
Ear Hustle
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 10, 2020 • 56min
Nobody Comes Back
Getting out of prison means freedom, but this liberation often comes with caveats. In our final episode of the season, three formerly incarcerated people describe the unwelcome surprises that were waiting for them on the other side of the gates. Plus, Ear Hustlers respond to the murder of George Floyd and recent protests.Thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Acting Warden Ron Broomfield for their support. Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.Find out how Talib has been doing since this episode originally aired, in the Ear Hustle Plus episode “Where’s Talib Now?” To listen to all EH+ bonus content, sign up at earhustlesq.com/plus or directly in Apple Podcasts.
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May 27, 2020 • 46min
Tired of Running
Hollywood loves stories about fugitives on the run, but in reality that lifestyle is anything but glamorous, especially for those who get pulled in along the way. One woman reflects back on six years spent on the lam in Mexico, after her husband was charged with murder and their family fled south.We’re nearing the end of our first-ever spring fundraiser, and we need your help. If you can spare a little to support the show, go to earhustlesq.com/donate. Thank you!Thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Acting Warden Ron Broomfield for their support. Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.Find out how Talib has been doing since this episode originally aired, in the Ear Hustle Plus episode “Where’s Talib Now?” To listen to all EH+ bonus content, sign up at earhustlesq.com/plus or directly in Apple Podcasts.
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May 13, 2020 • 43min
Catch a Kite 5
Every season we answer questions from listeners in our Catch a Kite episode. This time around, formerly incarcerated people lend their experiences and lessons learned to a group of kids currently incarcerated at a juvenile facility in Madison, Wisconsin.
We’re in the middle of our first-ever spring fundraiser. If you can spare a little to support the show, go to earhustlesq.com/donate. Thank you!
And check out our new, limited-edition T-shirt, featuring an illustration by listener Anna Hicks.
Thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Acting Warden Ron Broomfield for their support. Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com.
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Apr 29, 2020 • 46min
Hold That Space
Four women share their stories of loving incarcerated men, and the challenges they face in maintaining their relationships, staying hopeful about an eventual reunion, and carrying on with their lives on the outside.
We just launched a month-long fundraiser. If you can spare a little to support the show, go to earhustlesq.com/donate. Thank you!
And check out our new, limited-edition T-shirt, featuring an illustration by listener Anna Hicks.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.
Thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Acting Warden Ron Broomfield for their support.
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Apr 15, 2020 • 53min
Sorry Means Nothing
One crime is treated differently than all others, both inside and outside prison. People who commit sex crimes against children are often ostracized, abused by fellow inmates, and deemed beyond rehabilitation. On this episode, we talk to victims and perpetrators about the causes for, and impacts of, these crimes.
A note: This episode includes disturbing content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Please use discretion in listening.
Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.
Thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Acting Warden Ron Broomfield for their support.
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Apr 1, 2020 • 56min
Us and Them
The relationships between incarcerated people and the correctional officers who guard their prisons are often as bad as you might expect. But sometimes, they’re a lot more complicated.Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com, where you can also sign up for our newsletter or send a question (by postcard) that might get answered in a future episode.We particularly want to hear from incarcerated people and their families about how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting them. Information on how to get in touch is on our website.Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.Thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Acting Warden Ron Broomfield for their support, and to CBSi’s “The Lost Tapes” for sponsoring this episode.Find out how Charles has been doing since this episode originally aired, in the Ear Hustle Plus episode “Where’s Us At Now.” To listen to all EH+ bonus content, sign up at earhustlesq.com/plus or directly in Apple Podcasts.
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Mar 18, 2020 • 42min
Locked Down Again
As the Coronavirus pandemic locks down parts of America and the world, we revisit an episode from 2018 about how the San Quentin community manages a prison lockdown.
During a San Quentin lockdown, the prison grinds to a halt, and men are confined to their cells 24 hours a day. What causes a lockdown, and how do guys survive the wait when boredom, uncertainty, hunger and isolation can push them over the edge?
A heads-up: this episode contains discussion of suicide and self-harm — listener discretion is advised. You can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com, where you can also sign up for our newsletter and or send a question (by postcard) that might get answered in a future episode. Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.
Thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Acting Warden Ron Broomfield for their support.
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Mar 4, 2020 • 40min
Myths & Monikers
In prison, almost everyone has a nickname, and whether true or not, nearly every nickname has a story behind it. If that story is good enough, it might just become the stuff of legend.A heads-up: This episode contains discussion of sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised.Find a full list of episode credits at earhustlesq.com, where you can also sign up for our newsletter and get the details on our T-shirt design contest. Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.Thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Acting Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the new season, and to Native, Article, Sony Music Entertainment, Wrongful Conviction and Stanford Children’s Hospital for sponsoring this episode.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.
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Feb 20, 2020 • 11min
Ear Hustle Extra: In It for the Long Haul
In honor of the launch of “Over the Road,” Radiotopia’s new show about long-haul trucking, Earlonne and Nigel talk with a formerly incarcerated truck driver about being a woman in a male-dominated profession, and about how she stays safe on the open road.
This episode is part of a network-wide project to welcome “Over the Road” into the Radiotopia family. Head to overtheroad.fm for more information about the show.
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Nov 27, 2019 • 6min
A Message from Ear Hustle
Back in 2016, our podcast network, Radiotopia, made the Ear Hustle dream a reality. In honor of Radiotopia’s annual fundraiser, Nigel and Earlonne dream a little about what other podcasts they might make one day.
To support the network that supports Ear Hustle’s dreams, visit radiotopia.fm today.
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