The Idiot

About The Idiot

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 ex-wife, and M. cannot wrap their head around the news. He’s just an idiot, right? Not a would-be murderer?

Publisher

Serial Productions & The New York Times

Category

society & culture · true crime

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

17 Mar 2026

Latest episode

16 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

7 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   16 Apr 2026

   BONUS | M. Gessen on "The Opinions"

   M. Gessen discusses family and future dilemmas with Harriet Clark, who shares insights on maintaining maternal relationships from her mother Judy Clark's experience.

2. 

   26 Mar 2026

   Chapter 5

   Host Allen's mother navigates family reintegration and Priscilla's new life as Allen faces consequences for his crime.

3. 

   26 Mar 2026

   Chapter 4

   Interviewer M. explores Allen's descent into murder through 35 hours of interviews, revealing a complex understanding of his motivations.

4. 

   26 Mar 2026

   Chapter 3

   M. witnesses Allen's trial, hearing undercover recordings that expose a murder-for-hire plot, prompting M. to question their fascination with Allen's downfall.

5. 

   26 Mar 2026

   Chapter 2

   Priscilla shares her harrowing two-year odyssey of betrayal and survival after Allen took their son, revealing a story of resilience and loss.

6. 

   26 Mar 2026

   Chapter 1

   M. grapples with suspicion and family disagreement when Allen, a disliked acquaintance, unexpectedly arrives with his son, revealing a dark secret.

7. 

   17 Mar 2026

   Trailer

   M. Gessen, New York Times writer, interviews themselves about their evolving perception of their cousin Allen from fool to potential murderer.

Who has been a guest on The Idiot

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• M Gessen
• Harriet Clark
• Allen
• Priscilla

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.3 / 5

1,340 ratings

Spotify

4.5 / 5

452 ratings

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