The Sicario Effect is a new series from Exclave Media. Jhon Jairo Velasquez Vasquez alias “Popeye” was Pablo Escobar’s top lieutenant and The Medellin Cartel's chief sicario (assassin). He’s publicly admitted to having personally killed 300 people. In 2014, after 23 years in prison, Popeye was released. Rather than lay low and enjoy his new freedom, he took to the internet and became a social media star, “Popeye the Repentant”. And as we discovered, that’s just the beginning. This is a story about crime, drugs, corruption, and a country’s fight to control their narrative about the past, present, and future.

The Sicario Effect is a new series from Exclave Media. Jhon Jairo Velasquez Vasquez alias “Popeye” was Pablo Escobar’s top lieutenant and The Medellin Cartel's chief sicario (assassin). He’s publicly admitted to having personally killed 300 people. In 2014, after 23 years in prison, Popeye was released. Rather than lay low and enjoy his new freedom, he took to the internet and became a social media star, “Popeye the Repentant”. And as we discovered, that’s just the beginning. This is a story about crime, drugs, corruption, and a country’s fight to control their narrative about the past, present, and future.

Trailer

Premiering August 27 The Sicario Effect. A new podcast series from Exclave Media. Jhon Jairo Velasquez Vasquez alias “Popeye” was Pablo Escobar’s trusted lieutenant and chief sicario (assassin) for the Medellin Cartel. He’s publicly admitted to having personally killed 300 people. After his release from prison, rather than lay low and enjoy his new freedom, he took to the internet and became a social media star, “Popeye the Repentant”. And as we discovered, that’s just the beginning. This is a story about crime, drugs, corruption, and a country’s fight to control their narrative about the past, present, and future. Subscribe now! 

Premiering August 27 The Sicario Effect. A new podcast series from Exclave Media. Jhon Jairo Velasquez Vasquez alias “Popeye” was Pablo Escobar’s trusted lieutenant and chief sicario (assassin) for the Medellin Cartel. He’s publicly admitted to having personally killed 300 people. After his release from prison, rather than lay low and enjoy his new freedom, he took to the internet and became a social media star, “Popeye the Repentant”. And as we discovered, that’s just the beginning. This is a story about crime, drugs, corruption, and a country’s fight to control their narrative about the past, present, and future. Subscribe now!

Trailer 2

Meet Jhon Jairo Velasquez Vasquez alias “Popeye”. He was Pablo Escobar’s trusted lieutenant and chief sicario (assassin) for the Medellin Cartel. He’s publicly admitted to having personally killed 300 people. That’s just the beginning.

Meet Jhon Jairo Velasquez Vasquez alias “Popeye”. He was Pablo Escobar’s trusted lieutenant and chief sicario (assassin) for the Medellin Cartel. He’s publicly admitted to having personally killed 300 people. That’s just the beginning.

Episode 1: Popeye the Sicario

Preview for episode 2. Releasing on September 3rd!!

Preview for episode 2. Releasing on September 3rd!!

Preview Ep 2

In the poor barrios of Itagui, Colombia, Jhon Jairo Velasquez Vasquez grows up with violence all around him, including his own home. Obsessed with gangsters and guns, he quickly learns tough lessons on the streets. Searching for a way out, he finds that all roads lead back to Medellin. 

In the poor barrios of Itagui, Colombia, Jhon Jairo Velasquez Vasquez grows up with violence all around him, including his own home. Obsessed with gangsters and guns, he quickly learns tough lessons on the streets. Searching for a way out, he finds that all roads lead back to Medellin.

Episode 2: DNA

1976-Medellin, Colombia. While Popeye contemplates leaving Itagui to join the navy, miles away near the border of Peru, a determined young man is stopped and arrested while transporting 39 pounds of illegal coca paste. After unsuccessful attempts to bribe the judge, he tries a new approach: “Plata o Plomo”, “silver or lead”. Soon the paths of a group disenfranchised young men from the rough barrios of Medellin and Pablo Escobar the enterprising Paisa smuggler would soon converge.

1976-Medellin, Colombia. While Popeye contemplates leaving Itagui to join the navy, miles away near the border of Peru, a determined young man is stopped and arrested while transporting 39 pounds of illegal coca paste. After unsuccessful attempts to bribe the judge, he tries a new approach: “Plata o Plomo”, “silver or lead”. Soon the paths of a group disenfranchised young men from the rough barrios of Medellin and Pablo Escobar the enterprising Paisa smuggler would soon converge.

Episode 3: Los Magicos

Preview of Episode 4. Coming Monday September 17, 2018.

Preview of Episode 4. Coming Monday September 17, 2018.

Preview Ep 4

Pablo Escobar's top assassin, Popeye, addresses a number of things, from his reasons on why he became a criminal, to the war between the Medellin Cartel and the Colombian police, to international assassination plots.

Pablo Escobar's top assassin, Popeye, addresses a number of things, from his reasons on why he became a criminal, to the war between the Medellin Cartel and the Colombian police, to international assassination plots.

Episode 4: Holy Warrior

Preview of Episode 5. Coming Monday September 24, 2018.

Preview of Episode 5. Coming Monday September 24, 2018.

Preview Ep 5

“Pablo Escobar was an evil machine…”  Popeye gives a firsthand account of Escobar’s pattern of evil, beginning in 1986, with the killing of pilot Barry Seal, to bombing government buildings, to Avianca. Among all the violence, Pablo looked for ways to innovate his business...

“Pablo Escobar was an evil machine…”  Popeye gives a firsthand account of Escobar’s pattern of evil, beginning in 1986, with the killing of pilot Barry Seal, to bombing government buildings, to Avianca. Among all the violence, Pablo looked for ways to innovate his business...

Episode 5: No Limits

Preview of Episode 6. Coming Monday October 1, 2018.

Preview of Episode 6. Coming Monday October 1, 2018.

Preview Ep 6

There is a phenomenon taking place in Medellin today; Narcotourism. Fueled by shows like "Narcos" and Popeye’s “Surviving Escobar”, tourists are flocking to Medellin to hear stories and visit landmarks. Troubled by the storyline of these narcotour's, an intrepid journalism professor seeks to change the narrative, by challenging his students to create their own narcotour, one that focuses on stories of the victims.  

There is a phenomenon taking place in Medellin today; Narcotourism. Fueled by shows like "Narcos" and Popeye’s “Surviving Escobar”, tourists are flocking to Medellin to hear stories and visit landmarks. Troubled by the storyline of these narcotour's, an intrepid journalism professor seeks to change the narrative, by challenging his students to create their own narcotour, one that focuses on stories of the victims.

Episode 6: Class Project

Preview of Episode 7. Coming Monday October 8, 2018.

Preview of Episode 7. Coming Monday October 8, 2018.

Preview Ep 7

If you were born in Medellin or lived there in the 1980's, odds are there was at least one person in your family connected to the Narco-trade or touched by its violence. These are just a few of those stories...

If you were born in Medellin or lived there in the 1980's, odds are there was at least one person in your family connected to the Narco-trade or touched by its violence. These are just a few of those stories...

Episode 7: Growing Up Colombia

Preview of Episode 8. Coming Monday October 15, 2018.

Preview of Episode 8. Coming Monday October 15, 2018.

Preview Ep 8

In January of 1988, over the course of eight days, Popeye directed and personally participated in a two-stage terrorist operation which included the kidnapping of then Bogota mayoral candidate, (and future President), Andres Pastrana, and the kidnapping of Colombia’s Inspector General, Carlos Mauro Hoyos. These brazen acts shocked the nation and threatened the national security of Colombia.

In January of 1988, over the course of eight days, Popeye directed and personally participated in a two-stage terrorist operation which included the kidnapping of then Bogota mayoral candidate, (and future President), Andres Pastrana, and the kidnapping of Colombia’s Inspector General, Carlos Mauro Hoyos. These brazen acts shocked the nation and threatened the national security of Colombia.

Episode 8: Force Majeure

Preview of Episode 9. Coming Monday October 22, 2018.

Preview of Episode 9. Coming Monday October 22, 2018.

Preview Ep 9

By August of 1989, Luis Carlos Galan was the most popular politician in Colombia, overshadowing his rivals in the presidential election. He understood the nation's problems and offered hope for the future. Galan supported extradition and viewed narcotrafficking as a threat to the country’s stability. For Pablo Escobar and the Medellin Cartel, preventing Galan from becoming President of Colombia was their top priority. As Pablo’s chief hitman, Popeye participated in the act that changed the country forever

By August of 1989, Luis Carlos Galan was the most popular politician in Colombia, overshadowing his rivals in the presidential election. He understood the nation's problems and offered hope for the future. Galan supported extradition and viewed narcotrafficking as a threat to the country’s stability. For Pablo Escobar and the Medellin Cartel, preventing Galan from becoming President of Colombia was their top priority. As Pablo’s chief hitman, Popeye participated in the act that changed the country forever

Episode 9: The Last Straw

Preview of Episode 10. Coming Monday October 29, 2018.

Preview of Episode 10. Coming Monday October 29, 2018.

Preview Ep 10

The Medellin Cartel was like a cult and Pablo Escobar, its leader, but by 1989 the façade of invincibility would crack. The hunt to capture Pablo was intensifying, and the barriers protecting him would soon begin to fall. After learning the cops were tracking his own men, Pablo shifts his strategy, instead of remaining shielded by sicarios, he orders Popeye and others to turn themselves into police, opting to be guarded by one man. Shortly after entering jail, Popeye is forced to confront life without Escobar.

The Medellin Cartel was like a cult and Pablo Escobar, its leader, but by 1989 the façade of invincibility would crack. The hunt to capture Pablo was intensifying, and the barriers protecting him would soon begin to fall. After learning the cops were tracking his own men, Pablo shifts his strategy, instead of remaining shielded by sicarios, he orders Popeye and others to turn themselves into police, opting to be guarded by one man. Shortly after entering jail, Popeye is forced to confront life without Escobar.

Episode 10: Empire of Blood and Fire

Complete engrossing. If you like Narcos you will love this.

Awesome

I was hooked after the first ep. So well done

Top notch! Great podcasts

The Sicario Effect

Esteban Orozco is an accomplished screenwriter and producer. Most recently he was a writer on the hit Netflix series, “El Chapo". From day one, Esteban provided us with insight into Medellin and it’s culture of crime. After returning to LA, Jonathan invited Esteban to sit down to discuss and help process the experience. Neither could have predicted only two days prior, Popeye would be back in the headlines after attending a party for the most wanted man in Colombia. Website: www.TheSicarioEffect.com 

Esteban Orozco is an accomplished screenwriter and producer. Most recently he was a writer on the hit Netflix series, “El Chapo". From day one, Esteban provided us with insight into Medellin and it’s culture of crime. After returning to LA, Jonathan invited Esteban to sit down to discuss and help process the experience. Neither could have predicted only two days prior, Popeye would be back in the headlines after attending a party for the most wanted man in Colombia. Website: <a href="http://www.TheSicarioEffect.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.TheSicarioEffect.com</a>

Episode 13: Esteban

Jhon Jairo Velasquez Vasquez was once Escobar’s chief assassin. He committed unspeakable acts of violence. Now after 23 years in prison, he’s out.  For a lot of people this isn’t enough. But Popeye would disagree and say he served his debt to society. But he’s not your ordinary criminal. And Colombia isn’t a simple place. For more information, credits and bonus features visit www.thesicarioeffect.com

Jhon Jairo Velasquez Vasquez was once Escobar’s chief assassin. He committed unspeakable acts of violence. Now after 23 years in prison, he’s out.  For a lot of people this isn’t enough. But Popeye would disagree and say he served his debt to society. But he’s not your ordinary criminal. And Colombia isn’t a simple place. For more information, credits and bonus features visit <a href="http://www.thesicarioeffect.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.thesicarioeffect.com</a>

Episode 11: Perspective

December 2017- Los Angeles. Shortly after returning from Medellin, we start to examine Popeye’s claims of repentance, when a startling event occurs, sending this story in an entirely new and unexpected direction. It all starts with a birthday party, for a man called “Tom”.

December 2017- Los Angeles. Shortly after returning from Medellin, we start to examine Popeye’s claims of repentance, when a startling event occurs, sending this story in an entirely new and unexpected direction. It all starts with a birthday party, for a man called “Tom”.

Episode 12: Surprise Party

The Medellin Cartel's victims and their families exist more as statistics than real people. Narcoterrorism has touched the lives of everyone in Colombia. Behind the stories of the plotting and scheming, are the people who were at the wrong place and the wrong time, just living their lives. Mónica Gómez Villafañe is a successful banking executive in Colombia. In 1989, a chance encounter at the Bogota airport would change her life forever. www.TheSicarioEffect.com

The Medellin Cartel's victims and their families exist more as statistics than real people. Narcoterrorism has touched the lives of everyone in Colombia. Behind the stories of the plotting and scheming, are the people who were at the wrong place and the wrong time, just living their lives. Mónica Gómez Villafañe is a successful banking executive in Colombia. In 1989, a chance encounter at the Bogota airport would change her life forever. <a href="http://www.TheSicarioEffect.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.TheSicarioEffect.com</a>

Episode 14: Luck of the Draw

Bonus Episode: Because of the holiday, episode 14 will be out next Monday, Dec 3, 2018. In the meantime, please enjoy this "behind the scenes" bonus episode. A few days after Popeye was detained by police at a party for Colombia's most wanted man, Jonathan and his team discuss the breaking news and its many implications. www.TheSicarioEffect.com

Bonus Episode: Because of the holiday, episode 14 will be out next Monday, Dec 3, 2018. In the meantime, please enjoy this "behind the scenes" bonus episode. A few days after Popeye was detained by police at a party for Colombia's most wanted man, Jonathan and his team discuss the breaking news and its many implications. <a href="http://www.TheSicarioEffect.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.TheSicarioEffect.com</a>

Bonus Episode: Reaction & Theory

Preview of Episode 11. Coming Monday November 5, 2018.

Preview of Episode 11. Coming Monday November 5, 2018.

Preview Ep 11

The most powerful thing Pablo Escobar did was leave behind a narrative. The young, enterprising Paisa smuggler, who became richer and more powerful than all of the elites in Colombia. It appeals to the masses, especially the disenfranchised. Unfortunately, the narrative often ignores the many innocent victims. The allure of Narcoculture has a number of potentially dangerous implications. Acclaimed Colombian writer, Joseph Avski, gives us some perspective on the impact of narcoculture in Colombia. www.TheSicarioEffect.com

The most powerful thing Pablo Escobar did was leave behind a narrative. The young, enterprising Paisa smuggler, who became richer and more powerful than all of the elites in Colombia. It appeals to the masses, especially the disenfranchised. Unfortunately, the narrative often ignores the many innocent victims. The allure of Narcoculture has a number of potentially dangerous implications. Acclaimed Colombian writer, Joseph Avski, gives us some perspective on the impact of narcoculture in Colombia. <a href="http://www.TheSicarioEffect.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.TheSicarioEffect.com</a>

Episode 15: Narcoculture

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