The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell

In one of the most unbelievable redemption stories ever told, Johnny sits down with Dave Franke, a man whose life has taken him from the streets of North Hollywood to the front lines of Mexico’s war against the cartels. After losing custody of his daughter, he made the unthinkable choice — to move to Zacatecas, Mexico, and join the state police, fighting the same cartels that once supplied the drugs that nearly killed him. He opens up about: -Growing up amid gang violence and drug addiction in 1980s Los Angeles -Surviving attempted murder charges and life on the run -Finding faith and redemption after nearly losing everything -His shocking experience inside the Zacatecas State Police — from brutal training to real-life gun battles with cartel convoys -Corruption, U.S. involvement, and what it’s really like to fight the cartels from the inside Raw, intense, and deeply human — this episode dives into the darkness of addiction, the chaos of Mexico’s cartel war, and the unlikely redemption of a man who walked through both. Go Support Dave! Website: https://www.davefranke.com/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Ava! Download the Ava app today, and when you join using my promo code CONNECT20, you’ll save 20% for your first year—monthly or annual, your choice. Surfshark! Go to https://surfshark.com/connectmitchell or use code CONNECTMITCHELL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Ridge! Upgrade your wallet today! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code CONNECT at https://www.Ridge.com/CONNECT #Ridgepod Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Intro: Violence in Mexico & Dave Franke's Quest 02:32 Dave's Background: Childhood & Gang Life in LA 08:26 Falling Into Drugs & Drug Dealing 13:19 Addiction, Violence & Attempted Murder 21:56 Rock Bottom and Getting Sober 24:18 This Episode Is Sponsored By AVA! 26:27 Losing Custody & The Move to Mexico 27:57 Motivation: Fighting the Cartels 29:34 State Police: Joining & Training in Mexico 35:34 Corruption, Human Rights & Reality of Policing 41:13 This Episode Is Sponsored By SURFSHARK and RIDGE! 45:46 Cartel Wars: Operations, Shootouts & Survival 55:49 Life in Zacatecas: Convoys, Shootings & Daily Danger 01:06:06 Cartel Corruption, Moles & Betrayal 01:21:05 Election Violence & Political Corruption 01:43:33 Did He Make a Difference? Reflections on Violence 01:49:49 Leaving the Force, Law School, & Life After 01:57:46 Reflections on Mexico & Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this gripping episode, Johnny sits down with security expert Ed Calderon to break down the brewing storm across Latin America — from U.S. military posturing near Venezuela to narco-terrorism, drone warfare, and covert operations in Mexico. Ed warns that the “War on Drugs” is being rebranded as a war on narco-terror, granting governments new powers while blurring the lines between criminals, rebels, and civilians. They discuss how cartels are adopting drone and submarine tech, how Colombian mercenaries are shaping global conflicts, and why Mexico may already have U.S. boots on the ground. From fentanyl myths to Venezuelan oil politics, rare-earth resources, and the future of North American geopolitics, this episode dives deep into the shadow war few are talking about. -U.S. and Venezuela tensions -Covert ops and “narco-terrorism” narrative -Drone and submarine warfare by cartels -Rare-earths, oil, and geopolitical motives -Mexico’s internal corruption and militarization -Predictions for a continental conflict Go Support Ed! Website: https://www.edsmanifesto.com/ Merch: https://sneakreaper-industries.com/ Podcast: @manifestoradionetwork3191 IG: https://www.instagram.com/manifestoradiopodcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Inside Colombia’s hidden war, where guerrilla armies, drug cartels, and corrupt officials fuel the world’s cocaine trade. This documentary takes you deep into the jungles, barrios, and killing fields that the media never shows. Former hitmen and cartel soldiers reveal how children are recruited, trained, and turned into killers — and how Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel now bankrolls Colombia’s drug empire. From mass kidnappings and paramilitary takeovers to the corruption that keeps the cocaine flowing, this is the untold story of how modern cartels dominate a billion-dollar global network. This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Surfshark! Go to https://surfshark.com/connectmitchell or use code CONNECTMITCHELL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! CashApp! Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/1ekoiacn CODE: CASHAPP10 #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. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Direct deposit, overdraft coverage, and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. PrizePicks! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CONNECT and use code CONNECT and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Introduction: The reality of kidnapping and crime 00:26 Overview of the conflict and drug war in Colombia 01:26 Street situation: violence and constant caution 02:00 Growth of the coca industry and the failure of eradication efforts 02:28 Human impact: deaths, violence, and loss 03:02 Who really runs things? The power of the guerrilla groups 03:48 Recent trends: record seizures and the booming business 04:09 Coca production and lack of economic opportunities 04:39 The heart of drug trafficking: Cali and the Valle region 05:25 Social dysfunction: bodies, murders, and the law of crime 06:08 The life of a hitman: testimonies and motivations 07:45 Recruitment, training, and the cycle of violence 10:19 This Episode Is Sponsored By Surfshark! 12:34 Criminal rise and the regional power structure 13:12 The evolution of guerrillas and their narco interests 15:13 The link between drug traffickers, guerrillas, and Mexican cartels 17:22 Forced recruitment and life in the camps 19:43 Tactics, military training, and professionalization 21:29 Violent competition: gangs, jobs, and loyalty 23:07 The kidnapping business: targets, logistics, and victims 25:43 This Episode Is Sponsored By CashApp & PrizePicks! 29:42 Recruitment of minors and threats to families 31:38 Territorial war: attacks and regional domination 32:47 Black Eagles: emerging group and extreme brutality 33:44 Pistol Plan: targeted killings and threats against officials 35:09 Impunity and corruption: the law doesn’t reach the hitmen 36:43 Logistic networks: transport, routes, and body concealment 39:06 Power of the gangs and the fight for territorial control 42:39 Social impact: displacement, armed power, and corruption 46:06 Economic dilemmas: poverty, crops, and dependency 46:48 Final reflection: the cycle of violence and the search for a way out Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this explosive episode, former USC football standout Owen Hanson—once living the dream on the field—reveals how he plunged into the dark underworld of the Sinaloa Cartel, moving hundreds of millions in cocaine across continents. Known as “O-Dog”, Hanson opens up about his journey from campus celebrity and sports bookmaker to international drug trafficker working directly with El Chapo’s network. Host Johnny Mitchell dives deep into Hanson’s transformation—from selling steroids to teammates at USC, to orchestrating high-level cartel deals spanning Peru, Mexico, Australia, and the U.S. Hanson recounts the lavish highs, the paranoia of living double lives, and the eventual FBI sting that brought it all crashing down. Now a free man and entrepreneur, Hanson shares how he rebuilt himself after prison, founding California Ice Protein and using his story to warn others about ego, greed, and the illusion of power. This episode blends crime, redemption, and raw honesty—a gripping story of how a promising athlete became a global kingpin, and how he’s now rewriting his legacy. Go Support Owen! Movie: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Cocaine-Quarterback-Signal-Caller-for-the-Cartel/0ITIO5AR39FDEY5RIG7APVMWF9 Book: https://www.thecaliforniakid.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/theofficialcakid/ YouTube: @theofficialcakid This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: GLD! Work Hard and Change the Game. For a limited time only, new customers are getting an insane deal. Use code MITCHELL to get 50% Off plus a Free Chain at https://gld.com BetterHelp! This World Mental Health Day, we’re celebrating the therapists who’ve helped millions of people take a step forward. If you’re ready to find the right therapist for you, BetterHelp can help you start that journey. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at https://betterhelp.com/CONNECT Rag & Bone! Upgrade your denim game with Rag & Bone! Get 20% off sitewide with code CONNECT at https://rag-bone.com #ragandbonepod Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Intro: The Rise and Fall of Owen Hansen 01:00 College Football Glory & Wild USC Parties 04:41 Owen Hansen's Documentary & Rebuilding Trust 07:00 From Prison to Entrepreneur: Life After Release 11:00 Logistics of the International Drug Trade 17:00 Creative Smuggling: Wine, Chocolate & Global Routes 18:22 Get A Great Deal From GLD! 20:58 Bookmaking Millions: The Sports Betting Business 35:00 The Art of Collecting Debts & Avoiding Trouble 44:00 Law Enforcement Evasion and Daily Operations 46:58 Today's Sponsors 49:33 Cartel Connections & The Power of Payouts 01:00:00 Scaling Up: Canada, Australia & Moving Big Loads 01:11:00 Money Laundering and Gold: Schemes & Shell Companies 01:19:00 The Fall: Informants, Raids, and Indictments 01:31:00 Warehouse Operations, Canada, and High Volume Moves 01:40:00 High Life Burnout and Personal Toll 01:54:00 Sentencing, Cooperation, and Prison Life 02:03:00 Extradition, Testimony, and Sentence Reduction 02:08:00 Prison Reflections and Survival 02:12:00 Reinvented: Ice Cream Kingpin & The Road Ahead 02:13:00 Final Thoughts: Redemption and New Beginnings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JD Delay joins me to break down what he saw at the ICE detention facility protests in Portland—beyond the headlines. We talk crowd dynamics, police/federal response, claims of funding/organization, nearby residents caught in the middle, and how to keep nuance in a polarized media environment. -Firsthand play-by-play from the protest zone -Whether Portland is “burning” or if unrest is concentrated -Guns, snipers on rooftops, and crowd escalation tactics -Arrests, releases, and who’s actually pressing charges -Free speech vs. violence, and how to consume media critically Go Support JD! YouTube: ⁨@JdDelay5150⁩ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jd_delay Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Portland “war zone”? Why JD went to see for himself02:15 Intent: document both sides, not legacy-media takes03:26 City snapshot outside the ICE site07:30 Pepper gas + first confrontations09:12 Crowd size & who’s protesting vs. agitating13:03 DHS snipers, de-escalation, and leaving before it pops off15:33 How the experience shaped JD’s views on Antifa17:08 Police/federal response & arrest questions20:21 Attacks on independent journalists (Andy Ngo, etc.)26:32 Guns at protests? BB gun vs. real firearms29:21 Media narratives, politics, and “revenge” cycles44:16 Police presence changes the temperature46:59 Terror/ RICO debate vs. First Amendment rights54:14 “Laser tag” flyer & risks to aircraft1:11:11 Is Portland 95% fine? The broader picture1:17:17 Independent media, swatting, and safety1:22:50 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Step inside the world of Miami’s most notorious drug trafficker—Pablo Escobar’s #1 cocaine smuggler. In this exclusive sit-down, former cartel insider TJ Dominguez reveals how he built a vertically integrated empire, negotiated directly with Escobar, and moved thousands of kilos from Colombia to the streets of Miami. From high-speed boat chases under helicopter gunfire to buying off Bahamian officials, he breaks down the smuggling routes, the ruthless cartel rules, and the business mindset that made him millions. He also explains why meetings with Escobar were sometimes more honest than U.S. boardrooms, and how drug money touched politicians, businessmen, and even U.S. politics. Topics covered in this interview: -Negotiating face-to-face with Pablo Escobar -The brutal rules of the Medellin Cartel -Smuggling tactics by air and sea -Escaping a military helicopter shootout -Running legit businesses as cartel cover -How cocaine profits reached U.S. politics If you’re fascinated by the untold stories of the Medellin Cartel, Miami drug wars, and the high-risk world of international smuggling, this episode is a must-watch. Checkout the podcast all about TJ, Cocaine Air https://open.spotify.com/show/0mXtr05OjD4wk4M8JrvLPy?si=dbbda61d237b4002 Today's Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Harry's! Our listeners get the Harry’s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harry's.com/CONNECT #Harryspod Mando! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code MITCHELL at shopmando.com! #mandopod Ava! Take control of your credit right now. Download the Ava app today, and when you join using promo code CONNECT20, you’ll save 20% for your first year—monthly or annual, your choice. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Medellín, Colombia — once the heartbeat of Pablo Escobar’s empire and the most dangerous city on Earth — has transformed in shocking ways. In this episode , Johnny dives deep into the hidden world of Medellín’s modern drug trade. 👉 From basuco “zombie” addicts roaming the hoyas, to the rise of small neighborhood gangs (pandillas) replacing cartels, Medellín tells a story of survival, profit, and transformation. Johnny explores Barrio Pablo Escobar, explains the disturbing chemicals that make up cocaine, reveals why Mexican cartels like Sinaloa now dominate global smuggling, and walks firsthand through a city's 30 year evolution. Topics covered in this episode: -Medellín’s violent past vs. its surprising present -The basuco epidemic and “walking dead” addicts -How guerrilla groups (FARC, ELN) now control cocaine labs -Sinaloa’s alliance with Colombian producers -Gangs, tourism, and why Medellín is safer than ever Medellín is no longer exporting cocaine like it once did, but the drug economy is alive and thriving — just in ways you wouldn’t expect. This Episode Is Sponsored By The Following: Cash App! Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/1ekoiacn #CashAppPod. As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account. 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. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. FRE! Get 20% off you first order at https://frepouch.com using code CONNECT at checkout! Surfshark! Go to https://surfshark.com/connectmitchell or use code CONNECTMITCHELL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Inside Medellín's Drug-Infested Neighborhoods 03:00 How the Drug Trade Shifted in Medellín 06:00 Medellín's Rise from the Cartel Era 09:45 This Episode Is Sponsored By CashApp 11:14 Pablo Escobar's Legacy and Tourist Boom 14:00 Transformation of Barrio Pablo Escobar 16:16 This Episode Is Sponsored By FRE and SurfShark 18:00 The End of Medellín Cartels and the New Drug Economy 20:55 The Shocking Chemicals In Cocaine: The Process Explained 26:00 Basuco: The Toxic Byproduct and Its Epidemic 30:00 Gang Control and Neighborhood Drug Markets 34:00 Rise of Urban Gangs and Pacified Violence 37:00 Personal Stories from Medellín's Underbelly 41:00 The New International Drug Trade 44:00 Why Medellín Remains Safe Despite the Drugs 48:00 Final Thoughts and What's Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former CIA officer Andrew Bustamante returns for an unfiltered deep dive into the realities of power, propaganda, and politics in America and beyond. From why Joe Rogan won’t have him on, to the CIA’s controversial role in heroin distribution during the War on Terror, this conversation pulls back the curtain on government accountability, shadow operations, and the blurred line between freedom and control. We also cover the assassination of Charlie Kirk, media manipulation, the rise of conspiracy culture, and how global players like Israel, China, and Russia influence U.S. policy. Andrew shares why he’s leaving the United States for the sake of his children’s future and breaks down how cancel culture, polarization, and fear are eroding real democratic freedoms. If you want to understand how empires fall from within, the mechanics of information warfare, and the uncomfortable truths behind America’s foreign and domestic policies, this episode is a must-watch. Go Support Andy! IG: https://www.instagram.com/everydayspy Book: https://shadowcellbook.com/ Website: https://everydayspy.com/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: BRUNT Workwear! $10 Off at BRUNT with code [INSERT CODE] at https://www.bruntworkwear.com/MITCHELL #bruntpod HIMS! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://www.hims.com/connect BetterHelp! As the largest online therapy provider in the world, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a diverse variety of expertise. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at https://www.betterhelp.com/connet Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Intro & Preview of Key Topics 01:43 CIA Guest & Joe Rogan Controversy 05:37 Inside CIA Culture & Public Perceptions 08:41 Legal Limits & CIA Operations 13:08 CIA's Involvement in Heroin Trade 21:02 America's Changing Democracy & Voter Apathy 22:49 This Episode Is Sponsored By BRUNT Workwear! 24:47 Charlie Kirk Killing & Free Speech Implications 31:12 Conspiracy Thinking & Information Warfare 38:48 Who Commits Political Violence & Social Change 43:14 Today's Sponsors! 47:02 American Freedoms & Erosion of Rights 53:54 Government Trust, Rights & Cultural Division 01:00:42 Why Leave America? Cultural & Economic Reasons 01:11:29 Debating Who Should Have the Right to Vote 01:22:45 Geopolitics: Europe, US, BRICS, & Declining Influence 01:34:03 Israel, Gaza and Shifting Middle East Power 01:45:27 Global Hegemonies: China, Russia & Economic Realignment 01:53:05 US Decline, Venezuela Parallels, and Future Risks 02:00:08 US Exodus: Why Americans Are Leaving 02:13:21 Will the US Break Up? History and Future Stability 02:17:46 Israel–Palestine, Regional Influence & Economic Futures 02:22:44 CIA Memoir 'Shadow Cell' & Insider Insights 02:27:44 Outro & Moving Abroad Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Sinaloa Cartel is unraveling—its leaders captured, its factions at war, and U.S. pressure at an all-time high. Yet in Nogales, Sonora, one of Mexico’s most strategic border plazas, business continues as usual. In this episode, we travel to Nogales to uncover: -How the Chapitos betrayed El Mayo Zambada with the DEA’s help -Why Nogales is vital for drug and human smuggling routes into the U.S. -First-hand accounts from locals and former smugglers inside cartel operations -The rise of retail drug markets (“tiendas”) across Mexico -How cartels enforce their own version of “law and order” in border towns From bloody betrayals in Culiacán to quiet cartel control in Nogales, this story reveals the new face of Mexico’s underworld. Today's Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: PrizePicks! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CONNECT and use code CONNECT and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Ava! Take control of your credit right now. Download the Ava app today, and when you join using promo code CONNECT20, you’ll save 20% for your first year—monthly or annual, your choice. FRE! Get 20% off you first order at https://frepouch.com using code CONNECT at checkout! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Sinaloa Cartel in Crisis 02:03 Chaos and Violence in Culiacán 04:08 How Drug Trafficking Has Changed 05:24 Nogales: A Key Border Plaza 06:15 The Mechanics of Smuggling 08:17 This Episode Is Sponsored By PrizePicks and Ava! 11:31 Why Nogales Matters 13:01 Inside the World of a Cartel Operator 16:04 This Episode Is Sponsored By FRE 18:27 Cartel Evolution and Internal Rivalries 22:31 US Pressure and Crackdowns on Corruption 26:10 Retail Drug Markets in Mexico 30:05 Different Cartel Rules for Drugs 31:48 Cartel Justice and Crime in Nogales 33:24 Low-Key Tension on the Border 35:35 Why Locals Don't Break Away 36:19 Impunity and the Limits of Law Enforcement 37:12 What Really Matters in the Drug War 38:53 The Future of the Sinaloa Cartel 39:05 Closing Thoughts & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this explosive episode, we sit down with Alex Vargas, a former gang member and cartel sicario who lived through one of the most dangerous eras of crime. Born in Cali, Colombia but raised in Florida, he grew up in gangs, survived violent wars with rivals, and even faced a 65-year sentence in the U.S. before being repatriated back to Colombia. He opens up about: -His violent childhood and early murders committed “for fun” in Colombia -Joining street gangs in Florida and waging wars against Jamaicans, Cubans, and Latin Kings -Attempted murder of a cop and a life sentence that should have ended his story -The shocking way he was freed through Colombia’s repatriation system in the 1990s -Working with hitmen and experiencing the dark side of the Cali Cartel era -How his life spiraled through crack, basuco, and violence before eventually transforming This is one of the rawest, most unfiltered looks into the world of gangs, drugs, and the cartels — told by someone who lived it on both sides of the border. Go Support Alex! For English Lessons Anywhere In The World Contact Alex On WhatsApp: +57 317 553 2811 This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: True Classic! Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/CONNECT! #trueclassicpod Mando! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code MITCHELL at https://shopmando.com! #mandopod Mood! Head to https://mood.com to find the functional gummy that matches exactly what you're looking for, and let Mood help you discover YOUR perfect mood. And don't forget to use promo code CONNECT when you check out to save 20% on your first order. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Meet Alex Vargas: From Killer to English Teacher 01:36 Violent Roots: Family History in Colombia 05:05 Gang Life in Florida: Brothers in Crime 09:30 Escalating Violence and Early Addictions 13:10 Florida Gangs, Drive-Bys, and Crime Culture 15:12 This Episode Is Sponsored By True Classic! 16:55 Deportation and Sentencing: Repatriation Loophole 24:35 Florida Prison: Proving Yourself Amidst Killers 33:04 Return to Colombia: New Life, Old Enemies 37:00 Cartel Connections: Family Betrayal and Violence 40:11 This Episode Is Sponsored By Mando And Mood! 44:17 Back and Forth: US, Colombia, and Rising Up the Cartel 54:34 Becoming a Hitman for the Cali Cartel 01:00:00 Ecuadorian Prison: Survival, Addiction, and Brutality 01:13:07 Prison Riots, Forced Violence, and Hitting Bottom 01:20:10 Out of Prison: Drug Wars, Family, and New Cartels 01:24:00 Life as a Cartel Operative: Robbery, Violence, and Loyalty 01:32:00 Work for a Narco Boss: Trust, Drugs, and Betrayals 01:41:29 International Expansion: Honduras and the Maras 01:48:47 Cartel Wars: Guarantee Man in Honduras 01:57:00 Return to Colombia: Final Escape and Confrontations 02:01:00 Rock Bottom: Addiction, Homelessness and Recovery 02:08:09 Getting Sober, Redemption, and Teaching English 02:15:00 Reflections, Consequences, and Redemption Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices