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
    • 4.5 • 1.1K 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

4.5 out of 5
1.1K Ratings

1.1K Ratings

daniela409 ,

Wow wow wow

What a great podcast. Thank you for sharing

Truepadsfan ,

Beautifully Written

Each Episode was beautifully written. The script was a time portal. You can see and feel each scene. It’s like Mr. Kidd is personally showing you around. The sound effects was an excellent complementary to Mr. Kidd’s storytelling. The themed music was amazing. Got you pumped! It made you want more. Anything with trumpets will be awesome. The host’s voice could have been a little louder. But still an outstanding job by her. You guys should collaborate again and write a book with Mr. Kidd. Now when my Mom and I go to our quarterly trips to Mexicali to visit her family, those hills and mountains will look differently thanks to American Coyote. And if you look closely you might see Mr. Kidd’s spirit waving at you.

Crc38868 ,

So great!

This is a very entertaining, well done podcast! What a great story!

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