Podcast Summary: "The Man Who Calculated Death" - Episode 2: "Candles In The Window"

Released on November 6, 2024, by PodcastOne

Introduction

In the second episode of "The Man Who Calculated Death," titled "Candles In The Window," hosts Suzanne Rico and her sister Stephanie delve deeper into their family's intricate past, uncovering secrets that intertwine personal history with the dark shadows of World War II. This episode explores themes of generational guilt, hidden heritage, and the enigmatic legacy of their grandfather, Robert Lusser.

Exploring the Augsburg House

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with Suzanne and Stephanie visiting a storied house in Augsburg, Germany—built by their grandfather in the early 1930s. The sisters describe the house’s fairy-tale-like garden and modern Bauhaus architecture, which contrasts sharply with the tumultuous history that surrounds it.

• Suzanne (00:45): "This is it. Now what? Jet lag got us feeling goofy."

• Stephanie (00:38): "Yeah, that's a high wall."

Their journey begins with a sense of nostalgia and deja vu, as Suzanne recognizes the garden from old family home movies, highlighting the stark contrast between the idyllic past and the impending chaos of the Nazi era.

Meeting Erika

Upon knocking on the door, Erika, a neighbor in her mid-60s, welcomes them. Through their conversation, Erika introduces the concept of collective guilt, a recurring theme that ties back to their grandfather's work for the Nazi Air Force.

• Erika (02:30): "We must all live with our guilt. Even though we may not have any personal guilt, we carry the guilt of our people."

This profound statement unsettles Suzanne, prompting her to question the legacy she inherits.

Unraveling Robert Lusser’s Past

A Multifaceted Legacy

The sisters juxtapose the image of Robert Lusser as a beloved family man against his darker persona as a decorated Nazi engineer. A photograph reveals him donning the Knight's Cross, a high Nazi honor, which starkly contrasts his public image.

• Transcript Highlight (06:00): "Robert Lesser is sitting at a dinner table full of well-dressed men... wearing the Knight's Cross, a silver swastika gleaming at its center."

This duality raises questions about how someone can embody both familial warmth and sinister affiliations.

Family Narratives

Suzanne and Stephanie recount their conversations with their aunts, who reveal a different side of Robert—one that includes love letters and ambitious engineering feats. These anecdotes paint a picture of a complex individual torn between personal passion and societal pressures.

• Stephanie (08:43): "They were more than friends. Robert Lesser actually built Beinhorn her own plane."

The Hidden Romani Heritage

Secrets of Ancestry

A significant revelation in this episode is the discovery of their family's Romani (Gypsy) heritage. Through letters and family stories, they uncover that their great-grandmother, Louisa Schell, concealed her Romani roots to protect future generations from Nazi persecution.

• Susie (30:00): "Her hands buried in the pockets of a white calf coat... This smiling young woman is someone I long to know. She's my grandmother, Hilda Lusser."

The alteration of Louisa's maiden name in church registries exemplifies the lengths to which their ancestors went to hide their true identity, ensuring survival in a hostile environment.

Impact of Roma Persecution

The episode delves into the brutal history of Roma persecution under the Nazis, emphasizing the precariousness of the family's hidden identity.

• Suzanne (25:32): "The idea of books with the sole aim of poisoning little kids' minds makes me sick."

This context underscores the dangers their ancestors faced and the resilience required to maintain their legacy.

Navigating Nazi Germany

Robert Lusser’s Career and Compromises

As the Nazi regime rises, Robert Lusser's career flourishes under Willy Messerschmitt's leadership, leading to the creation of the infamous Messerschmitt BF109 fighter plane. However, his success is marred by his reluctant acquiescence to Nazi demands.

• Suzanne (27:02): "My grandfather joined the Nazi Party out of convenience, taming down what he called his inner opposition."

The sisters explore how fear and ambition drove Robert to comply with the regime, highlighting the moral complexities faced by individuals in totalitarian societies.

Family Dynamics Under Duress

The increasing influence of the Nazis disrupts the family's previously serene life. Family gatherings become tense, and overt expressions of dissent are dangerous.

• Suzanne (24:36): "The way in which Hitler and the Nazi party used fear to turn neighbor against neighbor and silence dissent."

This environment forces the family to navigate their public personas carefully, balancing personal beliefs with the perilous reality of living under Nazi rule.

The Foreboding Prelude to War

Hilda’s Prophetic Vision

In a poignant moment, Hilda, Suzanne’s mother, foresees the coming war, revealing the emotional toll the political climate has on the family.

• Hilda (38:21): "Another war is coming."

This foreknowledge adds a layer of tragic inevitability to the family's story, as they prepare for the upheaval that World War II will bring.

Deterioration of Peace

As Germany mobilizes for war, the episode illustrates the crumbling facade of the family's peaceful existence.

• Stephanie (23:28): "Yeah. By 1936, the Nazis had taken over the German police force."

This takeover signifies the tightening grip of the Nazi regime, setting the stage for the family's eventual reckoning with their past.

Connecting with Extended Family

Meeting Cousin Susie

The sisters extend their investigation by visiting Susie Shern, a first cousin once removed, who provides additional insights into their family's Romani heritage and the pervasive impact of Nazi ideology.

• Susie (31:56): "This is my little niece, her daughter, and Spike, the English bulldog."

Through Susie's recollections, the podcast uncovers more about the discrimination their ancestors faced and the subtle resistance within the family.

Discovering Historical Documents

In Susie's possession are crucial documents that reveal conflicts within the family regarding Nazi affiliations, adding depth to Robert Lusser's complex character.

• Stephanie (27:23): "When Robert and Hilde would visit, a fiery argument between son and father-in-law would break out."

These documents highlight the internal struggles and moral dilemmas that defined the family's interactions during a fraught historical period.

Conclusion: The Weight of History

"Candles In The Window" masterfully intertwines personal narratives with historical events, painting a vivid picture of a family grappling with its legacy amidst the rise of Nazism. Through intimate conversations, archival photos, and emotional reflections, Suzanne and Stephanie Rico illuminate the enduring impact of their ancestors' choices and the hidden truths that shape their present identity.

As the episode closes, listeners are left anticipating the unfolding of deeper family secrets and the ultimate confrontation with the past in future episodes.

Key Quotes

• Erika (02:30): "We must all live with our guilt. Even though we may not have any personal guilt, we carry the guilt of our people."

• Suzanne (24:36): "The way in which Hitler and the Nazi party used fear to turn neighbor against neighbor and silence dissent."

• Hilda (38:21): "Another war is coming."

• Seunzzane (27:02): "My grandfather joined the Nazi Party out of convenience, taming down what he called his inner opposition."

• Susie (31:56): "This is my little niece, her daughter, and Spike, the English bulldog."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a compelling exploration of how personal histories are often enmeshed with broader historical forces. "Candles In The Window" not only uncovers the layers of the Rico family's past but also invites listeners to reflect on the enduring legacies of ancestry and the complex interplay between individual actions and historical events.

For more details, including exclusive family photos and archival materials, listeners are encouraged to visit themancalculateddeath.com.

Note: This summary is based on the transcript provided and is intended to offer a comprehensive overview of Episode 2 of "The Man Who Calculated Death." It aims to capture all significant discussions, insights, and revelations shared by the hosts.