Ear Hustle

Long time listener, first time reviewer. I just listened to the episodes about Death Row and Condemned Row, as well as the follow-up episode with listener input. I’m really surprised people suddenly want this podcast to be something it isn’t. Ear Hustle finds the most compelling way to share stories without too much bias or judgement, and it’s about the people you are connecting with and honoring their stories. I work with survivors of violence (sexual crimes and intimate partner violence), and this show has helped me find understanding and compassion for people that harm others in a way I never had before. There are so many things that happen in someone’s life before they get to the place of committing a heinous crime. It will never excuse violence, or make it okay, but it does give it context and sometimes that context can bring a level of peace because it takes away feelings of hatred. I commend Ear Hustle for how you have handled stories, from the jump, and I will always recommend your podcast when people want incredible stories with depth, heart, and humor.

I truly appreciate the decision to generally not discuss people’s crimes. As another podcast said, “no one should be defined by the worst day of their life.” Enoch media discusses the criminal system from by re-litigating people’s actions. I love that Ear Hustle humanizes incarcerated people. I always go back to the episode about pets, which showed that even the toughest, hardest men need to express their nurturing side. Besides, many people are still going through appeals and we as listeners shouldn’t be in the position to affect their legal cases.

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. After hearing the most recent episode where listeners speak to the insensitivity, I felt compelled to reach out. I’ve always felt that you all have handled the intricacies of interviewing without reminding us of why they are there. I feel like the punishment is incarceration, and we don’t need to continue to impose additional punishment. If the crime is an important part of the story, it makes sense to mention it, but nobody should be defined by something that they’ve done. I deeply appreciate the nuance. And I admire your work.

5 Stars!! in reference to your death row episodes ..I often find it difficult to be non biased when I learn about a person’s past. Listening to the incarcerated without the knowledge of what crime got them there frees me of that prejudice and when I wonder what they did i realize it’s just curiosity on my part. I’ve learn that we all have the potential of “crossing the line” why did these people do it? Well I believe for every person incarcerated there’s that many explanations. Well done Ear Hustle