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

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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

22:29 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
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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
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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

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Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!

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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
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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
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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.

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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
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