Suave

Season 1

Winner of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Audio Reporting. The U.S is the only country in the world that allows minors to be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Approximately 2,500 juveniles have been effectively sentenced to die in prison—considered “irredeemable” by the state for crimes committed when they were just teenagers. One of them was David Luis “Suave” Gonzalez, who entered prison at 17 expecting to leave in a coffin. Suave tells the story of what happens when your whole world is a prison cell, and you suddenly get a second chance at life. It’s the story of one man’s incarceration and redemption and an unusual relationship between a journalist and a source.

Season 2

The Pulitzer Prize-winning podcast from Futuro Studios returns for its second season! “Suave” Gonzalez was released from prison after 31 years serving a life sentence without parole. He was one of thousands of juvenile lifers granted a second chance at life. Season 2 is his story about life after incarceration—and the search for the true meaning of freedom.

Suave Credits

  • EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

    Maria Hinojosa
  • HOST AND PRODUCER

    Maggie Freleng
  • PRODUCER

    Julieta Martinelli
  • EDITORS

    Marlon Bishop
    Audrey Quinn
  • ENGINEER

    Stephanie Lebow