James Beasley Jr. rose from the streets of Hunter’s Point to become San Francisco’s most notorious drug kingpin, moving 1,000 kilos of cocaine a month for the Medellín Cartel at the height of the crack epidemic. In this exclusive interview, Beasley reveals how he scaled his empire, outsmarted the DEA for years, and ultimately served 27 years in federal prison—not for drugs, but for tax evasion, like Al Capone.Now a free man and a millionaire once again through real estate, Beasley reflects on the street game, surviving the feds, and what it takes to rebuild. From cartel meetings in Colombia to front businesses in the Bay, this is a raw, unfiltered story of power, loyalty, betrayal—and redemption.📖 Grab his book: Deep Rooted: San Francisco’s Most Notorious Crime Boss https://jamesbeasleyent.com/Follow James on IG: https://www.instagram.com/drooted/Help our brother Matyas overcome a difficult time and donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/qnpshd-matyas-retten-hws-cci-behandlungThis Episode Is #Sponsored By Mando! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code MITCHELL at https://mandopodcast.com/mitchell #mandopod Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this explosive episode, Johnny sits down with former Mexican Special Forces officer and cartel expert Ed Calderon to uncover the real state of the cartel wars in Mexico. From the ongoing civil war within the Sinaloa cartel between Los Chapitos and Los Mayos, to how cartel kingpin El Mayo Zambada still pulls strings from a U.S. jail cell — Ed breaks it all down like no one else can.We also dive into: - The cartel's deep infiltration into Mexican politics- U.S. pressure on Mexico through tariffs and diplomacy- The fentanyl crisis and its real players- Why drug trafficking is more corporate than ever- Corruption, violence, and the future of narco culture in MexicoBrace yourself — this is an unfiltered look at the front lines of one of the most dangerous, politically entangled conflicts in the world.🎧 Follow Ed Calderon: @manifestoradionetwork3191 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manifestoradiopodcastJoin The Patreon For Bonus Content!https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From stealing high-end luxury cars to running an international smuggling ring, Skinny Keem made millions in a criminal empire that spanned 14 years. In this exclusive interview, he reveals how his operation worked, the global network behind stolen vehicles, and the unbelievable ways he dodged law enforcement. From Philly to Africa, this is a story you won’t believe.- The shocking reality of high-end car theft- How stolen cars were smuggled overseas- Corruption at ports & bribing officials- Making millions & staying ahead of the feds- Why he walked away—and the threats that followedGo Support Keem!IG: https://www.instagram.com/skinny.keem/This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:True Classic! Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/CONNECT #trueclassicpod Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this explosive interview, Anthony "Geezy" Gonzalez, former cocaine trafficker turned successful entrepreneur takes us behind the scenes of the illegal hustle happening behind the scenes with rap group Clipse. From running the streets of Virginia Beach alongside hip-hop legends like Pusha T to managing Clipse and touring with icons like 50 Cent and Jay-Z, Anthony lived a life most only hear about in rap lyrics.But the fast life caught up with him. After a high-stakes drug operation and a federal indictment that nearly landed him a life sentence, he did 10 years in prison. Now, he's out, making six figures in the trucking industry and teaching others how to build businesses with little to no money down.Go Support Geezy!Geezy's Trucking School: https://www.nocdltrucking.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/tonyg757This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:PrizePicks! Download the app today and use code CONNECT to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CONNECT Mando! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code MITCHELL at https://mandopodcast.com/mitchell #mandopod True Classic! Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/CONNECT #trueclassicpod Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this explosive episode, investigative journalist Jorge Ventura takes us deep into the hidden world of human smuggling, cartel operations, and the growing influence of Chinese organized crime in the U.S. border crisis. Jorge exposes the shocking realities behind:- Chinese nationals paying $35,000 to cartels for illegal entry- The cartel’s secret deal with China to smuggle fentanyl precursors- The life-threatening dangers of crossing the Rio Grande- New York City’s $8M/day migrant crisis & taxpayer-funded flights- The brutal exploitation of migrants in illegal marijuana farms- The Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang’s growing presence in Mexico- Lost children, mass graves, and the failure of U.S. border policies- The shocking role of corporations relying on illegal migrant labor- Speculation on U.S. military intervention against the cartelsGo Support and Follow Jorge!News Coverage: https://www.newsnationnow.com/author/jorge-ventura/X: https://x.com/VenturaReportIG: https://www.instagram.com/jorgeventuratv/This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:RIDGE! Upgrade your wallet today! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code CONNECT at https://www.Ridge.com/CONNECT #RidgepodPOLICYGENIUS! Secure your family’s tomorrow so you have peace of mind today. Head to https://policygenius.com/mitchell to get your free life insurance quotes and see how much you could save!Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Art forgery is a multi-billion dollar industry, and in this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of deception, talent, and high-stakes crime. Meet Max Brandrett, one of the most notorious art forgers in history, who made a living creating masterful fakes of famous paintings and selling them as the real deal.From fooling galleries to evading the law, Max shares the secrets behind aging paintings, crafting perfect forgeries, and the lucrative hustle that kept him in and out of prison for years. He reveals the tricks of the trade, his encounters with criminals, and the irony of people now forging his fakes!- How did Max get started in the art forgery game?- What techniques did he use to make his fakes look authentic?- What happens when the police catch a master forger?- The surprising connection between art, crime, and high society.Go grab a copy of Max's book for his full life story! https://a.co/d/gfWDR1aJoin The Patreon For Bonus Content!https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Sinaloa Cartel has long been considered Mexico's most dominant criminal empire, but with the recent arrest of its legendary leader, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, is this truly the end? Or is the cartel simply evolving and expanding beyond borders? In this deep dive, we explore:- The real reason behind El Mayo’s arrest and whether it was staged- How U.S. and Mexican authorities have historically worked with cartels- The cartel's global expansion into Europe, Asia, and beyond- The parallels between today's drug war and past U.S. policies- Why America’s crackdown on fentanyl may actually make things worseDespite government crackdowns and military intervention, drug trafficking is far from over. The Sinaloa Cartel is adapting, decentralizing, and finding new ways to operate. Will the war on drugs ever succeed, or is this just history repeating itself?This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:MANDO! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get $5 off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code MITCHELL  at shopmando.com! #mandopodTRUE CLASSIC! Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/CONNECT! #trueclassicpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this exclusive interview, John "Red" Shea, former Irish-American gangster, shares his untold story of rising to power alongside the infamous James "Whitey" Bulger in South Boston during the 1980s. Shea opens up about his role as a key cocaine supplier, the inner workings of Bulger's criminal empire, and the ultimate betrayal by corrupt FBI agent John Connolly.Red covers his experience with the Irish Mafia including:-How Whitey Bulger ruled South Boston for three decades-The rise of Red Shea and his pivotal role in the Irish mob's drug trade-Shocking details about FBI corruption and how it protected Bulger-Why Whitey Bulger went on the run for 16 years and how he was finally captured-Inside stories of drug deals, loyalty tests, and survival in the underworld-The truth behind Whitey Bulger’s brutal prison murderRed Shea also discusses his life after prison, finding closure through his book "Rat Bastard", and the lessons learned from a life entangled in crime.Go Support Red!Book: https://a.co/d/4BpTmsGIG: https://www.instagram.com/red_shea_official/Podcast: @redsheapodcast This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: The Perfect Jean! F*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code CONNECT15 at https://theperfectjean.nyc/connect15 #theperfectjeanpod BetterHelp! Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/connect and get on your way to being your best self.Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At just 13 years old, 59 Jay was indoctrinated into the violent world of Norteño gang politics. Thank you Helix Sleep for sponsoring! Helix’s President’s Day Exclusive Partner Offer is running now for a limited time – Visit https://helixsleep.com/theconnect to get 27% off your mattress. Offers subject to change. #helixsleep For nearly two decades, his life revolved around crime, drugs, and prison. In this raw and unfiltered interview, Jay exposes the harsh realities of gang life—how it operates, the betrayals, the violence, and the corruption that keeps the cycle going.From running prison operations to surviving riots and stabbings, Jay shares the truth behind the glorified street life that so many young people are drawn to. But in the end, was it worth it? After years of violence, he found himself questioning everything.Go Support Jay!YouTube: @renegademedia0224 Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2024 has seen record-breaking cartel violence in Mexico, with brutal conflicts erupting across the country. With Donald Trump back in office, he's vowing to crush the cartels, declaring them terrorist organizations and even threatening military intervention in Mexico. But is this plan realistic?In this deep dive, we explore:🔹 The collapse of the old cartel system and rise of decentralized criminal groups🔹 How cartels have diversified beyond drugs into oil theft, human smuggling, and extortion🔹 The massive government crackdown on cartel leaders, including the arrest of El Mayo🔹 Why Mexico is modernizing and pushing cartels out to become a global manufacturing hub🔹 The impact of Trump’s immigration policies on cartel profits🔹 The fentanyl epidemic, independent drug cooks, and why stopping trafficking is almost impossibleWill Trump’s war on cartels work, or is this just another chapter in the never-ending battle? This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:BetterHelp! Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/connect and get on your way to being your best self.Rocket Money! Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to https://rocketmoney.com/connect today. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices