The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell

Johnny Mitchell
  • 4.4 (474)
  • 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. JD Delay Reveals The Truth About The Antifa ICE Protests In Portland

    2D AGO

    JD Delay Reveals The Truth About The Antifa ICE Protests In Portland

    JD Delay joins me to break down what he saw at the ICE detention facility protests in Portland—beyond the headlines. We talk crowd dynamics, police/federal response, claims of funding/organization, nearby residents caught in the middle, and how to keep nuance in a polarized media environment. -Firsthand play-by-play from the protest zone -Whether Portland is “burning” or if unrest is concentrated -Guns, snipers on rooftops, and crowd escalation tactics -Arrests, releases, and who’s actually pressing charges -Free speech vs. violence, and how to consume media critically Go Support JD! YouTube: ⁨@JdDelay5150⁩ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jd_delay Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Portland “war zone”? Why JD went to see for himself02:15 Intent: document both sides, not legacy-media takes03:26 City snapshot outside the ICE site07:30 Pepper gas + first confrontations09:12 Crowd size & who’s protesting vs. agitating13:03 DHS snipers, de-escalation, and leaving before it pops off15:33 How the experience shaped JD’s views on Antifa17:08 Police/federal response & arrest questions20:21 Attacks on independent journalists (Andy Ngo, etc.)26:32 Guns at protests? BB gun vs. real firearms29:21 Media narratives, politics, and “revenge” cycles44:16 Police presence changes the temperature46:59 Terror/ RICO debate vs. First Amendment rights54:14 “Laser tag” flyer & risks to aircraft1:11:11 Is Portland 95% fine? The broader picture1:17:17 Independent media, swatting, and safety1:22:50 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 29m

  2. 3D AGO

    A Sitdown With Pablo Escobar's #1 Cocaine Smuggler: Miami Drug Lord Reveals Medellin Cartel Secrets

    Step inside the world of Miami’s most notorious drug trafficker—Pablo Escobar’s #1 cocaine smuggler. In this exclusive sit-down, former cartel insider TJ Dominguez reveals how he built a vertically integrated empire, negotiated directly with Escobar, and moved thousands of kilos from Colombia to the streets of Miami. From high-speed boat chases under helicopter gunfire to buying off Bahamian officials, he breaks down the smuggling routes, the ruthless cartel rules, and the business mindset that made him millions. He also explains why meetings with Escobar were sometimes more honest than U.S. boardrooms, and how drug money touched politicians, businessmen, and even U.S. politics. Topics covered in this interview: -Negotiating face-to-face with Pablo Escobar -The brutal rules of the Medellin Cartel -Smuggling tactics by air and sea -Escaping a military helicopter shootout -Running legit businesses as cartel cover -How cocaine profits reached U.S. politics If you’re fascinated by the untold stories of the Medellin Cartel, Miami drug wars, and the high-risk world of international smuggling, this episode is a must-watch. Checkout the podcast all about TJ, Cocaine Air https://open.spotify.com/show/0mXtr05OjD4wk4M8JrvLPy?si=dbbda61d237b4002 Today's Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Harry's! Our listeners get the Harry’s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harry's.com/CONNECT #Harryspod Mando! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code MITCHELL at shopmando.com! #mandopod Ava! Take control of your credit right now. Download the Ava app today, and when you join using promo code CONNECT20, you’ll save 20% for your first year—monthly or annual, your choice. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    3h 2m
  3. Inside The WORST Drug-Infested Slums Of Medellin, Colombia

    OCT 6

    Inside The WORST Drug-Infested Slums Of Medellin, Colombia

    Medellín, Colombia — once the heartbeat of Pablo Escobar’s empire and the most dangerous city on Earth — has transformed in shocking ways. In this episode , Johnny dives deep into the hidden world of Medellín’s modern drug trade. 👉 From basuco “zombie” addicts roaming the hoyas, to the rise of small neighborhood gangs (pandillas) replacing cartels, Medellín tells a story of survival, profit, and transformation. Johnny explores Barrio Pablo Escobar, explains the disturbing chemicals that make up cocaine, reveals why Mexican cartels like Sinaloa now dominate global smuggling, and walks firsthand through a city's 30 year evolution. Topics covered in this episode: -Medellín’s violent past vs. its surprising present -The basuco epidemic and “walking dead” addicts -How guerrilla groups (FARC, ELN) now control cocaine labs -Sinaloa’s alliance with Colombian producers -Gangs, tourism, and why Medellín is safer than ever Medellín is no longer exporting cocaine like it once did, but the drug economy is alive and thriving — just in ways you wouldn’t expect. This Episode Is Sponsored By The Following: Cash App! Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/1ekoiacn #CashAppPod. As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account. 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. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. FRE! Get 20% off you first order at https://frepouch.com using code CONNECT at checkout! Surfshark! Go to https://surfshark.com/connectmitchell or use code CONNECTMITCHELL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Inside Medellín's Drug-Infested Neighborhoods 03:00 How the Drug Trade Shifted in Medellín 06:00 Medellín's Rise from the Cartel Era 09:45 This Episode Is Sponsored By CashApp 11:14 Pablo Escobar's Legacy and Tourist Boom 14:00 Transformation of Barrio Pablo Escobar 16:16 This Episode Is Sponsored By FRE and SurfShark 18:00 The End of Medellín Cartels and the New Drug Economy 20:55 The Shocking Chemicals In Cocaine: The Process Explained 26:00 Basuco: The Toxic Byproduct and Its Epidemic 30:00 Gang Control and Neighborhood Drug Markets 34:00 Rise of Urban Gangs and Pacified Violence 37:00 Personal Stories from Medellín's Underbelly 41:00 The New International Drug Trade 44:00 Why Medellín Remains Safe Despite the Drugs 48:00 Final Thoughts and What's Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    41 min
  4. "It's About To Get Worse"- CIA Agent Andrew Bustamante Explains Why It's Time To Leave America

    SEP 29

    "It's About To Get Worse"- CIA Agent Andrew Bustamante Explains Why It's Time To Leave America

    Former CIA officer Andrew Bustamante returns for an unfiltered deep dive into the realities of power, propaganda, and politics in America and beyond. From why Joe Rogan won’t have him on, to the CIA’s controversial role in heroin distribution during the War on Terror, this conversation pulls back the curtain on government accountability, shadow operations, and the blurred line between freedom and control. We also cover the assassination of Charlie Kirk, media manipulation, the rise of conspiracy culture, and how global players like Israel, China, and Russia influence U.S. policy. Andrew shares why he’s leaving the United States for the sake of his children’s future and breaks down how cancel culture, polarization, and fear are eroding real democratic freedoms. If you want to understand how empires fall from within, the mechanics of information warfare, and the uncomfortable truths behind America’s foreign and domestic policies, this episode is a must-watch. Go Support Andy! IG: https://www.instagram.com/everydayspy Book: https://shadowcellbook.com/ Website: https://everydayspy.com/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: BRUNT Workwear! $10 Off at BRUNT with code [INSERT CODE] at https://www.bruntworkwear.com/MITCHELL #bruntpod HIMS! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://www.hims.com/connect BetterHelp! As the largest online therapy provider in the world, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a diverse variety of expertise. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at https://www.betterhelp.com/connet Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Intro & Preview of Key Topics 01:43 CIA Guest & Joe Rogan Controversy 05:37 Inside CIA Culture & Public Perceptions 08:41 Legal Limits & CIA Operations 13:08 CIA's Involvement in Heroin Trade 21:02 America's Changing Democracy & Voter Apathy 22:49 This Episode Is Sponsored By BRUNT Workwear! 24:47 Charlie Kirk Killing & Free Speech Implications 31:12 Conspiracy Thinking & Information Warfare 38:48 Who Commits Political Violence & Social Change 43:14 Today's Sponsors! 47:02 American Freedoms & Erosion of Rights 53:54 Government Trust, Rights & Cultural Division 01:00:42 Why Leave America? Cultural & Economic Reasons 01:11:29 Debating Who Should Have the Right to Vote 01:22:45 Geopolitics: Europe, US, BRICS, & Declining Influence 01:34:03 Israel, Gaza and Shifting Middle East Power 01:45:27 Global Hegemonies: China, Russia & Economic Realignment 01:53:05 US Decline, Venezuela Parallels, and Future Risks 02:00:08 US Exodus: Why Americans Are Leaving 02:13:21 Will the US Break Up? History and Future Stability 02:17:46 Israel–Palestine, Regional Influence & Economic Futures 02:22:44 CIA Memoir 'Shadow Cell' & Insider Insights 02:27:44 Outro & Moving Abroad Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 36m
  5. Inside The Sinaloa Cartel's Fight For Survival: How Mexico's Oldest Cartel Is Making It's Last Stand

    SEP 21

    Inside The Sinaloa Cartel's Fight For Survival: How Mexico's Oldest Cartel Is Making It's Last Stand

    The Sinaloa Cartel is unraveling—its leaders captured, its factions at war, and U.S. pressure at an all-time high. Yet in Nogales, Sonora, one of Mexico’s most strategic border plazas, business continues as usual. In this episode, we travel to Nogales to uncover: -How the Chapitos betrayed El Mayo Zambada with the DEA’s help -Why Nogales is vital for drug and human smuggling routes into the U.S. -First-hand accounts from locals and former smugglers inside cartel operations -The rise of retail drug markets (“tiendas”) across Mexico -How cartels enforce their own version of “law and order” in border towns From bloody betrayals in Culiacán to quiet cartel control in Nogales, this story reveals the new face of Mexico’s underworld. Today's Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: PrizePicks! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CONNECT and use code CONNECT and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Ava! Take control of your credit right now. Download the Ava app today, and when you join using promo code CONNECT20, you’ll save 20% for your first year—monthly or annual, your choice. FRE! Get 20% off you first order at https://frepouch.com using code CONNECT at checkout! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Sinaloa Cartel in Crisis 02:03 Chaos and Violence in Culiacán 04:08 How Drug Trafficking Has Changed 05:24 Nogales: A Key Border Plaza 06:15 The Mechanics of Smuggling 08:17 This Episode Is Sponsored By PrizePicks and Ava! 11:31 Why Nogales Matters 13:01 Inside the World of a Cartel Operator 16:04 This Episode Is Sponsored By FRE 18:27 Cartel Evolution and Internal Rivalries 22:31 US Pressure and Crackdowns on Corruption 26:10 Retail Drug Markets in Mexico 30:05 Different Cartel Rules for Drugs 31:48 Cartel Justice and Crime in Nogales 33:24 Low-Key Tension on the Border 35:35 Why Locals Don't Break Away 36:19 Impunity and the Limits of Law Enforcement 37:12 What Really Matters in the Drug War 38:53 The Future of the Sinaloa Cartel 39:05 Closing Thoughts & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    42 min
  6. Confessions Of A Cali Cartel Hitman: Colombian Sicario Reveals A Liftetime Killing For The Cartel

    SEP 14

    Confessions Of A Cali Cartel Hitman: Colombian Sicario Reveals A Liftetime Killing For The Cartel

    In this explosive episode, we sit down with Alex Vargas, a former gang member and cartel sicario who lived through one of the most dangerous eras of crime. Born in Cali, Colombia but raised in Florida, he grew up in gangs, survived violent wars with rivals, and even faced a 65-year sentence in the U.S. before being repatriated back to Colombia. He opens up about: -His violent childhood and early murders committed “for fun” in Colombia -Joining street gangs in Florida and waging wars against Jamaicans, Cubans, and Latin Kings -Attempted murder of a cop and a life sentence that should have ended his story -The shocking way he was freed through Colombia’s repatriation system in the 1990s -Working with hitmen and experiencing the dark side of the Cali Cartel era -How his life spiraled through crack, basuco, and violence before eventually transforming This is one of the rawest, most unfiltered looks into the world of gangs, drugs, and the cartels — told by someone who lived it on both sides of the border. Go Support Alex! For English Lessons Anywhere In The World Contact Alex On WhatsApp: +57 317 553 2811 This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: True Classic! Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/CONNECT! #trueclassicpod Mando! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code MITCHELL at https://shopmando.com! #mandopod Mood! Head to https://mood.com to 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 Meet Alex Vargas: From Killer to English Teacher 01:36 Violent Roots: Family History in Colombia 05:05 Gang Life in Florida: Brothers in Crime 09:30 Escalating Violence and Early Addictions 13:10 Florida Gangs, Drive-Bys, and Crime Culture 15:12 This Episode Is Sponsored By True Classic! 16:55 Deportation and Sentencing: Repatriation Loophole 24:35 Florida Prison: Proving Yourself Amidst Killers 33:04 Return to Colombia: New Life, Old Enemies 37:00 Cartel Connections: Family Betrayal and Violence 40:11 This Episode Is Sponsored By Mando And Mood! 44:17 Back and Forth: US, Colombia, and Rising Up the Cartel 54:34 Becoming a Hitman for the Cali Cartel 01:00:00 Ecuadorian Prison: Survival, Addiction, and Brutality 01:13:07 Prison Riots, Forced Violence, and Hitting Bottom 01:20:10 Out of Prison: Drug Wars, Family, and New Cartels 01:24:00 Life as a Cartel Operative: Robbery, Violence, and Loyalty 01:32:00 Work for a Narco Boss: Trust, Drugs, and Betrayals 01:41:29 International Expansion: Honduras and the Maras 01:48:47 Cartel Wars: Guarantee Man in Honduras 01:57:00 Return to Colombia: Final Escape and Confrontations 02:01:00 Rock Bottom: Addiction, Homelessness and Recovery 02:08:09 Getting Sober, Redemption, and Teaching English 02:15:00 Reflections, Consequences, and Redemption Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 17m
  7. Atlanta Drug Kingpin Reveals What It's Actually Like Working For The Jalisco New Generation Cartel

    SEP 7

    Atlanta Drug Kingpin Reveals What It's Actually Like Working For The Jalisco New Generation Cartel

    This is the story of a former street hustler, Eric G, who went from growing up in Bayside, Queens during the crack era to running multi-state marijuana operations connected to Jamaicans and eventually one of the powerful and dangerous Mexican cartels in the world before being busted and being spent to prison. He opens up about: -Growing up in a Jehovah’s Witness household in Queens during the 80s -Early exposure to drug culture through family and neighborhood influences -Starting in the game at just 13 with crack vials in South Jamaica -Moving to Atlanta and building connections with Jamaicans and the music scene (including early ties to Lil Jon & Black Market Entertainment) -Becoming a wholesale supplier, moving hundreds of pounds weekly -Trips to Mexico and meeting cartel-level suppliers -Reflecting on the dangers, close calls, and lessons learned Go Support Eric! Podcast: @innoutww IG: https://www.instagram.com/_iamericg/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By DeleteMe! Remove your personal information from the web at https://JoinDeleteMe.com/CONNECT and use code CONNECT for 20% off DeleteMe international Plans: https://international.joindeleteme.com Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Preview: Addicted to the Lifestyle 00:41 Intro to Eric G's Story 01:18 Travel, Culture & Haitian Roots 03:00 Growing Up in Queens & Early Family Life 04:56 80s Queens: Crime, Projects & Influence 05:51 Crack Era: Influence & Survival 07:01 First Steps into Drug Dealing at 13 13:32 Money & Hustling as a Teen 15:31 Leaving New York, Switching to Weed 17:52 High School Hustles & Magnet Program 19:29 College Years & Debate Team 22:04 Expanding into the College Market 24:31 Atlanta Hustle, Early Connections 27:00 Music Industry, Lil Jon & Black Market Ent. 31:09 Finding the Big Connect & Scaling Up 33:54 Marijuana Distribution Operation 36:16 Family Involvement & Smuggling Methods41:06 This Episode Is Sponsored By DeleteMe! 42:39 Cartel Connections & Sourcing from Mexico 47:01 Atlanta's Weed Market & Profits 55:30 Weed from Guadalajara: Cartel Supply 01:00:06 Scaling Up: Cash, Credit & Distribution 01:09:12 Switch to California Chronic 01:15:06 Moving Premium Cali Weed 01:20:27 Shipping Methods: Trucks & Freight 01:30:27 End of the Drug Game Era 01:33:36 Indictment & The Bust in West Virginia 01:40:06 Trial, Snitches & Legal Troubles 01:47:31 Winning Freedom: Beating the Case 02:07:17 Life After Prison & New Pursuits 02:10:09 Podcasting, Advocacy & Looking Ahead 02:12:58 Closing Thoughts & Connections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 17m
  8. Cartel Sicario Exposes Life Inside The Sinaloa Cartel, Gives Update On "Los Chapitos"

    AUG 31

    Cartel Sicario Exposes Life Inside The Sinaloa Cartel, Gives Update On "Los Chapitos"

    A Sinaloa Cartel hitman (sicario) sits down for a rare and chilling interview, revealing what life is really like inside one of the world’s most powerful criminal organizations. Speaking from Nogales, Sonora, he explains how he was recruited as a young halcón (lookout), the brutal military torture he survived, and how he rose through the ranks to become a killer for Los Chapitos. He opens up about: -The rules, discipline, and punishments inside the cartel -The violence of the Sinaloa–Beltrán Leyva war in Nogales -His first missions as a cartel soldier and hitman -The split between Mayo Zambada’s faction and Los Chapitos -How cartel life affects his family and children -His thoughts on corruption, Mexico’s future, and whether he can ever escape this life This full-length episode provides a rare look inside a world few outsiders ever get to see — a place where silence means survival, and speaking out could mean death. This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: BRUNT! Get $10 Off at BRUNT with code MITCHELL at https://www.bruntworkwear.com/MITCHELL #Bruntpod HIMS! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/CONNECT AVA! Take control of your credit right now. Download the Ava app today, and when you join using my promo code CONNECT, your first month is totally FREE. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 – Torture at the hands of the military 04:30 – Early life & recruitment into the cartel 06:30 – Life as a halcón (lookout) 08:30 – Arrests & brutal torture by soldiers 12:40 – The Sinaloa–Beltrán Leyva war in Nogales 18:20 – Cartel rules, discipline & punishments 20:28 – This Episode Is Sponsored By BRUNT Workwear 22:57 – Transition from lookout to sicario 26:50 – First shootout & adrenaline of survival 28:20 – Missions, targets & plaza enforcement 31:20 – The split: Mayo vs. Los Chapitos 37:33 – This Episode Is Sponsored By HIMS and AVA 41:31 – Family life & hiding the truth from loved ones 46:20 – Guilt, morality & thoughts on killing 53:40 – Desert missions & living like an army unit 1:02:00 – Hopes for his children’s future 1:04:30 – Trapped in cartel life & dreams of leaving 1:06:30 – Mexico’s corruption & bleak outlook 1:08:10 – Closing thoughts & reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 12m
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4.4
out of 5
474 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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