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Artwork for Catching The Codfather

The Big Dig Presents: Catching The Codfather

GBH News
Massachusetts Lottery
Scratch Tickets
The Big Dig
Gambling Industry
Scratch & Win
Bob Crane
Proposition 2.5
Gambling
John Coza
Sports Betting
Organized Crime
Cambridge Savings Bank
Peabody Awards
Beverly Wilshire Hotel
Instant Lottery Tickets
Joe's Market
Local Government Funding
Property Taxes
Patronage
Lottery Revenue

A fishing tycoon is arrested in an elaborate sting operation, but claims he’s the real hero fighting back against an overbearing state. So who is Carlos “The Codfather” Rafael really – a folk hero, a crook, a righteous rebel, a selfish conman?

In Season 3 of The Big Dig podcast, “Catching The Codfather,” we go down to the docks. It’s a place where food, work, nature, money and politics all meet ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes34Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
History

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Artwork for Catching The Codfather

Latest Episodes

A new revelation forces federal investigators to close down the case, fast. But what will taking down The Codfather mean for the port of New Bedford?

Major sponsorship for "Catching The Codfather" is provided by Roger’s Fish Co.

-------------------... more

When federal agents first meet with Carlos Rafael, the fishing mogul offers up a tantalizing clue: a special system for ‘painting fish.’ It’s the key to understanding the entire fraud, and why Carlos is the only one who could pull it off.

Major spon... more

A new regulatory system is meant to end overfishing, but Carlos Rafael exploits it to accumulate even more boats and power – drawing resentment from other fishermen, and attention from the feds. 

Major sponsorship for "Catching The Codfather" is pro... more

The west has cowboys, the east has fishermen – it's a job defined by freedom and self-reliance. But in 1991 a contentious lawsuit forces the government to step in, setting Carlos Rafael and the regulators on a collision course.

You can watch the ful... more

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Recent Guests

Linda Dupre
Chief scientist on NOAA trawl surveys
NOAA
Episode: Catching The Codfather | 5. Painting Fish
Tony Alvarez
Fisherman from New Bedford
NA
Episode: Catching The Codfather | 5. Painting Fish
Tom Neese
Staffer on New England Fishery Management Council
NOAA/Council
Episode: Catching The Codfather | 5. Painting Fish
Bill Blount
Fisherman, witness to discards and rule-breaking practices
Fishing Community
Episode: Catching The Codfather | 5. Painting Fish
Paul Valente
Carlos Rafael associate; worked on several boats
Carlos Rafael's fleet
Episode: Catching The Codfather | 5. Painting Fish
Richie Canastra
Auction house operator
Canastra brothers' auction house
Episode: Catching The Codfather | 5. Painting Fish
Maggie Raymond
Former boat owner in Maine and advisor to the New England Council
New England Fishery Management Council
Episode: Catching The Codfather | 4. Mosquitos on the Balls of an Elephant
David Gathel
Dayboat owner, council member
New England Fishery Management Council
Episode: Catching The Codfather | 4. Mosquitos on the Balls of an Elephant
Rodney Avila
Council member from New Bedford, prominent industry figure
New England Fishery Management Council
Episode: Catching The Codfather | 4. Mosquitos on the Balls of an Elephant

Host

Ian Coss
Host & Creator, known for his narrative style and ability to weave politics with personal stories, creating engaging and relatable historical explorations.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 2.9k ratings
  • One of the best podcasts ever

    Podcast Addict
    5
    slatersli@hotmail.com
    a month ago
  • Fantastic story telling. Amazingly well researched. Thank you for presenting such nuanced and complex events from every perspective. Engrossing!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    New Hampshire 70s Kid
    a month ago
  • Phenomenal

    I’ve listened to dozens of fantastic episodic non-fiction podcasts over the years, but none of them hold a candle to the production value and attention to detail that the GBH team commits themselves to on their shows. Simply, they’re beyond fantastic. Thanks for all that you do.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    parksranda
    United Statesa month ago
  • Incredible broadcast podcast journalism

    I don’t think I will ever forget the Bob Crane episode (S2E7) for the rest of my life.

    Every season and every episode is put together with the highest level of integrity and respect for the facts involved.

    This country needs more of this. Thank you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ursula.s
    United Statesa month ago
  • Very well thought through

    Excellent series with a great mix of research and context from the era. Anyone who knows Boston will like these series

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    2019deer
    United Statesa month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the superior storytelling and production quality that transforms complex topics into engaging narratives.
Several reviewers highlight the relatability of the subject matter to residents of Massachusetts, enhancing their personal connection to the stories told.
Many express an appreciation for the deep historical insights and how they connect to contemporary social issues, indicating profound engagement with the theme of the podcast.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#31
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#75
Canada/History
Apple Podcasts
#221
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#198
Germany/History
Apple Podcasts
#76
South Africa/History
Apple Podcasts
#92
Norway/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Catching The Codfather | 1. Red Lobster
Q: Can you tell me about how you did ultimately get arrested?
Carlos shares the troubles he faced as he wanted to sell his business, revealing the complexities of his life and decisions leading to his arrest.
BONUS: How to sue the government, and win
Q: Do you feel like the results of the elections we've seen ever since, where we are today, validates your run, or further gives way to the people who criticized you?
Scapegoating by the two parties is a form of political bigotry that says to reform-minded third-party candidates, no, we're not going to let you appeal to the voters.
BONUS: Should we be nostalgic for machine politics?
Q: I'm curious, do you permit yourself some nostalgia for the days of patronage in smoke-filled rooms?
I am nostalgic for the idea of the deep connections that came from that vision of politics.
BONUS: Should we be nostalgic for machine politics?
Q: Could you talk about how does Tip O'Neill get into politics?
He built connections through local party structures and close ties to his constituency.
BONUS: Should we be nostalgic for machine politics?
Q: So, tell me about the culture of the Democratic Party in the 1960s and 70s.
The Democratic Party during that time was a dominant coalition, largely working-class, with ties to labor and various other demographic groups.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Catching The Codfather

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The content showcases stories that transform seemingly dry subjects such as infrastructure, gambling, food, and healthcare into gripping narratives filled with political intrigue and social commentary. It paints a picture of modern America through the intertwined tales of historical and contemporary figures, giving listeners insights into how these topics influence society at large. Notably, the approach is characterized by deep research and rich storytelling that blends personal anecdotes, historical context, and intricate socio-political dynamics, appealing to those interested in understanding the underlying frameworks that shape communities.

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Which podcasts are similar to Catching The Codfather?

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1. Focus: Adults in the Room
2. The Secret World of Roald Dahl
3. This American Life
4. Reveal
5. Safe to Drink

How many episodes of Catching The Codfather are there?

Catching The Codfather launched 3 years ago and published 34 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Catching The Codfather?

Recent guests on Catching The Codfather include:

1. Linda Dupre
2. Tony Alvarez
3. Tom Neese
4. Bill Blount
5. Paul Valente
6. Richie Canastra
7. Maggie Raymond
8. David Gathel

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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