Borderland: Dispatches with Katarina Szulc

The New Era of Cartel Warfare — How Modern Wars Are Reshaping Cartels 18.06.2026 56мин

Producer's Note: Enjoy this interview from Katarina's appearance on the IRONCLAD Original, Borderland: Narcosis with Vincent "Rocco" Vargas. On today’s episode, Vince welcomes back Katarina Szulc, investigative journalist and host of the Ironclad Original, Borderland: Dispatches. Kat shares insights from her recent reporting in Ukraine, where authorities are investigating claims that foreign fighters with cartel ties traveled to the front lines to learn modern combat tactics before returning to Latin America. The conversation also explores foreign mercenaries in Ukraine, the evolution of cartel warfare, U.S. pressure on cartel leadership, corruption in Mexico, and what these developments could mean for the future of organized crime. Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:44) Cartels, Ukraine, and FPV Drone Warfare (03:26) The Colombian Connection & Drone Schools in Lviv (09:52) American Mercenaries & Background Checks on the Front Lines (11:33) Gamers vs. Combat: How Simple is FPV Drone Flying? (15:24) Behind the Scenes of the Global Mercenary Recruitment Machine (25:06) US Boots on the Ground & The Standoff over Drone Strikes in Mexico (29:51) Cartel Corruption & Political Gaslighting in Sinaloa (34:22) The 2026 World Cup: A Cartel Moneymaker? (47:17) 2026 Wrap-Up: The Year of the Fallen Kingpins & The Endless Drug War Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Front Line of Modern Warfare — Inside Ukraine's Most Dangerous Underground Operation (Preview) 04.06.2026 6мин

Producer's note: This is a preview of next week's full episode of Borderland: Dispatches. For the full visual experience, watch on Spotify Video or on the IRONCLAD YouTube channel: youtube.com/@thisisironclad On Katarina's latest investigation, she gains rare access to an undisclosed location in Ukraine where civilian volunteers are illegally 3D-printing bombs for the front lines, and infiltrates a drone school where foreign fighters from around the world are training in FPV warfare. Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America vs CJNG: Guatemala Approves Massive Joint U.S. Strike Operations On Cartels 29.05.2026 17мин

In this episode of Borderland Dispatches, Katarina breaks down a major shift in the drug war as Guatemala secretly agrees to joint U.S. airstrikes and military operations against regional cartels. Dive into the escalating pressure on Mexico’s sovereignty, the violent battle for the Guatemala-Chiapas trafficking corridor, and the growing influence of CJNG. Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original 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 Sponsor: Watch Pressure in theaters starting May 29th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Los Chapitos FINISHED? The Endgame of the Sinaloa Cartel Civil War Coming? 21.05.2026 34мин

Katarina Szulc speaks with Stefano Ritondale of All Source News about the what’s next for Los Chapitos and the Sinaloa Cartel Civil War. Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsor: Watch Pressure in theaters starting May 29th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sheinbaum Is Panicking — Why the US Is Dismantling Her Cartel-Connected Politicians 14.05.2026 28мин

On today's episode, Katarina breaks down the US crackdown on Mexico's narco-politicians, including the indictment of Sinaloa's governor and the mayor of Culiacán, and what it means for President Claudia Sheinbaum. Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=ironclad&utm_campaign=ironclad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inside Russia's Foreign Mercenary Pipeline — The Ukrainian POW Camp Holding Putin's Recruits 08.05.2026 23мин

Producer's note: This is a preview of next week's full episode of Borderland: Dispatches. For the full visual experience, watch on Spotify Video or on the IRONCLAD YouTube channel: youtube.com/@thisisironclad In this episode of Borderland Dispatches, Katarina Szulc gains rare access to a Ukrainian POW camp at an undisclosed location near Lviv. With permission from Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, she walks the carpentry workshop, the canteen, and the library, and speaks directly with the men captured fighting alongside Russia, including foreign mercenaries from across the globe and a forcibly mobilized Ukrainian who has been held for over two years. Borderland Dispatches is an iRONCLAD Original Sponsors: Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=ironclad&utm_campaign=ironclad Credited sources, no changes were made: https://www.facebook.com/DSNS.GOV.UA/videos/477194580536446/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Foreign POWs Held in Ukraine: Katarina Goes Inside the Prison Camp (PREVIEW) 01.05.2026 6мин

Producer's note: This is a preview of next week's full episode of Borderland: Dispatches. For the full visual experience, watch on Spotify Video or on the IRONCLAD YouTube channel: youtube.com/@thisisironclad In an exclusive Borderland: Dispatches investigation, Katarina Szulc gains rare access to a Ukrainian POW camp near Lviv, a facility so sensitive its location is hidden from the public. Inside, she meets the men captured fighting alongside Russia: foreign mercenaries lured by false promises of citizenship, forcibly mobilized Ukrainians, and Russian soldiers who surrendered on the front lines. It's an unprecedented look inside one of the most guarded corners of the war. Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inside The CIA's Secret Cartel War — And The Raid That Killed 2 Officers 24.04.2026 20мин

On today's episode, Katarina breaks down a reported CIA-linked operation in Chihuahua, Mexico, that ended in a deadly crash during a major meth lab bust, and the conflicting accounts coming out of Mexican state and federal authorities. Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: FIRECRACKER FARM Enter the Firecracker Farms Hot Salts Giveaway from April 20-24, for a chance to win an Ammo Can Hot Salt Kit + handcrafted Walnut Holder: ⁠https://app.viralsweep.com/sweeps/full/2c256c-225272?framed=1⁠ GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD 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/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=ironclad&utm_campaign=ironclad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mexico’s Narco Governors — The Power Behind the Cartels 16.04.2026 28мин

On today's episode, Katarina breaks down the political figures accused of helping Mexico’s most powerful cartels thrive. Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD 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

CJNG’s Next Chapter: The American Citizen Now Leading the Cartel 09.04.2026 23мин

Following the fall of El Mencho, CJNG’s transition of power has been far more seamless than many expected. In this episode, Katarina breaks down the rise of El 03, a U.S.-born successor with deep ties to the Valencia narco dynasty, and what his emergence reveals about cartel succession, family power networks, and the long-term effectiveness of the kingpin strategy. Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD 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

The New Cartel War Is Happening in U.S. Federal Court 02.04.2026 34мин

From Rafael Caro Quintero to El Mayo-linked leadership, several cartel figures are now facing proceedings in U.S. federal court. Katarina examines the recent wave of transfers from Mexico to the U.S., what it means for ongoing prosecutions, and how these cases may shape the next phase of the fight against cartel leadership and trafficking networks. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD 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 the Ground in Jalisco, Mexico: Inside the Ongoing Threat of CJNG Violence 27.03.2026 18мин

Producer’s note: This episode is best experienced visually. To see the full context of Katarina’s reporting, including locations, narco messages, and on-the-ground scenes, head over to our YouTube channel for the full video. On today’s episode, Katarina Szulc is on the ground in Jalisco, Mexico, revealing the aftermath of CJNG cartel activity. From narco messages to retaliation and the impact on local communities, she shows what life looks like when violence leaves its mark. Borderland: Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD 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

Inside El Mencho’s Compound After the Raid: What the Scene Reveals 20.03.2026 20мин

Katarina is on the ground in Mexico, inside the compound of El Mencho just days after the reported raid that killed him. But something doesn’t add up. As she walks the scene, the physical evidence doesn’t match the official story, raising serious questions about what actually happened during the operation. This is a raw, firsthand look at the aftermath and the inconsistencies that could change the narrative. Borderland Dispatches is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD 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

Iran and Chinese Migrants Using VIP Cartel Smuggling Routes — Security Risks in the U.S. 12.03.2026 24мин

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 Sponsors: GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD 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

El Mencho Is Dead — But the Crime Scene Raises Questions 05.03.2026 30мин

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 Sponsors: GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD 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

The Cartel Crisis at America’s Northern Border — Narcos Target Tribal Lands 27.02.2026 28мин

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 Sponsors: GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD 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

Announcement from Katarina: Preview of Her Latest Investigation in Montana 19.02.2026 2мин

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cartel Slaughter: Innocent Miners Kidnapped & Murdered in Extortion Shake Down 12.02.2026 23мин

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 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/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Death Threats, CJNG, Rolling Stones, and What's Next for Dispatches | Q&A Part 2 05.02.2026 32мин

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/ Show less Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Wedding, Cartels, Kidnapping Risks, and Behind the Scenes of Reporting | Q&A Part 1 29.01.2026 34мин

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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices