In this explosive episode, investigative journalist Jorge Ventura takes us deep into the hidden world of human smuggling, cartel operations, and the growing influence of Chinese organized crime in the U.S. border crisis. Jorge exposes the shocking realities behind: - Chinese nationals paying $35,000 to cartels for illegal entry - The cartel’s secret deal with China to smuggle fentanyl precursors - The life-threatening dangers of crossing the Rio Grande - New York City’s $8M/day migrant crisis & ...
Mar 09, 2025•2 hr 6 min•Ep 140•Transcript available on Metacast Art forgery is a multi-billion dollar industry, and in this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of deception, talent, and high-stakes crime. Meet Max Brandrett, one of the most notorious art forgers in history, who made a living creating masterful fakes of famous paintings and selling them as the real deal. From fooling galleries to evading the law, Max shares the secrets behind aging paintings, crafting perfect forgeries, and the lucrative hustle that kept him in and out of prison ...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Sinaloa Cartel has long been considered Mexico's most dominant criminal empire, but with the recent arrest of its legendary leader, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, is this truly the end? Or is the cartel simply evolving and expanding beyond borders? In this deep dive, we explore: - The real reason behind El Mayo’s arrest and whether it was staged - How U.S. and Mexican authorities have historically worked with cartels - The cartel's global expansion into Europe, Asia, and beyond - The parallels be...
Mar 02, 2025•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this exclusive interview, John "Red" Shea, former Irish-American gangster, shares his untold story of rising to power alongside the infamous James "Whitey" Bulger in South Boston during the 1980s. Shea opens up about his role as a key cocaine supplier, the inner workings of Bulger's criminal empire, and the ultimate betrayal by corrupt FBI agent John Connolly. Red covers his experience with the Irish Mafia including: -How Whitey Bulger ruled South Boston for three decades -The rise of Red She...
Feb 23, 2025•2 hr 20 min•Ep 137•Transcript available on Metacast At just 13 years old, 59 Jay was indoctrinated into the violent world of Norteño gang politics. Thank you Helix Sleep for sponsoring! Helix’s President’s Day Exclusive Partner Offer is running now for a limited time – Visit https://helixsleep.com/theconnect to get 27% off your mattress. Offers subject to change. #helixsleep For nearly two decades, his life revolved around crime, drugs, and prison. In this raw and unfiltered interview, Jay exposes the harsh realities of gang life—how it operates,...
Feb 16, 2025•2 hr 12 min•Ep 136•Transcript available on Metacast 2024 has seen record-breaking cartel violence in Mexico, with brutal conflicts erupting across the country. With Donald Trump back in office, he's vowing to crush the cartels, declaring them terrorist organizations and even threatening military intervention in Mexico. But is this plan realistic? In this deep dive, we explore: 🔹 The collapse of the old cartel system and rise of decentralized criminal groups 🔹 How cartels have diversified beyond drugs into oil theft, human smuggling, and extorti...
Feb 09, 2025•43 min•Ep 135•Transcript available on Metacast Ross Ulbricht, the mastermind behind Silk Road, created one of the most notorious underground marketplaces in internet history. From 2011 to 2013, Silk Road facilitated over $200 million in drug sales using Bitcoin, making Ulbricht a target for the U.S. government. But was he truly the criminal kingpin they made him out to be? In this deep dive, we explore: 🔹 The rise and fall of Silk Road – the "Amazon for drugs" 🔹 Ross Ulbricht’s trial, sentencing, and controversial murder-for-hire allegatio...
Feb 05, 2025•14 min•Ep 134•Transcript available on Metacast In this gripping interview, legendary Harlem gangster Lou Simms shares his untold story of survival in the brutal world of the 1980s crack epidemic. From running a multi-state drug empire to facing the death penalty, surviving 27 years in maximum security prison, and witnessing the transformation of Harlem, Lou holds nothing back. Lou explains how he got the name "Homicide Lou", the violent reality of federal prison, being a personal target of the U.S. Attorney General and much more. Go Support ...
Feb 02, 2025•2 hr 29 min•Ep 133•Transcript available on Metacast What really went down on January 6th? In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Nathan DeGrave, one of the 1600+ individuals who participated in the Capitol protest and was later pardoned by Donald Trump. Nathan shares his firsthand experience, from marching to the Capitol after Trump’s speech to the moment things spiraled out of control. He reveals shocking details about how police responded, the role of outside agitators, and what happened inside the Senate chamber. He also discusses his a...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep 132•Transcript available on Metacast Dive into the extraordinary story of Jorge Valdez, the original "Cocaine Cowboy" who pioneered the cocaine trade in the United States during the 1970s. From his beginnings as the Medellín Cartel's accountant to running multi-million-dollar operations, Jorge franchised the drug trade and left a mark on history. But his story doesn’t end there. After a life-changing spiritual awakening, Jorge walked away from a dangerous empire, forfeiting millions and serving a decade in federal prison. During th...
Jan 26, 2025•3 hr 42 min•Ep 131•Transcript available on Metacast Dive into the gripping story of Stephen French, also known as "The Devil," one of Liverpool's most infamous figures. From his troubled childhood to leading a stick-up crew during the 1980s cocaine boom, French built a fearsome reputation in the underworld, amassing millions and dominating Liverpool's streets. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his journey through violence, crime, and redemption. Discover how he evaded law enforcement, transformed into a community activist, and wrestl...
Jan 19, 2025•2 hr 8 min•Ep 130•Transcript available on Metacast Dive into the extraordinary life of David McMillan, a former professional heroin smuggler who orchestrated massive operations across the globe. In this gripping interview, David reveals how he navigated the dangerous underworld, sourced the finest heroin from Southeast Asia, and built an empire that spanned continents. But it wasn’t all glamour. Arrested in Thailand and sentenced to death in one of the world’s toughest prisons, David faced the unthinkable—execution. Against all odds, he pulled o...
Jan 16, 2025•3 hr 56 min•Ep 129•Transcript available on Metacast Step into the gripping world of an elite Navy SEAL turned private military contractor. In this candid conversation, Daniel Corbett shares raw insights into his journey from a troubled youth to becoming a SEAL, intense combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the ethical dilemmas faced in modern warfare. He reflects on his time with SEAL Team 6, hostage rescues, mercenary work, and the psychological impact of high-stakes operations. Explore the untold stories of battlefield tactics, moral amb...
Jan 12, 2025•2 hr 16 min•Ep 129•Transcript available on Metacast Before Nino Breeze put out a hit single with Rick Ross and signed a massive record contract, he was a kid in the slums of St Petersburg, Florida. After serving time for burglaries he met a connect from Humboldt County California and quickly built a pot empire shipping up to 100 lbs at a time through the mail back home. After his business partner was busted and became an informant, the DEA and ATF raided Nino's home and he was sent to federal prison. Go Support Nino! Spotify: https://open.spotify...
Jan 05, 2025•2 hr 34 min•Ep 127•Transcript available on Metacast In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the harrowing yet inspiring story of Gemma Smith, a survivor of domestic abuse who took drastic action to escape her abuser. Growing up in Northern England amidst a backdrop of addiction, violence, and neglect, Gemma’s life was marked by challenges from an early age. Her story takes a dramatic turn as she confronts an abusive partner, faces the legal system, and navigates life in prison—all while fighting to keep her child by her side. Today, Gemma is ...
Jan 02, 2025•2 hr 37 min•Ep 126•Transcript available on Metacast In this powerful and raw account, Victor Abraham, a young African immigrant, shares his harrowing experiences of navigating systemic injustice in Staten Island, New York. He was falsely accused of a crime he didn't commit which sent him to a jail where he was subjected to solitary confinement at Rikers Island. Victor’s story sheds light on the realities of institutional racism, corruption, and the ACS-to-prison pipeline. Despite enduring fabricated charges, wrongful imprisonment, and mental heal...
Dec 29, 2024•2 hr 43 min•Ep 125•Transcript available on Metacast Taylor Cavanaugh, a former Navy SEAL, brings us into his life which feels straight out of an action movie at times. From battling ISIS in the deserts of the Middle East to surviving grueling SEAL training and joining the legendary French Foreign Legion, Taylor shares his incredible journey of resilience, transformation, and redemption. He dives into the details of being discharged by the SEALs and what life is really like for a mercenary. Go Support Taylor! Website: https://www.taylorcavanaugh.c...
Dec 22, 2024•2 hr 1 min•Ep 124•Transcript available on Metacast Ali Gonzalez, a former high-level hitman for Mexico's most dangerous cartels, reveals the shocking truth about life as a sicario. From his traumatic childhood and recruitment into the Sinaloa cartel to the violent reality of territorial disputes and his ultimate journey toward redemption, Ali provides unparalleled insight into the inner workings of the world's most powerful criminal organizations. This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: MANDO! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get $...
Dec 15, 2024•3 hr 38 min•Ep 123•Transcript available on Metacast Shaun Attwood tells his incredible story of how he went from a working class childhood in England to becoming a successful stockbroker in the United States to running a multi-million dollar drug smuggling empire and eventually doing time in one of the most controversial prison systems in North America. He talks about the web of operations he set up that spanned multiple continents and the blood feud his crew had with the famed mafia underboss Sammy "The Bull" Gravano. Shaun also gives insights o...
Dec 08, 2024•2 hr 14 min•Ep 122•Transcript available on Metacast Paul Calvo, a former member of the notorious Fresno Bulldogs, opens up about his life of crime, survival in one of California's most violent gangs, and the harsh realities of federal prison. Paul shares never-before-heard stories about life on the inside, including shocking violence, the rules of survival, and the eventual journey toward redemption. This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: True Classic! Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/connect ! #true...
Dec 01, 2024•3 hr 54 min•Ep 121•Transcript available on Metacast Adam22 opens up about the highs and lows of his career as a podcast host, rapper, and internet personality. We delve into his controversial podcast episodes, his views on the evolving rap scene, and the challenges of balancing family life with a career in the adult entertainment industry. Stay tuned for an unfiltered conversation that gets to the heart of what drives Adam22’s success and the controversies surrounding his career. Go Support Adam! YouTube: @NoJumper IG: http://www.instagram.com/ad...
Nov 28, 2024•2 hr 38 min•Ep 120•Transcript available on Metacast Pieter Tritton—dubbed the "Posh Pete"—pulls back the curtain on the dangerous and complex world of international drug trafficking. From crafting innovative smuggling techniques like impregnating cocaine into latex to surviving the brutal violence of an Ecuadorian prison, Tritton shares his harrowing journey. This is not just a tale of crime but a deep dive into the global drug trade's economics, its shift towards synthetic drugs, and the psychological toll of living on the edge. Discover how one...
Nov 24, 2024•3 hr 22 min•Ep 119•Transcript available on Metacast Titone Rosavelli, also known as "Tito," shares the untold story of how he co-founded New York City's infamous "Yellow Top Crew," one of the most powerful and violent crack cocaine organizations of the 1980s. Tito opens up about his journey from a teenager hustling on the streets to leading a crew that controlled the Upper West Side with an iron fist, managing a network of over 40 workers, and amassing fortunes that were beyond his wildest dreams. From organizing street-level crack sales to evadi...
Nov 17, 2024•3 hr 41 min•Ep 118•Transcript available on Metacast Investigative journalist Jordan Chariton discusses the shocking details behind the Flint water crisis. Dive deep into the origins of the crisis, where a switch from Detroit's water supply to the contaminated Flint River led to dangerous lead levels and life-threatening health issues for residents. Jordan exposes conflicts of interest, financial motives, and an alleged cover-up that kept Flint residents drinking toxic water for years. He shares his experience uncovering erased evidence, silenced ...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep 117•Transcript available on Metacast Step into the gritty underworld of Britain with Chet Sandhu, one of the most notorious gangsters the country has ever seen. Born to Indian immigrants and raised amidst racial hostility in northern England, Chet faced a harsh reality from a young age. Driven by revenge and a desire to protect his family, he navigated from a troubled childhood to becoming a powerful figure in the UK’s crime scene. From his beginnings as a steroid dealer to leading one of Britain’s most infamous criminal operations...
Nov 10, 2024•2 hr 4 min•Ep 117•Transcript available on Metacast Former prison gang shot-caller Ronnie Harrell reveals his journey from a life of violent crime and gang leadership within some of America’s most brutal prisons to personal transformation and advocacy. Ronnie, once a high-ranking member of the Nazi Low Riders and affiliated with the Aryan Brotherhood, shares raw, first-hand insights into prison life, extreme violence, and the influence of gang culture. Now, after years of reflection, sobriety, and self-education, he is using his experiences to ma...
Nov 03, 2024•3 hr 34 min•Ep 115•Transcript available on Metacast Tijuana, Mexico—one of the most dangerous cities in the world. This Episode Is #Sponsored By PDS DEBT! Stop waiting and start saving. Get a free debt analysis right now at PDSDebt.com/theconnect In this eye-opening documentary, we dive into the heart of TJ, where crime and violence are part of daily life. With insights from former law enforcement officer Ed Calderon and ex-dope boy Fernando Puente, we uncover the truth behind Tijuana's notorious drug cartels, the shifting dynamics of power, and ...
Oct 27, 2024•55 min•Ep 114•Transcript available on Metacast Saagar Enjeti from the hit news show "Breaking Points" gives his take on the upcoming U.S. elections and how that could affect the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. He talks about how early and mail-in voting is actually encouraged by both political parties and why he doesn't believe there will be any election disputes or political violence like there were in 2020. He also gave his opinion on America's relationship with Israel and explains why the current policy is bad for American interests....
Oct 24, 2024•49 min•Ep 113•Transcript available on Metacast In this revealing interview, Lewis Ziskin shares his incredible story of being one of the biggest drug traffickers in the United States during the late 1990s. Operating a massive ecstasy empire, Ziskin imported millions of pills from Europe, working with dangerous criminal organizations like the Chinese Triads and the Italian mafia. Ziskin details the high-stakes world of drug trafficking, the massive DEA bust that brought his operation down in 2000, and how he managed to represent himself in co...
Oct 20, 2024•3 hr 51 min•Ep 112•Transcript available on Metacast Reporter Chris Dalby dives into the inner workings of the CJNG; Mexico's most violent cartel. As the Sinaloa cartel spirals into civil war, the CJNG is prime to become the dominant organization in the country and Chris explains how they might go about it. He gives unbelievable facts about the group's way of doing business, their history, and dives into the rumors about El Mencho's existence. His work on Jalisco's criminal organization is unrivaled. You don't want to miss this one! Go Support Chr...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep 110•Transcript available on Metacast 
