The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell

Ross Ulbricht, the mastermind behind Silk Road, created one of the most notorious underground marketplaces in internet history. From 2011 to 2013, Silk Road facilitated over $200 million in drug sales using Bitcoin, making Ulbricht a target for the U.S. government. But was he truly the criminal kingpin they made him out to be?In this deep dive, we explore:🔹 The rise and fall of Silk Road – the "Amazon for drugs"🔹 Ross Ulbricht’s trial, sentencing, and controversial murder-for-hire allegations🔹 How the justice system made an example out of him with a life + 40-year sentence🔹 Libertarian ideals, Bitcoin, and the war on drugs🔹 Donald Trump’s shocking pardon and its implicationsWas Ross a visionary, a criminal, or just a pawn in a bigger game? Watch the full video and decide for yourself.Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this gripping interview, legendary Harlem gangster Lou Simms shares his untold story of survival in the brutal world of the 1980s crack epidemic. From running a multi-state drug empire to facing the death penalty, surviving 27 years in maximum security prison, and witnessing the transformation of Harlem, Lou holds nothing back. Lou explains how he got the name "Homicide Lou", the violent reality of federal prison, being a personal target of the U.S. Attorney General and much more. Go Support Lou!Lounge: https://www.instagram.com/harlemamor/Book: https://neotextcorp.com/fact/once-upon-a-time-in-harlem/This Episode Of The Connect 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/CONNECTTRUE CLASSIC! Start the New Year off right with an upgraded wardrobe. Save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/connect! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What really went down on January 6th? In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Nathan DeGrave, one of the 1600+ individuals who participated in the Capitol protest and was later pardoned by Donald Trump. Nathan shares his firsthand experience, from marching to the Capitol after Trump’s speech to the moment things spiraled out of control.He reveals shocking details about how police responded, the role of outside agitators, and what happened inside the Senate chamber. He also discusses his arrest, the legal battle that followed, and what it was like serving time in prison for his involvement.Was he a patriot standing up for election integrity, or did he go too far? You decide.*This interview does not reflect the opinions of our show or channel*You Can Find Nate Here:IG: https://www.instagram.com/j6patriotnate/ & https://www.instagram.com/itsvegasnateX: https://x.com/j6patriotnate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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