In this explosive episode, Johnny sits down with Aaron Peila — a former multi-state Oxy distributor who survived five brutal years inside USP Victorville, one of the deadliest federal prisons in America. From running a massive opioid pipeline across Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest to navigating the violent racial politics of high-security federal lockup, Aaron pulls no punches as he breaks down his story in raw, unfiltered detail.
Aaron explains how he built an oxy empire during the height of the opioid boom, how pills flowed through dirty doctors and retirement communities, and why markets like Alaska were paying exorbitant prices. He also opens up about the corruption inside the Bureau of Prisons, the influx of contraband phones after COVID, and what it really takes to survive in a place where everyone has a weapon and people get stabbed regularly.
From music-industry ambitions and touring with rap artists…to DEA pressures, federal enhancements, snitches, RICO fears, and the three overdose deaths that nearly put him away for life…
to trying to rebuild a life after 14 years inside a system designed to break you — this is one of the most gripping redemption-arc interviews we've ever had.
If you want a real look into the American opioid era and the prison machine that chews up everyone involved, this episode is it.
Go Support Aaron!
Clothing Brand: https://cceapparel.creator-spring.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/aaronpeila/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@peilaroni
This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:
Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/CONNECT
Rag & Bone! Upgrade your denim game with Rag & Bone!. Get 20% off sitewide with code CONNECT at www.rag-bone.com #ragandbonepod
Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!
https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow
00:00 Intro: Aaron Peila's Story
01:22 Life Lessons From Prison
02:47 Reentering Society and Social Changes
03:47 Prison During COVID: Corruption & Phones
06:06 Prison Gangs & Racial Politics
08:36 Hustling Evolution: Weed to Pills
14:42 The Rise of the Pill Game
20:30 Building a Multi-State Operation22:49 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims
24:29 Shipping, Networks, and Profits
33:33 Money Laundering & Legal Strategy
40:33 Getting Busted: The Pistol Case
49:41 Indictments, Conspiracy, and Betrayal51:57 This Episode Is Sponsored By Rag & Bone
54:15 Federal Sentencing & Prison Transfers
01:15:41 USP Victorville: Arrival & Politics
01:27:18 Race, Cars, and Prison Politics
01:34:37 Putting in Work: Removals and Demos
01:47:00 Violence, Stabbing, and Survival Skills
01:58:12 Hustles and Addiction Inside Prison
02:08:04 Getting Released: Transfers and COVID
02:18:16 Reflection, Growth, and Forgiveness
02:31:18 Life After Release & New Beginnings
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