How Ear Hustle Redefined and Humanized Prison

FROM LIFE BEHIND BARS TO DRIVING CHANGE THROUGH STORYTELLING

Earlonne Woods never imagined his voice would reach millions while serving a life sentence in San Quentin State Prison. But that’s exactly what happened when he co-created Ear Hustle, a podcast that transformed the way the world understands incarceration. Woods’ story is one of transformation and empowerment—a testament to the human capacity for change and the power of storytelling to spark systemic reform.

“When I got out at 23, I had nothing—no GED, no trade, not even the desire to do better.”

Growing up in a challenging environment, Woods was drawn into gang life and crime at an early age. By the time he was 17, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for kidnapping and robbery. “When I got out at 23, I had nothing—no GED, no trade, not even the desire to do better,” Woods reflects. With no job prospects and mounting frustrations, he returned to the streets, where California’s three-strikes law later handed him a life sentence for an attempted second-degree robbery. “At first, I thought that was it for me. I was resigned to spending my life behind bars.”

But San Quentin changed everything. Known for its progressive programs, the prison became a turning point in Woods’ life. He discovered restorative justice programs that challenged his thinking. “Sitting with crime survivors and hearing their stories made me realize the harm I had caused. It wasn’t just about me anymore—it was about the people I’d hurt and the system that needed change.” This environment of accountability and growth planted the seeds for what would become a groundbreaking venture.

THE BIRTH OF A GLOBAL PHENOMENON

In 2017, Woods and visual artist Nigel Poor co-created Ear Hustle. The podcast began as a modest project to share stories from inside San Quentin. “We weren’t trying to change the world,” Woods recalls. “It was just about giving a voice to people inside and maybe reaching some other prisons in California.”

Storytelling has been around since the beginning of time, and it’s the one thing that truly connects people—even those who’ve never had any interaction with the system. It brings empathy to places where it’s often missing.

What happened next was beyond their wildest dreams. Within its first month, Ear Hustle garnered 1.5 million downloads. Listeners from across the globe tuned in to hear the unvarnished realities of life in prison—stories about the struggles, humor, and humanity that often go unseen. “Storytelling has been around since the beginning of time, and it’s the one thing that truly connects people—even those who’ve never had any interaction with the system,” Woods says.

The podcast’s authenticity struck a chord. Letters poured in from judges, college students, and crime survivors, each expressing how Ear Hustle shifted their perspectives. “I thought everyone knew what was going on in prison,” Woods admits. “But the truth is, once someone is convicted, their story disappears from public view. This podcast reminded people that those inside are still human.”

A SECOND CHANCE

In 2018, Woods received a life-changing call. California Governor Jerry Brown commuted his sentence, citing Woods’ exceptional work with Ear Hustle. “They called me to the captain’s porch and said, ‘You’re going home immediately,’” Woods remembers. After serving over two decades, he stepped out of prison with a renewed sense of purpose. “It wasn’t just about my freedom—it was about continuing the work and making sure others had the same opportunities I’d been given.”

Reentry was both surreal and seamless. “It was like stepping out of suspended animation,” Woods describes. “You pick up where you left off, but the world has changed.” He quickly resumed his role with Ear Hustle, now as a free man, and began leveraging his platform to push for systemic change.

USING STORYTELLING TO REFORM THE SYSTEM

Today, Woods is laser-focused on criminal justice reform. His primary mission is to dismantle California’s three-strikes law, which he sees as a cornerstone of mass incarceration. “Sentencing enhancements add decades onto sentences for the same crime,” he explains. “If we want to address mass incarceration, we have to start there.”

To further this mission, Woods founded Choose One, an organization dedicated to reforming sentencing laws and empowering individuals impacted by the justice system. “I’ve seen firsthand what happens when people are given a chance to grow. Most people inside prison want to do better—they just need the opportunity.”

Through Ear Hustle, Woods continues to share stories that humanize those behind bars and shed light on the systemic issues fueling incarceration. “People change, especially when they’re in an environment that pushes for growth and opportunity. With the right resources, anyone can create a better future,” Woods insists.

A STORY THAT INSPIRES CHANGE

Woods’ journey from incarceration to global podcasting success is more than a personal triumph—it’s a movement. By amplifying the voices of the incarcerated, Ear Hustle has brought empathy and understanding to a system often defined by dehumanization. “When we started, I thought if we could reach 20,000 people, that would be huge. Now, millions are listening, and it’s creating real conversations about what needs to change,” he says.

For Woods, the work is far from over. “You have to take control of your own destiny, even in the hardest situations,” he says. Whether through storytelling, advocacy, or dismantling harmful laws, Woods is determined to leave the justice system better than he found it. His story reminds us of the transformative power of second chances—and the ripple effect of telling a story that matters.

Episode Resources:

Ear Hustle podcast: Website, Instagram @earhustlesq
PRX and Radiotopia: PRX, Radiotopia
Book: This Is Ear Hustle by Earlonne Woods
Earlonne’s Instagram and X account