Ear Hustle

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Ear Hustle brings you the daily realities of life inside prison shared by those living it, and stories from the outside, post-incarceration. The podcast is a partnership between Nigel Poor, a Bay Area visual artist, and Earlonne Woods, formerly incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison, and was co-founded with former San Quentin resident Antwan Williams. The Ear Hustle team works in the San Francisco Bay Area, both in San Quentin State Prison’s media lab and from offices on the outside, to produce stories that are sometimes difficult, often funny and always honest. Episodes offer a nuanced view of people involved with the American prison system and those reintegrating into society after serving time.

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • Planet W
    You got me with The Preacher
    Nigel I really appreciate the way you approached The Preacher. The honesty and the way you questioned him left me exhausted but relieved that you took nothing at face value. You asked the questions we all need to ask when people commit horrendous crimes and then seek forgiveness and redemption through a conversion to a faith. Love your podcast. Thanks to all of you who put it together.
  • 15364379
    I’m humbled.
    Thank you for this show. I seek out new perspectives to become a better human being and to treat others with kindness and compassion. This show has taught me more wisdom than I could have ever imagined.
  • SamGray1212
    Not the same focus as before
    The early episodes of Ear Hustle were absolutely fantastic with giving insight to the inmates in San Quintin. As more time has evolved, I think less focus has been given to the whole concept of why ear hustle was developed in the first place, and now seems to be constantly monetizing on what they can get and losing focus on why this podcast was born and created
  • Audrey Cherry
    Brimming with Nuance and Integrity
    Earhustle is a gift. Each episode is brimming with nuance, insight and integrity.
  • Die hard Ear hustle consumer
    BEST PODCAST IN THE WORLD
    Whoever don’t like ear hustle is a hater str8 up. This the best podcast to ever hit y’all ears.
  • Forever Tulsa Girl
    Best podcast ever
    This podcast is very entertaining and informative. I love documentaries so this is right up my alley. This is the first podcast I listened to and it is by far still my favorite. Can’t wait for new episodes.
  • Laura North Carolina
    Love ya all
    I ve been listening for years now, and you’re creativity and ability to get me thinking deeper is fantastic. You’re doing an amazing job at bridging the gap in prejudices at us on the outside towards those that have lived inside. You’re a perfect pair thanks!
  • Stephie376
    Unbelievable
    Women have been raped or worse by so-called trans women in jails and prisons across the country. The vast majority of women in prison had at one point been victimized by men. And now they are actively being re-victimized. Where are their stories? Who is going to protect them? Why is it wrong to demand woman only spaces? I’m extremely disappointed with you all.
  • ErinaCora
    Amazing show
    I LOVE Ear Hustle and have been listening since the show first came out. I listen to a lot of podcasts, but it is my favorite one. It is a very well-rounded show: interesting, informative, moving, sometimes funny, and sometimes sad. You can really see how much thoughtfulness and care go into making each episode. Earlonne Woods and Nigel Poor are also incredible hosts. Each episode is unique and keeps me interested and looking forward to what comes next. Keep the episodes coming!
  • Nichole Renee89
    Here since the beginning!
    I’ve been listening to this podcast since day one and I’ve loved every episode. I’ve cried, laughed, and learned so many new things. Thank you for showing the outside what it’s like on the inside and for the respect you show in every conversation and story. Keep up the amazing work!
  • Wheelsmo
    Great episode
    Saber tooth cat was excellent. Love the old timers stories! His second round of singing made me misty. COVID sure hit the older prison population really hard. Thanks for always keepin it real ❤️
  • mooremovie
    Eye opening, heart opening, always interesting.
    Actually my favorite podcast.
  • elwurd
    Riveting
    Great podcast about human nature from people who have experienced a lot.
  • whelanke
    Enjoy listening!
    Wonderful listen and perspective
  • Bocajr5553
    Dream On Episode
    This was such a boring episode! Come on, guys!
  • mlmcc61
    LISTEN TO EVERY EPISODE!
    It’s hard to put into words how much I love Ear Hustle! I first heard about it on This American Life, and after listening to a few episodes, I decided to go back to the very first episode and listen through the entire podcast. I spent weeks listening to only Ear Hustle, which I don’t think I’ve ever done with any other podcast. It is at times funny & light, at times completely profound. I have cried and laughed throughout. I have completely fallen in love with the hosts, the stories and the people they are about. It is truly unlike any other podcast I have listened to and I just cannot recommend it enough.
  • HowDarrethYou
    Congratulations NewYork🫶
    I love this podcast. Thank you for sharing these stories, relaying perspectives, and opening hearts! My 2020 binge is where it began. Total fan!!
  • howareallthenicknamestaken
    Love this!
    I adore this podcast. Thank you to all of you that have the courage to share your story.
  • c-crash
    New listener
    Very interesting I’m going to check this out
  • hayley_b_nyc
    Incredible
    I’ve listened to most episodes more than once and recommended it to most people I know. This podcast is a masterwork; profound, unique, thought-provoking, intense, and not without a sense of humor when appropriate. It’s truly wonderful and I wish it was mandatory listening for all!
  • Daniel James - Life Coach
    Amazing Show
    New listener here and I can see why Ear Hustle has such great reviews. Having been in prison and turned my life around it’s great hearing others do the same.
  • Kat S 81
    Episode “Karen” - Wow!
    Just listened to “Karen” - what an amazing and profound episode!
  • tt👾👾☠️🤓
    Ear Hustle
    Omg.. I have listened to every episode, and nothing has touched me like this one! My heart goes out to this woman! and Nigel, you are the kindest interviewer, she felt so comfortable to tell you her story. Thank you for your show. I wear your T-shirt all the time!! I am the mother of a formerly incarcerated son. I have a scrapbook of all of our photos in prison lol! He is out now and doing well. Thank you for what you do! Love, love, Christina ❤️
  • Steph0566
    My favorite episode.
    Just listened to the Karen episode and this episode was very vulnerable and heartbreaking. ❤️
  • Vdisawesome
    Compelling storytelling
    I’ve just been listening in the past few years and it really has changed my view of prisoners. I’m sure I’m not the only one. Also they don’t shy away from hard topics but it isn’t always about crime either. It’s a nice balance. I find the dynamic between Nigel and Earlonne that of mother and son. Very endearing.
  • アンドレア8675309
    Walking the Line
    Rating this is tricky, because I love this podcast. Five stars for the podcast overall. But I came here because of a particular episode in November that includes a piece on “laws of power.” Illuminating people’s humanity is a good thing. Shining light in seldom-seen corners seems a good thing. But, flirting with the idea that manipulating people is an art, is not a good thing. Please keep negative behaviors in perspective, and don’t go so far “in” that you shy away from commenting on them, or even seem to endorse them. I know people need to trust you in order to share their stories. But you risk losing the rest of us if you cross the line into making it seem all behavior is acceptable; you surrender *our* trust. Please call a spade a spade—in this case, clearly retaining perspective that deceiving, manipulating, and harming others for gain is wrong.
  • Lucy from SA!
    Zzzzzz
    Man, you guys were on fire in the beginning of your episodes, but I don’t know what’s happening every episode I get excited to listen and I am disappointed there Snoozefest. I literally fall asleep there so boring no action, no juice. come on let’s do better.
  • see_elephant
    Binging
    I’ve listened to podcasts for years and years and this one has risen to the ranks of This American Life which was how I got to this podcast in the first place (thanks to Ira for the rec). Incredible stories. Love it so much. Thank you.
  • Yayaluvslu
    More relatable than you’d think
    I love listening to Ear Hustle. Listening to Nigel banter with Erlonne and New York is always so much fun. It’s such a great experience to listen to unlikely friends tell stories of people you *think* you wouldn’t relate to. This podcast is so lovely and so human and so raw.
  • jilljillg
    Great podcast
    Hearing the stories of those that have changed their lives and found meaning and purpose while being in prison is refreshing. The hosts are engaging and keep you wanting for the next episode.
  • JamesMcNally000
    Really an amazing podcast
    Been listening since ep 1 and still absolutely love this podcast. It’s a must listen.
  • Hollleeerr
    Jovan Mills
    Which one of you podcast listeners is a recording executive and is going to sign Jovan Mills. That kid needs a deal.
  • Minnie-Rose
    Binge Worthy
    Heard about this podcast for the first time, about three months ago from MFM podcast when Georgia recommended it. I binged so quick. I have learned so much and I love the rapport of the hosts.
  • FaJoseph
    Powerful
    If you want to see different reporting of the prison system, listen to ear hustle. Warning - it can lift you up but also break your heart. It happened to launch right as someone important in my life was returning home from prison and I have listened ever since.
  • Paige Ski
    Incredible Storytelling
    One word to sum up this podcast: Humanizing. The storytelling and perspectives shared by this show are truly incredible and thought-provoking. I have such respect for the hosts and the way they’ve been able to connect those “inside” the system to those who are not - it’s a great reminder that we are all not very different when it comes down to it. Thank you for sharing these stories with the world!
  • Vegan_Train
    One of my favorites
    Always insightful, always solid and humanizing reporting. Love this podcast and the hosts.
  • janet from prescott
    Hosts are to into themselves!
    It’s all about the hosts now; all about me me me: used to be interesting until the narcissism set in!
  • ReptileGirl01
    Coolio
    It’s great.
  • AshListener444
    My Favorite!
    Thank you so much for your time, your voices, and all the stories that you share! Truly my favorite podcast!
  • EverFar
    Perfect
    Love it.
  • Indigo's Star
    ❤️❤️❤️
    the best podcast
  • js987!
    Amazing!
    The best of the great Radiotopia Podcasts! Can’t believe we’re at Season 10!
  • EmilyStone
    Five Stars
    If you’re interested in other people’s stories and experiences you’ll love this podcast.
  • genderbenderextraordinaire
    Highly Recommend
    Truly an incredible podcast. It makes me laugh and cry, and understand new perspectives. Everyone associated with the show is great. I would recommend everyone listen to this show.
  • JessicaWoody
    Humanizing the incarcerated
    I had never really thought much about prisoners and always just kind of relegated them to being “bad guys.”The stories from inside San Quentin humanize these prisoners. It’s not about whether or not they deserve to be there it’s about the fact that they are complicated human beings with lives and stories if their own. This is probably one of the best podcasts I’ve ever heard, and the only one that I’ve actually ever bought merchandise from. Keep up the great work guys!
  • MicMinneman
    Thought provoking
    Missed you guys this summer. Glad to have you back. This is truly one of my favorite podcasts. You don’t shy away from the toughness of prison life but do so in such a respectful way. The inmates you interview reminds me that we are all part of humanity and deserve basic rights and respect no matter where we are in life. And tonight I’m going to consciously think about laying down on my mattress as I go to bed - as suggested in todays episode. Keep it up guys.
  • phillylibrarian (retired)
    Highly recommended
    Kudos to Earlonne, Nigel, and "New York" at the start of another sure-to-be outstanding season -- looking forward to listening for the wisdom, humor, and humanity they bring out in their interviews. Also -- the music and production values are amazing!
  • BlkElleWoods
    Thank you!
    Congratulations on Season TEN! I’ve been listening since the beginning and look forward to more much needed stories that Nigel and Earlonne and the rest of the team continue to share. Thank you!
  • G8tr?
    Thank you Ear Hustle team
    Been listening to ear hustle since season 3 and don’t know why it’s taken me this long to write a review. Funny, heartbreaking, educational, compelling. makes you think about things in new way and brings humanity to an inhumane system. One of my favorite podcasts. Highly recommended.
  • nutterbutter28
    Strengthen humanity
    Ear Hustle is nothing short of amazing. The stories within broaden your compassion, your understanding, your knowledge of not only the incarcerated experience but truly the human experience and what connects us all. It will make you laugh and cry and light a fire in your soul for humankind and justice.
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