Julian Dorey Podcast
#296 - Boston Kingpin UNLOADS on Whitey Bulger, Rats & FBI Corruption | Red Shea
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Red Shea's early experiences with bullying and subsequent boxing training laid the foundational values of strength and resilience in his life.
- His rise in the boxing world intertwined with illegal drug trafficking, illustrating how closely sports and organized crime can connect.
- Red describes Whitey Bulger as both a mentor and a source of pressure, reflecting the complexities of loyalty within the mob hierarchy.
- Confronted by the brutal realities of betrayal and investigation, Red's journey highlights the precarious nature of trust among criminals.
- After his release from prison, Red's pursuit of redemption underscores the challenges of reconstructing identity and relationships post-crime.
Deep dives
A Sister's Protection
At the age of five, the narrator experienced bullying from older children, leading to an enraged moment where he considered retaliating violently. His sister intervened, showing her protective nature by confronting the bullies directly. This incident motivated her to take him to a boxing gym to learn self-defense, which proved to be the start of his boxing journey. This pivotal moment framed his understanding of strength and resilience, shaping his character and future choices.
The Influence of Boxing
The narrator's boxing career began early, and he quickly rose to prominence, participating in both amateur and professional fights. His love for boxing was fostered by trainers who not only taught him technique but also provided mentorship. Despite the brutality of the boxing world, he thrived on the competition and the mental toughness it demanded. This early exposure to discipline and aggression became a cornerstone of his identity, influencing his later decision-making.
The Underworld Connection
Through boxing, the narrator developed relationships with others involved in the mob, eventually becoming embroiled in drug trafficking operations with the Irish mob. His entry into this world was facilitated by connections made within the boxing community, reinforcing the idea that the fight game was a breeding ground for organized crime. As he transitioned from athlete to dealer, he began to see the darker side of his connections. This duality, where athletic achievement mingled with criminal enterprise, complicated his life but also provided a sense of power and belonging.
Ascending Through Crime
As the narrator became more successful in drug trafficking, he caught the attention of Whitey Bulger, who recognized his potential and offered him a position within the organization. This arrangement allowed the narrator to make significant money, elevating his status within the mob hierarchy. Whitey became a paternal figure of sorts, offering guidance and imposing a strict code of loyalty. However, the pressure to maintain his position and the awareness of the treacherous nature of the criminal world also weighed heavily on him.
A Shift in Loyalties
Despite his loyalty to Whitey, the narrator remained cognizant of the dangers surrounding him, especially as rumors of ratting began to circulate. The eventual exposure of Whitey's betrayal and the chaos that ensued highlighted the treachery embedded in the mob life. This tension reached a tipping point when the narrator learned about the intense DEA investigations into their activities. Faced with the possibility of federal charges and betrayal from those he trusted, he was left grappling with a sense of impending doom.
Facing Federal Charges
The narrator faced serious legal troubles as the DEA closed in, ultimately leading to his arrest and indictment. His attorney warned him about the weight of the charges, suggesting potential sentences of 20 years to life. During his time in prison, he clung to the hope of proving his innocence, believing he could outsmart the charges against him. Nevertheless, he had to navigate the treacherous waters of the prison system, where loyalty remained paramount, and the repercussions of betrayal could be dire.
Confronting Betrayal
In prison, the narrator's perspective on loyalty and betrayal deepened, especially as he learned about Whitey Bulger's true nature as a rat. The revelation shook him to his core, as he had consistently defended the man he once idolized. This moment of realization became a defining turning point in his life, prompting introspection about the code of silence he once held dear. The knee-jerk reaction of anger and betrayal transformed into a steely resolve to remain true to himself, regardless of the risks.
The Cost of Loyalty
Ultimately, the narrator had to confront the reality of life sentences imposed by a justice system that seemed unfairly punitive to those who never betrayed their comrades. The revelations surrounding Whitey's treachery compounded his wrath, as he grappled with the impact of his decisions. Even as he absorbed the gravity of his situation, he remained steadfast in his refusal to cooperate with authorities. This sense of honor, beautiful yet tragic, allowed him to maintain his identity as a man who never turned on his friends.
Aftermath of a Life in Crime
Upon his release, the narrator chose to step away from the criminal lifestyle, opting to embrace a more constructive path. However, the impact of his past loomed large, creating challenges in establishing a new identity. As he navigated life outside of prison, he sought redemption and healing, striving to foster relationships he had neglected during his time in the mob. This journey, filled with struggle and growth, served as a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Reflections on a Life Lived
In the end, the narrator's story serves as a cautionary tale about the allure of power, respect, and loyalty in the mob lifestyle. He reflects on the lessons learned and the scars left from a life filled with conflict and deceit. As he grapples with his past, he embodies a complex portrait of resilience in the face of adversity, driving home the importance of integrity even when surrounded by chaos. This mixture of pride, pain, and ultimately the quest for redemption remains a transformative aspect of his journey.
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(***TIMESTAMPS in description below) ~ John "Red" Shea is an American former mobster from Boston involved in narcotics and an associate of crime kingpin Whitey Bulger and the Winter Hill Gang during the 1980s and 1990s. He was indicted on c0caine trafficking charges in 1990 and served 12 years in prison.
RED's LINKS
- BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061232890?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_mwn_dp_5P2SY44SCFH14TVAZ41N&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_mwn_dp_5P2SY44SCFH14TVAZ41N&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_mwn_dp_5P2SY44SCFH14TVAZ41N&peakEvent=1&dealEvent=0&language=en-US&bestFormat=true&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf0Ej0JQTXIqCcImubEXok1bTyf9eQLNr1B1GMcuMybTL7eC9kT0S-GQ0hMPQ_aem_XyxfLirrBxvbbgi-WdJ5Hg
- WEBSITE: https://johnredshea.com/
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****TIMESTAMPS****
0:00 - Intro
1:09 - “Whose car we taking,” advising Mark Wahlberg, Boston Rats
7:48 - Whitey Bulger’s meetings w/ FBI Agents, Red’s stance on rats
15:01 - DEA & FBI talk on Whitey story; Whitey corners Red in basement
22:45 - Growing up in Southie Boston
24:59 - Red’s father dies, how Red viewed his mom & dad
28:44 - 5-year-old Red grabs knife (story), Red starts boxing
37:01 - Red’s fights w/ boxing legend Micky Ward, Red goes pro, Lou Esa story
44:47 - Red’s trainer (and drug facilitator), Red’s relationship w/ mom before death
49:56 - Red’s sister’s tragic death, Red’s pulls knife on older sister (story)
1:02:39 - Red’s mom dies & he honors her last wish, Red’s view now on his criminal life
1:07:06 - When Red learned never to rat on anybody ever
1:09:42 - Living in California, bisexual Dolphin attacks
1:15:43 - Red gets back into the coke business in Boston, Red get his own coke connect (story)
1:26:38 - Whitey’s guys pull up on Red
1:30:55 - Red meet Whitey for the first time (story), Red stands up to Whitey (story)
1:39:04 - How to cut c*ke
1:41:33 - Red becomes Whitey’s lead dealer
1:47:57 - The Winter Hill Gang, Irish Gang Brotherhood, Power, Doing Blow
1:57:15 - George Washington’s Boston Ploy
1:59:10 - Red’s family’s opinion on his criminal career
2:01:09 - Red’s meetings w/ Whitey running the business, “The Insult” story, Red emulates Whitey
2:16:17 - Steve Flemmi & Kevin Weekes become rats
2:19:34 - Red goes down (story)
2:30:20 - Red bailed out, Catching wiretaps
2:34:50 - Indictment comes down, FBI asks Red to rat
2:38:47 - Case gets put on back burner, Red’s attorney goes to Mass AG for help
3:43:54 - Red finds out Whitey is rat (story), Red still refuses to rat
2:50:24 - Red on the world’s biggest, filthy, cheese-eating, rat-b*stard Matt Cox
2:55:16 - Red’s dream about Whitey
2:57:18 - Whitey caught in Santa Monica, Red almost catches Whitey (story)
3:01:05 - Red accidentally almost k1lls Johnny Depp
3:07:09 - The Whitey Bulger Trial & Red’s involvement
3:10:53 - Whitey whacked, Red’s reaction
3:14:53 - Red walked the talk
CREDITS:
- Host & Producer: Julian Dorey
- Producer & Editor: Alessi Allaman - https://www.youtube.com/@UCyLKzv5fKxGmVQg3cMJJzyQ
Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 296 - Red Shea
Music by Artlist.io
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