Podcast Summary: The Big Dig Presents: Catching The Codfather

Host: Ian Coss (GBH News)
Episode: Introducing Season Three: Catching The Codfather
Date: February 4, 2026

Overview

This episode introduces Season Three of the acclaimed podcast, "The Big Dig," focusing on the dramatic saga of Carlos Rafael—known as “The Codfather”—a fishing tycoon from New Bedford, Massachusetts. Rafael’s story is one of ambition, secrecy, immense influence, and ultimately, criminal downfall. The season promises to delve deep into how one man came to dominate America’s most lucrative fishing port, the hush surrounding his business practices, and the broader system that enabled and contested his rule.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Carlos Rafael: From Businessman to Legend

• Origins: Carlos Rafael started as a modest businessman and amassed control over the largest fish plant and fleet in New Bedford, MA.
• Nickname “The Codfather”: His dominance and mystique earned him this nickname around the docks.
• Quote:

  “The name of the game is sharpen your knife.” — Carlos Rafael (00:39)

2. Unstoppable Growth Amid Industry Decline

• As the broader fishing industry suffered—e.g., a drastic “77% cut in the cod catch”—Rafael thrived.
• Mystery: The community “wasn’t quite sure how he was able to keep it up.” (00:43–00:51)

3. Rumors, Suspicions, and Sting Operations

• Law enforcement suspicion hovered for years.

  “Some agencies thought he was involved in human trafficking or smuggling. Some people thought it was drugs.” — Interviewee (01:08)

• The truth, however, was more complex and more carefully guarded.

4. The Slip-Up and Downfall

• Rafael was ultimately caught due to an elaborate sting operation, involving undercover personas:
  • “Hi, this is Xavier. How you doing? That's the salesman. How's it going? I'm Bob… Sergey.” — Carlos Rafael (01:18–01:25)
• Regret:

  “I regret that for the rest of my life. That son of a bitch. They would have never, never got me. But hey, it’s over.” — Carlos Rafael (01:25–01:47)

5. Why Did He Do It?

• Not simply for profit:

  “It was not for the money.” — Carlos Rafael (01:59)

• The host, Ian Coss, probes the deeper motivations and contradictions behind Rafael’s crimes.

6. A Complicated and Divisive Figure

• Perceptions:
  • “When you first met him, you’d say, oh, this guy’s a mafiaso. But actually, he had a heart in the fishing industry.” — Interviewee (02:10)
  • “If he wasn’t born crooked, he must have learned it before he could talk.” — Interviewee (02:21)
• He inspires strong opinions: jealousy, fury, and unlikely loyalty—even sympathy from some.
• On accountability:

  “Do you blame him for what he did? Do you think what he did is wrong?” — Ian Coss (02:41)
  “No, I don’t.” — Carlos Rafael & Interviewee (02:42–02:43)

7. Moral Ambiguity and Systemic Critique

• The episode sets up a key question for the season:
  • Is Rafael “a folk hero, a crook, a righteous rebel, a selfish con man”?
  • To judge his crimes, listeners must understand the convoluted fishing industry and the systemic pressures in play.

8. Season Three’s Broader Canvas

• The story unfolds “down on the docks, where food, work, nature, money and politics all meet.”
• Places and people involved are described as where “dreams are born,” “fortunes are ruined,” and “the watchful eye of the government is always present.” (02:44–02:57)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Carlos Rafael, on being snared:

  "I regret that for the rest of my life. That son of a bitch. They would have never, never got me. But hey, it's over." (01:25–01:47)

• Community Perceptions:

  "When you first met him, you'd say, oh, this guy's a mafiaso. But actually, he had a heart in the fishing industry." — Interviewee (02:10)

• On Rafael's Morality:

  "If he wasn't born crooked, he must have learned it before he could talk." — Interviewee (02:21)

• Host on the season’s mission:

  "I believe in order to judge the crimes of Carlos Rafael, you have to understand the business he was in and the entire system he set out to break." — Ian Coss (02:44)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–00:51: Introduces Rafael’s arrest and legendary status
• 00:52–01:16: Industry decline and suspicious prosperity
• 01:17–01:47: Sting operation and Rafael’s regret
• 01:48–02:09: Host’s inquiry into Rafael’s true motivations
• 02:10–02:25: Community perceptions and the divisiveness of Rafael’s character
• 02:26–02:57: Framing the season’s moral and societal questions

Conclusion

This season preview sets the stage for a gripping exploration—not just of Carlos Rafael’s personal saga, but of the murky world of commercial fishing, government regulation, and community identities. Listeners can expect a nuanced look at crime, culture, and the American experience as the season unfolds.

First episode drops February 11 on The Big Dig.