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. 2 days ago

    Florida’s Next Governor Declares WAR On AIPAC, Mass Surveillance & AI Data Centers

    Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback joins The Connect to explain why he believes it’s time for a political revolution at the state level—and why Florida must stand up to Washington, Wall Street, foreign influence, and the growing surveillance state. In this wide-ranging conversation, Fishback lays out his plan to eliminate Flock license-plate cameras, oppose Palantir-style mass surveillance, protect First and Fourth Amendment rights, and repeal Florida laws he believes restrict criticism of foreign governments. He also breaks down his opposition to the H-1B visa system, arguing that major corporations are replacing qualified American workers with cheaper foreign labor. Fishback explains how he would penalize companies that refuse to hire qualified Florida residents, prevent private-equity firms and foreign investors from buying up single-family homes, and stop taxpayer-subsidized AI data centers from spreading across the state. The discussion also covers Florida public schools, student accountability, crime and “teen takeovers,” restoring rights to former nonviolent offenders, gun rights, undeclared foreign wars, the National Guard, AIPAC influence, state sovereignty, and his legal battle to remain on the ballot. Can Florida become a model for a new American liberty movement—or is the political machine too powerful to defeat? Go Support James! Website: https://www.votemyflorida.org/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Introduction: The Fight for Freedom 00:42 Why I Support James Fishback 01:30 Fishback's America First Platform 02:44 A Call to Action for Floridians 03:01 The National Significance of Florida's Fight 04:41 A New Experiment in Liberty 06:50 The Easiest Problem: Banning Flock Cameras 08:20 The Fourth Amendment and Mass Surveillance 10:50 The Existential Battle for Privacy 12:10 Repealing Florida's Hate Speech Law 14:40 The Real Test of the First Amendment 15:56 Taking on the Opposition: Byron Donalds 17:00 The Education Crisis in Florida 20:00 Accountability in the Classroom 22:55 The H-1B Visa Scam 26:50 Protecting American Jobs 29:00 Resistance at the State Level 32:10 Banning Private Equity from Buying Homes 34:00 The Unfair Advantage of Private Equity 36:45 Foreign Buyers and the Housing Crisis 38:00 Capitalism vs. America 39:12 The Threat of Data Centers 42:40 The Data Center Invasion in Florida 44:30 Defending State Sovereignty 47:00 Consistency and Truth in Politics 48:00 Existential Issues vs. Cultural Differences 50:00 The Case Against Zero Crime 53:00 Addressing Teen Takeovers and Riots 57:40 The El Salvador Model: Tough on Crime 58:40 Restoring Rights for Former Felons 01:01:00 The Lawfare Battle and Victory 01:03:00 The Un-American Nature of Merging Militaries 01:04:40 The True America First Agenda 01:06:00 Byron Donalds: A Puppet of Foreign Interests 01:08:00 America Comes First 01:10:00 Christian Values and Governance 01:12:00 Teaching Kids What It Means to Be American 01:14:00 Mass Surveillance vs. Freedom 01:18:00 The Unanimous Opposition to Data Centers 01:20:00 The Momentum of the Fishback Campaign 01:22:00 Final Call to Action: Vote for James Fishback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  2. 5 days ago

    How A Teenage Drug Kingpin Built A Meth Empire at 16

    His mom was a queenpin. His dad was the muscle. By 16, he was selling meth and building his own operation in small-town Texas. In this episode, Cory Simek, a former teenage meth dealer reveals what it was like growing up inside the drug game—and how his family’s criminal lifestyle shaped the path he followed. After starting with marijuana, he quickly moved into meth, made serious money before he was old enough to sign a lease, and became the target of a six-month police investigation. He breaks down how confidential informants gained his trust, the warning signs he ignored, the raid that brought everything crashing down, and the brutal reality of racial politics and survival inside the Texas prison system. But his story did not end behind bars. After serving years in prison and losing nearly everything, he transformed his mentality, entered the car business with no experience, became a top salesman, opened his own dealership, invested in real estate, and rebuilt his life through legitimate business. This is a raw story about growing up in a criminal family, selling meth at 16, undercover informants, police raids, addiction, betrayal, Texas prison, redemption, entrepreneurship, and second chances. Go Support Cory! IG: https://www.instagram.com/corywiththekeys Dealership: https://thekeykonnect.com/ YouTube: @Corywthekeys This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, and more visit https://hims.com/connect Quo! Money is on the line. Always say hello with QUO. Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://quo.com/theconnect Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Intro: Raised by a Queenpin and an Enforcer 01:55 Cory With the Keys Joins the Show 02:19 His Parents’ Wild Origin Story 04:56 Childhood Changes After His Mom Relapses 06:59 Learning the Drug Game at 12 07:26 Smoking Weed for the First Time 08:47 Becoming a 13-Year-Old Dealer 10:08 The Lunch-Money Lesson That Changed Him 11:19 Trying to Live Up to Both Parents’ Reputations 11:52 Getting Kicked Out at 16 12:11 Moving From Weed to Meth 13:15 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 14:51 Selling Meth as a Teenager 16:27 Renting a Trap House Underage 17:14 Hustling While Still in High School 18:37 Getting Expelled Before Graduation 20:35 The Suspicious Customer Who Became an Informant 23:36 A Warning Before the Raid 24:30 Police Search the Trap House 26:13 Discovering the Informant’s Role 28:39 This Episode Is Sponsored By Quo 29:50 Another Informant Story After Prison 35:12 Swallowing an Eightball During a Police Stop 37:28 Realizing He Was Set Up 41:49 Back to the First Bust 44:08 Taking State Jail Instead of Probation 46:04 Surviving State Jail at 17 47:07 Learning Texas Prison Politics 50:32 Getting Out and Returning to the Streets 51:16 Weed Connects From the Valley 53:12 How Border Checkpoints Changed the Price 55:20 Shipping Bricks Through UPS 58:03 Moving Pounds and Making Teen Money 1:00:24 His Father’s Return to the Meth Game 1:02:35 His Dad Refuses to Snitch and Gets 25 Years 1:04:18 Falling in Love After State Jail 1:06:14 Learning He Might Become a Father 1:07:09 TDC Boot Camp and the Drug-Free Zone 1:10:15 Finding Out His Mom Died 1:11:52 Trying to Go Straight for His Son 1:13:14 The DNA Test That Broke Him 1:15:50 Heartbreak Sends Him Back to Hustling 1:16:41 SWAT Raids the Trap House 1:18:40 Running Into One of His Dad’s Snitches 1:21:27 Probation, Suspended License, and Disaster 1:22:23 Sentenced to Six Years in TDC 1:24:01 Learning He Must Serve Five Flat 1:28:10 Losing Everything in Prison 1:30:08 Rock Bottom Becomes the Turning Point 1:31:14 Deciding to Make Prison Time Serve Him 1:32:11 Fighting and Surviving Real Prison 1:35:22 Finding Better Ways to Do Time 1:36:52 Finally Making Parole 1:38:28 Getting Out and Starting Over 1:39:09 Discovering Car Sales 1:40:27 Talking His Way Into a Dealership Job 1:41:41 Becoming the Top Salesman 1:42:56 Battling Old Habits After Success 1:47:22 Opening His Own Dealership 1:48:19 Real Estate, Music, and Reinvention 1:49:56 Speaking in Prisons and Mentoring Kids 1:52:12 Johnny and Cory Discuss Their Turning Points 1:54:27 Why Accountability Keeps Him Straight 1:56:30 Finding Your Skill Set and Passion 1:57:09 Where to Find Cory With the Keys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    How A Teenage Drug Kingpin Built A Meth Empire at 16

  3. 5 Aug

    Ex-Cop Sentenced to 20 Years—Then Forced to Fight for His Life in Prison

    A former sheriff’s deputy says one split-second police shooting turned him from a respected officer into a convicted murderer—and sent him to Texas prison for 20 years. In this episode, Kent McGowen tells the full story of the night he served an arrest warrant on an armed woman, fired after she allegedly refused repeated commands to drop her weapon and later found himself charged with murder. Kent explains why he believes he was railroaded by corrupt officials, how his conviction survived multiple trials and appeals, and what happened when he went from enforcing the law to fighting for his life behind bars. He also exposes the brutal realities of the Texas prison system, including extreme heat, violence, suicide, untreated mental illness, guard misconduct and the dangers he faced as a former police officer living among inmates. Was this a justified police shooting—or a murder? Was Kent held accountable for his actions, or sacrificed to protect a corrupt system? Watch the full interview and decide for yourself. Go Support Kent! Book: https://a.co/d/08T9XO6m Make a Donation: https://www.givesendgo.com/G31TC Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Deadly Encounter: The Incident 00:24 Introducing Kent McGowen 01:11 Life as a Cop in Texas Prisons 01:50 Horrors of Texas Prison Conditions 03:19 Survival, Food, and Suicides 05:55 First and Only Prison Fight 09:00 Wild Personalities Behind Bars 17:01 Murders in Prison 21:22 Mail, Communication, and System Abuse 23:34 Corruption and Lack of Accountability 29:16 The Shooting Incident and Background 37:11 Executing the Warrant 41:53 The Shooting and Aftermath 49:35 The Indictment and Arrest 55:21 Political Games and Legal Strategy 01:01:01 Life on Bond During Legal Battles 01:09:06 Trial, Appeals, and Corrupt Lawyers 01:18:36 Second Trial and Legal Incompetence 01:26:43 Losing Trial, Sentencing, and Prison Transfer 01:31:46 Surviving as a Cop in Prison 01:47:40 Endless Parole Denials and Family Impact 01:58:19 Final Release and Post-Prison Life 02:06:56 Ongoing Legal Battles and Activism 02:09:01 Seeking Justice and Lessons Learned 02:12:08 Innocents Behind Bars and Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Ex-Cop Sentenced to 20 Years—Then Forced to Fight for His Life in Prison

  4. 2 Aug

    The Real Marlo Stanfield From "The Wire" Breaks His Silence

    The real-life Marlo Stanfield sits down for his first podcast interview. In this exclusive episode, Marlo Bates — known across Baltimore as Marlo Stanfield — opens up about the story behind one of the most feared and iconic characters from HBO’s The Wire. From growing up in West Baltimore, building a powerful street organization with his twin brother Tamir, and surviving decades in prison, Marlo shares the truth behind the legend in his own words. He talks about Baltimore in the 1970s and 1980s, the heroin trade, 24-hour shops, loyalty, violence, police pressure, murder charges, wrongful convictions, learning to read in prison, and how his life changed after serving nearly 37 years. This is a rare, unfiltered conversation with the man behind the myth — covering The Wire, David Simon, Ed Burns, Baltimore street history, prison, redemption, and Marlo’s new documentary available on Amazon Prime and OG Network. Watch until the end for Marlo’s message to the next generation and his thoughts on legacy, loyalty, and life after prison. Go Support Marlo! Documentary: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0I1PSYZXS1A0412Z0LYVAMJHTT?ref_=atv_dp_share_cu_r IG: https://www.instagram.com/themarlodocumentary This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: GLD! New customers get 40% Off with code MITCHELL at https://GLD.com Mood! Head to https://mood.com, find the functional gummy that matches exactly what you're looking for, and let Mood help you discover YOUR perfect mood. And don't forget to use promo code CONNECT when you check out to save 20% on your first order. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Marlo's Introduction & The Real Story 03:29 Early Life in Baltimore 08:38 Jumping Into the Streets 13:00 Family Ties 15:04 This Episode Is Sponsored By GLD 16:39 The Business Begins 22:27 Expanding the Operation 31:31 Keys to Success & Street Codes 39:00 The Height of the Organization 42:36 This Episode Is Sponsored By Mood 44:09 Encounters with Law Enforcement 59:41 Trials, False Witnesses & Conviction 01:09:20 Life in Prison & Transformation 01:18:13 Parole, Legacy & Reflections 01:21:03 The Marlo Documentary & Moving Forward 01:25:55 Outro & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Real Marlo Stanfield From "The Wire" Breaks His Silence

  5. 29 Jul

    How An Abuse Victim Took The Law Into His Own Hands...

    Clark Frederick’s life changed forever after years of grooming and sexual abuse by Dennis Pegg, a Boy Scout leader and sheriff’s lieutenant trusted by his family and community. Decades later, after struggling with addiction, gambling, broken relationships, PTSD, and silence, Clark encountered his abuser with another young boy. The sight triggered a devastating spiral that ended with Clark confronting and killing the man who abused him. In this episode, Clark explains how he avoided a life sentence, why other alleged victims began coming forward, what happened during his three years awaiting trial, and how he ultimately received a five-year sentence for manslaughter. He also shares how prison therapy, meditation, faith, sobriety, and speaking openly about his trauma helped him rebuild his life. Today, Clark is an advocate for survivors, the author of Scarred, and the host of the Free Like Me podcast. This conversation includes discussions of childhood sexual abuse, addiction, violence, suicide, and trauma. Viewer discretion is advised. Clark’s message is clear: revenge did not heal him. Survivors do not have to sacrifice the rest of their lives because of what was done to them. Breaking the silence, seeking support, and doing the work to heal can create a different future. Check out Clark’s book and podcast on his website: https://www.freelike-me.com/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Introduction & The Boy Scouts Scandal 01:45 Clark Frederick's Early Life 06:00 Grooming & Abuse Begins 12:10 Community Deception 19:00 Escalation to Abuse & Secret Files 25:00 Coping, Shame & Silence 33:00 Long-Term Impact & Struggles with Addiction 45:50 Decades of Trauma & Encounters with Abuser 59:00 Seeing Abuser with New Victim & Breaking Point 01:03:00 The Confrontation and Aftermath 01:17:00 Jail, Trial & Public Reaction 01:31:00 Healing, Advocacy & Changing the Law 01:39:00 Redemption, Family Loss & Life After Prison 01:44:00 Breaking the Silence & Moving Forward 01:47:00 Closing Reflections & Legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    How An Abuse Victim Took The Law Into His Own Hands...

  6. 26 Jul

    Gang Leader Exposes the Dark Truth About Texas Prisons

    Anthony Sanchez shares his raw journey from childhood trauma and Houston street life to serving more than 10 years in the Texas prison system—and ultimately rebuilding his life after release. In this powerful interview, Anthony explains how poverty, abuse, addiction, gang culture, drug dealing, violence, and the prison environment shaped his early decisions. He opens up about losing his mother to a cocaine overdose, carrying a gun as a teenager, selling drugs, facing aggravated robbery charges, and receiving a 16-year prison sentence at only 17 years old. Anthony also gives an inside look at Texas prison politics, racial segregation, Tango Blast, corrupt correctional officers, contraband, violence, and the survival mentality required behind bars. After his release in 2022, he transformed his life through barbering, entrepreneurship, public speaking, social media, and community outreach. This episode is a story about crime, prison, accountability, redemption, rehabilitation, and the possibility of changing your life after incarceration. Go Support Anthony! IG: https://www.instagram.com/illuminating777solutions/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Betterhelp! Don’t let stigma stand in the way of support. Start therapy with BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/connect Mood! Head to https://mood.com, find the functional gummy that matches exactly what you're looking for, and let Mood help you discover YOUR perfect mood. And don't forget to use promo code CONNECT when you check out to save 20% on your first order. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Introduction: The Wise Child & TDCJ Gangs 01:36 Street Life, Gangs & Human Psychology 05:59 Growing Up in Houston: Family & Trauma 10:09 Community, Gangs, and Early Violence 16:38 Petty Crimes & Getting the First Gun 20:26 Teen Hustle: Drug Dealing & Street Lessons 25:49 This Episode Is Sponsored By BetterHelp 26:51 Isolation, Family, and the Drive to Hustle 32:32 Getting Caught: Robberies and Arrest 41:40 Trial, Sentencing & Prison Reality 51:20 Prison Survival: Racial Dynamics & Tango Blast 01:01:48 Earning Respect and Violence 01:06:28 This Episode Is Sponsored By Mood 01:08:10 Structure Within the Gang 01:18:16 Prison Riots, Rules & Protecting Your Own 01:33:15 Conscience, G5 Isolation, and Self-Reflection 01:44:00 Corruption & Abuse in Texas Prisons 01:55:55 More Corruption, Inmates & Officer Crimes 02:07:32 Final Years: Violence, Survival & Coming Home 02:20:00 Reintegration, Community Work, and Success 02:27:18 Staying Free, Building a Platform, and Giving Back 02:33:34 Closing Thoughts: Change Is Possible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Gang Leader Exposes the Dark Truth About Texas Prisons

  7. 22 Jul

    Inside The U.S.-Israeli Military Merger & The A.I. Surveillance State

    Inside the growing U.S.–Israeli military partnership, AI surveillance technology, data centers, cybersecurity firms, and political lobbying are becoming increasingly connected. In this episode, investigative journalist and YouTube creator Tommy G discusses the proposed expansion of U.S.–Israel defense integration, the role of artificial intelligence and cyber warfare, Israeli settlements in the West Bank, surveillance companies such as Palantir and Flock Safety, and concerns about privacy, censorship, and government overreach. Tommy also explains why he expanded his reporting beyond crime and street documentaries to cover Gaza, Palestine, Israel, foreign influence in American politics, AIPAC campaign spending, AI-generated political propaganda, license-plate tracking, and the rapid growth of the surveillance state. Topics discussed include: • U.S.–Israel military and technology integration • AI surveillance and cyber warfare • Palantir, Flock Safety, and data privacy • Israeli cybersecurity companies and U.S. data centers • AIPAC lobbying and campaign spending • Gaza, Palestine, and West Bank settlements • Government surveillance and constitutional rights • Artificial intelligence in modern warfare • Free speech, censorship, and political influence • Whether public pressure can still change government policy This conversation contains strong opinions, allegations, and disputed claims from the participants. Viewers are encouraged to research the legislation, statistics, companies, and historical events discussed and reach their own conclusions. Go Support Tommy! YouTube: @TommyGMcGee Podcast: @thetommygshow IG: https://www.instagram.com/tommygmcgee/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Opening: Anti-Israel Sentiment & US-Israel Alliance 03:30 Concerns Over Merging US and Israeli Militaries 05:30 Spying, Surveillance Tech, and US Risks 08:00 Tommy G's Background: Hustle, Work Ethic, and YouTube 10:30 Why Talk About Politics and Current Events? 13:20 Facing Backlash and Threats for Speaking Out 15:30 Confronting Propaganda and Irreconcilable Bubbles 18:00 Defining Truth Amid the US-Israel Debate 21:30 Land Theft and Settlements in the West Bank 27:00 Historical Parallels: Land Theft and Modern Day Policies 30:00 Government Policies and Systemic Oppression 32:45 Why Americans Should Care About Palestine 35:00 Testing Surveillance State in Palestine & Its Spread 39:00 US Politics, Data Centers, & Israeli Tech Influence 43:30 Flock Cameras and Surveillance Concerns in the US 47:30 Government Overreach, Privacy, and Rights Erosion 51:00 Slippery Slope: Surveillance and Citizen Rights 54:00 Big Government, Corruption, and Propaganda 57:00 Hope, Pressure, and The Power of Social Change 59:00 Closing Remarks & Tommy G's Impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Inside The U.S.-Israeli Military Merger & The A.I. Surveillance State

  8. 19 Jul

    How One Drug Smuggler Shipped MILLIONS in Marijuana Through UPS

    Former drug trafficker Justin Campos reveals how he built a multi-million-dollar marijuana operation by shipping large quantities of weed from California to Texas through USPS, UPS, and FedEx. In this episode, Justin explains how he entered the marijuana business, found suppliers connected to California’s Emerald Triangle, operated a medical weed delivery service in Los Angeles, and moved thousands of pounds across state lines. He also breaks down how his custom jewelry business connected him with rappers and music-industry figures, including 50 Cent, Young Buck, G-Unit, Rick Ross, Ty Dolla $ign, and Tech N9ne. Justin describes accepting gold, diamonds, Rolexes, and custom jewelry as payment while trying to turn illegal drug money into legitimate income. The operation eventually attracted law-enforcement attention after suspicious bank deposits, intercepted cash shipments, surveillance, and text messages connected Justin to his Texas distributors. Authorities seized hundreds of thousands of dollars, and Justin ultimately received a seven-year prison sentence for money laundering. Go Support Justin! YouTube: @WeWatchThis TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@campothagod This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/connect Ultra Pouches! Don’t sleep on @UltraPouches New customers get 15% Off with code CONNECT at https://takeultra.com #UltraPouches #ad Cloaked! See if your SSN is for sale right now. My sponsor Cloaked will tell you for free in 2 seconds at https://cloaked.com/connect Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Intro: Mailing Pounds, Jewelry for Rappers 03:29 Black Market vs. Legal Weed Era 12:11 Starting a Dispensary in LA 19:52 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 21:34 Wholesale, Suppliers, and Hustling Connections 30:34 Mailing Weed: Tricks, Risks & Methods 40:06 This Episode Is Sponsored By Ultra Pouches 41:37 Cash, Jewelry Payments and Laundering 47:02 Building the Jewelry Business, Rap Industry Links 56:39 Custom Chains for Rappers—Ty Dolla $ign, Rick Ross, G-Unit 01:03:15 This Episode Is Sponsored By Cloaked 01:05:13 Music Industry, Payola, and Street Ties 01:15:09 Transition: Leaving Texas for LA Weed Industry 01:25:51 New Life in LA: Oregon Connections & Retail Delivery 01:34:10 Mailing Weed Refined: Security, Routes, and Bank Drops 01:44:31 Money Laundering and Mistakes That Led to Downfall 01:55:13 How the Case Broke: Banks, Surveillance, & Investigation 02:03:00 Arrest, Indictment, and the Reality of Prison Time 02:16:00 Charges, Sentencing, & Legal Battles 02:23:36 Life After Prison & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    How One Drug Smuggler Shipped MILLIONS in Marijuana Through UPS
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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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