Bernie Madoff Image by Getty Images

Almost a decade after he was arrested for running the largest Ponzi scheme in financial history, Bernie Madoff is opening up about his life and experiences with journalist Steve Fishman in a new podcast called “Ponzi Supernova.”

“We’re running through his story and we’ve developed a kind of rapport. I mean, you know, there’s a different generation, Jewish roots, New York area, this is a guy who’s familiar to me,” the writer said, describing his phone conversations to the public radio program “Radiolab.” He also said that Madoff reminded him of his “uncle.”

Fishman had been trying to get in touch with Madoff for years, sending him letters and novels at his North Carolina medium-security prison, where he’s serving an 150-year sentence. According to him, the disgraced investor one day rang him at his home, leading the two to form a relationship.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

There are some fun vignettes that Fishman uncovers — like how Madoff cornered the prison market on hot chocolate, or how he goes to a therapist in prison every week (you can take the Jew out of New York …). But there’s also serious talk about how the Madoff family has fallen apart in the wake of scandal, with Madoff’s two sons dying since their father’s conviction, with Andrew Madoff succumbing to lymphoma and Mark Madoff dying from his own hand.

Contact Daniel J. Solomon at [email protected] or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon

A message from our Publisher & CEO Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount