Show overview
Borderland: Dispatches with Katarina Szulc launched in 2025 and has put out 74 episodes, alongside 4 trailers or bonus episodes in the time since. That works out to roughly 35 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 22 min and 31 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. Roughly 68% of episodes carry an explicit flag from the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language News show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed yesterday, with 31 episodes already out so far this year. Published by IRONCLAD.
From the publisher
Cartel violence. Kidnappings. Disappearances. The headlines don’t tell the full story. Borderland: Dispatches, an IRONCLAD Original, delivers raw, on-the-ground updates from Mexico’s cartel war. Hosted by investigative journalist Katarina Szulc, the series offers real-time snapshots of a conflict reshaping the future of both Mexico and the U.S. With rare access to traffickers, law enforcement, and civilians caught in the crossfire, these fast-moving episodes expose the brutal truth behind the drug war. New dispatches drop every Thursday.
Latest Episodes
View all 74 episodesThe Cartel War That Turned Zacatecas, Mexico into a WAR ZONE: Katarina Szulc & Vince 'Rocco' Vargas
Cartels IN America?! Katarina Szulc Investigates Montana, Indiana, San Diego & More Hotspots
Inside the Mexican Cartel Underworld: Katarina Szulc Exposes Trafficking Networks
The Underground Ring That Traffics Women Around Mexico & the U.S. Originates From THIS Town
Are Cartel Drone Operators Training on the Ukraine Frontlines? Katarina Szulc Investigates
The New Era of Cartel Warfare — How Modern Wars Are Reshaping Cartels
The Front Line of Modern Warfare — Inside Ukraine's Most Dangerous Underground Operation (Preview)
America vs CJNG: Guatemala Approves Massive Joint U.S. Strike Operations On Cartels
Los Chapitos FINISHED? The Endgame of the Sinaloa Cartel Civil War Coming?
Sheinbaum Is Panicking — Why the US Is Dismantling Her Cartel-Connected Politicians
Inside Russia's Foreign Mercenary Pipeline — The Ukrainian POW Camp Holding Putin's Recruits
Foreign POWs Held in Ukraine: Katarina Goes Inside the Prison Camp (PREVIEW)
Inside The CIA's Secret Cartel War — And The Raid That Killed 2 Officers
Mexico’s Narco Governors — The Power Behind the Cartels
CJNG’s Next Chapter: The American Citizen Now Leading the Cartel
EFollowing the fall of El Mencho, CJNG’s transition of power has been far more seamless than many expected. In this episode, Katarina breaks down the rise of El 03, a U.S.-born successor with deep ties to the Valencia narco dynasty, and what his emergence reveals about cartel succession, family power networks, and the long-term effectiveness of the kingpin strategy. Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The New Cartel War Is Happening in U.S. Federal Court
EFrom Rafael Caro Quintero to El Mayo-linked leadership, several cartel figures are now facing proceedings in U.S. federal court. Katarina examines the recent wave of transfers from Mexico to the U.S., what it means for ongoing prosecutions, and how these cases may shape the next phase of the fight against cartel leadership and trafficking networks. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On the Ground in Jalisco, Mexico: Inside the Ongoing Threat of CJNG Violence
EProducer’s note: This episode is best experienced visually. To see the full context of Katarina’s reporting, including locations, narco messages, and on-the-ground scenes, head over to our YouTube channel for the full video. On today’s episode, Katarina Szulc is on the ground in Jalisco, Mexico, revealing the aftermath of CJNG cartel activity. From narco messages to retaliation and the impact on local communities, she shows what life looks like when violence leaves its mark. Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills:Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Inside El Mencho’s Compound After the Raid: What the Scene Reveals
EKatarina is on the ground in Mexico, inside the compound of El Mencho just days after the reported raid that killed him. But something doesn’t add up. As she walks the scene, the physical evidence doesn’t match the official story, raising serious questions about what actually happened during the operation. This is a raw, firsthand look at the aftermath and the inconsistencies that could change the narrative. Borderland Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Iran and Chinese Migrants Using VIP Cartel Smuggling Routes — Security Risks in the U.S.
EOn this episode, Katarina sits down with independent journalist Jorge Ventura to discuss his exclusive reporting on cartel smuggling networks along the California border. He explains how migrants from the Middle East and China are being smuggled through Mexico via high-cost “VIP” routes, often coordinated through hotels, mosques, and encrypted communications. He also details emerging national security concerns, including individuals classified as special interest aliens and potential sleeper cells in the United States. Borderland Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
El Mencho Is Dead — But the Crime Scene Raises Questions
EOn today’s episode, Katarina just returned from Jalisco, where she visited the cabin compound where CJNG leader El Mencho was reportedly killed. She shares what she saw on the ground and previews her upcoming full report. Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices