The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell

Johnny Mitchell
  • 4.3 (538)
  • True Crime
  • Updated Daily

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

    2d ago

    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

    1h 33m
  2. Former Mongols Leader Exposes ATF Informants, RICO & the Hells Angels War

    5d ago

    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

    1h 48m
  3. Inside The Corruption of Texas Prisons: Drugs, Riots, Gangs & Deadly Guards

    Jun 14

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

    Jun 11

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

    Jun 7

    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

    1h 3m
  6. How European Cocaine Cartels Took Over The Global Drug Trade

    Jun 3

    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

    1h 57m
  7. Inside America's Most NOTORIOUS Prison: Inmate Exposes Truth About ADX Supermax Prison

    May 31

    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 29m
  8. Career Criminal Exposes Legal Loopholes, Reveals BEATING A Federal LIFE SENTENCE

    May 27

    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

    2h 1m
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4.3
out of 5
538 Ratings

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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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