Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: Episode Summary Episode: Chris Feistl & Dave Mitchell (former DEA agents)
Release Date: August 13, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, hosts Buck Rogers and Gene Lightyear welcome former DEA agents Chris Faisal and Dave Mitchell. The duo shares their harrowing experiences in Colombia, where they were tasked with dismantling the Cali Cartel, the most formidable drug cartel in history following the downfall of Pablo Escobar.

Background of Guests

Chris Faisal and Dave Mitchell both entered the DEA around 1988, immediately after completing their training and assignments in Miami, Florida—a hotspot during the era of the "cocaine cowboys" and the famed "Miami Vice" culture.

Notable Quotes:

• Monica Padman ([02:23]): "Fade, you guys were living a crazy life."
• Dax Shepard ([05:03]): "You could really think you've given us gold, which is the dream."

Entering the DEA and Assignment to Colombia

Both agents recount their recruitment into the DEA, highlighting their initial roles in Miami and the transition to Colombia. Miami in the late '80s was inundated with cocaine, making it an ideal training ground for high-stakes operations.

Notable Quotes:

• Chris Faisal ([06:28]): "I was in the military. I was an officer because I was in ROTC in college."
• Dave Mitchell ([08:07]): "Angel, you have to pray that you don't get killed, do it right."

Understanding the Cali Cartel

The agents delve into the structure and influence of the Cali Cartel, contrasting it with Pablo Escobar’s Medellin Cartel. Unlike the Medellin Cartel’s overt violence, the Cali Cartel operated with sophistication, bribing officials, and integrating seamlessly into the Colombian economy.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Mitchell ([21:08]): "They were bringing in money, they were bringing in construction, they were bringing in jobs."
• Chris Faisal ([24:27]): "Cali was considered one of the most sophisticated drug organizations."

Challenges Faced in Colombia

Operating in a highly corrupt environment, Chris and Dave emphasize the pervasive corruption within Colombian institutions, which necessitated extreme caution and reliance on trustworthy informants like Jorge Salcedo.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Mitchell ([30:07]): "You have to protect your sources and your methods."
• Chris Faisal ([37:33]): "Failure after failure after failure, compromise after compromise, corruption systemic throughout the service."

The Breakthrough: Capturing Miguel Rodriguez

A pivotal moment in their mission occurred when they discovered Miguel Rodriguez, the head of the Cali Cartel’s security. Their detailed account of the raid that led to Rodriguez’s capture showcases the meticulous planning and the constant threat of ambush they navigated.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Mitchell ([77:59]): "We were able to grab him."
• Chris Faisal ([84:02]): "We compartmentalize it and say, okay, this is our best. This is what we're focusing on."

Ethical and Moral Reflections

Throughout the episode, Chris and Dave reflect on the futility and relentless nature of the drug war. They express a sense of resignation, acknowledging that as long as there is demand for drugs, cartels will thrive, making their mission seemingly Sisyphean.

Notable Quotes:

• Chris Faisal ([82:51]): "Our job is to slow it down, because it floats around."
• Dave Mitchell ([90:13]): "It's a no-win situation, but you have to attack it on all fronts."

Insights on the War on Drugs

The agents discuss the broader implications of the War on Drugs, including its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities and the evolving nature of drug trafficking with the rise of synthetic drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Mitchell ([94:07]): "Digital weed, you have to be specialized on that."
• Chris Faisal ([87:11]): "How much money does Cartel have? We had your money."

Conclusion

Chris Faisal and Dave Mitchell conclude by reflecting on their legacy and the ongoing battle against drug cartels. Their story not only sheds light on the complexities of dismantling powerful criminal organizations but also underscores the personal toll such missions take.

Notable Quotes:

• Dax Shepard ([83:10]): "But that was our job, though. That's what we signed up to do."
• Monica Padman ([128:53]): "After Escobar taking down the notorious Cali godfathers and the biggest drug cartel in history."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a rare and authentic glimpse into the lives of DEA agents who faced immense challenges in their pursuit to bring down one of the world's most notorious drug cartels. Through their detailed narrative, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the strategic, ethical, and personal dimensions of law enforcement against organized crime.

End of Summary