Suave Podcast Season 2, Episode 6: "A Homecoming" – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the sixth episode of the Pulitzer Prize-winning podcast Suave, titled "A Homecoming," host Julieta Martinelli and reporter Maria Garcia accompany former juvenile lifer Luis "Suave" Gonzalez back to his roots in Puerto Rico. Released from prison seven years prior, Suave has been navigating life outside incarceration, striving for stability and reconnecting with his family. This episode delves deep into Suave's emotional journey as he confronts his past and seeks healing in his ancestral homeland.

Setting the Stage: Planning the Trip

The episode begins with Julieta Martinelli introducing the episode's context:

[03:02] Julieta Martinelli: "Season two of Suave was made possible by the Mellon Foundation..."

After initial promotional segments are bypassed, the narrative shifts to the summer of 2024. Maria Garcia reaches out to Suave to prepare for their trip to Puerto Rico, aiming to provide him with a much-needed respite from his current struggles.

[01:22] Luis Suave Gonzalez: "I'm good."

However, underlying tensions surface as Maria discusses the strained relationship between her and Suave, primarily due to recent conflicts over Suave's car situation.

[02:12] Luis Suave Gonzalez: "I don't think you talk about that shit no more, man... I've got other shit to do in life."

Arriving in Puerto Rico: First Impressions

Julieta arrives in Puerto Rico ahead of Maria and Suave, capturing the scenic beauty of the island as they head to their destination.

[05:31] Luis Suave Gonzalez: "Seeing bougie Puerto Rico people. I'm not endorsing it, but it's beautiful sand, beautiful white sand."

Suave reminisces about his childhood visits with his grandfather, Julio, recalling a time when Puerto Rico felt more familiar and less commercialized.

[06:07] Maria Garcia: "Santurce is a historically working class and a very black part of the capital with deep history and connection to its African roots."

Upon reaching the beach, Julieta describes the emotional significance of witnessing Suave's first encounter with the ocean since his youth.

[06:56] Luis Suave Gonzalez: "Listen people, I'm wearing green slippers, white pants, white T shirt... I'm going in the water."

Reconnecting with Family: Pelou and Millie

The trio proceeds to Suave's family's home, now markedly changed due to gentrification. They are warmly greeted by Suave's cousins, Pelou and Millie, who embody the resilient spirit of the family.

[14:29] Julieta Martinelli: "Suave's family home is lime green... We meet Suave's other cousin. Her name is Millie. And she's just bubbling over with warmth and laughter."

Suave expresses his deep respect and longing to learn more about his grandfather, who played a pivotal role in his upbringing during his father's absence.

[16:07] Luis Suave Gonzalez: "My name comes from my grandfather."

However, a poignant moment arises when the family shares that photographs of Julio are scarce, highlighting a gap in Suave's personal history.

[16:38] Julieta Martinelli: "Suave always wanted to have a photo of his grandfather, but Millie says they just can't find any. And for Suave, this is like a gut punch."

Exploring His Mother's Legacy: Saro

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Suave's mother, Saro, portraying her as a complex yet resilient figure. Through family anecdotes, listeners learn about Saro's struggles, including her early pregnancies, experiences with domestic violence, and her role as a single mother hustling to provide for her children.

[10:28] Maria Garcia: "But there was a lot of drama and trauma in her life. She got pregnant as a teenager."

Despite her tumultuous life, Saro is depicted as the family's backbone, instilling values of survival and unity. Suave reflects on his mother's unconventional parenting methods, including her liberal approach to substance use.

[21:10] Luis Suave Gonzalez: "My mom was liberal. Like, you want to join? You smoke a joint. Let's smoke a joint together."

Julieta grapples with understanding Saro's choices, recognizing the deep-seated trauma that shaped her into a survivor.

[22:17] Maria Garcia: "Suave says his mom would always say, if you're going to do it, I'd rather you do it at home with me."

Spiritual Connections: Embracing Santeria

The episode takes a spiritual turn as Julieta and Maria explore the family's Santeria practices, a tradition deeply rooted in African spirituality. The family invites them to a Santeria lectura room, where rituals and prayers are performed to seek blessings and healing for Suave.

[28:10] Julieta Martinelli: "Suave's whole family has deep roots in Santeria... It's a religion of survivors."

Their encounter with Evelyn, the family santera, becomes a pivotal moment for Suave. Evelyn conducts a cleansing ritual, encouraging Suave to let go of his burdens and embrace his newfound freedom.

[30:01] Julieta Martinelli: "It's rare to see Suave stop in his tracks, but this is what happened... they just hugged really tight."

Emotional Closure and Reflection

As the trip concludes, Suave reflects on the profound sense of belonging he feels, contrasting it with his solitary existence in prison and his distant relationships in the U.S.

[35:08] Luis Suave Gonzalez: "This feels good. People."

The ritual at Lukillo Beach serves as a symbolic cleansing, merging the river and ocean waters to represent Suave's integration of his past and present.

[34:00] Julieta Martinelli: "In the Yoruba practice, the ocean is Yemaya and the river is Oshun. And so we are meeting both waters."

Previewing the Final Episode

The episode concludes with a teaser for the final episode of Season 2, hinting at Suave's ongoing journey toward self-discovery and peace.

[37:34] Luis Suave Gonzalez: "For the last month, I've been reluctant to tell Maria like, yo, I'm going through this... Now it's time to do it for..."

Key Takeaways

• Reconnection with Roots: Suave's return to Puerto Rico serves as a crucial step in his healing process, allowing him to reconnect with his family's legacy and cultural heritage.

• Family as a Pillar: The unwavering support and unity of Suave's family highlight the importance of familial bonds in overcoming adversity.

• Spiritual Healing: The incorporation of Santeria rituals underscores the role of spirituality in Suave's journey toward redemption and self-acceptance.

• Personal Growth: Suave's reflections reveal his internal struggles and aspirations to build a life defined by freedom and meaningful relationships.

Notable Quotes

• "You are safe. You are with people who love you." – Julieta Martinelli [35:08]

• "My mom just did what the fuck she had to do to keep us alive." – Luis Suave Gonzalez [09:37]

• "This is my first time here, like, in 45 years. So this is like... wow." – Luis Suave Gonzalez [18:11]

Conclusion

Episode 6 of Suave masterfully intertwines personal narrative with cultural and spiritual exploration, presenting a compelling portrait of a man's quest for belonging and healing after decades of incarceration. Through heartfelt interviews and evocative storytelling, listeners gain profound insights into the enduring impact of family, heritage, and resilience.