The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell

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

Billionaire-turned-undercover-operative Paul Hutchinson spent a decade infiltrating trafficking rings from Thailand to Colombia, rescuing thousands of children and bringing pimps—and even corrupt judges—to justice. In this raw, eye-opening interview Paul pulls back the curtain on: -Why trafficking is exploding in ordinary U.S. neighborhoods -The brutal economics that turn kids into “inventory” worth $2–5 k per rape -How traffickers groom victims and manipulate broken foster systems -Paul’s record-setting rescue mission in Cartagena that saved 120+ children in one day -The surprising link between porn addiction, repressed sexuality, and pedophile demand -Psychedelic-assisted healing that helped Paul—and other operators—recover from PTSD -Real-world tips parents can use today to keep kids safe 🔗 Pre-order Paul’s new book “Sound of Freedom / Liberating Humanity” – practical safety guide + untold mission stories: https://soundofreedombook.com 🔗 Support survivor after-care & prevention training: https://childliberation.org 👀 Watch the Sound of Freedom film (based on Paul’s missions): https://angel.com/soundoffreedom Check out Johnny on the road! For tour dates visit https://www.micdropcomedy.com/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: True Classic! Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/CONNECT! #trueclassicpod 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy Bustamante, a former CIA operations officer and author of "Shadow Cell: A CIA Memoir," offers a gripping analysis of the Epstein scandal's implications for U.S. power. He discusses the DOJ's controversial declaration about co-conspirators and the historical role of sexual blackmail in espionage. Bustamante links intelligence agencies to dark tactics employed by nations like Russia and China. He also dives into America's political turmoil, economic uncertainties, and the rising trend of American migration, presenting a compelling conversation about power dynamics and national security.

In less than a decade, Tren de Aragua evolved from a Venezuelan prison gang into a transnational criminal powerhouse, spreading fear and influence from Chile to New York. In this deep-dive interview, crime expert Chris Dalby exposes how the gang's roots in the failed Venezuelan state allowed it to expand through mass migration, government corruption, and ruthless tactics. We uncover: -How a prison became a criminal empire's headquarters -The gang’s expansion strategy across Latin America and the U.S. -Their business model: extortion, human trafficking, drugs, and more -Ties to the Venezuelan government and political assassinations -Presence in American cities like New York, Nashville, and Bozeman -Use of cryptocurrency and illegal gold mining to launder millions Learn more and check out Chris' book all about Tren De Aragua: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8VV224G?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_TOKHAU1WMH9KLPVK1WJU&bestFormat=true Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices