George Christie, a long-time member and former chapter president of the Hells Angels in Ventura, California, discusses his experiences with the club, including surviving rival clubs, internal beef, and numerous federal indictments. George debates whether the Hells Angels are a criminal organization or just a motorcycle club with some problematic members. He discusses internal power struggles within the Hells Angels, particularly with Sunny Barger, and reflects on the challenges law enforcement faces in prosecuting the gang due to its complex structure and autonomous operations. Now retired, Christie has distanced himself from the club and reflects on his past, emphasizing that while the Hells Angels engaged in criminal acts, they also sought to maintain a certain code and order within their ranks. Go Support George! Website: https://www.georgechristie.com/ YouTube: @GeorgeGusChristie Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/georgechristie IG: https://www.instagram.com/georgechristiejr/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By PrizePicks! Download the app today and use 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

Chris Arevalos came home to Southern Indiana after his service in the military feeling directionless. He quickly fell into the vicious cycle of opioid addiction that plagued his hometown. Now in the dark world of drugs, he began a life criminal activity and before long was sentenced to federal prison time. Chris was sent to Big Sandy, one of the most notorious prisons in the federal system. He was immediately recruited by La Eme-- The Mexican Mafia. He describes life inside La Eme and his experiences as a member. Chris was fortunate enough to get out of the gang and turn his life around. This is the story of Chris overcoming addiction, surviving prison gang life, and his story of redemption by not letting his mistakes define his future. This episode is #sponsored by the following brands: ROCKET MONEY Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to https://www.rocketmoney.com/connect BLUECHEW Visit https://bluechew.com/ and try BlueChew FREE when you use our promo code MITCHELL at checkout, just pay $5 shipping! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tony Hernandez grew up surrounded by the Mafia in Queens, New York. In fact, his uncle was one of the leaders of the French Connection. As a kid, Tony would hang out in the bars and social clubs that his uncle ran for the other wise guys. But for some reason, Tony went the other way. He became a New York City cop, where he worked for ten years down in the subway system. Despite having grown up around the criminal element, Tony says that crime in NYC NOW is out of control! Go Support Tony! YouTube: @CorruptionConnection IG: https://www.instagram.com/corruptionconnection This episode is sponsored by MOOD! Head over to https://hellomood.com/ and use code CONNECT20 for 20% OFF your first PLUS 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

Mikki Mase quickly made a name for himself on the Las Vegas scene by being one of the youngest and most successful high rollers in the city. He's been featured in the World Series of Poker and made MILLIONS at the tables. He got so successful that he eventually became banned throughout all of Vegas. Today he's exposing the cheating tactics that not just the casinos use, but the online gambling sites, who he claims are even more corrupt. We get a glimpse into the life of a young high roller and peek behind the curtain of a multibillion dollar industry full of scams. Go Support Mikki! IG: https://www.instagram.com/dirtygothboi Mikki's Business Venture: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqo3YBNmgvKJtmBcrnMvCDbegeZ1LjBBpsvpXkIMtrzb_GCg/viewform Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joseph Barone Jr was raised with mob ties; his father was a hitman for the Genovese crime family. So it wasn't long before Joe started running with the same type of people. He got close with the Bonanno Family and started working for them. One day he was pinched by the Feds and when they revealed the truth about his father's death he agreed to flip. He spent the next 18 years giving the FBI information on the inner workings of the mob that led to countless takedowns. He's here to tell us all about it! Check Out Joe's Podcasts! Mafia Roundtable: https://www.youtube.com/@mafiaroundtable The Goodfellow Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGoodfellowPodcast Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow This Episode Is Sponsored By PrizePicks! Download the app today and use CONNECT for a first deposit match up to $100! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martin Mejias, known on the streets of New York City as Chango, grew up in Harlem after his family immigrated from Puerto Rico. At a young age he was quickly exposed to the illegal drug game in his neighborhood and before long became a part of it. It wasn't long before he was full-on selling and manufacturing crack cocaine and swiftly became a young kingpin with an entire crew working for him. He tells us about his days in the illegal drug market, the bust that landed him in prison, the destruction he caused on his community and family, and decisions that led to him turning his life around. Go Support Chango! IG: https://www.instagram.com/chango_cp5 Chango's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CHANGO842 This Episode Is Sponsored By ROCKET MONEY Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/CONNECT Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Investigative journalist, Chris Todd, discusses his research and findings about the infamous OJ Simpson murder case that led to him writing a book about it. He dives into the evidence he found, including a confession, of a second killer, OJ's ties with the mafia and a ring of crime involving drug trafficking that all lead back to the murder itself. Believe him or not, there are some fascinating revelations in this one! Support Chris! Books: Ron's Revenge: https://www.amazon.com/RONS-REVENGE-Chris-Todd/dp/B08KTWGY64 Forest For The Trees: https://www.amazon.com/Forest-Trees-Indiana-murdered-teenage/dp/B0BKFKS1BL Email: investigatorla19@gmail.com This episode is sponsored by MOOD! Visit www.hellomood.co and use code CONNECT20 at checkout for 20% OFF your first order PLUS a FREE 5 count pack of gummies! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ali Siddiq is a famous standup comedian that headlines and sells out comedy clubs and theaters around the world. But his path to success in comedy is not a common one. He grew up in Houston's Third Ward surrounded by drug use and crime. At a young age he began selling drugs and quickly built an illegal empire, reaching kingpin status. He was busted by law enforcement and served time in some of the worst prisons in Texas. It was in these prisons that he discovered his talent for speaking and making people laugh. He turned his life around, got out of prison and has created a wildly successful career for himself as a standup. Ali joins the show to talk about his experiences as well as his regrets and lessons learned from his earlier life as a criminal and how he's encouraging people now to live a more positive life. Go Support Ali! YouTube: @AliSiddiqComedy Website: https://alisiddiq.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/alisiddiq/ This Episode Is Sponsored By: PRIZEPICKS Visit https://www.prizepicks.com/ or download the app today and use 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

Chris George ran one of the most successful and notorious "pill mill" pharmacies in Florida at the height of the oxycontin opioid epidemic in the late 2000s. He began his criminal career as a teenager buying a selling illegal steroids and eventually ran it through a business front with his brother. In his late 20s he entered the burgeoning pain management industry and quickly Chris and his brother were running the largest pain pill mill company in the state; South Florida Pain Clinic. His entire family entered the business with him and soon he caught the attention of the feds and was eventually served 10 years in prison. Today he runs a legitimate successful business and has been featured in numerous documentaries, television series', and news shows telling his story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Curtis grew up in Orange County, California in area rife with addiction and crime. As a child he was not protected from this reality and in fact was encouraged to be a part of it. Struggling with addiction and turning to a life of crime, Chris ended up getting sentenced to life in prison as a result of California's Three Strikes law. There he found himself in some of the most dangerous institutions in the state. He's on the show to talk about how he ended up getting out of prison with a life sentence, cleaning up and overcoming his addiction, and becoming a mentor of hope for kids just like he was. Go Support Chris! Book: https://www.amazon.com/Orange-County-Dark-Christopher-Curtis/dp/1644565935 IG: https://www.instagram.com/octhedarkside8083/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@octhedarkside8083 Support the show and get 15% off your Perfect Jean order at https://www.theperfectjean.nyc/ with promo code CONNECT15 Head over to https://hellomood.co/ and use code CONNECT20 at checkout for 20% off your first order PLUS a free 5 count pack of gummies! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Barry Minkow is one of the most infamous financial scam artists in American History. By the age of 21 he was running a ponzi scheme worth a billion dollars. He made history by being the youngest person to take a company public with his carpet cleaning business. But what people didn't know was that Barry was using money from the mafia to help fund this business. He ran bank and wire fraud, embezzled money from investors, and much more. Barry was so committed to running scams that he's been convicted more than once- one of these convictions came down WHILE he was helping the feds in fraud cases. He ended serving time in federal prison and turned his life around. He works now with the federal government go after companies that are committing fraud just like he used to. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oscar Castro grew up in New Jersey to a loving family. When he dropped out of high school he immediately got a job and met someone that talked him into being a drug mule for a Colombian organization. As law enforcement began cracking down in Colombia the operations moved to Ecuador. One on pickup Oscar was arrested in Ecuador by Interpol and the DEA. From there he spent 7 years in some of the most horrific jails and prisons in Ecuador where death, drugs, and riots lasting for weeks were common occurrences. He's here to tell us all about his experiences and his journey to turning his life around and wanting to help others avoid going down the path he did as a young man. This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsors: PRIZEPICKS Visit https://www.prizepicks.com/ or download the app today and use code CONNECT for a first deposit match up to $100! MOOD Head over to https://hellomood.co/ and use code CONNECT20 at checkout for 20% off your first order PLUS a free 5 count pack of gummies! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sammy "The Bull" Gravano is one of the most famous and notorious mafia figures in history. He was John Gotti's right hand man. He helped Gotti become the boss of the Gambino Crime Family and did PLENTY to get his hands dirty. When him and John were arrested by the FBI, Sammy made the decision to cooperate and help put the Teflon Don in prison for good. This is his story. Go Support Sammy! YouTube: @officialsammythebull IG: https://www.instagram.com/officialsammythebull/ Podcast: https://www.ourthing.tv/ This episode is #sponsored by the following brands: MANDO Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get $5 off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo MITCHELL at https://shopmando.com/ ! #mandopod MOOD Head over to https://mood.com/ and use promo code CONNECT at checkout to get 20% OFF your first order PLUS a FREE 5 count pack of gummies! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dominick Cicale grew up in the Bronx burrow of New York City. Surrounded by criminal activity he quickly started associating with mafia and eventually became a "Made Man" with the Bonanno Crime Family. Before long he was made a captain and had over 20 soldiers working for him. He was involved in racketeering, illegal gambling, and even murder. After a particular hit went down he ended up cooperating with the Federal Government to help take down other associates, served time in federal prison, and eventually left the life of crime. Today he is a successful business man and living a fulfilling life with his family. He joins the show to tell his incredible story of going into the deepest depths of organized crime and coming out the other side a changed man! Go Support Dom! EG Vodka: https://egvodka.com/ Preorder The Book: https://theperfectcrimefamily.com/ Podcast: @mafiaroundtable Support the show and secure your online data at https://www.expressvpn.com/CONNECTPOD Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Garet McLendon shares his story of going from addiction and prison gangs to sobriety and recovery. Step into Summer fun activities with Vessi. Visit vessi.com/connect for an automatic 15% off your first purchase at checkout! Garet grew up in Palmdale CA. At a young age he was exposed to the drugs that were rampant in his community. He quickly found himself not only addicted to drugs, but selling them to support his habit. This life led him to spending time in and out of some of America's most dangerous prisons. While in prison he joined gangs and even became a shot caller. Garet is here to share his stories of not just surviving maximum security prison, but his path to sobriety and recovery and how he's helping others get off drugs and avoid the mistakes and lifestyle choices he made as a young man. Go Support Garet and contact him if you need help with addiction recovery! IG: https://www.instagram.com/garetmclendon/ 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

Myron Gaines is the well known and very controversial host of the Fresh And Fit Podcast. What a lot of people don’t know is before he became a famous podcaster and fitness coach, he was a special agent with Homeland Security. After attending Northwestern University, Myron started working with HSI in Loredo, Texas. He was involved with Mexican Cartel stings, wiretaps, undercover operations, and immigration. He joins the show today to tell all about his time as a federal agent, how that field ACTUALLY works, and ultimately that caused him to leave. Go Support Myron's Channels! Fresh And Fit Podcast: @FreshFitMiami Fed Reacts: @FedReacts This Episode Is Brought To You By The Following Sponsor: PRIZEPICKS! Head over to https://www.prizepicks.com/connect and use promo code CONNECT for a first deposit match up to $100! Support the show and visit https://www.dietsmoke.com/FREE to try Diet Smoke gummies. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve James learned the power of money at a young age. In rural Georgia during the 1950s he discovered the basics of business by watching his grandfather hustle ranchers for cattle. He took these lessons and applied them to crime. By the age of 13 he was smuggling in pot from Panama and became the main distributer in his town. He continued scaling his business which eventually led to him trafficking seeds from Afghanistan and starting the first indica grows on the island of Jamaica. He's here to tell us all about his life story; crime, addiction, betrayal and a federal case that landed him the crosshairs of the FBI. Go Support Steve! Website: https://indicathebook.com/ Book On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Indica-Steven-Person-Marijuana-Jamaica-ebook/dp/B09HHNSM4Z This Episode Is #Sponsored By MANDO! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code MITCHELL at www.shopmando.com! #mandopod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matthew Cox shares the details that led to him becoming one of the most wanted men in America by the FBI and the Secret Service. He started as an honest insurance salesman and quickly found himself committing fraud as a mortgage lender. It wasn't long before he found himself creating and stealing identities, forging real estate documents, opening credit lines, faking deaths and borrowing more than 11 million dollars from banks all across the country. Go Support Matt! IG: https://www.instagram.com/insidetruecrime/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@matthewcoxtruecrime YouTube: @InsideTrueCrime FaceBook: https://m.facebook.com/MatthewCoxTrueCrime/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Shark-Housing-Pool-Matthew-Cox/dp/B0851KBYCF Art: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CoxPopArt 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

Understanding multi-layered news like government corruption is easier with Ground News. Go to https://ground.news/theconnect to get 30% off their unlimited access Vantage plan. Jeff Turner is a brilliantly talented designer and printer. Little did he know that those skills would help feed a drug addiction by printing some of the most realistic counterfeit bills that the Secret Service has ever seen. He has been described as the Picasso of counterfeit money. Jeff joins the show to detail how he taught himself the art of printing fake money, the rise of his scam, and the moment he was caught by the federal government and sent to prison. His work was so legendary that the Feds praised him for his sophistication and even had him film tutorials for them on his process. Today he is running a legitimate printing business, sober and being a positive influence for his kids! Go Support Jeff! IG: https://www.instagram.com/j.turner727/ Website: https://graphicalwarehouse.com/ YouTube: @jeffreypatrickturner Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matty Boy hails from California’s Bay Area. As a young kid he was exposed to the criminal life by his parents who were both affiliated with the Hell’s Angels and CA prison gangs. It wasn’t long before he joined the life and started selling huge amounts of meth. In this time he started a street gang called FAIM- Family Affiliated Irish Mafia. This path sent him straight to federal court where he was looking at potentially life in prison. He’s here to talk about his life in the criminal world, starting a white prison gang, and how he turned his life around and started his new chapter as a well known rapper! Go Support Matty Boy! IG: https://www.instagram.com/mattyboy1417/ YouTube: @mattyboymusic4020 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

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

Andrew Bustamante is a well known retired CIA spy. He gives us insight on how the CIA operates from an insiders perspective. He breaks down how intelligence is collected both inside and outside the boundaries of international law. Andy and Johnny have some heated debates over the concept of "The Deep State", international tensions, and the ethics of US involvement around the world. Go Support Andrew! Website: https://everydayspy.com Podcast: @EverydaySpyPodcast This episode is #sponsored by MOOD. Head over to https://mood.com/ and use promo code CONNECT at checkout to get 20% OFF your first order PLUS a FREE 5 count pack of gummies! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 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

Dr. Hal Bradley is a pastor in the Pacific Northwest. But before he joined the ministry and became a counselor he was a lieutenant in the Sinaloa Cartel during the 70s and 80s. Fresh out of the marines, he reconnected with friends he made on a trip to Mexico when he was a teenager, only to find out they were now part of a major crime syndicate. He joined up and became responsible for their operations in the Northwest United States. But the realities of this life and the people he was involved with made him rethink the path he had chosen. He then turned himself in and spent 20 years helping the federal government dismantle the organization he was once working with. Today he helps people struggling with addiction as a way to further combat the sins of his past. His story of redemption is an inspiring one. Go Support Dr. Bradley! https://www.hostingauthors.com/authors/DrHal This Episode Is #Sponsored By BlueChew! Visit https://bluechew.com/ and try BlueChew FREE when you use our promo code MITCHELL at checkout, just pay $5 shipping! 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

Despite growing up in a strict military home in Houston, Texas, Rex Holloway became a troublemaker at a young age. Falling into the wrong crowd, he quickly found himself in the world of drugs, burglary and armed robbery. This lifestyle caught up with him when he was arrested and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Once inside, he continued a path of destruction and joined the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas gang. Rex quickly built a name for himself in the gang and became a shot caller. He spent a lot of his time in and out of solitary confinement and giving orders to other members in the prison. Then one day after an attempted hit gone wrong, Rex began to rethink his life and the decisions that held led him there. He decided to quit the gang and turn his life around. Since he has gotten out of prison he helped other people, become a successful businessman and has a great family life. This is the story of Rex's incredible redemption from gang leader to health coach and philanthropist. Go Support Rex! Executive Powerbuilding: https://a.co/d/ie8tbDo The Wolf And The Lion: https://a.co/d/60jOLDr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rexholloway Website: https://rexhollowaywriter.com/ This episode is #sponsored by Rocket Money! Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to https://www.rocketmoney.com/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