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. Inside America's Most NOTORIOUS Prison: Inmate Exposes Truth About ADX Supermax Prison

    2 hr ago

    Inside America's Most NOTORIOUS Prison: Inmate Exposes Truth About ADX Supermax Prison

    Former federal inmate Eric King joins to expose what life is really like inside ADX Florence, America’s most notorious supermax prison. After being sentenced to 10 years for firebombing a politician’s office in 2014, King says he endured brutal treatment in federal custody, including beatings, starvation, solitary confinement, four-point restraints, and years of communication restrictions. In this episode, Eric opens up about his radicalization in Kansas City, the Ferguson protests, his federal case, surviving violent prison politics, fighting a guard in self-defense, winning at trial, and later being sent to ADX Florence in what he believes was retaliation. He also explains the psychological toll of extreme isolation, the myths surrounding ADX, how prisoners communicate inside, and what it took to rebuild his life after release. Eric is the author of A Clean Hell: Anarchy and Abolition Inside America’s Most Notorious Dungeon, a firsthand account of survival, resistance, and humanity inside the federal prison system. Topics include: -Eric King’s childhood and political awakening -Ferguson, direct action, and his federal charges -Violence, solitary confinement, and prison retaliation -Life inside ADX Florence -The psychological effects of extreme isolation -Reentry, trauma, family, and healing after prison Go Support Eric! Book: https://pmpress.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1872 IG: https://www.instagram.com/supportericking/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/connect Prescription required. See website for details and important safety information. Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra®. Viagra® is a registered trademark of Viatris Specialty LLC. Hims is not affiliated with or endorsed by Viatris. 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. Cash App Green, overdraft coverage, borrow, cash back offers and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Eric King Introduction 02:00 Eric's Early Life & Radicalization 06:00 Growing Up: Crime, Poverty, and Activism 12:00 Losing Faith & Early Legal Troubles 18:00 Protest, Ferguson, and Political Activism 21:06 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 22:41 The Crime: Ferguson Response & Arrest 29:00 Prison: First Experiences & Racial Politics 34:00 Surviving Prison Culture & Targeting 40:00 Abuse by Guards & Florence Medium Incident 45:42 This Episode Is Sponsored By Cash App 47:00 Torture, Four-Point Room & Transfer Hell 53:00 Isolation, Violence, and Solitary Life 01:00:00 Fighting Back: Resistance & Prison Protests 01:14:00 Second Trial: Self-Defense, Winning in Court 01:20:00 ADX Florence: Punishment & Reprisal Transfers 01:28:00 Arriving at ADX: Conditions and Isolation 01:37:00 ADX Daily Life & Psychological Impact 01:49:00 Punitive System, Corruption, and Quota Reality 01:56:00 Surviving Isolation: Mental Discipline & Gratitude 02:00:00 Reentry: Life After Prison & Its Challenges 02:06:00 Reflection: Regrets, Growth, and Activism Now 02:12:00 ADX Realities, Mythbusting & Book Release 02:18:00 ADX Procedures, High-Profile Inmates & Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 23m
  2. Career Criminal Exposes Legal Loopholes, Reveals BEATING A Federal LIFE SENTENCE

    4 days ago

    Career Criminal Exposes Legal Loopholes, Reveals BEATING A Federal LIFE SENTENCE

    In this episode, Carlos McAdory shares his unbelievable journey from growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota, to becoming involved in street crime, armed robberies, and eventually receiving a federal life sentence. He breaks down how a local robbery case became a federal Hobbs Act conspiracy, why his codefendants cooperated, and how refusing to cooperate led to an extreme sentence: 20 life sentences. Carlos also explains the legal loopholes, sentencing errors, and federal “three strikes” issue that ultimately helped him beat life and come home after serving 19 years, 2 months, and 4 days. This conversation covers street life in Minnesota, prison politics, federal sentencing, the trial penalty, legal appeals, studying law from prison, and the mindset it took to keep fighting when the system said he would never come home. Watch as Carlos opens up about accountability, redemption, fatherhood, the justice system, and what he’s building now through his documentary work and podcast. Go Support Carlos And Follow His New YouTube Channel @RebuildingCarlos Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Introduction: Carlos's Story 01:00 Background: Growing Up in St. Paul 03:20 Street Life, Gangs, and Early Crimes 08:40 First Prison Term & Sentencing in Minnesota 11:00 Returning to the Streets & Second Prison Sentence 17:50 Life in State Prison and Street Hustles 24:00 Transition to Federal Crimes & Armed Robberies 34:00 The Robbery Conspiracy Unfolds 40:00 Getting Caught: Arrests, Cooperation & The Feds 46:00 Going to Trial & Federal Sentencing 54:00 Life Sentence and Injustice in the System 01:04:00 Learning the Law: DIY Legal Battle 01:12:00 Breakthrough: Discovering the Illegal Sentence 01:22:00 Appeals, Denials, and Never Losing Hope 01:31:00 Change in Law & Second Chance 01:40:00 Coming Home: Life After Prison 01:47:00 Reflections, Lessons, and New Beginnings 01:52:20 Documentary, Podcast, and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2hr 1min
  3. Convicted Drug Smuggler On Surviving The DEADLIEST Prison In The Middle East

    24 May

    Convicted Drug Smuggler On Surviving The DEADLIEST Prison In The Middle East

    Actor and Hollywood stuntman Erik “All Day” Audé joins The Connect for one of the most intense stories ever told on the channel. In 2002, Erik was arrested in Pakistan after unknowingly being used as a drug mule and accused of attempting to smuggle narcotics through the airport. What followed was a nightmare: a death sentence, years inside one of Pakistan’s most dangerous maximum-security prisons, brutal conditions, riots, violence, corruption, and the constant fear that he would be the next prisoner executed. Erik breaks down how he was deceived, what life on death row was really like, how he survived the prison system, and how he eventually fought his way back to freedom after proving his innocence. He also talks about his career as a stuntman, the importance of safety on film sets, and the lessons he learned from surviving the unimaginable. This is a story about betrayal, survival, faith, justice, and what it takes to keep fighting when the entire system is against you. Go Support Erik! Book: https://www.amazon.com/Years-Pakistan-Erik-Aud%C3%A9-Story/dp/B0D1YFHP5X Movie: https://www.amazon.com/Years-Pakistan-Erik-Aud%C3%A9-Story/dp/B07FSRBWGL Aude’s Ice Cream Bar: https://www.instagram.com/audes_ice_cream_bar/ Tipsy Cow Bar and Grill: https://www.instagram.com/tipsycowshermanoaks/ Wine Bar: https://www.instagram.com/buvettela/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Betterhelp! You don’t have to be on this journey alone. Find support and have someone with you in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/connect Lucy! Find LUCY near you at https://lucy.co/stores or save 20% on your first online order at https://lucy.co/CONNECT with promo code CONNECT. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Erik Audé's Nightmare: Pakistan Death Row 01:39 Introducing Erik's Story & Book 03:11 Hollywood Stunt Work & Industry Dangers 07:53 On-Set Injuries & Stunt Safety Culture 13:32 Behind the Scenes: Drug Smuggling Logistics 16:08 Exploiting Drivers & Realities of US-Mexico Smuggling 18:29 Deception Schemes: Mules, Tragedy & Innocent Couriers 20:15 This Episode Is Sponsored By Betterhelp 21:24 How Eric Became a Dupe in the Drug Trade 29:34 Pakistan's Corrupt Justice System & Bribery in Courts 33:24 This Episode Is Sponsored By Lucy 34:56 Erik's Recruitment—A Glamorous Leather Industry Cover 46:14 Erik's First Suspicious Smuggling Trips 55:02 The Trip to Pakistan: Red Flags and Arrest 01:03:54 Jailed in Pakistan: Culture Shock and Danger 01:14:17 Abuse, Survival, and Corruption Inside Prison 01:25:27 Violence, Survival, and Learning the System 01:41:09 Erik's Survival Tactics and Prison Power Plays 01:54:28 Prison Riots, Boxing, and Navigating Pakistani Jail Hierarchy 02:15:33 Appeals, Pakistani Lawyers, and Winning Respect 02:35:07 Fighting for Freedom: Legal Maneuvering from the Inside 02:57:06 High Court, Vindication, and Leaving Pakistan 03:02:39 Return Home, Civil Suit, and Final Justice 03:11:00 Erik Today: Lessons, Life After Prison & Reflections 03:13:33 Final Thoughts & Where to Find Erik's Story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    3h 24m
  4. Baltimore Drug Kingpin Exposes Fentanyl Epidemic, Truth About "The Wire"

    17 May

    Baltimore Drug Kingpin Exposes Fentanyl Epidemic, Truth About "The Wire"

    Carl Johnson grew up in the streets of Baltimore during the same era HBO was filming The Wire — but while the world watched the show, Carl lived the reality. In this episode, Carl breaks down what The Wire got right and wrong, how Baltimore’s open-air drug markets really operate, why the city became such a major heroin and fentanyl hub, and how the collapse of the old street-code changed the game forever. He also opens up about his own past in the streets, his mentor’s connection to the real Barksdale family, the violence that shaped Baltimore’s reputation, and why fentanyl has made today’s drug trade more dangerous than ever. Now out of the game, Carl works in recovery and helps others struggling with addiction through the Baltimore Recovery Alliance. This is a raw, unfiltered look inside one of America’s most infamous cities — from someone who survived it and turned his life around. We all watched The Wire. Carl Johnson lived it. Go Support Carl! Recovery Program: https://baltimorerecoveryalliance.com/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/connect Prescription required. See website for details and important safety information. Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra®. Viagra® is a registered trademark of Viatris Specialty LLC. Hims is not affiliated with or endorsed by Viatris. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Meet Carl: From Baltimore Streets to Rehab Counselor 03:45 Intro: The Wire & Baltimore's Unique Drug Market 07:07 Fentanyl Takes Over: Shifts in Baltimore's Drug Trade 13:47 Opiates, Rehab, and Open Air Markets 24:33 How the Drug Game Runs: Corners, Crews, and the Feds 32:14 Baltimore's Changing Landscape: Projects, Gentrification 38:11 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 39:47 Abandoned Buildings and Homicide Culture 50:25 Guns, Violence, and Life on the Corners 01:03:41 Life Lessons from the Streets: The Barksdale Legacy 01:11:15 Getting Into the Game: Carl's Early Hustles 01:19:55 Crack vs. Heroin: Insider Secrets, Hustle Hierarchies & Survival 01:34:32 Prison, Probation, and the Turning Point 02:05:31 Rehab, Redemption & Breaking Cycles 02:21:55 Addiction, Policy & Baltimore Recovery Alliance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 48m
  5. Inside The Covid-19 Cocaine Boom: High-End Drug Dealer Reveals GETTING RICH During The Pandemic

    13 May

    Inside The Covid-19 Cocaine Boom: High-End Drug Dealer Reveals GETTING RICH During The Pandemic

    In this raw and unfiltered interview, Polo Cisneros breaks down how he built a multi-year career in the cocaine trade — and how the COVID-19 pandemic created the perfect storm for him to make over $1 million in record time. From supply shortages and skyrocketing prices to underground business strategies, Polo explains how the streets really work behind the scenes. He shares how he avoided prison for nearly two decades, the mindset that kept him alive, and why he ultimately walked away from the game. This isn’t a glorified story — it’s a real look at the risks, the money, and the consequences of life in the drug trade. In this episode: -How COVID changed the drug market overnight -Turning 1 kilo into massive profit -The strategy behind wholesale vs street-level dealing -Why he avoided violence and stayed under the radar -The moment he knew it was time to quit -The hidden costs of the lifestyle IG: https://www.instagram.com/get_yours_1000 Podcast: @Allways_In_Motion Website: https://allwaysinmotionproductions.com/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Meet Polo Cisneros 02:46 Building a Steady Coke Business 06:54 Learning the Game in New York & Jersey 09:29 Barbering, Connections & Learning to Press 13:37 Raw Product, Customers & Quality Control 15:19 Caribbean vs. Mexican Supply Routes 17:39 Colorado Grow & the Houston Connection 22:00 Walking Away From Bigger Cartel Ties 24:49 Growing the Business & Reinvesting in Logistics 28:18 Monthly Profit, Family Life & Staying Low-Key 31:13 Stash Spots, Driving Rules & Managing Risk 38:20 College Towns, Shore Towns & Out-of-State Customers 41:39 Molly, Club Drugs & Changing Trends 43:16 COVID Coke Shortage Changes Everything 45:01 Turning One Brick Into Ten 47:00 Making $2 Million During Lockdown 52:19 The Market Crashes & Going Legit 01:14:03 Filmmaking, Arrest, and Life After the Game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1hr 37min

  6. 10 May

    Houston Drug Trafficker Exposes The Hydrocodone Epidemic, Making Millions From The Opioid Crisis

    Houston street hustler Jugg sits down with to tell the unbelievable story of how he helped fuel the hydrocodone pill explosion across Louisiana and Texas during the early opioid epidemic. From moving thousands of pills a week out of Houston pain clinics to watching entire communities fall into addiction, Jugg gives a raw firsthand account of the rise of “lean culture,” pill trafficking, doctor shopping, Roxy 30s, and the transition into today’s fentanyl crisis. In this interview, Jugg breaks down: -How Houston pain clinics operated during the opioid boom -Making millions trafficking hydrocodone and Roxy pills -Drug culture in Houston and Louisiana in the 2000s -The rise of lean, syrup, and pill addiction -Corrupt clinics, pharmacies, and doctor shopping -Prison, street politics, and surviving the game -Why fentanyl changed everything -His life after prison running trucking businesses and podcasts This is one of the wildest untold stories from the Southern opioid epidemic — straight from someone who lived it. Go Support Jugg! IG: https://www.instagram.com/juggwdh YouTube: @wdhtv2 This Episode Is #Sponsored By 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 Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/connect Prescription required. See website for details and important safety information. Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra®. Viagra® is a registered trademark of Viatris Specialty LLC. Hims is not affiliated with or endorsed by Viatris. Hell Fresh! Go to https://hellofresh.com/connect10fm now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free breakfast for Life! One per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. That’s HelloFresh dot com slash connect10fm to Get 10 Free Meals + free breakfast for Life. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Ground Floor of the Pill Game 01:45 Introducing Jugg: Origins & Early Hustle 03:30 Family Ties & Teenage Hustling 05:27 Crack, Pills & Generational Drug Shifts 08:17 The Houston Move & Pain Clinics 11:17 The Hydrocodone Boom 14:07 The Pill Market: Operations & Economics 19:07 Scaling Up: Distribution, Profits & Players 20:45 This Episode Is Sponsored By Superpower 22:29 From Weed to Pills: Business Evolution 28:07 Doctor Shopping & Law Enforcement Crackdown 29:56 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 31:38 Switching to Roxys & New Market Challenges 35:37 Effects on Community & Pill Culture 39:34 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hello Fresh 41:05 The Pharmacy System & Regulatory Changes 45:07 Crossing Over: Racial Lines & Generational Impact 48:57 Legal Troubles & Escalating Risks 53:07 Prison Time & Lessons Learned 01:00:17 Fake Pills & Fentanyl Danger 01:04:57 Rap Life vs. Hustle Life 01:10:47 Life after the Game: Trucking & Entrepreneurship 01:14:57 Logistics, Trucking, and Felon-Friendly Careers 01:19:17 Reflections, Community & Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1hr 26min
  7. Secrets Of A Mexican Mafia Assassin: 'La Eme' Hitman Confesses To DOZENS OF MURDERS (Part 2)

    6 May

    Secrets Of A Mexican Mafia Assassin: 'La Eme' Hitman Confesses To DOZENS OF MURDERS (Part 2)

    In this PART 2 episode, Mundo returns to tell the next chapter of his unbelievable story. After years as a high-ranking Mexican Mafia member involved in multiple murders and violent operations, he describes the religious experience he had in jail that changed the course of his life. What follows is a shocking account of becoming a secret informant while still surrounded by fugitives, gang politics, drugs, and murder. Mundo explains how he began working with law enforcement, why he felt driven to help bring down the same organization he once served, and how his undercover role pulled him deeper into danger. He talks about working around figures like Joe Morgan, Alfie, and Sailor, the chaos of double lives, cartel-connected drug operations, bank robberies, contract killings, and the moment everything began closing in on him again. He also reflects on the cost of that life, his Christian faith, witness protection, and how he later became a trainer and consultant for law enforcement. The conversation closes with a deep look at the Mexican Mafia today, its structure, cartel ties, Sureño influence, and how prison gang power still shapes the streets. This is a raw, intense interview about violence, betrayal, redemption, and survival from someone who lived at the center of it. For Part 1 go to https://youtu.be/BjPka7eDvoc Go Support Mundo! Books: https://www.policeandfirepublishing.com/ YouTube: @convictsandcops Movie: https://www.amazon.com/Mundo-Vince-Romo/dp/B07MMP45GC Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Recap & Introduction to Mundo's Story 02:00 High Standing in the Mexican Mafia 04:00 Religious Experience and Departure 08:00 Facing the Organization & Seeking Redemption 13:00 Decision to Go Undercover 18:00 First Steps as an Informant 22:00 Working with Sailor & Early Undercover Operations 28:00 Navigating the Dope Game Undercover 37:00 Bank Robberies and Growing Paranoia 45:00 Contract Killings & Legal Troubles 51:00 Plea Deals and Testifying Against Joe Morgan 56:00 Witness Protection & Life After the Gang 01:03:00 Mexican Mafia Structure Today 01:10:00 Modern Cartel Connections 01:18:00 Personal Life, Faith, and Final Reflections 01:21:00 Books, Resources, and Closing Inspiration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1hr 30min
  8. Inside NYC's Craziest Weed Trap Spot: Bronx Kingpin Reveals Open-Air Drug Market

    3 May

    Inside NYC's Craziest Weed Trap Spot: Bronx Kingpin Reveals Open-Air Drug Market

    From the streets of the South Bronx to running one of the busiest weed operations in New York City — this is the story of Angel Diaz, aka Julito. In this raw and unfiltered interview, Julito breaks down how he was raised in the drug game, watching his mother move heroin and cocaine before stepping into the streets himself at just 12 years old. From selling crack and flipping weed to building a massive distribution network moving pounds daily, he shares how loyalty, hustle, and survival shaped his rise. But the game comes with a price. Julito opens up about violence, betrayal, federal indictments, and the moment everything came crashing down due to snitches and internal conflict. After years behind bars, he reflects on the truth most don’t talk about: There’s no glory in the street life. Go Support Julito! IG: https://www.instagram.com/bx_julito/ Clothing: https://www.maisonbullion.co Book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-united-states-of-america-v-julito-angel-diaz/1146480500 This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Lucy! Find LUCY near you at https://lucy.co/stores, or save 20% on your first online order at https://lucy.co/CONNECT with promo code CONNECT. Shopify! Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.com/mitchell Betterhelp! When life feels overwhelming, therapy can help. Sign up and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/connect 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. Cash App Green, overdraft coverage, borrow, cash back offers and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Intro: Meet Julito – Bronx Weed Kingpin 01:53 Puerto Rican Roots & Family in the South Bronx 03:56 Julito's Upbringing & Family's Criminal Past 10:05 Early Hustles: Family Drug Business 16:39 Growing Up Surrounded by Drugs & Violence 21:15 This Episode Is Sponsored By Lucy 22:40 Weed, Heroin, Crack: Bronx Drug Culture Breakdown 30:00 This Episode Is Sponsored By Shopify and Betterhelp 32:38 Julito's First Steps as a Young Hustler 36:19 The Weed Block Corner Sales 41:52 This Episode Is Sponsored By Cash App 43:16 From Corners To Big Business 48:45 Clientele, Profits & Outwitting the Law 55:40 Moving Up: Gaining Trust and Becoming the Boss 01:12:01 Running the Block & Dealing with Competition 01:23:50 Weed Droughts, Strains, and Evolving Drug Game 01:31:07 The Rise of Sour Diesel and High-End Weed 01:36:01 Block Politics & Rivalries in the Bronx 01:43:43 Violence, Betrayal, and the Feds Closing In 01:54:41 The Murder, the Snitch, and the Downfall 02:07:38 Feds Build Their Case & Block Goes Down 02:18:27 Prison, Reflecting on the Game & Life Lessons 02:20:19 Life After Prison & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 29m
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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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