Digital Social Hour Podcast Episode: Prison to Podcast: A Real Goodfella's Redemption Story | Gene Borrello DSH #997
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Gene Borrello
Release Date: December 20, 2024

Introduction

In episode #997 of the Digital Social Hour titled "Prison to Podcast: A Real Goodfella's Redemption Story," host Sean Kelly engages in a candid and riveting conversation with Gene Borrello, a former mob member who has transitioned from a life of organized crime to podcasting. The episode delves deep into Gene’s tumultuous journey, offering listeners an unfiltered glimpse into the inner workings of the mafia, his legal battles, and his path to redemption.

Gene’s Mafia Background

Early Involvement and Family Ties

Gene Borrello opens up about his upbringing in Howard Beach, Queens, a neighborhood deeply entrenched in mafia culture. "Howard Beach is like a mafia soul, pop. We have four bosses living out of the five," Gene explains (08:42). His familial connections played a significant role in his immersion into organized crime. "I was born into it. My uncle was a captain. My cousin was a hitter for the Gambinos," he states (03:52).

Becoming a Made Man

The conversation highlights the stringent requirements to ascend within the mafia ranks. Gene shares, "You got to be on record for 10 years. You would be considered," emphasizing the long tenure needed to gain trust and status within the organization (08:48). This decade-long commitment underscores the mafia's emphasis on loyalty and adherence to its rules.

The First Mafia Podcast and Its Impact

Initiation into Podcasting

Upon his release in 2020, Gene was uncertain about his future. With the help of family friend Johnny A. Light, he ventured into podcasting. "Johnny put me on a show on a big podcast called Vlad TV," Gene recounts (01:29). This initial exposure ignited the idea of starting a mafia-focused podcast, blending his firsthand experiences with modern storytelling.

Rapid Growth and Government Intervention

The podcast quickly gained popularity, attracting other ex-mob members to share their stories. However, Gene faced significant challenges as the government perceived the podcast as a threat. "The government basically took it from me. They kept violating me for the show," he explains (02:37). This interference led to his probation being repeatedly restarted, culminating in his imprisonment for violating the terms (03:01).

Legal Troubles and Imprisonment

Probation Violations and Prison Time

Gene details how his involvement in the podcast led to continuous legal troubles. "They kept putting me in ankle monitors, restarting my probation," he says (03:05). These violations eventually resulted in a 20-month stint in prison, specifically at MDC Brooklyn (02:50).

Life Behind Bars

During his incarceration, Gene provides a stark portrayal of prison life. "Rikers Island. It's probably one of the worst prisons I ever been to at home. So violent. Oh, really chaotic," he admits (15:52). The brutal environment contrasted sharply with his former life, highlighting the pervasive violence and lack of structure within the prison system.

Interactions and Experiences in Prison

Gene shared poignant experiences, including meeting fellow inmates like rapper Fetty Wap and his reflections on the justice system. "I met Fetty Wap in prison. He was a cool guy," he notes (18:46). These interactions humanize the often dehumanizing aspect of prison life, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of those incarcerated.

Reflections and Transition to Podcasting

Surviving the Mafia and Prison

Reflecting on his survival, Gene muses, "I don't know how I made it to my 40 years old that I am right now," expressing a sense of disbelief and gratitude for having navigated both the perilous world of organized crime and the harsh realities of prison life (20:19).

Current Endeavors and Future Plans

With his past behind him, Gene is determined to make a positive impact through storytelling. "I really believe that this TV show is going to crack off. I think that's what it's supposed to be," he shares (20:31). His ambition to create a show about the modern-day mafia aims to educate and inform, shedding light on the evolution of organized crime.

Podcasting as Redemption

Gene contemplates returning to podcasting, perhaps solo, to further his narrative. "I might come out with a podcast again. I was thinking about it," he reveals (26:38). This potential return signifies his ongoing journey towards redemption and the desire to share his story with a broader audience.

Insights on Organized Crime and Law Enforcement

Decline of Traditional Mafia Practices

Gene observes a significant shift in the mafia’s operations over the years. "There's no more violence. There's no more facing. A lot of time when I was coming up, guys are facing life. Shootings, murders, this, that," he explains (04:19). This decline is attributed to stringent laws like RICO, which have dismantled many traditional mafia structures.

Comparative Analysis with International Mafia

Discussing the persistence of mafia activities outside the U.S., Gene states, "It's still big in Italy. Absolutely," highlighting how different legal frameworks and cultural contexts allow organized crime to thrive in regions like Italy and Canada (23:12).

Effectiveness of RICO Laws

Gene credits the RICO laws for their effectiveness in curbing organized crime in the U.S. "Absolutely. You get life and nothing," he asserts (23:23). The legislation has been pivotal in targeting high-ranking members, thereby destabilizing mafia operations.

Notable Quotes

• On Mafia Structure:
  "You got to be on record for 10 years. You would be considered." (08:48)
  — Gene Borrello

• On Government Interference:
  "The government basically took it from me. They kept violating me for the show." (02:37)
  — Gene Borrello

• On Prison Life:
  "Rikers Island. It's probably one of the worst prisons I ever been to at home. So violent. Oh, really chaotic." (15:52)
  — Gene Borrello

• On Survival:
  "I don't know how I made it to my 40 years old that I am right now." (20:19)
  — Gene Borrello

• On RICO Laws:
  "Absolutely. You get life and nothing." (23:23)
  — Gene Borrello

Conclusion

The episode "Prison to Podcast: A Real Goodfella's Redemption Story" offers a compelling narrative of transformation and resilience. Gene Borrello's honest recounting of his life in the mafia, his struggles with the legal system, and his aspirations for the future serve as a stark reminder of the profound impacts of organized crime and the possibilities of redemption. Sean Kelly masterfully facilitates this dialogue, ensuring that listeners gain valuable insights into the complexities of both the criminal underworld and the path to personal reinvention.

Timestamp Key:

• 08:42 – Gene’s Mafia Background
• 03:52 – Family Ties in Mafia
• 08:48 – Becoming a Made Man
• 01:29 – Initiation into Podcasting
• 02:37 – Government Intervention
• 03:05 – Legal Troubles
• 15:52 – Prison Life
• 18:46 – Interactions in Prison
• 20:19 – Survival Reflection
• 20:31 – Future Plans
• 26:38 – Transition to Podcasting
• 04:19 – Decline of Mafia Practices
• 23:12 – International Mafia
• 23:23 – Effectiveness of RICO