Ex-Cartel Hit Man and Drug Smuggler-El Gordo 

What's crazy to me is that the man saw live decapitation and talks about it without blinking. Yet when he brings up a memory of him having the first real conversation with his mother he tears up. This in itself is the most powerful thing to me. This is the archetype of a good soul given bad hand. Hope he's doing well

If you dont hear the little kid in him that is screaming for his mothers love. You have missed a big point to fully understand this interview. The horrible things he did will never go away but it sheds some light on how untreated trauma will lead a human to become an unimaginable person. I wish him the best because its hard for people that have gone through so much trauma in addition to he drugs/alcohol abuse.

When that man said " why did you sell me for a beer?, is that what I'm worth to you?" Broke my heart. I've got an 11month old . Always love and protect your children and family. No matter what, show them how special they are to be in your life!

Luis, man if you ever see this, I cannot erase your past but just know that there are ppl out there who want you to succeed and live a safe life. Thank you for having the courage to share this. As a single father of a 12 yr old boy who has a similar "mom", it didn't take long for this video to hit home for me. I wish you well man! Don't ever give up! Much love man!

All he needed was his mother’s love!!! You could really see his heartbreak. Prayers to him and all the victims involved. Great interview Mark!!!! Huge fan of your work.

While I’m sure he has done some unimaginable things in his lifetime, it’s hard not to see that heartbroken 4 year old little boy telling this story.

This guy has me in tears. Thank you for sharing hermano. I'm from East L.A. i know a lot of people with similiar stories, with the exception of not being scared to be vulnerable talking about it.

I love how quiet the room gets when someone speaks with substance. Literally the best episodes make themselves

How difficult it is to bare your soul to a camera and come completely vulnerable with it. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It has to be hard.

You can tell he really needed to get that first part out and talk about it out loud for once. You do a great thing mark. These stories are so important. It’s sad to see how they never had a chance as a kid and what paths they were forced to take to escape broken homes, addiction, and abuse.

Mark this is by far the best interview I have ever seen on SWU. Thank you. I’m going to be praying for you Luis, My heart breaks for you. Some people do not deserve to be mothers or fathers. I’m so sorry this happened to you.

I started doing drugs since my teenage, got addicted to cocaine. Spent my whole life fighting cocaine addiction. Also suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Not until my wife recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. This is something that really need to be use globally to help people with related health challenges.

This story is so heartbreaking. You can hear the trauma in his voice immediately. His body language shows all the stress and tension from the life he's had. I just want to give this man a hug. Regardless of the crimes he's committed, this man deserves to be loved. Had he just been loved by his mother, he may have never gone down that path. So sad man. I wish him the best

I feel like I am watching him as a little kid finally having someone listen to everything he’s gone through. Now more than ever it is apparent what a mother’s love or lack there of can do.

Mushrooms did wonders in my life. Over the course of my life, I've suffered from uncontrollable, depression, anxiety, alcohol, smoking, and illicit pills addiction. Imagine carving heavy chains for a long time and then all of a sudden that burden is gone. This is something that really needs to be used globally to help people with similar health challenges. I've been sober for 6 years and have my life back.

I’ll be waiting for an update on Luis! One of the best interviews on your channel!

25 minutes into the story and I’m already at the edge of my seat. 25 minutes in and my heart is so broken for this man. I feel even more heart broken because I have a son too and as a mother my love for my son is out of this universe!!! Every child deserves love from their parents. Praying for this man’s healing & happiness.

El Gordo, my mom abandoned me too. We are better off without them because they are not good people. We are worthy of love, nurturing, and care. You are not alone. Reparenting and self care is something that helps me yet abandonment trauma is a life long struggle. I wish you peace, love, and safety moving forward. Vaya con Dios

this interview is so heart breaking , a grown man that was truly craving his mothers love, his mother love could have changed the trajectory of his whole life

This interview is full of so much pain and raw emotion… El Gordo, thank you for sharing your story. This is real human experience. Hoping you find peace, love, and light on your journey. You deserve it.

Goes to show how much children need to be loved more than anything. God bless this man's soul. Takes real courage to open up and be this vulnerable.

Man, I never thought I’d want to hug a cartel hitman, but this man just needs some love. 😢

Much Respect Bro- Giving up Gangs, Streets, and Drugs is one of the hardest things ever! Keep it up

you can tell this was very new and cathartic for him, have a feeling he's never opened up and spoken about his feelings so freely like this before

I taught middle school for 5 years, and I can see many of my old students in him. It breaks my heart.

This channel is incredible. When you hear these people's stories, you really begin to count your blessings. It also gives you some insight into why people act the way they do as well as insight into how different people view life according to their experiences. One message that seems pretty clear in all of these stories is that alcohol and drugs are just no good and ruin so many people's lives, both the users and the sellers. Having kids without a foremost commitment to raising and loving them never works out well for anyone, either.

What a tearjerker, what a guy. Real proof of rising above, this dude is going to be a general contractor in no time. He's organized, focused, and definitely charismatic. Run your own company dude.

Amazing interview. He has so much heart, so much honesty, that’s so hard to have with so much trauma. He could make such a difference in some other child’s life who lives thru similar troubles today. I wish you the best , in your next life, you deserve to live it free of struggle. I wish that for you friend.

The importance of being in your child's life is so damn crucial, he broke my heart with his story. Imagine what the outcome could have been had his mother at least gave him closure..she had a 2nd chance and was still selfish, be easy bro I'm sorry you had to go through this difficult trauma in life man

I watch these videos while working in a underground mine in a dark environment alone. I often wake up hating my life. But I came from poverty myself and was locked up at 13 and was running around southern cali with murderous gangsters for years. Watching these videos make me realize my life if awesome now! I own my own house and raise a beautiful self confident young man. I count my blessings

Thanks for sharing your experience and story brother, can’t tell you how many of us are in similar situations with no one there for us

Much love Luis. God loves you and I’m sorry you were dealt the cards you were given brother. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your life experience.

Drug dealer n hit man but cried when he talks about his mom shows no matter how hard you might be there are things that will always be so painful to your heart

Bro, you’re childhood trauma was soooo painful to listen to. But remember… you came through all that and their is a reason why! Thank you for being so brave enough to share this with the world. (Real warrior sh’t!). I hope & pray you use your life experiences to help others & in exchange you get EVERYTHING you want/need/deserve. Maximum respect homie you are an inspiration! 🫡🫡🫡❤️🙏🏻🤷🏼‍♂️✊🏻😬

Great interview! Inspirational, honest and sincere. What a remarkable person, in spite of the horrors he's committed and faced. Thanks for this.

I didn’t cry in any break up I ve had in my life, but Luis you made me cry at work today. Bless you bro

Its hard to fathom how strongly our childhoods affect our whole lives! basically everything we become sprouts from our childhoods and parents.. my mother always would say that people shouldn't blame their parents for how they turn out, but having my own chikdren who are teens now i realize how everything ive done has affected them, to turn out good for a change, and how my mother just wants to escape responsibility for how i turned out

You can actually feel the pain in his voice when he speaks about his mom 😢

This is the best one I've seen so far!

amazing video, love your work and the people whom you feature. Great story, I hope he can continue to prosper.

I like this guy. He seems genuine. Hope he’ll stay on the right path and build himself a good life. Loved this interview.

Im a grown ass man with two young kids and found this totally heart breaking! Amazing interviews as always.

The pain in his voice reverberated threw my body just listening to this. Some people just need support, being abandoned as a child is the cause for a lot of trauma that takes people to lead a life of pain. I feel for him and I hope he can do great things for himself.

El Gordo I just finished watching your interview bro you inspired me. Even after all the shit went through in your life that tried to spark out your good spirit you’re a great guy.

More than anything else, your videos show how important parents are.

This is breaking my heart that he wanted his mom even after all of the rejection. This poor man has so much pain in his soul.

Thank you for this video . I didn’t know what I was doing wrong in life and being a mother. I didn’t know what questions to ask or where to start. And Luis answered all my questions without me asking , just LOVE! Love you’re kids with all your might , perfection is not the goal just LOVE

Damn, I'm 14 minutes in and I'm heartbroken for buddy, I can only imagine the pain and anger that caused him. I know what having shitty parents is like but not on that level. Prayers go out to him for real.

Man. You seem like such a tough guy but you are such a gentle giant. I wish I could hug you. My son adopted is going through the same thing right now. No matter how much love I show him, he pushes back because he wants his bio mom. He’s 14. I would love for you to talk to him. You got this though. You can be an example to so many. Keep strong man. Love yourself beyond your mom’s mistakes.

This is the most amazing interview I have ever seen

What an incredible story! Mark, please keep us updated. This man needs a book deal and a Netflix movie! Unbelievable the life he lived. I am a foster parent, and I am grateful that my two girls crossed my path. Can't imagine where else they could of ended up.

This guy has seen and felt things I can't fathom. Thanks Mark for finding this nugget of gold. Beautiful soul.

The fact that he met el chino is crazy, much respect to this dude for putting his life on the line for telling us this story.

Damm !! Brother your story is so deep and truthful it’s amazing even just watching this you have a very blessed soul please don’t let anyone take that from you, you still have it it didn’t go anywhere please continue on this good path you have so much to offer I prey that god and the and the ancestors kept you and continue to guide you in love !!! Most people don’t have the gift of a gentle soul ..all that you have been through was not your fault keep sharing your story your are an amazing brother peace and blessings to you brother ..all the way from Harlem NY!!

Takes a "MAN" to open up like this. Regardless of his past, he shows he's still human in his heart because of the ongoing trauma he still deals with till this day. Great interview.

Parents: No one is perfect, but just love the sh%t out of your kids. We are not raising children, we're raising adults. I by no means consider myself a perfect father, but I do not hesitate to tell my boys I love them. The world is already a hard place, we need to be the rock where they get to land. Thank you Mark for this interview. Prayers for the interviewee and all the victims. I grew up in the same neighborhoods in L.A. and lord knows what would I be without my parent's tough love and support.

Dam bro I’m sorry… I feel your pain I went through the same thing!! My mom was a drug addict and spend most of my teenage life in prison my dad sold drugs and never cared for me. My grandparents raised me as well I remember my dad came to see me and my sister one day and told me flat out he dosent think I’m his son… I didn’t cry or say shit but it killed me inside I never said shit but even talking about it now it brings tears to my eyes and it hurts.. my mom ended up getting clean when I was 16 or 17 she had more kids and re married… I remember always drawing her pictures when she was in prison couldn’t wait for her to get out and raise me… she would get out but always go back within 2months. I remember her FINALLY getting clean and re marrying I went to the hospital when she had her first child and I just remember walking out the hospital room and crying like crazy in the hall way.. her husband got upset and completely ignored me and I get it… but I cried cause that day I knew I would never have my mother that shit hurts so bad and now I’m 32 and my moms been trying for years to have a relationship with me but I just don’t feel it.. I have my own kids now and I don’t need you anymore 😢 the child in me needed you so bad but he’s gone he died that day. But I LOVE WHAT I WENT Through!!! It made me LOVE MY KIDS TO DEATH!!! U gotta do better bro u gotta be there for your little ones and break that cycle …………….

I’m only 3 years older than him but I would love to give him a motherly hug. The pain he must have felt is unimaginable and no child should feel that.

My heart goes out to this man. Kudos for you being able to tell your story. Many of us out here have a story,and life has not treated us so well,but when you hear a story like his they really don't compare to the pain and tragedy he has suffered.Good luck to you sir. I wish you now all the love and joy life can bring.You so deserve it.TY for being so brave as to tell us your full story,I know some of it was very painful to tell. These childhood traumas haunt us for our whole lives.

This man is experiencing unimaginable pain. To be known that you were sold for beer- I can't imagine what that feels like. God bless you, Gordo.

This was an amazing interview! My heart broke for this man hearing about his early life. I have a mother who was technically there but she did not love me and that really messes with a person. I could relate to him and his anger and pain. I was in the streets as well because of it. The fact that he made it out alive and is now focusing on being an electrician is incredible. I hope you find the love and peace you never had Gordo.💯🙏♥️

Praying for you brother 🙏 your story is amazing and incredibly real. I hung on every single word. You're a blessed man, to have made it out.

El Gordo, Luis’s story is heartbreaking. Being abandoned by his mother, tortured, jailed, lost loved ones while in jail and not able to attend their funerals. The obvious deep emotional pain caused by the absence of his mother, and his openness about his pain is truly remarkable. The information he shared about the people he worked with is scary. I truly wish him a good life for the sake of his children who don’t have their mother. Mark your interviews are very interesting and this one is very profound.

My unc tells me how he wishes he could feel the hug of his mother and i should be appreciative of what i have. Great respect for you.

I’m a mother myself as a 26 year old woman. Throughout the years of watching Mark’s videos of these broken people make me realize one thing…. having both parent in someone’s like really makes or breaks a young child. Always be there for our kids. Always.

Fascinating interview! Wow!

Hey man hope you’re doing good keep yourself safe and enjoy the good things that are out there prayers for you

This interview almost made me cry because his mother did him so wrong. He really wanted his mom, and she didn't care. It breaks my heart.

Some of us seemed to have never even had a chance. It’s horrible. It makes me extra grateful for what I have. There are some horrible human beings in this world. You should need to pass a test or have a license to have a kid. To make sure you’re fit to be a parent and not some alcoholic junkie who is going to abandon your kid for a beer and guarantee he’s going to have a fucked up life and let that cycle continue.

Such an incredible story. I"ve been on the edge of my seat since the beginning. My god, all he needed was his mother's love

Blessings to you, Luis. Do not give up on love compa. All good things take time

It's interview's like this that keep reminding me that all children need that love from parents.

My best friend worked as a councillor in a prison in AZ with men that were in the Cartel. They are just as vulnerable as anyone else. They are either forced into the life or/and have no choice in the decision.They cried when she left. All of them were once little boys who were loved by their families.I feel for all of them.

Wow, your story is amazing. I’m not into the criminal act here but truly you’re alive. Thankfully you’ll keep straight and do the right thing. Good luck in any of the endeavors that you talked about doing as an electrician. I hope you make it.

Man, out of all the interviews I've watched, that was hard.

This is one of the most heart breaking stories I’ve ever heard. This man is incredibly brave and strong to be this vulnerable with such a heavy load. I wish him the best.

This was a good watch. This guy seems like a genuine person who has been through some tuff things in life.

I'm only 15 minutes in and his story has already broken my heart to hear all that pain in his voice. Wow

I just want to give him a hug! Thanks for sharing your story.

Bravo! Hit man and drug smuggler now living a good clean life! True testimony! Keep going! Proud of you.

If this is not a perfect example of why kids need unconditional love, i dont know what is. If you cannot raise a child DONT HAVE ONE. Wish this man all the best in life

This is the most in-depth interview it’s breaks the mould of your usual clientele . Bravo

Man. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from hearing all these different stories. I have it really fn good, and can’t complain for even a second.

Gordo has such a purity and innocence about him despite the depraved nature of his previous work. It just goes to show us how multi-faceted human beings are, the dynamics of duality,....I wish you all the best in your career as an electrician, Gordo, you are going to kill it. God Bless you and your honesty and courageousness.

Man, this is a tough one to watch. I can tell he is still hurting from being abandoned. I feel for you sir..

Fantastic video. You started to cut him off a bit at the later parts of the video, though. I wanna hear him all the way out. Either way thanks for letting him tell his story. Que le vaya bien la vida

No one should have to go thru the struggles you've been through. Respect to you for sharing your story with the world. I hope you find some peace in this world. ❤❤❤

I'm half way through this video and I can say I'm blown away. I don't cry easy but this guy got my tear ducts working. Will comment after I finish. p.s. He expresses himself well.

Damn Homie. So sorry you went through all that shit man. I had a step dad that would abuse me when my mom was not around just because I was not his real son. He would get drunk , hit me, and say shit to me which hurt. When my mom found out about it, I thought she would take my side but she took my step dad's side. I got kicked to Grandma's house where I was raised by my grandma and aunties. I know how you were feeling from experience myself. Just know I can be a brother to you and will not turn my back on you. Homies like us need to stick together bro. Much love to you

Thank you for your story

Thank you for your honesty ❤😢

Seeing this man so vulnerable telling his story makes me want to give him a hug . Man this is so sad . ❤

God bless you sir. We’re all rooting for you!

What a great video of redemption! Great guest!💯

Man this is such a refreshing interview. It feels like all the drug and cartel interviews that people have on their podcast don’t seem genuine. Like the “connect podcast” with Mitchell. Just a bunch of fakers that are telling somebody else story. You can tell this guy is the real deal. What an awesome interview. The interviewer lets the man speak and tell his life story.

You could see his beautiful heart through his honesty... Thank you so much for having the courage to do this Interview...

I am a former gang leader and former international crime figure from Toronto Canada. Now I have an organization that helps people to ethically leave the lifestyle. Most have left with honour. I just gotta say, this work you’re doing is invaluable my friend. I have been watching your content for sometime now. Bravo and thank you for sharing these stories. Sometimes it’s hard for me to watch and hear some of these stories but if we are going to begin to start to fix these problems, people first have to understand their root causes. Respect 👊🏽.

Much respect to sit and talk about your childhood growing up takes a lot

Man, I feel for this brother. This is a heartbreaking interview. His pain cuts deep. Wow.

Muchas veces vemos a estos muchachos y por su apariencia pensamos que son malas personas pero no sabemos todo lo que ellos han pasado y los motivos que tuvieron para seguir esos caminos, yo personalmente los he conocido y he visto que por la forma que han crecido aparentan ser malos porque la calle eso te enseña a no mostrar debilidad. Es como una careta que muchos llevamos puesta, me conmueve cuando dice (I was eating my own shit) ellos saben que el camino que han seguido no fue la mejor decisión pero que ya no hay vuelta atrás. Que Dios ponga paz en el corazón de este hombre.