164 - Katherine Nichols, Deep Water and the Coronado Surfer Drug Ring

July 31, 2025 • 00:53:33
164 - Katherine Nichols, Deep Water and the Coronado Surfer Drug Ring
History of California Podcast
164 - Katherine Nichols, Deep Water and the Coronado Surfer Drug Ring

Jul 31 2025 | 00:53:33

/

Show Notes

On this episode, Jordan Mattox is joined by journalist and author Catherine Nichols to dive into the wild and little-known true story behind her book Deep Water. The book traces the rise and fall of a sophisticated drug smuggling ring started by a group of high school swim team surfers on the island of Coronado in Southern California. Their story, filled with risk, betrayal, and ambition, opens up unexpected windows into California's social history, coastal culture, and global connections.

They explore the deeper historical context of the 1970s and 1980s in California—from the beaches of Coronado to broader themes of youth rebellion, military secrecy, and underground economies.

Other Episodes

Episode

May 10, 2023 • 00:17:08
Episode Cover

90 - Politics in California in the 1850s Part IV

In this episode, we wrap the section on the Democratic Party in California in the 1850's. 

Listen

Episode

February 22, 2025 • 00:53:35
Episode Cover

150 - Dr. Brittany Friedman, Carceral Apartheid: How Lies and White Supremacists Run Our Prisons

Today, we have Dr. Brittany Friedman on the show. Dr. Brittany Friedman is a sociologist and expert on cover-ups, politics, and the dark side...

Listen

Episode 0

March 22, 2021 • 00:51:46
Episode Cover

46 - An Interview with Professor Matt O'Hara on Colonial Mexico, Race and Caste, and Future-making

Today, we have an interview with Professor Matt O'Hara. Professor O'Hara teaches at UC Santa Cruz and is an expert on Colonial Mexican History. ...

Listen