The Moth Podcast Episode: Michael VonAllmen & Ted Conover

Release Date: November 22, 2016
Host: Dan Kennedy
Hosted by: The Moth

Overview

In this compelling episode of The Moth podcast, listeners are presented with two powerful and deeply personal stories. The first narrative is shared by Michael VonAllmen, an exoneree who recounts his harrowing experience of wrongful conviction and his enduring quest for justice. The second story, delivered by Ted Conover, an acclaimed undercover journalist, delves into his transformative time spent as a corrections officer and the profound lessons learned from his interactions with inmates. This episode not only highlights the resilience of the human spirit but also sheds light on systemic flaws within the criminal justice system.

Michael VonAllmen’s Story

Timestamp: [02:05] – [17:10]

A Journey Through Wrongful Conviction

Michael VonAllmen begins his narrative by detailing his arrest in January 1983 for a rape he vehemently denies committing. Despite being innocent, Michael faces the grim realities of the justice system. Upon his conviction, he is swiftly transferred to a prison where he confronts the pervasive stigma of being labeled a "rapist." Early in his incarceration, Michael meets Ted Maynard, another inmate who shares a similar tale of wrongful conviction.

Building Bonds in Adversity

Over the years, Michael and Ted form a profound bond, supporting each other through the challenges of prison life. As time progresses, Michael is paroled after serving 11 years but remains committed to assisting Ted, who remains incarcerated despite his innocence. Michael's advocacy leads him to collaborate with the Innocence Project, a pivotal moment that underscores his unwavering determination to seek justice not only for himself but also for Ted.

The Heart-Wrenching Decision

In a poignant climax, Michael recounts a critical moment when Ted faces severe medical issues in prison. Confronted with the choice to either extend Ted’s life artificially or allow him to pass peacefully, Michael and the team make the heart-wrenching decision to "pull the plug," thereby granting Ted the release he desperately needs. This act of compassion and solidarity ultimately confirms Michael's innocence after 27 years, symbolizing both personal redemption and the enduring fight against wrongful convictions.

Notable Quotes

• "[00:02:10]* Michael VonAllmen: "I get to vote and I get a voice. All of a sudden I got a real live voice as well. And the very first thing I say with my voice is, get Ted Maynard out of prison."**

• "[00:14:25]* Michael VonAllmen: "We walk into the room... Ted is outside of a prison wall with no guard supervision. They pull the tube, and right away, the decline starts."**

• "[00:17:00]* Michael VonAllmen: "Ted was exonerated by a medical doctor, and I am his voice. Thank you."**

Larry Rosen’s Commentary

Timestamp: [17:10] – [19:36]

Facilitating Storytelling for Exonerees Larry Rosen, The Moth's Community Program Manager and a story instructor, provides insightful commentary on Michael's journey to sharing his story. He highlights Michael's evolution from a shy participant to a confident storyteller, emphasizing the emotional impact Michael's narrative had on audiences. Rosen credits the supportive environment of The Moth workshops and the collaborative efforts of fellow instructors in helping Michael craft and deliver his powerful tale.

Notable Quotes

• "[00:17:30]* Larry Rosen: '...they told me he was getting so close, but he said what he most felt from him was that he wanted to get this story out, and he still wasn't completely focused on it.'**

• "[00:19:00]* Larry Rosen: '...these guys all told their stories the next day at this luncheon for everybody. The conference was over 500 people, and Michael, after five years, stood up on that stage and shared this with 500 people who just went crazy. And the tears and the love in the room was just amazing.'**

Ted Conover’s Story

Timestamp: [20:30] – [33:11]

Undercover in the Correctional System

Ted Conover, an accomplished journalist and NYU professor, shares his unique experience working undercover as a corrections officer at Sing Sing prison. His mission was to gain an authentic understanding of prison life to inform his writing. Conover reflects on the pervasive dishonesty among inmates, noting the lengths inmates go to portray themselves as tougher or more dangerous than they truly are.

Encounters with Inmates

Conover narrates his interactions with various inmates, particularly focusing on Warith Al Habib, a respected Muslim inmate who vehemently maintains his innocence regarding serious charges. Through his conversations with Habib, Conover grapples with the complexities of trust, truth, and the human capacity for change within the oppressive environment of prison.

A Lesson in Empathy and Truth

A transformative moment occurs when Conover learns of Habib's exoneration after years of wrongful imprisonment. This revelation forces Conover to confront his inadvertent role in Habib's unjust punishment, leading to a profound internal struggle. Conover concludes his story by emphasizing the importance of listening to those who are often unheard, highlighting that genuine understanding requires suspending skepticism to recognize the truths that lie beneath the surface.

Notable Quotes

• "[00:20:30]* Ted Conover: 'Prisoners tell lies. Every corrections officer knows this.'**

• "[00:25:15]* Ted Conover: '...the authority there to stand up for the law and stand up for the system.'**

• "[00:33:00]* Ted Conover: '...the lesson Habib taught me was this, that if you don't question that reflex, if you don't imagine now and then there's cotton in your ears and stop to listen to somebody who is not listened to, you might just lose your ability to hear the truth when it comes at you.'**

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth poignantly captures the struggles and triumphs of individuals navigating the criminal justice system, whether as unjustly accused exonerees or as empathetic witnesses striving to understand the truth. Through Michael VonAllmen and Ted Conover's narratives, the podcast underscores themes of resilience, justice, and the profound impact of human connection. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the importance of seeking truth and advocating for those whose voices have been silenced.

Credits:
Producer: Dan Kennedy
Production: Timothy Lou Lee
Recording Supervision: Paul Rue West, Argo Studios, New York City
Presented by: PRX, the Public Radio Exchange