The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell

Criminal Defense Lawyer, Nicholas Rosenberg, has defended some of the most dangerous people in the criminal world of Los Angeles. He walks us through the unconventional road he took to criminal law. He goes into detail about how the criminal justice system works, the corruption, and the tips he has for anyone that gets caught up in the law. Plus a discussion about a current case he’s working that is on the path to become an historical case in the state of California! Go Support Rosenberg! Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XANVDdM0IcE IG: https://www.instagram.com/attorneyrosenberg/ Website: https://losangelesdefenders.com/ This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsor: RocketMoney! Visit https://www.rocketmoney.com/connect and stop wasting your money TODAY! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

JD Delay spent much of his life in and out of prison. So much so, that he eventually found himself as the shot caller for the Irish Pride prison gang in Oregon’s maximum security prison. He explains how he climbed the ranks, the politics on the inside, the horrors he witnessed and the ones he partook in. He also describes the moment he chose to turn his life around, get sober, and help others in recovery when he got out to make sure no one goes down the same path he did. It’s a must listen! Go Support JD! YouTube: @JdDelay5150 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jddelay5150?lang=en Clothing Brand: https://convictclothing.net/ This episode is sponsored by PRIZEPICKS! Head over to https://www.prizepicks.com/connect and use promo code CONNECT for a first deposit match up to $100! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Use CONNECT to get 55% off your first month at Scentbird https://sbird.co/3S97oZX This month I received... Sugar Leather by Une Nuit Nomade https://sbird.co/47N4JLh French Defense by Mind Games https://sbird.co/3SsriAC Cross River Gorilla by Sanctuary https://sbird.co/3u6mIyA Vidal Guzman was a troublemaker as a young kid in Harlem. His knack for stick-ups and robberies landed him in Rikers Island at the age of 16. When he went back at the age of 19 he was a member of the Bloods Gang. While he spent years in Rikers before serving his time in prison he was subject to inhumane conditions by not only the other inmates but by the faculty and the state of the facilities. Once he got out for good he became an organizer working to shut Rikers down for good. He’s here to tell us about his experience on the island and the SUCCESSFUL campaign he’s been a part of! Go Support Vidal! Organization: https://www.americaontrialinc.org/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamvidalguzman/?hl=en To donate to AOT visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/AmericaOnTrialFundraiser/donate?ucdirect=1 00:00:00 - Surviving Rikers Island 00:07:34 - Criminal Upbringing and Family Influence 00:14:51 - Living in Washington Heights 00:22:40 - From the Hood Vikings to the Bloods 00:30:19 - The Beginning of Neighborhood Protection 00:37:56 - Growing Up in a Dangerous Neighborhood 00:45:39 - Introduction to Rikers Island 00:53:27 - The Rocking Spots and Gang Violence at Rikers Island 01:01:12 - Survival in the Violence of the Streets 01:09:25 - Surviving In Jail 01:16:46 - Facing Harassment and Trouble with the Law 01:24:30 - Life in the Hood and Joining the Bloods 01:32:11 - Bloods and Street Organization 01:40:12 - Discussing parole and probation violations 01:48:17 - The Phone Business in Prisons and its Dangers 01:56:00 - Violent Incidents on Rikers Island 02:04:06 - Life in Gangs and Solitary Confinement 02:12:08 - Losing Good Time and the Impact on Parole 02:19:56 - Violations and Dangers of Rikers Island 02:27:45 - Closing Rikers and the Impact 02:35:46 - Sponsorship Announcement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gene Borrello was part of the last generation of NYC’s wild wise guys. He joined the Bonnano Crime Family at a young age and quickly got close with the family’s boss. His reputation of violence and brutality made him a name that everyone in the city feared. After being indicted on RICO charges he eventually flipped on his former crime associates and entered witness protection. He’s here to tell us all about the final days of the mob as the world knew it! Go Follow Gene! IG: https://www.instagram.com/geneborrello/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcEOVWzV1YqvHd0vn94aeFLJrLgntzqP Book: https://www.amazon.com/Born-LIfe-Borrello-Ex-Bonanno-Enforcer/dp/1667805576 This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsor: RocketMoney! Visit https://www.rocketmoney.com/connect and stop wasting your money TODAY! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ray Trapani is one of the minds behind Centra Tech; a cryptocurrency company that defrauded HALF A BILLION DOLLARS from investors. He and two friends created the business selling the idea of a new tech that didn't actually exist yet. His story has trauma, wild parties, addiction, an imaginary CEO, faked deaths, Floyd Mayweather and so much more! Go Follow Ray! IG: https://www.instagram.com/raytrapani/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Ruggiano was quite literally BORN into the mafia. His father was Fat Andy Runggiano, one of the most notorious capos for the Gambino Crime Family. It didn’t take long for Anthony to follow his father’s footsteps and start earning for the mob. He came up with John Gotti and the two became close friends and associates. Living a life of extortion, burglary, murder, and drug addiction took its toll on Anthony landing him in and out of prison. Then one he was picked up by the FBI in a RICO indictment that eventually led to him becoming a federal witness, landed him in witness protection, and eventually turned his life around. Today, he is sober, legitimate, and coming to terms with the regrets and guilt of his prior life. He’s here to talk all about it! Go Support Anthony! Website: https://www.anthonyruggiano.com/ YouTube: @AnthonyRuggiano IG: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyruggianojr/ This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsor: Go to PrizePicks.com/connect and use code connect for a first deposit match up to $100! Support the show and get 50% off of Factor at https://www.factormeals.com/CONNECT50 and use code CONNECT50 Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Freeway Ricky Ross has one of the most infamous drug dealer stories in the world. He is undoubtedly a part of American history and by far one of the most requested guests on The Connect. Rick joins the show to discuss his time as one of the lynchpins of the crack epidemic in the 1980s, his regrets and lessons learned, finding out he was a pawn in an illegal CIA operation and how he got out from under a life sentence in prison. He also discusses his new life after prison, how he’s helping others learn from his mistakes, and his new business ventures! Go Support Rick! Books and Merch: https://b7eab896-adc4-474a-9ab1-56ec7dd1576a.godaddysites.com/shop YouTube: @FreewayRickyRoss1 New Shop In LA: https://www.instagram.com/freewayrickys/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/freewayricky/ Website: https://freewayrickyross.com/ This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsor: Support the show and visit MOOD Go to https://hellomood.co/ and use code CONNECT20 for 20% off your order and code CONNECTFREE for a FREE 5ct pack of gummies! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tegan Broadwater joins the show to explain exactly how he, a touring musician, became a cop in Fort Worth, Texas and ended up going undercover and infiltrating one of the most notorious Crip gang sets in all of Texas. He gives details of how he climbed the ranks, was almost found several times, had close encounters with death, and eventually took the set down in a 51 man roundup. Go Support Tegan! Life In The Fish Bowl Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578661624 YouTube: @UncommonSouls IG: https://www.instagram.com/teganbroadwater/?hl=en Website: https://teganbroadwater.com/ This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsors: Support the show and visit MOOD Go to https://hellomood.co/ and CONNECT20 for 20% off your order and code CONNECTFREE for a FREE 5ct pack of gummies! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rich Laferrere was a simple dispatcher and driver for a transportation company in a small Connecticut town. Before too long he found himself putting those skills to use smuggling pot all across the eastern seaboard. This new found business eventually scaled to the point of having connects across the country and eventually landing him in the spot as the top logistics person in the US for the most notorious crime family in Canada. He was making millions, powerful and respected...until one day it all came crashing down and he was face to face with the federal government. Today he consults with the DEA and lives a prosperous life running his own business, a far cry from his days as a smuggling kingpin! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6mc4qAxpztC6D20wzeS91C Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we bring you a completely exclusive interview with a migrant smuggler who has asked to remain anonymous. He spoke with us at the El Paso/Juarez border. He goes into detail about how he got involved in helping migrants cross the border, the organizations and cartels that run the operation, how and why migrants are coming over, as well as insight into the treatment of these on both sides of the border and the direction he believes this is all headed. It’s a one of a kind, fascinating conversation with a perspective you won’t get anywhere else! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Mikki Mase went from being homeless and addicted to drugs to a sober life running several small businesses. Within a couple years he found himself making big money at the tables in Vegas and quickly became one of the cities’ most notorious high rollers. He joins the show to discuss how he discovered the casino industry cheats its customers, how he flipped the tables on the house, and the work he’s doing now to help people recover from gambling addictions! Go Support Mikki! The Innocence Project: https://innocenceproject.org/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/dirtygothboi/ Mikki’s Recovery Project: https://www.instagram.com/shakenhearts/ YouTube: @dirtygothboi This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsors: Support the show and secure your online data at https://www.expressvpn.com/CONNECTPOD Support the show & get Factor for 50% off at https://www.factormeals.com/CONNECT50 & use code CONNECT50 Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ed Calderon grew up in Tijuana, Mexico. At a young age he was a rebel committing petty crimes until one day he found himself as part of an elite squad of Mexican law enforcement, tasked with taking down the cartel. He came on the show to talk about being front line in one of the most notorious cartel wars in Mexican history, the current and future state of Tijuana, and the existential crisis that both Mexico and the U.S. are facing together. Go Support Ed! Website: https://www.edsmanifesto.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/manifestoradiopodcast/ YouTube: @manifestoradionetwork3191 This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsors: PrizePicks: https://www.prizepicks.com/connect Promo Code: CONNECT Magic Mind: https://try.magicmind.com/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Germano Tomassetti was living in a homeless shelter in Winnipeg, Canada as a young adult when he befriended a high ranking member of the Canadian mob. He soon found himself collecting debts, blackmailing wealthy business owners, and running scams all around the globe. He was making millions of dollars until one day it all came crashing down. He's here today to tell us about his days as an international criminal and what led him to leave it all behind and change his life. Go Support Germano! IG: https://www.instagram.com/therealgermanotomassetti/ This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsors: Manscaped: https://www.manscaped.com/ Promo Code: CONNECT Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Journalist, Luis Chaparro, sat down at the U.S.-Mexico border in Juarez to discuss the current immigration crisis. He explains how Ciudad Juarez has become the number one crossing point for migrants getting into the United States, how criminal organizations AND government officials have profited, and toll it's taken on the citizens on both sides. Go Support Luis! IG: https://www.instagram.com/luiskuryaki/ YouTube: @luischaparro This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsor: Get 50% off of Factor at https://www.factormeals.com/connect50 and use code connect50 Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6mc4qAxpztC6D20wzeS91C Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Heyward started as a normal jail guard fresh out of the marines. But after financial struggles and exposure to corruption from other corrections officers he soon began running a smuggling ring bringing in tobacco, drugs, and women to the inmates. This behavior eventually landed him in the role of inmate, completely changing his life. Go Support Gary! Book: https://a.co/d/bd09oab YouTube Channel: @garyheyward This Episode Is Sponsored by PrizePicks! Visit https://www.prizepicks.com/connect for a first deposit match up to $100! Need some boost to your mental clarity? Try Magic Mind! https://magicmind.com/ For bonus content sign up for the Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ian Bick, a kid from a gated community in Connecticut, started throwing parties for other kids his age. He quickly found a calling in promoting and by his late teens he was booking concerts for some of the biggest artists at the time. His investors were promised big returns on their money as his business was booming. Little did they know, not only was he not making their money back, but he was spending on a lavish lifestyle... Go Support Ian! Website: https://www.ianbick.com/ YouTube Channel: @ianbickCT This Episode Is Sponsored by BetterHelp! Visit betterhelp.com/connect for 10% off your first month! Need some boost to your mental clarity? Try Magic Mind! https://magicmind.com/ For bonus content sign up for the Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charlie Webster, renowned journalist and host of the successful Surviving El Chapo series, joins the show to discuss the Flores Twins. She spent years interviewing them and getting deep insight to the two brothers that became some of the largest kingpins in the world and then making the shocking decision to work with American feds to take down one of the most wanted men on the globe. Go Support Charlie! Surviving El Chapo Podcast: https://lionsgatesound.com/shows/surviving-el-chapo IG: https://www.instagram.com/charliewebster/ This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsor: MOOD: https://hellomood.co/ Promo Code: CONNECT20, CONNECTFREE Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6mc4qAxpztC6D20wzeS91C Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry Rolla started out as a young kid in Queens surrounded by the tough life of 1950s NYC youth gangs and wise guys. He went from stickups to finding a passion and calling in horse training and racing. After a corrupt racetrack owner sent him into the grips of poverty his legitimate, reformed life quickly turned into fixing races for the mob and a gripping gambling addiction. Larry joins the show to tell us all about his odyssey. Go Support Larry! Book: amazon.com/Against-All-Odds-Larry-Rolla/dp/1729108598 Website: https://larryrolla.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RollasCorner YouTube: @LarryRolla This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsors: Manscaped: https://www.manscaped.com/ Promo Code: CONNECT FUM: https://tryfum.com/ Promo Code: CONNECT MOOD: https://hellomood.co/ Promo Code: CONNECT20, CONNECTFREE Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Crip Mac is a member of the dangerous 55th Street Crips in Los Angeles. He has spent his life in and out of county jail and state prisons. Mac joins the show to describe how life works in the Crips organization, on the deadly streets of South Central, and the violent rules of gangs in prison. Check Out Crip Mac! IG: https://www.instagram.com/55thstreet_/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therealcripmac YouTube: @55thstreet_ and @macventures This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsors: BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/connect Promo Code: CONNECT MOOD: https://hellomood.co/ Promo Code: CONNECT20, CONNECTFREE Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Dowd, a former NYPD officer, explains how shortly after becoming a cop in Brooklyn’s 75th Precinct, he started taking dirty money and eventually became a drug dealer himself. He was taken down in one of the most notorious federal cases against police corruption in American history and served time in federal prison. Mike tells us his entire story from young hopeful police officer to reformed criminal. Check Out Mike On Social Media! IG: https://www.instagram.com/themikedowd/ X: https://twitter.com/TheMikeDowd This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsors: PrizePicks: https://www.prizepicks.com/connect Promo Code: CONNECT for up to $100 match on your first deposit MOOD: https://hellomood.co/ Promo Code: CONNECT20, CONNECTFREE Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a teenager from Yonkers, Lillo Brancato was discovered by Robert De Niro to shot to fame starring in the critically acclaimed A Bronx Tale. A decade later he found himself addicted to drugs, struggling to work, and facing a second degree murder charge in the fatal shooting of a police officer. He joins us to talk about his road from actor, to inmate, to community leader. Check Out Lillo's Recovery Work And IG! More Life Recovery Center: https://moreliferecoverycenter.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/lillo_brancato/ This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsors: HelloFresh: https://www.hellofresh.com/50connect Promo Code: 50CONNECT PrizePicks: https://www.prizepicks.com/connect Promo Code: CONNECT Mood: https://hellomood.co/ Promo Codes: CONNECT20, CONNECTFREE Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a young immigrant child in New York City's Chinatown, Jimmy "Bighead" Tsui quickly became immersed in the gang world of the Lower East Side. He quickly rose the ranks and soon became an associate of the Chinese Mafia in Hong Kong moving drugs in and out of the country. He joins the show to breakdown exactly how Chinese gangs operated in the US and Hong Kong before he left the life of crime, became a volunteer police officer, and started being a positive influence on the youth in the neighborhood that raised him. Check Out Chinatown Gang Stories! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ @chinatowngangstories IG: https://www.instagram.com/chinatowngangstories/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/ @chinatowngangstories This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsors: HelloFresh: https://www.hellofresh.com/50connect Promo Code: 50CONNECT BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/connect Promo Code: CONNECT Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David "Chicky" Cicchetelli was a young man in Springfield, Massachusetts when joined a mafia boss from the infamous Genovese Crime Family. What started as petty loan sharking quickly turned into a multimillion dollar illegal bookie business for Chicky. Years after doing time for that, he ended up getting rolled up in the biggest indictment in East Coast history... Follow Chicky! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chickycecchetelli_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Chicky-Cecchetelli/pfbid02AG6oPPw2cim9VecbiAA7p32Ya1M3oRRChi2hw3jATmttUpjMzRkFUZFmYbNZ83x4l/ Support Our Sponsors! FUM: https://tryfum.com/ Pomo Code: CONNECT HelloFresh: https://hellofresh.com/50connect Promo Code: 50CONNECT Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cristina Cruz grew up in a notorious gang territory of Northeast Los Angeles. At a young age she was jumped into the gang and slipped into a life of crime and drug addiction. It wasn't until she was indicted in a RICO case with over 70 other individuals that she got sober, turned her life around, and became a successful podcast host. Her story is one of loss and redemption. Support Cristina's Podcast And Teeth Whitening Business! YouTube Channel: @IndictedTV Spotify: http://bit.ly/IndictedTvSpotify Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelatoothfairy/ Support Our Sponsors! PrizePicks: https://www.prizepicks.com/connect & use code: CONNECT Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brandon Novak became a household name in the early 2000s after becoming a fixture on the hit shows Jacka$$ and Viva La Bam. But despite the success of fame and professional skateboarding he lived a dark life full of crime and drug addiction. After two decades he's gotten clean and found his calling in life; helping others. Brandon joins the show to tell us all about his life and road to recovery. Support Brandon's Work and Recovery Homes! Website: https://brandonnovak.com/ Novak's House: https://www.instagram.com/novakshouse/?hl=en Support Our Sponsors! Fum: https://tryfum.com/ Promo Code: CONNECT Hello Fresh: https://www.hellofresh.com/connect50 Promo Code: CONNECT50 BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/ Promo Code: CONNECT PrizePicks: https://www.prizepicks.com/ Promo Code: CONNECT Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cookie Hood grew up in both the US and Nicaragua. At a young age she was a socialite and became close with the people that would not only fight in Nicaragua's revolution, but also traffic drugs to help the CIA fund a proxy war that ended in one of the biggest scandals in American history. When she became a journalist for CBS during the Iran-Contra conflict, those old contacts came in handy to help expose secrets of both the American and the Nicaraguan governments! Subscribe to Cookie's Platforms 👇👇👇 https://journalistapodcast.com/ Support our sponsors! PrizePicks: https://www.prizepicks.com/ Promo Code: CONNECT Support the Patreon: patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Salvatore Polisi was a young kid in New York City when we started doing jobs for the Colombo mafia. He came up with guys like John Gotti and ACTUAL characters from the classic film GoodFellas. He went from loan sharking to dope dealing before really taking off planning heists. He tells us all about his time in the mob, the moment he knew he wanted out, and how he was able to take down a corrupt judge as a state witness. Check out Sal's book: https://a.co/d/5RttFuQ Support our sponsors! Mood: hellomood.co Promo Code: CONNECT20, CONNECTFREE Support the Patreon: patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a full release of a previously Patreon exclusive episode! Roger Reaves grew up as a small town farm boy in the south. After discovering a passion for flying and a need for money he quickly fell into the world of international drug smuggling, leading him to work directly with Pablo Escobar. His life story is a wild one, including being shot out of the air twice and several prison escapes! Support our sponsors! Manscaped: https://www.manscaped.com/ Promo Code: CONNECT20 Mood: hellomood.co Promo Code: CONNECT20, CONNECTFREE Support the Patreon: patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before he was a standup comedian, Richard Villa grew up in Compton where at the age of 8 years old he worked his dad as a drug dealer. Richard joins The Connect to talk about his upbringing in Los Angeles, the trauma of being involved in crime at such a young age, and how he turned his life around and became a successful comedian. Support our sponsors! Mood: hellomood.co Promo Code: CONNECT20, CONNECTFREE Support the Patreon: patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore the mysteries of humanity's origins, the construction of the pyramids, the influence of the occult, and the fascination with extraterrestrial life in this deep-dive with Esoteric Eddie. Tracing the path of human evolution, societal control, and the role of consciousness, this video challenges commonly held beliefs, sharing thought-provoking theories from ancient civilizations to modern times. Eddie, a multifaceted artist, and mystic historian share his views on aliens, inter-dimensional entities, and future-human warning theorists. Support our sponsors! Mood: hellomood.co Promo Code: CONNECT20, CONNECTFREE Support the Patreon: patreon.com/theconnectshow Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6mc4qAx... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a young man in college, Eric Canori, quickly built an empire that landed him directly in the belly of the smuggling underworld. He devised a sophisticated network that brought thousands of pounds of bud from Canada into upstate New York. Despite having hubs all across the eastern seaboard and making millions of dollars a month, he remained anonymous to almost everyone he worked with, allowing him to operate for over a decade. His downfall involved famous athletes, paying the feds in gold bars, and a famous mob lawyer. Eric is here tell us about his transformation, the lessons he's learned, and the path that has led to living a clean life, free of crime, and writing a book. Support Eric! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericcanori/ Book: https://a.co/d/evFprat Support our sponsors! Hellofresh: https://www.hellofresh.com/ Promo Code: CONNECT50 Mood: hellomood.co Promo Code: CONNECT20, CONNECTFREE Support the Patreon: patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chad Marks shares his incredible journey from a 40 year prison sentence to becoming a jailhouse lawyer and running a successful paralegal business that helps inmates reduce their sentences. Chad discusses the need for rehabilitation in the prison system and his contributions to federal prison reform. He delves into the challenges Chad faced before and after his imprisonment, including his strained relationship with his drug-addicted father and the poverty and crime in his neighborhood. He also discusses the changes in sentencing laws and their impact on his own case. Join us in hearing Chad Marks' remarkable story of transformation and his dedication to helping others in the criminal justice system. Support Chad! YouTube Channel: @bloodontherazorwiretv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadmarks101/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Razor-Wire-journey-through/dp/B08N9DP62B Legal Work: https://www.freedomfighterspc.com/ Support our sponsors! Mood: hellomood.co Promo Code: CONNECT20, CONNECTFREE Support the Patreon: patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this captivating video, we hear from Fernando Puente, a former member of the Tijuana Cartel who turned his life around to become a music producer for narco corridos. Fernando shares his experiences, giving us a firsthand account of the cartel wars in Tijuana. From growing up in the 90s when crossing the border was easy, to witnessing the militarization of the streets during the cartel wars, Fernando provides valuable insights into the world of cartels. Follow Fernando! IG: https://www.instagram.com/elbordomx/ Podcast: @ElBordoMx Support our sponsors! Mood: hellomood.co Promo Code: CONNECT20, CONNECTFREE Support the Patreon: patreon.com/theconnectshow Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6mc4qAxpztC6D20wzeS91C Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tim McBride, a man out of South West Florida, went from working odd jobs and crab fishing, to leading the largest pot smuggling business on American soil from for a decade. He joins the show talk about his humble beginnings, his rise to the top of a criminal empire, and how he turned his life around after his eventual fall. Support our sponsors! SURFSHARK: Get an exclusive Surfshark deal! Enter promo code CONNECT for an extra 3 months free at https://surfshark.deals/CONNECT Join The Patreon For Bonus Content: https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gil Carrillo, the homicide detective that solved the Night Stalker case, talks about his love for hunting murderers, the effects it had on his mental wellbeing, his relationships, and how dark his investigation got. He breaks down the life of a murder cop and how the force has changed since he has retired. Support our sponsors! FREEZE PIPE: https://thefreezepipe.com/ Promo Code: CONNECT for 10% OFF!! Mood CBD: hellomood.co Promo Code: CONNECT20, CONNECTFREE Support The Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The world’s top expert on narcos in Latin America, Luis Chaparro, drops in to give some of the biggest news in organized crime that NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT. From the current state of Mexican Cartels and the most active war zones throughout to country, to a potential all out fracture of Sinaloa, and shocking news about mega cartels taking over in Colombia and Spain (and it’s not who you think it is)! Follow Luis! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luiskuryaki/ YouTube: Website: https://www.lchaparro.com/ Support our sponsors! FREEZE PIPE: https://thefreezepipe.com/ Promo Code: CONNECT for 10% OFF!! Support The Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A California surfer bro tells Johnny about his days running a cocaine smuggling operation from Southern California to Australia. Starting off as a small-time pot dealer, he graduated to selling cocaine on college campuses and the finally, to smuggling whole kilos to Australia, where he made millions of dollars and eventually, got caught in a federal sting and spent 4 years in an Australian prison. Support our sponsors! Mood CBD: hellomood.co Promo Code: CONNECT20, CONNECTFREE Support the Patreon: patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former hustler and drug dealer Coss Marte comes on the podcast to tell his epic story of going from small-time corner boy to making $5 million a year delivering high-end cocaine all over Manhattan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Lindbloom comes on the show to talk about his years as an associate of a Detroit mafia family. He breaks down all of his rackets from selling weed to heroin to steroids, boat theft, burglary , and extortion, and finally- robbing a bank and taking Detroit PD on a wild high speed chase that landed him in prison for 13 years. SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR- "HELLO MOOD" : https://hellomood.co/ Promo code: CONNECT, CONNECTFREE Support the Patreon: patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Johnny interviews JC of the @wrongtostrong network on YouTube about growing up as a gangbanger in Chicago, trafficking pot for a Mexican Cartel and spending 4 years in a brutal Mexican prison, getting released and starting his own interstate pot empire, serving time in the Feds in America, and finally-- changing his life and becoming a legitimate businessman. Subscribe to JC's page! https://www.youtube.com/@UC-oR-qYEcpN1LocXRm0dHSQ FB: https://www.facebook.com/wrongtostrong Support our sponsors! manscaped.com/products/performance-package PROMO CODE: CONNECT hellomood.co PROMO CODE: CONNECT20, CONNECTFREE Support the Patreon: patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Johnny interviews Hector Bravo, a former California prison guard. He describes life working on a level 4 prison yard in one of the most dangerous and corrupt prison systems in the country. He talks about witnessing stabbings, riots, and administrative cover-ups, and reveals the reason that he had to walk away and speak out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Johnny visits the Haitian communities of Overtown and Allapattah, interviewing local rappers and documenting the history of the Zo Pound and their influence on the Miami Drug Trade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Johnny interviews Apache, a Cuban-American who moved tons of kilos for the Colombians from the late 80's to the mid-90's. He talks about going from small-time dealer to major middleman, and working with Raul Castro and the Cuban government to help him smuggle his cocaine loads to Miami. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex Montenez talks about what it was like growing up as narco royalty in Miami, getting into the game himself and then going to prison, and finally-- becoming the first legitimate millionaire in his family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Johnny interviews Alex Montenez, the nephew of Rafa Salazr, the top general for the Medellin Cartel in Miami in the 1970's and 80's. He talks about what it was like to grow up in cocaine royalty, and tells the true story of being an insider during Miami's coke boom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Johnny visits the Polo Grounds, east Harlem's most notorious housing projects, and gives a history of the violence of the crack era along with Unique Mecca, the former drug kingpin who was responsible for much of that violence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Johnny describes what it's actually like being released from prison, the difficulties of navigating in the free world, and how he moved to Los Angeles after he was released to pursue his dream of being a stand-up comedian. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Johnny returns to the Dominican neighborhood of Washington Heights, New York City- to explore the culture of drug trafficking and to pay homage to the place that made him rich. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Harlem kingpin Unique Mecca takes Johnny through Harlem and Washington Heights, and explains how he was able to take $100 he had left to his name and turn it into a crack empire worth $50 million a year. He was then sentenced to Life in prison under the CCE kingpin act, but was released in 2020 under the new "compassionate release" rules for federal inmates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices