Julian Dorey Podcast #335

Guest: Dalton Fischer | Host: Julian Dorey
Date: September 14, 2025
Topic: Behind-the-Scenes of True Crime, Cartel Networks in the U.S., Podcasting Purpose & Vulnerable Storytelling

Main Theme:

A wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation about the real stories behind Dalton Fischer’s podcast, the complexities of true crime and intelligence-focused media, the responsibilities and challenges of long-form interviewing, and the dark realities of crime in America—including cartel influence and the psychological effects of trauma. Both Dalton and Julian explore the deeper, often unseen layers behind criminal acts, undercover work, and the obligation of storytellers in the podcast space.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power and Responsibility of Storytelling

Timestamps: [00:00–06:30], [52:00], [167:05]

• Dalton and Julian emphasize the impact of true storytelling via podcasts.
• Dalton describes how he structures his show to focus on the guest, not himself:

  “If I'm doing my job right, I'm talking as little as possible… the interview is about [the guest].” (Dalton, 183:58)

• Both reflect on how airing stories of trauma, survival, and crime can help others:

  “If I could put something out that helps one person, that's a wonderful win for me. And that's one of the ones that I'm most proud of.” (Dalton, 34:38)

2. From Self-Help to True Crime: Podcast Genesis

Timestamps: [09:09–13:00], [53:23–54:00]

• Dalton's journey started with self-improvement podcasts and books post-COVID:

  “I started getting heavy into... self improvement stuff. Started reading a lot... It was pretty fast, I just started feeling like a pull to do it.” (Dalton, 09:09)

• He attributes his leap into podcasting to minimizing regret (referencing Jeff Bezos’ ‘regret minimization framework’).

• The influence of major podcasters (Sean Ryan, Danny Jones, Julian) in showing him entry points and setting a high bar for quality.

3. “Send It” — The Leap from Software Sales to Podcasting

Timestamps: [09:59–11:52], [16:50–25:25]

• Dalton discusses leaving a secure software sales job for podcasting:

  “My one, the thing that scares me the most is regrets... I just want to do things to not wake up one day with regrets.” (Dalton, 11:29)

• He shares the invaluable lesson of taking action instead of overanalyzing or delaying, especially in creative/passion projects.

4. Guest Platforming, Preparation, and the Art of Interviewing

Timestamps: [17:17–31:40], [183:14–185:40]

• High Stakes, Big Starts: Dalton’s first guest was former CIA case officer John Kiriakou, later followed by elite Delta Force operator Brent Tucker.
• He credits over-preparation for early (and ongoing) nerves:

  “For him, you just keep your mouth shut and let him roll... I over-prepared.”

• Re-emphasis on active listening, minimizing host ego, and letting careers "unfold chronologically" (drawing from Sean Ryan's approach).

5. Vulnerability, Trauma & Impactful Episodes

Timestamps: [00:00, 34:38–41:56]

• Dalton’s episode with Clark Fredericks (a man abused as a child who later killed his abuser) stands out:

  “...if you kill your abuser and you go to jail for it, they own you until the day you die... that's part of the reason I had him on, because he talks about now, like, how to deal with this, how to fix this trauma.” (Dalton, 38:35)

• Profound discussions on male trauma, secrecy, and the necessity of safe spaces for sharing (and preventing) these stories.

• Julian and Dalton reflect on the “darkest crimes” and how abusers hide in plain sight, often as authority figures:

  "That abuser mentality is like, I fucking own you." (Dalton, 37:29)

6. Cartels in the U.S. and Layers of Criminal Networks

Timestamps: [138:07–146:43]

• The infiltration of U.S. society by Mexican drug cartels, as detailed by guest Mariana Van Zeller (from "Trafficked"):

  “...just how common it was to... grease the palms of border agents... they're paying them all off and slipping things right through.” (Dalton, 139:47)

• The logistics of fentanyl and other drugs being trafficked, corrupt officials, and the massive demand problem:

  “...none of this... fentanyl being smuggled over the border would be relevant if there wasn't a demand here for it.” (Dalton, 146:43)

7. Undercover Operations & Psychological Highwire

Timestamps: [150:53–163:44]

• Features stories from deep-cover agents (Matt Hedger, Scott Payne, etc.), including the risks and mental toll of sustained undercover work.
• Scott Payne’s infiltration of groups like “the Base” (a neo-Nazi accelerationist group):

  “The definition of an undercover is building friendships that you are going to betray.” (Dalton, recalling Scott Payne, 162:01)

• The necessity for undercover agents to use real traits/methods to maintain their sanity and cover, e.g., rituals to separate their real and cover identities (Dalton, 164:26–164:49).

8. The Realities of Violence, Policing & Public Perception

Timestamps: [88:53–103:24]

• Julian and Dalton recount training with NYPD SWAT teams and Delta Force trainers and the shocking proximity of real-world violence (Blackstone shooter incident).

• Reflections on the tragedy and heroism inherent in law enforcement and military professions, and public misunderstanding of their reality.

• On the challenge of police work:

  "When people, when people being a police officer is a fucking thankless job and people shit on them and they want to take their money away... Those guys fucking run into that room... to save people's lives that they don't know." (Dalton, 99:47–101:16)

9. CIA, Podcasts, and the Ethics of Influence

Timestamps: [113:41–122:25]

• Discussion of how intelligence agencies may use podcasts for narrative influence (referencing Sean Ryan’s appearance on Tucker Carlson and examples of possible “CIA infiltration").
• Julian shares his experience/suspicions:

  “...There have been a few times where my alarm bell goes off after the fact?... There is one that I am... I know I'm right about… I wish I could 100% prove it... But there. There is one that I am... I know I'm right about.” (Julian, 117:58)

• Both warn about the dangers of narrative manipulation, onus on the audience to maintain skepticism, and the host’s ethical responsibility.

10. Division, Identity, and the “Need for an Enemy”

Timestamps: [132:46–135:08]

• The difficulties of honest, cross-spectrum conversation in America.
• Julian cites a striking quote from a CIA guest:

  “...the common thing that we fear is each other. We need to point that outward, which is sinister as fuck...” (Julian, 134:46)

• Lack of a unifying external threat vs. persistent internal division and what that means for compliance and distraction among the general public.

11. Death, Legacy, and Making Time

Timestamps: [70:38–84:07]

• Deep dive into family loss, mortality, and how the passage of generations shapes perspective:

  “...there's a piece of her that was still here because he was here... and just like that, an entire generation's gone, and you can never get it back. You can't have that conversation with them. You can't get their advice.” (Julian, 72:29)

• The lesson: balance obsessive professional drive with time for family, friends, and presence, before it’s gone.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

— All timestamps in MM:SS format for context.

• On starting a creative venture:
  “My one, the thing that scares me the most is regrets...I just want to do things to not wake up one day with regrets.” – Dalton ([11:29])

• On child abuse/trauma:
  “That abuser mentality is like, I fucking own you.” – Dalton ([37:29])

• On guests who consistently platform others:
  “For him, you just keep your mouth shut and let him roll...” – Dalton (on John Kiriakou, [26:44])

• On being shaped by military/combat trauma:
  “Those are the guys who did it so you and I didn’t have to, and that’s why we love them.” – Dalton ([77:51])

• On CIA and podcast infiltration:
  “I know one of them I’m right about. Hey guys, if you're not following me on Spotify, please hit that follow button and leave a five star review. They're both a huge, huge help. Thank you. What were you doing out in Montana?” – Julian ([118:12–118:15])

• On the fragility of legacy and memory:
  “You could be, fuck, I don’t know, like some president of some country, somebody really important...a couple years later, nobody gives a shit about you anymore.” – Dalton ([83:09])

• On the message to parents (re: child abuse):
  “If your kid’s coach or their piano teacher ... is taking an extreme interest in your child. Scary, right?” – Dalton ([45:10])

• On the role of podcast storytelling:
  “Storytellers run the world. It keeps coming up today with different guys that we find interesting in our jobs who obviously use that skill.” – Julian ([167:05])

Section Quick Reference / Timestamps

• [00:00] — Opening reflection on powerful stories, trauma, best and worst of humanity
• [09:09] — Dalton’s self-improvement journey to podcasting
• [16:50–25:25] — Early outreach, “send it” mentality, learning from peers
• [34:38] — Story of Clark Fredericks: abuse, retribution, consequences, trauma processing
• [52:00] — The impact and responsibility of storytellers
• [70:38–75:32] — Julian on family loss, the passage of legacy
• [88:53–103:24] — Real-life SWAT training, police heroism, Blackstone shooting
• [113:41–122:25] — CIA/media infiltration, ethics in podcast platforming
• [138:07–146:43] — Mariana van Zeller, cartel infiltration
• [150:53–163:44] — Undercover operations, character immersion, betrayal
• [183:14–185:40] — Editorial responsibility, balancing host presence with guest storytelling

Tone & Takeaways

• Both speakers maintain a highly candid, relatable, and sometimes darkly humorous tone (as seen in the banter about NYC vs. LA, or stories of “make-a-wish” moments with high-caliber guests).
• The episode swings between serious deconstructions of crime, intelligence, and trauma, and practical, even therapeutic advice for those wrestling with regret, ambition, or grief.
• The conversation is saturated with respect for those “doing the work” (LEOs, SOF, undercovers, survivors) and cautionary advice to stay skeptical, yet compassionate, in a world filled with manipulated narratives.

For First-Time Listeners

• This episode offers a revealing look behind the curtain of crime, intelligence, and podcasting from two hosts who prize authenticity and preparedness.
• Expect a compelling mix of true crime, tactical insights, emotional storytelling, and critical thinking about the role of media and power in shaping our reality—anchored in the lived experience of both the interviewer and his guests.