• 59 minutes 32 seconds
    Texas Blood Gang Member Describes 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

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    7 June 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 1 hour 57 minutes
    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

    3 June 2026, 6:00 pm
  • 2 hours 28 minutes
    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

    31 May 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 2 hours 1 minute
    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

    27 May 2026, 6:00 pm
  • 3 hours 23 minutes
    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

    24 May 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 2 hours 48 minutes
    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

    17 May 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 1 hour 36 minutes
    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

    13 May 2026, 6:00 pm
  • 1 hour 26 minutes
    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

    10 May 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 1 hour 30 minutes
    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

    6 May 2026, 6:00 pm
  • 2 hours 28 minutes
    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

    3 May 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 1 hour 47 minutes
    Federal Prison Shot Caller On Life Inside Aryan Brotherhood, Surviving Knife Fights & DEADLY Riots

    In this part 2 chat, we sit down with Mark Branon who was sentenced to 60 years (a life sentence) and survived some of the most dangerous federal penitentiaries in the United States.


    He shares the full story—from alleged government misconduct in his case, to fighting endless appeals that went nowhere, to navigating brutal prison politics where violence was a daily reality.


    Inside, he lived through:


    -Extreme conditions in Maricopa County Jail

    -Relentless pressure to snitch—and the consequences of refusing

    -High-level prison yards like Victorville, where stabbings were routine

    -Years in solitary confinement (the SHU)

    -Organized riots, race wars, and prison hierarchy

    -Personal loss, including the tragic death of his son while he was locked up


    Despite everything, he eventually overturned part of his case and walked free.


    Now on the outside, he’s focused on helping others—especially those dealing with grief, trauma, and rebuilding after rock bottom.


    This is a raw, unfiltered look at survival, resilience, and what it really takes to endure decades behind bars.


    Go Support Mark!


    IG: https://www.instagram.com/dagomark_619/

    Thriving Again: https://thrivingagain.health/


    Check Out Part 1 Here: https://youtu.be/FtHlg8Q-mbU


    Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!

    https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow


    00:00 Opening: Facing a Life Sentence

    01:17 Legal Battles & Appeals

    06:08 Maricopa County Jail & State Charges

    13:02 Return to Federal Prison & Gang Politics

    19:01 Entering Victorville: Hardest Time Yet

    24:02 Prison Codes: Paperwork & S Offenders

    30:55 Riots, Violence & Prison Discipline

    39:33 Surviving Isolation & Mental Challenges

    46:04 Adaptation & Daily Life in the Hole

    51:40 Violence, Power & Prison Hierarchy

    01:00:11 Passing Time: Hustles & Survival

    01:12:05 Race Wars & Prison Rules

    01:17:17 Leadership, De-Escalation & Prison Politics

    01:21:00 Personal Loss & Finding Meaning

    01:29:31 Parole, Yards & Final Reflections

    01:39:17 Moving Forward & Helping Others

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    29 April 2026, 6:00 pm
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