

Ear Hustle
Ear Hustle & Radiotopia
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 6, 2024 • 28min
A Rock Across a Lake
A unique episode based on a poem by Skye from prison, detailing the longing for freedom and simple joys. Delve into the deep connections formed within the prison community and the solace found in creative outlets. Explore the multifaceted self-portrait in the poem and moments of tranquility behind bars. Endorsed by prison staff, the episode also highlights promotions for Ear Hustle Plus and The Lowdown.

Feb 14, 2024 • 11min
Ear Hustle Extra: A Sneak Peek at "Cellies, with Commentary"
The podcast features a peek into the very first episode 'Cellies' with commentary from Nigel and Earlonne. They discuss behind-the-scenes moments, the question that bugged Earlonne, and how Ear Hustle has evolved. Sign up for bonus content and Ask Me Anything episodes for more quirky fun!

Dec 20, 2023 • 46min
Bunkies
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.
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Nov 29, 2023 • 42min
Shine Some Light
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
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Nov 15, 2023 • 47min
That World
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.
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Nov 1, 2023 • 38min
Do You Think There Are Ghosts Here?
The Ear Hustle team goes ghost hunting at San Quentin and the California Institution for Women, exploring spooky encounters, discussing the motivations of ghosts, and delving into the possibility of ghosts in the prison. They also talk about the eerie atmosphere of a haunted cell, personal beliefs about ghosts, and the benefits of signing up for their new subscription service. Plus, they recommend another podcast and highlight upcoming intriguing mysteries to be explored at America's largest public cemetery.

Oct 18, 2023 • 1h
San Quentin: The Magazine
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.
Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Oct 4, 2023 • 38min
Transitional
The podcast explores the concept of transitional housing after prison, discussing the challenges and experiences of living in these residences. It also delves into the importance of budgeting and saving money for successful reintegration into society. The hosts share personal stories and visit their old barber who recently got out of prison. In addition, the podcast highlights the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from prison, including finding stable housing and employment. One of the hosts shares her journey of reuniting with her lost child and the struggles she faces.

Sep 20, 2023 • 54min
Once You're in the Ocean, You're Going Everywhere
Prisons aging inmates navigate daily life, challenges and coping with elderly prisoners in California Institution for Women; Loss, guilt, Alzheimer's in prison; Living with a hidden crime; Grief and adjustments; Reflections on cremation and scattering ashes in the ocean

Sep 6, 2023 • 49min
12 Hours on the Yard
Experience a day in San Quentin's lower yard as documented by the Ear Hustle team. Explore themes of racial segregation, limited availability of vegetables, and maximizing small living spaces. Discover the atmosphere of the prison yard through activities such as soccer, tennis, and weightlifting. Gain insight into the count process and evening routines, as well as the importance of morale-boosting activities. The hosts wrap up with gratitude and exciting updates for the upcoming season.