Jay Ellis

Shows

Episodes

  1. The Hustler

    05/07/2021

    The Hustler

    This episode is available exclusively for Wondery+ subscribers. Sign up on http://wondery.fm/applepodcasts and stay up-to-date on the latest new podcasts and more from Wondery. You’ve spent your whole life trying to be something you’re not. Now it’s time to stop pretending and speak your truth.  Hosted by Jay Ellis.

    37 min
  2. Welcome to the World, Mike Mike

    05/27/2025

    Welcome to the World, Mike Mike

    Before Michael Brown became a national symbol, he was simply Mike Mike – Lezley’s firstborn son. Her early years of motherhood in St. Louis were full of ups and downs: joy, struggle, sacrifices, and dreams. She navigated pregnancy with the help of her community, survived her darkest moments of early motherhood, raised Mike as a single mother, and went on to find love and help Mike graduate – only to have everything ripped away.  This series was created in partnership with Campaign Zero, a nonprofit organization that develops data-driven policy solutions to end police violence in America. Learn more about the series and the work of Campaign Zero and The Michael O.D. Brown We Love Our Sons and Daughters Foundation at www.stillmybaby.org. Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.  Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsors See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min
  3. Tupac Lives! (with Jay Ellis)

    11/24/2020

    Tupac Lives! (with Jay Ellis)

    Is Tupac still alive and still dressed like 1996 in Cuba? Langston and his guest Jay Ellis (Insecure on HBO) take a trip through all of Tupac's possible survival tactics and hiding places. Also, they learn about a promising new film producer by the name of Rick Boss. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    52 min
  4. The Sisi Star Snatcher w/ Jay Ellis

    06/18/2024

    The Sisi Star Snatcher w/ Jay Ellis

    What's poppin' con-gregation? This week Jay Ellis (Insecure, Top Gun: Maverick) is here to talk about career criminal Gerald Blanchard, who started out stealing electronics and cars and graduated to bank robberies and jewel heists. Stay schemin'!   This episode was recorded on June 6, 2024.   Pre-Order Laci’s book “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts and Schemes": https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/laci-mosley/scam-goddess/9780762484652/?lens=running-press   Pre-Order Jay Ellis' book "Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)?: https://www.jayellis.com/dideveryonehaveanimaginaryfriend   Follow on Instagram: Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod  Laci Mosley: @divalaci Jay Ellis: @jayrellis   Research by Kaelyn Brandt.   SOURCES: https://time.com/6294160/jewel-thief-hulu-true-story/ https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/the-jewel-thief-master-criminal-gerald-daniel-blanchard-1234786405/ https://www.wired.com/2010/03/ff-masterthief-blanchard/ “The Jewel Thief” - Hulu, dir. by Landon Van Soest Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Scam Goddess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 11m
  5. They Shot Mike Mike

    06/03/2025

    They Shot Mike Mike

    August 9, 2014, changed the world. While the world mobilized, Lezley was navigating the deepest grief imaginable. What was it like to grieve in the public eye, while her son’s name became a rallying cry? How did she process the love, the anger, and the weight of a movement born from her loss?  This series was created in partnership with Campaign Zero, a nonprofit organization that develops data-driven policy solutions to end police violence in America. Learn more about the series and the work of Campaign Zero and The Michael O.D. Brown We Love Our Sons and Daughters Foundation at www.stillmybaby.org. Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.  Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsors See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min
  6. The Untold Story: Jay Learns Why Police Unions Matter

    07/28/2020

    The Untold Story: Jay Learns Why Police Unions Matter

    Police unions in America are powerful organizations that protect vulnerable, hard working Americans… except when they don’t. Host Jay Ellis shares his personal motivations for untangling the twisted web of public safety in America. Then, Jay calls up Campaign Zero’s DeRay Mckesson and Samuel Sinyangwe to learn more about police unions’ stranglehold on justice and security in America. Learn more at nixthe6.org Thank you to the Cash App for sponsoring our show. Download the Cash App in the App Store or Google Play store today.   For additional resources, information, and a transcript of this episode, visit https://www.lemonadamedia.com/theuntoldstory  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 min
  7. The Untold Story: Breonna Taylor, No-Knock Raids and What We Can Do

    11/24/2020

    The Untold Story: Breonna Taylor, No-Knock Raids and What We Can Do

    Jay Ellis is back, exploring no-knock raids through the eyes of a family who, unlike Breonna Taylor, survived a terrifying evening of mistaken identity. Joined by experts, Jay explores a system that allows for warrants, raids, and civil-asset forfeiture. Netta and DeRay also join to share a blueprint for how Breonna’s life could have been spared. Learn more at endallnoknocks.org and nixthe6.org Thank you to the Cash App for sponsoring our show. Download the Cash App in the App Store or Google Play store today. For additional resources, information, and a transcript of this episode, visit https://www.lemonadamedia.com/theuntoldstory  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 min
  8. The Untold Story: Jay Finds Activists Who Bear Witness, Take Notes, and Make Change

    08/04/2020

    The Untold Story: Jay Finds Activists Who Bear Witness, Take Notes, and Make Change

    Fueled with new information about the power of police union contracts, host Jay Ellis is determined to figure out if real change is even possible. So he heads to Austin, Texas where community organizers Sukyi McMahon and Chas Moore changed the course of history...in a city council chamber.  Learn more at nixthe6.org   Thank you to the Cash App for sponsoring our show. Download the Cash App in the App Store or Google Play store today.   For additional resources, information, and a transcript of this episode, visit https://www.lemonadamedia.com/theuntoldstory  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 min
  9. The Untold Story: Jay’s Ready to Nix the 6

    08/17/2020

    The Untold Story: Jay’s Ready to Nix the 6

    It’s our solutions episode! Jay arrives at six things that have got to be eliminated in order to usher in substantial improvements to public safety and policing in America and he talks with Netta Elzie (activist, organizer and co-founder of Campaign Zero) about how she transformed her own grief, frustration and anger into steady irrefutable progress. Step one: dive in.    Learn more at nixthe6.org  Thank you to the Cash App for sponsoring our show. Download the Cash App in the App Store or Google Play store today.   For additional resources, information, and a transcript of this episode, visit https://www.lemonadamedia.com/theuntoldstory  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    22 min
  10. Justice for Mike Mike

    06/10/2025

    Justice for Mike Mike

    In this powerful series finale, we track the evolution of Lezley’s grief to understand how she rebuilt her life piece by piece, navigating pain and hope while supporting her children. Fueled by love and resilience, Lezley’s journey leads to a fierce call to activism, driving her fight to reopen Mike’s case and demand the justice her family deserves. This final episode is a testament to healing, strength, and the unyielding power of a mother’s love. This series was created in partnership with Campaign Zero, a nonprofit organization that develops data-driven policy solutions to end police violence in America. Learn more about the series and the work of Campaign Zero and The Michael O.D. Brown We Love Our Sons and Daughters Foundation at www.stillmybaby.org. Audio from Mike Brown's 2024 birthday party is from the short film 'Happy Birthday MikeMike' which documents the event. The film was created by "1-800-Happy Birthday," an acclaimed experiential public art project that re-centers the conversation about police violence on the families and the community impact. Watch the full film here and learn more about 1-800 Happy Birthday. Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.  Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our shows and get bonus content. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsors See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    54 min
  11. Introducing: Still My Baby (Official Trailer)

    SEASON 4 TRAILER

    Introducing: Still My Baby (Official Trailer)

    After the police shot and killed her firstborn son, Lezley McSpadden was left trying to hold things together while the world turned her family's private tragedy into a public battleground. This series reveals the untold story behind the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, on August 9, 2014. It’s a family portrait filled with loss, grief, and one mother’s enduring strength. Episode 1 is out May 27, wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 min
  12. The Untold Story: Jay Learns Who Really Pays for Prison Time

    03/01/2022

    The Untold Story: Jay Learns Who Really Pays for Prison Time

    In all 50 states, people caught up in the criminal justice system can becharged fines and fees for everything from the cost of police transport duringarrests, to the cost of room and board for their time behind bars. In this episode,Jay learns about the back story of how Pay to Stay policy was inspired by a killerclown. And he speaks to experts and journalists about how Pay to Stay policieslock people into a never-ending cycle of debt and involvement with the criminaljustice system. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min
  13. The Untold Story: Season 3, we're back!

    10/18/2022

    The Untold Story: Season 3, we're back!

    From executive producer, Jay Ellis, and Lemonada Media, season 3 of The Untold Story drops October 25. Host Travon Free talks to real people about the injustices happening in your own backyard. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 min
  14. The Untold Story is Back for Season 2

    02/07/2022

    The Untold Story is Back for Season 2

    In season one of The Untold Story, host Jay Ellis (Insecure, Top Gun: Maverick, Mrs. America) took us on a journey to understand policing and its pitfalls. Now, he's back to tell you about some of the things that can happen after you get arrested. You might be aware that America's criminal justice system incarcerates more individuals than any other country. But did you know that you can have your life ruined for stealing something as small as a pair of jeans? Or that the forensic evidence used against you may not be based in scientific fact? Or that once you get out of prison, you might be hit with a large bill for your stay? The Untold Story Season 2: Criminal Injustice takes a hard look at the system we've built and asks: Does it need to be this way? And what can we do about it? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 min
  15. The Untold Story: Jay Learns that a Pair of Jeans Could Ruin Your Life

    02/15/2022

    The Untold Story: Jay Learns that a Pair of Jeans Could Ruin Your Life

    Host Jay Ellis has dealt with shoplifters first-hand, back when he was a teenaged retail manager at a high-end shoe store. But he never learned about the other side of the story - what motivates people to shoplift and what happens to them if they’re caught. In this episode, Jay learns that people can become convicted felons for stealing as little as $200 in value in some states, because of Felony Theft Thresholds written into state law. Jay hears from people who have first-hand, personal experience dealing with the fallout of felony theft convictions. He also speaks to experts who unpack why these policies aren’t helping anyone. Listeners can learn more about felony theft policies in their own states, and find out what they can do to help increase felony theft thresholds at raisethethreshold.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min
  16. The Untold Story: Jay Learns that Forensic Science Isn't Very Scientific

    02/22/2022

    The Untold Story: Jay Learns that Forensic Science Isn't Very Scientific

    Host Jay Ellis is a fan of crime scene investigation TV shows - he’s even acted inthem! But in this episode, he learns that all the fancy forensic science the heroesof those shows use to solve crimes are not as good as they seem on TV. Jay speaksto experts about how forensic practices were developed and why they aren’t thereliable science they seem to be. He takes listeners on a field trip to the oneforensic lab in the country that’s getting it right and speaks with a woman whospent 13 years in prison for a crime she didn’t commit because of bad forensicevidence used against her at trial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min
  17. The Untold Story: Jay Separates Fact from Pseudo-Science

    08/12/2020

    The Untold Story: Jay Separates Fact from Pseudo-Science

    From the 48-Hour Rule to the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bills of Rights, Jay talks with social scientists and legal experts about a criminal justice system that offers special protections to the police that are neither offered to civilians nor backed by hard science.  Learn more at nixthe6.org Thank you to the Cash App for sponsoring our show. Download the Cash App in the App Store or Google Play store today.   For additional resources, information, and a transcript of this episode, visit https://www.lemonadamedia.com/theuntoldstory  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min
  18. The Untold Story: Travon Explores the Humanitarian Crisis on Rikers Island

    10/25/2022

    The Untold Story: Travon Explores the Humanitarian Crisis on Rikers Island

    Rikers is a pretrial detention center and while people await their day in court, the conditions at the island are simply inhumane due to violence, overcrowding and inadequate medical care. Rikers is scheduled to close in 2027 but at the rate we're going, eighty more people might die on the island before the jail is shut down. How do we untangle this culture of perpetual violence at Rikers? And could an intervention called a federal receivership make conditions more humane for the people who live there? Host Travon Free uncovers why a receivership might be the only solution that could actually make things better for people right now.  The Untold Story is a Lemonada Media original and is presented by Campaign Zero. This episode is produced by Nicolle Galteland with production help from Hannah Boomershine and Priscilla Alabi. Supervising producer is Kristen Lepore. Production intern is Jala Everett. Fact checking by Steve Crighton. Music, sound design and mixing by Hannis Brown. Engineering from Andrea Kristinsdottir. Executive producers are Jessica Cordova Kramer, Stephanie Wittels Wachs, DeRay Mckesson and Jay Ellis. You can find host Travon Free on Instagram and Twitter: @Travon.  Resources: The Rikers in Crisis Campaign The New York Times: Tracking the Deaths in New York City’s Jail System in 2022 The Brennan Center: Receiverships for Jails and Prisons, Explained, The Way Forward for Rikers Island: Receivership The Fortune Society: At pivotal time for Rikers, experts say federal control is best path forward The Columbia Justice Lab: Pros and Cons of Receiverships as a Catalyst for Institutional Reform Vital City: The Fatal Cost of Waiting: What Must Happen Now in the City’s Jails WNYC/ Gothamist: Correction commissioner absent from oversight hearing as Rikers Island violence escalates Just leadership USA The Close Rikers Campaign The Legal Aid Society  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    42 min
  19. The Untold Story: Travon Asks If Microphones Really Stop Bullets

    10/25/2022

    The Untold Story: Travon Asks If Microphones Really Stop Bullets

    Can you hear the difference between a firework and a gunshot? ShotSpotter says it can. It's a private sector company that uses microphones to detect gunfire and alert police to the scene. The company says it’s a powerful tool to stop gun violence, but critics say it’s an excuse to overpolice some of our most vulnerable communities. How did this technology with questionable accuracy lead to million-dollar contracts with police departments across the country? Travon walks us through the case of Silvon Simmons, a man falsely accused of shooting a cop, all because of an eight-second audio file from ShotSpotter. Plus, conversations with a former 911 operator and a city councilmember in Durham, NC, about the fight against ShotSpotter.  The Untold Story is a Lemonada Media original and is presented by Campaign Zero. This episode is produced by Hannah Boomershine with production help from Nicole Galteland and Priscilla Alabi. Supervising producer is Kristen Lepore. Production intern is Jala Everett. Fact checking by Steve Crighton. Music, sound design and mixing by Hannis Brown. Engineering from Andrea Kristinsdottir. Executive producers are Jessica Cordova Kramer, Stephanie Wittels Wachs, DeRay Mckesson and Jay Ellis. You can find host Travon Free on Instagram and Twitter: @Travon.  Resources: CancelShotSpotter.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
  20. Reintroducing For Colored Nerds

    11/16/2021

    Reintroducing For Colored Nerds

    Each week, BFFs Brittany and Eric humorously deep-dive into the uncool topic of their choice while testing the outer limits of their friendship. Listen to and follow For Colored Nerds right now on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    9 min
Jay Ellis on Apple