In the 1980s and 1990s, a concept artist in New York started an apology phone number. The idea was simple: people could call the number and anonymously apologize for their crimes. Some of the crimes were not that bad, like shoplifting. Most of the calls were people expressing their frustrations over racist feelings toward others or sharing that they had cheated on their partners. The problem was he also received dark calls about drug dealing, murder, and crimes against minority communities. The artist became known as Mr. Apology and his line was flooded with thousands of calls. Slowly but surely, Mr. Apology realized he couldn’t just listen to the calls, he had to do something with the information.
The Apology Line is hosted by Marissa Bridge, who knew Mr. Apology personally. He was her husband Allen. Bridge unpacks the early days of the line and how it affected all involved. The series will run 6 episodes, and at the time of this publication the first three episodes are free to listen to on all podcast platforms, but available in full for those with subscriptions to the Wondery App.
The Apology Line gives an interesting look into New York in the 1980s, and the criminal mind. It is easy to binge the first few episodes.
The Apology Line from Wondery is available now on all major podcast applications. You can also listen to the original recordings here.
