Modern Wisdom Podcast Summary: Episode #950 – Craig Jones: Drugged In Colombia, Escaping Jail & Defeating UFC Wrestling

Release Date: June 5, 2025

In Episode #950 of the Modern Wisdom podcast, host Chris Williamson engages in a riveting and candid conversation with renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) expert Craig Jones. This episode delves deep into Craig’s extraordinary adventures across South America and Africa, his encounters with danger and resilience, his philanthropic efforts, and his ambitious plans to revolutionize the grappling sports scene. Below is a detailed summary capturing all the key discussions, insights, and memorable moments from their extensive dialogue.

1. Surviving the Colombian After Party

Craig Jones opens up about his intense five-day bender in Cartagena, Colombia, following an event with CJI1. What was intended as a celebratory trip quickly turned into an endurance test reminiscent of a David Goggins-like challenge.

Craig Jones [00:45]: "The secret investor threw us a party, and it was the hardest five days of my entire life. It was grueling in Colombia."

Despite the hedonistic atmosphere, Craig credits IVs and the relentless spirit of Coach Joe Lopez for helping him survive the ordeal.

Craig Jones [01:08]: "We didn't sleep much. The guy had it set up so we had IVs every morning. That probably kept me alive, quite honestly."

2. Meeting Pablo Escobar's Sister

Amidst the chaos of Cartagena, Craig recounts a surreal encounter with Pablo Escobar's sister during a dinner outing. Attempting an insensitive gesture by pouring cocaine-like powder as a prop on Escobar’s grave, Craig triggered a complex interaction that highlighted the lingering shadows of Escobar’s legacy.

Craig Jones [03:43]: "We went out for dinner. She took us on a tour of Pablo's old house, and then we got hammered together on red wine."

The meeting took a turn when Craig explained the symbolism behind his gesture, revealing the family's efforts to distance themselves from Pablo’s notorious activities.

Craig Jones [04:28]: "She says, no. Brilliant PR move. You know what I mean? Like, the government's not coming for that land if they don't think you have it."

3. The Devil’s Breath: Being Drugged in Colombia

One of the most harrowing experiences Craig shares is being unknowingly drugged with scopolamine, infamously known as the Devil’s Breath. This encounter left him incapacitated, saved only by his personal assistant Seth’s quick thinking and strength.

Craig Jones [07:19]: "You haven't heard of it? No. All right, so basically there's a substance, it's kind of mythical in its nature because it quite often is guys heading to a strip club or something and what happens is they wake up with no money in their account."

Craig details how Seth had to physically rescue him from an Airbnb, showcasing the severity of scopolamine’s effects.

Craig Jones [09:53]: "He takes me. Yeah. He takes me to bed."

Reflecting on the incident, Craig underscores the dangers tours like these can pose, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and having reliable companions.

Craig Jones [10:04]: "That shocked me. Seth obviously thought I just drunk too much. But when we put it together, yeah, definitely hit us. Copola. Me."

4. Philanthropic Ventures in Ethiopia

Transitioning from personal turmoil to altruism, Craig discusses his work with the Guardian Program in Ethiopia. Partnering with organizations to build BJJ schools, Craig aims to provide discipline, education, and resources to impoverished children.

Craig Jones [13:17]: "We're trying to use jiu jitsu to give them a foundation of discipline and they're teaching them English at the same time."

However, Craig doesn’t shy away from sharing the harsh realities faced by these communities, including brutal tribal ceremonies and widespread corruption.

Craig Jones [16:29]: "He was like, I'm going to cook you breakfast in the morning, and then I'm out of here."

5. Cultural Encounters and Challenges

Craig narrates his interactions with various Ethiopian tribes, witnessing age-old traditions that test both physical endurance and emotional resilience.

Craig Jones [16:03]: "One of them we rolled into and they were doing a whipping ceremony... They have to poker face it. Absolutely brutal."

These experiences underscore the vast cultural disparities and the complexities of making a meaningful impact in such environments.

6. Adventures and Misadventures in Peru and Brazil

Beyond Ethiopia and Colombia, Craig recounts his ventures in Peru, aiding in building schools amidst extreme poverty, and his foray into Brazil with a clothing release event. His attempt to engage with local bartenders in favelas showcases both the allure and dangers of mixing sports with local cultures.

Craig Jones [38:54]: "They have some impressive weaponry up there, even like RPG launchers to take out police helicopters and stuff."

Despite these challenges, Craig remains committed to fostering positive relationships and promoting the sport of BJJ.

7. Tattoos, Legal Hurdles, and Escaping Jail

Craig humorously shares his experiences with tattoos, including a rebellious MS-13 tattoo that led to humorous yet precarious situations, such as potential deportation and unexpected confrontations.

Craig Jones [45:09]: "I'm really testing the limits of US Deportation here."

These anecdotes highlight Craig’s fearless and sometimes reckless approach to life, adding a layer of unpredictability to his persona.

8. The Nomadic Lifestyle: Pros and Cons

Discussing his perpetual travel, Craig balances the excitement of new adventures with the logistical nightmares of a nomadic existence. His reliance on Seth to manage wardrobe changes and handle emergencies underscores the challenges of living out of a suitcase.

Craig Jones [48:28]: "Carrying a massive suitcase around the entire time? That's where Seth, again, the personal assistant, comes in."

9. Upcoming Event: CGI2 – Revolutionizing Grappling Competitions

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Craig’s ambitious project, CGI2, set to take place in Las Vegas. Unlike its predecessor, CGI2 aims to introduce a team-based, last-man-standing format inspired by Japanese Quintet events, blending storytelling with high-stakes competition.

Craig Jones [53:02]: "We're trying to push the envelope in creating excitement in the event."

He elaborates on the innovative rules, team compositions, and the inclusion of wild cards to keep the audience engaged and the competition unpredictable.

Craig Jones [66:27]: "We're trying to steal the theatrics, obviously. Vince McMahon, personal hero of mine. I'm really trying to steal what he did for professional wrestling minus his personal life."

10. Grappling vs. Wrestling: A Tactical Showdown

Craig passionately critiques the sport of wrestling, arguing that BJJ has the upper hand in ground combat due to its comprehensive grappling techniques. He envisions CGI2 as a platform to showcase BJJ's superiority over traditional wrestling, predicting thrilling matchups.

Craig Jones [54:33]: "How do you beat wrestling? I mean, first of all, you're not going to have the most intelligent human being in the sport of wrestling... they're going to win the war, you know what I mean."

11. Insights on Coaching, Confidence, and MMA

Shifting gears, Craig offers profound insights into coaching methodologies, emphasizing the importance of building athletes' confidence to perform under pressure. His experiences cornering MMA fighters illuminate the psychological aspects of combat sports, advocating for a balanced approach between technical training and mental fortitude.

Craig Jones [78:02]: "When you're dealing with an athlete in those circumstances, you really do have to be very calculated and thoughtful about how you approach coaching them."

12. Future Ambitions and the Evolution of BJJ

Concluding the episode, Craig reflects on his vision for the future of BJJ and grappling sports. He expresses a desire to prevent monopolization by major organizations, promote fair compensation for athletes, and continue innovating competition formats to keep the sport exciting and accessible.

Craig Jones [71:43]: "My goal was just to grow the sport... to ensure that there's a viable event that doesn't have exclusive contracts, that just wants the best athletes in the world to participate."

Conclusion

Episode #950 of Modern Wisdom offers a whirlwind tour through Craig Jones’s multifaceted life, blending high-octane adventures with deep philosophical insights on combat sports and personal growth. From surviving drug-induced incapacitation in Colombia to pioneering transformative grappling competitions, Craig’s narrative is one of resilience, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Listeners are treated to a blend of thrilling stories, strategic thinking, and motivational lessons that encapsulate the essence of overcoming adversity and striving for greatness.

Notable Quotes:

• Craig Jones [01:08]: "We didn't sleep much. The guy had it set up so we had IVs every morning. That probably kept me alive, quite honestly."
• Craig Jones [07:19]: "You haven't heard of it? No. All right, so basically there's a substance, it's kind of mythical in its nature because it quite often is guys heading to a strip club or something and what happens is they wake up with no money in their account."
• Craig Jones [53:02]: "We're trying to push the envelope in creating excitement in the event."

This episode not only entertains with tales of survival and adventure but also imparts valuable lessons on leadership, coaching, and the importance of maintaining integrity and innovation in the face of challenges.