The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From slinging heroin in Puerto Rico to running massive cocaine shipments through Miami, Jaime Torres lived a life straight out of a crime novel. Shot six times, throat slashed, sentenced to life in federal prison — he should’ve been dead or buried in the system. But instead, he found God behind bars, refused to snitch, and against all odds, was released by the very judge who once said he'd never go free. In this jaw-dropping and deeply inspiring interview, Jaime sits down with Johnny Mitchell to talk about: -Growing up in the South Bronx and joining gangs at 13 -Working for — and eventually supplying — his own drug-dealer father -Running 500-kilo cocaine shipments from Colombia to the U.S. -His spiritual awakening inside prison -Beating a life sentence after 10 years -Now preaching hope and redemption in prisons nationwide Go Support Jaime! Book: https://a.co/d/gFezCtj Website: https://www.jaimetorresministries.com/ Contact: (912) 294-4187 jaimetorresministries@gmail.com jtlove777@ymail.com This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: HIMS! Start your free online visit or your personalized ED treatment options today at https://www.hims.com/connect AVA! Download the Ava app today, and when you join using my promo code CONNECT, you’ll get your first month FREE! This offer is only for MY listeners. MANDO! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code MITCHELL at https://shopmando.com! #mandopod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this explosive episode with Eyone Williams — a former federal inmate, shot caller, and author — who breaks down the truth behind the infamous "DC Blacks" in the federal prison system. From growing up in Washington D.C. during the crack era to serving 17 years in some of America's most dangerous prisons, Eyone shares raw and unfiltered stories of violence, survival, and redemption. Learn how a young teen sentenced to 15-to-life became a respected leader in the prison system — and discover why the "DC Blacks" aren't what the media says they are. 🚨 Topics Covered: -The origins of the "DC Blacks" and prison car politics -Surviving Lorton, Youngstown, and the private prison chaos -The brutal truth about juvenile life sentences -Street life in 1980s D.C. during the crack epidemic -Why federal time hits different for D.C. convicts -Life after prison and Ion’s success as an urban fiction author Go Support Eyone! Website: https://www.eyonewilliams.com/ YouTube: @D.C._Blacks Check out Johnny on the road! For tour dates visit https://www.micdropcomedy.com/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Brooklyn Bedding! Go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code CONNECT at checkout to get 30% off sitewide! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this jaw-dropping interview, Sharay Hayes, aka The Punisher—a veteran male stripper and escort from Harlem—opens up about his role as a key government witness in the federal case against Sean "Diddy" Combs. For the first time, Sharay exposes how his testimony backfired on the prosecution, potentially helping Diddy beat RICO and sex trafficking charges. Inside the episode: -Sharay's firsthand experience with Diddy and Cassie (2012–2015) -Why the jury didn’t buy the government’s s*x trafficking narrative -How the $30M civil payout to Cassie undermined her credibility -Wild details from Diddy’s alleged "c*ckold" s*x parties -The truth about Diddy’s sexuality and behavior -Why Sharay believes the media and other witnesses lied for money Follow Sharay And Check Out His Book! IG: https://www.instagram.com/getpunished Book: https://a.co/d/5GN0ej8 Website: https://freezermeated.com/ Dance Website: https://hunkomania.com/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices