Ed Calderon: Combating Mexican Drug Cartels - Danger Close with Jack Carr

Today’s guest is security consultant, combatives instructor, Manifesto Radio podcast host, and Mexican cartel expert, Ed Calderon.
For more than a decade, Ed worked in organized crime investigations, counternarcotics, and public safety in northern Mexico. He also worked security details for high-level government officials and visiting dignitaries.
Ed's experience and knowledge have allowed him to advise and train some of the world's most elite law enforcement and special operations groups, including the FBI, BORTAC, Indonesian Kopaska, and Mexican and U.S. intelligence services. Today, he conducts seminars and private training on various security, protection, and combative topics.
You can learn more about Ed at edsmanifesto.com and on Instagram @manifestoradiopodcast
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[@jamespeterson2514]

Ed Calderon should be put on the front of the line for his U.S. citizenship. He has brought a ton of awareness of what is destroying the U.S. and Mexico along with many additional important perspectives of personal protection. Hopefully, one day Ed will fully experience the American dream. Saludos.

[@scsmith4604]

The fact that he is not yet a citizen is both a black mark on the US immigration rules and a credit to him for following the process.

[@willjimenez9013]

There's a lot of people that situation unfortunately

[@johnjessey6955]

Ed Calderon is a true American! He is a modern day Minute Man. As well as a genuinely decent and good man.

[@shadowperez]

Listen if he is really against Cartels he is against CIA

[@hirumbiffidum9145]

​@scsmith4604 Yeah that's really unjust. Especially considering everything he tried to explain when he was on Sean Ryan's Vigilance Elite podcast ...

[@scottchenoweth4937]

This is the most important cast on this site in a long time.

[@wetguavass]

This pure CACA... Calderon is full of shit. The DEA run the cartels. Genaro Luna worked directly with Obama and Hillary. Obama's profitable drug war = drug $$$ for US banks, 5 billion $$$ for US weapons makers, drug related arrests = $$$ for those for-profit prisons, US got cheap migrant labor, and much much more. USA has ran Mexico since US/Mexican war ... that began to change 5 years ago with AMLO. Trump, China and Russia helped AMLO get elected. AMLO reversed the Obama/Blackrock privatization of Mexico's energy, privatized lithium, banned USA GMO corn, ended the Merida Initiative, done a good job at disruption the DEA's drug busins...so much that the DEA is moving their business to Ecuador. ...google "Obama Genaro Luna" & "former Mexican presidents CIA" ... Ed's uncle, Felipe Calderon ... began to work with a Chinses energy company, pissed off Obama. Felipe threatened Obama, said he would release audio and paperwork of their meetings ... Felipe has all the dirt on Obama. Chapo = DEA.

[@renopro3639]

Méh

[@miguelsua-cu6tm]

Ya y cus the cartels r terrorists their not terrorist this guy is a 🤥 he's born n us raised too he exposed himself u probably didn't catch it . This is the kind of guy the us put in place n other countries cus he'll go with the agendas hell get it

[@chadh3441]

I never get tired of hearing Ed's stories! Man, what a life this guy has! Glad to see that you seem to be in good health. Cheers

[@SaltySouthTexan]

The fact Ed is alive is actually amazing to me. He’s seen and been through more crap than any human on Earth. He’s a legend

[@mattk8810]

Could be a liar then

[@pistolgrips]

@@mattk8810thanks for sharing. It’s always good to hear from an optimist…..trusting….believing….

[@SaltySouthTexan]

@@mattk8810 Yeah, I bet you’d hold that tongue if he was in front of you

[@mindyourbusiness209]

​@mattk8810 No, he checks out. He's a bad son of a bitch. Survivor to say the least...

[@tru2mysinz972]

What about Jesus

[@yngchino1130]

Can never get enough of Ed and his knowledge man

[@wetguavass]

This pure CACA... Calderon is full of shit. The DEA run the cartels. Genaro Luna worked directly with Obama and Hillary. Obama's profitable drug war = drug $$$ for US banks, 5 billion $$$ for US weapons makers, drug related arrests = $$$ for those for-profit prisons, US got cheap migrant labor, and much much more. USA has ran Mexico since US/Mexican war ... that began to change 5 years ago with AMLO. Trump, China and Russia helped AMLO get elected. AMLO reversed the Obama/Blackrock privatization of Mexico's energy, privatized lithium, banned USA GMO corn, ended the Merida Initiative, done a good job at disruption the DEA's drug busins...so much that the DEA is moving their business to Ecuador. ...google "Obama Genaro Luna" & "former Mexican presidents CIA" ... Ed's uncle, Felipe Calderon ... began to work with a Chinses energy company, pissed off Obama. Felipe threatened Obama, said he would release audio and paperwork of their meetings ... Felipe has all the dirt on Obama. Chapo = DEA.

[@ChicanoOne760]

In Mexico he's known as the guy that feeds Americans lies.

[@renopro3639]

Méh

[@scottbourret1190]

Love these dialogs with Ed. He's a wealth of information, and very engaging. I appreciate he's willing to share some of his personal life. He's one of my favorite guests on many other podcasts.

[@rumpleforeskin5064]

Word it's always enlightening right. It'd be beneficial if everyone listened to fella n gained perspective on what is currently happening

[@AlejandroGomez-rp9vp]

He is a hero for his service and the awareness he is creating here in MX and in the US

[@Birdkillersteve]

I like Ed I’ve heard all his interviews. He says the same thing in every one. It’s kinda stale at this point.

[@slypork5030]

I had an afternoon nap (neighbours have been particularly bang happy lately) and woke up to this podcast, I've never heard of either of these guys but ended up watching the whole show. Amazing, but so very sad. Ed carries a sadness with him, you can tell that the man has seen too much. God bless you both.

[@gunbacker9428]

Both are amazing men. Jack Carr is an amazing author as well and I can't recommend his books enough. You have to check them out and pick one up.

[@locophoto6881]

Ever heard of Chris Pratt? Chris was leading role in Jack Carr's series on Amazon, and Jack is former Special Forces at the highest levels, which is what he writes about, and is connected to a global network of the world's most influential people in sight and out of sight basically.

[@catchaser52]

Same here, woke up to this video. I agree Ed has seen too much, but he isn't stopping ! Salute, ED !

[@bearpaws9170]

They are what real heros look like,no cape,no spandex, just normal people that stood up.

[@eugeniorey4565]

Absolutely spot on. Ed has seen too much and it's, just like you said, he will carry the sadness for the rest of his life.

[@mariolopez-oi2td]

Damn Ed's searing honesty. He seems like such a great guy.

[@renopro3639]

Méh

[@Theguy702]

So honest, with his clear American accent

[@hardlymovinson9405]

Would love to see a joint interview with Jack, Ed,and Hector Berrellez. Thanks Jack for getting Ed on.

[@stehan1422]

This was the most riveting “interview” I have ever seen and heard. Jack this was just fucking amazing. Please pass along my best wishes for him to continue what I will call ‘the good fight’. Ed’s personality is one that says to me that Ed hasn’t met a stranger, maybe in the prior chapter that he readily shared across as he spoke of his encounters.Jack, fantastic piece!

[@unavela]

Why "interview"

[@freedomrings5270]

I tried to watch this with eyes wide open and really tried to keep my mouth shut. Incredible info. Thank you for such a learning experience update. I was finishing my last tour of duty at Ft Huachuca in Sierra Vista, AZ at the US Army Intelligence Center and School which is now called US Army Intelligence Center of Excellence when I got to experience across the border. I saw things that made me shake... I wouldn't dare enter the border now...

[@jt.8144]

2:53:21 Love this part. 54:19 What a way to end the episode. Ed is truly Funny, Heart Warming and can literally Rip Your Heart out as well. Thanks for this episode. Truly Enjoyed it.

[@johnmccann7546]

Watching these two is a minute by minute lesson.

[@wetguavass]

This pure CACA... Calderon is full of shit. The DEA run the cartels. Genaro Luna worked directly with Obama and Hillary. Obama's profitable drug war = drug $$$ for US banks, 5 billion $$$ for US weapons makers, drug related arrests = $$$ for those for-profit prisons, US got cheap migrant labor, and much much more. USA has ran Mexico since US/Mexican war ... that began to change 5 years ago with AMLO. Trump, China and Russia helped AMLO get elected. AMLO reversed the Obama/Blackrock privatization of Mexico's energy, privatized lithium, banned USA GMO corn, ended the Merida Initiative, done a good job at disruption the DEA's drug busins...so much that the DEA is moving their business to Ecuador. ...google "Obama Genaro Luna" & "former Mexican presidents CIA" ... Ed's uncle, Felipe Calderon ... began to work with a Chinses energy company, pissed off Obama. Felipe threatened Obama, said he would release audio and paperwork of their meetings ... Felipe has all the dirt on Obama. Chapo = DEA.

[@bivianocazares6919]

Ed never disappoints

[@renopro3639]

Méh

[@bobbwest]

Ed is quite a man. His upbringing brought him to a terrible nihilistic reality, which caused him to subject himself to horrors. Never the bad guy, yet never the good guy. Ed was broken in so many ways, never the less these resulted in the very attributes that were being nurtured. Ed has an amazing outlook and seems to be thriving. He has apparently “stomped his snakes” that helped him survive and thrive. Thank God he survived longer than Jesus. God bless you Mr. Calderon!

[@MillionDollarMullettt]

Ed is so brave man. He speaks on things that could easily have him deleted but he still does his part on getting these stories out

[@PrimordialEconomics]

It's possible he is on Cartel payroll himself.

[@cccCCCccc123ccc]

@@PrimordialEconomicsI highly doubt it. What benefit would he be to the cartels?

[@thatindiandude4602]

​@@cccCCCccc123cccI always wonder about the people you replied to. They just post spurious conspiracies with nothing to back them up.

[@JamesYGGoY]

Incredible interview! This man s story doesn't get old. I learn things new each time I hear him.

[@Matt_Maverick]

Soon as I see Ed's name on a podcast I almost always stop what I'm doing and start watching/listening!

[@C-24-Brandan]

The book & tv series that'll come out of this conversation will be absolutely insane & epic

[@aaronhardy7397]

Hey guys shoutout from Nova Scotia. I am a Canadian Vet . Did a tour in 96 97 in Haiti . It's hard as fuck to reiterate into society the slowing down of the Pace and the loss of brother hood then dealing with the civilian super soldiers that tell you they could do it they would have done it differently but never served a day. Yougiys take care watch your 6.

[@ryannelson2653]

I could listen to Ed talk about Mexico 24/7!

[@yduronerom6380]

Ed is right on point when he says that just because someone is broken, it doesn't mean that they are weak or easy pickings. In my case it's actually made me become a slightly better version of myself that now cares about everything because everything matters to me now.....and something else has happened to me after being broken that I am grateful for is my coolness under pressure or in dangerous situations has been greatly improved, I'm basically an empathic emotional wreck in certain areas but when the shit goes down my mind doesn't go blank anymore where I would just see red before, now I calmly can assess the situation and act rationally somehow. It's a brutal curse and a beautiful blessing in some ways.

[@mindyourbusiness209]

Odd to read you describe my life. Someone trying to kill me? Hmm just another failed attempt, 😅 fuckn amatuers... no big deal...

[@RodrigoCML7]

Ed is an amazing human being. His level of clarity in the face of speaking of the harsh realities of life and even personal tragedy is very inspiring. All the best to you man. Also kudos to Jack for being such a good host. He has a great aura to make his guests comfortable.

[@grumpygardner3059]

I also have learned a lot from Ed Manifesto about Cartel behaviors. I am very grateful for his having had come forth in the last few years and shown common folk like myself what to be aware of.

[@brainrussell6811]

Incredible interview... the grit of life on display. Hard to justify, but it helps to hear similar heartaches from other souls... maybe it removes traces of the victim complex. God bless you all.

[@raven6actual]

Wow great show. I try to watch anything with Ed Calderon. I'm a ex military guy retired and living in Mexico. Ed you should write a book.

[@mindyourbusiness209]

How is the weather down there? Stormy ? 😅

[@medi8057]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE LISTENING TO EDS STORIES. HE IS AMAZING

[@timothycody2270]

I've heard Mr. Calderon on other podcasts. This was the 1st time I've heard him being interviewed by an equal. Well done!

[@bokicks23]

Very interesting and informative interview. Thank you both for your selfless service. Welcome to the U.S. (about 5 years late on my part)and contributing to society in a great way. Wish you much continued success and happiness.

[@aand7043]

❤

[@jeffk464]

Its interesting, but given his past you would think he would want to keep a low profile. He's got balls.

[@thewize]

Haven't listened in a while, you're getting so much better at letting people speak, without dampening your huge enthusiasm. Great guest too.

[@darlenesue1051]

Thank you for all you continue to do Mr. Calderon, I look forward to taking your courses

[@scottchenoweth4937]

Ed Calderon is an amazing huma being. Learn from him.

[@renopro3639]

Méh

[@DWReed01]

I live in Texas, and I’ve learned a lot from Ed about the cartels. I think every America should be aware of the cartels. But I live in Texas, and they are definitely present here.

[@1qas23]

We are.

[@jonathanramos8414]

Texans be all like remember the alamo!!!

[@internet_internet]

I can’t express how great and important Ed and his voice is. I really appreciate y’all.

[@Justme99709]

Been waiting for this

[@jayb276]

Congrats Jack you found the most interesting man in the world for real.

[@adanbanuelos1266]

This was so good! I enjoy his perspective and his experiences, but this pod was exceptionally good! ❤ Thanks for sharing!

[@creaturesofqueens]

Ed Calderon is the epitome of what US-Mexican relations could and should be. The level of patriotism this man has to save both countries he loves is something many more people like politicians on both sides should aspire to. Another great guest and interview by Jack. Keep up the amazing work to both of you!

[@RahimLadhajuma]

One of the best podcasts 🧠👌🏼Great conversations and content, always.

[@jtr2087]

Outstanding conversation. I was a Camp Pendleton Marine in the early 2000’s and it’s awesome to hear this history of the time

[@forrestnoyes5715]

This is one of Ed's best interviews. Well done by all

[@Wolf_Avery]

Ed is always so insightful, definitely want to attend his classes. I know there are plenty of holster options out there for your 686, but you should consider my friends company Just In Case Holsters. Thanks again for another great episode.

[@joesphanthony6372]

This was Incredible 👏 Ed is one hell of a man great interview!!

[@GentiluomoStraniero]

Im glad we have Ed on our side.

[@shermrock345]

Ed is such a inspiration

[@renopro3639]

Méh

[@antonrehling1966]

What a great interview. I feel blessed to have found it. 3hours well spent.

[@eddyvasquez7]

This man is a national treasure

[@renopro3639]

Méh

[@debeholland]

Great interview . . . LOVED his honesty, learned alot!

[@theplaguefather3693]

Excellent interview! Hard to get work done at the office when I’m actively listening to you guys. Thanks for having him on. Definitely subbing to his content and just May have to pick up a black on black sneakreaper shirt.

[@zuzuq3044]

This was a great & insightful interview. I have so much respect for Mr. Calderon & his story.💯👏🏻🫡 God Bless You Both 🙏🕊️🤍🇺🇸

[@michaelhoward5532]

Thank You Sir!!

[@travismiller4614]

Great interview Ed always has the best convos with former military or law enforcement guys

[@nighttracks74]

Incredible interview. Eye opening to say the least. Would make great material for your next book!

[@maxcullen3427]

Seem few of his interviews have so much respect for him jack u managed too get deep into his experience thank you both 👏🏻amazing 👏🏻👏🏻

[@GrammelVideo]

First time listening, great interview 👍🏻

[@The_Red_Off_Road]

At 7:30 Calderon says, “the danger is close, you know…” Jack nods his head and thinks to himself, ”damn right it is.”

[@blackonblack...9244]

When I saw Ed on Timcast IRL, I was blown away from his experience with the cartels. I shared that show, because people need to know. I'm sharing this one as well. People need to know.

[@rickhayduke]

Thank you guys for that Awesome podcast. Love you guys !! 🇺🇸

[@nordwest23]

Listen to Ed brings back so many memori so freaking cool .Baja... Briings back good memories

[@alrodriguez8054]

New subscriber thanks for bringing Ed on

[@davidorozco6918]

Great show!!!

[@kylebauerle7255]

Awesome! 2 of my favorite dudes on one podcast!

[@boblob3509]

wow this was a good listen

[@italjahcorntrashroller]

Same in TX. El Paso, juarez became off limits same reasons. I didnt know, i went and got xetained coming back into US.

[@user-no1ou4zh2z]

Mr.Calderon, the level of intent that you demonstrate towards being introspective is something rare. Imagine the impact on unknown numbers of people that your accounts have had. I for one, listened to your story w a fascination that drew me into a new understanding of humanity. Thank you and keep up the forward momentum 🙏🏻

[@christiancover9119]

Amazing interview and eye opener.

[@ocphur3681]

Amazing interview💯

[@user-eo3dr3jk4v]

What a great guy!! I'm so sorry for your tragedy but you're right, you can't compete with a ghost. Your accomplishments are a HUGE contribution to your country, and our world. You're a great guy with a bright future, you will go far. Someone once told me that scars build character. For every shitty thing that happens to me, I remember that. You have such a great mind, and have learned so much, I'm sure your rainbow is closer than it seems!! 😀 Thank you for your service Ed!! Lisa

[@jtrazz4038]

ed is such a good guest , even tho i’ve seen him many many times speak on a podcast i always seem to enjoy his story and experience of fighting the war against cartels

[@sneakeypete45]

God bless you Ed. Stay easy as you go. Best regards. Pete

[@HeatherMerrell]

Great interview

[@sfarrell2459]

Another great guest on your podcast! I didn’t know of Ed before

[@antoniogravina723]

Great episode, thank you.

[@kellyyost2495]

I will have to watch this again. I feel like I have missed so much.

[@steelybar1]

Good stuff thank you

[@rafaelmadrigal9038]

I was hooked on this interview. The cartel is my neighbor here in South Texas. He was right on target 100%.

[@jajajajaitschris1950]

GREAT interview

[@markwilson3723]

This was one of the most interesting podcasts i've heard all year....brace for impact.....danger close....

[@yugo4606]

I’m amazed of how good Ed’s English sounds, what I mean is, I’m from Culiacán, Sinaloa, grew up in Tijuana since I was 3 years old, so I’m basically from Tijuana, I came to the U.S. in 1980 so, i was here before he was even born and he speaks english like he’s been here his whole life, I’ve been here 43 years and I’m not even close. Back in the 70s Tijuana used to be pretty much like San Diego, not in infrastructure but, how people got along, traffic courtesy people driving around with their radios tuned to KCBQ, KGB (that was the radio station) or 101.5 for rock). Now a days, I’m scared to go there myself, and when I go I don’t don’t get off my car until I make it to my destination. A totally different Tijuana from when I left.

[@SaltySouthTexan]

He was trained by military to lose his accent

[@marcwalker9610]

Outstanding information and eye opening truths. Thanks for all you do brother 🇺🇸👊🇺🇸

[@The_Red_Off_Road]

Calderon! Thanks for teaching me something!

[@johnng8392]

Great 3 hours!!!! Keep it up Ed

[@malcomjohnson1618]

wow this amazing

[@FlagPony]

I’m not sure how I found this video but it’s fascinating specially, growing up here in San Diego

[@fireforeffect5154]

I know Shawn Ryan. We both Trained with Keanu at TTi. Taran did Shaw dirty. He blacklisted him from Hollywood and tried to humiliate him. Then Shawn went on to work on Vigilance Elite, which is not the Shawn Ryan Show. True fact.

[@1drmr3]

Amazing interview very informative

[@marleymiller2730]

Gracias Tío

[@juneack5848]

Thank you for your service Ed! Modern day warrior.

[@aarongoodwin4845]

God bless you both! 🙏

[@michaelsand4573]

Anything with Organized Crime JC: EVERYTHING 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@zexnynex777]

Ed is just awesome. Such a cool dude.

[@mariolopez-oi2td]

Damn. Love you Ed. ❤

[@mikelaseck2688]

That was amazing

[@justinpullen1472]

Two Legends.

[@Xander102]

I love how he talked about his youth/high school period . Rock on !!!

[@SomeRandomBod]

There’s a man who actually knows what he’s talking about, it’s like a breath of fresh air in today’s America.

[@bajajay9818]

Ed is always great interview!

[@renopro3639]

Méh

[@pfschuyler]

Awesome story, epic.

[@rhymeister]

Ed's English is amazing. I wish I could develop mi castellaño up to his level of English. Should've continued taking Spanish classes in school, it came so way way back when. Smart dude obviously as well. May God look after him and protect him and his!

[@thone8187]

The greatest duo ever ! 👍🏽

[@renopro3639]

Méh