Ear Hustle Workshop

California Institution for Women

The Ear Hustle Workshop at the California Institution for Women (CIW) was launched in 2025 with the support of the Mellon Foundation and grew out of our educational work at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. Twice a week, a small group of students at CIW meets with an Ear Hustle educator to learn the skills they need to produce narrative audio stories — from pitching and interviewing to writing and sound editing. Students also have the opportunity to produce an audio story about life at CIW. Classes take place in the podcast studio we built at CIW in collaboration with KALW public radio’s Uncuffed.

2025-26 Cohort

Founding Instructor: Cat Schuknecht
Instructor: Ashleyanne Krigbaum

We asked the members of our first cohort to tell us about themselves.

Workshops

Natalie Le Demola

If you were an animal, what would you be?

I would be a dolphin because I love to swim. I also relate to how dolphins are able to recognize themselves in the mirror. In prison, I have learned to see myself for who I was, who I am, and who I am becoming.

Beâ Marquez

What’s your passion?

My passions are my children, mi cultura, mi gente, and the countries that are dear to my heart. Viva la gente de Mexico, y te amo mi familia de Puerto Rico! I love you Delilah and Isaiah!

Kelly Wolfe

What’s the first thing you want to do when you get out?

I want to go camping with my family someplace surrounded by trees, plants, flowers, animals, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. I’m happiest when I’m at one with my family and nature.

Chyna Worthy

What makes you a good Ear Hustler?

I'm a good Ear Hustler because anything I don't know intrigues me. I don't want to use the word nosy … but I'm nosy! I'm very inquisitive.