Ear Hustle

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Ear Hustle?

What happened to Ear Hustle? Ear Hustle, the award-winning podcast that explores life inside California's San Quentin State Prison, continues to thrive as a leading voice in audio storytelling. Since its debut in 2017, Ear Hustle has released multiple seasons, earning widespread acclaim and a loyal listener base. The podcast, co-created by visual artist Nigel Poor and former San Quentin inmate Earlonne Woods, has evolved from a prison-based project into a globally recognized show. After Woods' sentence was commuted in 2018, he joined Poor as a full-time co-host outside prison walls. This transition allowed Ear Hustle to expand its storytelling, offering perspectives from both inside and outside the correctional system. The show remains active, consistently releasing new episodes that delve into personal stories, daily realities, and broader issues surrounding incarceration. Ear Hustle's continued success is a testament to its authentic storytelling and commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, making it a must-listen for fans of arts, theatre, and social commentary.

What happened to Tam from Ear Hustle?

What happened to Tam from Ear Hustle? Tam, whose full name is Antwan "Banks"

What is the Ear Hustle about?

What is the Ear Hustle about? Ear Hustle is a groundbreaking podcast that brings listeners inside the walls of San Quentin State Prison, offering an unfiltered look at life behind bars. Co-hosted by Nigel Poor, a visual artist, and Earlonne Woods, a former inmate, the show features stories told by incarcerated people themselves, as well as those who have re-entered society. Each episode explores topics ranging from daily routines, relationships, and survival strategies to deeper issues like redemption, hope, and the impact of incarceration on families and communities. Ear Hustle stands out for its empathetic, humanizing approach, challenging stereotypes and providing a rare glimpse into the realities of the American prison system. By blending poignant storytelling with high-quality audio production, the podcast has become a vital platform for voices often left unheard. Ear Hustle's unique format resonates with audiences interested in arts, theatre, social justice, and true human stories, making it a standout in the podcasting world.

What did Earlonne Woods do?

What did Earlonne Woods do? Earlonne Woods, co-creator and co-host of Ear Hustle, was originally incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison, serving a 31-years-to-life sentence under California's three-strikes law for attempted second-degree robbery and kidnapping. While imprisoned, Woods became deeply involved in storytelling and audio production, collaborating with Nigel Poor to launch Ear Hustle. His work on the podcast not only brought national attention to issues of incarceration but also showcased his talent for authentic storytelling and leadership. In 2018, due to his remarkable rehabilitation and the positive impact of his work, Woods' sentence was commuted by then-Governor Jerry Brown, allowing him to continue his work with Ear Hustle outside prison. Today, Earlonne Woods is a respected podcast host, speaker, and advocate for criminal justice reform, using his platform to shed light on the experiences of the incarcerated and promote understanding and change within the system.

Where does Ear Hustle come from?

Where does Ear Hustle come from? Ear Hustle originates from San Quentin State Prison in California, making it the first podcast created and produced inside a prison. The show was launched in 2017 as part of the San Quentin Prison Report, an inmate-run media project, with co-founders Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods leading the initiative. The name "Ear Hustle" is prison slang for eavesdropping or listening in on conversations, perfectly encapsulating the podcast's aim to share authentic, personal stories from within the prison walls. Supported by Radiotopia, a podcast network from PRX, Ear Hustle broke new ground in the audio world by giving incarcerated individuals a platform to share their lived experiences directly with listeners worldwide. The podcast's roots in San Quentin remain central to its identity, even as it has expanded to include stories from outside the prison, continuing to highlight the complexity and humanity of those affected by incarceration.