Episode
#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
4:11:43
Published: Mon Dec 12 2022
Description
Ed Calderon is a security specialist who worked on counter-narcotics and organized crime investigation in Mexico. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Policygenius: https://www.policygenius.com/ - Bambee: https://bambee.com and use code LEX to get free HR audit - Onnit: https://lexfridman.com/onnit to get up to 10% off - InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off EPISODE LINKS: Ed's Instagram: https://instagram.com/manifestoradiopodcast Ed's Patreon: https://patreon.com/edsmanifesto Ed's Website: https://edsmanifesto.com Ed's Field Notes: https://edsmanifesto.com/field-notes Ed's Twitter: https://twitter.com/eds_manifesto PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (07:13) - Corruption (40:55) - Cartels (56:16) - El Chapo (1:13:27) - Weapons (1:25:33) - Assassinations (1:34:20) - Counter-ambush teams (1:57:46) - PTSD and alcohol (2:20:25) - Improvised weapons (2:23:57) - Street fights (2:52:54) - Kidnapping (2:57:10) - Escaping restraints (3:06:38) - Imitation (3:15:06) - Narco cults (3:28:01) - Adolfo Constanzo (3:32:29) - Fentanyl (3:49:14) - Immigration (4:00:34) - Advice for young people (4:09:06) - Mortality
Chapters
The speaker describes their daily routine which includes waking up, drinking an electrolyte and an Athletic Greens drink, and starting their day with a programming task left unfinished from the night before.
00:00 - 07:22 (07:22)
Summary
The speaker describes their daily routine which includes waking up, drinking an electrolyte and an Athletic Greens drink, and starting their day with a programming task left unfinished from the night before. They explain how programming tasks can improve focus and happiness.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on their life experiences and how they have met reformed criminals they trust more than certain law enforcement officers due to personal character assessment.
07:22 - 16:08 (08:46)
Summary
The speaker reflects on their life experiences and how they have met reformed criminals they trust more than certain law enforcement officers due to personal character assessment.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses his past self-destructive tendencies, the reasons behind them, and how he overcame them through therapy and self-reflection.
16:08 - 23:56 (07:47)
Summary
The speaker discusses his past self-destructive tendencies, the reasons behind them, and how he overcame them through therapy and self-reflection.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A former military trainee reveals the extreme physical and psychological abuse they endured during their training, including having their hair shaved off, being beaten, and simulated gunfire causing hearing loss.
23:56 - 29:55 (05:58)
Summary
A former military trainee reveals the extreme physical and psychological abuse they endured during their training, including having their hair shaved off, being beaten, and simulated gunfire causing hearing loss.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Mexican drug war has been ongoing since at least 2004, with major cartel-related events all over Mexico, which escalated when President Felipe Calderón put the military in charge.
29:55 - 41:07 (11:12)
Summary
The Mexican drug war has been ongoing since at least 2004, with major cartel-related events all over Mexico, which escalated when President Felipe Calderón put the military in charge. The drug war is fought over local drug markets and the routes used to smuggle drugs into the United States, with criminal groups also making money from protecting and taxing mining operations and anybody that goes across the border.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares his personal experiences and observations of how individuals can be easily led into a life of crime in order to have money or feel a sense of belonging.
41:07 - 51:22 (10:14)
Summary
The speaker shares his personal experiences and observations of how individuals can be easily led into a life of crime in order to have money or feel a sense of belonging.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Sinaloa cartel is a federation of smaller cartels linked up, but historically, it was considered to have a figurehead since the 80s.
51:22 - 59:09 (07:47)
Summary
The Sinaloa cartel is a federation of smaller cartels linked up, but historically, it was considered to have a figurehead since the 80s. The group is based out of Sinaloa in Mexico and was formed when smaller organizations families or organizations united.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The transcript discusses the culture within drug cartels and the transition of power from the old to the new guard.
59:09 - 1:06:47 (07:37)
Summary
The transcript discusses the culture within drug cartels and the transition of power from the old to the new guard. The conversation also touches on the potential commodification of their stories for film rights.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast explores the story of the cartel in Mexico by looking at their family and blood ties which forms their influence and legacy.
1:06:47 - 1:11:49 (05:02)
Summary
The podcast explores the story of the cartel in Mexico by looking at their family and blood ties which forms their influence and legacy. It also discusses the challenges faced by the military to combat the cartel activities in the region.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The ATF conducted an operation to track straw purchasers and found that cartels are interested in firearms like 50 cals, FN 5.7 pistols, and AR-15s which can be easily modified to be fully automatic down in Mexico.
1:11:49 - 1:19:50 (08:00)
Summary
The ATF conducted an operation to track straw purchasers and found that cartels are interested in firearms like 50 cals, FN 5.7 pistols, and AR-15s which can be easily modified to be fully automatic down in Mexico. Additionally, complex systems such as the HIMAR are likely not in the cartels' possession, but simpler weapons such as machine guns and guided missiles are making their way up from the south.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, a former DEA agent discusses the use of armored vehicles in Mexico by cartels and officials.
1:19:50 - 1:25:13 (05:23)
Summary
In this podcast, a former DEA agent discusses the use of armored vehicles in Mexico by cartels and officials. He explains how cartels have tried to attack and destroy armored vehicles and the limitations of their armor.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares his experience of transitioning from a normal life to being under security supervision and the challenges that came with it.
1:25:13 - 1:33:18 (08:04)
Summary
The speaker shares his experience of transitioning from a normal life to being under security supervision and the challenges that came with it. He also talks about the training he had to undergo and the valuable lessons he learned.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses their experience in creating a counter ambush team to respond to high-violence situations in internal conflicts, using tactics such as predicting and controlling the movement of opposing forces.
1:33:18 - 1:42:42 (09:24)
Summary
The speaker discusses their experience in creating a counter ambush team to respond to high-violence situations in internal conflicts, using tactics such as predicting and controlling the movement of opposing forces.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses his experience working as a bodyguard in Tijuana and how the successes in reducing crime were being forgotten by those in charge.
1:42:42 - 1:48:31 (05:48)
Summary
The speaker discusses his experience working as a bodyguard in Tijuana and how the successes in reducing crime were being forgotten by those in charge. However, corruption still remained prevalent, with gubernatorial candidates having personal connections as head bodyguards.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses their sudden departure from their job due to feelings of anxiety and how it led to threats from people within the office.
1:48:31 - 1:58:24 (09:53)
Summary
The speaker discusses their sudden departure from their job due to feelings of anxiety and how it led to threats from people within the office. The immigration process that would usually take a year took two years.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A man talks about his struggle with PTSD and alcohol addiction, how it impacted his relationships, and his journey through therapy to sobriety.
1:58:25 - 2:09:58 (11:33)
Summary
A man talks about his struggle with PTSD and alcohol addiction, how it impacted his relationships, and his journey through therapy to sobriety.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Joe Rogan discusses the intersection between martial arts and gun ownership, and how both require extensive training and discipline.
2:09:58 - 2:20:40 (10:42)
Summary
Joe Rogan discusses the intersection between martial arts and gun ownership, and how both require extensive training and discipline. He also touches on the importance of empowering women through self-defense training.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Basic TCCC training is crucial to be equipped with crucial knowledge to respond in cases of life-threatening situations such as piercing of the chest cavity.
2:20:40 - 2:25:44 (05:03)
Summary
Basic TCCC training is crucial to be equipped with crucial knowledge to respond in cases of life-threatening situations such as piercing of the chest cavity. Additionally, individuals may consider concealed non-ferrous objects such as G10 knives for self-defense in a society that limits their ability to arm themselves.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
With the rise of technology, martial arts have transitioned from simulated torso training to an emphasis on ambush and counter-ambush-based scenarios with real-life demonstrations of weapon techniques.
2:25:44 - 2:32:01 (06:17)
Summary
With the rise of technology, martial arts have transitioned from simulated torso training to an emphasis on ambush and counter-ambush-based scenarios with real-life demonstrations of weapon techniques.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Social engineering can be used as a tool for de-escalation in conflict zones, including understanding values and avoidances in the environment, utilizing pacifist signals, and using small bribes or bartering to diffuse tense situations.
2:32:01 - 2:39:34 (07:32)
Summary
Social engineering can be used as a tool for de-escalation in conflict zones, including understanding values and avoidances in the environment, utilizing pacifist signals, and using small bribes or bartering to diffuse tense situations.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses how people prepare for violence, make weapons, and experience violence.
2:39:34 - 2:49:44 (10:09)
Summary
The podcast discusses how people prepare for violence, make weapons, and experience violence. The attackers look for an advantageous position, and it could happen for different reasons, such as religion or nationality.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The use of padlocks for practical as well as symbolic purposes has been widely adopted around the world, including for a breast cancer awareness campaign and locking up cartel safe houses turned holding places.
2:49:44 - 2:55:47 (06:03)
Summary
The use of padlocks for practical as well as symbolic purposes has been widely adopted around the world, including for a breast cancer awareness campaign and locking up cartel safe houses turned holding places. There are also criminal groups that target individuals with abduction insurance for ransom.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The type of handcuffs people use in different parts of the world varies greatly, so it’s important to research and learn what restraints are commonly used in the country you are traveling to.
2:55:47 - 3:04:39 (08:51)
Summary
The type of handcuffs people use in different parts of the world varies greatly, so it’s important to research and learn what restraints are commonly used in the country you are traveling to. Standard handcuff keys may not work, and alternative methods such as grinding an angle onto the key may be needed to escape.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Learn how to blend in and be invisible with tips from an actual ninja manual from the 1500s, including advice on appearance, behavior, and approach.
3:04:39 - 3:10:32 (05:53)
Summary
Learn how to blend in and be invisible with tips from an actual ninja manual from the 1500s, including advice on appearance, behavior, and approach.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares how he learns from his mistakes and turns them into lessons for others, emphasizing the importance of being authentic and true to oneself.
3:10:32 - 3:15:11 (04:38)
Summary
The speaker shares how he learns from his mistakes and turns them into lessons for others, emphasizing the importance of being authentic and true to oneself.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode discusses the connection between spirituality and culture in Mexican cartels, with examples such as the veneration of the La Virgen de Guadalupe and the inclusion of spiritual practices as a means of gaining support from the local populace.
3:15:11 - 3:21:22 (06:11)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the connection between spirituality and culture in Mexican cartels, with examples such as the veneration of the La Virgen de Guadalupe and the inclusion of spiritual practices as a means of gaining support from the local populace.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In Mexican culture, icons and symbols of death are often used to represent a psychological relationship with death and make it less scary.
3:21:22 - 3:27:36 (06:14)
Summary
In Mexican culture, icons and symbols of death are often used to represent a psychological relationship with death and make it less scary. This includes various practices such as Day of the Dead and the use of icons like Santa Muerte or St. Judas.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The prescription opiate epidemic in the US went down, and marijuana legalization did not hit the cartels as hard as people thought.
3:27:36 - 3:36:06 (08:30)
Summary
The prescription opiate epidemic in the US went down, and marijuana legalization did not hit the cartels as hard as people thought. African spiritual practices like Santeria and Palo Mayombe are still present in cartels, and they hire spiritual practitioners to curse their enemies and imbue their drug transporters with invisibility.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Industrial-level pill presses in clandestine Mexican laboratories are being used to produce fake pain medication infused with fentanyl that is flooding the US market.
3:36:06 - 3:42:21 (06:14)
Summary
Industrial-level pill presses in clandestine Mexican laboratories are being used to produce fake pain medication infused with fentanyl that is flooding the US market. The lack of government oversight in China and online sources selling the drug are contributing to a generation of overdose deaths.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
As violence and conflict continue to displace people in Mexico, we must rethink our approach to immigration and view Mexico as a foreign country.
3:42:21 - 3:53:29 (11:08)
Summary
As violence and conflict continue to displace people in Mexico, we must rethink our approach to immigration and view Mexico as a foreign country. The responsibility of the US in providing guns that are used in Mexico is an interesting aspect that needs to be considered.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Ed shares his experience as an immigrant in the US and the challenges of going through the immigration system legally.
3:53:29 - 4:01:06 (07:36)
Summary
Ed shares his experience as an immigrant in the US and the challenges of going through the immigration system legally. He also comments on the broken immigration system in the US and how he has seen people who didn't follow the process being in a better position than him.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on the detachment towards the homeless and elderly populations in the United States and shares his realisation of the importance of taking care of others and being of service to one's community.
4:01:06 - 4:07:31 (06:24)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the detachment towards the homeless and elderly populations in the United States and shares his realisation of the importance of taking care of others and being of service to one's community.
Episode#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The ending is crucial in all aspects of life, and not keeping it in mind can lead to spiritual atrophy.
4:07:31 - 4:11:07 (03:36)
Summary
The ending is crucial in all aspects of life, and not keeping it in mind can lead to spiritual atrophy. It's important to challenge oneself, move, grow, and accumulate experiences to prevent stagnation.