Ep 2. Inside Mongol Nation

In season 2 episode 2 of This is Life with Lisa Ling, titled "Inside Mongol Nation," Lisa Ling takes viewers on an eye-opening journey into the notorious Mongols motorcycle club - one of the nation's most powerful and dangerous outlaw biker gangs.

The episode begins with Lisa riding shotgun with a member of the Mongols on a road trip from Los Angeles to their clubhouse in Las Vegas. Lisa takes the opportunity to chat with the biker, who goes by the name "Preacher," about what drew him to the club and what life is like as a Mongol.

Once at the clubhouse, Lisa meets with a group of Mongols who are more than happy to talk about their way of life. She learns that the club has a strict hierarchy, with the president at the top and different officers in charge of various aspects of club life - from finances to security. Lisa also discovers that Mongols are not allowed to wear any other motorcycle club's "colors" - the patches and insignia that identify them as members.

But it's not all business for the Mongols. Lisa also gets to witness a "patching ceremony" in which new members are officially welcomed into the club and given their own colors. It's a rowdy, raucous affair that includes a lot of drinking and celebrating, as well as some confronting images and rituals.

Lisa also spends time with a group of women who are associated with the Mongols. While they are not official members, they are the wives, girlfriends, and family members of Mongol bikers. These women share their perspectives on what it's like to be involved with a motorcycle club, and what it means to be a "property" of a Mongol - a term used to describe a woman who is in a relationship with a club member.

Of course, the episode also delves into the darker side of Mongol life. Lisa speaks to experts who explain the club's involvement in criminal activity - from drug trafficking to extortion and violence. She also speaks to a former Mongol who left the club after becoming disillusioned with its practices and is now living in hiding.

Throughout the episode, Lisa maintains a neutral standpoint and allows the Mongols to speak for themselves. While she doesn't shy away from the more troubling aspects of club life, she also doesn't demonize the Mongols or paint them as one-dimensional villains. Instead, she presents a nuanced portrait of a complex subculture that's often misunderstood by outsiders.

In the end, "Inside Mongol Nation" offers an unforgettable glimpse into a world that few of us have ever seen. Whether you're a fan of true crime, biker culture, or simply curious about how these kinds of groups operate, this episode is sure to leave you with a lot to think about.