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. California’s War on Toxic Weed— Inside The Cartel Marijuana Boom

    41 min ago

    California’s War on Toxic Weed— Inside The Cartel Marijuana Boom

    Former California game warden John Nores reveals the hidden war being fought deep inside America’s forests — where cartel-run marijuana farms have taken over remote public lands, poisoned wildlife, stolen water, and turned California’s mountains into dangerous territory. In this episode, John breaks down how Mexican cartel growers set up massive hidden weed farms, how they camouflage camps and irrigation systems, why game wardens became involved in marijuana raids, and what happened when his team came face-to-face with armed growers in the woods. We also discuss the environmental destruction caused by illegal grows, toxic pesticides, cartel tactics, California legalization, the black market, and why this problem is still far from over. John Nores is a former California Department of Fish and Wildlife game warden and author of Hidden War, where he documents his years tracking cartel activity in America’s wildlands. Topics include: Cartel weed farms, California forests, game wardens, illegal marijuana grows, Sinaloa cartel, toxic pesticides, water theft, wildlife destruction, armed growers, and the hidden war on public lands. Go Support John! Book: https://www.johnnores.com/hidden-war.html Website: https://www.johnnores.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. Lucy! Save 20% on your first online Lucy order at https://lucy.co/connect with promo code CONNECT! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Intro: California's Weed War 01:00 Meet John Norris: Game Warden Turned Cartel Hunter 04:00 Why Game Wardens Battle Cartels 09:00 Inside Cartel Grow Tactics 17:00 Water Theft & Ranch Infiltration 24:00 Deadly Encounters: Gunfights in the Hills 26:00 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 27:58 Cartel Structure & Operations Unveiled 41:00 Cat-and-Mouse: Grow Raids vs Apprehensions 46:16 This Episode Is Sponsored By Lucy 47:52 Cartel Incentives: Who's Growing & Why 55:00 Hidden Health Dangers: Pesticides & Poisons 01:03:00 Environmental Fallout: Wildlife & Water 01:08:00 Legalization Backfires: Black Market Thrives 01:16:00 Chinese Cartels & the Evolving Threat 01:25:00 Why the Legal Market Can't Compete 01:36:00 From Gunfights to Game Wardens: War Stories 01:43:00 Cartels, China, and the Fentanyl Pipeline 01:53:00 Northern Border, Drugs, and the Hidden War 02:03:00 Solutions: Law, Education, & Real Change 02:10:00 Impact of Legalization Laws in Other States 02:12:00 Organic Growers vs Cartels: The Forgotten Warriors 02:16:00 Wrap Up: The Fight for America's Wildlands & Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 19m
  2. Texas Death Row Worker Reveals the Execution Rituals Nobody Talks About

    3 days ago

    Texas Death Row Worker Reveals the Execution Rituals Nobody Talks About

    In Part 3 of Tim’s interview, he exposes the brutal reality of life inside the Texas prison system, including Texas death row, extreme heat with no air conditioning, alleged corruption, contraband cell phones, prison violence, and the inhumane conditions inmates face behind bars. Tim shares firsthand stories from his time in Texas prisons, including what it was like working on death row, seeing inmates receive execution dates, witnessing the emotional impact of executions, and hearing about wrongful convictions. He also breaks down how contraband gets into prison, how inmates survive scorching heat, how prison hustles work, and why he believes the Texas Department of Criminal Justice has gotten worse over time. This raw prison interview covers the hidden world of Texas prisons, death row inmates, prison politics, commissary hustles, staff corruption, segregation, gang dynamics, and the struggle to rebuild life after incarceration. If you’re interested in true crime interviews, prison stories, death row documentaries, criminal justice reform, wrongful convictions, and real-life accounts from former inmates, subscribe for more long-form conversations. Topics Covered: -Texas prison system -Texas death row -Life on death row -No air conditioning in Texas prisons -Prison heat deaths -Contraband cell phones in prison -Prison corruption -Wrongful convictions -Executions in Texas -Prison violence and survival -Segregation and prison politics -Life after prison Go Support Tim! IG: https://www.instagram.com/tattoos_bykriminalkustoms/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Life on Death Row: Getting the Job 02:00 Prison Heat & Air Conditioning Issues 05:00 Extreme Heat and Health Dangers 09:00 Corruption & Water Shortages in Texas Prisons 12:00 Prison Profits: Commissary & Phone Costs 16:00 Contraband: Smuggling Phones & Drugs 21:00 Death Row: Execution of an Innocent Man 27:00 Death Row Life & Prison Economics 32:00 The Politics & Hustles of Death Row Jobs 38:00 Passing Socks, Stamps, and Prison Currency 44:00 Handling Food, Muslim Rules, and Corruption 48:00 Violence, Stabbings, & Prison Justice 54:00 Who Ends Up on Death Row vs. Life 01:00:00 Death Row Inmates: Psychopathy or Normalcy? 01:07:00 Segregation Units & Survival Stories 01:14:00 Harassment, Retaliation, and Violence 01:17:00 How Texas Prisons Have Gotten Worse 01:22:00 Final Thoughts: Broken Prison System & Reform Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1hr 31min
  3. Fentanyl Dealer Exposes Rehab Center Fraud, Selling Drugs To Patients, & Life On Skid Row

    21 Jun

    Fentanyl Dealer Exposes Rehab Center Fraud, Selling Drugs To Patients, & Life On Skid Row

    Anthony Santana survived fentanyl addiction, homelessness, drug dealing, and nearly 100 overdoses — but what he saw inside the rehab industry shocked him almost as much as the streets. In this episode of The Connect, Anthony exposes the dark world of rehab corruption, body brokering, and treatment centers allegedly profiting from fentanyl addicts through insurance payouts. He breaks down how addicts are recruited, paid, recycled through detox programs, and sometimes pushed back into relapse so the money keeps flowing. Anthony also opens up about selling fentanyl and Xanax in California, living homeless in Los Angeles, dealing drugs in MacArthur Park, surviving overdoses, and eventually finding real recovery after years of addiction. This is a raw look at the fentanyl crisis, the California rehab scam, and the hidden business behind addiction treatment. Go Support Anthony! Rehab and Recovery: https://www.instagram.com/losangelesoutreach/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/4nthonys4nt4na/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Betterhelp! You don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/connect Cash App! Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me #CashAppPod ash 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. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Opening & Anthony's Background 03:35 Addiction, Overdose, and Hope 06:20 Growing Up, Family & Early Drug Use 11:00 Dealing, Trauma & Progression to Fentanyl 17:00 Scaling Up Drug Operations 20:33 This Episode Is Sponsored By Betterhelp 221:58 Dangers, Setups & Violence 34:27 Homelessness, Drug Dealing in LA, and the Senior Home 40:22 This Episode Is Sponsored By Cash App 41:45 Body Brokering & Rehab Industry Corruption 46:02 MacArthur Park: LA’s Open Air Drug Market 51:41 Drug Availability, Pricing & Street Hustle 53:00 Inside the Fentanyl and Xanax Supply Chains 57:00 Adapting, Staying Out of Jail, and the Online Drug Trade 01:02:56 Bay Area Drug Scene & Violence 01:09:47 Struggles with Treatment & Homelessness 01:16:00 Human Trafficking, Customers, and the Underbelly of LA 01:20:35 Getting Sober & Redemption 01:26:00 Reflections, Family & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1hr 33min
  4. Former Mongols Leader Exposes ATF Informants, RICO & the Hells Angels War

    18 Jun

    Former Mongols Leader Exposes ATF Informants, RICO & the Hells Angels War

    Former Mongols MC leader Mooch sits down to reveal the inside story of motorcycle club life, the Mongols’ war with the Hells Angels, ATF informants, RICO cases, and what really happened behind the scenes of major biker investigations. In this episode, Mooch breaks down how federal informants allegedly infiltrated motorcycle clubs, how Operation Black Rain impacted the Mongols MC, and why he believes many members were pressured through RICO charges and plea deals. He also talks about club politics, being labeled “out bad,” the fight over the Mongols patch, the rise of biker club violence, and the reality of life after leaving the patch. Mooch gives a rare firsthand look at the structure of the Mongols Motorcycle Club, the rules members live by, the conflict with the Hells Angels, and how biker culture has changed through social media, pop culture, and federal pressure. This is a deep dive into outlaw motorcycle clubs, brotherhood, betrayal, informants, law enforcement, and redemption after leaving the life. Topics include:Mongols MC, Hells Angels, ATF informants, RICO cases, Operation Black Rain, biker wars, motorcycle club politics, federal investigations, outlaw motorcycle clubs, life after the patch, and Mooch’s personal journey. Go Support Mooch! Book: https://a.co/d/0bK2pZwm Podcast: @automotoent IG: https://www.instagram.com/og__mooch Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Introduction & The Mongols' Reputation 01:10 Meet Mooch: Inside Mongols Culture 03:30 Leaving the Club & 'Out Bad' Explained 05:54 Speaking Publicly & Club Structure 08:00 International Chapters & Racial Politics 13:34 Membership Growth & Changing Biker Image 20:45 Dues, Club Size, and Prospecting 25:25 Mongols Bylaws & Internal Discipline 32:30 Drug Use, Criminality & Club Culture 39:05 Federal Prosecution: Myths, Informants, & Racketeering 48:54 Undercover Stings & Entrapment Tactics 58:18 Mooch's Arrests & Justice System Challenges 01:12:00 Life After Mongols & Positive Change 01:19:44 What Does '1%' Mean Today? 01:26:30 Leadership, Politics & Club Conflicts 01:34:00 Club Growth, Violence & The Changing Landscape 01:40:00 Law Enforcement, Propaganda & Final Thoughts 01:41:30 Mooch's Book, Podcast & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1hr 48min
  5. Inside The Corruption of Texas Prisons: Drugs, Riots, Gangs & Deadly Guards

    14 Jun

    Inside The Corruption of Texas Prisons: Drugs, Riots, Gangs & Deadly Guards

    In episode 2 of the Tim G miniseries, Tim dives into a raw and intense firsthand account of life inside one of Texas’ most violent prison units. He breaks down what it was like arriving young, white, and unprotected in a heavily segregated environment where respect had to be earned fast. He talks about the politics between prison gangs, corrupt officers, contraband hustles, riots, extortion, violence, and the daily survival mindset required to make it through. From guards being flipped for drops, to inmates running serious money operations behind the walls, this conversation exposes how chaotic and dangerous Texas prison life could really get. Tim also reflects on how older inmates taught him discipline, street wisdom, and the importance of carrying himself with respect — lessons that shaped the way he moved both inside and after prison. A brutal, unfiltered look at prison politics, survival, and the hidden economy behind the walls. Topics covered: Texas prison violence, prison gangs, Bloods and Crips, Mexican Mafia, Texas Syndicate, contraband, corrupt guards, prison riots, extortion, survival, redemption, and life after incarceration. Go Support Tim! IG: https://www.instagram.com/tattoos_bykriminalkustoms/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Intro & Life in the Most Violent Prisons 01:14 Terrell Unit: The Worst Prison in Texas 02:57 Death Row, Security Changes & Contraband 07:06 Prison Hustles & Black Market Economy 12:17 Adapting, Survival & Earning Respect 18:29 Race, Gangs & Violence Inside 21:15 This Episode Is Sponsored By Shopify 23:13 Respect, Snitching, and Survival Rules 32:38 Corrupt Guards, Prison Parties, and Lessons from Older Inmates 42:47 Riot Stories & Texas Prison Politics 44:30 This Episode Is Sponsored By Superpower 46:13 Racial Conflict and Survival Fights 54:42 Initiations, Tests & Early Survival 01:10:24 Prison Hierarchy, Hits & Corrupt Guards 01:20:00 Violence on the Inside: Stabbings & Fights 01:34:08 Race, Respect, and Code of Silence 01:46:03 Bloods, Politics, and Earning Your Place 02:00:04 Endurance, Anxiety & Becoming Hardened 02:14:43 Self-Reflection & Emotional Toll 02:16:49 Wrap-Up & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 24m
  6. El Chapo's Family Is Finished: Inside The Fall Of The Sinaloa Cartel Dynasty

    11 Jun

    El Chapo's Family Is Finished: Inside The Fall Of The Sinaloa Cartel Dynasty

    The war inside the Sinaloa Cartel may be reaching a turning point. In this episode, we break down the alleged collapse of the Chapitos faction, the fallout from El Mayo Zambada’s shocking kidnapping and arrest, and the reported U.S. indictment targeting powerful political figures in Sinaloa. As Chapo Guzmán’s sons lose allies, money, manpower, and political protection, the balance of power may be shifting toward Los Mayitos. But this story goes far beyond cartel infighting. We also explore the bigger picture: U.S. pressure on Mexican politicians, growing American intelligence activity inside Mexico, surveillance technology on the border, alleged CIA involvement, and whether this marks a new phase in the war against Mexican cartels. Is this the end of the Guzmán dynasty? Are the Chapitos negotiating their surrender? And is Mexico becoming the next major battlefield for U.S. foreign policy? Topics covered: -The Chapitos vs. Los Mayitos war -El Mayo Zambada’s kidnapping and arrest -The alleged indictment of Sinaloa politicians -Rubén Rocha Moya and cartel corruption claims -The fall of Chapo Guzmán’s sons -CJNG’s role in the conflict -U.S. intelligence activity in Mexico -CIA, cartels, surveillance, and Mexican sovereignty -What comes next for the Sinaloa Cartel If you enjoyed the video, drop a comment, hit the like button, and subscribe for more deep dives into cartels, organized crime, geopolitics, and the hidden forces shaping Latin America. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 End of the War in Sinaloa 01:01 US Crackdown on Corrupt Politicians 02:59 Power Struggles and Betrayals 04:42 Political Ties and Cartel Connections 05:51 Desperation, Alliances, and Downfall 06:16 US Pressure Across Latin America 07:51 Historic Indictments and Political Fallout 08:42 Mexico’s Dilemma: Sovereignty vs. Extradition 09:56 US Surveillance & International Involvement 11:01 CIA’s Role and Growing Tensions 12:12 Cartel Weakened and Next Moves 13:02 The End of an Era for the Guzmán Dynasty 13:46 Shift in Cartel Operations & Future Outlook 14:40 Ongoing Developments and Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    17 min
  7. Texas Prison Gang Leader On Being White In An All-Black Gang, Saying The N-Word

    7 Jun

    Texas Prison Gang Leader On Being White In An All-Black Gang, Saying The N-Word

    This is Part 1 of a five-part miniseries on Tim Griesheimer's life. Tim is by far one of the most popular guests we've had on the show, so this series dives even deeper into his life featuring new stories about gang life, prison, identity, trauma, and redemption. In this episode, Tim shares the early chapters of his life, from growing up in an abusive household to finding acceptance in the streets, gang culture, and eventually prison. Tim opens up about what it was like being white while running with mostly Black friends and Blood gang members, how racial dynamics differed between Ohio and Texas, and the controversy around using the n-word. He also describes childhood violence, early crime, carrying guns as a kid, shootouts, and how he became drawn to the outlaw lifestyle before his first prison sentence. Topics include: -Growing up in Ohio and Texas -Childhood abuse and street life -Being white around Blood gang members -Saying the n-word and facing consequences -Early gun violence and shootouts -Racial tension in Texas -First experiences with prison politics -Finding identity through crime and gang culture Go Support Tim! IG: https://www.instagram.com/tattoos_bykriminalkustoms/ 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 From a Troubled Home to the Streets 01:01 Introducing Tim Griesheimer's Story 04:47 Connecting with People and Early Social Traits 07:09 Nature vs. Nurture and Developing an Outlaw Mentality 10:27 Embracing the Streets: Stealing and Early Crimes 13:01 Fighting, Survival, and Street Cred 17:08 Shootouts and Guns at a Young Age 21:12 Gang Affiliations: Bloods, Crips, and Neighborhood Politics 25:48 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 27:38 Reflecting on Gang Life, Family Bonds, and Military Ambitions 33:13 Childhood Abuse and Family Trauma 36:50 Violence at Home and Resentment Toward Parents 41:13 Cycles of Abuse: Family History 43:14 Moving Between States & Unstable Upbringing 45:27 Culture Shock: Racial Dynamics in Texas vs. Ohio 48:00 Experiencing Prejudice from Both Black and White Communities 50:01 First Time Going to Prison – Facing Reality 54:01 Arrival at the Most Dangerous Texas Prison 56:11 Navigating Prison Politics and Racial Pressure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1hr 3min
  8. How European Cocaine Cartels Took Over The Global Drug Trade

    3 Jun

    How European Cocaine Cartels Took Over The Global Drug Trade

    Jonathan Alpeyrie is a war photographer and journalist who has spent time documenting the darkest corners of the global drug trade — from cartel territory in Mexico and the favelas of Brazil to the streets of Kensington, Skid Row, Baltimore, and the mega-prisons of El Salvador. Jonathan breaks down what he’s seen firsthand while embedding with drug gangs, addicts, undercover police units, and special forces around the world. He explains how European drug gangs are becoming more powerful, why France, Belgium, and Holland are turning into major narco hubs, and how Mexican cartels are exporting their violence and tactics into Europe. Jonathan also discusses the rise of fentanyl in America, the origins of the synthetic opioid pipeline, the brutal reality of addiction on the streets, and what he witnessed inside El Salvador’s crackdown on MS-13. From undercover drug buys in Europe to firefights in Rio’s favelas, this is a raw look at the worldwide drug crisis from someone who has seen it up close. Go Support Jonathan! Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Drug-Wars/Jonathan-Alpeyrie/9780972115247 Website: https://jonathanalpeyrie.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jonalpeyrie/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 European Drug Gangs & Cartel Tactics 02:00 War Reporter’s Background 03:55 Challenges of Access and Documentary Work 08:00 Undercover Ops with Cops & European Narcos 12:40 Weak Punishments & Overloaded European Prisons 15:50 Belgium, Holland & France: Europe's Crime Hotbeds 21:00 Ethnic Gangs and Emerging Alliances 27:00 Why Europe Is the “Crown Jewel” of the Drug Trade 35:00 Big Busts, Corruption & Mexican Cartel Influence 41:00 Fentanyl and Drug Crisis in the US 49:30 Drug Trends: Fentanyl, Meth, and Ketamine Scenes 54:00 MDMA, Ecstasy, and Party Drug Production 59:50 Inside Brazilian Favelas and Combat Zones 01:03:00 Violence, Danger & Drug Wars in Latin America 01:10:00 War Reporting: Syria, Iraq, and Hostage Experiences 01:20:00 Geopolitics, Proxy Wars & Global Destabilization 01:27:30 America’s Shifting Role & Future of Cartels 01:34:00 Personal Trauma, Resilience & Drug War Morality 01:41:00 Solutions, Nationalism, and The Limits of Idealism 01:45:00 Jonathan’s Mission & Final Thoughts 01:49:00 Book Plug & Closing Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1hr 57min
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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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