Ear Hustle is prison slang for eavesdropping, and that’s what listening to the show feels like: a raw, often funny, and always surprising peek into the reality of life inside prison. Hosts Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods co-created the show that launched in 2017 while Earlonne was incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison, where Nigel was a volunteer teaching photography. Since Earlonne’s release in 2018, the show has expanded to include stories from prisons across the state, including the California Institution for Women, as well as stories about getting out of prison and starting over, post-incarceration.From finding romance, to grappling with a life sentence, to trying to parent via 15-minute phone calls, Ear Hustle stories deliver what This American Life host Ira Glass calls a “"very real” and “untragic” take on prison life. Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX, a network of independent listener-supported podcasts. Discover audio with vision at radiotopia.fm and learn more about Ear Hustle at earhustlesq.com.

While we work on our next season, launching March 3, we’re excited to introduce you to a new podcast series that we love, and think Ear Hustle fans will too. “Suave,” from Futuro Studios, tells the story of a man sentenced to life without parole when he was 17 years old, and his friendship with acclaimed journalist Maria Hinojosa.

 
You can find more information about “Suave” <a href="https://www.futuromediagroup.org/suave/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

While we work on our next season, launching March 3, we’re excited to introduce you to a new podcast series that we love, and think Ear Hustle fans will too. “Suave,” from Futuro Studios, tells the story of a man sentenced to life without parole when he was 17 years old, and his friendship with acclaimed journalist Maria Hinojosa.

You can find more information about “Suave” here.

Introducing “Suave,” a podcast series about the system that sentences juveniles to life in prison, told through one man’s story. 

Ear Hustle Presents: Suave

Inside prison, as well as out, some of us cling to stuff and some of us let go. In this episode: two cell-block neighbors engage in a gentle dispute, Tony attempts to Marie Kondo his future from inside prison, and Mesro won’t have his keepsakes disrespected. Thanks to our colleagues and collaborators inside San Quentin — Carrington, Mesro, Sadiq, and Tony — for talking to us about their stuff, and to Tony’s Uncle Eric for welcoming us into his home.   This episode was scored with music by David Jassy, Antwan Williams, E. Phil Phillips, Rhashiyd Zinnamon, Gregory Dixon, and Earlonne Woods. Big thanks to Acting Warden Andes and Lt. Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Parker, Associate Warden Lewis, and Lt. Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show. Support our team and get even more Ear Hustle by subscribing to Ear Hustle Plus today. Sign up at <a href="https://earhustlesq.com/plus">earhustlesq.com/plus</a> or directly in Apple Podcasts. (And while you’re there, leave us a review!) Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX.

Inside prison, as well as out, some of us cling to stuff and some of us let go. In this episode: two cell-block neighbors engage in a gentle dispute, Tony attempts to Marie Kondo his future from inside prison, and Mesro won’t have his keepsakes disrespected.
Thanks to our colleagues and collaborators inside San Quentin — Carrington, Mesro, Sadiq, and Tony — for talking to us about their stuff, and to Tony’s Uncle Eric for welcoming us into his home.  
This episode was scored with music by David Jassy, Antwan Williams, E. Phil Phillips, Rhashiyd Zinnamon, Gregory Dixon, and Earlonne Woods.
Big thanks to Acting Warden Andes and Lt. Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Parker, Associate Warden Lewis, and Lt. Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.

Support our team and get even more Ear Hustle by subscribing to Ear Hustle Plus today. Sign up at earhustlesq.com/plus or directly in Apple Podcasts. (And while you’re there, leave us a review!)

Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.

Give the objects some respect.

Hope Lacquer

Twelve years ago, Nigel asked San Quentin resident Greg Eskridge to write a list of everything he owned in prison. That much, Earlonne remembers. The rest of this episode is a surprise gift, from one Ear Hustle host to another.  Thanks to Greg Eskridge for speaking and sharing his lists with us. You can hear more of Greg on the podcast <a href="https://www.weareuncuffed.org/">Uncuffed</a>, a podcast training program based in San Quentin and Solano prisons.  This episode was scored with music by Rhashiyd Zinnamon, Derrell Sadiq Davis, Antwan Williams, David Jassy, and Earlonne Woods. Big thanks to Acting Warden Andes and Lt. Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Williams and Lt. Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show. Support our team and get even more Ear Hustle by subscribing to Ear Hustle Plus today. Sign up at <a href="https://earhustlesq.com/plus">earhustlesq.com/plus</a> or directly in Apple Podcasts.  Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX.

Twelve years ago, Nigel asked San Quentin resident Greg Eskridge to write a list of everything he owned in prison. That much, Earlonne remembers. The rest of this episode is a surprise gift, from one Ear Hustle host to another. 

Thanks to Greg Eskridge for speaking and sharing his lists with us. You can hear more of Greg on the podcast Uncuffed, a podcast training program based in San Quentin and Solano prisons. 

This episode was scored with music by Rhashiyd Zinnamon, Derrell Sadiq Davis, Antwan Williams, David Jassy, and Earlonne Woods.
Big thanks to Acting Warden Andes and Lt. Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Williams and Lt. Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.

Support our team and get even more Ear Hustle by subscribing to Ear Hustle Plus today. Sign up at earhustlesq.com/plus or directly in Apple Podcasts. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.

Nigel surprises Earlonne with a story about one of their long-time colleagues inside San Quentin.

Five Mirrors

A bucolic garden, six kinds of breakfast cereal, and around-the-clock bedside vigil: How one California prison is trying to mitigate the fears and unknowns of dying inside prison.

Thanks to Joseph Bick, Michele DiTomas, Terrance Harris, Allan Hickman, Gerard Hite, Jerry Judson, Keith Knauf, Alan Krenitsky, Kenneth Langill, Jeff Maria, Earl Miller, Michael Powell, and Frederick Roberts for speaking to us for this episode.

This episode was scored with music by Rhashiyd Zinnamon, Fernando Arruda, Antwan Williams, and Earlonne Woods.

“Down The Hall” Performed by Bonnie Raitt © 2022 Redwing Records, LLC. © 2022 Open Secret Music (ASCAP) – Administered by Bluewater Music Services Corp. Used By Permission. All Rights Reserved.

Big thanks to Acting Warden Smith and Lt. Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Hill and Lt. Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.

We’re also grateful to Acting Warden Cueva and Lt. Gonzalez at the California Medical Facility for allowing our team to record inside the hospice.

Support our team and get even more Ear Hustle by subscribing to Ear Hustle Plus today. Sign up at <a href="https://earhustlesq.com/plus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com/plus</a> or directly in Apple Podcasts.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX.

A bucolic garden, six kinds of breakfast cereal, and around-the-clock bedside vigil: How one California prison is trying to mitigate the fears and unknowns of dying inside prison.
Thanks to Joseph Bick, Michele DiTomas, Terrance Harris, Allan Hickman, Gerard Hite, Jerry Judson, Keith Knauf, Alan Krenitsky, Kenneth Langill, Jeff Maria, Earl Miller, Michael Powell, and Frederick Roberts for speaking to us for this episode.
This episode was scored with music by Rhashiyd Zinnamon, Fernando Arruda, Antwan Williams, and Earlonne Woods.
“Down The Hall” Performed by Bonnie Raitt  © 2022 Redwing Records, LLC. © 2022 Open Secret Music (ASCAP) – Administered by Bluewater Music Services Corp. Used By Permission. All Rights Reserved.
Big thanks to Acting Warden Smith and Lt. Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Hill and Lt. Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.
We’re also grateful to Acting Warden Cueva and Lt. Gonzalez at the California Medical Facility for allowing our team to record inside the hospice.
Support our team and get even more Ear Hustle by subscribing to Ear Hustle Plus today. Sign up at earhustlesq.com/plus or directly in Apple Podcasts.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.

Facing the end of life at a prison hospice.  

What's Up, Michael Freeman? 

We’ve never based a whole episode on a poem before, but this one, by Sky, took us by surprise. It’s both a record of longing for all the things she can’t do in prison — sleep in a teepee, have a cookie jar, touch a rabbit — and a way of doing those things in her mind. 

Big thanks to Acting Warden Andes and Lt. Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Williams and Lt. Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.

Support our team and get even more Ear Hustle by subscribing to Ear Hustle Plus today. Sign up at <a href="https://earhustlesq.com/plus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com/plus</a> or in Apple Podcasts by tapping on the "Subscribe" button. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

We’ve never based a whole episode on a poem before, but this one, by Sky, took us by surprise. It’s both a record of longing for all the things she can’t do in prison — sleep in a teepee, have a cookie jar, touch a rabbit — and a way of doing those things in her mind. 
Big thanks to Acting Warden Andes and Lt. Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Williams and Lt. Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.
Support our team and get even more Ear Hustle by subscribing to Ear Hustle Plus today. Sign up at earhustlesq.com/plus or in Apple Podcasts by tapping on the "Subscribe" button. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

The many things you long for from prison and the compromises you’re willing to make.

A Rock Across a Lake

Season 13 is coming soon; in the meantime, here’s a glimpse of what’s going on in <a href="http://earhustlesq.com/plus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ear Hustle Plus</a>, our new subscription feed. In this excerpt, Nigel and Earlonne listen back to their very first episode, “<a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/episodes/2017/6/14/cellies" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cellies</a>,” and chat with executive producer Bruce Wallace about what life was like behind the scenes when Ear Hustle first stepped into the world, what’s changed since then, and the question in that episode that drove Earlonne nuts.

To hear the rest of the Cellies commentary episode, sign up at <a href="http://earhustlesq.com/plus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com/plus</a>, or follow the “EAR HUSTLE +” link on our main page in Apple Podcasts. You’ll also get access to more bonus content, including monthly Ask Me Anything episodes, where Nigel and Earlonne take on listener questions — the weirder, the better!

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX.

Season 13 is coming soon; in the meantime, here’s a glimpse of what’s going on in Ear Hustle Plus, our new subscription feed. In this excerpt, Nigel and Earlonne listen back to their very first episode, “Cellies,” and chat with executive producer Bruce Wallace about what life was like behind the scenes when Ear Hustle first stepped into the world, what’s changed since then, and the question in that episode that drove Earlonne nuts.
To hear the rest of the Cellies commentary episode, sign up at earhustlesq.com/plus, or follow the “EAR HUSTLE +” link on our main page in Apple Podcasts. You’ll also get access to more bonus content, including monthly Ask Me Anything episodes, where Nigel and Earlonne take on listener questions — the weirder, the better!
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.

Nigel and Earlonne look back at their first episode.

Ear Hustle Extra: A Sneak Peek at "Cellies, with Commentary"

In honor of our 100th episode (!), Ear Hustle revisits our very first one – “Cellies” – this time with a twist: Residents of the California Institution for Women tell us stories about “bunkies,” the good, the bad, and the…complicated.

Big thanks to Acting Warden Oak Smith and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Molly Hill and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Want one more way to celebrate Ear Hustle’s 100th episode? Sign up for <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/plus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ear Hustle Plus</a> today to hear Earlonne and Nigel listening back to their first episode, “<a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/episodes/2017/6/14/cellies" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cellies</a>,” reflecting on what was going on behind the scenes when Ear Hustle first stepped into the world, and what’s changed since then.

In honor of our 100th episode (!), Ear Hustle revisits our very first one – “Cellies” – this time with a twist: Residents of the California Institution for Women tell us stories about “bunkies,” the good, the bad, and the…complicated.
Big thanks to Acting Warden Oak Smith and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Molly Hill and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.
Want one more way to celebrate Ear Hustle’s 100th episode? Sign up for Ear Hustle Plus today to hear Earlonne and Nigel listening back to their first episode, “Cellies,” reflecting on what was going on behind the scenes when Ear Hustle first stepped into the world, and what’s changed since then.

Ear Hustle turns 100!

Bunkies

When she was in her 20s, Shanna was the victim of a violent attack. Ten years later, she’s ready to talk about the experience and the “full-time job” of recovery.

Big thanks to Acting Warden Oak Smith and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Molly Hill and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.

Can’t get enough Ear Hustle? Sign up for <a href="https://earhustlesq.com/plus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ear Hustle Plus</a>, our new subscription service. You’ll get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, access to live chats with Ear Hustle and other listeners about the show, and more! <a href="http://earhustlesq.com/plus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com/plus </a>

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! <a href="https://on.prx.org/3s6RrL5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Donate today</a> to support Ear Hustle. Thank you. <a href="https://on.prx.org/3s6RrL5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://on.prx.org/3s6RrL5</a>

When she was in her 20s, Shanna was the victim of a violent attack. Ten years later, she’s ready to talk about the experience and the “full-time job” of recovery.
Big thanks to Acting Warden Oak Smith and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Molly Hill and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.
Can’t get enough Ear Hustle? Sign up for Ear Hustle Plus, our new subscription service. You’ll get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, access to live chats with Ear Hustle and other listeners about the show, and more! earhustlesq.com/plus 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support Ear Hustle. Thank you. https://on.prx.org/3s6RrL5

A violent crime and its aftermath.

Shine Some Light

Nigel and Earlonne visit the largest women's prison in the world, the Central California Women's Facility, and speak to five people about building a life in a tough environment, and calling that place home.

Special thanks to Warden Anissa De La Cruz and Lt. Monique Williams for welcoming us to CCWF. Thanks also to Acting Warden Oak Smith and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Molly Hill and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.

Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! <a href="https://on.prx.org/3s6RrL5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Donate today</a> to support Ear Hustle. Thank you! <a href="https://on.prx.org/3s6RrL5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://on.prx.org/3s6RrL5</a>

We’re going on the road! Check out our upcoming tour dates <a href="https://earhustlesq.com/tour" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Can’t get enough Ear Hustle? Sign up for <a href="https://earhustlesq.com/plus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ear Hustle Plus</a>, our new subscription service. You’ll get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, access to live chats with Ear Hustle and other listeners about the show, and more!

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Nigel and Earlonne visit the largest women's prison in the world, the Central California Women's Facility, and speak to five people about building a life in a tough environment, and calling that place home.
Special thanks to Warden Anissa De La Cruz and Lt. Monique Williams for welcoming us to CCWF. Thanks also to Acting Warden Oak Smith and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Molly Hill and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.
Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support Ear Hustle. Thank you! https://on.prx.org/3s6RrL5
We’re going on the road! Check out our upcoming tour dates here.
Can’t get enough Ear Hustle? Sign up for Ear Hustle Plus, our new subscription service. You’ll get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, access to live chats with Ear Hustle and other listeners about the show, and more!
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Five stories from the Central California Women’s Facility.

That World 

Can a prison be haunted? And why are good ghost stories — inside or outside of prison — so hard to come by? The Ear Hustle team goes ghost hunting at San Quentin and the California Institution for Women.

We’re going on the road! Check out our upcoming tour dates at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/tour" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com/tour</a>.

Can’t get enough Ear Hustle? Sign up for Ear Hustle Plus, our new subscription service. You'll get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, access to live chats with Ear Hustle and other listeners about the show, and more! <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/plus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com/plus</a>

Big thanks to Acting Warden Oak Smith and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Molly Hill and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Can a prison be haunted? And why are good ghost stories — inside or outside of prison — so hard to come by? The Ear Hustle team goes ghost hunting at San Quentin and the California Institution for Women.
We’re going on the road! Check out our upcoming tour dates at earhustlesq.com/tour.
Can’t get enough Ear Hustle? Sign up for Ear Hustle Plus, our new subscription service. You'll get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, access to live chats with Ear Hustle and other listeners about the show, and more! earhustlesq.com/plus
Big thanks to Acting Warden Oak Smith and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Molly Hill and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Three stories of the paranormal, from San Quentin and the California Institution for Women. 

Do You Think There Are Ghosts Here?

If San Quentin were a magazine, what would it sound like? Ear Hustle’s new team inside – Sadiq, Steve, Tam, and the Two Tonys – delivers audio stories hot off the press, from the institution’s popcorn craze to its new tablets and those weird-looking gazebos out on the yard.

Big thanks to Acting Warden Oak Smith and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Molly Hill and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.

Thanks also to Katie Gilbert, Officer Wallis, and John Zeretzke at San Quentin.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

If San Quentin were a magazine, what would it sound like? Ear Hustle’s new team inside – Sadiq, Steve, Tam, and the Two Tonys – delivers audio stories hot off the press, from the institution’s popcorn craze to its new tablets and those weird-looking gazebos out on the yard.
Big thanks to Acting Warden Oak Smith and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Molly Hill and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.
Thanks also to Katie Gilbert, Officer Wallis, and John Zeretzke at San Quentin.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Five stories from our new producing team inside San Quentin 

San Quentin: The Magazine 

Producer Rahsaan “New York” Thomas takes us inside the parole-ordered transitional housing he’s been living in since getting out of prison. For many people, these residences are a godsend. For others, they’re a frustrating limbo between prison and being truly free. 

Big thanks to Acting Warden Smith and Lt. Berry at San Quentin State Prison and Acting Warden Hill and Lt. Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Producer Rahsaan “New York” Thomas takes us inside the parole-ordered transitional housing he’s been living in since getting out of prison. For many people, these residences are a godsend. For others, they’re a frustrating limbo between prison and being truly free. 
Big thanks to Acting Warden Smith and Lt. Berry at San Quentin State Prison and Acting Warden Hill and Lt. Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Where you live when you’re fresh out of prison. 

Transitional

Prisons weren’t designed for older folks, and the California Institution for Women is no exception. Nigel and Earlonne pay a visit to CIW’s Senior Center to hang out with a group of women aged 70 and up and hear their stories about aging inside.

Big thanks to Acting Warden Oak Smith and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Molly Hill and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Prisons weren’t designed for older folks, and the California Institution for Women is no exception. Nigel and Earlonne pay a visit to CIW’s Senior Center to hang out with a group of women aged 70 and up and hear their stories about aging inside.
Big thanks to Acting Warden Oak Smith and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Molly Hill and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Older residents at a women’s prison grapple with their regrets and dreams for the future.

Once You're in the Ocean, You're Going Everywhere

Inspired by the classic This American Life episode “<a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/172/24-hours-at-the-golden-apple" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">24 Hours at the Golden Apple</a>,” the Ear Hustle team documents one day in the life of San Quentin’s lower yard, from Haka dancing to dominoes; gospel to geese; and weight-lifting to waiting to get out.

Big thanks to Acting Warden Oak Smith and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Molly Hill and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Inspired by the classic This American Life episode “24 Hours at the Golden Apple,” the Ear Hustle team documents one day in the life of San Quentin’s lower yard, from Haka dancing to dominoes; gospel to geese; and weight-lifting to waiting to get out.
Big thanks to Acting Warden Oak Smith and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Molly Hill and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Sunup to sundown on San Quentin Prison’s lower yard.

12 Hours on the Yard 

It’s summertime! Which means the Ear Hustle team is off cooking up a new batch of stories for our next season — Season 12 — launching September 6.

In the meantime, we’re bringing you an episode from one of our favorite new podcasts, Violation. The series revisits a 1986 murder case, in which 16-year-old Jacob Wideman — son of award-winning author John Edgar Wideman — fatally stabbed his summer camp roommate. Violation explores the parole process, examining who pulls the levers of power in our criminal system.

Violation is a production of WBUR, Boston's NPR, and The Marshall Project.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.

It’s summertime! Which means the Ear Hustle team is off cooking up a new batch of stories for our next season — Season 12 — launching September 6.
In the meantime, we’re bringing you an episode from one of our favorite new podcasts, Violation. The series revisits a 1986 murder case, in which 16-year-old Jacob Wideman — son of award-winning author John Edgar Wideman — fatally stabbed his summer camp roommate. Violation explores the parole process, examining who pulls the levers of power in our criminal system.
Violation is a production of WBUR, Boston's NPR, and The Marshall Project.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.

While we're at work on Season 12, we bring you an episode from one of our favorite new shows. 

Ear Hustle Presents: Violation

In honor of Pride month, we’re serving up some of our best stories about the LGBTQ community inside prison, including: a love story set out on the yard at San Quentin State Prison; two trans women on their journey from a men’s prison to a women’s prison, thanks to a new California law; and the first-ever Pride parade held inside a Norwegian prison.

Big thanks to Warden Ron Broomfield and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Warden Jennifer Core and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

In honor of Pride month, we’re serving up some of our best stories about the LGBTQ community inside prison, including: a love story set out on the yard at San Quentin State Prison; two trans women on their journey from a men’s prison to a women’s prison, thanks to a new California law; and the first-ever Pride parade held inside a Norwegian prison.
Big thanks to Warden Ron Broomfield and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Warden Jennifer Core and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Stories about LGBTQ life behind bars.

Ear Hustle Extra: Pride Month Special

Is there such a thing as a prison uniform? Turns out, it takes two podcasts to answer that question. Nigel and Earlonne team up with Avery Trufelman from the Radiotopia pod <a href="https://articlesofinterest.substack.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Articles of Interest</a> to find out why incarcerated people wear what they do, and how they make it their own.

Big thanks to Guim'Mara Berry and Acting Warden Oak Smith for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Time is running out to support our spring fundraiser! Donate today to help us explore more stories from beyond San Quentin: <a href="https://on.prx.org/EH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://on.prx.org/EH</a>.

Is there such a thing as a prison uniform? Turns out, it takes two podcasts to answer that question. Nigel and Earlonne team up with Avery Trufelman from the Radiotopia pod Articles of Interest to find out why incarcerated people wear what they do, and how they make it their own.
Big thanks to Guim'Mara Berry and Acting Warden Oak Smith for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.
Time is running out to support our spring fundraiser! Donate today to help us explore more stories from beyond San Quentin: https://on.prx.org/EH.

Is there such a thing as a prison uniform? An Ear Hustle collab explores. 

Articles of Hustle

Over at San Quentin, a new preacher has started drawing crowds on the yard. He’s charismatic, soft-spoken, and devout. He says he’s a different man than he was when he committed the crimes that put him in prison. But how can he, or anyone else, really know?

Big thanks to Guim'Mara Berry and Acting Warden Oak Smith for their support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Donate today to help us explore more stories from beyond San Quentin: <a href="http://on.prx.org/EH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on.prx.org/EH</a>.

Over at San Quentin, a new preacher has started drawing crowds on the yard. He’s charismatic, soft-spoken, and devout. He says he’s a different man than he was when he committed the crimes that put him in prison. But how can he, or anyone else, really know?
Big thanks to Guim'Mara Berry and Acting Warden Oak Smith for their support of the show.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.
Donate today to help us explore more stories from beyond San Quentin: on.prx.org/EH.

How can you tell if someone’s really changed?

The Preacher

Imagine you’re an archaeologist tasked with going through someone’s garbage. What will you learn about their habits and desires, their values, and how they spend their resources? For seven days, the entire Ear Hustle team, both inside and outside San Quentin, stashed our trash, revealing some new and surprising things about each other.

Big thanks to Guim'Mara Berry and Acting Warden Oak Smith for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Donate today to help us explore more stories from beyond San Quentin: <a href="http://on.prx.org/EH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on.prx.org/EH</a>.

Imagine you’re an archaeologist tasked with going through someone’s garbage. What will you learn about their habits and desires, their values, and how they spend their resources? For seven days, the entire Ear Hustle team, both inside and outside San Quentin, stashed our trash, revealing some new and surprising things about each other.
Big thanks to Guim'Mara Berry and Acting Warden Oak Smith for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.
Donate today to help us explore more stories from beyond San Quentin: on.prx.org/EH.

The Ear Hustle Trash Challenge

Abundant and Passionate Trash

Can incarcerated women dye their hair? Do they have enough tampons and pads? What makes them happy, and how realistic is “Orange Is the New Black”? Ear Hustle listeners have questions about life inside a women’s prison, so we head to the California Institution for Women for answers.

To learn more about donating books to the library at the California Institution for Women, contact <a href="http://Ricky.DelaCruz@cdcr.ca.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ricky Dela Cruz</a> or <a href="http://Ashleigh.Lewis@cdcr.ca.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ashleigh Lewis</a> at CIW. To learn more about donating books to San Quentin, visit the <a href="https://www.friendsofthesanquentinprisonlibrary.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Friends of the San Quentin Prison Library</a>. To learn more about donating books to other prisons, visit the <a href="https://www.prisonlit.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Prisoners Literature Project</a>, or <a href="https://libguides.ala.org/book-donations/bookstoprisons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this list of organizations</a> from the American Library Association. 

Big thanks to Guim’Mara Berry and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show, as well as to Lieutenant William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for welcoming our team inside. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Will you be one of 1,000 listeners to donate during our fundraiser? Join us today: <a href="https://on.prx.org/EH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://on.prx.org/EH</a>.

Can incarcerated women dye their hair? Do they have enough tampons and pads? What makes them happy, and how realistic is “Orange Is the New Black”? Ear Hustle listeners have questions about life inside a women’s prison, so we head to the California Institution for Women for answers.
To learn more about donating books to the library at the California Institution for Women, contact Ricky Dela Cruz or Ashleigh Lewis at CIW. To learn more about donating books to San Quentin, visit the Friends of the San Quentin Prison Library. To learn more about donating books to other prisons, visit the Prisoners Literature Project, or this list of organizations from the American Library Association. 
Big thanks to Guim’Mara Berry and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show, as well as to Lieutenant William Newborg at the California Institution for Women for welcoming our team inside.    
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.
Will you be one of 1,000 listeners to donate during our fundraiser? Join us today: https://on.prx.org/EH.

Residents of the California Institution for Women answer listeners’ questions about life inside a women’s prison. 

Catch a Kite 8

For years, we’ve asked incarcerated people to speculate on the difference between life inside a men’s prison and inside a women’s. Now we’re finally getting answers, thanks to a 2021 law allowing transgender, intersex, and non-binary people to transfer to prisons that match their gender identity. For some, the law has been life-changing; for others… not so much.

Big thanks to Guim'Mara Berry and Acting Warden Oak Smith for their support of the show, and to Lt. William Newborg and everyone else at the California Institution for Women for welcoming our team.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" title="Radiotopia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

For years, we’ve asked incarcerated people to speculate on the difference between life inside a men’s prison and inside a women’s. Now we’re finally getting answers, thanks to a 2021 law allowing transgender, intersex, and non-binary people to transfer to prisons that match their gender identity. For some, the law has been life-changing; for others… not so much.
Big thanks to Guim'Mara Berry and Acting Warden Oak Smith for their support of the show, and to Lt. William Newborg and everyone else at the California Institution for Women for welcoming our team.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

A new law shakes things up for trans men and trans women in prison.

Do You Know Who I Am?

What’s the difference between an over-under and a lower-lower? How many pairs of underwear do you get in prison? And how long does a bar of soap last? We spend an entire episode with one San Quentin OG who schools us on the history of prison and what 46 years inside will do to a man.

Big thanks to Guim'Mara Berry and Warden Oak Smith for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

What’s the difference between an over-under and a lower-lower? How many pairs of underwear do you get in prison? And how long does a bar of soap last? We spend an entire episode with one San Quentin OG who schools us on the history of prison and what 46 years inside will do to a man.
Big thanks to Guim'Mara Berry and Warden Oak Smith for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

What 46 years in prison will do to a man.

Saber-Toothed Cat

San Quentin’s population is changing, and a lot of the old ways are dying out. But some prison OGs don’t want to let go of the past.

Big thanks to Lieutenant Guim'Mara Berry and Acting Warden Oak Smith for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

San Quentin’s population is changing, and a lot of the old ways are dying out. But some prison OGs don’t want to let go of the past.
Big thanks to Lieutenant Guim'Mara Berry and Acting Warden Oak Smith for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Change is hard.

OGs Got Hella Tricks

When you’re incarcerated, are your dreams set outside prison walls? Or out on the prison yard? Are they a comforting space to escape to? Or a painful reminder of what you no longer have? From lucid dreams to wet dreams to dreams of freedom, we ask how incarceration changes what you see when you sleep. 

Big thanks to Guim'Mara Berry and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

When you’re incarcerated, are your dreams set outside prison walls? Or out on the prison yard? Are they a comforting space to escape to? Or a painful reminder of what you no longer have? From lucid dreams to wet dreams to dreams of freedom, we ask how incarceration changes what you see when you sleep. 
Big thanks to Guim'Mara Berry and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

How does incarceration shape your dreams?

Dream On

After 22 years in prison, our inside colleague Rahsaan “New York” Thomas is now a free man. We meet him at the gates of San Quentin, and tag along for his first meal outside and a trip to Target.

Big thanks to Lieutenant Guim'Mara Berry and Acting Warden Oak Smith for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

After 22 years in prison, our inside colleague Rahsaan “New York” Thomas is now a free man. We meet him at the gates of San Quentin, and tag along for his first meal outside and a trip to Target.
Big thanks to Lieutenant Guim'Mara Berry and Acting Warden Oak Smith for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

We meet Rahsaan “New York” Thomas at the gates of San Quentin. 

Ear Hustle Extra: Welcome Home, New York

Lieutenant Sam Robinson has been with Ear Hustle since day one. As he retires from his post as Public Information Officer at San Quentin, we pay tribute to the man behind the mic.

Big thanks to Lt. Guim'Mara Berry and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Lieutenant Sam Robinson has been with Ear Hustle since day one. As he retires from his post as Public Information Officer at San Quentin, we pay tribute to the man behind the mic.
Big thanks to Lt. Guim'Mara Berry and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Ear Hustle says goodbye to dear friend and “approver” extraordinaire, Lieutenant Sam Robinson.

Ear Hustle Extra: Sam Quentin

While she was in jail awaiting her sentence, Karen was housed with a pregnant cellie on the verge of giving birth. At the time, the experience barely registered. It took us a while to understand why.

This episode contains references to suicide. Listener discretion is advised. You can reach out to the <a href="https://988lifeline.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suicide and Crisis Lifeline</a> at 988.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is under way! <a href="https://on.prx.org/3NQBrDp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Donate today</a> to support Ear Hustle and help us reach our goal of 1,000 supporters. Thank you. <a href="http://on.prx.org/3NQBrDp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on.prx.org/3NQBrDp</a>

While she was in jail awaiting her sentence, Karen was housed with a pregnant cellie on the verge of giving birth. At the time, the experience barely registered. It took us a while to understand why.
This episode contains references to suicide. Listener discretion is advised. You can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.
Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is under way! Donate today to support Ear Hustle and help us reach our goal of 1,000 supporters. Thank you. on.prx.org/3NQBrDp

An interview takes an unexpected turn.

Karen

If you have to serve prison time, Norway is the place to do it … at least that’s what we’d heard. Incarcerated people in Norway wear their own clothes, cook delicious meals from scratch, and even take short leaves to re-acclimate to society. Are Norway’s prisons all they’re cracked up to be? Ear Hustle takes you inside to find out.

Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! <a href="https://on.prx.org/3NQBrDp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Donate today</a> to support Ear Hustle and help us reach our goal of 1,000 supporters. Thank you. <a href="http://on.prx.org/3NQBrDp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on.prx.org/3NQBrDp</a>

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. Thanks also to Knut Eric, Joacim, Mina, Martine, and everyone else at Norwegian prison radio <a href="https://roverhuset.no/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Røverradion</a> who helped us out while we were in Norway.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

If you have to serve prison time, Norway is the place to do it … at least that’s what we’d heard. Incarcerated people in Norway wear their own clothes, cook delicious meals from scratch, and even take short leaves to re-acclimate to society. Are Norway’s prisons all they’re cracked up to be? Ear Hustle takes you inside to find out.
Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support Ear Hustle and help us reach our goal of 1,000 supporters. Thank you. on.prx.org/3NQBrDp
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. Thanks also to Knut Eric, Joacim, Mina, Martine, and everyone else at Norwegian prison radio Røverradion who helped us out while we were in Norway.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Ear Hustle goes inside Norway’s famed prisons.

What’s Dangerous About Trees

The Ear Hustle music episode returns! We catch up with some guys at San Quentin who are longing for love, and then, for the first time ever, we toss the mic to the ladies at the California Institution for Women.

You can find out more about Musicambia <a href="https://www.musicambia.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support Ear Hustle and help us reach our goal of 1,000 supporters. Thank you! <a href="https://on.prx.org/3NQBrDp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://on.prx.org/3NQBrDp</a>

Thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson, Lt. Berry, and Warden Ron Broomfield at San Quentin, and to Lt. Newborg, Mr. Mumm, Acting Chief Deputy Lewis, and Acting Warden Core at CIW.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

The Ear Hustle music episode returns! We catch up with some guys at San Quentin who are longing for love, and then, for the first time ever, we toss the mic to the ladies at the California Institution for Women.
You can find out more about Musicambia here.
Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support Ear Hustle and help us reach our goal of 1,000 supporters. Thank you! https://on.prx.org/3NQBrDp
Thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson, Lt. Berry, and Warden Ron Broomfield at San Quentin, and to Lt. Newborg, Mr. Mumm, Acting Chief Deputy Lewis, and Acting Warden Core at CIW.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

The music episode is back!

Wishful Thinking

From 180s and 270s to “just one long-ass hallway,” different kinds of prison architecture leave different marks on the people who live there. In this episode, like the last one, we explore how architecture shapes the experience of incarceration, and how people push back to reclaim space for themselves.

Learn more about the San Francisco Public Library’s 2022 <a href="http://sfpl.org/onecityonebook%5D" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">One City One Book</a>, This Is Ear Hustle, <a href="http://sfpl.org/onecityonebook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">at sfpl.org/onecityonebook</a>. And find out how you can watch the main event — Nigel and Earlonne live in conversation with Piper Kerman on November 3 — <a href="https://sfpl.org/events/2022/11/03/author-nigel-poor-and-earlonne-woods-moderated-piper-kerman" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

From 180s and 270s to “just one long-ass hallway,” different kinds of prison architecture leave different marks on the people who live there. In this episode, like the last one, we explore how architecture shapes the experience of incarceration, and how people push back to reclaim space for themselves.
Learn more about the San Francisco Public Library’s 2022 One City One Book, This Is Ear Hustle, at sfpl.org/onecityonebook. And find out how you can watch the main event — Nigel and Earlonne live in conversation with Piper Kerman on November 3 — here. 
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

The architecture of prison shapes how you do your time.  

Fences

Prisons are built with one thing in mind: surveillance. The architecture is designed to assert control and diminish privacy. But even in these spaces, people find ways to claim just a bit of privacy. In this episode and the next, we explore how individuals adapt to prison architecture. First: carving out pockets of privacy, real and imagined.

Listen to Earlonne guest hosting the podcast Wrongful Conviction <a href="https://lavaforgood.com/podcast/300-guest-host-earlonne-woods-with-caramad-conley/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Prisons are built with one thing in mind: surveillance. The architecture is designed to assert control and diminish privacy. But even in these spaces, people find ways to claim just a bit of privacy. In this episode and the next, we explore how individuals adapt to prison architecture. First: carving out pockets of privacy, real and imagined.
Listen to Earlonne guest hosting the podcast Wrongful Conviction here.
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Privacy is a glimmer of freedom. 

Pockets

Stories from our first-ever international reporting trip! From the nightclubs of Oslo, to Norway’s first in-prison Pride parade, to an incarcerated Danish guy who wouldn’t take no for an answer: Ear Hustle goes abroad, mics on, baby.

Each episode this season will feature new artwork by an incarcerated artist. You can see their illustrations on <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/listen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">our website</a>. 

Hear the full episode of the “San Quentin Prison Report” that we mention in this episode, <a href="https://www.kalw.org/show/crosscurrents/2013-10-07/san-quentin-radio-project-when-victims-and-offenders-talk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 

Is this your first time listening to Ear Hustle? Are you trying to convince a friend to start listening? For our tenth season, we’ve chosen 10 essential Ear Hustle episodes. Find those <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/essential" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Stories from our first-ever international reporting trip! From the nightclubs of Oslo, to Norway’s first in-prison Pride parade, to an incarcerated Danish guy who wouldn’t take no for an answer: Ear Hustle goes abroad, mics on, baby.
Each episode this season will feature new artwork by an incarcerated artist. You can see their illustrations on our website. 
Hear the full episode of the “San Quentin Prison Report” that we mention in this episode, here. 
Is this your first time listening to Ear Hustle? Are you trying to convince a friend to start listening? For our tenth season, we’ve chosen 10 essential Ear Hustle episodes. Find those here.
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Postcards from our first-ever international reporting trip.

Some Darkness and Some Light 

Sam Brown spent 24 years in prison not just denying his crime, but lying about it, over and over again. Finally, he decided to come clean. Would the parole board believe him?

Each episode this season will feature new artwork by an incarcerated artist. You can see their illustrations <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/listen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on our website</a>. 

Is this your first time listening to Ear Hustle? Are you trying to convince a friend to start listening? For our tenth season, we’ve chosen 10 essential Ear Hustle episodes. Find those <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/essential" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Sam Brown spent 24 years in prison not just denying his crime, but lying about it, over and over again. Finally, he decided to come clean. Would the parole board believe him?
Each episode this season will feature new artwork by an incarcerated artist. You can see their illustrations on our website. 
Is this your first time listening to Ear Hustle? Are you trying to convince a friend to start listening? For our tenth season, we’ve chosen 10 essential Ear Hustle episodes. Find those here.
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Lots of people lie about their crimes. Sam kept lying, for 23 years. 

Actual/Factual

Life in prison can mess with your senses. There are smells you can’t unsmell, and sounds you long to hear. Some tastes you forget about entirely, and some forms of touch are almost too evocative to bear. Five San Quentin residents reflect on the sights, tastes, touch, smells, and sounds of prison life.

Each episode this season will feature new artwork by an incarcerated artist. You can see their illustrations <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/listen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on our website</a>. 

Is this your first time listening to Ear Hustle? Are you trying to convince a friend to start listening? For our tenth season, we’ve chosen 10 essential Ear Hustle episodes. Find those <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/essential" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Life in prison can mess with your senses. There are smells you can’t unsmell, and sounds you long to hear. Some tastes you forget about entirely, and some forms of touch are almost too evocative to bear. Five San Quentin residents reflect on the sights, tastes, touch, smells, and sounds of prison life.
Each episode this season will feature new artwork by an incarcerated artist. You can see their illustrations on our website. 
Is this your first time listening to Ear Hustle? Are you trying to convince a friend to start listening? For our tenth season, we’ve chosen 10 essential Ear Hustle episodes. Find those here.
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Life in prison sure can mess with your senses.

The Five Senses

A special episode from Uncuffed: During the COVID lockdown at San Quentin, Steve and Darren both got unexpected letters that changed their lives.

This is the second episode of the new season of KALW’s Uncuffed, a podcast training program at San Quentin and California State Prison, Solano. They’re in the middle of an emergency fundraiser right now, trying to keep their training and broadcast programs going after their main funder rescinded a grant because of a bureaucratic error.

You can learn more and support Uncuffed’s work <a href="https://kalw.givecloud.co/uncuffed" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. Uncuffed is a production of <a href="https://www.kalw.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">KALW public radio</a> in San Francisco.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX.

A special episode from Uncuffed: During the COVID lockdown at San Quentin, Steve and Darren both got unexpected letters that changed their lives.
This is the second episode of the new season of KALW’s Uncuffed, a podcast training program at San Quentin and California State Prison, Solano. They’re in the middle of an emergency fundraiser right now, trying to keep their training and broadcast programs going after their main funder rescinded a grant because of a bureaucratic error.
You can learn more and support Uncuffed’s work here. Uncuffed is a production of KALW public radio in San Francisco.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.

From the show "Uncuffed": Two unexpected letters arrive at San Quentin. 

Ear Hustle Presents: Uncuffed

The Ear Hustle team is hard at work on our next season, which launches September 7! In the meantime, we’d like to tell you about a new podcast, hosted by Jason Reynolds. Reynolds is a New York Times bestselling author, and the Library of Congress' national ambassador for young people's literature. He’s ambitious, he says yes to everything, and he’s feeling overwhelmed. On the first episode of My Mother Made Me, his new podcast with Radiotopia Presents, Jason turns to his mother for advice, and discovers that overwhelmed is a feeling she knows very well.

Find out more about My Mother Made Me <a href="https://radiotopiapresents.fm/my-mother-made-me" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Also mentioned in this episode:

The latest season of <a href="https://www.wbez.org/shows/motive/8c9f445c-4f62-46d6-a7f6-dc70a835e99b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Motive</a>, from WBEZ Chicago, explores the culture and secrets of prisons in small-town Illinois.

And the podcast series <a href="https://www.deliberateindifference.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deliberate Indifference</a> examines how the Alabama prison system became one of the most dangerous in the country. 

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

The Ear Hustle team is hard at work on our next season, which launches September 7! In the meantime, we’d like to tell you about a new podcast, hosted by Jason Reynolds. Reynolds is a New York Times bestselling author, and the Library of Congress' national ambassador for young people's literature. He’s ambitious, he says yes to everything, and he’s feeling overwhelmed. On the first episode of My Mother Made Me, his new podcast with Radiotopia Presents, Jason turns to his mother for advice, and discovers that overwhelmed is a feeling she knows very well.
Find out more about My Mother Made Me here.
Also mentioned in this episode:
The latest season of Motive, from WBEZ Chicago, explores the culture and secrets of prisons in small-town Illinois.
And the podcast series Deliberate Indifference examines how the Alabama prison system became one of the most dangerous in the country.    
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

In My Mother Made Me, the new series from Radiotopia Presents, a mother and son consider what each has learned from the other. 

Ear Hustle Presents: My Mother Made Me

The jig was up for Ryan, so he told police he’d turn himself in. His mom had one request: a final family meal at Applebee’s. Plus, Earlonne and Nigel head to the intersection of Firmona and Marine Avenues in Lawndale, California, the scene of E's last memory before being locked up.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

We did it! Thanks to your generosity, we reached our goal of 1,000 donors and unlocked the $25,000 matching gift. Thank you! If you wanted to donate but haven’t yet, you can still <a href="https://on.prx.org/3KMxzRw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">chip in</a> and help us explore more beyond San Quentin.

The jig was up for Ryan, so he told police he’d turn himself in. His mom had one request: a final family meal at Applebee’s. Plus, Earlonne and Nigel head to the intersection of Firmona and Marine Avenues in Lawndale, California, the scene of E's last memory before being locked up.
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.
We did it! Thanks to your generosity, we reached our goal of 1,000 donors and unlocked the $25,000 matching gift. Thank you! If you wanted to donate but haven’t yet, you can still chip in and help us explore more beyond San Quentin.

From a booth at Applebee’s and the corner of Firmona and Marine Avenues in Lawndale, Ryan and Earlonne share memories of their final moments before heading to prison. 

Last Memory: Ryan and Earlonne

The day before committing the crime that sent him to prison, Michael stood in a parking lot in Bakersfield, California, and looked up at the sky. Twenty-two years later, Earlonne and Nigel visit that same parking lot, then return to San Quentin to tell Michael what they found.

If you need help for yourself or someone else, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or <a href="http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">suicidepreventionlifeline.org</a>.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

We’re more than halfway to our goal of 1,000 donors! <a href="https://on.prx.org/3KMxzRw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Donate</a> to help us get there and unlock a matching gift of $25,000.

The day before committing the crime that sent him to prison, Michael stood in a parking lot in Bakersfield, California, and looked up at the sky. Twenty-two years later, Earlonne and Nigel visit that same parking lot, then return to San Quentin to tell Michael what they found.
If you need help for yourself or someone else, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.
We’re more than halfway to our goal of 1,000 donors! Donate to help us get there and unlock a matching gift of $25,000.

Michael’s last memory before going to prison is set in a parking lot in Bakersfield, California. 

Last Memory: Michael

This season we're flipping the script on our traditional Catch a Kite episodes, exploring questions asked and answered between San Quentin State Prison and the California Institution for Women. Do men in prison form unofficial families the way incarcerated women do? Do women sentenced for killing an abusive spouse receive fair sentences? Which candies from the prison package catalog appeal the most in both places? All of this, and more, in Catch a Kite 7.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Give us a boost and help us reach our goal of 1,000 donors by June 8! Learn more and donate today, at <a href="https://on.prx.org/3KMxzRw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://on.prx.org/3KMxzRw</a>. Tell us what Ear Hustle has helped YOU explore and why you're supporting the show. Leave us a voicemail at 1-510-906-1569, or send a voice memo to <a href="mailto:info@earhustlesq.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">info@earhustlesq.com</a>. Thanks!

This season we're flipping the script on our traditional Catch a Kite episodes, exploring questions asked and answered between San Quentin State Prison and the California Institution for Women. Do men in prison form unofficial families the way incarcerated women do? Do women sentenced for killing an abusive spouse receive fair sentences? Which candies from the prison package catalog appeal the most in both places? All of this, and more, in Catch a Kite 7.
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.
Give us a boost and help us reach our goal of 1,000 donors by June 8! Learn more and donate today, at https://on.prx.org/3KMxzRw. Tell us what Ear Hustle has helped YOU explore and why you're supporting the show. Leave us a voicemail at 1-510-906-1569, or send a voice memo to info@earhustlesq.com. Thanks!

Incarcerated men are from Mars; incarcerated women are from Venus.

Catch a Kite 7

Life in prison, without regular sex and intimacy, can cause all sorts of emotional and physical issues. Yep, we're going there — to explore the impact of this constraint inside prison, and for men and women seeking close relationships after they get out.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Support the show and become one of 1,000 listeners to donate before June 8. Learn more and donate at <a href="https://on.prx.org/3KMxzRw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://on.prx.org/3KMxzRw</a>.

Life in prison, without regular sex and intimacy, can cause all sorts of emotional and physical issues. Yep, we're going there — to explore the impact of this constraint inside prison, and for men and women seeking close relationships after they get out.
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.
Support the show and become one of 1,000 listeners to donate before June 8. Learn more and donate at https://on.prx.org/3KMxzRw.

What’s it like to go years, even decades, without intimate physical contact with another person? 

What Is This?

What happens to a prison town when its main prison closes? The residents of Susanville, in Northern California, are about to find out. Ear Hustle took a road trip to see how Susanvillers — both inside and outside the prison — are reacting to the news.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

What happens to a prison town when its main prison closes? The residents of Susanville, in Northern California, are about to find out. Ear Hustle took a road trip to see how Susanvillers — both inside and outside the prison — are reacting to the news.
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

In a remote part of Northern California, a prison town is losing its oldest prison. Ear Hustle took a road trip to hear how Susanvillers are reacting to the news. 

Gabrieleen Silver Queen

Six massive murals span hundreds of feet across the walls of a San Quentin chow hall, depicting the history of California in epic scale and detail. Residents of San Quentin eat their meals surrounded by this artwork, and thousands of people see it every year. The murals have inspired countless myths and mysteries, but for a long time, little was known about the artist who painted them. In this episode, we go in search of Alfredo Santos.

You can see photos of the the San Quentin murals <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/episodes/2022/3/30/is-your-name-alfredo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">at our website</a>.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Six massive murals span hundreds of feet across the walls of a San Quentin chow hall, depicting the history of California in epic scale and detail. Residents of San Quentin eat their meals surrounded by this artwork, and thousands of people see it every year. The murals have inspired countless myths and mysteries, but for a long time, little was known about the artist who painted them. In this episode, we go in search of Alfredo Santos.
You can see photos of the the San Quentin murals at our website.
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

The mysteries behind San Quentin’s epic murals.

Is Your Name Alfredo?

We talk about love on Ear Hustle, plenty, but it’s hard to think of prison as a “romantic” place. What does dating look and feel like, on the inside? Against all odds, sometimes true love prevails.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Thanks also to everyone who called in to tell us their one-minute love stories. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

We talk about love on Ear Hustle, plenty, but it’s hard to think of prison as a “romantic” place. What does dating look and feel like, on the inside? Against all odds, sometimes true love prevails.
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Thanks also to everyone who called in to tell us their one-minute love stories. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Falling in love, in prison. 

Boots and Max

In California and many other states, calls from prison are limited to 15 minutes and are monitored, recorded, and often difficult to come by. But whether you’re trying to fix a marriage or a broken wall heater, these short conversations are a lifeline for family on the outside.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

In California and many other states, calls from prison are limited to 15 minutes and are monitored, recorded, and often difficult to come by. But whether you’re trying to fix a marriage or a broken wall heater, these short conversations are a lifeline for family on the outside.
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Life lived through 15-minute phone calls.

15 Minutes

Sometimes, when you’re up against a big state institution, you have to make some trouble. For this mini-episode, part of Radiotopia’s winter <a href="https://on.prx.org/35Ywvdz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fundraiser</a>, we share a few stories about incarcerated people trying to effect small change but not always getting the results they want.

This special episode of Ear Hustle is a part of Radiotopia’s winter fundraiser. Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories. Donate today at <a href="https://on.prx.org/35Ywvdz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">radiotopia.fm</a>. Thank you!

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Sometimes, when you’re up against a big state institution, you have to make some trouble. For this mini-episode, part of Radiotopia’s winter fundraiser, we share a few stories about incarcerated people trying to effect small change but not always getting the results they want.
This special episode of Ear Hustle is a part of Radiotopia’s winter fundraiser. Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories. Donate today at radiotopia.fm. Thank you!
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Stories about trying to get what you want, inside prison. 

Ear Hustle Extra: Making Trouble

We’re between seasons but have an exciting update to share with listeners: Our friend and colleague Rahsaan “New York” Thomas’ prison sentence has been commuted by California Governor Gavin Newsom. What does this mean for Rahsaan’s release from San Quentin?

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

We’re between seasons but have an exciting update to share with listeners: Our friend and colleague Rahsaan “New York” Thomas’ prison sentence has been commuted by California Governor Gavin Newsom. What does this mean for Rahsaan’s release from San Quentin?
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Our inside colleague Rahsaan “New York” Thomas’ prison sentence has been commuted by California Governor Gavin Newsom. What does that mean for him? 

Ear Hustle Extra: A Call from Sacramento

While Ear Hustle works on its next season, which starts March 2, we wanted to introduce you to the podcast <a href="http://lemonadamedia.com/show/writtenoff/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Written Off</a>. It features formerly incarcerated young writers talking about their journeys and creative processes. In this episode, host Walter Thompson-Hernández talks with writer Candice Price, and actor Keke Palmer performs one of Price’s pieces.

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the resources below for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor anytime:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text line: Text “Connect” to 741-741

The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

While Ear Hustle works on its next season, which starts March 2, we wanted to introduce you to the podcast Written Off. It features formerly incarcerated young writers talking about their journeys and creative processes. In this episode, host Walter Thompson-Hernández talks with writer Candice Price, and actor Keke Palmer performs one of Price’s pieces.
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the resources below for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor anytime:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text line: Text “Connect” to 741-741
The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Introducing Written Off, a podcast featuring formerly incarcerated young writers.

Ear Hustle Presents: Written Off

This past fall, we followed a group of kids into Salinas Valley State Prison to spend two days with their dads, whom they hadn’t seen in years. Through music, crafts, and games, the idea behind Camp Grace is to put aside prison personas and reconnect with fatherhood. But relationships strained by incarceration can be hard to fix.

Find out more about Camp Grace <a href="https://theplace4grace.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

This past fall, we followed a group of kids into Salinas Valley State Prison to spend two days with their dads, whom they hadn’t seen in years. Through music, crafts, and games, the idea behind Camp Grace is to put aside prison personas and reconnect with fatherhood. But relationships strained by incarceration can be hard to fix.
Find out more about Camp Grace here.
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

The roses and thorns of being a dad from prison.

Camp Grace

Earlier this year, some of the Ear Hustle team spent a month living under a specific set of constraints informed by the daily routines of our inside colleagues, changing the way we ate, got dressed, and exercised. The goal wasn’t to replicate prison life, but to see how constraint shapes the way we experience the world. We report back on what was hard, what was surprising, and what we discovered along the way. 
 
You can learn more about the Ear Hustle Challenge <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/challenge" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> and about Tehching Hsieh’s performance art that inspired it <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/arts/design/19perf.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. 

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Earlier this year, some of the Ear Hustle team spent a month living under a specific set of constraints informed by the daily routines of our inside colleagues, changing the way we ate, got dressed, and exercised. The goal wasn’t to replicate prison life, but to see how constraint shapes the way we experience the world. We report back on what was hard, what was surprising, and what we discovered along the way.
here and about Tehching Hsieh’s performance art that inspired it here. 
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.

Behind the scenes of the 30-Day Ear Hustle Challenge.

Tray, Tumbler, Spork

Sports in prison are more than just games. They can be an outlet for stress, the realization of dreams deferred, or a positive way to prove oneself to peers and family. In this episode, one player battles for acceptance and a spot on the San Quentin baseball team, a two-time Super Bowl champion goes from partying with the Patriots to living in a 5x9 cell, and resident sports reporter Rahsaan “New York” Thomas attempts to win a one-on-one basketball game on behalf of all the nerds.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 

Ear Hustle is a proud member of <a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radiotopia</a>, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at <a href="https://www.earhustlesq.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">earhustlesq.com</a>.

Sports in prison are more than just games. They can be an outlet for stress, the realization of dreams deferred, or a positive way to prove oneself to peers and family. In this episode, one player battles for acceptance and a spot on the San Quentin baseball team, a two-time Super Bowl champion goes from partying with the Patriots to living in a 5x9 cell, and resident sports reporter Rahsaan “New York” Thomas attempts to win a one-on-one basketball game on behalf of all the nerds.
As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show. 
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.