American Coyote Imperative

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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices