Ear Hustle Episode Summary: "Last Memory: Leisha"

Podcast Title: Ear Hustle
Hosts: Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods
Episode: Last Memory: Leisha
Release Date: November 27, 2024

Introduction to the Episode

In the episode titled "Last Memory: Leisha," hosts Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods delve into the poignant story of Leisha, a woman incarcerated at the California Institution for Women (CIW). Building on the podcast's ongoing exploration of inmates' last memories before imprisonment, this episode takes a unique investigative turn as Nigel and Earlonne attempt to locate the individual who played a pivotal role in Leisha's life-changing moment.

Leisha's Last Memory Before Prison

The episode opens with Leisha recounting her last memory before her incarceration. On September 28, 2022, Leisha discovered she was pregnant—a revelation that profoundly impacted her life. She describes the moment with vivid detail:

Leisha [02:22]: "I'm smiling because my last memory before I came to prison was finding out I was pregnant... I remember going into the 7 11, I was going to the 7 11. And I bought a pregnancy test... I kind of, like, just looked around like, this moment is gonna change my life forever."

Leisha explains that her discovery came at a time when she was primarily focused on supporting her significant other, who was battling a fentanyl addiction. The realization of her pregnancy was unanticipated and forced her to confront future responsibilities she hadn't fully considered.

The Mission to Locate Cedric at 7-Eleven

Determined to honor Leisha's story, Nigel and Earlonne embark on a mission to locate Cedric, the 7-Eleven employee who allowed Leisha to use the store's restroom—an act that enabled her to take the pregnancy test. The hosts discuss their plan to visit the specific 7-Eleven location mentioned by Leisha:

Nigel Poor [04:15]: "The idea is you're going to tell us about your last memory. We are going to go to the place where that memory happened, and then we're going to come back and tell you what we found there."

They set out to Fresno, California, aiming to track down Cedric based on Leisha's detailed description of him as a "tall white guy with dreadlocks."

First Attempt: Uncovering Cedric's Identity

Upon arriving at the first 7-Eleven on McKinley and Fresno Street, the hosts attempt to find Cedric. However, their initial encounter yields no results:

Cedric [09:38]: "My name is Cedric. I work for 711 in Fresno, California, on Palm and McKinley. So I've been working here for three years. Not familiar with the person we're talking about here, but I'm sure I'll get a little bit more clarification."

Cedric courteously denies knowledge of the individual Leisha described, prompting Nigel and Earlonne to visit another nearby 7-Eleven in hopes of a different encounter.

Second Attempt: Confirming Cedric's Role

Their second visit to a different 7-Eleven brings them closer to Cedric's identity. The hosts observe a man matching Leisha's description:

Nigel Poor [26:11]: "He had super curly hair. He had it in a ponytail."

Recognizing the familiar demeanor and appearance, they approach Cedric again to recount Leisha's story. Cedric reflects on the interaction and shares a profound insight:

Cedric [27:46]: "Every single person around you has a fully detailed life. That everyone's complicated."

This philosophy underscores the complex, unseen lives that individuals lead—highlighting the interconnectedness of seemingly random encounters.

Interview with Cedric: The 7-Eleven Philosopher

Cedric opens up about his perspective on human interactions:

Cedric [17:14]: "I like to treat others how I'd like to be treated. If I'm walking into a store, I'd like to be greeted. I'd like to be told, hey, how are you today? Just the simplest thing can make somebody's day."

He emphasizes the importance of kindness and acknowledges that simple gestures can have significant impacts on others' lives. Cedric's approach to customer service reflects a deep-seated belief in the value of every individual's story and struggles.

Reflections on Human Complexity

The conversation between Cedric, Nigel, and Earlonne delves into the idea that every person harbors a complex inner world:

Cedric [18:37]: "It means the feeling of realizing that the people around you, every single person around you has a fully detailed, enveloped life."

This realization fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of human behavior, illustrating how brief interactions can profoundly affect someone's trajectory. Cedric's role in Leisha's story is a testament to the ripple effect one's actions can have on another's life.

Update on Leisha's Imminent Release

As the episode progresses, Nigel and Earlonne return to CIW to inform Leisha of their findings. With her release date approaching on October 24th, Leisha grapples with the emotional weight of reuniting with her children and the lingering doubts about her self-worth and parenting capabilities:

Leisha [29:26]: "Just knowing that I've been away from them for so long, it has set a seed in my mind. Like, am I worthy enough to be a mom? Am I worthy enough to raise these? Am I capable of this?"

Through role-playing with the hosts, Leisha prepares to address her children, reaffirming her commitment to change and her determination to be a better mother:

Leisha [30:06]: "So mom did not leave by choice. I left because I made very bad decisions in my life... Sometimes you need time to look at yourself in the mirror and face the person that's there."

Her heartfelt message underscores themes of redemption, personal growth, and the enduring bond between parent and child.

Concluding Insights

"Last Memory: Leisha" is a compelling exploration of how small acts of kindness can alter the course of an individual's life. Cedric's willingness to assist Leisha in a moment of vulnerability exemplifies the profound impact that everyday interactions can have. The episode not only sheds light on the personal struggles of those within the prison system but also celebrates the human capacity for empathy and change.

Notable Quotes

• Leisha [02:22]: "This moment is gonna change my life forever."
• Cedric [17:14]: "I like to treat others how I'd like to be treated."
• Cedric [18:37]: "It means the feeling of realizing that the people around you, every single person around you has a fully detailed, enveloped life."
• Leisha [29:26]: "Am I worthy enough to be a mom? Am I worthy enough to raise these? Am I capable of this?"
• Leisha [30:06]: "Sometimes you need time to look at yourself in the mirror and face the person that's there."

Conclusion

This episode of Ear Hustle masterfully intertwines investigative journalism with personal storytelling, offering listeners a multifaceted view of life behind bars and the interconnectedness of human experiences. Through Leisha's journey and the hosts' dedication to uncovering her story, "Last Memory: Leisha" emphasizes the importance of understanding, compassion, and the profound effects of seemingly minor decisions.