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Borderland: Dispatches with Katarina Szulc
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Cartel violence. Kidnappings. Disappearances. The headlines don’t tell the full story.
Borderland: Dispatches, an IRONCLAD Original, delivers raw, on-the-ground updates from Mexico’s cartel war. Hosted by investigative journalist Katarina Szulc, the series offers real-time snapshots of a conflict reshaping the future of both Mexico and the U.S.
With rare access to traffickers, law enforcement, and civilians caught in the crossfire, these fast-moving episodes expose the brutal truth behind the drug war.
New dispatches drop every Thursday.
56 Episodes
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On this episode, Katarina sits down with independent journalist Jorge Ventura to discuss his exclusive reporting on cartel smuggling networks along the California border.
He explains how migrants from the Middle East and China are being smuggled through Mexico via high-cost “VIP” routes, often coordinated through hotels, mosques, and encrypted communications. He also details emerging national security concerns, including individuals classified as special interest aliens and potential sleeper cells in the United States.
Borderland Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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On today’s episode, Katarina just returned from Jalisco, where she visited the cabin compound where CJNG leader El Mencho was reportedly killed. She shares what she saw on the ground and previews her upcoming full report.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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On today's episode, Katarina reports from Montana’s northern border near the Blackfeet Nation, where vast stretches of open land are being exploited for drug and human trafficking.
She’s joined by former game warden John Nores, who spent decades confronting cartel operations on public and tribal lands.
Katarina also shares the story of Marla Ollinger, a grandmother who tragically lost both of her children to fentanyl and now raises her grandchildren while navigating the dangers and fallout of the ongoing crisis in rural and tribal communities.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction: The Fentanyl Crisis in Montana
(01:25) A Mother's Heartbreak: Marla's Story of Loss
(07:07) Breaking the Cycle: Raising the Grandkids
(09:17) The Vulnerable Northern Border
(14:02) Smuggling Routes and Environmental Destruction
(16:11) The Law Enforcement Challenge: Complex Jurisdictions
(18:56) Anonymous Interview with a Tribal Police Officer
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On next week's episode, Katarina reports from the northern border in Montana near the Blackfeet Nation, where vast stretches of open land along the U.S.–Canada border are being used for drug and human trafficking.
To watch the trailer, visit: https://youtu.be/lHDu8HXXD8k
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down the killing of several kidnapped workers connected to Canadian mining company Vizsla Silver Corp. in Sinaloa.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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While on route to her next assignment, Katarina takes a break from the frontlines to answer the questions you’ve been asking. From the latest on Ryan Wedding’s arrest to the realities of reporting on Mexican cartels, international crime, and organized crime networks, Katarina gives unfiltered insights from her years of on-the-ground journalism. She also opens up about the risks, challenges, and surprising moments behind the stories she covers, and what drives her to keep going back into the heart of the narco world.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
Sponsors:
GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/DISPATCHES and use code DISPATCHES for an extra 15% off sitewide.
Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/
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While on route to her next assignment, Katarina takes a break from the frontlines to answer the questions you’ve been asking. From the latest on Ryan Wedding’s arrest to the realities of reporting on Mexican cartels, international crime, and organized crime networks, Katarina gives unfiltered insights from her years of on-the-ground journalism. She also opens up about the risks, challenges, and surprising moments behind the stories she covers, and what drives her to keep going back into the heart of the narco world.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
Chapters:
(00:00)- Unpacking Ryan Wedding's Surrender and Apprehension Details
(05:35)- Navigating Journalism's Dangers and Expanding Global Coverage
(11:29) - Finding Satisfaction, Speaking Spanish, and Exposing Political Corruption
(18:14)- The Scariest Moment: Protecting Sources from Law Enforcement
(21:18)- Pursuing Dream Interviews While Prioritizing Personal Safety
(23:43)- Exposing Ryan Wedding's Fake AI-Generated Instagram Account
(26:58)- Admiration of Anthony Bourdain
(29:02)- Fentanyl Crisis, Middle East Reporting
Sponsors:
GHOSTBED:
Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/DISPATCHES and use code DISPATCHES for an extra 15% off sitewide.
Norwood Sawmills:
Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at
https://norwoodsawmills.com/
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On today’s episode of Borderland Dispatches, Katarina breaks down the surrender of Ryan Wedding, his transfer to U.S. custody, and the key players involved, including Kash Patel, Omar Harfuch, and Mexican authorities. Guests Stefano Ritondale from @All_Source_News
and Jeff Nadu (@JeffNadu) provide context on Wedding’s role in the drug trade, the political and media dynamics surrounding his capture, and what his surrender means for organized crime enforcement.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
Sponsors:
GHOSTBED:
Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/DISPATCHES and use code DISPATCHES for an extra 15% off sitewide.
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1Producer’s note: This episode features on-the-ground reporting and is best experienced on video via Spotify or YouTube (@thisisironclad)
On today’s episode, Katarina reports from the Colombia–Venezuela border, investigating organized crime, drug routes, and fuel smuggling along one of the world’s most dangerous borders.Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD OriginalSponsors:GHOSTBED:Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/DISPATCHES and use code DISPATCHES for an extra 15% off sitewide.Norwood Sawmills:Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber athttps://norwoodsawmills.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s episode, Katarina reports from the Colombia–Venezuela border in the days following Nicolás Maduro’s capture. Joined by journalist Ioan Grillo, she documents conditions on the ground, the presence of international press, and the restrictions facing journalists attempting to cross.
Watch the full report on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FavpHWbbn8
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
Sponsors:
GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/DISPATCHES and use code DISPATCHES for an extra 15% off sitewide.
Norwood Sawmills:Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's episode, Katarina speaks with Ringmast4r, an American-Venezuelan ethical hacker, about the country’s digital infrastructure and citizen tracking systems, including technology developed with Chinese assistance. They discuss life in Venezuela following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro, how the government continues to monitor and control citizens, and the heightened paranoia and challenges faced by the population.
Borderland Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original
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This weekend, Borderland: Dispatches host Katarina Szulc was able to connect with acclaimed cartel investigative reporter Ioan Grillo, from the border of Columbia and Venezuela, who gave an inside look at the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
In this special episode of Borderland: Dispatches, Ioan Grillo and Katarina talk about what the situation is like on the ground, what comes next, and what the implications are for cartels, organized crime, and the drug war.
Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original.
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Katarina looks back at some of the biggest cartel stories of the year and gives updates about the current war on drugs.
Borderland: Dispatches with Katarina Szulc is an IRONCLAD Original
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What does a spike in drug seizures on the southern border tell us about the state of the crackdown on cartels.
Katarina Szulc breaks down the data.
SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/borderland-dispatches-with-katarina-szulc/id1814920364
SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7EvQ4S8NnDqqSdCRhZvPaI?si=ea91d3147b6b46bc
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Watch Katarina's Discoveries at the San Diego border at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVQTfAdIs00
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On today’s episode, Katarina discusses how criminal networks are exploiting the global live-animal export industry as a new cover for drug trafficking.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
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On today’s episode, Katarina breaks down the case of Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder now wanted by U.S. authorities. She outlines the federal indictment alleging his role in the killing of a cooperating witness in Medellín, his reported ties to the Sinaloa cartel, the drug trafficking network described by investigators, and why the FBI has placed him on its 10 Most Wanted list with a $15 million reward.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
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Producer's Note: While this episode is available on all podcast feeds, it is best experienced as a video either on Spotify or at https://www.youtube.com/@thisisironclad
On today's episode, Katarina goes inside a clandestine rehab center in Tijuana, where residents — including addicts, deportees, and mental health patients — are held against their will. A rare look at a facility few outsiders ever see.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
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Sponsors:
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Go to https://www.1stphorm.com/borderland and get free shipping on any orders over $75, free 30 days in the app for new customers, and 110% money back guarantee on all of our products.
AmmoSquared
Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission.
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Coming soon on Borderland: Dispatches, Katarina goes inside a clandestine rehab center in Tijuana, where residents — including addicts, deportees, and mental health patients — are held against their will. A rare look at a facility few outsiders ever see.
Full episode drops November 20th.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
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On today’s episode, DEA legend Steve Murphy — the man who hunted Pablo Escobar — sits down with Katarina to break down the U.S. Navy’s deadly strikes on cartel drug boats.
Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original
Buy Target Intelligence: PSYOP with Shawn Ryan: http://psyopshow.com/
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