Illustration by Damien Linnane 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, Gr ..read more

  Illustration by Damien Linnane 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 a lot more of Greg on the podcast Uncuffed, based out of San Quentin. 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 ..read more

  Illustration by Damien Linnane 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” © 2022 Op ..read more

  Illustration by Damien Linnane 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. Thanks to Whispering Sky for sharing her poetry with us. This episode was scored with music by Earlonne Woods, Rhashiyd Zinnamon, Derrell Sadiq Davis, Tam Nguyen, Lee Jaspar, David Jassy, and Antwan Williams. Big thanks to Acting Warden Andes and Lt. Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Ac ..read more

  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 here, or follow the EAR HUSTLE + link on our main page in Apple Podcasts. You’ll also get access ..read more

  Illustration by Damien Linnane 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. This episode was scored with music by Antwan Williams, David Jassy, Derrel Sadiq Davis, Rhashiyd Zinnamon, and Earlonne Woods. Thank you to Amber, Amy, Ashley, Barbara, Denise, Desiree, Gladys, Krista, Jazmine, Jessica, Shannon, Sherri, Stephanie, and Tera for speaking with us at CIW. Big thanks to Lt. William Newborg and Ac ..read more

  Illustration by Megan Piontkowski 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. A special thank-you to Shanna, for sharing your story with us. Shanna wanted to let listeners know about an organization that’s been central to her healing: Yoga of Recovery. This episode was scored with music by Antwan Williams, Rhashiyd Zinnamon, David Jassy, Fernando Arruda, and Earlonne Woods. We’re going on the road! Check out our upcoming tour dates here. Can’t get enough Ear Hustle? Si ..read more

  Illustration by Lamavis Comundoiwilla 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 it home. Episode artwork by Lamavis Comundoiwilla. Each episode this season will feature new artwork by a different incarcerated artist. It’s part of a collaboration between Ear Hustle and the San Quentin Prison Arts Project, which is part of the William James Association (WJA) and is also supported by California's Arts in Corrections program. Special thanks to W ..read more

  Illustration by Stan-Bey 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. Thanks to Officer Fernandez, Shannon Guillory, and Kelton O’Connor for telling us their spooky stories, and Lieutenant Newborg for showing us the door to the old morgue. Episode artwork by Stan-Bey. Each episode this season will feature new artwork by a different incarcerated artist. It’s part of a collaboration between Ear Hustle and the San Quentin Prison Art ..read more

  Illustration by J. Huynh 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. Thanks to Corey Woods, McCree Milligan, Isme Chavez, Lorenzo Miller, and Agent Eddy Yee. Thanks also to Pastor L.J. Jennings at the Dream Center, and the folks at Planting Justice, for letting our team visit. Episode artwork by J. Huynh. Each episode this season will feature new artwork by a differen ..read more