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During the COVID-19 lockdown, many of us found solace in binge-worthy crime dramas. Whether it was Narcos, Queen of the South, Power, or El Chapo, these gripping series gave us a front-row seat to the high-stakes world of drug lords, cartel empires, and the authorities trying to bring them down. Even in 2024, this fascination remained strong, as Netflix’s Griselda, starring Sofia Vergara as the notorious ‘Black Widow’ of cocaine trafficking, rekindled our obsession with the kingpins of the past.
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If the U.S. government asked you to move to Colombia to hunt down the world's most brutal narco-terrorist, what would you say? That’s the premise at the heart of Real Narcos, an electrifying true-crime podcast that takes listeners inside the real-life pursuit of history’s most dangerous drug lords. Through exclusive interviews, it follows the DEA agents tasked with bringing down the kingpins of cocaine, from Pablo Escobar to El Chapo.
This podcast offers more than just a retelling of the violent rise and fall of these men; it provides first-hand accounts from those who were on the frontlines. With gripping narration and in-depth storytelling, Real Narcos makes you feel the tension of the chase, the weight of impossible decisions, and the danger that lurked around every corner. It’s an unfiltered look at the war on drugs and the relentless pursuit of justice, making it a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the real-life Narcos.
Beyond its thrilling storytelling, Real Narcos also dives into the broader implications of the drug trade. It highlights the political manoeuvring, the international collaborations, and the ethical dilemmas faced by those who risk their lives to dismantle criminal empires. The show gives listeners a nuanced perspective on law enforcement’s role in the war on drugs and the often-murky lines between justice and morality.
Not all of Escobar’s business dealings are widely known, but Varnamtown uncovers one of his most intriguing, yet obscure, connections. Two years ago, TwinPeaks star Kyle MacLachlan reached out to investigative journalist Joshua Davis with a bizarre story. He had heard a rumour that in the early 1980s, Pablo Escobar made a secret deal with the small coastal town of Varnamtown, North Carolina, population 300. In exchange for wealth and an endless supply of cocaine, the town would allow Escobar to use its remote waterways as a landing zone for his shipments.What started as a rumour turned into a two-year deep dive, with MacLachlan and Davis knocking on doors, chasing leads, and unravelling a mystery that had been buried for decades.
Varnamtown is a compelling mix of investigative journalism, historical intrigue, and smalltown secrets. With each episode, listeners are drawn deeper into the question: did the world’s most notorious drug lord truly strike a deal with this sleepy Southern town?What makes Varnamtown unique is its fusion of Hollywood curiosity with serious investigative journalism. MacLachlan’s involvement brings a certain level of mainstream intrigue, but Davis’ expertise as a journalist ensures the story is handled with depth and accuracy. The show masterfully blends first-hand accounts with archival research, painting a vivid picture of a forgotten chapter in America’s complicated relationship with the drug trade.
Additionally, Varnamtown shines a light on the broader impact of drug trafficking in the U.S. Unlike Real Narcos, which focuses on the pursuit of kingpins, Varnamtown explores how small communities get entangled in international criminal networks. It raises thought-provoking questions about corruption, complicity, and the ways in which crime infiltrates even the most unsuspecting places
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| For those who want to delve even deeper, podcasts have become a powerful medium to explore these infamous figures in an immersive, storytelling format. Two of the best Pablo Escobarfocused podcasts stand out: Real Narcos and Varnamtown. |
Both Real Narcos and Varnamtown offer riveting, deeply researched narratives about the legend of Pablo Escobar. Whether you’re drawn to the adrenaline-fueled chase of DEA agents or the unravelling of an old, hidden cartel mystery, these podcasts are essential listening for true-crime and cartel-history fans.
What sets these two apart is their unique angles. Real Narcos provides a high-stakes, action-packed look at law enforcement’s battle against drug lords, while Varnamtown takes a slower, investigative approach, uncovering hidden truths and forgotten stories. Together, they paint a more complete picture of Escobar’s far-reaching influence.
If Narcos and Griselda left you wanting more, plug in your headphones and get ready for a wild ride through the underworld of the global drug trade. These podcasts, available via Apple Podcasts, not only entertain but also educate, offering rare insights into the people and forces shaping the world of narcotics. Whether you're a history buff, true crime fanatic, or just love a well-told story, these are two series you won’t want to miss.
