Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels | Lex Fridman Podcast #346

Talking about his addiction to alcohol was quite a deep and very real moment, I’m amazed at how Lex is able to get people to open up with an advanced A.I. like him.

Yes, Lex! This dude has lived 100 lifetimes.

Ed's quote from his mother, "Nobody's against you, they're for themselves." Eloquent and cutting, everybody just lookin' after their own bag.

"You were supposed to be strong" "Im not Jocko Willink, Im not David Goggins, I wake up at 10 and I have cornflakes with my 8 year old" That was more powerful than anything Jocko or Goggins have EVER said.

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - 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 0:59 - Corruption 34:41 - Cartels 50:02 - El Chapo 1:07:13 - Weapons 1:19:19 - Assassinations 1:28:05 - Counter-ambush teams 1:51:32 - PTSD and alcohol 2:14:11 - Improvised weapons 2:17:43 - Street fights 2:46:40 - Kidnapping 2:50:56 - Escaping restraints 3:00:24 - Imitation 3:08:52 - Narco cults 3:21:47 - Adolfo Constanzo 3:26:15 - Fentanyl 3:42:59 - Immigration 3:54:19 - Advice for young people 4:02:52 - Mortality

Listening to Ed Calderon hits home. He always reminds me of my late father who chose a “different path.” Tijuana is a hell of a place. It taught me so many life lessons just by watching how my dad operated. He was truly a product of his surroundings. Had an amazing heart but a recklessness about him that you can only have by being raised in a lawless environment. I took a break from listening to Ed after my fathers murder because it would bring back memories that were too much to handle at the time. What he speaks of is real and anybody who is Mexican knows that he speaks the truth. I guess my point is that I wish Mexico was different. I blame it’s corruption for many dark times in my life. Tijuana is a stressful, fast paced, scary place. At least that was my experience. The corrupted have the power and it’s a shame. Such beautiful people in Mexico too. God be with the people of Mexico. Rest In Peace to the loved ones we’ve lost ❤🙏🏽 always enjoy Lex’s podcasts.

“Nobody’s against you. They are just for themselves. Dont make a mistake of dehumanizing anybody” -Ed’s mom So powerful and tragic. The beauty of life.

Man, I love the chemistry between these two. Both of them are very different, from their background to their life experiences, and yet, you see them talking with huge respect and admiration from one another. This was really touching. Thanks Lex for having this great guest!

Que curada ver a un paisano del mismo terruño conversando con Lex. ¿Alguien más de Tijuana por aquí?

So this is who taught John wick how to use a pencil