The Man Who Calculated Death: Behind the Scenes with Jon Cryer – Episode 12 Summary

Release Date: May 27, 2025
Host/Author: Suzanne Rico
Executive Producer: Jon Cryer
Podcast Platform: PodcastOne

Introduction

In Episode 12 of "Behind the Scenes with Jon Cryer," host Suzanne Rico delves deep into the creation and personal significance of her acclaimed podcast, "The Man Who Calculated Death." This episode offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Suzanne's journey of uncovering her family's tumultuous past, the challenges faced during production, and the profound emotional connections forged along the way.

Origins of the Podcast

Suzanne begins by recounting the catalyst for her podcast: the passing of her mother, Gabriele Rico, in 2013. As Suzanne confronts her mother's legacy, she reveals an unfinished memoir that becomes the cornerstone of her quest to understand her ancestry.

Suzanne Rico [01:30]: "My mom died and she had left a partly written memoir that her dying wish was that my sisters and I finish it."

This heartfelt request propels Suzanne and her sister, Stephanie, into a two-year investigation uncovering their grandfather, Robert Lusser's, involvement with the Third Reich—a facet of their family history previously shrouded in mystery.

Uncovering Family Secrets

The podcast navigates through the harrowing experiences of Suzanne's mother during World War II, revealing the traumatic events that shaped her life. Suzanne shares how her mother’s survival in war-torn Kassel and the mysterious death of her grandmother were intertwined with her grandfather's work on secret superweapons for Adolf Hitler.

Suzanne Rico [05:03]: "We found the building that she was hiding in in the cellar as the city of Kassel burned above her. She had to watch her home burn."

These revelations not only shed light on the family's past but also illustrate the long-term impacts of trauma. Suzanne reflects on her mother's unrecognized PTSD, highlighting the generational disconnect in understanding and addressing such deep-seated pain.

Suzanne Rico [03:16]: "There's a saying that we all die three deaths... I don't want to forget. Especially my mom."

Collaborative Efforts and Emotional Toll

Suzanne acknowledges the pivotal role her sisters played in bringing the memoir to life. Her younger sister, Simone, contributed classical piano pieces, adding an emotional layer to the podcast, while older sister, Stephanie, provided moral support and fluency in German, essential for their research and interviews.

Suzanne Rico [07:13]: "My older Sister Stephanie... she was there every step of the way."

The emotional weight of uncovering such personal and painful history is palpable. Suzanne describes physical manifestations of her anxiety during discussions about her family's past.

Suzanne Rico [02:22]: "I can feel like the hair on my arms and my neck stand up because it feels so emotionally connective to her and to my family."

Confronting the Past: The Oscar Jacob Interview

A significant highlight of the episode is Suzanne's interview with Oscar Jacob, a 94-year-old Holocaust survivor who was forced at age 14 to build weapons for Suzanne's grandfather in a concentration camp. This poignant exchange underscores the complexity of reconciling personal and familial histories.

Suzanne Rico [09:00]: "I was introduced as Suzanne Rico, descendant of a Nazi engineer. I damn near crawled under the table."

Despite initial overwhelming emotions, Suzanne embraces her role in telling Oscar’s story, recognizing the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past.

Suzanne Rico [10:34]: "I am telling his story now... it's part of who I am."

Jon Cryer commends Suzanne’s bravery and the depth of her storytelling, noting the transformative impact of the podcast on listeners' perceptions of war and its lingering effects on individuals.

Exploring Moral Complexity and Historical Context

Suzanne delves into the moral ambiguities surrounding her grandfather's actions. She grapples with understanding whether he was an ideological supporter of Hitler or simply a man caught in the tumultuous times of the 1920s and 30s Germany.

Suzanne Rico [13:01]: "Was my grandfather a real believer, an ideological Hitlerite?... although it's impossible to get into the mind of a dead man."

This introspection highlights the nuanced nature of historical figures, moving beyond the simplistic "good versus bad" narrative often portrayed in World War II history.

Suzanne Rico [15:18]: "What are the choices I made... that's the trap I found myself getting into."

The Aftermath: Family Struggles Post-War

The podcast doesn't just recount wartime atrocities but also the post-war struggles faced by Suzanne's family. With her grandfather unemployed, widowed, and on the run, the family grapples with economic hardships and societal rejection due to his association with the Nazis.

Suzanne Rico [17:20]: "After the war was over... my family was starving."

This segment emphasizes the extended consequences of war affiliations, affecting not just the individuals directly involved but also their descendants.

Looking Ahead: Season Two Teasers

Suzanne hints at the continuation of her family's story in Season Two, which explores their resettlement in the United States and the challenges that arose from their past.

Suzanne Rico [17:10]: "After the war was over... we go to Alabama and Ventura and the Jet Propulsion Lab and all these cool places."

Listeners are left anticipating further revelations and the deepening of the family's complex legacy.

Conclusion

Episode 12 of "Behind the Scenes with Jon Cryer" serves as a comprehensive exploration of Suzanne Rico's personal and familial journey, intertwining historical events with intimate family stories. Through meticulous research, emotional interviews, and candid reflections, Suzanne not only uncovers the hidden truths of her ancestry but also imparts valuable lessons on memory, trauma, and the importance of confronting the past. This episode stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging generational gaps and fostering a deeper understanding of history's intricate tapestry.

Notable Quotes:

• Suzanne Rico [03:16]: "I don't want to forget. Especially my mom."
• Suzanne Rico [07:13]: "My older Sister Stephanie... she was there every step of the way."
• Suzanne Rico [10:34]: "I am telling his story now... it's part of who I am."
• Suzanne Rico [15:18]: "What are the choices I made... that's the trap I found myself getting into."

Additional Resources:

To explore the full depth of Suzanne Rico's journey and the intricate details of her family's past, listeners are encouraged to tune into "The Man Who Calculated Death" available on the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. For early and ad-free access to all episodes, consider joining Wondery Plus.