• 1 hour 42 minutes
    Could A U.S. Intervention In Mexico Become America’s Next Vietnam?

    Could a U.S. military intervention in Mexico actually happen—and what would it look like if it did?


    Ed Calderon joins the show and we break down the growing tension between the United States and Mexico, the strategic importance of northern Mexico’s manufacturing base, and why a future conflict could extend far beyond the fight against cartels and fentanyl. The conversation explores the potential consequences of military intervention, including mass migration, border shutdowns, trade disruptions, economic shortages, and the possibility of cartel groups transforming into organized guerrilla forces using drones, IEDs, precision weapons, and other modern battlefield tactics.


    We also examine why Mexico could become an extremely difficult environment for a prolonged U.S. military campaign, how deeply interconnected Mexican and American communities are, and why recent operations against historically powerful cartel figures may signal a much larger geopolitical shift.


    Go Support Ed!


    Website: https://www.edsmanifesto.com/

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    Podcast: @manifestoradionetwork3191

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


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    0:00 Could the U.S. Go to War With Mexico?

    7:46 Michoacán, Cartels & Self-Defense Groups

    14:50 U.S. Pressure on Mexico’s Politicians

    22:02 CIA Operations, the DEA & Iran-Contra

    28:36 Mayo Zambada, Sinaloa & Political Corruption

    36:12 Why a U.S.–Mexico Military Clash Could Happen

    42:22 The Economic Motive for Invading Mexico

    49:54 What Would a U.S. Intervention Actually Look Like?

    55:55 Cartel Fighters, Snipers & Guerrilla Warfare

    1:03:12 Could Mexico Turn Into a Civil War?

    1:10:07 Morena, Foreign Influence & Mexico’s Sovereignty

    1:15:30 The Huachicol Fuel-Smuggling Empire

    1:21:52 How U.S. Fuel Gets Smuggled Into Mexico

    1:28:58 Sinaloa’s Future, CJNG & Cross-Border Drug Tunnels

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    2 September 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 2 hours 18 minutes
    How The Sinaloa Cartel Moves Cocaine Across America

    At just 18 years old, Jacob Diaz went from growing up in extreme poverty and foster care to helping manage a massive cocaine trafficking operation stretching from the Texas border to Florida.


    In this episode, Jacob explains how he started as a driver and translator before eventually handling logistics, coordinating drivers, collecting money, managing stash houses, and helping oversee the U.S. side of an operation connected to the Beltrán Leyva organization.


    At its peak, the network was moving dozens of kilos a week, with Jacob describing hundreds of kilos moving through individual customers and millions of dollars changing hands.


    Jacob breaks down how the operation stayed under the radar, how cocaine moved across the country, what life was like around cartel figures in Mexico, and the mistake that eventually brought federal investigators to his door.


    After being convicted on a federal cocaine conspiracy charge and serving more than seven years in prison, Jacob completely changed direction and built a legitimate business helping people repair their credit and access funding.


    This is the story of how a teenager went from homelessness and foster care to the center of a multimillion-dollar cocaine operation—and how it all came crashing down.


    Go Support Jacob!


    Ig: https://www.instagram.com/mycreditbuilderpros/


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    0:00 Intro: From Foster Care to Cartel Logistics

    6:11 Growing Up in Extreme Poverty in Ocala

    11:50 Foster Care, Family Separation & His Mom Disappearing

    17:15 Learning to Let Go and Move Forward

    20:03 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims

    21:48 Selling to Eat While Homeless

    29:00 Selling Out of the Foster Home

    34:32 Meeting the Man Who Became His Father Figure

    41:54 Getting Involved In The Beltran-Leyva Organization

    43:21 This Episode Is Sponsored By NordVPN

    44:42 Becoming the U.S. Logistics Manager

    47:17 Collecting Cash, Translating & Learning the Business

    55:07 Border Routes, Checkpoints & Moving Product

    1:00:57 The 70-Year-Old Cartel Mule

    1:06:00 Moving 20 Kilos a Week Through Ocala

    1:12:36 The Dream of Retiring in Spain

    1:22:02 Cartel Security & Acapulco Nightlife

    1:27:05 Living on a $30K-a-Month Party Budget

    1:32:38 Why They Used One Distributor at a Time

    1:38:02 How His Boss Got Back Across the Border

    1:44:49 Flying Cash to Mexico

    1:50:44 The 2011 Federal Investigation Begins

    1:56:31 The Federal Case & Recorded Evidence

    2:01:33 Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

    2:06:51 Building a Credit Business in Prison

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    30 August 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 2 hours 51 minutes
    How San Francisco Became A Haven For The Fentanyl Trade

    Former San Francisco undercover narcotics officer Britt Elmore exposes how the Tenderloin became one of America’s most notorious open-air drug markets — and how fentanyl, street dealers, weak prosecution, addiction, homelessness, and organized trafficking reshaped the city.


    In this episode, Britt breaks down the San Francisco fentanyl crisis from the inside. After 25 years working narcotics, undercover buys, federal task force cases, wiretaps, gun deals, stolen car operations, cartel-linked investigations, and street-level drug markets, Britt explains how the fentanyl trade operates in the Bay Area and why San Francisco became a magnet for addiction, homelessness, and open-air drug dealing.


    He discusses the Tenderloin drug market, Honduran street dealers, Mexican suppliers, fentanyl economics, undercover police work, drug trafficking routes, confidential informants, cartel connections, stolen property rings, car break-ins, retail theft, rehab fraud, Proposition 47, and why many officers believe the system has stopped holding repeat offenders accountable.


    This conversation is a raw, unfiltered look at crime, addiction, policing, fentanyl, and the collapse of public order in one of America’s most iconic cities.


    Topics covered:

    -San Francisco fentanyl crisis

    -Tenderloin open-air drug market

    -SFPD undercover narcotics work

    -Fentanyl trafficking in California

    -Honduran drug dealers in San Francisco

    -Mexican cartel supply chains

    -Drug addiction and homelessness

    -Proposition 47 and criminal justice reform

    -Retail theft, bipping, and stolen property rings

    -Confidential informants and federal wiretaps

    -Undercover gun and drug buys

    -How fentanyl changed the drug trade


    Go Support Britt!


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-elmore-5641a53a


    This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:


    Mood! Head to https://mood.com, browse their amazing selection of functional gummies, and find the perfect gummy for whatever you're dealing with. Use promo code CONNECT at checkout to save 20% on your first order.


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    https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow


    00:00 San Francisco’s fentanyl crisis

    01:33 Arrests, treatment, and the debate over addiction policy

    03:04 Drugs inside jails, rehabs, and nonprofit systems

    07:16 San Francisco’s tech wealth and drug culture

    11:16 Honduran dealers and the Tenderloin street market

    13:57 How Tenderloin dealers make money and avoid arrest

    15:18 Heroin, fentanyl, and changing opioid markets

    17:28 The economics of fentanyl

    20:16 Britt Elmore’s undercover narcotics career

    24:34 How Honduran dealers arrive, live, and operate in the Bay Area

    28:35 Working wires from street dealers to Mexico

    30:01 This Episode Is Sponsored By Mood

    31:37 Meth, heroin, Sinaloa links, and border corruption

    41:24 The undercover warehouse fencing operation

    49:20 Reactive policing, low-level crime, and Proposition 47

    55:01 “Bipping,” retail theft, and stolen goods networks

    1:02:13 Drug transport routes through California, Oregon, and Washington

    1:04:18 How federal wiretaps work

    1:10:45 Major seizures and hidden stash houses

    1:12:18 Prescription pills, addiction, and fentanyl recovery

    1:23:03 Narcan, overdoses, and fentanyl contamination myths

    1:29:39 Mexican trafficking groups, meth, and Hell’s Angels case

    1:32:12 Informants, federal pressure, and who flips

    1:51:42 Guns, switches, Dracos, and ATF cases

    2:00:51 Cannabis eradication and drug money in the mail

    2:18:28 Life undercover, adrenaline, and retirement

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    26 August 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 46 minutes
    How a Mormon Kid From Texas Became a Mexican Cartel Sicario

    From a strict Mormon upbringing in Texas to the violent world of cartel-connected crime, Tyler’s story is one of the wildest we’ve heard.


    In this episode, Tyler explains how he went from being a high school kid making money transporting drugs to working around human-smuggling networks along the Texas–Mexico border. He describes witnessing extreme cartel violence at a young age, moving migrants through border towns, becoming involved in violent contract work in Mexico, and later building a large drug business back home.


    Tyler also opens up about the side of that lifestyle people rarely talk about—the paranoia, emotional numbness, PTSD, memory problems, prison, and the difficulty of returning to a normal life after years surrounded by violence.


    We discuss:


    • Growing up in a strict Mormon household

    • Getting recruited into drug transportation as a teenager

    • Witnessing cartel violence for the first time

    • How human-smuggling networks operate along the border

    • Coyotes, safe houses, spotters, burner phones, and cartel organization

    • His descent into increasingly violent criminal work

    • Building a drug business through Snapchat

    • His 2019 arrest and prison sentence

    • The lasting psychological effects of the lifestyle

    • Therapy, family, faith, and trying to rebuild his life


    This conversation contains descriptions of violence, drug trafficking, and other criminal activity. It is presented for documentary, educational, and entertainment purposes and is not intended to promote or encourage illegal behavior.


    This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:


    BetterHelp! See the reviews, see what stands out, and see if BetterHelp is right for you. Visit https://betterhelp.com/connect


    Mood! Head to https://mood.com, browse their amazing selection of functional gummies, and find the perfect gummy for whatever you're dealing with. Use promo code CONNECT at checkout to save 20% on your first order.


    Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!

    https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow


    00:00 Intro: Mormon Kid to Cartel Hitman

    01:27 Growing Up in a Strict Mormon Household

    03:13 Rebelling Against Church Rules

    04:16 First Adventure: Driving Heroin

    06:40 Close Call: Witnessing a Chainsaw Murder

    09:07 The Psychological Aftermath

    12:32 Understanding the Cartel's Organization

    15:10 Mental Health Struggles and Trauma

    20:35 This Episode Is Sponsored By BetterHelp

    21:55 Getting Back into Smuggling

    23:23 Human Smuggling Operations and Safe Houses

    27:18 Evolution into a Hitman

    29:04 Cartel's Control and Police Corruption

    31:52 The Job: Contract, Payment, and Preparation

    36:27 The First Hit and Moral Numbing

    40:33 This Episode Is Sponsored By Mood

    42:33 Avoiding Addiction and the Double Life

    45:08 The Worst Thing Seen: Four Days of Torture

    52:00 The Drug Business and Burner Phones

    01:10:11 Getting Busted and Going to Prison

    01:17:00 Building the Snapchat Drug Empire

    01:22:26 Why Keep Doing Hits?

    01:24:07 The Last Job and Quitting

    01:27:01 Arrest and Prison Sentence

    01:30:09 Life After Prison and Redemption

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    23 August 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 1 hour 21 minutes
    The Sinaloa Cartel Is Losing Control Of It's Own Territory

    Katarina Szulc returns to The Connect after reporting on the ground in Sinaloa, where the cartel war has pushed Culiacán deeper into violence and uncertainty.


    In this episode, she breaks down what she witnessed firsthand, why the Chapitos are under enormous pressure, and how CJNG could emerge as one of the biggest winners if the Chapitos eventually collapse or surrender. With CJNG already providing manpower and resources to its Sinaloa allies, could the organization ultimately move in and absorb their territory?


    We also get into the escalating war inside the Sinaloa Cartel, the future of the remaining Chapitos, alleged cartel ties to Mexican politicians, the growing influence of CJNG, what daily life now looks like in Culiacán, forced recruitment, and Katarina's disturbing investigation into human trafficking in Tijuana.


    This is an inside look at one of the most important power struggles happening in Mexico's criminal underworld—and what could come next.


    Go Support Katarina!


    YouTube: @katarinaszulc

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


    Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!

    https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow


    00:00 The Cartel's Control Over Sinaloa

    02:40 Senseless Murders and Public Fear

    03:30 Governor Rocha's Indictment

    08:30 Challenges of Reporting in Sinaloa

    13:30 Inside the Daily Murders

    20:00 The War for Cartel Control

    23:30 CJNG Alliance and Mencho's Death

    28:00 Cartel Convoys and Rural Danger

    32:00 Humanizing Cartel Members

    34:00 Victims and the New Generation

    36:00 Cartel Economics and Recruitment

    39:00 Chapitos' Surrender Talks

    44:00 Political Leverage and US Influence

    50:00 Mazatlan's Strategic Value

    58:00 Human Trafficking Crisis

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    19 August 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 34 minutes
    Baltimore Drug Kingpin Reveals Making Millions Selling Heroin For The Mafia

    Steven Dixon, a former Baltimore heroin kingpin, reveals how the city’s drug trade really worked during its most notorious era—from New York suppliers and mob connections to high-purity heroin, street corners generating staggering amounts of cash, and the operation that made him millions.


    He breaks down how heroin moved from New York to Baltimore, how dealers controlled territory across West Baltimore, why trusted connections mattered, and how the drug economy seen in The Wire compared to what was actually happening on the streets.


    But the money and power came with a devastating price. After building a massive operation and owning more than 100 properties, Steven eventually became addicted to heroin himself—losing the empire, the money, and nearly everything else.


    After years of addiction, he finally got clean, returned to school, earned a master’s degree, and dedicated his life to helping others recover through addiction treatment and behavioral health programs.


    This is the inside story of Baltimore’s heroin era—from millions in drug money to addiction, recovery, and redemption.


    Go Support Steven!


    Recovery Facility: https://absolutehbh.com/


    This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:


    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. 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.


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    00:00 Meet Steve Dixon

    00:37 Baltimore's Heroin Kingpin

    02:11 Reflections on the Drug Trade

    03:32 Why Baltimore is a Heroin City

    05:13 The Nigerian Connection

    07:44 Building a Fortune

    10:53 From Heroin to Fentanyl

    12:07 This Episode Is Sponsored By Cash App

    13:27 Growing Up in Baltimore

    16:04 A Life on the Streets

    19:03 Acquiring Turf and Connections

    21:27 Regrets and Community Impact

    23:35 Keys to Success in the Game

    25:31 The Mob and Nigerian Sources

    27:00 Distribution Network

    30:43 This Episode Is Sponsored By Superpower

    32:13 Police and Stash Houses

    34:54 Violence and Stickup Boys

    37:24 The Fall: Addiction

    40:16 Investing in the Community

    42:16 This Episode Is Sponsored By NordVPN

    43:52 The Addiction to Money

    45:40 A Day in the Life

    50:38 Handling Massive Cash

    52:37 The Turning Point

    56:30 Dodging a Federal Case

    58:00 Descent into Addiction

    01:01:40 Losing Everything

    01:04:10 Life as a Homeless Addict

    01:07:26 The Road to Recovery

    01:11:20 Helping Others Get Clean

    01:14:42 The Rehab Industry

    01:18:22 Redemption and Legacy

    01:20:24 Is Baltimore Better Now?

    01:23:57 Changing Attitudes in the Community

    01:27:02 Final Thoughts

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    16 August 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 1 hour 29 minutes
    Florida’s Next Governor Declares WAR On AIPAC, Mass Surveillance & AI Data Centers

    Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback joins The Connect to explain why he believes it’s time for a political revolution at the state level—and why Florida must stand up to Washington, Wall Street, foreign influence, and the growing surveillance state.


    In this wide-ranging conversation, Fishback lays out his plan to eliminate Flock license-plate cameras, oppose Palantir-style mass surveillance, protect First and Fourth Amendment rights, and repeal Florida laws he believes restrict criticism of foreign governments.


    He also breaks down his opposition to the H-1B visa system, arguing that major corporations are replacing qualified American workers with cheaper foreign labor. Fishback explains how he would penalize companies that refuse to hire qualified Florida residents, prevent private-equity firms and foreign investors from buying up single-family homes, and stop taxpayer-subsidized AI data centers from spreading across the state.


    The discussion also covers Florida public schools, student accountability, crime and “teen takeovers,” restoring rights to former nonviolent offenders, gun rights, undeclared foreign wars, the National Guard, AIPAC influence, state sovereignty, and his legal battle to remain on the ballot.


    Can Florida become a model for a new American liberty movement—or is the political machine too powerful to defeat?


    Go Support James!


    Website: https://www.votemyflorida.org/


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    https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow


    00:00 Introduction: The Fight for Freedom

    00:42 Why I Support James Fishback

    01:30 Fishback's America First Platform

    02:44 A Call to Action for Floridians

    03:01 The National Significance of Florida's Fight

    04:41 A New Experiment in Liberty

    06:50 The Easiest Problem: Banning Flock Cameras

    08:20 The Fourth Amendment and Mass Surveillance

    10:50 The Existential Battle for Privacy

    12:10 Repealing Florida's Hate Speech Law

    14:40 The Real Test of the First Amendment

    15:56 Taking on the Opposition: Byron Donalds

    17:00 The Education Crisis in Florida

    20:00 Accountability in the Classroom

    22:55 The H-1B Visa Scam

    26:50 Protecting American Jobs

    29:00 Resistance at the State Level

    32:10 Banning Private Equity from Buying Homes

    34:00 The Unfair Advantage of Private Equity

    36:45 Foreign Buyers and the Housing Crisis

    38:00 Capitalism vs. America

    39:12 The Threat of Data Centers

    42:40 The Data Center Invasion in Florida

    44:30 Defending State Sovereignty

    47:00 Consistency and Truth in Politics

    48:00 Existential Issues vs. Cultural Differences

    50:00 The Case Against Zero Crime

    53:00 Addressing Teen Takeovers and Riots

    57:40 The El Salvador Model: Tough on Crime

    58:40 Restoring Rights for Former Felons

    01:01:00 The Lawfare Battle and Victory

    01:03:00 The Un-American Nature of Merging Militaries

    01:04:40 The True America First Agenda

    01:06:00 Byron Donalds: A Puppet of Foreign Interests

    01:08:00 America Comes First

    01:10:00 Christian Values and Governance

    01:12:00 Teaching Kids What It Means to Be American

    01:14:00 Mass Surveillance vs. Freedom

    01:18:00 The Unanimous Opposition to Data Centers

    01:20:00 The Momentum of the Fishback Campaign

    01:22:00 Final Call to Action: Vote for James Fishback

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    12 August 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 2 hours 4 minutes
    How A Teenage Drug Kingpin Built A Meth Empire at 16

    His mom was a queenpin. His dad was the muscle. By 16, he was selling meth and building his own operation in small-town Texas.


    In this episode, Cory Simek, a former teenage meth dealer reveals what it was like growing up inside the drug game—and how his family’s criminal lifestyle shaped the path he followed. After starting with marijuana, he quickly moved into meth, made serious money before he was old enough to sign a lease, and became the target of a six-month police investigation.


    He breaks down how confidential informants gained his trust, the warning signs he ignored, the raid that brought everything crashing down, and the brutal reality of racial politics and survival inside the Texas prison system.


    But his story did not end behind bars. After serving years in prison and losing nearly everything, he transformed his mentality, entered the car business with no experience, became a top salesman, opened his own dealership, invested in real estate, and rebuilt his life through legitimate business.


    This is a raw story about growing up in a criminal family, selling meth at 16, undercover informants, police raids, addiction, betrayal, Texas prison, redemption, entrepreneurship, and second chances.


    Go Support Cory!


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

    Dealership: https://thekeykonnect.com/

    YouTube: @Corywthekeys


    This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:


    Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, and more visit https://hims.com/connect


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    00:00 Intro: Raised by a Queenpin and an Enforcer

    01:55 Cory With the Keys Joins the Show

    02:19 His Parents’ Wild Origin Story

    04:56 Childhood Changes After His Mom Relapses

    06:59 Learning the Drug Game at 12

    07:26 Smoking Weed for the First Time

    08:47 Becoming a 13-Year-Old Dealer

    10:08 The Lunch-Money Lesson That Changed Him

    11:19 Trying to Live Up to Both Parents’ Reputations

    11:52 Getting Kicked Out at 16

    12:11 Moving From Weed to Meth

    13:15 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims

    14:51 Selling Meth as a Teenager

    16:27 Renting a Trap House Underage

    17:14 Hustling While Still in High School

    18:37 Getting Expelled Before Graduation

    20:35 The Suspicious Customer Who Became an Informant

    23:36 A Warning Before the Raid

    24:30 Police Search the Trap House

    26:13 Discovering the Informant’s Role

    28:39 This Episode Is Sponsored By Quo

    29:50 Another Informant Story After Prison

    35:12 Swallowing an Eightball During a Police Stop

    37:28 Realizing He Was Set Up

    41:49 Back to the First Bust

    44:08 Taking State Jail Instead of Probation

    46:04 Surviving State Jail at 17

    47:07 Learning Texas Prison Politics

    50:32 Getting Out and Returning to the Streets

    51:16 Weed Connects From the Valley

    53:12 How Border Checkpoints Changed the Price

    55:20 Shipping Bricks Through UPS

    58:03 Moving Pounds and Making Teen Money

    1:00:24 His Father’s Return to the Meth Game

    1:02:35 His Dad Refuses to Snitch and Gets 25 Years

    1:04:18 Falling in Love After State Jail

    1:06:14 Learning He Might Become a Father

    1:07:09 TDC Boot Camp and the Drug-Free Zone

    1:10:15 Finding Out His Mom Died

    1:11:52 Trying to Go Straight for His Son

    1:13:14 The DNA Test That Broke Him

    1:15:50 Heartbreak Sends Him Back to Hustling

    1:16:41 SWAT Raids the Trap House

    1:18:40 Running Into One of His Dad’s Snitches

    1:21:27 Probation, Suspended License, and Disaster

    1:22:23 Sentenced to Six Years in TDC

    1:24:01 Learning He Must Serve Five Flat

    1:28:10 Losing Everything in Prison

    1:30:08 Rock Bottom Becomes the Turning Point

    1:31:14 Deciding to Make Prison Time Serve Him

    1:32:11 Fighting and Surviving Real Prison

    1:35:22 Finding Better Ways to Do Time

    1:36:52 Finally Making Parole

    1:38:28 Getting Out and Starting Over

    1:39:09 Discovering Car Sales

    1:40:27 Talking His Way Into a Dealership Job

    1:41:41 Becoming the Top Salesman

    1:42:56 Battling Old Habits After Success

    1:47:22 Opening His Own Dealership

    1:48:19 Real Estate, Music, and Reinvention

    1:49:56 Speaking in Prisons and Mentoring Kids

    1:52:12 Johnny and Cory Discuss Their Turning Points

    1:54:27 Why Accountability Keeps Him Straight

    1:56:30 Finding Your Skill Set and Passion

    1:57:09 Where to Find Cory With the Keys

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    9 August 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 2 hours 22 minutes
    Ex-Cop Sentenced to 20 Years—Then Forced to Fight for His Life in Prison

    A former sheriff’s deputy says one split-second police shooting turned him from a respected officer into a convicted murderer—and sent him to Texas prison for 20 years.


    In this episode, Kent McGowen tells the full story of the night he served an arrest warrant on an armed woman, fired after she allegedly refused repeated commands to drop her weapon and later found himself charged with murder.


    Kent explains why he believes he was railroaded by corrupt officials, how his conviction survived multiple trials and appeals, and what happened when he went from enforcing the law to fighting for his life behind bars.


    He also exposes the brutal realities of the Texas prison system, including extreme heat, violence, suicide, untreated mental illness, guard misconduct and the dangers he faced as a former police officer living among inmates.


    Was this a justified police shooting—or a murder? Was Kent held accountable for his actions, or sacrificed to protect a corrupt system?


    Watch the full interview and decide for yourself.


    Go Support Kent!


    Book: https://a.co/d/08T9XO6m

    Make a Donation: https://www.givesendgo.com/G31TC


    Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!

    https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow


    00:00 Deadly Encounter: The Incident

    00:24 Introducing Kent McGowen

    01:11 Life as a Cop in Texas Prisons

    01:50 Horrors of Texas Prison Conditions

    03:19 Survival, Food, and Suicides

    05:55 First and Only Prison Fight

    09:00 Wild Personalities Behind Bars

    17:01 Murders in Prison

    21:22 Mail, Communication, and System Abuse

    23:34 Corruption and Lack of Accountability

    29:16 The Shooting Incident and Background

    37:11 Executing the Warrant

    41:53 The Shooting and Aftermath

    49:35 The Indictment and Arrest

    55:21 Political Games and Legal Strategy

    01:01:01 Life on Bond During Legal Battles

    01:09:06 Trial, Appeals, and Corrupt Lawyers

    01:18:36 Second Trial and Legal Incompetence

    01:26:43 Losing Trial, Sentencing, and Prison Transfer

    01:31:46 Surviving as a Cop in Prison

    01:47:40 Endless Parole Denials and Family Impact

    01:58:19 Final Release and Post-Prison Life

    02:06:56 Ongoing Legal Battles and Activism

    02:09:01 Seeking Justice and Lessons Learned

    02:12:08 Innocents Behind Bars and Conclusion

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    5 August 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 31 minutes
    The Real Marlo Stanfield From "The Wire" Breaks His Silence

    The real-life Marlo Stanfield sits down for his first podcast interview.


    In this exclusive episode, Marlo Bates — known across Baltimore as Marlo Stanfield — opens up about the story behind one of the most feared and iconic characters from HBO’s The Wire. From growing up in West Baltimore, building a powerful street organization with his twin brother Tamir, and surviving decades in prison, Marlo shares the truth behind the legend in his own words.


    He talks about Baltimore in the 1970s and 1980s, the heroin trade, 24-hour shops, loyalty, violence, police pressure, murder charges, wrongful convictions, learning to read in prison, and how his life changed after serving nearly 37 years.


    This is a rare, unfiltered conversation with the man behind the myth — covering The Wire, David Simon, Ed Burns, Baltimore street history, prison, redemption, and Marlo’s new documentary available on Amazon Prime and OG Network.


    Watch until the end for Marlo’s message to the next generation and his thoughts on legacy, loyalty, and life after prison.


    Go Support Marlo!


    Documentary: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0I1PSYZXS1A0412Z0LYVAMJHTT?ref_=atv_dp_share_cu_r


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


    This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:


    GLD! New customers get 40% Off with code MITCHELL at https://GLD.com


    Mood! Head to https://mood.com, 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 Marlo's Introduction & The Real Story

    03:29 Early Life in Baltimore

    08:38 Jumping Into the Streets

    13:00 Family Ties

    15:04 This Episode Is Sponsored By GLD

    16:39 The Business Begins

    22:27 Expanding the Operation

    31:31 Keys to Success & Street Codes

    39:00 The Height of the Organization

    42:36 This Episode Is Sponsored By Mood

    44:09 Encounters with Law Enforcement

    59:41 Trials, False Witnesses & Conviction

    01:09:20 Life in Prison & Transformation

    01:18:13 Parole, Legacy & Reflections

    01:21:03 The Marlo Documentary & Moving Forward

    01:25:55 Outro & Final Thoughts

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    2 August 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 1 hour 55 minutes
    How An Abuse Victim Took The Law Into His Own Hands...

    Clark Frederick’s life changed forever after years of grooming and sexual abuse by Dennis Pegg, a Boy Scout leader and sheriff’s lieutenant trusted by his family and community.


    Decades later, after struggling with addiction, gambling, broken relationships, PTSD, and silence, Clark encountered his abuser with another young boy. The sight triggered a devastating spiral that ended with Clark confronting and killing the man who abused him.


    In this episode, Clark explains how he avoided a life sentence, why other alleged victims began coming forward, what happened during his three years awaiting trial, and how he ultimately received a five-year sentence for manslaughter.


    He also shares how prison therapy, meditation, faith, sobriety, and speaking openly about his trauma helped him rebuild his life. Today, Clark is an advocate for survivors, the author of Scarred, and the host of the Free Like Me podcast.


    This conversation includes discussions of childhood sexual abuse, addiction, violence, suicide, and trauma. Viewer discretion is advised.


    Clark’s message is clear: revenge did not heal him. Survivors do not have to sacrifice the rest of their lives because of what was done to them. Breaking the silence, seeking support, and doing the work to heal can create a different future.


    Check out Clark’s book and podcast on his website: https://www.freelike-me.com/


    Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!

    https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow


    00:00 Introduction & The Boy Scouts Scandal

    01:45 Clark Frederick's Early Life

    06:00 Grooming & Abuse Begins

    12:10 Community Deception

    19:00 Escalation to Abuse & Secret Files

    25:00 Coping, Shame & Silence

    33:00 Long-Term Impact & Struggles with Addiction

    45:50 Decades of Trauma & Encounters with Abuser

    59:00 Seeing Abuser with New Victim & Breaking Point

    01:03:00 The Confrontation and Aftermath

    01:17:00 Jail, Trial & Public Reaction

    01:31:00 Healing, Advocacy & Changing the Law

    01:39:00 Redemption, Family Loss & Life After Prison

    01:44:00 Breaking the Silence & Moving Forward

    01:47:00 Closing Reflections & Legacy

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    29 July 2026, 7:00 pm
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