Ear Hustle

by Ear Hustle & Radiotopia
19,409
Society & Culture #168, Documentary #17

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.

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Recent Reviews
  • Awesomenesslyamazing
    Enjoyable but needs refining.
    I enjoy listening to this podcast but I will say Nigel gets very annoying. She often times tries to push her own ideals and views onto the people she should be interviewing not debating. I still enjoy it but I just skip through her parts where she’s being irritating.
  • lamumfia
    Earlonne is a treasure. Nigel is a visionary.
    Deeply human, compelling, funny, engaging, insightful, challenging, complex, and humanizing. Worth the download, and the time to listen. And listening to the arc as storytellers are released and transition to civilian life? Heart-expanding. Thank you for giving me so many people to root for in a chaotic and confusing world.
  • Itsmich2u
    Go back to your original content
    I used to look forward to new episodes. Now I listen to them and I’m not interested. Also, there is an older episode where Nigel does a terrible and insensitive interview of a victim of sexual assault. Go back to interviewing the incarcerated individuals. Those are the stories that brought us to this podcast.
  • Y'all mama
    Part 1
    Was he trying to be Sam Smith, or a ghost? 🤣🤣😆😆 LOL
  • 1sheek1
    Why???
    This podcast has changed so much. I used wait every week for the next episode. Now I just don’t care. Please do more stories on the inmates and what happens inside. I feel like you are trying so hard to come up with clever content but most of the episodes now are just so boring! No one cares about what books you are reading. 👎🏼 Listen to the first season and go back to that format. I’m sorry, I really love and appreciate you. But its just changed too much. 😞
  • Starrbrighter
    Election Episode
    I love this podcast. Always expands my thinking. However, in this episode, the non Kamala supporters cited her as the Prosecutor who keeps them in Prison. These people committed a crime. They are there for a reason. True to Trump supporters they are thinking in a false (self) narrative. They somehow aren’t accepting responsibility for what they did.
  • 04Heaven Slake
    Life changing life affirming insightful inspiring
    I’ve worked in jail and oftentimes work with people who have been in jail and prison. I oftentimes think there but for the Grace of God go I. It could be me in there instead of out here. Even tho I know it’s not exactly God but a lot of other factors. This show touches you deeply if you let it. It’s also funny tragic educational and real. It’s very very real. In a world with a lot of unreality.
  • PatonC
    Fantastic
    Thanks to Ear Hustle for giving us a glimpse, and making the incarcerated people full fledged humans. I’m truly thankful for every story. Thanks Nigel and Earlonne! You two are awesome! This episode on books was so good! I also love the guy who reads. His voice is so soothing. I’m sorry I can’t remember his name. New York??
  • Urbnphoto
    Consistently great
    I felt compelled to leave a review when I realized I’ve been listening for years and never done so. Each time I open the podcast app, if there’s a new Ear Hustle, it’s my first click. It’s automatic. Thanks for telling stories that never disappoint.
  • AvaraLorraine
    Compassion
    Ear Hustle is a brilliant peek inside an otherwise closed-off world of incarceration. The episodes are informative, honest and every single one (I have listened to them all!) is engaging. Most importantly, Ear Hustle brings a depth of compassion to every interaction with every incarcerated person. This podcast brings humanity and understanding to a population many want to write off. I have been touched by every episode and often moved to tears. Everyone needs to listen to Ear Hustle!
  • R4E-R4E
    Praise for Ear Hustle Perspectives
    Ear Hustle features fascinating personal stories about incarcerated individuals including experiences that led to their imprisonment, how they are adapting to life behind bars, rehabilitation, and sometimes even experiences after being released. Ear Hustle provides real insight into prison life and our criminal justice system. I love the sound quality, the interview styles, the music, and especially the perspectives of people that I would have never known otherwise.
  • artsdistrictchic
    Love the underlying tensions between hosts
    It is very easy to hear how the hosts feel about each other and how they feel about the show. It’s fun to hear those feelings evolve. The visiting host has always struck me as condescending. It feels like she is holding on to the fact that this was “her show” that she decided to include him in. As the show moves forward it’s more and more like, wait why is this lady here? She doesn’t need to be it’s weird. I think she should have just been a producer especially after he got out of prison. Erlon’s confidence is building enough to react in a normal way to the weird voice she uses sometimes, for example whenever she says “our show”
  • Modivo10
    Great stories and show!
    I enjoy how each prisoner interviewed gives us the story of his humanity, hobbies, gifts and talents. I so wish our prison system would allow prisoners to learn a trade or enhance skills of their talents. Allow them to become better individuals and gain confidence in themselves. When they are released, they have a much better chance of getting a job with the skills they enhanced while in prison and make them more valued in themselves, their families and in society. The story of Ear Hustle is a great example. Perhaps you can extend to the women’s prisons also? Thank you for such wonderful, compassionate stories!
  • Mad mad mad mad Jax
    Eye opening
    Educational and moving
  • AlexanderVincent
    Prison Fetishization
    This show is somehow non-abolitionist and has a vested interest in keeping people in prisons to profit off of “telling their stories”. Sure it’s great to humanize incarcerated people but the end goal should always be DE-carceration and creating a society in which prisons no longer exist. This show is gross and gives off savior complex vibes when in reality the creators have no interest in building a better world without human cages.
  • Jhbemmer
    As LT Sam Robinson would say!
    This is Lt Samual Robertson public information officer, for San Quentin state Prison, and I absolutely and wholeheartedly approve this Podcast! This is a great podcast, well produced and thankful it’s making a positive impact for those who are incarcerated. As it gives individuals a outlet to make positive changes in their lives. That’s a gift worth sharing.
  • Funky ^_^
    Amazing -update
    This podcast is so well done and insightful. Each season is just as great as the last. The mixing on each episode. The topics. #1 pod .
  • JamToli
    Absolutely Beautiful! 😍
    Prior to listening to this podcast, I used to see the incarcerated as the crimes they commit, but listening to ‘Ear Hustle’ has helped me to humanize these people. Also, it has taught me to be more grateful for the simple things in life; as small as I might perceive them to be, for example human touch, the feel of raindrops against my skin and just being able to make choices for myself. I have never thought about how important those things are. Thank you!!! You have open my eyes, my mind and heart. ❤️
  • Theme of the Day
    This is…
    So full of power and wisdom and truth. If you know someone inside, there is hope and humanity here. A reminder to the world, especially if you’ve never received a call from someone inside: the people in prison are people and you can hear them. It’s sort of a salve for my soul some days. I can laugh, nod, tear up, and feel immense gratitude that I can then go make dinner with any ingredients I like.
  • gormanpn
    Awesome.
    Awesome podcast.
  • orella
    One of the best
    Love this podcast I’ve been listening since the beginning. I’ve definitely suggested to many a friends Whom have asked for listening recommendations.
  • Rozie1703
    Great podcast!!
    Great podcast. Love the topics.
  • Things Are Messy
    Uplifting
    This show inspires me and opens my heart to the humanity of us all. Wounded persons reflect back our own woundedness and vulnerability. Ear hustle reflects it with humor, compassion and dignity
  • Japa414
    Love this show
    Been here since the beginning and love the stories being told. Especially love how they have branched out to cover women’s prisons and returning citizens.
  • saricon
    Amazing 🥲 podcast
    I can’t recommend this podcast enough! It’s simply beautiful, if that’s even appropriate to say for a podcast. This podcast has made cry, smile, laugh and completely think differently. I wish teenagers especially get an opportunity to listen to this show! Nigel and all the crew thank you! 🙏🏼 for making such a wonderful podcast
  • Riana Owen
    Best Podcast!
    I LOVE EAR HUSTLE! It is an interesting, beautiful, sometimes heart wrenching human connection caught on tape. Rather than using these interviews as a way to gawk at other people’s suffering, Nigel and Earlonne really allow them to be seen as multifaceted people, more than a single bad action. This show makes me think deeply and really helps to deepen my connection with the world at large.
  • Snowy_7
    Fair and Interesting
    I have been listening for years and will not stop. They approach each topic with compassion and fairness. No one is a winner or right or wrong. It is just sharing the stories to better understand one another.
  • RedValise
    One of the best podcasts around
    This really should be required listening — cannot say enough about how comprehensive, powerful, and healing this show is and the people who work on it, they are IN it! Total pros, also willing to get vulnerable and listen courageously. I learn so much every episode. My recent fave is episode 102, What’s Up, Michael Freeman?
  • baheielbfnek
    Insightful and Real
    I love the honesty and openness the hosts get out of everyone they interview. It’s a very eye opening experience to listen to!
  • Drea2550
    Not worth paying for
    Stop asking for money No other podcast I listen to asks for money
  • peggyreavey
    EH +
    An outstanding show. It stings to have supported EH from the very first show and then be shut out unless you pay. I know your brequest is reasonable and necessary. It still feels like a huge loss. Remarkable show.
  • Annoyed & Over It 2019
    Real & Engaging
    I love this podcast! I recently found it and have been hooked ever since. I love how these stories aren’t centered on the crime but surrounds the people! Big ups to all that have been freed, especially Earlonne! Keep doing what y’all doin!
  • PDXSean9
    Worth every minute spent listening...
    ...highly recommend!
  • singsvalto
    Eye opening
    I love the show and appreciate its ability to teach me important things.
  • bugeatmud
    One of the best
    This show is one of my absolute favorites. Nigel and Earlonne are great storytellers and have a strong, respectful friendship with their conversations building off each other. Ear Hustle tells intimate stories related to San Quentin without being exploitative. They’re sincere, genuine, and just engaging. I was hooked after the very first episode where they discussed how to create makeup while locked up.
  • veteran podcast listener
    In my top 10
    Everyone should listen to this podcast, it sheds light on the prison system and gives you an amazing perspective on incarcerated individuals
  • @EarHustle
    My favorite by far!!!
    Since the conception of the show I’ve been a faithful listener. Being a former inmate in North Carolina, I can relate to most of not all topics and have learned how society looks at formally incarcerated individuals. Erlon and Nigel are a great duo and I hope EarHustle last forever!!! Keep up the great work!
  • Aperrr
    Great show
    Nigel and Erlon are a great pair. Even though Nigel stands out like a sore thumb, she radiates comfortability, so that makes others comfortable to speak with her. Some of the stories are so intimate others are just kind of funny. Truly a great show.
  • Awesome😀👍🏻
    the garden
    Nigel, Earlonne and crew. This podcast is a beautiful experience, one episode at a time.. The way you delve into people and their stories is how we should all invest in each other, despite differences. Thank you for the goosebumps, the tears, the understanding and the laughs. You are planting seeds of humanity.
  • Gems granny
    Keep up the great work
    This podcast humanized the Incarcerated for me. As a result, I have been volunteering with the restorative justice movement in Louisiana. Thanks Earlonne and crew for all you do! - Melody
  • Tan’s mom
    Life Changing!
    Ear Hustle has literally changed my life over the 10 years I have been listening. It has introduced me to a world about which I never thought before I started with the podcast. It has encouraged me to get use my skills to try to help to bring justice to incarcerated people. It is tremendously important!
  • MRose340
    Best podcast out there
    Hi! I’ve been listening from the beginning and am obsessed with the show. I tell everyone that it’s the best thing out there and so eye & heart opening. I’ve also got Nigel’s beautiful book and am such a fan girl. I saw you in an airport a few months ago and wanted to tell you all how much your work means to me but was too starstruck to speak a word to you and I regret it so here it is, thank you!!
  • Toughchick128
    So Real!
    I just found this show and I love it! It is so real! I love how the hosts disarm inmates when they are feeling nervous about a certain subject, such as with Metro and his objects in “Hope Laquer”. I highly recommend this podcast!
  • DJWill44
    Love this show!
    Been listening to this show since the beginning and I just learned how to leave a comment lol. Keep killing it guys. Love how you’re showing a different side of the Prison system. These inmates are people too and they all have different stories. Again, keep up the great work!
  • Jackstere
    Fantastic podcast!
    I love this podcast so much! It has taught me a lot and always makes me think
  • #unicorn sparkle
    Receipts / Reviews 🙂
    Hey Ear Hustle! Compelling, thoughtful and moving Podcast! Thank you to all involved for your time and effort interviewing, writing, editing and inspiring. My dad goes into Folsom prison weekly to hold a church service and facilitate a recovery class. If it weren’t for Ear Hustle and my dad’s stories I would know nothing about the folks living inside. I am grateful for the stories and important insights the people offer here! Your stories matter. You matter. Peace.
  • arcticfox01
    Profound and mythic.
    Almost impossible to describe the perfection of the presenting, presenters, and most importantly the subjects that open your mind to ideas and situations that express the human spirit and are humbling and thought provoking. If you listen, be ready to cry, smile, feel compelled, and saddened, all within a few minutes.
  • Florida Evans
    No, just no…
    Let me say I love this podcast and have been listening for years. This message is specifically for Nigel, everyone does NOT pee in the shower. Animals even prefer a designated place for their waste. I hope anyone who has ever stayed in your home heard you say this and in the future will book a hotel or make sure they have a pair of shower shoes.
  • Ms. Gabbi
    My All Time Favorite Podcast
    I love this show! I’ve learned so much about humanity and life. It’s funny, sometimes sad, but ultimately moving. As a writer and poet, I’ve been inspired by the people and stories on this show. I literally fiend for the next episode. Thank you to all of the people who have been kind and brave enough to share their stories.
  • Sara--G
    Fan since the beginning
    I’ve been listening to this podcast, and so very beginning. If you have a loved one, who’s been to Saint Quentin, it’s even more insightful. The last couple seasons, they have showcase, incarcerated women, and I really appreciate that!
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