About this episode

The episode explores how Carlos Rafael earned the nickname 'The Codfather' during a significant strike in the 1980s in New Bedford.

How did Carlos Rafael become “The Codfather”? It starts in the 1980s, when a bitter strike divides the city of New Bedford and its famed fishing fleet. But Carlos manages to turn the strike to his advantage. Major sponsorship for "Catching The Codfather" is provided by Roger’s Fish Co. --------------------------- Credits: Host and Scriptwriter: Ian Coss Executive Producer: Devin Maverick Robins Producers: Isabel Hibbard and Ian Coss Story Editor: Lacy Roberts Editorial Advisor: Jenifer McKim Fact-checkers: Ryan Alderman and Isabel Hibbard Intern: Fiona Boyd Scoring and Music Supervision: Ian Coss Graphic Design: Bill Miller

People in this episode

Hosts: Ian Coss, Devin Maverick Robins, Isabel Hibbard, Lacy Roberts, Jenifer McKim, Ryan Alderman, Fiona Boyd

Topics covered

• fishing industry
• New Bedford
• Carlos Rafael
• 1980s strike
• sponsorship
• fishing fleet

Keywords

• Codfather
• Carlos Rafael
• New Bedford
• fishing strike
• 1980s
• fishing fleet
• Roger’s Fish Co.

Sponsors

Roger’s Fish Co.

Mentioned in this episode

Places: New Bedford

More episodes of The Big Dig Presents: Catching The Codfather

• Introducing: The Cult Queen of Canada from CBC’s Uncover · April 15, 2026 · 39 min
• In search of the perfect lobster roll · April 8, 2026 · 33 min
• What you need to know when buying fish, with Roger Berkowitz · April 1, 2026 · 34 min
• Have we entered a new era for government regulation? · March 25, 2026 · 43 min
• Catching The Codfather | 6. It’s Your Job to Catch Me · March 18, 2026 · 1h 8m
• Catching The Codfather | 5. Painting Fish · March 11, 2026 · 1h 1m

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