Realizing They Were Undercover 1:43:31 Federal Indictments & Conspiracy Charges 1:50:43 Facing Prison & Beating the Federal Case 1:57:40 Getting Out, Probation & Faith 2:04:06 Bandidos, Sonny Barger & Old Club Wars 2:11:03 Old-School Biker Life & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matthew Handy lived through 20 years of addiction, crime, prison, paranoia, and survival before finally turning his life around. In this episode, Matt sits down to tell the wild story of how his life spiraled from early drug use in San Diego to heroin addiction, meth dealing, organized retail theft, credit card fraud, extortion, bank robbery, and cartel-adjacent chaos on both sides of the border. Matt opens up about childhood trauma, prison, the criminal mindset, life in San Bernardino, the explosion of credit card fraud, smuggling drugs from Tijuana, and the moment a bank robbery finally forced him to choose between spending decades behind bars or changing his life. Today, Matt is in recovery, runs the podcast My Last Relapse, and works in addiction treatment helping others escape the same cycle that nearly destroyed him. Go Support Matt! YouTube: @MyLastRelapse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt.handy.17/ Rehab: https://www.harmonygrovebh.com/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Intro: Credit Card Fraud, Addiction & Crime 06:58 Growing Up in 1990s San Diego 13:39 Planning a Bank Robbery 18:10 Extorting Doctors & Wealthy Clients 24:14 Childhood Trauma and Early Criminality 29:56 Robberies, Drugs & Firestorm Burglaries 35:20 Prison Life and Using Behind Bars 37:42 The Baby Product Theft Scheme 43:17 Building a Nationwide Retail Theft Operation 49:27 Paranoia, Silent Tape & High-Level Shoplifting 55:22 Prison Didn’t Scare Him Straight 1:03:44 Getting Out, Relapsing & Manipulating Family 1:09:11 Back With His Uncle and Trap House Life 1:13:18 Selling Meth and Joining a Gang Circle 1:19:03 Police Surveillance and Controlled Buys 1:24:03 Major Task Force Bust 1:29:18 Addiction, Choice & Facing Serious Time 1:32:59 Moving to San Bernardino 1:37:04 The Amazon Warehouse Scam 1:42:55 Credit Card Fraud Begins 1:49:31 Running Teams and Moving Merchandise 1:56:33 Paranoia Ends the Fraud Ring 2:00:03 Returning to San Diego and Trying to Get Clean 2:04:02 Relapse, Energy Drink Theft & Street Hustles 2:09:43 Meeting His Future Wife 2:15:03 Doctors, Escorts & Blackmail 2:18:07 COVID, Fentanyl and Crime in San Diego 2:22:19 Tijuana Drug Houses and Border Runs 2:27:37 Heroin, Fentanyl and Meth Markets 2:34:31 Xanax Blackouts and Cartel Money 2:39:32 Robbing a Bank to Get Her Attention 2:44:48 Arrest, FBI Questioning & Bomb Threat Investigation 2:50:21 Delancey Street and Avoiding Decades in Prison 2:57:58 Recovery, Relapse and Building a New Life 3:00:24 Where to Find Matthew Handy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Bad Boy rapper G. Dep sits down to tell one of the most unbelievable stories in hip-hop history. Growing up in Harlem during the height of the crack era, G. Dep went from hustling in the streets and battling drug addiction to landing a record deal with Bad Boy Entertainment and becoming one of the label’s rising stars. But behind the success, the music, and the fame was a secret that continued to haunt him. In 1993, at just 18 years old, G. Dep was involved in a fatal shooting in Harlem. He was never arrested for it and eventually moved on with his life, signing with Bad Boy and building a successful rap career. But nearly two decades later, the guilt became too much. In December 2010, G. Dep walked into a New York City police precinct and confessed to the crime — 17 years after it happened. In this episode, G. Dep opens up about growing up in New York City, selling drugs, getting arrested repeatedly, discovering hip-hop, signing with Bad Boy, working around Diddy and some of the biggest names in rap, battling addiction, and the incredible decision that ultimately sent him to prison. He also explains what was going through his mind when he confessed, why he was willing to face the consequences, his trial and prison sentence, the road to clemency, and what it feels like to finally be free and making music again. This is the story of G. Dep — from the streets of Harlem to Bad Boy Records, prison, redemption, and a second chance at life. Go Support G. Deb! IG: https://www.instagram.com/gdepofficial/ YouTube: @gdepofficial TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gdepofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trevell.g.dep.coleman Merch: https://lovethehustler.com/collections/g-dep This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Kalshi! Download the Kalshi app and use code MITCHELL to get $10 when you trade $10. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information see kalshi.com/regulatory. Cloaked! See if your SSN is for sale right now. My sponsor Cloaked will tell you for free in 2 seconds at https://cloaked.com/CONNECT. Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/connect Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 Intro: Why G. Dep Turned Himself In 6:24 Growing Up in Harlem During the Crack Era 12:03 Breakdancing, Early Rap & Becoming G. Dep 18:00 Selling Drugs & Early Drug Use 21:59 This Episode Is Sponsored By Kalshi 23:05 Drug Cases, Jail & Hearing About Tupac 34:20 Escaping an Undercover Arrest 42:19 This Episode Is Sponsored By Cloaked 43:50 The Song That Led G. Dep to Bad Boy 52:14 The 1993 Shooting 1:01:36 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 1:03:13 Police Question G. Dep the Next Day 1:07:22 Living With the Secret & Growing Guilt 1:14:22 G. Dep’s Relationship With Diddy 1:19:48 Writing Lyrics for Diddy 1:26:03 PCP, Fame & Coping With the Murder 1:33:16 Bad Boy Parties & Addiction Taking Over 1:40:29 Reconnecting With Diddy After Bad Boy 1:48:54 Deciding to Turn Himself In 1:56:24 Walking Into the Precinct to Confess 2:02:07 Arrested After a 17-Year-Old Confession 2:09:53 Taking the Murder Case to Trial 2:15:27 15-to-Life, Clemency & Coming Home 2:20:34 Life Today, New Music & What’s Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Baltimore has always had a reputation as one of America’s toughest cities — a place shaped by poverty, violence, addiction, and survival. In this episode, Johnny travels through Baltimore to see how the city has changed since The Wire, how the drug trade has evolved from heroin to fentanyl, and why homicides have recently dropped despite open-air dealing still being visible across the city. With help from Baltimore Carl of Baltimore Recovery Alliance, we visit Lexington Market, South Baltimore, East Baltimore, and O’Donnell Heights to hear directly from people who lived the streets, worked the corners, battled addiction, and are now trying to save lives through recovery and community intervention. This episode looks at Baltimore’s past, present, and future — from kingpins and corner crews to fentanyl, treatment centers, credible messengers, gentrification, and the people fighting to bring hope back to the city. Special thanks to Baltimore Carl and Baltimore Recovery Alliance. If you're in the Baltimore area and are seeking help to get clean from addiction check out https://baltimorerecoveryalliance.com/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Baltimore, The Wire, and the city’s violent history 02:07 Why Baltimore has such a high murder rate 05:55 Historic drop in homicides 07:08 Community intervention and peace teams 09:44 Heroin, fentanyl, and the changing drug economy 13:51 Lexington Market and open-air drug use 16:10 Baltimore’s addiction and treatment industry 20:22 South Baltimore drug corners 25:53 O’Donnell Heights and East Baltimore 29:41 Youth programs and signs of hope 30:12 Brandon Novak on addiction and recovery 34:33 Why Baltimore is worth saving Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Black Label has one of the wildest stories we’ve ever heard on The Connect. Growing up in extreme poverty in St. Petersburg, Florida, he was surrounded by crack, violence, and chaos from an early age. By 11 years old, he was already selling drugs. By his late teens, Black Label says he was helping run a multi-million-dollar drug operation, moving large quantities of crack and cocaine while leading a crew in one of the most dangerous environments imaginable. But the money came with consequences. Kidnappings, robberies, violence, federal investigations, and eventually a massive indictment brought the entire world crashing down. Black Label ultimately spent 15 years behind bars, including 28 months in solitary confinement. In this episode, Black Label takes us inside the crack era of 1990s St. Petersburg, explains how a white kid became accepted in an all-Black neighborhood and prison environment, breaks down the mentality that allowed him to survive, and reveals what finally happened when federal agents closed in. He also opens up about his brutal childhood, his relationship with his mother, the lessons he learned in prison, taking responsibility for his decisions, and how he rebuilt his life after coming home. Today, Black Label has transformed his name into a brand, building a professional chauffeur and security business while becoming a viral social media personality and host of the Black Label Lounge. His message now centers around turning “pain into purpose” and showing people that where you start doesn’t have to determine where you finish. This is the incredible story of survival, crime, prison, entrepreneurship, identity, and reinvention — told by the one and only Black Label. Go Support Black! IG: https://www.instagram.com/black_label_services YouTube: @blacklabellounge TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blacklabel1014 Merch: https://www.stickermule.com/blacklabel1014 This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: PrizePicks! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CONNECT and use code CONNECT and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! GLD! New customers get 40% Off with code MITCHELL at https://GLD.com Superpower! Head to https://superpower.com and use code CONNECT at checkout for $50 off your membership. Get 150+ biomarkers tested every year across two tests, plus a personalized health plan and on-demand care team. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 Black Label’s Incredible Story 8:18 Growing Up White in a Black Neighborhood 15:20 Survival Mentality & Pain Into Purpose 21:11 This Episode Is Sponsored By PrizePicks 22:40 The Crack Era in St. Petersburg 28:58 His First Fight & Earning Respect 36:02 Abuse at Home & Wanting Out 40:17 This Episode Is Sponsored By GLD 41:48 Education, Entrepreneurship & Black Label Services 50:33 Kidnapped for a $60,000 Ransom 56:01 Territory Wars & Street Violence 1:00:47 This Episode Is Sponsored By Superpower 1:02:17 Turning the Crack Game Into a Business 1:09:58 Crack Houses, Cookers & Supplying the City 1:16:55 Family Conflict, Identity & Prison Politics 1:23:50 Building the Black Label Brand & Going Viral 1:31:06 Moving Money & Reinvesting Drug Profits 1:37:54 Coming Home After 15 Years & Starting Over 1:45:03 Guns, Ego & Losing the Original Purpose 1:51:52 The Federal Indictment & Refusing to Cooperate 1:59:09 Surviving & Hustling in Federal Prison 2:05:54 The Underground Prison Economy 2:13:05 His Mother, Forgiveness & Unresolved Pain 2:20:43 Pain Into Purpose & Building a New Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump once appeared unusually willing to confront the Jeffrey Epstein story. According to Julian Dorey, Trump reportedly cooperated with an attorney representing Epstein victims, publicly urged people to investigate Epstein and his powerful connections, and later campaigned alongside calls for greater transparency. So what changed? In this episode, Julian Dorey joins for a deep dive into Trump’s history with Epstein, the fight over the unreleased files, Elon Musk’s explosive claim that Trump appears in them, and reports suggesting Trump and Epstein were closer than casual acquaintances. They also examine why millions of pages have allegedly remained unreleased or heavily redacted, reports of senior administration officials discussing the Epstein fallout in the Situation Room, Thomas Massie publicly naming figures connected to the case, and Dorey’s belief that major Epstein developments have repeatedly landed during low-attention news cycles. The conversation eventually turns to Dorey’s most controversial theory about what Trump could be trying to protect—a theory he repeatedly emphasizes is speculation, not proven fact. If Trump was once willing to help expose Epstein, why does Dorey believe his behavior changed? This episode follows the timeline, the contradictions, the powerful names, and the unanswered questions surrounding one of the most controversial stories in American politics. Go Support Julian! YouTube: @JulianDorey Clips Page: @juliandoreyclips Podcast: @JulianDoreyDaily IG: https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey X: https://x.com/juliandorey Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 Intro – What Is Trump Hiding in the Epstein Files? 5:30 Why Julian Dorey Became Obsessed With Epstein 11:45 Epstein’s Role as a Powerful “Fixer” 17:23 Epstein, Gaza, Evil & Christianity 23:05 Trump’s History With Jeffrey Epstein 30:04 Trump Accusations & the Melania Theory 35:06 Allegations About Melania’s Past 40:19 Was Trump Distancing Himself From Epstein? 45:24 Why Are 3 Million Pages Still Unreleased? 50:24 Pam Bondi, Todd Blanche & the Situation Room 56:41 The Game of Thrones Comparison to Trump 1:03:42 Epstein Stories & Suspicious News Cycles 1:10:24 Trump’s Collapse as a Master Marketer 1:17:20 The Biggest Names Connected to Epstein 1:24:53 Epstein, Intelligence Agencies & Mossad 1:30:00 The David Rockefeller Story 1:34:44 Blackmail, Politicians & the Epstein Network 1:39:00 Why Aren’t Epstein’s Victims Being Heard? 1:45:40 Could Congress Force the Files to Be Released? 1:50:28 Escaping the Republican vs. Democrat Divide 1:56:21 Julian Dorey’s Final Thoughts & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jimmy “Easy” Saracco lived the kind of Mafia life most people only know from movies. In this episode, the former DeCavalcante associate opens up about coming up in New York’s underworld, making serious money through bookmaking and loansharking, carrying out violent orders, and operating around the New Jersey crime family often associated with the real-life inspiration behind The Sopranos. Jimmy also tells the story of his explosive feud with John Gotti Jr., including his claim that Gotti Jr. was involved in a plot to have him killed. After surviving a brutal attack that left him stabbed and in a coma, Jimmy says he wanted revenge—but Mafia politics made Gotti Jr. untouchable. Years later, the world Jimmy had lived by began collapsing from the inside. Bosses, captains, and associates started cooperating with the federal government, leaving Jimmy facing the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison. Eventually, he made the decision he once thought was unthinkable: he cooperated too. Jimmy explains why he flipped, what it felt like walking out of his first proffer session, the murders and rackets he admitted involvement in, his time in witness protection, and why he says his life today is better than the one he left behind. This is the story of money, murder, loyalty, betrayal, the real-life Mafia world behind The Sopranos—and what happens when the code everyone swore to live by finally falls apart. Go Support Jimmy! Book: https://a.co/d/0iR1D8xx YouTube: @JIMMY_EASY_SARACCO This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Quince! Find your next fall favorites at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://quince.com/connect Shopify! The only thing standing between you and your own income is getting started. Free trial at https://shopify.com/mitchell Quo! Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://quo.com/theconnect Mood! Head to https://mood.com, browse their amazing selection of functional gummies, and find the perfect gummy for whatever you're dealing with. Use promo code CONNECT at checkout to save 20% on your first order. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 Jimmy Easy: Murder, Loansharking & the DeCavalcante Family 7:03 Becoming an Earner & Entering the Mob Life 14:29 Social Clubs, Rikers Island & Early Prison Time 20:12 Vigilante Street Justice & a Brutal Mob Story 22:59 This Episode Is Sponsored By Quince 24:52 Building His Crew & the Holmdel Robbery 35:09 Bookmaking, Loan Sharking & Mob Collections 41:07 This Episode Is Sponsored By Shopify 42:18 Vinny Palermo, Mob Hits & Disappearances 49:29 The 1997 Arrest, FBI Setup & Cooperators 56:17 Mob Territory, Kickbacks & Making Money 1:00:12 This Episode Is Sponsored By Quo 1:01:22 John Gotti's Influence & Sopranos Connections 1:10:34 Extortion, Tow Trucks & Illegal Businesses 1:15:34 This Episode Is Sponsored By Mood 1:16:54 Jewelry Heists, Fences & Whitey Bulger 1:22:18 Chop Shops, Stolen Cars & Insurance Fraud 1:28:08 Courtroom Corruption & Buying Your Way Out 1:33:33 The Night John Gotti Jr.'s Crew Tried to Kill Him 1:39:32 Inside the DeCavalcante Family Structure 1:45:24 Medical Fraud, Hospitals & Massive Kickbacks 1:51:05 The World Trade Center Robbery & Ralphie Flips 1:58:45 Insurance Money, Wiretaps & the Coming Indictment 2:05:03 The Feds Close In & the Murder Charges 2:13:23 Facing Life in Prison & Deciding to Cooperate 2:20:00 Sentencing Deals, Cooperators & Witness Protection 2:27:35 Leaving WitSec & Life After the Mafia 2:30:00 Hit Man Tells All, Jimmy's YouTube & Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Could a U.S. military intervention in Mexico actually happen—and what would it look like if it did? Ed Calderon joins the show and we break down the growing tension between the United States and Mexico, the strategic importance of northern Mexico’s manufacturing base, and why a future conflict could extend far beyond the fight against cartels and fentanyl. The conversation explores the potential consequences of military intervention, including mass migration, border shutdowns, trade disruptions, economic shortages, and the possibility of cartel groups transforming into organized guerrilla forces using drones, IEDs, precision weapons, and other modern battlefield tactics. We also examine why Mexico could become an extremely difficult environment for a prolonged U.S. military campaign, how deeply interconnected Mexican and American communities are, and why recent operations against historically powerful cartel figures may signal a much larger geopolitical shift. Go Support Ed! Website: https://www.edsmanifesto.com/ Merch: https://sneakreaper-industries.com/ Podcast: @manifestoradionetwork3191 IG: https://www.instagram.com/manifestoradiopodcast/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 Could the U.S. Go to War With Mexico? 7:46 Michoacán, Cartels & Self-Defense Groups 14:50 U.S. Pressure on Mexico’s Politicians 22:02 CIA Operations, the DEA & Iran-Contra 28:36 Mayo Zambada, Sinaloa & Political Corruption 36:12 Why a U.S.–Mexico Military Clash Could Happen 42:22 The Economic Motive for Invading Mexico 49:54 What Would a U.S. Intervention Actually Look Like? 55:55 Cartel Fighters, Snipers & Guerrilla Warfare 1:03:12 Could Mexico Turn Into a Civil War? 1:10:07 Morena, Foreign Influence & Mexico’s Sovereignty 1:15:30 The Huachicol Fuel-Smuggling Empire 1:21:52 How U.S. Fuel Gets Smuggled Into Mexico 1:28:58 Sinaloa’s Future, CJNG & Cross-Border Drug Tunnels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At just 18 years old, Jacob Diaz went from growing up in extreme poverty and foster care to helping manage a massive cocaine trafficking operation stretching from the Texas border to Florida. In this episode, Jacob explains how he started as a driver and translator before eventually handling logistics, coordinating drivers, collecting money, managing stash houses, and helping oversee the U.S. side of an operation connected to the Beltrán Leyva organization. At its peak, the network was moving dozens of kilos a week, with Jacob describing hundreds of kilos moving through individual customers and millions of dollars changing hands. Jacob breaks down how the operation stayed under the radar, how cocaine moved across the country, what life was like around cartel figures in Mexico, and the mistake that eventually brought federal investigators to his door. After being convicted on a federal cocaine conspiracy charge and serving more than seven years in prison, Jacob completely changed direction and built a legitimate business helping people repair their credit and access funding. This is the story of how a teenager went from homelessness and foster care to the center of a multimillion-dollar cocaine operation—and how it all came crashing down. Go Support Jacob! Ig: https://www.instagram.com/mycreditbuilderpros/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/connect NordVPN! NordVPN! Upgrade your online protection with an all-in-one security app! Get an exclusive NordVPN deal + 4 months extra here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/theconnect. Itʼs risk free with NordVPNʼs 30-day money-back guarantee! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 Intro: From Foster Care to Cartel Logistics 6:11 Growing Up in Extreme Poverty in Ocala 11:50 Foster Care, Family Separation & His Mom Disappearing 17:15 Learning to Let Go and Move Forward 20:03 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 21:48 Selling to Eat While Homeless 29:00 Selling Out of the Foster Home 34:32 Meeting the Man Who Became His Father Figure 41:54 Getting Involved In The Beltran-Leyva Organization 43:21 This Episode Is Sponsored By NordVPN 44:42 Becoming the U.S. Logistics Manager 47:17 Collecting Cash, Translating & Learning the Business 55:07 Border Routes, Checkpoints & Moving Product 1:00:57 The 70-Year-Old Cartel Mule 1:06:00 Moving 20 Kilos a Week Through Ocala 1:12:36 The Dream of Retiring in Spain 1:22:02 Cartel Security & Acapulco Nightlife 1:27:05 Living on a $30K-a-Month Party Budget 1:32:38 Why They Used One Distributor at a Time 1:38:02 How His Boss Got Back Across the Border 1:44:49 Flying Cash to Mexico 1:50:44 The 2011 Federal Investigation Begins 1:56:31 The Federal Case & Recorded Evidence 2:01:33 Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison 2:06:51 Building a Credit Business in Prison Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former San Francisco undercover narcotics officer Britt Elmore exposes how the Tenderloin became one of America’s most notorious open-air drug markets — and how fentanyl, street dealers, weak prosecution, addiction, homelessness, and organized trafficking reshaped the city. In this episode, Britt breaks down the San Francisco fentanyl crisis from the inside. After 25 years working narcotics, undercover buys, federal task force cases, wiretaps, gun deals, stolen car operations, cartel-linked investigations, and street-level drug markets, Britt explains how the fentanyl trade operates in the Bay Area and why San Francisco became a magnet for addiction, homelessness, and open-air drug dealing. He discusses the Tenderloin drug market, Honduran street dealers, Mexican suppliers, fentanyl economics, undercover police work, drug trafficking routes, confidential informants, cartel connections, stolen property rings, car break-ins, retail theft, rehab fraud, Proposition 47, and why many officers believe the system has stopped holding repeat offenders accountable. This conversation is a raw, unfiltered look at crime, addiction, policing, fentanyl, and the collapse of public order in one of America’s most iconic cities. Topics covered: -San Francisco fentanyl crisis -Tenderloin open-air drug market -SFPD undercover narcotics work -Fentanyl trafficking in California -Honduran drug dealers in San Francisco -Mexican cartel supply chains -Drug addiction and homelessness -Proposition 47 and criminal justice reform -Retail theft, bipping, and stolen property rings -Confidential informants and federal wiretaps -Undercover gun and drug buys -How fentanyl changed the drug trade Go Support Britt! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-elmore-5641a53a This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Mood! Head to https://mood.com, browse their amazing selection of functional gummies, and find the perfect gummy for whatever you're dealing with. Use promo code CONNECT at checkout to save 20% on your first order. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 San Francisco’s fentanyl crisis 01:33 Arrests, treatment, and the debate over addiction policy 03:04 Drugs inside jails, rehabs, and nonprofit systems 07:16 San Francisco’s tech wealth and drug culture 11:16 Honduran dealers and the Tenderloin street market 13:57 How Tenderloin dealers make money and avoid arrest 15:18 Heroin, fentanyl, and changing opioid markets 17:28 The economics of fentanyl 20:16 Britt Elmore’s undercover narcotics career 24:34 How Honduran dealers arrive, live, and operate in the Bay Area 28:35 Working wires from street dealers to Mexico 30:01 This Episode Is Sponsored By Mood 31:37 Meth, heroin, Sinaloa links, and border corruption 41:24 The undercover warehouse fencing operation 49:20 Reactive policing, low-level crime, and Proposition 47 55:01 “Bipping,” retail theft, and stolen goods networks 1:02:13 Drug transport routes through California, Oregon, and Washington 1:04:18 How federal wiretaps work 1:10:45 Major seizures and hidden stash houses 1:12:18 Prescription pills, addiction, and fentanyl recovery 1:23:03 Narcan, overdoses, and fentanyl contamination myths 1:29:39 Mexican trafficking groups, meth, and Hell’s Angels case 1:32:12 Informants, federal pressure, and who flips 1:51:42 Guns, switches, Dracos, and ATF cases 2:00:51 Cannabis eradication and drug money in the mail 2:18:28 Life undercover, adrenaline, and retirement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From a strict Mormon upbringing in Texas to the violent world of cartel-connected crime, Tyler’s story is one of the wildest we’ve heard. In this episode, Tyler explains how he went from being a high school kid making money transporting drugs to working around human-smuggling networks along the Texas–Mexico border. He describes witnessing extreme cartel violence at a young age, moving migrants through border towns, becoming involved in violent contract work in Mexico, and later building a large drug business back home. Tyler also opens up about the side of that lifestyle people rarely talk about—the paranoia, emotional numbness, PTSD, memory problems, prison, and the difficulty of returning to a normal life after years surrounded by violence. We discuss: • Growing up in a strict Mormon household • Getting recruited into drug transportation as a teenager • Witnessing cartel violence for the first time • How human-smuggling networks operate along the border • Coyotes, safe houses, spotters, burner phones, and cartel organization • His descent into increasingly violent criminal work • Building a drug business through Snapchat • His 2019 arrest and prison sentence • The lasting psychological effects of the lifestyle • Therapy, family, faith, and trying to rebuild his life This conversation contains descriptions of violence, drug trafficking, and other criminal activity. It is presented for documentary, educational, and entertainment purposes and is not intended to promote or encourage illegal behavior. This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: BetterHelp! See the reviews, see what stands out, and see if BetterHelp is right for you. Visit https://betterhelp.com/connect Mood! Head to https://mood.com, browse their amazing selection of functional gummies, and find the perfect gummy for whatever you're dealing with. Use promo code CONNECT at checkout to save 20% on your first order. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Intro: Mormon Kid to Cartel Hitman 01:27 Growing Up in a Strict Mormon Household 03:13 Rebelling Against Church Rules 04:16 First Adventure: Driving Heroin 06:40 Close Call: Witnessing a Chainsaw Murder 09:07 The Psychological Aftermath 12:32 Understanding the Cartel's Organization 15:10 Mental Health Struggles and Trauma 20:35 This Episode Is Sponsored By BetterHelp 21:55 Getting Back into Smuggling 23:23 Human Smuggling Operations and Safe Houses 27:18 Evolution into a Hitman 29:04 Cartel's Control and Police Corruption 31:52 The Job: Contract, Payment, and Preparation 36:27 The First Hit and Moral Numbing 40:33 This Episode Is Sponsored By Mood 42:33 Avoiding Addiction and the Double Life 45:08 The Worst Thing Seen: Four Days of Torture 52:00 The Drug Business and Burner Phones 01:10:11 Getting Busted and Going to Prison 01:17:00 Building the Snapchat Drug Empire 01:22:26 Why Keep Doing Hits? 01:24:07 The Last Job and Quitting 01:27:01 Arrest and Prison Sentence 01:30:09 Life After Prison and Redemption Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices