Podcast Summary: Suave – "Let The Chips Fall" (Episode 5)

Introduction

Suave, a Pulitzer Prize-winning podcast by Futuro Media, delves into the life of Luis "Suave" Gonzalez, a former juvenile lifer who has been navigating life post-incarceration for seven years. In Season Two, titled "Let The Chips Fall," Episode 5 explores the intricate challenges Suave faces as he grapples with lingering trauma from his time in prison while striving for stability and true freedom in the outside world.

Incident with the Car

The episode begins with Suave encountering a seemingly minor vehicular mishap. After a neighbor inadvertently sideswipes his car while parking, Suave opts to handle the repair himself due to the neighbor's lack of insurance. Suave explains his decision:

"Your life is worth more than a car. I get on site, but I also get that on site leads to a lot of people not making it out." [00:35]

However, things take a concerning turn when Suave attends a justice reform event in Philadelphia. There, he meets a woman who offers to fix his car cheaply through her boyfriend's body shop. Suave leaves his car for repair, but when weeks pass without updates, his anxiety mounts.

Escalation and Disturbing Communications

Suave receives a perplexing text from an unknown judge:

"I will pay for your month's insurance and finance or your car. I don't think they intended to steal your car." [05:18]

The judge further adds:

"The woman is having a mental breakdown, and I do not want her to go back to jail, which is what will happen if you report this." [05:32]

Feeling betrayed and confused, Suave voices his frustration:

"I'm like, fuck this. I'm filing a police report. This is going to blow up in their faces big time." [06:29]

As days pass without locating his car, Suave's demeanor shifts dramatically. He expresses feelings of paranoia and anger, stating:

"If I wasn't on parole and probation, I'd be fucking somebody up. That's the real truth." [07:02]

Decision to Go Public and Community Backlash

Suave announces his intention to take the matter public via social media, challenging the very community he advocates for:

"I'm going public. Let the chips fall anymore." [09:34]

His decision sparks backlash within the abolitionist community, leading to a heated emergency meeting. Suave's frustration with the lack of support and perceived hypocrisy within the movement becomes evident:

"I'm not the only one that's gonna take a loss. That's why I was pissed with Maria." [19:10]

Intervention and Attempts to Resolve

Concerned for Suave's mental well-being, Julieta and Brooke attempt to reach out, leading to a heartfelt conversation where Suave reveals his inner turmoil and sense of institutionalization:

"I need to have a structure. When I don't have a structure in my life, I feel like I'm going downhill." [22:07]

Despite the team's efforts, Suave briefly declares his intention to quit the podcast, expressing feelings of self-sabotage and hopelessness. However, he later retracts his decision after additional intervention.

Resolution: Car Retrieval and Reflection

After over two months, Suave receives word that his car has been located by the Philadelphia Police Department. Upon retrieving it, he shares his disillusionment with the advocacy space:

"This advocacy is fake. You know, I'm sorry I stayed back there, but it's the fakest bit I ever seen." [24:37]

A visit to Suave's studio reveals his profound self-reflection. He discusses a painting featuring three monks with an empty space, symbolizing his struggle to find peace and the constant battle to fill that void:

"I'm trying my best to be the bigger person. I'm trying my best to be one of them monks up there. I painted them." [26:07]

Conversations on Trauma and Recovery

In a serene setting amidst Suave's studio and his three cats, Julieta and Brooke engage in deep conversations about Suave's traumatic experiences and his path to healing. Suave confronts the harsh realities he faces and the systemic issues within the justice reform movement, emphasizing the personal cost of such conflicts:

"What would you do if you were in that spot? It was only a car. No, those individuals came into my space and violated my space, disrupted my life." [27:57]

Conclusion: Moving Forward

The episode concludes with a blend of resolution and ongoing tension. Suave finds his car but remains disillusioned with the advocacy community. Through introspection and support from his team, Suave begins to navigate his complex emotions, striving to maintain his hard-earned freedom while addressing the deep-seated trauma of his past.

Key Takeaways

• Mental Health Struggles: Suave's journey highlights the persistent mental health challenges faced by individuals re-entering society after long-term incarceration.

• Community Dynamics: The episode sheds light on the complexities within advocacy communities, illustrating how external pressures and internal conflicts can impact personal well-being.

• Resilience and Vulnerability: Suave's vulnerability in expressing his frustrations underscores the delicate balance between resilience and the need for support systems.

Notable Quotes

• "I have every right to protect myself." — Luis Suave Gonzalez [02:17]

• "What I'm gonna do is create a stone for a bunch of people." — Luis Suave Gonzalez [10:52]

• "This is not what an abolitionist does." — Critic in Social Media Response [16:44]

Final Thoughts

"Let The Chips Fall" serves as a poignant exploration of the lingering shadows cast by incarceration, the quest for authentic freedom, and the intricate dance between personal accountability and community support. Through Suave's candid narrative, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted challenges that extend beyond prison walls, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support systems for those seeking to rebuild their lives.

Production Credits

Suave is produced by Futuro Media, with Julieta Martinelli as the senior producer, reporter, and host. The production team includes associate producer Liliana Ruiz, editors Marlon Bishop, and post-production led by Stephanie Lebeau and others. Season Two is supported by the Mellon Foundation and Public Welfare Foundation, among other contributors.

Listen Now

Join Futuro+ to access all seven episodes of Suave Season Two, along with exclusive bonus content. Support independent journalism and immerse yourself in Suave’s profound journey by subscribing at www.futuromediagroup.org/joinplus.