Manifesto Radio

Manifesto Radio

byEd Calderon

SocietyCulturePersonalJournalsTrue Crime

The good, the bad, and the ugly straight from Tijuana. Catch the full interviews on the Manifesto Radio Podcast, and subscribe for more content from the Upside Down Sponsored by suavecito Directed and Edited by Abraham Velázquez

Episodes(40 episodes)

"It Got Weird Fast..." | Drones, Night Vision & Bizarre Stories
A conversation exploring internet fame, cultural perceptions of sexuality in Mexico, and bizarre massage experiences. Ed and Eddie share personal stories, cultural insights, and hilarious anecdotes that entertain and inform.Join us as we explore advanced military technology, night vision experiences, and real-world training insights. Discover the latest in drone warfare, weaponology, and tactical gear from experts in the field.Subscribe to our patron for ad free podcast and more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/edsmanifesto⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sneakreaper industries Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sneakreaper-industries.com/⁠⁠
Published: Mar 25, 2026Duration: 1h 14m 6s
Season 5 - Episode 47
The Roots of Curanderismo: Exploring Indigenous and Cultural Traditions
This conversation Ed and Lisa explores the deep roots of indigenous and folk healing practices, the significance of ancestral lineage, and the transformative power of traditional medicine and spirituality. Ed discuss personal journeys, cultural heritage, and the importance of ethical practice in spiritual healing.In this compelling interview, Lisa shares her journey from security work to spiritual leadership, exploring the significance of Ritual Craft in Denver, the power of community, and insights into indigenous practices, magic, and skinwalkers. Discover how her experiences and teachings are shaping a space for healing, learning, and cultural preservation.<...
Published: Mar 17, 2026Duration: 1h 36m 3s
Season 5 - Episode 46
From Peru to Venezuela: A Journey of Survival
“We crossed the border, and not even a mile into Venezuela, the nightmare began.”In this video, Renzo Huamanchumo shares a harrowing journey that spans continents and decades, from fleeing terrorist threats in Peru as a child to building a career in the United States. After years working in executive protection for high-profile artists, Renzo’s life took a dramatic turn when he married his wife, Carolina, in 2024.What was meant to be a new chapter of peace turned into a struggle for survival in September 2024, when Renzo, his wife, and their...
Published: Feb 17, 2026Duration: 2h 9m 52s
Building a Community Around a Brand
This conversation explores the evolution of Tactical Outfitters into Sneak Reaper Industries, highlighting the importance of community engagement, cultural influences, and personal connections in building a brand. Ed and Eggie share their experiences with the storefront, the significance of their products, and the impact of their adventures, particularly in Mexico City, on their brand identity. They emphasize authenticity, creativity, and the role of death in cultural practices as key elements of their narrative.They delve into the themes of death, spirituality, and cultural practices in Mexico. They discuss the concept of death as a companion...
Published: Feb 9, 2026Duration: 1h 25m 4s
Empowering Self-Reliance Through Firearms Training
Robert Valderrama, owner and operator of Trinity Training Complex, has spent more than a decade immersed in the firearms industry. In October of 2021, alongside Joseph Fasinella, he opened the doors to Trinity Training Complex — a facility that stands out with its impressive 16,000‑square‑foot shoot house. Since then, it has welcomed some of the biggest names in the field, as well as agencies from across the country, with a strong focus on the tri‑state area. Robert’s journey began with Condition Gray, Joseph Fasinella’s first company, where he got his start in firearms training. Today, he is certified as...
Published: Feb 4, 2026Duration: 1h 24m 10s
Exploring Switzerland and Nicolas Maduros capture
In this episode, Ed and Eddie dive into a light-hearted discussion about their quirky ability to remember jingles while struggling with everyday details like birthdays. They share amusing anecdotes about their recent travels, particularly their first trip to Europe, where they conducted a seminar in Switzerland.The conversation shifts to their experiences in Switzerland, highlighting the stark contrast between the safety and order of the country compared to their home in Mexico. They reflect on the cultural differences, including the food, the efficiency of public transport, and the unique experiences they had, such as a memorable fondue...
Published: Jan 24, 2026Duration: 57m 37s
Facing the Drug War: A Personal Account
Dave Franke shares his remarkable journey from Los Angeles to becoming a law enforcement officer in Mexico. He discusses his troubled childhood, the bold decision to write to the PGR seeking a new path, and the intense training he underwent to become a police officer.Frank reflects on the challenges of being a foreign officer in a corrupt system, the importance of building trust with his fellow officers, and the harsh realities of police work in Mexico, including his first firefight. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the dedication and loyalty of many officers who strive to make...
Published: Jan 4, 2026Duration: 1h 45m 52s
Season 4 - Episode 45
From UFC Fighter to Mentor: Cody Donovan’s Journey of Resilience
Step inside the journey of Cody Scott Donovan — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, retired UFC Light Heavyweight fighter, and Bellator competitor. From his roots in Waterloo, Iowa, to training with legends like Nate Marquardt, Donovan’s story is one of resilience, cultural heritage, and transformation.In this conversation, we explore:His path from security guard to professional MMA fighterReflections on Irish and Mexican traditions of grief and resilienceThe challenges of violence, bullying, and finding strength through martial artsMental preparation, flow state, and lessons from legendary fightersPersonal anecdotes, including a hilarious “Batman” storyAdvice for aspiring fighters: commitment, intentionality, and presence...
Published: Dec 23, 2025Duration: 1h 43m 8s
Sword Fighting: The Art of Combat and Philosophy
Maija studied sword with the enigmatic and reclusive sword master Maestro Sonny Umpad, and since his untimely death in 2006, has focused on teaching sword play as a way to understand tactics and strategy. She has written 3 books on the subject - The Liar, the Cheat, and the Thief, The Hustler, and The Spy and the Rodeo Clown. She has also designed two knives, the Vaari and the Moikka, the former of which appears in the Livia Lone books written by Barry Eisler. She is a Finn who grew up in the UK and now lives in the...
Published: Dec 4, 2025Duration: 2h 4m 38s
Season 4 - Episode 44
Crafting Tools of the Trade
WitchdoctorzeroDavid Byas AKA D. Willy in the tattoo world since 1989, and more recently as "Doc" in the EDC community, has been a lifelong artist and world traveler.Originally making tattoos and outsider art, D became seriously interested in making EDC gear and impact weapons around 2013. Being a bit of a self-styled fashionista,D wanted a sap like Grandpa's, but with more style and flair, so he started carving and tooling them...re-engineering and trying to do something different with an age-old tool.In 2016 he brought one of his daughters, Sydnie...
Published: Nov 18, 2025Duration: 2h 27m 44s
Furries, Aliens & Tactical Legends
In this episode, Ed and Eddie dive headfirst into a whirlwind of stories and unexpected twists. From there, the conversation veers into the uncanny: alien encounters, unexplained phenomena, and personal tales that blur the line between reality and the supernatural. They trade theories and experiences with raw honesty.They also recount recent travels and training sessions, sharing behind-the-scenes moments with iconic figures from the knife and tactical community.
Published: Nov 10, 2025Duration: 1h 17m 4s
The Evolution of Cartel Warfare
A former intelligence analyst that focused mostly on non state actors in Latin America and Africa with nearly a decade of experience in the defense industry from the perspective of several roles. Currently, works specifically the international arms trade. My Instagram project is focused around the weird things I come across at work and also how this work intersects with geopolitics."This conversation delves into the evolution of cartel warfare in Mexico, highlighting the sophisticated weaponry and tactics employed by cartels, particularly the New Generation Cartel. The discussion covers the @TheArmsProjekt aimed at filling information gaps regarding...
Published: Nov 5, 2025Duration: 1h 38m 27s
Halloween Traditions and Cultural Differences
In this conversation, Ed and Eddie explore the cultural significance of Halloween and the Day of the Dead, sharing personal anecdotes and experiences related to these celebrations. They delve into ghost stories, sleep paralysis, and the impact of childhood fears and stories on adult beliefs.The discussion highlights the intersection of reality and the supernatural, as well as coping mechanisms for nightmares and sleep issues.Subscribe to our patron for ad free podcast and more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/edsmanifesto⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sneakreaper industries Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sneakreaper-industries.com/⁠⁠
Published: Oct 31, 2025Duration: 1h 16m 35s
Season 4 - Episode 43
From Soldier to Civilian: A Veteran's Journey
This conversation explores the journey of Nick Betts a veteran transitioning from military service to civilian life, focusing on experiences in executive protection and contracting with Blackwater. The discussion delves into the psychological impacts of combat, the realities of modern warfare, including the use of drones, and the evolving nature of conflicts such as the Ukrainian war.They also touch on the cultural perceptions of veterans and the challenges they face in reintegrating into society and delve into the evolution of drone warfare, the changing dynamics of special operations, and the implications of political violence in the...
Published: Oct 17, 2025Duration: 1h 57m 57s
Buc-ee's & Brain Damage: Our Most Embarrassing Stories!
In this conversation, Ed and Eddie dive into the world of Buc-ee's Beaver nuggets, sharing their taste-testing experiences and humorous anecdotes.They explore the effects of concussions, recount embarrassing stories, and reflect on life lessons learned. The episode blends humor with serious topics, creating an engaging and relatable listening experience.Subscribe to our patron for ad free podcast and more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/edsmanifesto⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sneakreaper industries Merchandise⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sneakreaper-industries.com/⁠⁠
Published: Oct 9, 2025Duration: 1h 12m 35s
Season 4 - Episode 42
From Skateboards to Stages: The Journey of Randy Blythe
Randy Blythe is the American vocalist of the Grammy-nominated heavy metal band Lamb of God, known for his aggressive vocal style and powerful lyrics. Born in 1971, he joined the band, then known as Burn the Priest, in 1995 and also fronts the side-project band Halo of Locusts. Beyond music, he is a photographer, author, and activist.Ed and Randy discuss the journeys of two individuals through punk rock culture, exploring their experiences in Tijuana and the impact of music on their lives. Their conversation covers the evolution of punk, the importance of skateboarding, and the challenges of personal...
Published: Sep 18, 2025Duration: 3h 17m 23s
The Joe Rogan Effect: Fame, Identity and magic spells!
Ed and Eddie explore a range of topics from a transformative experience at Universal Studios to the impact of social media fame following an appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast. They discuss cultural representation, personal identity, and the evolution of Ed's Manifesto.The conversation also delves into experiences at DEF CON and the complexities of furry culture, providing a rich tapestry of insights and reflections on modern life and identity. They delve into the quirky and fascinating world of furry conventions, sharing humorous anecdotes and unexpected encounters. They explore the adult section of the convention, discuss the cultural...
Published: Sep 9, 2025Duration: 1h 43m 11s
Faith and Devotion: Santa Muerte / Fe y Devoción: La Santa Muerte
-This conversation explores the deep connections between faith in Santa Muerte and spirituality within the Tepito community the importance of devotion, the relationship between God and death, and how faith can be a path toward healing and overcoming addiction. The dialogue also addresses the criticisms and fears surrounding Santa Muerte, as well as the manifestation of her presence in the lives of her devotees.Profound themes are explored, including faith, spirituality, and the relationship with death. They share their personal experiences with Santa Muerte, their struggles with addiction, and the importance of generosity and gratitude. The conversation...
Published: Sep 1, 2025Duration: 1h 27m 37s
Training for Real Life and making bad choices
In this conversation, Ed and Eddie share humorous anecdotes about language barriers, particularly in Spanish, and delve into their experiences with counter custody training.They discuss the dynamics of employee training, the creativity involved in making tools for liberation, and the importance of realistic training scenarios. The conversation takes a turn as they recount a harrowing car accident, the medical aftermath, and the lessons learned from the experience. They also reflect on cultural insights related to public altars and share exciting future plans for opening a storefront and hosting events.Subscribe to our patron for...
Published: Aug 24, 2025Duration: 52m 28s
Season 4 - Episode 41
Contrasting Cultures and the responsibilities of firearm ownership
Mickey Schuch is a renowned firearms instructor and Second Amendment advocate in the United States. He is the founder of Carry Trainer, an organization dedicated to providing comprehensive training in personal defense and safe firearm handling. Through Carry Trainer, Schuch offers practical solutions for real-life situations, emphasizing the importance of protecting and defending innocent life.In addition to his work as an instructor, Schuch has contributed to the film industry as a screenwriter, participating in productions such as Higher Line (2018), Cleared Hot (2017), and Danger Close with Jack Carr (2021).Subscribe to our patron for ad free...
Published: Aug 17, 2025Duration: 2h 7m 44s