The New York Times writer M. Gessen is widely known for their award-winning writing about totalitarianism, terrorism and the erosion of human rights. Now, M. is examining a more personal target: their least favorite cousin, Allen. For decades, they saw Allen as a fool, a pompous ‘international businessman’ who bragged about shady deals. But then Allen is arrested for trying to put a hit out on his... more
| Publishes | Daily | Episodes | 7 | Founded | 3 months ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | True CrimeSociety & Culture | |||
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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 ... more
Allen will almost certainly be released in a few years. What should M.’s family do with a guy who refuses to own up to his own crime? Can he be re-integrated into the family? Should he be?
While M. has grown increasingly compassionate toward Allen, ... more
Allen finally agrees to talk … and talk and talk, for 35 hours of interviews. M. wants to understand Allen on his own terms, to try and figure out how this scion of bohemian intellectuals ended up hiring someone to kill his ex. It’s hard for M. to be... more
M. attends Allen’s trial in San Francisco. The FBI’s star witness, an agent who went by “David," plays his undercover recordings of Allen. They reveal how Allen’s scheme to deport Priscilla turned into a murder-for-hire plot.
Allen is his own star w... more
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Reviews
- Ugh
Serial sucks now
Apple Podcasts1ISpankEm
United Statesa month ago - Poorly constructed. Poor Journalism
This is a hideous display of how bad someone that has been lied to, and told they could write and construct a story, can get. It’s really not worth it. Retire! For the love of god. Stop writing!!!
Apple Podcasts2Clairabella1234
United Kingdoma month ago - Amazing
This is one of the most well written podcasts I’ve ever heard. It was addicting and we may listen again! (We listened on a cross country road trip). This story draws you in on multiple levels.
Really great podcast.
Apple Podcasts5Photo QueenUnited Statesa month ago - Listened to it all in one day
This is a beautifully written and presented podcast. What an amazing journey and a break from the chaos of the world right now (2026). I loved the storytelling, a truely beautifully written piece. To the author - I appreciate you sharing your family story with us all. the authors voice is smooth and easy to listen to. Great podcast that I’d recommend to anyone.
Apple Podcasts5willowhernandez
Australiaa month ago - Don’t Put Up a Paywall After Three Episodes
I was enjoying the podcast. My rating is purely directed at The NY Times putting up a paywall after three episodes and requiring a subscription to Times podcasts to access the rest. Paywall after one episode is understandable but allowing listeners to get over halfway through a podcast and then putting it up is ridiculous and clearly a ploy to make money.
Apple Podcasts1Scarlett4698United Statesa month ago
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #80 | United States/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #70 | United Kingdom/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #105 |  Canada/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #56 |  Italy/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #94 | Australia/True Crime |
Apple Podcasts | #174 |  France/True Crime |
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Idiot
What is The Idiot about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This series blends investigative journalism with intimate memoir to examine a family saga that spirals from a high-profile custody fight and financial intrigues into a shocking crime narrative. Across episodes, the host dissects motive, loyalty, and accountability within a tight-knit clan, weaving courtroom details, undercover recordings, and personal letters into a reflective meditation on how ordinary people become entangled in extraordinary events. The show is notable for its moonlighting as both memoir and reportage, using a candid, first-person voice to explore truth-telling, forgiveness, and the gray areas of justice within family dynamics. It stands out for its documentary intimacy, international facets, and the way personal storytel... more
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1. This American Life
2. Love Trapped
3. Heavyweight
4. The Daily
5. Deep Cover
How many episodes of The Idiot are there?
The Idiot launched 3 months ago and published 7 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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1. Harriet Clark
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