Access and Encounters with Cartel Members

Ed and Eddie discuss meeting cartel recruits, recruitment methods, and brutal initiation rituals for hitmen.

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Episode notes

In this gripping and wide-ranging episode, the Liberty Risk crew sits down with two fascinating guests: Ed Calderon and Eddie Dennis, each bringing a unique perspective shaped by extraordinary life experiences on both sides of the US-Mexico border.

Ed Calderon is a well known former Mexican law enforcement officer (3 x guest on the Joe Rogan show) who spent over a decade working in some of the most dangerous and complex environments in Mexico. Growing up in Tijuana, Ed witnessed firsthand the transformation of his hometown from a party city to a battleground for cartels and organized crime. He joined an experimental paramilitary police force at a young age, where his career spanned operational work, investigations, and close protection for high-profile figures, including legendary military officers. After 12 years, political shifts and personal risk led him to immigrate to the US, where he now shares his hard-won knowledge through training, consulting, and public speaking.

Eddie Dennis is an entrepreneur, small business owner, and the founder of Tactical Outfitters. With a background in retail, EMS, and firefighting, Eddie's journey took a turn when he became a single father and began exploring the world of tactical gear and firearms.

Some of the highlights from the episode:

Ed's harrowing experiences in Mexican law enforcement, including undercover work, cartel confrontations, and the challenges of operating in a culture of corruption.

Candid discussions about the realities of life on the border, the complexities of Mexican and American cultures interplaying, and the impact of politics, crime, and social change on both sides of the border.

Practical advice for staying safe in Mexico, understnding and navigating corruption, and the nuances of travel and security south of the border.

Entertaining and outrageous stories, from the infamous and elusive "donkey shows" of TJ to midget bullfighting, the surprising world wide reach of cartel monkey patches, and the wild life behind the scenes of Mexican wrestling, we dive into it all.

Reflections on trauma, mental health, and the value of community, adaptability, but maybe most importantly, the ability to maintain humor in the face of adversity.

Whether you're interested in security, travel, culture, or just love a good story to pass a long journey, this episode offers a rare, unfiltered look at the lives of two men who have seen - and survived - it all.

Tune in for an unforgettable conversation packed with insight, humor, and hard-earned wisdom.

Find out more about Ed & Eddie at the following links:

✖️ Ed Calderon Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/manifestoradiopodcast

✖️ Ed Calderon website - https://www.edsmanifesto.com

✖️ Eddie Dennis Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thesalesmansmanifesto

✖️ Eddie Dennis website - https://tacticaloutfitters.net

Liberty Risk Hosts:

✖️ Ryan Williams - https://www.instagram.com/invictus5326

✖️ Kevin Kent - https://www.instagram.com/therealkevinkent

✖️ Nick Betts - https://www.instagram.com/n_betts

Liberty Risk Podcast Sponsored by:

✖️ Liberty Risk Merch - https://www.liberty-risk.com/collections/shop-all