The Hustler Files with Lisa Reilly - Stories That Challenge What You Thought You Knew Podcast By Lisa Reilly; Radio Host Creator Executive Producer and Podcaster cover art

The Hustler Files with Lisa Reilly - Stories That Challenge What You Thought You Knew

The Hustler Files with Lisa Reilly - Stories That Challenge What You Thought You Knew

By: Lisa Reilly; Radio Host Creator Executive Producer and Podcaster
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Hi, I'm Lisa Reilly, and this show is built on one simple belief: true stories can change how we see each other. Each week, I have the privilege to sit down with people from within the various criminal and social justice systems and organizations, including those with lived experience and those working to bring compassion and resources both behind and beyond the walls. All of them approach their lives and work with grit, hope, and purpose, which is what we're here to share because there's always a voice ready to challenge what you thought you knew. THIS IS THE HUSTLER FILESthehustlerfiles2025 Social Sciences
Episodes
  • ONE QUESTION, MANY ANSWERS
    Jun 11 2026

    For more than three plus seasons, every episode of The Hustler Files has ended with the same question: "At this moment in your life, what do you believe is your life assignment?" The answers have been inspiring, surprising, deeply personal, and often transformative. In this special compilation episode, we revisit some memorable responses from guests across The Hustler Files universe, so many individuals whose journeys have been shaped by incarceration, redemption, second chances, public service, advocacy, leadership, faith, resilience, and personal growth. It is in these reflections that we are reminded that purpose is rarely a destination. Purpose evolves as we learn, heal, serve, and discover new ways to impact the lives of others. Whether you're searching for direction, navigating change, or simply curious about the paths that shape us, every Hustler Files episode offers a glimpse into the wisdom, humanity, and hope that have become our shows hallmark. Because sometimes the most important question isn't what you've done, it's what you're here to do next.

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    28 mins
  • HE SERVED 22 YEARS FOR A CRIME HE DIDN'T COMMIT
    Jun 7 2026

    What happens when the justice system gets it wrong? For Sean Ellis of Boston, he served 22 years for the murder of a Boston police detective, a crime he didn't commit. After two hung juries and a third conviction, Sean faced the reality of dying behind bars while fighting to uncover evidence that had been withheld for decades. Sean shares the devastating impact of wrongful conviction, the challenges of rebuilding a life after exoneration, and the emotional toll of losing years to a system that failed him. He also discusses his work, now, as Director of the Exoneree Network at the New England Innocence Project, supporting individuals and families navigating the trauma of wrongful incarceration and reentry. This conversation explores justice, resilience, accountability, healing, and what it takes to ensure that the truth is never buried forever.

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    28 mins
  • SOUNDS LIKE TROUBLE: FROM PRISON WALLS TO POWERFUL FICTION
    May 20 2026

    What happens when decades spent behind prison walls helping others tell their stories inspires a powerful debut novel. In this episode of The Hustler Files, we sit down with longtime prison activist, educator, and author Jean Trounstine to discuss Sounds Like Trouble to Me, a gripping story shaped by the emotional realities of incarceration, abuse, survival, justice, and hope. Jean shares how years of teaching incarcerated women, directing theater programs behind bars and witnessing lives transformed inside the justice system ultimately led her to write her first novel! This conversation explores the real-life experiences that inspired her characters, the emotional complexities of trauma and redemption, and the powerful stories too often hidden from public view. The discussion also takes a deeper look at women's incarceration, abuse behind prison walls, and the courage of those fighting for justice and change. It's a conversation about storytelling, humanity, and the belief that truth whether through fiction or lived experience can challenge what we think we know.

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    28 mins
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