Ear Hustle

Seems fitting that a fan of true crime would follow a podcast produced in a prison, right? Prisons are fascinating and the communities, taboos, and unwritten rules that are cultivated inside are hard to understand unless you’ve been on the inside. Unless you’re going to break some laws, this is as close as you’ll probably come to getting an inside peek. I have learned so much from this podcast. I’ve laughed and been brought near tears. It’s the best story-telling you’ll find anywhere. I re-fall in love with this podcast in every episode. Nigel, Earlonne, and the crew are obviously dedicated to telling various sides of all stories and examining facets we might not otherwise consider.

I’m a criminal attorney and have been listening to ear hustle for years. I would also tell my clients about it because even if they weren’t incarcerated at the time, many had been or have family or friends who are and I thought they’d find it interesting. It was super interesting to me to listen to what prison is like on the inside since I have spent the last 20 years working in criminal justice, both as a prosecutor and defense attorney. I have to say I’ve slacked off listening a bit since you’ve gone to the subscription. I understand why but I don’t want to have to pay for podcasts since I listen to so many. It’s really disappointing to see titles that I can’t listen to without paying for a subscription. Also I’m not as crazy about the format you’ve moved to. I think you still do great work but I’m not as interested in the “field trips” as I am in hearing from the incarcerated individuals. For instance, I just finished the Linda episode. I fast forwarded through some of the church because I just didn’t find it all that interesting to hear your guys’ take on the church, etc… Walking down the hall, seeing how it’s different, lighting the candle… I find it infinitely more interesting to hear the stories directly from the incarcerated individuals and left the episode disappointed that I didn’t hear more from Linda about her story. I found the same thing when I listened to another episode recently when you went back to a convenience store. I don’t mean to criticize because you guys are awesome podcasters. I just think your strength is interviewing people in prison and those are the stories I love to hear. In the older episodes I left each one wishing you could have interviewed them longer because I loved hearing their stories. Maybe this is just me but that’s my take on the early episodes versus your later ones. I never tire of hearing stories from the inside and would love for you to go back to more in-depth interviews. Just my opinion for what it’s worth. Love you guys! You do a great job and service.

I am amazed how the hosts can draw the narrator (Linda) and articulate their emotions so vividly. To Linda, I pray for continued transformation and strength for you. To Fr. Lalo thank you for shedding light of God’s unconditional love.

This show is so deep, and somehow funny. It manages to humanize the people most dehumanized by our society, without being cliche. I heard in the end if the last episode that we can donate using Venmo, but can’t find it in the website or link?