Mexico cartel violence is flooding your phone right now, and you can't tell what's real. The videos of burning neighborhoods, the armed convoys through Puerto Vallarta. Some of it is AI-generated, designed for clicks. Some of it isn't. Figuring out which is which matters more than your travel insurance will.

El Mencho built his criminal empire from a marijuana plantation in Michoacan. He's dead now, and the celebrations are premature. What comes next is a vacuum, and vacuums get filled violently. Dr. Flores grew up connected to this. His family left Michoacan because of cartel violence. He still has relatives who've been kidnapped. When he says this is everyday reality for Mexican nationals, not Hollywood dramatization, he's speaking from something closer than most academics can claim.

The problem was never El Mencho. It was everything that made El Mencho possible: corruption, poverty, and a generation of young men with no other path. Remove the person, leave the conditions, and you get the same result with a different name. That's what makes this moment more complicated than your travel app suggests.

Topics: Mexico cartel violence, Puerto Vallarta safety, El Mencho death, cartel power vacuum, AI disinformation Mexico

GUEST: Dr. Jerry Flores | University of Toronto

Originally aired on 2026-02-23

Mexico cartel violence is flooding your phone right now, and you can't tell what's real. The videos of burning neighborhoods, the armed convoys through Puerto Vallarta. Some of it is AI-generated, designed for clicks. Some of it isn't. Figuring out which is which matters more than your travel insurance will.
El Mencho built his criminal empire from a marijuana plantation in Michoacan. He's dead now, and the celebrations are premature. What comes next is a vacuum, and vacuums get filled violently. Dr. Flores grew up connected to this. His family left Michoacan because of cartel violence. He still has relatives who've been kidnapped. When he says this is everyday reality for Mexican nationals, not Hollywood dramatization, he's speaking from something closer than most academics can claim.
The problem was never El Mencho. It was everything that made El Mencho possible: corruption, poverty, and a generation of young men with no other path. Remove the person, leave the conditions, and you get the same result with a different name. That's what makes this moment more complicated than your travel app suggests.
Topics: Mexico cartel violence, Puerto Vallarta safety, El Mencho death, cartel power vacuum, AI disinformation Mexico
GUEST: Dr. Jerry Flores | University of Toronto
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-23

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.