The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell

Dive into the extraordinary story of Jorge Valdez, the original "Cocaine Cowboy" who pioneered the cocaine trade in the United States during the 1970s. From his beginnings as the Medellín Cartel's accountant to running multi-million-dollar operations, Jorge franchised the drug trade and left a mark on history.But his story doesn’t end there. After a life-changing spiritual awakening, Jorge walked away from a dangerous empire, forfeiting millions and serving a decade in federal prison. During that time, he found faith, earned a doctorate, and emerged as a motivational speaker, author, and philanthropist.Join us as Jorge shares untold truths about the Medellín Cartel, his encounters with figures like Griselda Blanco, and how he turned his life around to inspire others. From harrowing betrayals to heartfelt reflections, this is a story of redemption you won’t want to miss.Go Support Jorge!Book: https://a.co/d/ebowmZJIG: https://www.instagram.com/drjorgeluisvaldesYouTube: @JorgeValdesPhD This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:MUD\WTR! Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code Mitchell at https://mudwtr.com/Mitchell 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

Dive into the gripping story of Stephen French, also known as "The Devil," one of Liverpool's most infamous figures. From his troubled childhood to leading a stick-up crew during the 1980s cocaine boom, French built a fearsome reputation in the underworld, amassing millions and dominating Liverpool's streets.In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his journey through violence, crime, and redemption. Discover how he evaded law enforcement, transformed into a community activist, and wrestled with the complexities of his legacy.Go Support Stephen!IG: https://www.instagram.com/therealnocontextstephenfrench/This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:MANDO! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code MITCHELL at https://shopmando.com #mandopod PrizePicks! Download the app today and use code CONNECT to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the extraordinary life of David McMillan, a former professional heroin smuggler who orchestrated massive operations across the globe. In this gripping interview, David reveals how he navigated the dangerous underworld, sourced the finest heroin from Southeast Asia, and built an empire that spanned continents.But it wasn’t all glamour. Arrested in Thailand and sentenced to death in one of the world’s toughest prisons, David faced the unthinkable—execution. Against all odds, he pulled off a daring escape, becoming the only Westerner to break out of the infamous Bangkok Hilton.Now living a quiet life in England, David shares his harrowing journey, lessons learned, and how he turned his criminal past into bestselling books like Escape and Unforgiving Destiny.Go Support David!Website: https://davidmcmillan.net/Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Step into the gripping world of an elite Navy SEAL turned private military contractor. In this candid conversation, Daniel Corbett shares raw insights into his journey from a troubled youth to becoming a SEAL, intense combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the ethical dilemmas faced in modern warfare. He reflects on his time with SEAL Team 6, hostage rescues, mercenary work, and the psychological impact of high-stakes operations.Explore the untold stories of battlefield tactics, moral ambiguity, and life after the military in this fascinating deep dive.Go Support Daniel!IG: https://www.instagram.com/american_mercenary/Website: https://www.danieldavidcorbettiii.com/Book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/daniel-corbett/american-mercenary/9781546006190/?lens=center-street&fbclid=PAAaYv-73KLJC1uN2sVKAFbGN_ZlBcjEpPs-Op_JM3mpricBy4MyVIl6HYiZMThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/CONNECT and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is also brought to you by Rocket Money! Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to https://RocketMoney.com/connect Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before Nino Breeze put out a hit single with Rick Ross and signed a massive record contract, he was a kid in the slums of St Petersburg, Florida. After serving time for burglaries he met a connect from Humboldt County California and quickly built a pot empire shipping up to 100 lbs at a time through the mail back home. After his business partner was busted and became an informant, the DEA and ATF raided Nino's home and he was sent to federal prison.Go Support Nino!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5hdJowXyDT6CIEAXXToqUt?si=_7eXHDgQQtSlmmuB06-tEQIG: https://www.instagram.com/realninobreeze/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realninobreeze?lang=enYouTube: @Realninobreeze Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the harrowing yet inspiring story of Gemma Smith, a survivor of domestic abuse who took drastic action to escape her abuser. Growing up in Northern England amidst a backdrop of addiction, violence, and neglect, Gemma’s life was marked by challenges from an early age. Her story takes a dramatic turn as she confronts an abusive partner, faces the legal system, and navigates life in prison—all while fighting to keep her child by her side.Today, Gemma is a survivor and an advocate, using her voice to shine a light on the realities of domestic abuse and systemic failures that victims often endure. Tune in as she shares her journey of resilience, recovery, and hope.Go Support Gemma!IG: https://www.instagram.com/bipolarmumjourney/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful and raw account, Victor Abraham, a young African immigrant, shares his harrowing experiences of navigating systemic injustice in Staten Island, New York. He was falsely accused of a crime he didn't commit which sent him to a jail where he was subjected to solitary confinement at Rikers Island. Victor’s story sheds light on the realities of institutional racism, corruption, and the ACS-to-prison pipeline. Despite enduring fabricated charges, wrongful imprisonment, and mental health struggles, he fought back by becoming his own legal advocate.Victor discusses his journey of resilience, survival, and hope, while advocating for justice and reform. This compelling narrative is a testament to his strength and determination to not just survive but to rise against the odds.Go Support Victor!IG: https://www.instagram.com/vskeeee233/This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:Rocket Money! Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to https://RocketMoney.com/connectPrizePicks! Download the app today and use code CONNECT to get $50 instantly after you play yourfirst $5 lineup!Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Taylor Cavanaugh, a former Navy SEAL, brings us into his life which feels straight out of an action movie at times. From battling ISIS in the deserts of the Middle East to surviving grueling SEAL training and joining the legendary French Foreign Legion, Taylor shares his incredible journey of resilience, transformation, and redemption. He dives into the details of being discharged by the SEALs and what life is really like for a mercenary. Go Support Taylor!Website: https://www.taylorcavanaugh.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/tcavofficial/ YouTube: @tcavofficial This Episode Is #Sponsored By MINT MOBILE! Support the show and get your new 3-month premium wireless plan for just $15 a month at https://mintmobile.com/connect Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ali Gonzalez, a former high-level hitman for Mexico's most dangerous cartels, reveals the shocking truth about life as a sicario. From his traumatic childhood and recruitment into the Sinaloa cartel to the violent reality of territorial disputes and his ultimate journey toward redemption, Ali provides unparalleled insight into the inner workings of the world's most powerful criminal organizations.This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:MANDO! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code MITCHELL at https://shopmando.com #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

Shaun Attwood tells his incredible story of how he went from a working class childhood in England to becoming a successful stockbroker in the United States to running a multi-million dollar drug smuggling empire and eventually doing time in one of the most controversial prison systems in North America. He talks about the web of operations he set up that spanned multiple continents and the blood feud his crew had with the famed mafia underboss Sammy "The Bull" Gravano. Shaun also gives insights on the law enforcement operation that spanned years to take him down and the horrific conditions in prison he faced when he was locked up. Today Shaun has a very successful podcasting career and is an accomplished author. He also does tons of outreach work to help the youth of today not make his same mistakes and steer them away from a life of crime and drug addiction.Go Support Shaun!YouTube: @shaunattwoodOFFICIAL IG: https://www.instagram.com/shaunattwood/Website: https://www.shaunattwood.com/All Links: https://linktr.ee/shaunattwoodThis Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:MANDO! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code MITCHELL at https://shopmando.com #mandopod PrizePicks! Download the app today and use code CONNECT to get $50 instantly after you play yourfirst $5 lineup!Mint Mobile! Support the show and get your new 3-month premium wireless plan for just $15 a month at https://mintmobile.com/connect Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices