The Man Who Calculated Death: Episode 1 - "The Last Request"
Host: Suzanne Rico
Release Date: November 6, 2024
Podcast: The Man Who Calculated Death by PodcastOne
Introduction: A Mother's Final Request
In the premiere episode of The Man Who Calculated Death, journalist Suzanne Rico sets the stage for a deeply personal and historically intricate journey. The story begins in 2013 when Suzanne receives a life-altering call: her mother, Gabrielle Rico, is dying. Before her passing, Gabrielle entrusts Suzanne and her sister Stephanie with an unfinished memoir detailing her harrowing childhood during World War II. Gabrielle's final plea resonates deeply, "Finish what I started" (25:43), compelling the sisters to delve into their family's concealed past.
Unearthing the Past: Discovering the Memoir
Suzanne and Stephanie find themselves in their mother's cluttered office, surrounded by decades-old documents and photographs that hint at hidden war secrets. Among the treasures is a photograph of their grandfather, Robert Lesser, dressed in a loincloth with a "big grin" (01:33). This seemingly innocuous image starkly contrasts with another photo revealing him adorned with the Nazi's Knight's Cross (01:50), immediately suggesting a complex and possibly sinister family legacy.
As they sift through the memorabilia, the sisters encounter a DVD labeled "Robert Lesser," which contains footage of their grandfather discussing top-secret Nazi weaponry. In his own words, Robert states, "Well, I should say here that I'm basically an aircraft designer. In the old film flickering on screen, a man in a brown suit and horn-rimmed glasses spins a story about flying bombs when in actual warfare we are firing a missile. Frightening consequences" (05:10). This revelation propels Suzanne and Stephanie into a quest to uncover the true nature of Robert's involvement with the Third Reich.
Gabrielle's Story: From War-Torn Germany to American Success
Gabrielle Rico's memoir paints a vivid picture of survival and resilience. On October 22, 1943, she recounts her escape from a firebombed Kassel by hiding in an air raid cellar—a traumatic event that shaped her early years (13:00). At age 11, Gabrielle immigrates to California, determined to leave her painful past behind. She rapidly assimilates, excelling academically and pursuing a career that defies traditional expectations. By night, she earns her PhD at Stanford, focusing on split-brain research, and publishes influential books on creativity and whole-brain thinking (12:04).
Despite her professional achievements, Gabrielle's relentless drive masks underlying traumas. Suzanne reflects, "Because she didn't heed her own advice, never slowing down long enough for her past in Nazi Germany to catch her" (13:29). This internal conflict surfaces as Gabrielle battles multiple bouts of cancer, illustrating the profound personal cost of her survival and transformation.
The Call to Investigation: Siblings Unite
Following their mother's passing, Suzanne and Stephanie embark on the formidable task of completing Gabrielle's memoir. The memoir's incomplete narratives and cryptic hints about their grandfather's role in the Nazi regime beckon them to seek answers. Stephanie's linguistic expertise and academic background prove invaluable as they translate German letters and military reports, piecing together the fragmented history of their ancestors.
A pivotal moment occurs when Gabrielle's handwritten note instructs them to "find David Johnson," a name shrouded in mystery and seemingly linked to Hitler's vengeance against London (29:30). This directive propels the sisters into a labyrinth of dead ends and historical enigmas, highlighting the challenges of uncovering truths buried by time and trauma.
Family Dynamics and German Tantas: Bridging the Past
The investigation deepens with the involvement of their spirited German aunts, Heidi and Trouty. Contrary to their advanced ages, Heidi and Trouty demonstrate remarkable vitality and resourcefulness, agreeing to assist Suzanne and Stephanie in their quest. Through shared stories and the excavation of long-forgotten memorabilia, the aunts provide crucial insights into Robert Lesser's professional and personal life during the war.
Heidi reflects on Robert's complex character: "He admired everybody who was successful, and they were successful at first" (35:07), suggesting a man whose ambitions may have aligned with the Nazi agenda, at least initially. These interactions reveal the intricate tapestry of family relationships and the enduring impact of past actions on subsequent generations.
Journey to Germany: Following the Ancestral Trail
With translated documents and newfound familial support, Suzanne and Stephanie prepare to journey to Germany, tracing the footsteps of their grandfather and uncovering the dark legacy he left behind. Their itinerary includes visiting the Black Forest, exploring ruined military bases where Robert tested his formidable weapons, and the site of a mysterious Bavarian farmhouse bombed in 1945 (36:03).
As they navigate the snowy landscapes, memories of childhood tales and the serene yet ominous presence of their grandfather come to life. Suzanne muses on the duality of her heritage: "Years later, my grandfather would die alone, not one of his nine children by his side" (32:28), emphasizing the profound personal cost of his wartime actions.
Conclusion: A Quest for Truth and Healing
Episode 1 culminates with Suzanne and Stephanie resolving to honor their mother's last wish by completing the memoir and uncovering the full truth about their family's past. Gabrielle's voice echoes as an enduring presence, guiding them through the emotional and investigative odyssey that lies ahead: "If we dig deeply enough, maybe we can finally answer the two questions she never could. Who killed her mother and why?" (36:42).
As the sisters prepare for the challenges of uncovering deeply buried secrets, they confront not only historical mysteries but also the personal legacy of trauma and resilience passed down through generations. The episode sets the stage for a gripping exploration of family, history, and the quest for redemption.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Suzanne Rico (00:00): "Hey, everyone, it's Suzanne Rico..."
- Stephanie (00:32): "She had some secrets. Mom had some secrets."
- Simone (05:12): "Well, I should say here that I'm basically an aircraft designer..."
- Gabrielle Rico (25:36): "One thing I would like you to do, and any one of you can do it, is if you want."
- Gabrielle Rico (24:32): "One must wait until evening to know how splendid the day has been."
- Simone (34:06): "I don't think so..."
Explore More: For additional family photos, videos, and archival materials, visit themanwhocalculateddeath.com.