The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell

Houston street hustler Jugg sits down with to tell the unbelievable story of how he helped fuel the hydrocodone pill explosion across Louisiana and Texas during the early opioid epidemic. From moving thousands of pills a week out of Houston pain clinics to watching entire communities fall into addiction, Jugg gives a raw firsthand account of the rise of “lean culture,” pill trafficking, doctor shopping, Roxy 30s, and the transition into today’s fentanyl crisis. In this interview, Jugg breaks down: -How Houston pain clinics operated during the opioid boom -Making millions trafficking hydrocodone and Roxy pills -Drug culture in Houston and Louisiana in the 2000s -The rise of lean, syrup, and pill addiction -Corrupt clinics, pharmacies, and doctor shopping -Prison, street politics, and surviving the game -Why fentanyl changed everything -His life after prison running trucking businesses and podcasts This is one of the wildest untold stories from the Southern opioid epidemic — straight from someone who lived it. Go Support Jugg! IG: https://www.instagram.com/juggwdh YouTube: @wdhtv2 This Episode Is #Sponsored By Superpower! Head to https://superpower.com and use code CONNECT at checkout for $20 off your membership. Unlock your new health intelligence. 100+ biomarkers. Every year. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod 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. Hell Fresh! Go to https://hellofresh.com/connect10fm now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free breakfast for Life! One per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. That’s HelloFresh dot com slash connect10fm to Get 10 Free Meals + free breakfast for Life. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Ground Floor of the Pill Game 01:45 Introducing Jugg: Origins & Early Hustle 03:30 Family Ties & Teenage Hustling 05:27 Crack, Pills & Generational Drug Shifts 08:17 The Houston Move & Pain Clinics 11:17 The Hydrocodone Boom 14:07 The Pill Market: Operations & Economics 19:07 Scaling Up: Distribution, Profits & Players 20:45 This Episode Is Sponsored By Superpower 232:29 From Weed to Pills: Business Evolution 28:07 Doctor Shopping & Law Enforcement Crackdown 29:56 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 31:38 Switching to Roxys & New Market Challenges 35:37 Effects on Community & Pill Culture 39:34 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hello Fresh 41:05 The Pharmacy System & Regulatory Changes 45:07 Crossing Over: Racial Lines & Generational Impact 48:57 Legal Troubles & Escalating Risks 53:07 Prison Time & Lessons Learned 01:00:17 Fake Pills & Fentanyl Danger 01:04:57 Rap Life vs. Hustle Life 01:10:47 Life after the Game: Trucking & Entrepreneurship 01:14:57 Logistics, Trucking, and Felon-Friendly Careers 01:19:17 Reflections, Community & Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this PART 2 episode, Mundo returns to tell the next chapter of his unbelievable story. After years as a high-ranking Mexican Mafia member involved in multiple murders and violent operations, he describes the religious experience he had in jail that changed the course of his life. What follows is a shocking account of becoming a secret informant while still surrounded by fugitives, gang politics, drugs, and murder. Mundo explains how he began working with law enforcement, why he felt driven to help bring down the same organization he once served, and how his undercover role pulled him deeper into danger. He talks about working around figures like Joe Morgan, Alfie, and Sailor, the chaos of double lives, cartel-connected drug operations, bank robberies, contract killings, and the moment everything began closing in on him again. He also reflects on the cost of that life, his Christian faith, witness protection, and how he later became a trainer and consultant for law enforcement. The conversation closes with a deep look at the Mexican Mafia today, its structure, cartel ties, Sureño influence, and how prison gang power still shapes the streets. This is a raw, intense interview about violence, betrayal, redemption, and survival from someone who lived at the center of it. For Part 1 go to https://youtu.be/BjPka7eDvoc Go Support Mundo! Books: https://www.policeandfirepublishing.com/ YouTube: @convictsandcops Movie: https://www.amazon.com/Mundo-Vince-Romo/dp/B07MMP45GC Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Recap & Introduction to Mundo's Story 02:00 High Standing in the Mexican Mafia 04:00 Religious Experience and Departure 08:00 Facing the Organization & Seeking Redemption 13:00 Decision to Go Undercover 18:00 First Steps as an Informant 22:00 Working with Sailor & Early Undercover Operations 28:00 Navigating the Dope Game Undercover 37:00 Bank Robberies and Growing Paranoia 45:00 Contract Killings & Legal Troubles 51:00 Plea Deals and Testifying Against Joe Morgan 56:00 Witness Protection & Life After the Gang 01:03:00 Mexican Mafia Structure Today 01:10:00 Modern Cartel Connections 01:18:00 Personal Life, Faith, and Final Reflections 01:21:00 Books, Resources, and Closing Inspiration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the streets of the South Bronx to running one of the busiest weed operations in New York City — this is the story of Angel Diaz, aka Julito. In this raw and unfiltered interview, Julito breaks down how he was raised in the drug game, watching his mother move heroin and cocaine before stepping into the streets himself at just 12 years old. From selling crack and flipping weed to building a massive distribution network moving pounds daily, he shares how loyalty, hustle, and survival shaped his rise. But the game comes with a price. Julito opens up about violence, betrayal, federal indictments, and the moment everything came crashing down due to snitches and internal conflict. After years behind bars, he reflects on the truth most don’t talk about: There’s no glory in the street life. Go Support Julito! IG: https://www.instagram.com/bx_julito/ Clothing: https://www.maisonbullion.co Book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-united-states-of-america-v-julito-angel-diaz/1146480500 This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Lucy! Find LUCY near you at https://lucy.co/stores, or save 20% on your first online order at https://lucy.co/CONNECT with promo code CONNECT. Shopify! Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.com/mitchell Betterhelp! When life feels overwhelming, therapy can help. Sign up and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/connect 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 Intro: Meet Julito – Bronx Weed Kingpin 01:53 Puerto Rican Roots & Family in the South Bronx 03:56 Julito's Upbringing & Family's Criminal Past 10:05 Early Hustles: Family Drug Business 16:39 Growing Up Surrounded by Drugs & Violence 21:15 This Episode Is Sponsored By Lucy 22:40 Weed, Heroin, Crack: Bronx Drug Culture Breakdown 30:00 This Episode Is Sponsored By Shopify and Betterhelp 32:38 Julito's First Steps as a Young Hustler 36:19 The Weed Block Corner Sales 41:52 This Episode Is Sponsored By Cash App 43:16 From Corners To Big Business 48:45 Clientele, Profits & Outwitting the Law 55:40 Moving Up: Gaining Trust and Becoming the Boss 01:12:01 Running the Block & Dealing with Competition 01:23:50 Weed Droughts, Strains, and Evolving Drug Game 01:31:07 The Rise of Sour Diesel and High-End Weed 01:36:01 Block Politics & Rivalries in the Bronx 01:43:43 Violence, Betrayal, and the Feds Closing In 01:54:41 The Murder, the Snitch, and the Downfall 02:07:38 Feds Build Their Case & Block Goes Down 02:18:27 Prison, Reflecting on the Game & Life Lessons 02:20:19 Life After Prison & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this part 2 chat, we sit down with Mark Branon who was sentenced to 60 years (a life sentence) and survived some of the most dangerous federal penitentiaries in the United States. He shares the full story—from alleged government misconduct in his case, to fighting endless appeals that went nowhere, to navigating brutal prison politics where violence was a daily reality. Inside, he lived through: -Extreme conditions in Maricopa County Jail -Relentless pressure to snitch—and the consequences of refusing -High-level prison yards like Victorville, where stabbings were routine -Years in solitary confinement (the SHU) -Organized riots, race wars, and prison hierarchy -Personal loss, including the tragic death of his son while he was locked up Despite everything, he eventually overturned part of his case and walked free. Now on the outside, he’s focused on helping others—especially those dealing with grief, trauma, and rebuilding after rock bottom. This is a raw, unfiltered look at survival, resilience, and what it really takes to endure decades behind bars. Go Support Mark! IG: https://www.instagram.com/dagomark_619/ Thriving Again: https://thrivingagain.health/ Check Out Part 1 Here: https://youtu.be/FtHlg8Q-mbU Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Opening: Facing a Life Sentence 01:17 Legal Battles & Appeals 06:08 Maricopa County Jail & State Charges 13:02 Return to Federal Prison & Gang Politics 19:01 Entering Victorville: Hardest Time Yet 24:02 Prison Codes: Paperwork & S Offenders 30:55 Riots, Violence & Prison Discipline 39:33 Surviving Isolation & Mental Challenges 46:04 Adaptation & Daily Life in the Hole 51:40 Violence, Power & Prison Hierarchy 01:00:11 Passing Time: Hustles & Survival 01:12:05 Race Wars & Prison Rules 01:17:17 Leadership, De-Escalation & Prison Politics 01:21:00 Personal Loss & Finding Meaning 01:29:31 Parole, Yards & Final Reflections 01:39:17 Moving Forward & Helping Others Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Johnny sits down with Richie Ng, a former member of the Ghost Shadows gang who shares one of the most intense prison stories ever told on the show. At just 16 years old, Richie took a life and was thrown into the chaos of Rikers Island during one of the most violent eras in New York history. What followed was decades of gang politics, stabbings, solitary confinement, and survival inside some of the toughest prisons in the system. But this isn’t just a story about crime… It’s about transformation. After serving 18 years, Richie walked out into a completely different world. Against all odds, he rebuilt his life—launching a business, getting discovered by chance, and eventually becoming a working actor in Hollywood. Then… one mistake nearly sent him back for good. This episode dives deep into: -Growing up as a Chinese immigrant in NYC -Being recruited into gang life at just 10–11 years old -The reality of violence inside Rikers Island -7 years in solitary confinement -Prison hustle, power, and survival mentality -Rebuilding life after decades locked up -How one moment of anger changed everything again -The mindset shift that finally stuck Raw. Unfiltered. Real. Go Support Richie! IG: https://www.instagram.com/therealrichieng/ YouTube: @chinatowngangstories This Episode Is Sponsored By The Following: Mars Men! For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at https://mengotomars.com Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/connect PrizePicks! Download the PrizePicks app today and pick your first game winner, spread or total as the playoff push rolls on! And get $50 in daily fantasy lineups when you play your first $5 lineup when you use code CONNECT. PrizePicks Predict is a registered FCM offering Team Picks and Culture Picks as event contracts. Trading involves significant risk; not for all. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation to trade any commodity interest, or an offer to open an account. The Connect is not registered with the CFTC or NFA. PrizePicks Predict does not endorse or guarantee any statements made by third-party promoters or influencers. Please consult with a qualified professional before making any trading decisions. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Opening: Richie's Dark Beginnings 02:00 Gang Life and Running the Streets 05:00 Growing Up Chinese in New York 10:00 Joining the Ghost Shadows 13:00 Gang Violence and Arrest at 16 18:00 Surviving Rikers Island in the '90s 24:07 This Episode Is Sponsored By Mars Men 26:07 Rules, Power, & Survival in Prison 33:00 Family Estrangement & the Immigrant Struggle 40:00 Gang Hierarchies and Racial Dynamics 45:23 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims and PrizePicks 49:27 First Charges: Court, Sentencing, and Mindset 53:00 The Prison Hustle: Drugs and Power Dynamics 01:00:00 Solitary: 7 Years in the Box 01:10:00 Prison Violence, Staff Abuse, and Punishments 01:20:00 Life in the Hole: Extreme Survival Tactics 01:26:00 Programming, Parole, and Getting Out 01:34:00 Return to the Outside: Rebuilding Life 01:42:00 Business & Hustles After Prison 01:47:00 From Prison to Actor: Breaking into Hollywood 02:00:00 New Life, Second Incarceration, and Growth 02:10:00 Final Reflections and Redemption 02:18:00 Looking Forward: Making Amends and Family Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices