Transcript
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (0:00)
Neighbor Gabo and Doug. There's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner (0:11)
Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (0:15)
Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner (0:22)
Yeah, the bird looks out of your league anyways.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (0:24)
Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty.
Emily Nussbaum (0:27)
Liberty.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson's Partner (0:28)
Liberty.
Emily Nussbaum (0:29)
Liberty.
Podcast Host/Announcer (0:31)
This is the Opinions, a show that brings you a mix of voices from New York Times opinion. You've heard the news, here's what to make of it.
Emily Nussbaum (0:46)
I'm EM Gessen, an opinion columnist at the New York Times. I'm also the host of a new show from the Times and Serial called the Idiot. And if you haven't listened yet, this conversation will have some spoilers. The Idiot is the story of a convicted felon from my own family. In 2022, my first cousin, Alan was arrested for taking out a hit on his ex wife. He is now serving a 10 year sentence in federal prison. Alan has two children with his ex wife and he wants more than anything to connect with them. When I was making the podcast, I wanted to understand how that could happen, how children can build relationships with parents in the prison system. So I spent a lot of time talking to a friend of mine who had to do this in her own life. My friend's name is Harrod Clark. Her mother, Judy Clark, spent 37 years in prison for driving the getaway car in a Brinks robbery that left three people dead. Harriet is the author of an upcoming novel that draws on her life. It's called the Hill. I've read it and I loved it. And she joins me today. Harriet, thank you for being here.
Harriet Clark (1:56)
Thank you for having me.
Emily Nussbaum (1:59)
When I was working on the podcast the Idiot, I hit a point where it was difficult for me to develop the character of my own cousin Alan, the one who is now in prison. At that point, I hadn't yet talked to him and I realized that I had no empathy for him. And talking with you helped me to understand him a bit more because you somehow manage to hold empathy for people who do terrible things. But before we get to that, I want you to tell me a bit about what it was like growing up with a mother in prison.
