BONUS | M. Gessen on "The Opinions"
From The Idiot by Serial Productions & The New York Times
April 16, 2026 · 37 min · Season 1
About this episode
M. Gessen reflects on family dynamics and relationships in the context of a friend's experience with their incarcerated mother.
On a recent episode of the podcast “The Opinions,” M. Gessen has second thoughts about the future, and Allen’s place in the family. M. talks about their dilemma with their friend Harriet Clark, whose mother, Judy Clark, served 37 years in prison for driving the getaway car in a robbery that led to the deaths of three people. Harriet explains how the adults in her life gave her the opportunity to create and sustain a strong relationship with her mother, and why M. should do the same for Allen’s children. This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouruad. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. The deputy director of Opinion Shows is Alison Bruzek. The director of Opinion Shows is Annie-Rose Strasser.
People in this episode
Guest: M. Gessen
Topics covered
- family relationships
- prison
- friendship
- personal dilemmas
- true crime
Keywords
- M. Gessen
- Harriet Clark
- Judy Clark
- family
- prison
- relationships
- true crime
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