Mexico’s cartels aren’t just crime syndicates—they’re power brokers shaping politics, security, and the U.S.–Mexico border. In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with Stefano Ritondale to unpack the rise of the Sinaloa Cartel, CJNG, and Gulf Cartel—and what their influence means for North America.
#mexicancartels #geopolitics #thefocuspodcast
Show Notes
Connect with Stefano:
X: @All_Source_News
Artorias: https://www.artorias.com/leadership
Podcasts & Interviews:
Stefano featured on Cleared Hot podcast (Episode 373) where he discussed cartel violence, organised crime, and Latin American security as an intelligence expert.
He also appeared on The Distinguished Savage Podcast (Episode 319), exploring Mexican cartel dynamics.
Print/Online Interviews & Commentary
In an interview with Rolling Stone published in February 2025, Ritondale offered expert commentary on how cartel leaders perceive government protection and the implications of being labeled terrorists.
Recent Media Mentions
Most recently, in a Defense Feeds article (July 2025), he provided insights into how Mexican cartels are training in Ukraine to utilise FPV drones, indicating the rising sophistication of cartel tactics.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.