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The Big Dig Presents: Catching The Codfather

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The Big Dig
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Gambling
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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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes37Founded3 years ago
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History

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Artwork for Catching The Codfather

Latest Episodes

In the 1980s, six women on an island off the coast of Massachusetts began selling lobster rolls as a church fundraiser. Today, people travel by car, boat, and plane just to taste these hallowed summer treats. 

Today we bring you an episode from one ... more

Buying fish can be a puzzling process. It comes frozen and fresh, wild and farmed, from many different countries, and with all kinds of ratings and labels. So what does it all mean?

For this bonus episode to “Catching The Codfather,” Ian sits down w... more

John Vecchione represented a group of fishermen who challenged government regulations all the way to the Supreme Court. Together, they helped overturn the decades-old “Chevron Doctrine,” which has been cited thousands of times in federal court ruling... more

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.

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Recent Guests

Roger Berkowitz
Owner of Rogers Fish Company
Rogers Fish Company
Episode: What you need to know when buying fish, with Roger Berkowitz
John Vecchione
Senior Litigation Counsel, New Civil Liberties Alliance
New Civil Liberties Alliance
Episode: Have we entered a new era for government regulation?
Andrew Lelling
Former U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts
US Department of Justice
Episode: Catching The Codfather | 6. It’s Your Job to Catch Me
John Bullard
Former NOAA regional administrator
NOAA
Episode: Catching The Codfather | 6. It’s Your Job to Catch Me
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

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 3k ratings
  • Great blend of reporting and story telling

    I’ve enjoyed all three seasons of The Big Dig. Even though I’m not from Boston or even New England, I appreciate how these “local” stories tell us about bigger issues in our society.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Moliravioli
    United States8 days ago
  • True Crime!

    This is a true crime story you can't even make this up. And very well told with colorful characters, complicated relationships, feds undercover as Russian mobsters and more.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    a boston dad
    United States9 days ago
  • A good catch

    This show is exactly the kind of storytelling that reminds you why long-form audio journalism matters.

    Commercial fishing is one of those worlds most Americans know nothing about. The politics, the regulatory battles, the sheer hard-scrabble culture of the docks — it’s a world that feels like it belongs to another era, almost forgotten by the rest of us. The fact that Coss brings it back to life so vividly, and pulls a general audience through all of it without losing them, is genuinely impressi... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    oldsoulsound
    United States9 days ago
  • Compelling, enlightening

    Very well done. A great listen whether you know much about the fishing industry or not.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    mikeytheright
    United States10 days ago
  • Blind spot around dying fishery

    This podcast bemoans the lost era of cod fishing without acknowledging that the fishery is in dire straits. While there is a cursory attempt to provide CLF’s perspective, the entire narrative ignores the very high likelihood that a lack of action on their part would have resulted in the end of New Bedford’s way of life due to overfishing.

    The world is changing. I lament that the winters are so warm. I lament that extreme weather events are increasingly frequent. I also lament that, in the very ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Em Boulder
    United States14 days 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
#149
United States/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#3
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#174
Canada/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#8
Canada/History
Apple Podcasts
#52
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#56
Australia/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Catching The Codfather | 6. It’s Your Job to Catch Me
Q: How did you hear that he was arrested?
The information came through a fuel supplier who heard rumors and then confirmed Carlos Rafael's arrest as authorities carried out the operation, illustrating how rumors can spread before formal announcements.
Have we entered a new era for government regulation?
Q: How did you hear the fishermen would have their case heard before the Supreme Court, and why did they decide to bring Relentless in as a supporting or strategic case?
Relentless was brought to create a circuit split possibility, which increases the chance the Supreme Court would take the matter, and it also ensured a key justice would be available for the argument; it was a tactical move to align with Loper-Brite and broaden the discussion about deference.
Have we entered a new era for government regulation?
Q: Do you remember where you were when you got the news about the Supreme Court taking the Relentless case?
I was in a familiar spot, getting the notice on the electronic filing system and realizing the moment could redefine how Chevron is treated; it was a mix of disbelief and excitement as I prepared for briefing and argument.
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.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Catching The Codfather

What is Catching The Codfather about and what kind of topics does it cover?

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. This American Life
2. The Secret World of Roald Dahl
3. Safe to Drink
4. 99% Invisible
5. Decoder Ring

How many episodes of Catching The Codfather are there?

Catching The Codfather launched 3 years ago and published 37 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. Roger Berkowitz
2. John Vecchione
3. Andrew Lelling
4. John Bullard
5. Linda Dupre
6. Tony Alvarez
7. Tom Neese
8. Bill Blount

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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