Suave Podcast – Season 2, Episode 4: "Old Head"

Release Date: May 6, 2025
Host/Producer: Futuro Media
Episode Title: Old Head

Introduction: Suave's Milestone Event

The episode opens on a vibrant summer day in New York, setting the stage for a significant personal achievement for Luis "Suave" Gonzalez. Suave, a former juvenile lifer who has transformed his life post-incarceration, is about to fulfill a long-held dream: reading a poem on stage at an Off-Broadway play. Although Suave is a published author, the poem he is set to read is penned by someone profoundly influential in his life—Frank Ross, a mentor from his prison days.

David Luis Suave Gonzalez (02:35): "So it means to me that I'm paying honor to someone that made a difference in my life. I pay him back by coming to Broadway and reading his pieces."

Frank Ross: The Mentor and Literary Influence

Suave reminisces about his first encounter with Frank Ross in the early 1990s, a few years into his life sentence. Frank, a seasoned inmate in his late 50s, was a beacon of knowledge and stability within the prison walls. Initially indifferent, Suave gradually recognized Frank's unwavering dedication to teaching literacy and fostering a sense of community among inmates.

David Luis Suave Gonzalez (03:30): "He was an old guy when I met him. I never knew his real name. Had an Indian nickname."

Frank's influence extended beyond basic literacy; he introduced Suave to the vast world of literature, empowering him to transform his life. This relationship was pivotal in Suave's eventual release and reintegration into society.

David Luis Suave Gonzalez (08:25): "Frank was one of the first people to ever really have faith in me besides my mother."

The Struggle for Compassionate Release

As Suave thrives outside prison, his concern for Frank deepens. Frank, serving a life sentence without parole and battling two cancers, finds himself in a precarious position. Pennsylvania's compassionate release policies offer a glimmer of hope for inmates with terminal illnesses, but stringent criteria often leave individuals like Frank without relief.

Frank Ross (14:16): "I didn't say I earned the right to come home, which I don't think you ever do if you take somebody's life on him. But I asked him. That can't happen no more, you know?"

Despite Suave's efforts to spotlight Frank's literary contributions through online platforms, the state's reluctance to approve compassionate release for someone not deemed terminally ill severely limits Frank's chances of reuniting with his family before death.

Maria Garcia (15:08): "No, Maria, it's not actually. In 2022, the investigative team at Spotlight PA reported that over the prior 13-year period, only 31 applicants had actually been granted their freedom to die."

Saleem Holbrook: Advocating for Dignified Deaths in Prison

Saleem Holbrook, the executive director of the Abolitionist Law Center and a former juvenile lifer mentored by Frank, underscores the dire conditions awaiting inmates who die within the prison system. He emphasizes the lack of dignity and the impersonal nature of death in incarceration.

Saleem Holbrook (16:02): "It is a horrible place to die. You die alone. You die chained to a steel bed with cold, callous faces."

Saleem now spearheads initiatives to assist inmates like Frank in navigating the compassionate release process, striving to humanize and expedite their release for humane death outside prison walls.

Robert Reason: Bridging the Gap Between Generations

The narrative shifts to Suave's interaction with Frank's nephew, Robert Reason. Robert, grappling with his terminal illness, embodies the parallel struggles of those inside and outside prison. His commitment to caring for his ailing aunt and uncle highlights the personal toll of the prison system's inhumanity.

Robert Reason (25:42): "I just would love to see him, that's all. I don't know how long I might have."

Robert's dedication to his uncle Frank underscores the essential support systems required for compassionate release, emphasizing the interconnectedness of inmates' lives with their families.

Suave's Internal Conflict and Responsibility

Despite Suave's successful reintegration, he grapples with the emotional weight of leaving behind his prison family. The constant influx of calls from inmates, witnessing the decline of those he once knew, and his commitment to supporting their education and rehabilitation create a persistent tension between his past and present life.

David Luis Suave Gonzalez (28:44): "I'm just trying to let go of that prison attachment that I had. And I think it was guilt from leaving my homies behind."

Suave's selective approach to maintaining connections—limiting his active phone list to three individuals—demonstrates his struggle to balance responsibility with personal well-being.

Climactic Turn: Threats Against Suave

The episode reaches a pivotal moment when Suave faces direct threats that challenge his commitment to prison reform. An altercation leaves listeners on edge, hinting at escalating tensions and the potential consequences of Suave's activism.

David Luis Suave Gonzalez (34:00): "I don't give a fuck. If I got to fucking die for this shit, I would do it."

This confrontation not only tests Suave's resolve but also underscores the dangerous landscape of advocating for systemic change within a deeply entrenched prison system.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Battle for Frank Ross and Reform

"Old Head" delves deep into the intertwined lives of Suave and Frank Ross, highlighting the complexities of post-incarceration relationships and the relentless pursuit of dignity and justice within an unforgiving system. Suave's unwavering support for Frank, coupled with his own challenges, paints a poignant picture of resilience and the enduring impact of mentorship.

As the episode concludes, listeners are left anticipating the unfolding of Suave's confrontation and its ramifications on his fight for prison reform, setting the stage for the next chapter in his journey.

Notable Quotes

• David Luis Suave Gonzalez (02:35): "So it means to me that I'm paying honor to someone that made a difference in my life. I pay him back by coming to Broadway and reading his pieces."

• Frank Ross (14:16): "I didn't say I earned the right to come home, which I don't think you ever do if you take somebody's life on him. But I asked him. That can't happen no more, you know?"

• Saleem Holbrook (16:02): "It is a horrible place to die. You die alone. You die chained to a steel bed with cold, callous faces."

• David Luis Suave Gonzalez (28:44): "I'm just trying to let go of that prison attachment that I had. And I think it was guilt from leaving my homies behind."

• David Luis Suave Gonzalez (34:00): "I don't give a fuck. If I got to fucking die for this shit, I would do it."

Key Takeaways

• Mentorship's Power: Frank Ross's role in Suave's transformation underscores the profound impact mentors can have on individuals' lives, especially within punitive systems.

• Systemic Challenges: The struggle for compassionate release highlights systemic barriers that prevent humane treatment of aging and terminally ill inmates.

• Personal Sacrifice: Suave's journey illustrates the personal sacrifices involved in advocating for reform and maintaining connections with the incarcerated community.

• Emotional Toll: The episode sheds light on the psychological strain experienced by individuals like Suave, balancing past affiliations with present responsibilities.

"Old Head" serves as a compelling exploration of legacy, responsibility, and the ongoing fight for justice within the confines of a rigid prison system. Through Suave's lens, listeners gain an intimate understanding of the human stories that persist behind bars and the relentless pursuit of dignity amidst adversity.