21 Episodes

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Leaving an organization or community often calls for an exit strategy – even in prison. In this final episode of season two, four men who are preparing to leave San Quentin share stories about what they’ve learned on the inside, and their aspirations, big and small, for life on the outside.Thanks to Chayne Hampton, Gus Lumumba Edwards, Michael Thompson, and Anouthinh Pangthong, aka Choy, for sharing their stories with us.Learn more about Re:store Justice, the organization that Choy now works for.Ear Hustle is produced by Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods with help from outside produce Pat Mesiti-Miller, who also comes in to lead the sound design team. This episode was scored with music by Antwan Williams and contributions from David Jassy. Our story editor is Curtis Fox and our executive producer for Radiotopia is Julie Shapiro. Finally, here’s one last shout out to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Davis, for their support of the show.And… that’s a wrap! For now. Thanks so much for hanging with us through season two; we’ll be back with season three and more stories this fall. In the meantime, stay current on all things Ear Hustle by signing up for up for our monthly newsletter, The Lowdown. Or tell us what you want to hear more about next season, by sending a kite.Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.

So Long

2018-06-2000:43:0827

Of the thousands of people incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison, no one is openly gay. No one. And only a few people are comfortable enough to talk about LGBTQ life inside. In this episode we dive in: Lady Jae returns to talk about living as a woman in SQ, and another inmate, who identifies as bi-sexual, shares his story.Thanks to: Lady Jae and Mike Adams for sharing their perspectives on LGBTQ issues, all the guys who talked to us in the yard, and to White Eagle for telling us about the sweat lodge at SQ, and sharing his friendship song.Ear Hustle is produced by Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods, with help from outside producer Pat Mesiti-Miller who comes in to lead the sound design team. *Down Low *was scored and sound designed by Antwan Williams with contributions from David Jassy. Our story editor is Curtis Fox, and executive producer for Radiotopia is Julie Shapiro. Find out more about the show at earhustlesq.com.Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Thanks to Nectar Sleep for supporting the show, thank you for listening, and happy Pride Month!

Down Low

2018-06-0600:35:1224

San Quentin houses California’s only death row for male inmates. And though it’s technically not far from the media lab, access to this area of the prison is highly restricted. Still, Earlonne and Nigel figured out a way to reach out to the guys there, and interviewed three men about daily life on death row.Thanks to: Kevin Sawyer for recounting his memory of the execution that took place at San Quentin in 1999, Father George Williams and Rabbi Paul Shleffar for sitting down with us in the media lab, and Steve Champion, Joseph Manuel Montes and Daniel Wozniak for speaking to us from death row. And as always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Davis for supporting the show.Ear Hustle is produced by Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods, with help from outside producer Pat Mesiti-Miller who comes in to lead the sound design team. This episode was scored and sound designed by Antwan Williams with contributions from David Jassy. Our story editor is Curtis Fox, and executive producer for Radiotopia is Julie Shapiro. Find out more about the show at earhustlesq.com.Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Thank you for listening.

The Row

2018-05-2300:43:5625

A “kite” is prison slang for a written note. Since Ear Hustle launched, we’ve encouraged listeners to send in their questions about the show and life inside via postcards, or “kites.” In this episode, Earlonne and Nigel dig into the pile of 1021 (!) postcards that have arrived from all over the world.So many people contributed to this episode: Thanks to all the men in blue and volunteers who tried to guess the most common question we get asked. Thanks to Kevin Sawyer for talking books; Adnan Khan, Eddie Herera, Khalifa Christensen and Shadeed Wallace-Stepter for talking TV; Luke Colondres, Antwan Williams, Kevin Sawyer, Greg Eskridge, E Phil Phillips and Jason Jones for singing TV theme songs; Bruce Brew Fowler for explaining his tattoos; Rodney Card Man Wiley for performing his magic; Maserati E for performing music for us, and big thanks for Officer Girard for being the first Corrections Officer to get on the mic. Now and always: thanks to Lt Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Davis for their support of Ear Hustle.Ear Hustle is produced by Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods with help outside producer Pat Mesiti-Miller, who also comes in to lead the sound design team. This episode was scored and sound designed with music by David Jassy and Antwan Williams. Our consulting editor is Curtis Fox and executive producer for Radiotopia is Julie Shapiro.Thanks also to NECTAR Sleep for supporting the show.Find out more at earhustlesq.com, including how to send a kite that might get answered in a future episode — just like this one. Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.p.s. That answer to your question about whether we have t-shirts for sale? Yes, we do.

Catch a Kite 2

2018-05-0900:34:0318

Parenting is never easy, but from prison it's especially challenging. In this episode, incarcerated fathers share their stories of striving to be present in their children's lives. One inmate reconnects with his son after 20 years. Another stays very involved through letters and visits. And a third gets the opportunity to give his teenaged son a haircut.Thanks to the fathers who shared their stories: Derrick, John and Maverick, and to Derrick Jr. for talking with us.Thick Glass was scored and sound designed by David Jassy and Antwan Williams, with contributions from Lee Jasper, Maserati-E and Charlie Spencer. You can download Thick Glass here. Find out more about the show at earhustlesq.com, including how to send us a question (by postcard) that might get answered in a future episode. Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.p.s. Speaking of parenting, have you ordered your children (or parents) an Ear Hustle t-shirt yet?

Thick Glass

2018-04-2500:37:4118

Looking good and feeling good matters just as much on the inside, as on the outside. But in prison, you can't just walk to the barbershop, or stop by the store for the products you need, to accomplish either. In this episode, guys share their favorite workarounds that help them feel more human in prison, both physically and mentally.Thanks to David Jassy, Wall Street, Jason Jones, Jesse Vasquez, Andres Yancey, Lady Jae, Eric Durr, Mesro El Cole and Nicola Bucci for sharing their workarounds. This episode included music by David Jassy, Lee Jasper and Antwan Williams.Find out more about the show at earhustlesq.com, including how to send us a question (by postcard) that might get answered in a future episode. Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.p.s. Speaking of looking good…have you ordered your Ear Hustle t-shirt yet?

The Workaround

2018-04-1100:34:3326

Sex trafficking crimes are hard to talk about. In this episode, Sara and LA share their individual experiences of being “in the life,” at the same time demonstrating the difficult, yet important work of restorative justice.Thanks to Sara Kruzan and Anthony Avil Scott (aka LA) for sharing their stories and for coming together to talk. You can read more about restorative justice and Sara’s work, here.Ear Hustle is produced by Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods, with help from outside produce Pat Mesiti-Miller who also leads the sound design team. This episode was scored by David Jassy with contributions from Antwan Williams. Our story editor is Curtis Fox and executive producer for Radiotopia is Julie Shapiro.Big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Davis for supporting the show. Thanks also to our sponsor NECTAR Sleep.Find out more about the show at earhustlesq.com, including how to send us a question (by postcard) that might get answered in a future episode. Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.

Dirty Water

2018-03-2800:37:3930

“Firsts” in prison can be especially memorable: the first time you meet your cellie, or leave the prison for medical treatment, or run your first marathon. Alongside these tales, Adnan Khan shares the story of his first visit from his mom, 13 years after he was incarcerated.Thanks to Adnan Khan for sharing his story and Shane, Michael Thompson, Rahsaan Thomas, Jason Jones and Antwan Williams for also sharing their firsts.Ear Hustle is produced by Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods. Outside producer Pat Mesiti-Miller comes inside to lead the sound design team. This episode includes music by David Jassy, Antwan Williams, Joshua Burton & Dwight Krizman Our story editor is Curtis Fox and executive producer for Radiotopia is Julie Shapiro.Find out more about the show at earhustlesq.com where you can also buy a brand new EH t-shirt! Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Eternal thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Davis for supporting the show, and to our sponsors Burrow and NECTAR Sleep.

Firsts

2018-03-1400:40:0832

Ear Hustle is back March 14th! To tide you over until then, here’s a taste of season two.Find out more about the show at earhustlesq.com, including how to send us a question (by postcard) that might get answered in a future episode. Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.

Season two preview

2018-02-2800:05:062

Music is an important part of Ear Hustle, and there are many talented musicians in the San Quentin community. Listeners responded so enthusiastically to the music in season one, we’ve highlighted a few of the songs and musicians who performed them, in this bonus episode – just in time for the holidays.Thanks to the these guys for contributing their musical talents to season one of Ear Hustle:“Trying to Carrying On” was written by Richie Morris and performed by Richie Morris, Dwight Krizman and Charlie Spencer of Quentin Blue.“Darn that Dream” was performed by Lee Jaspar (Original song composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Eddie DeLange.)“Worth It” was written and performed by Jovon aka Scoob Stacks aka Novoj Mills.“Jingle Bell Rock San Quentin” was written by Antwan Williams and performed by Antwan Williams, AJ aka Amador Gonzales and Maserati-E aka Eric Abercrombie.Ear Hustle is produced by Nigel Poor, Antwan Williams and Earlonne Woods with consulting editor Curtis Fox, outside production advisor Pat Mesiti-Miller and executive producer Julie Shapiro. Find out more about the show at earhustlesq.com, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @earhustlesq. Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Happy holidays, thanks for listening, and stay tuned for season two, coming next March!

Ear Hustle Bonus: Songs From S1

2017-12-2000:23:4421

Comments (135)

Sandy Mir

Hosts you do an awesome job! Lt Sam Robinson has a great radio voice too. Guys your music and courage to talk in the microphone are admirable. Keep up the great work.

Jul 15th

Nancy O

Thank you so much! I was so moved by the one guy that explained going to the doctor was like going on vacation. Or, just to feel the sun on your face. I love this podcast. Everybody has such wonderful voices. I am thankful.

Jul 3rd

Mounder Blue

Just caught up on this podcast Keep em coming

Sound Mind

i gotta say. thank you, my brother is in prison right now doing 5yrs. listening to this podcast so far has been therapeutic for me. i get upset thinking about it, and this helps a little.

Jul 1st

Jacqueline Meow

Just watched Ted Koppel interview this well spoken, absolute gentleman on a segment called "The Q" ....thats how I found this podcast...looming forward to some quality.......

Jun 30th

Jacqueline Meow looking

Maricela Diaz-Lofton

this is a great podcast ... great job

Jun 29th

Dezarae

I have been looking for a new podcast to listen to & this is great!

Jun 28th

Missy Jaye

im gonna miss u guys!! 😵😏

Jun 27th

Bryan Chapman

beautiful guys - just beautiful

Jun 25th

Chaayne Barron

Hey Chayne. My name is Chaayne. Awesome show!

Jun 21st

HARVEY MILLER

My favorite podcast. Looking forward to season three.

Jun 20th

Kristin Critchlow

MY FAVORITE PODCAST!!!!! can't wait for season 3

Nicholas King

Min favorit podcast!

Jun 17th

Ryan Gilligan

If You're reading the comments and trying to decide if this podcast is worth your time, do yourself a solid and listen to the first 3 episodes. excellent journalism at it's finest with comedy and tragedy mixed in.

Jun 16th

Ezra Fickov

Ryan Gilligan comments aside it is a fantastic show... tho in the 3rd episode they state quite emphatically, that what they offer isn't journalism.. but anecdotal stories you wouldn't otherwise hear, aka "ear hustle".

Jun 19th

April Myers Andress

Best podcast hands down.

Jun 10th

Heidi Corzine

lady Jay is a man who likes to dress and act like what is sterotypical female behavior as seen by men. That is why trans women act so drastically Unwoman like. It's extremely humiliating to think this man because he acts as he like all sexual priveledge men see women or want women to be. Get real Lady Jay hasn't been threw the fight real women have. They make real women look bad. women do not walk around wanting men to talk about their ass, boobs, ect. real women avoid this. real women actually call it sexual harassment and street harassment and we do not feel good when it happens. we feel fearful most of the time due to our reality of this patriarchal society who sees women as their property. Give me a break. trans people deserve human rights like everyone but please DO NOT CALL HIM A WOMEN. Are we not smart enough to call it what it is. whatever they want to be called I'm down with just NOT WOMEN.

Jun 6th

Heidi Corzine how did this get comment of the day?! please don't try to speak for women as tho they are a monolith. you disrespect, dismiss multiple groups and countless individuals with this shallow rhetoric... including yourself. staahp helping!

Marcus Phillips

Heidi Corzine well said I like a real lady. Lady as in a smart funny safistcaded woman not a stuck up wanna be but what he or she want to be even isn't what real lady's act like

Jun 8th

this is one of my fav episodes! Love Lady J and Mike for being so honest.. Get it Lady J 😊

Shari Frady

I was a prison nurse in Florida for many years. all of these stories so resonate with me. good job, keep it up!!

Jun 3rd

Linda Nancarrow Grimm

May 27th

My favourite podcast!

May 26th