Podcast Summary: Digital Social Hour – "Prison to Podcast: A Real Goodfella's Redemption Story | Gene Borrello DSH #997"

Release Date: December 20, 2024
Host: Sean Kelly

In episode #997 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly delves deep into the tumultuous life of Gene Borrello, a former mobster who has navigated the perilous terrains of organized crime, incarceration, and eventual redemption through podcasting. This comprehensive conversation uncovers Gene's personal journey, the intricacies of mob life, government interventions, and his aspirations for the future.

1. Introduction to Gene Borrello's Mob Life

Gene Borrello opens up about his entrenched existence within the mob, highlighting the strict rules and organized structure that governed his life. He emphasizes the Genovese family's stringent membership criteria, stating:

"Oh, it could take 10 years. Genovese family. You got to be on record for 10 years. You would be considered." ([06:25])

Gene explains how the mob's adherence to strict protocols contributed to their resilience and infamy:

"The mob is much different. That's why we're so organized and that's why the FBI hated us so much, because how organized we are and structured and how we went by the rules." ([06:30])

2. Transition from Mob Life to Podcasting

Upon his release in 2020, Gene faced uncertainty about his future. Drawing from his past, he collaborated with a family friend, Johnny Elight, a Gambino family hitman, to launch what he claims was the "first mafia show ever." This venture quickly gained traction, inspiring other ex-mob members to start their own podcasts. Gene recounts:

"We end up doing it and it just blows up. And then every other ex mobs that just followed suit." ([01:25])

However, the success of the podcast drew unwanted attention from the government, leading to violations of his probation and ultimately, his re-incarceration.

3. Government Intervention and Imprisonment

Gene details the government's relentless efforts to shut down his podcasting endeavors, especially their displeasure with featuring cooperators:

"They were mad that we were putting all the cooperators on the show." ([02:07])

As a result, Gene spent 20 months on probation violations before being sent to MDC Brooklyn, enduring strict monitoring with ankle monitors. He reflects on his frustration with the limitations imposed on his freedom:

"I'm done. No more probation, no more ankle mongers." ([02:02])

4. Experiences in Prison

During his time at MDC Brooklyn, Gene shares harrowing experiences, including interactions with notable inmates and the brutal environment of Rikers Island. He mentions meeting Fetty Wap in prison, describing him as a "cool guy," despite his own skepticism about the prison ecosystem:

"He was a cool guy... I didn't think he was gonna be cool like that. He actually was." ([16:29])

Gene also discusses the psychological toll of incarceration, particularly time spent in solitary confinement ("the hole"), which he spent 90 days enduring intense isolation:

"It's crazy. You were on your own in the middle." ([13:52])

He advocates for prison reform, suggesting:

"Do you think they should remove the hole?"
"These prisons... are trying to. The government will put you in the hole for 18 months." ([13:01])

5. Reflections on the Decline of Organized Crime

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the decline of the Mafia in the United States, attributing it to the effectiveness of RICO laws and a shift away from violent methods:

"RICO was really effective then? Absolutely." ([21:05])

Gene observes that modern organized crime lacks the violence that once characterized the Mafia, leading to its eventual downfall:

"The real organized crime, the fear of being killed, of shot brought, you know, that's gone." ([10:00])

He contrasts this with the persistence of organized crime in other countries, such as Italy and Canada, where RICO-like laws are less prevalent:

"Why did it survive there but not the US because the laws and... The way the world works, it's just much different over there." ([20:48])

6. Future Aspirations and Redemption

Despite his past, Gene is focused on rebuilding his life and contributing positively through media. He discusses his plans to launch a TV show that explores modern-day Mafia activities, aiming to provide authentic insights into the current state of organized crime:

"I really believe that this TV show is going to crack off... It's going to talk about like the five boroughs in the neighborhood and the modern day Mafia." ([18:07])

He also contemplates restarting his podcast, potentially on a solo platform, to further share his experiences and knowledge:

"I might come out with a podcast again... but I got a lot of things going on. I really want to focus on that TV show." ([24:26])

7. Notable Interactions and Anecdotes

Gene shares anecdotes about influential mob figures, including his indirect connections to John Gotti and firsthand experiences with notorious individuals like Vinnie Asaro and Sammy “the Bull” Gravano:

"I worked for the guy who's charged with Lufthansa... Vinnie Asaro." ([10:23])

"I was on a show with him [Sammy Gravano]... It's pretty accurate." ([24:01])

These stories provide listeners with a firsthand account of the inner workings and personalities within the Mafia.

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Gene Borrello's narrative is a compelling tale of survival, adaptation, and the quest for redemption. From his deep-rooted involvement in organized crime to his confrontation with the justice system and eventual turn towards media, Gene offers a candid look into a world seldom seen from the inside. His reflections underscore the transformative impact of legal frameworks on organized crime and highlight the personal costs of a life once dominated by violence and loyalty.

As Gene pursues his aspirations of creating a TV show and potentially reviving his podcast, he embodies the possibility of reinvention and the pursuit of a legacy beyond his past misdeeds.

Notable Quotes:

• Gene Borrello on Mafia Structure:

  "The mob is much different. That's why we're so organized and that's why the FBI hated us so much, because how organized we are and structured and how we went by the rules." ([06:30])

• Gene Borrello on RICO Laws:

  "RICO was really effective then? Absolutely." ([21:05])

• Gene Borrello on Prison Experience:

  "It's crazy. You were on your own in the middle." ([13:52])

• Gene Borrello on Future Plans:

  "I really believe that this TV show is going to crack off... It's going to talk about like the five boroughs in the neighborhood and the modern day Mafia." ([18:07])

Final Note:
Gene's story serves as a stark reminder of the thin line between power and downfall within organized crime. His insights not only shed light on the operational aspects of the Mafia but also emphasize the profound personal transformations that come with facing the consequences of one's actions.