Introduction

> The quiet after a conflict zone is piercing, stripping away the chaos, life and death scenarios, and the bond of people ready to die or kill for you. It's just you left alone, without the millions of dollars in equipment you were once responsible for.

> Navigating the harsh realities on the northern border of Mexico, dealing with narcotics and organized crime, I’ve learned resilience and the dark intricacies of human behavior—always stay vigilant and trust your gut.

Corruption

> Trust is never guaranteed; anyone can be corrupted, even the seemingly impeccable. Small changes, like financial needs or threats to one's life, can lead to corruption.

> The cultural backdrop in Mexico fosters a systemic corruption that starts from early interactions, such as greasing school directors for better treatment. This ingrained corruption extends to all levels of society.

> The Mexican drug war involves not just cartels but also politicians, creating a complex web where power, money, and violence intersect. Mass murder and body disposal have become industrialized practices linked to historical tradecraft knowledge from various sources.

> Dedication to integrity often comes at a high personal cost, including physical danger and societal ostracism. The guest's experiences reflect the intricate challenges and ethical dilemmas present in a deeply entrenched system of corruption and violence.

Cartels

> Cartels in Mexico thrive on the desperation of the youth; "there are so many young people with little to no opportunities," making them easy targets for recruitment into criminal organizations. The lure of money and status can pull kids away from paths that could lead to a stable future.

> The relationships between cartels and local communities are both complex and deeply entrenched. Cartels often step into roles traditionally held by government, like building infrastructure and providing aid in times of crisis, positioning themselves as "Robin Hood characters" and ingraining themselves into the local economy.

> Violence has become increasingly brutal and widespread, evolving past any previously adhered-to rules. The escalation of terror tactics—like public executions—seems to serve not just as a method of control but also as a gruesome form of communication, demonstrating power dynamics within Mexico's criminal landscape.

El Chapo

> El Chapo Guzmán wasn't the mastermind behind the Sinaloa cartel; El Mayo Zambada is the shadowy figure who is widely believed to be the true leader. Despite El Chapo’s arrest, the cartel's operations remained largely unaffected because of the deep-rooted family and organizational structures in place.

> Being a journalist in Mexico is extremely dangerous due to cartel violence and government corruption. Many journalists face threats and even death for reporting on cartel activities. The cartels often manipulate the narrative by allowing access to certain reporters, essentially spreading propaganda through selective storytelling.

> Cartel members like El Chapo Guzmán straddle a complex line between good and evil. They fund infrastructure and education, helping communities while also perpetrating violence and control. This duality presents them as potential saints to some and devils to others, embodying the intricate human dynamics within the world of the cartels.

Weapons

> The ATF operation allowing guns to be trafficked into Mexico led to tragic consequences, with innocent people being killed by these firearms and causing a ripple effect of violence and political implications. The proliferation of advanced weaponry in cartel hands, including drones and military-grade equipment, is escalating the conflict and creating challenges for law enforcement and security forces in Mexico. Its impact on the local population and the US-Mexico relations is profound, with a new generation of cartel members becoming more sophisticated and utilizing platforms like TikTok for recruitment and showcasing their lifestyle. The allure of power, money, and status continues to drive individuals to join cartels, leading to a cycle of violence that has far-reaching consequences.

Assassinations

> Protecting high-value individuals in a war zone is a complex blend of strategy and adaptability. "You have to create a bubble of normalcy around people," but that’s no easy task when trust has been shattered. It’s about gaining that trust back while allowing them to maintain some semblance of a regular life amidst constant threat, which often means losing out on the simple joys that many take for granted.

> Learning to operate effectively requires a unique mindset—being able to be "paranoid but educated" about threats. It’s crucial to focus on just the right things, like "looking at their hands because that’s what’s going to kill you." This perspective not only helps in identifying immediate dangers but also in managing the unpredictability of security situations we face in a world marked by chaos.

Counter-ambush teams

> Developing a counter Ambush team involves understanding the principles of successful ambushing, such as seizing advantageous positions and having an escape plan in place. It's about making sure your team can act as effective ambushing forces themselves.

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> Emphasizing radical empathy for the "enemy" is crucial in conflicts; dehumanizing the other side can blind you to their capabilities and complexities. Recognizing the humanity in others can lead to profound insights, like seeing heroes on the opposite side of a conflict.

> The challenging decision to resign from a corrupted system and transition to a new life in the United States was marked by personal loss, professional pressures, and threats. Finding support from unexpected friendships, like with a Navy SEAL reservist, helped navigate the difficult transition from a chaotic conflict zone to a peaceful avocado orchard in the U.S.

PTSD and alcohol

> The journey of confronting PTSD and the specter of alcoholism revealed how deeply entrenched those struggles can become, with alcohol acting as a “giant pause button” that allowed me to avoid processing my pain. “It was like... putting a big tarp over the mess in my house,” and that approach only deepened my issues.

> Embracing vulnerability has been a powerful turning point; sharing my story openly online not only kept me accountable, but inspired others who are on their own paths to recovery. The advice from a friend to “get naked” metaphorically meant that showing my flaws could help dismantle stigma and foster connection.

> Connecting with people who’ve endured their own battles has been enlightening, blending my experiences with theirs in a way that leads to growth. “There’s a deeper understanding of humanity... meeting people every weekend with different stories,” each interaction bringing clarity about the shared struggle of healing.

Improvised weapons

> One of the key ideas I shared is the ability to transform everyday objects into potent self-defense tools. For instance, I explained in detail how a simple crystal pen can be modified into a hypodermic needle using heat and friction from a carpet. This could turn it into a formidable weapon capable of piercing flesh and even penetrating a torso if used correctly. This highlights the ingenuity and adaptability required to navigate environments where traditional weapons are prohibited.

> I also reflected on the symbolic and practical significance of a gift I gave, which is a G10-rod-encased pencil capable of penetrating a chest cavity. This object epitomizes the blend of intelligence and violence, serving as a symbol of resistance in restrictive societies. It underscores a broader point about the necessity of concealed self-defense tools in spaces designed to disarm potential victims, thereby transforming 'no weapons allowed' zones into 'target-rich environments' for predators.

Street fights

> Building yourself as an asset in a conflict through Triple C training to prevent detrimental outcomes is crucial for effective preparation in potentially life-threatening scenarios.

> Understanding how to recognize and counteract potential threats, such as targeting vital body points in a self-defense situation, highlights the importance of spatial awareness and defensive mechanisms.

> The approach to modern combatives emphasizes an ambush-counter-ambush scenario, where individuals should learn behaviors and strategies involved in the complexities of unexpected violent encounters.

> Exploring diverse skills like combative training, social engineering, de-escalation techniques, and awareness of predatory behaviors contributes to effective conflict resolution and personal safety in a world where violence can take different forms and motivations.

Kidnapping

> Kidnapping has become both a dark art and a profitable business, particularly in places like Mexico where criminal organizations have turned the act into a systematized income stream. They target individuals with means, often those who have abduction insurance, treating it like “an ATM.” This reflects a chilling mindset where the primary goal isn’t necessarily inflicting physical harm but instead manipulating families for financial gain - “they’ve taken captivity and abduction to like an art form.”

> Understanding restraints and the psychological aspects of control is crucial in countering such threats. The way captors use restraint techniques is designed to convey dominance, making victims feel utterly powerless. Whether it’s through zip ties or duct tape, the goal is to instill a sense of hopelessness. It's almost ironic how the popularity of zip ties in criminal scenarios seemed to stem from pop culture influences, redefining methods of abduction into something disturbingly normalized.

Escaping restraints

> Escaping restraints—whether it's handcuffs, zip ties, or ropes—is about understanding their mechanisms and using creativity. From modifying handcuff keys with garbage to hiding ceramic razor blades, it's crucial to "deconstruct and adapt" based on the restraint type and environment. As I always say, "All restraints are temporary, even marriage."

> The philosophy behind these skills is rooted in taking personal responsibility for one's safety. It's not about creating danger but about experiencing and overcoming fears. "I don't want to be dictated where I can go and where I can't go because of safety." Embracing the risks and becoming more capable is what truly empowers us.

Imitation

> One key insight I shared is the importance of creating a narrative or a lie to fit into different environments, as highlighted in the Shinobi manual. It's not about blending in but about strategically shaping your appearance, behavior, and knowledge base to navigate unfamiliar territories effectively.

> Another crucial point I emphasized is the power of authenticity and self-awareness in shaping one's narrative. While adopting a fake persona can be useful, truly being yourself, flaws and all, can make you an authentic and compelling individual. It's about knowing who you are, being honest about your weaknesses, and confidently showing others your true self, even if it means making enemies or expressing love through unconventional means.

Narco cults

> The intertwining of spirituality and drug culture in Mexico is deeply rooted, shaped by historical events that allowed indigenous beliefs to blend with Catholicism, creating complex figures like Saint Judas and Santa Muerte. This blend symbolizes how "criminals become saints," reflecting both reverence and rebellion against institutions, and how emblems of death serve as cultural protections rather than mere symbols of fear.

> Acknowledging death as a part of life is essential, and in Mexican culture, it's celebrated rather than shunned. For example, "Day of the Dead is a joyful occasion," allowing families to connect with their ancestors through rituals like setting up altars, demonstrating a unique perspective on mortality—where "death should be present in life," fostering resilience in the face of struggles.

Adolfo Constanzo

> Adolfo Constanzo was a cartel-affiliated spiritual practitioner who utilized afro-Caribbean spiritualities like Santeria, creating complex spells using human remains. His escalating demands for specific body parts, including the brain of an educated American, ultimately led to his capture and the discovery of his horrific practices.

> Cartel leaders, such as El Masloko, exploited religious beliefs and blended them with violent control tactics, sometimes forcing communities to venerate them as saints. This illustrates the powerful manipulation of spirituality in Mexico, where the desperate need for belief can be twisted into tools of fear and oppression.

Fentanyl

> Fentanyl's Impact: Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that has transformed the drug trade, with higher potency, profit margins, and ease of transport than traditional drugs like heroin. It has infiltrated the market, leading to a flood of fentanyl-infused products like heroin and cocaine, posing a significant risk to individuals and communities.

> China's Role: China emerges as a central player in the fentanyl trade, being the primary source of fentanyl globally. The complex interplay involves the manufacturing of fentanyl in China, its distribution through Mexico, and even money laundering facilitated by Chinese brokers. The involvement of China raises questions about its relationship with criminal organizations and the impact on international drug dynamics.

> Mexico's Landscape: Mexico's evolving political and security landscape, including the rise of a militarized approach with the National Guard, signifies a shift towards military control in policing. This transformation, paired with geopolitical alliances and economic interests, sets the stage for potential conflicts, destabilization, and mass migration that could have far-reaching consequences, not just in Mexico but globally.

Immigration

> Immigration, particularly from Mexico to the U.S., is a complex issue where "the vilification of immigrants" is largely misguided; these individuals are the "backbone of our essential industries," often doing jobs that many Americans won’t. The irony is striking—while they are labeled as criminals, they are vital to the economy, and if we removed every illegal worker from the U.S., "everything would stop."

> There’s a profound need to "rethink how we look at immigration" and view it as a regional issue rather than just a national problem. The connections between the U.S. and Mexico are deep, and the destructive effects of past policies have created a shared responsibility that requires acknowledging the "humanity of the people" involved. Embracing this diversity is essential, as the "good kind of diversity" is what makes this country truly great.

Advice for young people

> Traveling is crucial for personal growth. It exposes you to different ways of life and breaks you out of your comfort zone. It's essential for understanding and connecting with diverse perspectives, transforming not only your career but also your outlook on life.

> Service should be the foundation of everything you do. By engaging in community service, you can build empathy, learn humility, and gain invaluable experiences. This, combined with taking personal responsibility and seeking knowledge beyond formal education, prepares you to contribute meaningfully to society and grow as an individual.

Mortality

> I'm not afraid of death, but I fear a life without purpose or movement. Stillness is death to me, so I always strive to challenge myself and keep growing.

> The importance of endings resonates with me. Whether it's a job, an experience, or life itself, embracing impermanence allows for spiritual growth and fulfillment.