12 episodes

Between 1987 and 2001, one American crossed over 1000 migrants from Mexico into the United States, using a variety of wild, comical and harrowing schemes to outwit authorities on both sides of the border. This is the story of a legendary man and unlikely hero, Elden Kidd, who supported his family of five as a Coyoté and gave countless others a chance at a better life.

American Coyote Imperative

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.2 • 14 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

Between 1987 and 2001, one American crossed over 1000 migrants from Mexico into the United States, using a variety of wild, comical and harrowing schemes to outwit authorities on both sides of the border. This is the story of a legendary man and unlikely hero, Elden Kidd, who supported his family of five as a Coyoté and gave countless others a chance at a better life.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    Ayúdanos | Chapter 1

    Ayúdanos | Chapter 1

    The origin story of Elden Kidd details his sun-soaked Mormon upbringing, early trauma and injustice, and a harrowing mission to Northern Ireland at the height of "The Troubles". During this time, Elden's views on society are forged and he emerges a freethinker determined to follow his own path. One night, while guiding rafting tours in Mexico, Elden discovers two young stowaways in the back of his tour van and his life is forever changed.
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    • 53 min
    Pasar | Chapter 2

    Pasar | Chapter 2

    Elden tries to balance family life with his new career path— working as a people smuggler. Evading authorities and other smugglers is hard work, and things start off rocky, but he finds his footing, recruits some help from an old friend, and sees an opportunity to make a living in the illicit trade.
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    • 42 min
    Por Una Vida Mejor | Chapter 3

    Por Una Vida Mejor | Chapter 3

    Tim finds himself in trouble with Mexican authorities and goes into hiding, forcing Elden to continue operations on his own. His creativity leads to some hilarious and harrowing crossings, and he completes his transformation into a true coyoté: capable, respected and not to be trifled with.
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    • 43 min
    Operation Gatekeeper | Chapter 4

    Operation Gatekeeper | Chapter 4

    As immigration and border enforcement move into the national spotlight, Elden discovers his old routes won't work anymore, so he has to find new, more dangerous paths to continue his people smuggling operation— eventually finding himself in an unpredictable situation that will begin the darkest chapters of his life.
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    • 40 min
    Toluca | Chapter 5

    Toluca | Chapter 5

    Elden's story takes a dark turn as he finds himself incarcerated in one of Mexico's most dangerous and corrupt maximum security prisons. There, he struggles with being separated from his family, faces danger at every turn, and realizes that survival is his only option.
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    • 35 min
    La Tumba | Chapter 6

    La Tumba | Chapter 6

    As Elden's freedom remains elusive, his situation only grows more dire. The prison's director decides to make the large, lone gringo into entertainment, forcing him to fight bi-weekly in boxing matches for the rest of the prison population. However, a local visitor soon comes to Elden's aide, allowing him a new opportunity at freedom.
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    • 37 min

Customer Reviews

4.2 out of 5
14 Ratings

14 Ratings

JessCousins ,

Hooked!

My boyfriend recommended this podcast to me! I’ve listened all weekend. SO good! What an incredible story and so we’ll told!

sjblondon ,

Terrific

An extraordinary story extremely well told

macdonne ,

So well done

Incredible podcast. Incredible story. Wow! I hope there is another season from this host telling someone else’s story. These kind of things need to be told and heard. Bravo!

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