The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell

He worked with the ATF helping federal agents bust drug dealers. Then he became one of Philadelphia's most notorious illegal gun traffickers. In this episode, Johnny sits down with Simon White, a former ATF informant who went on to supply firearms to dangerous drug organizations throughout North Philadelphia, Kensington, and the notorious Badlands. Simon reveals how he went from working alongside federal agents to selling hundreds of illegal firearms to Philly drug gangs. He describes the massive profits, the dangerous criminals he dealt with, and how legitimate gun stores continued selling him weapons despite scrutiny from the ATF. When the feds finally caught up with him, Simon was confronted with an indictment involving 150 guns, while prosecutors believed the actual number could have been closer to 500. But the craziest part came when he went to prison and found himself surrounded by the very criminals he had supplied with guns. Simon opens up about his complicated relationship with the ATF, the betrayal that changed his life, his decision to cooperate with federal investigators, and the devastating consequences of the illegal gun trade. This is an inside look at Philadelphia's criminal underworld from a man who helped arm it. Go Support Simon! Website: https://www.simonwhitespeaks.com/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Quince! Find your next fall favorites at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://quince.com. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Cash App! Download Cash App today and make your money work for you. Click here to get started: https://capl.onelink.me #CashAppPartner 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. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card (https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement), Sutton debit flex card (https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-sutton), and Bancorp debit flex card (https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-bancorp). Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Superpower! Head to https://superpower.com and use code CONNECT at checkout for $50 off your membership. Get 150+ biomarkers tested every year across two tests, plus a personalized health plan and on-demand care team. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 Meet Simon White: Philadelphia's Gun Runner 5:44 Why Philadelphia's Streets Were So Dangerous 14:25 How Gun Shops Supplied the Illegal Gun Trade 22:43 This Episode Is Sponsored By Quince 24:41 Selling Guns to Philly Drug Bosses 28:21 Gun Violence, Revenge, and the Reality of Murder 34:21 Working as an Undercover Informant for the ATF 39:37 This Episode Is Sponsored By Cash App 40:23 Betrayed by the Feds: Why Simon Lost Trust 47:37 From ATF Informant to Illegal Gun Dealer 54:09 This Episode Is Sponsored By Superpower 55:38 The Feds Accuse Him of Selling 500 Guns 1:03:09 Gun Dealers Escape Charges and the Rise of Ghost Guns 1:10:00 Harsh Gun Sentences and Close Calls With Police 1:17:06 Walking Into Prison and Seeing His Former Customers 1:24:44 Gambling, Street Fame, and the Money 1:32:18 How Hollywood Influenced the Illegal Gun Market 1:38:12 Operation Sunrise: The Massive Philly Drug Bust 1:45:13 His Son's Life Sentence and the Cost of Gun Violence 1:52:13 How His Customers Cooperated With Federal Agents 1:58:42 Facing More Prison Time and Protecting His Family 2:04:41 Prison Politics, Accountability, and His Final Message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martin Munoz up in Anaheim, just minutes from Disneyland—but behind the scenes, his family was connected to a completely different world. In this episode, Martin tells the story of growing up around a family involved in high-level drug trafficking between Mexico and Southern California. He describes an uncle who operated at a major level before mysteriously disappearing in Tijuana, a father who went on to become a major meth and cocaine distributor, and how he eventually found himself stepping into the same business. After his father was arrested, he says his dad’s right-hand man was told: “Go grab my son and let him run with you.” From there, the operation grew fast. Martin eventually found himself receiving as much as 100 kilos of cocaine a week, handling massive amounts of cash, meeting his father’s network of customers, and running stash locations throughout Orange County. He talks about: • Growing up around narcos, gang members, money, and violence in Anaheim • His uncle’s rise—and mysterious disappearance in Mexico • How his father built his own trafficking network • Getting introduced to the business as a teenager • His father’s arrest and the moment he was brought into the operation • Receiving 100 kilos of cocaine per week • Counting and collecting millions of dollars • The surveillance operation that eventually brought the feds to his door • His federal prison sentence and why he finally walked away from the life This is the story of a kid who grew up wanting to become a narco, eventually entered his family’s world, and learned firsthand where that life leads. Go Support Martin! IG: https://www.instagram.com/48ways/ YouTube: @48ways62 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5kZEs5TcRjasUjFpdrdBv0?si=Fu_4vtUzTpGKqys9Tik7zg This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: PrizePicks! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CONNECT and use code CONNECT and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup! Hims! Ready to build a better sex life? Visit https://hims.com/connect for a personalized plan—for sex, hair, weight loss and more. Prescription products require an online consultation with a licensed healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Restrictions apply. Individual results may vary. *Based on a survey of Hims customers. See hims.com for full details. GLD! New customers get 40% Off with code MITCHELL at https://gld.com Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 Meet Martin Muñiz: Inside a Narco Family Dynasty 2:05 Growing Up Around Anaheim Gangs and Cartel Money 12:05 His Uncle's Meth and Ephedrine Empire 18:54 How the Family Came from Mexico to California 26:54 This Episode Is Sponsored By PrizePicks 28:03 His Uncle's Cartel and International Smuggling Routes 36:29 The Mysterious Disappearance of His Uncle 42:41 Living Between Street Gangs and Drug Kingpins 48:32 How His Father Rebuilt the Family Business 59:10 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 1:00:29 Corruption and Smuggling at the U.S.–Mexico Border 1:07:05 Entering the Drug Game at 18 1:14:00 From Small Deals to Moving Pounds of Meth 1:22:22 Getting Access to His Father's Supply 1:26:18 This Episode Is Sponsored By GLD 1:27:39 His First Big Deal With His Dad 1:39:50 His Father Gets Arrested 1:50:15 Taking Over the Family's Drug Network 1:58:18 His Dad Flees to Mexico and the Business Expands 2:05:04 Stashing and Distributing 100 Kilos of Cocaine 2:12:48 The Dream of Becoming a Kingpin in Mexico 2:23:31 The First Sting and Police Raid 2:31:13 Managing Millions and Tracking Missing Loads 2:40:39 Stolen Drugs, Enforcers, and Cartel Violence 2:49:52 The Hawaiian Distributor Who Became an Informant 2:55:13 Realizing Federal Agents Were Following Him 3:03:56 Why His Father Turned Down El Mayo Zambada 3:12:16 The Plot to Kill Martin 3:18:38 Finding a Tracking Device on His Car 3:26:33 The DEA Arrest and Raids 3:31:30 How the Informant Built a Federal Case 3:42:43 Facing 12 Years in Federal Prison 3:54:15 How His Father Retired from Drug Trafficking 4:03:25 Life After Prison: Rap and the Music Business 4:11:00 Regrets, His Children, and His Father in Mexico Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott Anthony had already lived a life most people wouldn't believe. He grew up in Chicago street gangs, robbed drug dealers, trafficked cocaine, fled the United States, lived under aliases, and eventually built a new life in Mexico. Then he discovered another business: Cuban cigars. While still on federal probation, Scott says he began traveling to Cuba, buying hundreds of boxes of cigars, moving them through Mexico, and smuggling them across the U.S. border. What started with 40 boxes eventually grew into loads of hundreds at a time. His customers ranged from wealthy businessmen and cigar dealers to some of Chicago's biggest names—including Michael Jordan. In this episode, Scott breaks down the rise of his Cuban cigar operation, the border seizures, the people who moved the merchandise, his encounters in Cuba, and why he ultimately walked away from the business and put the money into building a legitimate fitness empire in Mexico. This is the story of a career criminal who eventually decided he'd pushed his luck far enough. Go Support Scott! IG: https://www.instagram.com/scottanthonyog YouTube: @ScottAnthonyOG Website: https://www.scottanthonyog.com/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 Preview & Scott Anthony Intro 7:12 Gangs, Prison Influence & the Criminal World 14:58 Early Scores & Blowing the Money 21:55 Police Brutality & Run-Ins With Law Enforcement 28:12 Going From Petty Crime to Bigger Scores 38:17 Robbing Dealers 45:14 The $300K–$400K Drug Score 49:40 Shootout With the Cops 56:26 What Scott Was Wanted For 58:09 Fleeing to Mexico 1:07:35 Robbing Dealers & His Cop Cousin 1:12:26 Starting a New Life in Guadalajara 1:18:25 Fake Names & Living as a Fugitive 1:26:02 The Federales Find Him in Mexico 1:34:20 The Federal Plea Deal & Eight Years Probation 1:44:35 Back in Chicago & Life After the Case 1:53:59 How the Cuban Cigar Hustle Started 1:59:09 Smuggling Cuban Cigars Across the Border 2:04:49 Buying Cigars in Cuba & Moving Them North 2:10:12 Michael Jordan & Celebrity Cigar Customers 2:17:09 Smuggling Costs, Profit Margins & $500 Boxes 2:24:05 How Big the Cigar Operation Became 2:30:16 Could the Cuban Cigar Hustle Work Today? 2:39:40 Divorce, Scott’s Books & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matthew Handy lived through 20 years of addiction, crime, prison, paranoia, and survival before finally turning his life around. In this episode, Matt sits down to tell the wild story of how his life spiraled from early drug use in San Diego to heroin addiction, meth dealing, organized retail theft, credit card fraud, extortion, bank robbery, and cartel-adjacent chaos on both sides of the border. Matt opens up about childhood trauma, prison, the criminal mindset, life in San Bernardino, the explosion of credit card fraud, smuggling drugs from Tijuana, and the moment a bank robbery finally forced him to choose between spending decades behind bars or changing his life. Today, Matt is in recovery, runs the podcast My Last Relapse, and works in addiction treatment helping others escape the same cycle that nearly destroyed him. Go Support Matt! YouTube: @MyLastRelapse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt.handy.17/ Rehab: https://www.harmonygrovebh.com/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Intro: Credit Card Fraud, Addiction & Crime 06:58 Growing Up in 1990s San Diego 13:39 Planning a Bank Robbery 18:10 Extorting Doctors & Wealthy Clients 24:14 Childhood Trauma and Early Criminality 29:56 Robberies, Drugs & Firestorm Burglaries 35:20 Prison Life and Using Behind Bars 37:42 The Baby Product Theft Scheme 43:17 Building a Nationwide Retail Theft Operation 49:27 Paranoia, Silent Tape & High-Level Shoplifting 55:22 Prison Didn’t Scare Him Straight 1:03:44 Getting Out, Relapsing & Manipulating Family 1:09:11 Back With His Uncle and Trap House Life 1:13:18 Selling Meth and Joining a Gang Circle 1:19:03 Police Surveillance and Controlled Buys 1:24:03 Major Task Force Bust 1:29:18 Addiction, Choice & Facing Serious Time 1:32:59 Moving to San Bernardino 1:37:04 The Amazon Warehouse Scam 1:42:55 Credit Card Fraud Begins 1:49:31 Running Teams and Moving Merchandise 1:56:33 Paranoia Ends the Fraud Ring 2:00:03 Returning to San Diego and Trying to Get Clean 2:04:02 Relapse, Energy Drink Theft & Street Hustles 2:09:43 Meeting His Future Wife 2:15:03 Doctors, Escorts & Blackmail 2:18:07 COVID, Fentanyl and Crime in San Diego 2:22:19 Tijuana Drug Houses and Border Runs 2:27:37 Heroin, Fentanyl and Meth Markets 2:34:31 Xanax Blackouts and Cartel Money 2:39:32 Robbing a Bank to Get Her Attention 2:44:48 Arrest, FBI Questioning & Bomb Threat Investigation 2:50:21 Delancey Street and Avoiding Decades in Prison 2:57:58 Recovery, Relapse and Building a New Life 3:00:24 Where to Find Matthew Handy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Baltimore has always had a reputation as one of America’s toughest cities — a place shaped by poverty, violence, addiction, and survival. In this episode, Johnny travels through Baltimore to see how the city has changed since The Wire, how the drug trade has evolved from heroin to fentanyl, and why homicides have recently dropped despite open-air dealing still being visible across the city. With help from Baltimore Carl of Baltimore Recovery Alliance, we visit Lexington Market, South Baltimore, East Baltimore, and O’Donnell Heights to hear directly from people who lived the streets, worked the corners, battled addiction, and are now trying to save lives through recovery and community intervention. This episode looks at Baltimore’s past, present, and future — from kingpins and corner crews to fentanyl, treatment centers, credible messengers, gentrification, and the people fighting to bring hope back to the city. Special thanks to Baltimore Carl and Baltimore Recovery Alliance. If you're in the Baltimore area and are seeking help to get clean from addiction check out https://baltimorerecoveryalliance.com/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Baltimore, The Wire, and the city’s violent history 02:07 Why Baltimore has such a high murder rate 05:55 Historic drop in homicides 07:08 Community intervention and peace teams 09:44 Heroin, fentanyl, and the changing drug economy 13:51 Lexington Market and open-air drug use 16:10 Baltimore’s addiction and treatment industry 20:22 South Baltimore drug corners 25:53 O’Donnell Heights and East Baltimore 29:41 Youth programs and signs of hope 30:12 Brandon Novak on addiction and recovery 34:33 Why Baltimore is worth saving Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A former sheriff’s deputy says one split-second police shooting turned him from a respected officer into a convicted murderer—and sent him to Texas prison for 20 years. In this episode, Kent McGowen tells the full story of the night he served an arrest warrant on an armed woman, fired after she allegedly refused repeated commands to drop her weapon and later found himself charged with murder. Kent explains why he believes he was railroaded by corrupt officials, how his conviction survived multiple trials and appeals, and what happened when he went from enforcing the law to fighting for his life behind bars. He also exposes the brutal realities of the Texas prison system, including extreme heat, violence, suicide, untreated mental illness, guard misconduct and the dangers he faced as a former police officer living among inmates. Was this a justified police shooting—or a murder? Was Kent held accountable for his actions, or sacrificed to protect a corrupt system? Watch the full interview and decide for yourself. Go Support Kent! Book: https://a.co/d/08T9XO6m Make a Donation: https://www.givesendgo.com/G31TC Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Deadly Encounter: The Incident 00:24 Introducing Kent McGowen 01:11 Life as a Cop in Texas Prisons 01:50 Horrors of Texas Prison Conditions 03:19 Survival, Food, and Suicides 05:55 First and Only Prison Fight 09:00 Wild Personalities Behind Bars 17:01 Murders in Prison 21:22 Mail, Communication, and System Abuse 23:34 Corruption and Lack of Accountability 29:16 The Shooting Incident and Background 37:11 Executing the Warrant 41:53 The Shooting and Aftermath 49:35 The Indictment and Arrest 55:21 Political Games and Legal Strategy 01:01:01 Life on Bond During Legal Battles 01:09:06 Trial, Appeals, and Corrupt Lawyers 01:18:36 Second Trial and Legal Incompetence 01:26:43 Losing Trial, Sentencing, and Prison Transfer 01:31:46 Surviving as a Cop in Prison 01:47:40 Endless Parole Denials and Family Impact 01:58:19 Final Release and Post-Prison Life 02:06:56 Ongoing Legal Battles and Activism 02:09:01 Seeking Justice and Lessons Learned 02:12:08 Innocents Behind Bars and Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Clark Frederick’s life changed forever after years of grooming and sexual abuse by Dennis Pegg, a Boy Scout leader and sheriff’s lieutenant trusted by his family and community. Decades later, after struggling with addiction, gambling, broken relationships, PTSD, and silence, Clark encountered his abuser with another young boy. The sight triggered a devastating spiral that ended with Clark confronting and killing the man who abused him. In this episode, Clark explains how he avoided a life sentence, why other alleged victims began coming forward, what happened during his three years awaiting trial, and how he ultimately received a five-year sentence for manslaughter. He also shares how prison therapy, meditation, faith, sobriety, and speaking openly about his trauma helped him rebuild his life. Today, Clark is an advocate for survivors, the author of Scarred, and the host of the Free Like Me podcast. This conversation includes discussions of childhood sexual abuse, addiction, violence, suicide, and trauma. Viewer discretion is advised. Clark’s message is clear: revenge did not heal him. Survivors do not have to sacrifice the rest of their lives because of what was done to them. Breaking the silence, seeking support, and doing the work to heal can create a different future. Check out Clark’s book and podcast on his website: https://www.freelike-me.com/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Introduction & The Boy Scouts Scandal 01:45 Clark Frederick's Early Life 06:00 Grooming & Abuse Begins 12:10 Community Deception 19:00 Escalation to Abuse & Secret Files 25:00 Coping, Shame & Silence 33:00 Long-Term Impact & Struggles with Addiction 45:50 Decades of Trauma & Encounters with Abuser 59:00 Seeing Abuser with New Victim & Breaking Point 01:03:00 The Confrontation and Aftermath 01:17:00 Jail, Trial & Public Reaction 01:31:00 Healing, Advocacy & Changing the Law 01:39:00 Redemption, Family Loss & Life After Prison 01:44:00 Breaking the Silence & Moving Forward 01:47:00 Closing Reflections & Legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Inside the growing U.S.–Israeli military partnership, AI surveillance technology, data centers, cybersecurity firms, and political lobbying are becoming increasingly connected. In this episode, investigative journalist and YouTube creator Tommy G discusses the proposed expansion of U.S.–Israel defense integration, the role of artificial intelligence and cyber warfare, Israeli settlements in the West Bank, surveillance companies such as Palantir and Flock Safety, and concerns about privacy, censorship, and government overreach. Tommy also explains why he expanded his reporting beyond crime and street documentaries to cover Gaza, Palestine, Israel, foreign influence in American politics, AIPAC campaign spending, AI-generated political propaganda, license-plate tracking, and the rapid growth of the surveillance state. Topics discussed include: • U.S.–Israel military and technology integration • AI surveillance and cyber warfare • Palantir, Flock Safety, and data privacy • Israeli cybersecurity companies and U.S. data centers • AIPAC lobbying and campaign spending • Gaza, Palestine, and West Bank settlements • Government surveillance and constitutional rights • Artificial intelligence in modern warfare • Free speech, censorship, and political influence • Whether public pressure can still change government policy This conversation contains strong opinions, allegations, and disputed claims from the participants. Viewers are encouraged to research the legislation, statistics, companies, and historical events discussed and reach their own conclusions. Go Support Tommy! YouTube: @TommyGMcGee Podcast: @thetommygshow IG: https://www.instagram.com/tommygmcgee/ Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Opening: Anti-Israel Sentiment & US-Israel Alliance 03:30 Concerns Over Merging US and Israeli Militaries 05:30 Spying, Surveillance Tech, and US Risks 08:00 Tommy G's Background: Hustle, Work Ethic, and YouTube 10:30 Why Talk About Politics and Current Events? 13:20 Facing Backlash and Threats for Speaking Out 15:30 Confronting Propaganda and Irreconcilable Bubbles 18:00 Defining Truth Amid the US-Israel Debate 21:30 Land Theft and Settlements in the West Bank 27:00 Historical Parallels: Land Theft and Modern Day Policies 30:00 Government Policies and Systemic Oppression 32:45 Why Americans Should Care About Palestine 35:00 Testing Surveillance State in Palestine & Its Spread 39:00 US Politics, Data Centers, & Israeli Tech Influence 43:30 Flock Cameras and Surveillance Concerns in the US 47:30 Government Overreach, Privacy, and Rights Erosion 51:00 Slippery Slope: Surveillance and Citizen Rights 54:00 Big Government, Corruption, and Propaganda 57:00 Hope, Pressure, and The Power of Social Change 59:00 Closing Remarks & Tommy G's Impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices