The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell

Johnny Mitchell

Former drug trafficker and standup comedian Johnny Mitchell takes you inside the world of drugs, crime, prison, and the politics of the War on Drugs.

  1. Texas Gang Member On Running Multi-Million Dollar Meth Ring, Working With Zeta Cartel, Finding God

    3 HR AGO

    Texas Gang Member On Running Multi-Million Dollar Meth Ring, Working With Zeta Cartel, Finding God

    From the inside of Texas maximum-security prisons to the heights of a multi-million dollar drug empire, this is the story of Tim Griesheimer — a man who lived both sides of chaos and control. After serving time as a gang member, Tim walked out of prison with a plan… but not the one most would expect. Within months, he was deeply embedded in the underground drug economy, moving massive quantities of meth and marijuana, working alongside cartel-connected suppliers, and generating hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time. The operation was fast, calculated, and dangerously efficient. But with that level of success came constant paranoia, betrayal, and the ever-present threat of law enforcement. Raids, arrests, and close calls became part of everyday life. As the walls began closing in, Tim went on the run — continuing to operate across state lines while carrying the weight of a system determined to catch up with him. Eventually, it did. What followed wasn’t just another prison sentence — it was a turning point. Behind bars, stripped of everything, Tim found discipline, faith, and a new identity. Converting to Islam, dedicating himself to self-improvement, and learning the art of tattooing, he began rebuilding from the inside out. This episode explores the rise, fall, and transformation of a man who lived at the extreme edges of risk and survival — and ultimately chose a different path. A story about power, consequences, and redemption. Go Support Tim! IG: https://www.instagram.com/tattoos_bykriminalkustoms/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Venice AI! Go to https://venice.ai/theconnect and use code theconnect for 20% off a Pro plan. Use AI. Just don’t surrender your privacy to use it. Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/CONNECT Featured products include compounded drug products, which the FDA does not approve or verify for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Prescription required. See website for details, restrictions, and important safety information. Actual price will depend on product and subscription plan. Superpower! Head to https://superpower.com and use code CONNECT at checkout for $20 off your membership. Unlock your new health intelligence. 100+ biomarkers. Every year. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Intro & Tim's Background 01:40 Getting Out of Prison & Making Contacts 04:05 First Days Home: Adjusting & Old Friends 06:41 Jumping Into the Drug Game 09:46 Early Hustles: Meth & Pills 12:38 Climbing the Ranks, Bigger Moves 15:44 Landing a Major Plug 20:42 Protect Your Privacy Against AI With Venice AI 22:02 Dealing with Paranoia & Moving Weight 25:32 Expanding Business & Facing Threats 31:12 Life in the Fast Lane: Money & Clubs 40:41 Networking in Strip Clubs & Money Stacking 45:02 New Plugs & Stash Spots 48:08 Get Simple Online Access To Affordable Care For ED At Hims 49:23 Surviving Competition & Paranoia 01:00:00 Busting Down the Numbers: Profits & Hustle 1:03:05 Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions With Superpower 01:04:13 Going On The Run: Ohio Weed Pipeline 01:17:28 Law Enforcement Pressure & Homeland Security 01:30:00 Arrest & Jailhouse Savvy 01:40:41 Legal Nightmares & Second Prison Stint 01:56:48 Reflections, Identity & Prison Politics 02:10:10 Life Lessons, Parole & Turning it Around 02:20:00 Converting to Islam: Brotherhood & Change 02:30:00 Prison Race Lines, Finding Identity 02:37:00 Building Respect & Bridging Divides 02:44:00 Release, Parole, and New Beginnings 02:46:00 Tattooing, Redemption & Advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 57m
  2. Dominican Drug Lord Reveals Why Drug Trafficking Is THRIVING In The Dominican Republic

    4 DAYS AGO

    Dominican Drug Lord Reveals Why Drug Trafficking Is THRIVING In The Dominican Republic

    The Dominican Republic has quietly become one of the most important drug trafficking hubs in the world. In this episode, former kingpin Adam Diaz reveals how the island transformed into a critical bridge for cocaine moving from South America to the United States and Europe. Through firsthand accounts, he explains the systems behind modern smuggling—how drugs are transported, repackaged, and moved across borders using a combination of strategy, corruption, and global connections. From the streets of Washington Heights in the 1980s to the ports and coastlines of the Caribbean, this documentary explores the rise of Dominican traffickers, their relationship with Colombian suppliers, and the networks that allowed them to operate at scale. It also examines the role of weak enforcement, bribery within institutions, and the economic forces that continue to fuel the trade. Beyond the logistics, Adam reflects on the human side of the underworld—power, wealth, loyalty, and the personal consequences that come with it. This is a rare inside look at a system that operates largely out of sight, shaping the global drug trade in ways few people fully understand. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Drug Smuggling Rebounds in the Caribbean 02:21 Why the Dominican Republic is a Trafficking Bridge 04:43 Inside Adam Diaz's Drug Empire 07:32 How Money and Goods Flow Back to the DR 10:10 Why the DR Became a Smuggling Hub 13:40 Military, Police & Corruption in Trafficking 15:31 Creative Smuggling Methods: From Luggage to Mules 20:06 Puerto Rico Route 23:25 Smuggling People and Pot in the DR 25:12 No Cartels, Just Quiet Drug Networks 26:38 Reflections on a Drug Lord's Legacy & Regrets 27:43 Wrap-Up & Where to Find More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    31 min
  3. "He Was EXECUTED"- Cartel Insider Exposes Truth About Drug Lord El Mencho's ASSASSINATION, Cover-Up

    22 MAR

    "He Was EXECUTED"- Cartel Insider Exposes Truth About Drug Lord El Mencho's ASSASSINATION, Cover-Up

    Ed Calderon returns to break down the killing of El Mencho, the chaos that followed across Mexico, and why this may have been far more than a cartel raid. This video is #sponsored by Current. Get Current! Sign up at https://current.com/johnnymitchell?utm_source=inf&utm_campaign=johnnymitchell&utm_adgroup=Johnny_Mitchell_3_2026 and use MY promo code JOHNNYMITCHELL to get $50! and unlock tools like a paycheck advance, credit building, and more. Terms and conditions apply. See https://current.com/legal_disclaimers for details. We get into the rumors that Mencho surrendered, the theory that he was executed instead of arrested, and why Ed believes the highest levels of the Mexican deep state may have wanted him dead. We also talk about CJNG’s response, the cartel’s growing resemblance to an insurgency, military corruption, the World Cup security angle, and what Mencho’s death really changes for drug trafficking in Mexico. If you thought this was a clean win for the government, think again. Topics include: -Was El Mencho killed in a firefight or executed after surrendering? -Why the Mexican military may have acted on its own -The cartel roadblocks, fires, and nationwide retaliation -Corruption inside the military and federal forces -Why CJNG may be evolving into a political insurgency -Whether Mencho’s death changes anything at all -The possibility of future U.S. involvement in Mexico Go Support Ed! Join the Telegram: https://rotten.mx YouTube: @manifestoradionetwork3191 IG: https://www.instagram.com/manifestoradiopodcast/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Current! Current is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance up to $250,000 only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and/or Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. Betterhelp! Your emotional wellbeing matters. Find support and feel lighter in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/connect. PrizePicks! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CONNECT and use code CONNECT to get $50 in daily fantasy lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Rumors & Theories About Mencho's Death 02:25 Ed Calderon Joins the Conversation 05:04 Cartel Power Shifts & New Players 07:00 CJNG Response & Insurgency Tactics 10:00 The Raid: What Really Happened? 14:14 How Was Mencho Located and Taken Down? 18:46 Aftermath & The Government’s Role 20:51 This Episode Is Sponsored By Current 22:06 Military Power & Deep State in Mexico 31:00 Conspiracy vs. Reality: Did Mencho Surrender? 35:00 Cartel-Government Deals & Fallout 39:45 This Episode Is Sponsored By Betterhelp and PrizePicks 42:35 Public Reactions & National Sentiment 47:00 Violence, Missing People, and Statistics 50:20 Shifts in Alliances & Drug Routes 01:04:08 US-Mexico Relations & Future Scenarios 01:13:01 Advice for Troubled Times & Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1hr 23min
  4. Sinaloa Cartel Drug Trafficker On Moving 500 Kilos A Month, 30 Years Selling Cocaine For EL MAYO

    15 MAR

    Sinaloa Cartel Drug Trafficker On Moving 500 Kilos A Month, 30 Years Selling Cocaine For EL MAYO

    Johnny sits down with “El Diablo,” an active high-ranking member of the Sinaloa cartel, for a rare and intense conversation about the realities of the modern drug trade. El Diablo talks about how he got started at just 14 years old, how cartel loyalty works, the logistics of moving cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and into the United States, and why he believes staying low-key kept him out of prison for over 30 years. He also breaks down how distribution networks operate across the U.S., how money is moved and laundered, the role of trucking and logistics, internal cartel politics, and why major arrests and killings rarely stop the flow of drugs. Toward the end, he opens up about the personal cost of the lifestyle, the violence, betrayal, and fear that come with it, and why he says he’s finally ready to walk away. This is one of the most raw and eye-opening interviews yet on The Connect. Topics covered: -cartel life -cocaine trafficking -Sinaloa cartel, border smuggling -cartel loyalty -money laundering -trucking routes -drug distribution -organized crime -leaving the game This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Ava! Take control of your credit today. Download the Ava app, and when you join using MY promo code CONNECT20, you’ll get 20% off your first year—monthly or annual, your choice. Nic Nac! Get Nic Nacs at https://nicnac.com/johnny and use code Johnny for 20% off, or use the store locator to find Nic Nacs near you. If you use nicotine, Nic Nac is the discreet way to do it. Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/CONNECT Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Introduction: Keys to Cartel Life 01:36 Meet El Diablo: Cartel Insider 05:17 El Diablo's Early Days & Entry 13:27 The Art of Moving Up & Staying Out 16:59 This Episode Is Sponsored By Ava! 18:28 Building U.S. Networks & Customer Bases 31:59 This Episode Is Sponsored By Nic Nac! 33:07 Cartel Logistics: From Colombia to U.S. 40:19 Cartel Money Flows & Laundering 46:09 The Importance of Laying Low 47:00 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims! 48:51 Map of Cartel Influence in the U.S. 51:36 Cartel Loyalty & the Rise of Snitching 59:40 Fentanyl, Meth & Shifting Drug Markets 01:04:59 Profits, Losses & Realities of the Game 01:05:59 Retirement: Leaving the Cartel Safely 01:10:00 Reflections: Warnings & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1hr 17min
  5. Drug Lord On Running Heroin Empire In Federal Prison, Stabbing CHOMOS, Beating Life Sentence

    11 MAR

    Drug Lord On Running Heroin Empire In Federal Prison, Stabbing CHOMOS, Beating Life Sentence

    Former drug kingpin George Day was sentenced to one of the harshest punishments imaginable: life in federal prison plus 90 years. What followed was nearly two decades inside some of the toughest federal prisons in America — fighting appeals, navigating prison politics, and trying to survive a sentence that was supposed to mean he would die behind bars. In this episode, George tells the unbelievable story of his time inside the federal system after being convicted in a controversial case built largely on witness testimony rather than physical evidence. Despite multiple trials and legal battles, he was ultimately convicted and given a life sentence plus additional decades, sending him deep into the federal prison system. Behind bars, George faced the brutal reality of a life sentence — violent prison yards, powerful inmates, and the mental weight of knowing he might never see freedom again. At one point he describes himself as a “dead man walking,” preparing for the possibility that prison would be where his life ended. But George refused to give up. While incarcerated, he continued fighting his case, studying the law, filing appeals, and working through the courts for years. Against overwhelming odds, his persistence eventually paid off. After nearly two decades in prison, his case was revisited and he ultimately received clemency in 2021 under the First Step Act, allowing him to finally walk free. In this interview, George shares: • What it’s like to receive life plus 90 years in federal court • The psychological toll of serving a life sentence • The dangerous reality of federal prison yards • How inmates survive when they know they may never get out • Fighting appeals from behind bars for nearly two decades • The legal battle that eventually led to his release • The moment he learned he was finally going home This is the story of a man who went from facing life behind bars to walking out of prison nearly 20 years later. A raw, firsthand look at the federal prison system, long sentences, and the fight for freedom. If you missed Part 1 you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/3BcefonEOzs Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Opening, Recap & George's Prison Time 03:00 George Day's Drug Empire & DC Operations 08:00 Retirement, Passing on the Connect, and Betrayals 21:00 Under Surveillance: Arrests, Planted Evidence & The Indictment 37:00 Indictment Details, Federal Charges & Courtroom Battles 46:00 Being Tried Multiple Times—Hung Juries and Sentencing 56:00 Adapting to Life in Federal Prison 01:00:00 Prison Hustles: Bringing in Contraband & The Heroin Game 01:13:00 Chaos, Friends & Enemies on the Yard 01:23:00 Legal Battles: Studying Law & Fighting the Case 01:35:00 Cracking the Case: Bank Statements & Exculpatory Evidence 01:48:00 Landmark Motions, Sentence Vacated & Road to Release 02:06:00 Winning Clemency: Resentencing & Final Freedom 02:18:00 Returning to Society, Legacy & Helping Others 02:22:00 George's Lawsuit, Lessons & Shoutouts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 38m
  6. Texas Prison Gang Leader On Race Riots, Witnessing Murders, & Becoming A White BLOOD Member

    8 MAR

    Texas Prison Gang Leader On Race Riots, Witnessing Murders, & Becoming A White BLOOD Member

    Johnny sits down with Tim Griesheimer to hear one of the wildest crime stories to ever come out of Texas. What started as a teenager running burglaries quickly turned into a seven-year journey through some of the toughest prisons in the state. Along the way, Tim navigated race politics, brutal jail fights, and the chaos of prison life — eventually becoming a shot caller for the 59 Bounty Hunter Bloods despite being a white inmate. In this episode, Tim breaks down how he got caught up in burglaries as a teenager, what really happens inside Texas county jails, and the brutal moment he had to stand up for himself his first night locked up. From small-town crime to prison survival, his story shows how quickly a reckless life can spiral — and the crazy situations that come with it. This is a raw, unfiltered look at prison politics, street crime, and the reality of doing time in Texas. In this episode: -Growing up around crime and getting pulled into burglaries as a teenager -The arrest that led to seven years in the Texas prison system -Breaking into houses to steal guns in rural Texas -Getting betrayed by someone in his own circle -His first night in county jail and the brutal fight that followed -How race politics and gangs operate inside prison -Becoming affiliated with the 59 Bounty Hunter Bloods Go Support Tim! IG: https://www.instagram.com/tattoos_bykriminalkustoms/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following Cash App! Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/1ekoiacn #CashAppPod. 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. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. HelloFresh! Go to https://hellofresh.com/connect10fm to Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.  The Wellness Company! Visit https://www.twc.health/connect to get American Made Ivermectin. Order your 6-month supply today and use code CONNECT for $30 Off + FREE shipping. USA Residents only 🇺🇸 Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Wild Introduction & Story Overview03:40 Early Life and Crime in Texas07:28 Growing Up Around Crime & First Arrests16:00 Small Town Crime & The Gun Burglaries21:04 This Episode Is Sponsored By CashApp! 22:26 Getting Caught and Facing Texas Justice32:00 County Jail, Race, and Jail Politics44:00 First Time in Prison: Arrival & Culture Shock49:45 This Episode Is Sponsored By HelloFresh 51:24 Texas Prison Politics and Gangs1:15:44 This Episode Is Sponsored By The Wellness Company 01:17:23 Life in the Prison Units & Gang Recruitment01:32:00 Fighting for Respect & Moving Between Groups01:54:00 Prison Riots & Everyday Violence02:09:50 Prison Hustles: Gambling, Contraband & Hierarchy02:25:00 Violence, Initiation, and Surviving with the Bloods02:40:00 Life in Solitary, Death Row, and Prison Economics02:57:00 Culture, Sexuality, and Survival in the Joint03:08:35 Parole, Release, and Life After Prison03:18:00 Current Life: Tattooing and Redemption03:23:30 Wrapping Up & Where to Find Tim Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    3h 36m
  7. 1 MAR

    The Fall Of Canadian Cocaine King RYAN WEDDING: How The Drug Lord Was BETRAYED By The Sinaloa Cartel

    From Olympic snowboarder to one of the biggest cocaine traffickers in North American history — this is the unbelievable story of Ryan Wedding. In this episode, Johnny breaks down how a privileged Canadian athlete went from chasing gold medals to running a billion-dollar cocaine empire alongside some of the most powerful cartels in the world. You’ll hear how Wedding built a massive trafficking network stretching from Colombia to Mexico, the U.S., and Canada… how his operation moved tens of tons of cocaine every year… and how a series of murders, informants, and arrests finally brought his empire crashing down. The episode also dives into the mystery surrounding his 2026 arrest — including shocking claims about a fake Instagram account, possible cooperation with authorities, and the question everyone is asking: 👉 Did he surrender… or was he secretly captured? This is one of the wildest narco stories of the modern era — a rise fueled by ambition, psychology, and perfect timing in the global drug trade. Topics covered: -Ryan Wedding’s life before crime -His rise in Canada’s drug underworld -Connections to major cartels -Billion-dollar trafficking operations -Murders linked to his organization -The investigation that took him down -Theories about his dramatic arrest This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Cheers Health! Same night out — way better morning with Cheers. For a limited time our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order by using code CONNECT at https://CheersHealth.com #Cheers #ad Mars Men! For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at https://mengotomars.com Superpower! Head to https://superpower.com and use code CONNECT at checkout for $20 off your membership. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Ryan Wedding: The Biggest Canadian Narco 01:52 From Olympic Dreams to the Drug World 03:39 The Birth of a Drug Empire in Vancouver 05:47 This Episode Is Sponsored By Cheers Health 07:45 Rise and Fall of the Weed King 08:38 Transition Into Cocaine Smuggling 10:26 Arrest, Courtroom Drama & Prison Lessons 12:03 Support Your Testosterone With Mars Men 14:45 Model Prisoner to Drug Kingpin 16:46 Rebuilding the Network in Montreal & Cartel Connections 19:43 Take Your Health Back With Superpower 22:08 On the Run in Mexico 24:01 Wedding's Massive Cocaine Operation 26:41 Unraveling: Murders, Police Crackdowns, Digital Slips 28:58 Arrests, Betrayals & Inside Jobs 31:44 The Fall of the Wedding Organization 33:36 Final Moves & The Fake Instagram Saga 36:35 Speculation, Conspiracies & Theories 38:18 The Man Behind the Empire 40:54 What's Next for Ryan Wedding 42:44 Will Wedding Cooperate or Stand Tall? 43:02 A Story for the Ages – Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    45 min
  8. Secrets Of A Colombian Cocaine DYNASTY: From The Slums Of Medellin To Miami Drug Kingpins

    25 FEB

    Secrets Of A Colombian Cocaine DYNASTY: From The Slums Of Medellin To Miami Drug Kingpins

    Christian Carmona grew up in Medellín’s infamous Barrio Antioquia—an area known for prostitution, gambling, and later, cocaine. In this episode, Christian tells the inside story of a Colombian cocaine dynasty that quietly expanded from Medellín to Miami… and even Portland, Oregon. Raised “Americanized” in the suburbs, Christian didn’t learn the truth about his father’s criminal enterprise until federal agents came crashing down in 1991—taking both of his parents at once. From cartel-era Miami strategies (stash houses, mules, low-profile living) to family-wide trafficking ties and the chaos of the early 90s, Christian lays out how the business really worked behind the scenes. The story gets even wilder when Christian later gets pulled back into the orbit of his father’s old associates—working at a bank where traffickers allegedly used safety deposit boxes to stash cash and kilos. A setup, a sting, and years of court delays later, Christian describes spending nearly four years incarcerated while prosecutors tried to force him to cooperate. This is a raw conversation about family, loyalty, survival, and redemption—plus how Christian found faith and wrote his book Zeal while locked up. 📚 Zeal by Christian Carmona is available now (English & Spanish). https://www.zealnovel.com/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Growing up in Medellín’s Barrio Antioquia 04:08 The neighborhood’s history: red-light district → narco hub 09:29 Why Miami was the move (and how mules worked) 16:11 Living “middle class” while running a cocaine operation 20:47 Why Portland, Oregon became a new market 38:08 1991 indictment & parents arrested 51:02 Bank job, safety deposit boxes, and old ties resurfacing 58:22 The setup, DEA sting, and arrest 1:10:49 Four years jailed while prosecutors pushed cooperation 1:34:19 Faith, forgiveness, and writing Zeal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1hr 45min

About

Former drug trafficker and standup comedian Johnny Mitchell takes you inside the world of drugs, crime, prison, and the politics of the War on Drugs.

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