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The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell

The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell

By: Johnny Mitchell
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Former drug trafficker and standup comedian Johnny Mitchell takes you inside the world of drugs, crime, prison, and the politics of the War on Drugs.Johnny Mitchell True Crime
Episodes
  • Texas Blood Gang Member Describes Being White In An All-Black Gang, Saying The N-Word

    Texas Blood Gang Member Describes Being White In An All-Black Gang, Saying The N-Word
    Jun 7 2026
    This is Part 1 of a five-part miniseries on Tim Griesheimer's life. Tim is by far one of the most popular guests we've had on the show, so this series dives even deeper into his life featuring new stories about gang life, prison, identity, trauma, and redemption. In this episode, Tim shares the early chapters of his life, from growing up in an abusive household to finding acceptance in the streets, gang culture, and eventually prison. Tim opens up about what it was like being white while running with mostly Black friends and Blood gang members, how racial dynamics differed between Ohio and Texas, and the controversy around using the n-word. He also describes childhood violence, early crime, carrying guns as a kid, shootouts, and how he became drawn to the outlaw lifestyle before his first prison sentence. Topics include: -Growing up in Ohio and Texas -Childhood abuse and street life -Being white around Blood gang members -Saying the n-word and facing consequences -Early gun violence and shootouts -Racial tension in Texas -First experiences with prison politics -Finding identity through crime and gang culture Go Support Tim! IG: https://www.instagram.com/tattoos_bykriminalkustoms/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/connect Prescription required. See website for details and important safety information. Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra®. Viagra® is a registered trademark of Viatris Specialty LLC. Hims is not affiliated with or endorsed by Viatris. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 From a Troubled Home to the Streets 01:01 Introducing Tim Griesheimer's Story 04:47 Connecting with People and Early Social Traits 07:09 Nature vs. Nurture and Developing an Outlaw Mentality 10:27 Embracing the Streets: Stealing and Early Crimes 13:01 Fighting, Survival, and Street Cred 17:08 Shootouts and Guns at a Young Age 21:12 Gang Affiliations: Bloods, Crips, and Neighborhood Politics 25:48 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 27:38 Reflecting on Gang Life, Family Bonds, and Military Ambitions 33:13 Childhood Abuse and Family Trauma 36:50 Violence at Home and Resentment Toward Parents 41:13 Cycles of Abuse: Family History 43:14 Moving Between States & Unstable Upbringing 45:27 Culture Shock: Racial Dynamics in Texas vs. Ohio 48:00 Experiencing Prejudice from Both Black and White Communities 50:01 First Time Going to Prison – Facing Reality 54:01 Arrival at the Most Dangerous Texas Prison 56:11 Navigating Prison Politics and Racial Pressure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • How European Cocaine Cartels Took Over The Global Drug Trade

    How European Cocaine Cartels Took Over The Global Drug Trade
    Jun 3 2026
    Jonathan Alpeyrie is a war photographer and journalist who has spent time documenting the darkest corners of the global drug trade — from cartel territory in Mexico and the favelas of Brazil to the streets of Kensington, Skid Row, Baltimore, and the mega-prisons of El Salvador. Jonathan breaks down what he’s seen firsthand while embedding with drug gangs, addicts, undercover police units, and special forces around the world. He explains how European drug gangs are becoming more powerful, why France, Belgium, and Holland are turning into major narco hubs, and how Mexican cartels are exporting their violence and tactics into Europe. Jonathan also discusses the rise of fentanyl in America, the origins of the synthetic opioid pipeline, the brutal reality of addiction on the streets, and what he witnessed inside El Salvador’s crackdown on MS-13. From undercover drug buys in Europe to firefights in Rio’s favelas, this is a raw look at the worldwide drug crisis from someone who has seen it up close. Go Support Jonathan! Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Drug-Wars/Jonathan-Alpeyrie/9780972115247 Website: https://jonathanalpeyrie.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jonalpeyrie/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 European Drug Gangs & Cartel Tactics 02:00 War Reporter’s Background 03:55 Challenges of Access and Documentary Work 08:00 Undercover Ops with Cops & European Narcos 12:40 Weak Punishments & Overloaded European Prisons 15:50 Belgium, Holland & France: Europe's Crime Hotbeds 21:00 Ethnic Gangs and Emerging Alliances 27:00 Why Europe Is the “Crown Jewel” of the Drug Trade 35:00 Big Busts, Corruption & Mexican Cartel Influence 41:00 Fentanyl and Drug Crisis in the US 49:30 Drug Trends: Fentanyl, Meth, and Ketamine Scenes 54:00 MDMA, Ecstasy, and Party Drug Production 59:50 Inside Brazilian Favelas and Combat Zones 01:03:00 Violence, Danger & Drug Wars in Latin America 01:10:00 War Reporting: Syria, Iraq, and Hostage Experiences 01:20:00 Geopolitics, Proxy Wars & Global Destabilization 01:27:30 America’s Shifting Role & Future of Cartels 01:34:00 Personal Trauma, Resilience & Drug War Morality 01:41:00 Solutions, Nationalism, and The Limits of Idealism 01:45:00 Jonathan’s Mission & Final Thoughts 01:49:00 Book Plug & Closing Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 57 mins
  • Inside America's Most NOTORIOUS Prison: Inmate Exposes Truth About ADX Supermax Prison

    Inside America's Most NOTORIOUS Prison: Inmate Exposes Truth About ADX Supermax Prison
    May 31 2026
    Former federal inmate Eric King joins to expose what life is really like inside ADX Florence, America’s most notorious supermax prison. After being sentenced to 10 years for firebombing a politician’s office in 2014, King says he endured brutal treatment in federal custody, including beatings, starvation, solitary confinement, four-point restraints, and years of communication restrictions. In this episode, Eric opens up about his radicalization in Kansas City, the Ferguson protests, his federal case, surviving violent prison politics, fighting a guard in self-defense, winning at trial, and later being sent to ADX Florence in what he believes was retaliation. He also explains the psychological toll of extreme isolation, the myths surrounding ADX, how prisoners communicate inside, and what it took to rebuild his life after release. Eric is the author of A Clean Hell: Anarchy and Abolition Inside America’s Most Notorious Dungeon, a firsthand account of survival, resistance, and humanity inside the federal prison system. Topics include: -Eric King’s childhood and political awakening -Ferguson, direct action, and his federal charges -Violence, solitary confinement, and prison retaliation -Life inside ADX Florence -The psychological effects of extreme isolation -Reentry, trauma, family, and healing after prison Go Support Eric! Book: https://pmpress.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1872 IG: https://www.instagram.com/supportericking/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/connect Prescription required. See website for details and important safety information. Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra®. Viagra® is a registered trademark of Viatris Specialty LLC. Hims is not affiliated with or endorsed by Viatris. Cash App! Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/1ekoiacn #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Cash App Green, overdraft coverage, borrow, cash back offers and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Eric King Introduction 02:00 Eric's Early Life & Radicalization 06:00 Growing Up: Crime, Poverty, and Activism 12:00 Losing Faith & Early Legal Troubles 18:00 Protest, Ferguson, and Political Activism 21:06 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 22:41 The Crime: Ferguson Response & Arrest 29:00 Prison: First Experiences & Racial Politics 34:00 Surviving Prison Culture & Targeting 40:00 Abuse by Guards & Florence Medium Incident 45:42 This Episode Is Sponsored By Cash App 47:00 Torture, Four-Point Room & Transfer Hell 53:00 Isolation, Violence, and Solitary Life 01:00:00 Fighting Back: Resistance & Prison Protests 01:14:00 Second Trial: Self-Defense, Winning in Court 01:20:00 ADX Florence: Punishment & Reprisal Transfers 01:28:00 Arriving at ADX: Conditions and Isolation 01:37:00 ADX Daily Life & Psychological Impact 01:49:00 Punitive System, Corruption, and Quota Reality 01:56:00 Surviving Isolation: Mental Discipline & Gratitude 02:00:00 Reentry: Life After Prison & Its Challenges 02:06:00 Reflection: Regrets, Growth, and Activism Now 02:12:00 ADX Realities, Mythbusting & Book Release 02:18:00 ADX Procedures, High-Profile Inmates & Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    2 hrs and 29 mins
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