California inmate takes unlikely path to freedom: Podcasting

OAKLAND, California: In California, inmates typically are granted parole by doing good deeds or showing they have been rehabilitated by becoming pastors, drug counsellors or youth advocates. For Walter “Earlonne” Woods, the path to freedom was podcasting. 

Woods, 47, was recently released from San Quentin State Prison after California Gov. Jerry Brown commuted his 31-years-to-life sentence for attempted armed robbery. Brown cited Woods’ leadership in helping other inmates and his work at “Ear Hustle”, a podcast he co-hosts and co-produces that documents everyday life inside the prison.