Suave Podcast: "Patience" - Episode 7 Detailed Summary

Hosted by Futuro Media, Episode 7 of the Pulitzer Prize-winning podcast "Suave" titled "Patience" delves deep into the complexities of freedom, trauma, and personal growth seven years after former juvenile lifer Luis "Suave" Gonzalez's release from prison. This episode masterfully intertwines Suave's past memories, present struggles, and future aspirations, offering a poignant exploration of life after incarceration.

1. Revisiting Orchard Beach: A Sanctuary of Memories

The episode opens with Suave revisiting Orchard Beach in the Bronx, a place laden with childhood memories and the foundation of his concept of freedom.

• Suave reminisces:

  "Orchard beach is where the concept of freedom started for me." (02:13)

• Visual and Emotional Landscape: Julieta Martinelli describes Orchard Beach as "the Puerto Rican Riviera," highlighting its significance as a communal and familial hub for Suave and his family before his incarceration.

Suave reflects on his youth spent helping his mother sell homemade food and engaging in community activities:

"My mom used to always park right here because we used to get here like six o' clock in the morning under this tree." (05:51)

2. Struggles with Relationships and Letting Go

The narrative shifts to Suave's relationship with Maria, his partner, and the emotional toll his past and present have on their bond.

• Maria's Realization:

  "I have to say, you have to let Suave live his life." (15:25)

Maria confronts the strain Suave's past actions have placed on her family, leading to a reevaluation of her emotional investment:

"I cannot lose my family. That is the only boundary." (15:25)

This section underscores the delicate balance between supporting a loved one and maintaining personal boundaries.

3. A Life-Changing Decision: Donating a Kidney

A pivotal moment in the episode is Suave's revelation of his decision to donate a kidney to his sister, Josefina, who has been battling kidney failure.

• Suave announces:

  "So I'm going to give my sister a kidney." (17:52)

This decision represents a significant sacrifice and a step towards healing familial bonds. Despite initial reservations, Maria comes to understand Suave's motivations:

"Suave is getting ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for love, for his sister, for family." (19:57)

4. Confronting Freedom and Mental Health

Suave delves into his ongoing battle with the concept of freedom and the residual trauma from his incarceration.

• Suave on Freedom:

  "Freedom is not a bootcamp of roses... I went from one prison to another prison." (33:35)

He discusses the conditional nature of his freedom, including strict parole conditions and the constant vigilance required to maintain it:

"I can't travel without permission. I can't move from one house to another house without asking permission." (23:41)

5. The Ongoing Impact of Incarceration

The episode poignantly highlights how decades of incarceration continue to influence Suave's present life, affecting his relationships and mental health.

• Suave's Reflection:

  "Sometimes people come home from prison... without understanding that they were out here living fucked up too." (21:53)

An incident at a museum, where a routine walk triggers Suave's suppressed anger, serves as a stark reminder of his fragile state:

"It was having a mental breakdown. That's exactly what it was like." (25:12)

6. Reflections on Freedom and Happiness

In the concluding segments, Suave contemplates the true meaning of freedom and whether happiness is attainable given his past.

• Suave's Insight:

  "I am not happy. I'm glad I'm home. But if you say describe happy, I should be able to describe happy, and I can't." (33:01)

He differentiates between superficial freedom and genuine emotional liberation, emphasizing moments of peace and self-acceptance:

"Freedom to me is what I could honestly just look you in the eyes and say, you know what? I had a great time." (33:35)

7. Conclusion: Defining His Own Freedom

The episode wraps up with Suave finding contentment in living day by day, focusing on personal health and meaningful actions like donating a kidney.

• Suave's Commitment:

  "What's important to me now is to get up in the morning, making sure I do what I said I was going to do, which is give my sister a kidney." (27:20)

Maria and Suave's journey underscores the ongoing struggle to reconcile past traumas with present aspirations, highlighting the nuanced path to true freedom and happiness.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• 02:13 Suave: "Orchard beach is where the concept of freedom started for me."
• 15:25 Maria: "You cannot lose your family."
• 17:52 Suave: "So I'm going to give my sister a kidney."
• 21:53 Suave: "Sometimes people come home from prison... without understanding that they are out here living messed up too."
• 25:12 Suave: "It was having a mental breakdown. That's exactly what it was like."
• 33:35 Suave: "Freedom is not a bootcamp of roses... I went from one prison to another prison."

Final Thoughts:

Episode 7 of "Suave," titled "Patience," offers a raw and unfiltered look into the lingering effects of incarceration on personal freedom, relationships, and self-identity. Through intimate conversations and reflective storytelling, Suave navigates his complex emotions and responsibilities, painting a realistic picture of life beyond prison walls. This episode serves as a testament to the ongoing journey of healing and the quest for authentic happiness.

For those who haven't listened, "Patience" provides a compelling narrative that not only sheds light on Suave's personal struggles but also invites listeners to ponder the broader implications of freedom and rehabilitation in society.