I binged the whole season of Suave today and all I can say is WOW! As a criminal justice professional who works in Pennsylvania and taught a juvenile Justice class at DePaul University in Chicago for 7 years, I was not surprised by a lot but very happy for such a storybook outcome. People do not realize the importance of relationships in reducing recidivism. People have to know that other people care….and I mean that from both sides of this story. It is as much about Suave as it is about Maria Hinojosa. Bravo! Pulitzer Prize very much deserved!
I heard the first episode on Ear Hustle during their breaks in between seasons and omg. I immediately became obsessed. The relationship between Suave and Maria was so authentic. I love everything about this story. I love how real and honest Suave was through out the season! And the Pulitzer episode was the icing. I love it and I hope there’s more to come!
Blown away. Not sure how I missed this until now, but what a thought provoking, intelligent, and touching journey. Elevated production and reporting quality. The story continues. Congratulations and Thank you!
I’m a bit late to this podcast but I’m so glad I found it. What a guy. So impressed by his humility and courage. Not many people could come back from such a horrible place. Did Angie face consequences for lying about the assault? I knew Suave didn’t hit her. Congratulations to all on your Pulitzer.
Wow… I just finished the podcast and I just wish there was more. I’m so happy to have taken the time to listen to Suave’s story. Great job all around.
Listening to the story of Suave was inspirational! I work in the prison system and see both sides of this story. We have kids committing horrific crimes!! I also see how drugs are destroying so many lives!! This is where this story started and that’s what I wish the focus was on!! This drug epidemic is generational and it also hits homes where you could never imagine!! I hope that people start to get people help that need the help!! Even if the addict does not want the help something has to be done!!!
Joining Suave on his journey has opened my eyes up to the harsh realities of the criminal justice system, especially for minors. However, I am inspired by Suave’s relentlessness and the dedication of these women journalists to tell his story and those of thousands others.
I couldn’t stop listening after the first episode! What an incredible story. I laughed, I cried and cried some more. As a Latina myself that had several family members go through the justice system for several different convictions can attest to people growing out of crime. These are humans beings also! Suave, you are such an inspiration to so many people around the world now. I’m so proud of you and I can’t wait for more content. Maria, I loved your tender corazon.
I cried with you I laughed with you I screamed with you! I got goosebumps. Thank you Maggie thank you Maria thank you Suave! Not only was this an amazing story that you shared with us but it was also so well put together. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I still want more!
Suave Gonzales, I approve your message too. What a story, thank you, thank you. It is stories like these that move the world. Suave, Maria—that familiar voice—and the producers who put in their own time to track down the past—well, best best best of luck to you in all the years ahead. Thanks too to Code Switch, from whom I learned about this podcast.
I love how it tells just 1 boy/ man perspective on being a “lifer” to being released 30 plus years later. It has helped me to better understand what young colored boys/ men who are in jail have or are going through. It puts a spotlight on a major problem in the USA. The only reason why its not 5 stars is the amount of profanity, call me sensitive but the F bomb is used way too much.
I love any podcast Maggie does but I really enjoyed listening to Maria on this one. These women did a great job helping tell Suave’s story. Suave you are amazing and I wish you the best in your journey to finding normalcy in this world. You will continue to inspire people which is more than most people can say. Thank you to this entire team for putting this story out there. ❤️
I’m a podcast binger and I love these long-form reporting series. After listening to the first episode I can already tell this is one of the best of its kind. For me, it’s just the right mix of humanity, narrative, history, and production. And aside from all that, it’s a powerful and important story to tell. Well done, all around.
Thanks and congrats on the well-deserved Pulitzer.
Lots of insights and empathy to behold in this mesmerizing podcast series.
Congrats to the production team for the Pulitzer Prize. Hang in there Suave. Time heals all wounds.
What a great series!!! Maggie, you did a fantastic job putting this together! The story flowed seamlessly, with a roller coaster of emotions. Suave! Man, you are a true warrior! You never gave up hope! Even when the street lights stay burnt out!
An amazing delve into crime and punishment as it involves POC and youthful offenders as well as how poverty only makes it worse. I hope there are follow up episodes on how this all works out.
Popped up as recommended because I love Ear Hustle. Binged the whole podcast in two days and arrived at work with streaky makeup from ugly crying. I would recommended to everyone.
This is one of the best podcast that I’ve listened to; no questions asked! Very well put together. If this podcast hasn’t won any awards…the system is rigged!!!
I listen to at least 3 hrs of podcasts/day. Suave is so good, I found myself binge listening. It’s right up there with Serial and Ear hustle. Just an amazing story. The production and editing are first class.
This podcast is really raw, but I’m hooked! What an amazing person this man became. What a story! He is really a beautiful soul. He is so selfless. Thank you for sharing this!
Nothing about this podcast is what I expected and that’s a good thing. This story is so impactful. It’s truly one that I think everyone should listen to.
Another home run for Maria Ina Hosa and Futuro. So much to like here, I will focus on but one dimension, the meta-discussion about the relationship between source and journalist. Essential listening !
Mucho admiration and appreciation to the hard work and dedication to bring this experience to listeners. I am changed for having heard this. I am moved to get involved in honor of Suave and all he has endured and sacrificed. Prayers for continued strength and perseverance to him and this Team. Mahalo 🙌🏽
Going in you think you know where this story is going but the story takes many turns. The minutes listening equates to decades for a man behind bars. Criminal, Victim, Advocate,, Suave is all these things and more.
It’s hard to believe this is a true story and at the same time it isn’t. The producers did an excellent job of storytelling. Suave’s story should be heard by everyone in this country.
I started listening wondering if I’d really feel invested. The last 3 episodes were extraordinary, and I needed the first few episodes to appreciate them. Thank you for telling this story. Best of success, Suave.
Suave is a captivating story highlighting a mans struggle in the justice system and story of poverty and trauma growing up ultimately bringing him into the justice system as an adolescent. The relationship with Maria is so special and unique. My one gripe is the podcast seemed to suddenly end. Maybe I missed an explanation? Maybe the stopped at where he is today but I did not hear an explanation of that. I hope we get some closure on Suave and his journey. Best wishes Suave!
A beautiful story that highlights the injustice of our broken system and how a spirit refuses to be broken. Thank you Suave for your braveness in sharing your story and giving a voice to all these men.
A thoughtful, heartbreaking, triumphant, and informative podcast about the failures of our justice system, and the consequences for our society and on Suave. I’m a huge fan of Ear Hustle, which similarly takes a multifaceted approach to understanding the criminal justice system. As a Philadelphian, you’re podcast also brought light to the extraordinary challenges our city has faced supporting those from less privileged communities. Thank you Futuro Media!
This podcast is an intense and personal view into what our system does too many humans. It viciously targets marginalized communities. Suave is a beacon of hope, and proof that juveniles age out of criminal behavior. He is a true humanitarian and one that takes his responsibility to be a voice for the voiceless seriously. Maggie Freleng is the best producer in the business, along with Julieta Martinelli and the whole team that worked on this, they really made a perfect podcast. Leaves you hanging and brings up all the emotions. Thanks to all of you for this amazing work. 30 years in the making, 3 years in production, and no-one could have seen where this all ended up. I am blown away and inspired!
My heart breaks for these children. We must work to break the cycle. The sad thing is that there are too many who work twice as hard to keep the shackles on people who deserve a chance to be free.
I first heard about Suave from another Podcast- Snap Judgement. This is the reality of our country’s criminal justice system and more importantly how we treat juveniles in the justice system. We can’t claim to be a Great nation and treat people like this. We have so many things to atone for as a society, but the judicial system is one we intentionally created to be cruel.
