

The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell
Johnny Mitchell
Former drug trafficker and standup comedian Johnny Mitchell takes you inside the world of drugs, crime, prison, and the politics of the War on Drugs.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 6, 2025 • 41min
Inside The WORST Drug-Infested Slums Of Medellin, Colombia
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!
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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

Sep 29, 2025 • 2h 36min
"It's About To Get Worse"- CIA Agent Andrew Bustamante Explains Why It's Time To Leave America
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

Sep 21, 2025 • 42min
Inside The Sinaloa Cartel's Fight For Survival: How Mexico's Oldest Cartel Is Making It's Last Stand
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

Sep 14, 2025 • 2h 17min
Confessions Of A Cali Cartel Hitman: Colombian Sicario Reveals A Liftetime Killing For The Cartel
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

Sep 7, 2025 • 2h 17min
Atlanta Drug Kingpin Reveals What It's Actually Like Working For The Jalisco New Generation Cartel
This is the story of a former street hustler, Eric G, who went from growing up in Bayside, Queens during the crack era to running multi-state marijuana operations connected to Jamaicans and eventually one of the powerful and dangerous Mexican cartels in the world before being busted and being spent to prison.
He opens up about:
-Growing up in a Jehovah’s Witness household in Queens during the 80s
-Early exposure to drug culture through family and neighborhood influences
-Starting in the game at just 13 with crack vials in South Jamaica
-Moving to Atlanta and building connections with Jamaicans and the music scene (including early ties to Lil Jon & Black Market Entertainment)
-Becoming a wholesale supplier, moving hundreds of pounds weekly
-Trips to Mexico and meeting cartel-level suppliers
-Reflecting on the dangers, close calls, and lessons learned
Go Support Eric!
Podcast: @innoutww
IG: https://www.instagram.com/_iamericg/
This Episode Is #Sponsored By DeleteMe!
Remove your personal information from the web at https://JoinDeleteMe.com/CONNECT and use
code CONNECT for 20% off
DeleteMe international Plans: https://international.joindeleteme.com
Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!
https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow
00:00 Preview: Addicted to the Lifestyle
00:41 Intro to Eric G's Story
01:18 Travel, Culture & Haitian Roots
03:00 Growing Up in Queens & Early Family Life
04:56 80s Queens: Crime, Projects & Influence
05:51 Crack Era: Influence & Survival
07:01 First Steps into Drug Dealing at 13
13:32 Money & Hustling as a Teen
15:31 Leaving New York, Switching to Weed
17:52 High School Hustles & Magnet Program
19:29 College Years & Debate Team
22:04 Expanding into the College Market
24:31 Atlanta Hustle, Early Connections
27:00 Music Industry, Lil Jon & Black Market Ent.
31:09 Finding the Big Connect & Scaling Up
33:54 Marijuana Distribution Operation
36:16 Family Involvement & Smuggling Methods41:06 This Episode Is Sponsored By DeleteMe!
42:39 Cartel Connections & Sourcing from Mexico
47:01 Atlanta's Weed Market & Profits
55:30 Weed from Guadalajara: Cartel Supply
01:00:06 Scaling Up: Cash, Credit & Distribution
01:09:12 Switch to California Chronic
01:15:06 Moving Premium Cali Weed
01:20:27 Shipping Methods: Trucks & Freight
01:30:27 End of the Drug Game Era
01:33:36 Indictment & The Bust in West Virginia
01:40:06 Trial, Snitches & Legal Troubles
01:47:31 Winning Freedom: Beating the Case
02:07:17 Life After Prison & New Pursuits
02:10:09 Podcasting, Advocacy & Looking Ahead
02:12:58 Closing Thoughts & Connections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 31, 2025 • 1h 12min
Cartel Sicario Exposes Life Inside The Sinaloa Cartel, Gives Update On "Los Chapitos"
A Sinaloa Cartel hitman (sicario) sits down for a rare and chilling interview, revealing what life is really like inside one of the world’s most powerful criminal organizations. Speaking from Nogales, Sonora, he explains how he was recruited as a young halcón (lookout), the brutal military torture he survived, and how he rose through the ranks to become a killer for Los Chapitos.
He opens up about:
-The rules, discipline, and punishments inside the cartel
-The violence of the Sinaloa–Beltrán Leyva war in Nogales
-His first missions as a cartel soldier and hitman
-The split between Mayo Zambada’s faction and Los Chapitos
-How cartel life affects his family and children
-His thoughts on corruption, Mexico’s future, and whether he can ever escape this life
This full-length episode provides a rare look inside a world few outsiders ever get to see — a place where silence means survival, and speaking out could mean death.
This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:
BRUNT! Get $10 Off at BRUNT with code MITCHELL 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://hims.com/CONNECT
AVA! Take control of your credit right now. Download the Ava app today, and when you join using my promo code CONNECT, your first month is totally FREE.
Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!
https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow
00:00 – Torture at the hands of the military
04:30 – Early life & recruitment into the cartel
06:30 – Life as a halcón (lookout)
08:30 – Arrests & brutal torture by soldiers
12:40 – The Sinaloa–Beltrán Leyva war in Nogales
18:20 – Cartel rules, discipline & punishments
20:28 – This Episode Is Sponsored By BRUNT Workwear
22:57 – Transition from lookout to sicario
26:50 – First shootout & adrenaline of survival
28:20 – Missions, targets & plaza enforcement
31:20 – The split: Mayo vs. Los Chapitos
37:33 – This Episode Is Sponsored By HIMS and AVA
41:31 – Family life & hiding the truth from loved ones
46:20 – Guilt, morality & thoughts on killing
53:40 – Desert missions & living like an army unit
1:02:00 – Hopes for his children’s future
1:04:30 – Trapped in cartel life & dreams of leaving
1:06:30 – Mexico’s corruption & bleak outlook
1:08:10 – Closing thoughts & reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 24, 2025 • 2h 32min
On The Fentanyl Frontlines: DEA Agent Exposes Why U.S. Government Is LOSING War On Drugs
In this gripping episode, Rafa Conde, a former DEA agent and narcotics officer pulls back the curtain on America's deadly drug epidemic from his experiences working on the frontlines — from Florida’s infamous pill mills to the explosive rise of fentanyl.
You’ll hear shocking real-life stories about:
-Undercover operations inside opioid clinics
-How doctors fresh out of med school were lured with $500K to prescribe OxyContin
-The DEA's fight against cartels and street-level drug floods
-Why fentanyl overdoses are underreported — and why the crisis isn’t improving
-Why states like Texas and Florida have harsher penalties than the federal government
-The economics behind crack, meth, and MDMA in low-income communities
-And whether the War on Drugs was ever meant to succeed...
From pill hustlers to Big Pharma, from the streets to the federal courts — this episode dives deep into the systems behind America's addiction.
Go Support Rafa!
Book: https://a.co/d/hgndeay
Website: https://www.manofwar.us/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/manofwarr/
This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:
MANDO! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code MITCHELL at shopmando.com! #mandopod
AVA! Get the Ava app, and use MY promo code CONNECT so they know you heard it from me, and get your first month with Ava for FREE.
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 Intro: Fentanyl Crisis & DEA Guest
01:41 Rafa's Task Force Experience
04:56 State vs. Federal Drug Laws
07:53 Pill Mills & OxyContin Boom
13:31 Inside Pill Mill Operations
19:15 From Pill Mills to Cartels
24:28 Fentanyl's Deadly Spread
28:13 This Episode Is Sponsored By MANDO!
30:27 Drug Trends: Opioids to Marijuana
35:39 Impact and Roots of Addiction
41:37 Debating the War on Drugs
46:08 Law Enforcement's Role and Limits
49:38 This Episode Is Sponsored By AVA and PrizePicks!
54:00 Current Drug Markets in Florida
01:00:00 MDMA, Black Market, and Trends
01:05:46 Bath Salts, Designer Drugs, & Trends
01:08:48 Drug Use Subcultures & Policy Reflections
01:13:40 Becoming a DEA Agent: Rafa's Story
01:16:42 On-the-Job Stories & Gritty Realities
01:25:46 Street Busts and Undercover Operations
01:31:01 Taking Down VA Hospital Trafficking
01:41:18 Targeting Big Dealers & Complex Cases
01:50:39 Cartels, Corruption, and Law Enforcement
02:05:29 DEA Tactics: Surveillance & Wires
02:13:01 Smuggling Routes & Maritime Interdiction
02:19:02 After the DEA: New Careers and the Book
02:25:24 Final Thoughts: Policing & Justice System Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 17, 2025 • 3h 9min
Meet The Man Who Smuggled 100 TONS Of Cocaine For The Medellin Cartel: Career Drug Trafficker Speaks
From flying cocaine-laden planes to running massive boat shipments, Luis Navia was a logistics mastermind for the Medellín Cartel — responsible for moving over 100 tons of cocaine into the U.S. and Europe. In this gripping full-length interview, Luis pulls back the curtain on a 25-year career that spanned the height of the cocaine boom, working alongside legendary traffickers like Pablo Escobar.
- Surviving kidnappings & near-death experiences in the drug trade
- The cartel’s control over coca production in Peru
- The evolution of smuggling methods — from air to sea
- How a mole inside the organization led to his capture
- Life after prison & his book Pure Narco
Now a construction company owner in Miami, Luis reflects on his Cuban heritage, the dangers of the cartel world, and the lessons learned from a life on the run.
📖 Pure Narco — Luis Navia’s autobiography: https://a.co/d/e9bGPbg
This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:
True Classic!
Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/CONNECT! #trueclassicpod
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://betterhelp.com/connect
MOOD! Head to https://mood.com/ 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 Introduction: A Life in Drug Smuggling
01:52 Early Life and Cuban Heritage
07:41 Cuba Before and After the Revolution
10:41 FREE PATREON GIVEAWAY!
11:36 Growing Up In The Elite
16:00 Family’s Move to Miami & Childhood in Exile
23:17 This Episode Is Sponsored By True Classic!
25:30 Youthful Rebellion & Early Drug Exposure
32:00 First Steps into Drug Trafficking
45:43 Enter the Big Leagues: Medellín Connections
49:21 This Episode Is Sponsored By Betterhelp and MOOD!
52:35 How the Medellín Cartel Was Formed
01:08:44 Cartel Logistics & Drug Route Expansion
01:22:40 Building Distributions Across the U.S.
01:32:00 Smuggling Innovation: Planes, Boats, and the Keys
01:47:00 Adapting to Law Enforcement & Evolving Routes
01:55:30 Rising with the Northern Valley Cartel
02:06:00 The Era of Massive Freighters & European Expansion
02:19:59 Coke Money, Money Laundering, and New Markets
02:34:00 Arrest, Cooperation, and Prison Time
02:47:33 Lessons, Regrets, and the Future of the Drug Trade
03:02:00 Reflection, Wrapping Up & Book Recommendation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 10, 2025 • 2h 5min
How An American Pot Smuggler Became Top Lieutenant For The Sinaloa Cartel: Former Kingpin Speaks
How does a small-time American weed dealer end up working side-by-side with one of the most powerful drug cartels in the world?
In this gripping interview, we dive deep into the true story of Jon Mullins, an American who went from hustling marijuana in the U.S. to becoming a trusted lieutenant for the notorious Sinaloa Cartel.
He shares raw, first-hand accounts of drug smuggling operations, life inside the cartel, run-ins with law enforcement, and the high-stakes world of cross-border trafficking. From near-death experiences to life behind bars, nothing is held back.
Hit up Jon if you need solar in the Tucson, AZ area! https://www.facebook.com/people/JM-Solar-Energy-Efficient-Home-Solutions/61553962503275/
This Episode Is #Sponsored By DeleteMe!
Remove your personal information from the web at https://JoinDeleteMe.com/CONNECT and use
code CONNECT for 20% off
DeleteMe international Plans: https://international.joindeleteme.com
Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!
https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow
00:00 Cartel Violence & Interview Intro
01:22 Early Life in Ohio & High School Hustles
02:55 Steroid Smuggling Beginnings
03:51 How the Steroid Trade Worked
06:06 Getting Steroids Over the Border
07:31 Scaling Up: European Mafia Connections
10:45 Steroid Importing Logistics & Risk
13:33 Running a Car Lot & Hiding Profits
15:38 The Weed Game Takes Off
19:33 Drug Smuggling Logistics and Risks
25:03 Finding New Connects in Mexico
27:08 Cross-Border Operations & Logistics
32:22 Today's Sponsor
34:44 Working with the Cartels: Chapo Era
37:58 How Smuggling Operations Expanded
41:53 Checkpoint Runs & Hiding Methods
46:33 Managing Crews, Logistics & Losses
50:01 Growing Risks: Jackers & Internal Threats
54:12 Cartel Politics and Local Mafias
56:29 The Drug Business as War & Business
01:00:28 Operation Expansion & Escalation
01:05:12 The Fight Between Cartel Factions
01:12:04 Navigating Cartel Wars in Nogales
01:18:25 Surviving Mexico's Cartel Chaos
01:26:12 Retirement & Decline of the Old Market
01:33:44 Getting Busted: Arrests, Identity Switches & Court
01:37:32 Doing Time: Prison Life & Cartel Fallout
01:41:11 Rebuilding Life: Release & Legit Businesses
01:47:48 Life After Prison & Lessons Learned
01:53:32 State of Mexico & Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 3, 2025 • 2h 9min
Secrets Of The Cocaine Cowboys: Miami Drug Lord Reveals Truth About His BILLION-DOLLAR Coke Empire
Step inside the untold story of Miami’s legendary Cocaine Cowboys era with Peggy Rosello – the youngest member of the billion-dollar drug empire. From running stash houses at 14 to handling millions for Sal Magluta, Willie Falcon, and Pablo Escobar, Peggy reveals the truth behind the operations that shaped Miami’s wildest years.
In this explosive interview, you’ll hear:
-How 18-wheelers carried thousands of kilos across the U.S.
-Why Peggy was trusted with $50M+ in cash as a teenager
-The rise of the Cuban middlemen who connected Colombians with American buyers
-How stash houses were hidden in plain sight
-The fall of the empire and the betrayals that led to life sentences
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.
MOOD! Head to https://mood.com/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices