Strangest Fruit

Welcome back to another powerful episode of Strangest Fruit!

Join us on the latest episode of the Strangest Fruit Podcast as one of the most important journalists of our generation, Cerise Castle, sits down with Didontae Farmer. Produced by Heardstudio @heardstudio Cerise Castle is a Los Angeles-based journalist specializing in arts & culture, civil rights, criminal justice, and human interest stories. She is renowned for writing the first history of deputy gangs inside the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and for creating, producing, and hosting “A Tradition of Violence,” a podcast detailing the history and criminal activity of these gangs. Her groundbreaking reporting earned her the 2022 International Women in Media Foundation's Courage Award, the American Journalism Online Award for Best Use of Public Records, and the American Mosaic Journalism Prize. In 2024, Castle was a Poynter Fellow at Yale University. Castle has produced and hosted segments for the Emmy-award-winning nightly news program, VICE News Tonight, NPR, and the nationally syndicated radio program Marketplace. She has also produced podcast series for Audible, iHeartMedia, and Wondery. Her reporting and commentary have been featured in ABC, Autre, Capital & Main, The Daily Beast, The Los Angeles Times, The LAnd, Los Angeles Magazine, MTV, National Public Radio (NPR), Salon, and Vanity Fair. Tune in for an insightful and revealing conversation that dives deep into Cerise Castle's impactful work and the vital issues she covers. Don't miss this compelling episode!

Tune in to a riveting episode of the Strangest Fruit Podcast, hosted by Heard Studio, where we have an exclusive interview with Lori Rothschild Ansaldi. Lori is the Founder and President of Stolen Voices and the CEO of Big City TV, where she creates compelling unscripted content with a focus on true crime. She's also the co-host of the popular podcast "The System" alongside Kim Kardashian. In this in-depth conversation, Lori shares her inspiring journey, the impactful mission of Stolen Voices, and her experiences in producing groundbreaking true crime stories. Gain insights into her passion for giving a voice to the voiceless and her dedication to uncovering the truth. Whether you're a true crime enthusiast, a podcast lover, or someone interested in social justice, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we delve into the world of true crime and advocacy with one of its leading voices.

In this very special season two premiere of Strangest Fruit Podcast, Didontae Farmer sits down with Los Angeles County District Attorney, George Gascón. We get straight to the truth. This is the real story of his decorated career as a police officer, public safety veteran and District Attorney. George Gascón's life story is truly remarkable, illustrating a powerful journey from an immigrant child with humble beginnings to a key figure in American law enforcement and criminal justice reform. His experiences reflect significant achievements and contributions to public service, highlighting his roles as a change agent in various high-level law enforcement positions, and later, as a leader in criminal justice reform. His story underscores the themes of resilience, dedication, and progressive leadership in facing systemic challenges, particularly in the context of law enforcement and judicial reforms. The intention behind Strangest Fruit Podcast is to have real conversations that can be uncomfortable but crucial for us to fix the times we are living in. Legacy media wants to keep us divided and arguing, blind to what is really going on. We're trying to find the truth and build bridges to make it better for the next generation. The Strangest Fruit Podcast embraces a critical and impactful mission to foster authentic discussions that might be uncomfortable but are essential for societal improvement. By aiming to uncover truths obscured by mainstream narratives and striving to bridge divides, the podcast sets itself apart as a vital platform for dialogue and understanding. This approach not only challenges prevailing media tendencies that often polarize but also seeks to create a more informed and unified future. Through these real conversations, Strangest Fruit aspires to lay groundwork for better understanding and cooperation, thereby shaping a more just and inclusive society for future generations. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6W16tHnqxBWiF8xXXj6wWJ?si=d140b0eb39a54499 apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strangest-fruit/id1695834254 Produced by Heard Studio - https://linktr.ee/heardstudio Shot by:  @streetartistpictures  Vincent Martinez Sound - Griff Snyder AD - Yung Spiel Theme Song -  @werdperfect  Listen to an in-depth discussion with an esteemed city official who shares his personal journey, from his beginnings as an immigrant in Los Angeles to his time in the Army, his career as an LAPD officer, and finally his rise to city official joy. Through this journey, our guest offers a critical analysis of the traditional model of public safety in the US, advocating for a more community-focused approach. Our guest dives into complex topics with eloquence, explaining how the police need to adapt their methods of interaction to meet the unique needs and sensibilities of individual communities. His perspective uncovers often misunderstood views from marginalized communities toward the police, offering a platform for broad discussions about the future of law enforcement in America. The conversation explores the intricacies of incarceration, the potential of individuals to change given the right opportunities, and the urgent need for a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment. Additionally, the episode addresses the topic of wrongful conviction, highlighting the need for systemic changes to prevent such errors caused by failures in police work and prosecutorial processes. This enlightening episode is a definitive guide for anyone interested in systemic change, social justice, or those seeking inspiration to prevail against all odds. Listen and be inspired not only to believe in justice but also to act towards achieving it.

On the season one finale of Strangest Fruit Podcast, Didontae Farmer sits down with Bay Area hiphop legend, Mistah F.A.B. at his Dope Era flagship store. The insight, honesty and vulnerability that F.A.B. brings to the conversation is mind-blowing. Never afraid to be an innovator, Mistah F.A.B. brings it all to this exclusive interview. Much love to our Bay family, Factz and Mistah F.A.B. for giving us the chance to have this beautiful conversation. Produced by @heardstudio 

This may be one of the best of the Strangest Fruit podcast episodes yet. Ex-rampart cop Ruben Palomares sits down and spills the secrets of a crooked cop. Training day, Rampart, you've heard the Hollywood angel now it's time to hear it from the horses mouth. He spent time in prison for what he did on the streets. This is the real story behind the Rampart scandal. Only on the Strangest Fruit Podcast. Produced by Heard Studio. This is the REAL TRAINING DAY 

Dive into riveting tales and raw realities of U.S prison life in this captivating episode of "Stranger Fruit Podcast". Explore the fierce prison hierarchies, racial tensions, challenging survival strategies, and the legacy of revolutionary figures like George Jackson. Understand the controversial role of prison guards and the cold political dynamics within prison walls. This episode is your window to witness the daunting world of correctional facilities in the United States. Get absorbed in earnest conversations around the harassment of minorities, links to extremist groups, stereotypes post 9/11, and the growing voice of the younger generation in advocating prison reform. With a mix of personal anecdotes and shared experiences, this episode takes you on a virtual tour inside the prison world. Discover the complexities of parole hearings, the intense psychological evaluations involved, and listen to hosts' personal struggles in overcoming potential triggers post-release. This episode is an insightful listen for anyone curious about post-prison life and the need for reform in the system. Experience lighter moments as the hosts delve into their favorite music artists and discuss their preferred canine alter-egos, offering hearty laughs amid profound discussions. Engaging in lively banter, they dive into their political inclinations, talk about their dating experiences, and share amusing anecdotes from their personal lives. Join us on this episode of the "Stranger Fruit Podcast", rich in content and emotions, offering deep insights, thought-provoking discussions, and a light-hearted look at everyday situations. Get a fresh perspective on U.S prison system, post-release life, and so much more! Didontae and the legend Elliot Mark break it down. 

This is a special one for us. Listen to Daniel's riveting story and his path to redemption and love. 

Strangest Fruit sits down with the man on the frontline of juvenile justice reform in Los Angeles. 

Carlos is an incredible man, father and example of how we should carry ourselves. Enjoy this one! Strangest Fruit Podcast! 

Heard Studio and Strangest Fruit Podcast present the Compton Innocence Initiative live at Cal State State University Los Angeles. Thank you to the LA Innocence Project and Project Rebound for making this happen! Everyone who was supposed to be there was there. This is our first live podcast and we're gearing up to do many more. We appreciate the support and we're locked and loaded for 2024.    This project will explore and expose the wrongful convictions of Christopher Stone and Lamont Kellum Jr. Both of these men are innocent and currently in prison. Both out of Compton Court. #wrongfulconviction #compton

Another special episode of Strangest Fruit. Brian James and Didontae Farmer sit down with Mikey Campos. He's a brilliant artist and person. He's our friend and brother and he gave us Heard Studio tattoos before the interview. Enjoy and much love. Stay safe out there.

This is a special one for us. Elizabeth Calvin is an advocate, lawyer and legend. She's the reason a lot of people are home with their families this holiday season. Brian sits down with her one on one in this full circle moment. The first time he met her, he was standing in a cage the size of a phone booth in the Corcoran SHU... Elizabeth Calvin is the senior advocate in the Children's Rights Division and an attorney with experience in youth justice, foster care, and education rights. At Human Rights Watch she focuses on children, youth, and young adults who face being harmed by juvenile and criminal systems. Her work includes policy and legal advocacy, research and writing on human rights violations, and strategic action for change. She relies on the leadership of people directly impacted by human rights violations to determine the direction of her work.

“I Still Have Some Life Left” In the final and third episode of our Wrongful Conviction series, Brian and Didontae dive into the wrongful conviction of Lamont Kellum Jr. Using the gang narrative and no physical evidence the Compton Court convicted Lamont of a murder that he had nothing to do with. Join us on this journey of bringing him and Chris home to their children by following the progress of the Compton Innocence Initiative. Please share this episodes with friends, loved ones and anyone else that will care. Much love and be safe out there. 

In Episode Two of our wrongful conviction series Brian and Didontae sit down with Christopher Stone's mother, the beautiful and powerful, Christal Chappell. She dives deep into her son's wrongful conviction and the damage it has caused on their family. Chris is currently sitting in prison for a murder he didn't commit... Stay tuned for episode three featuring Lamont Kellum Jr.'s story.

In the very first Strangest Fruit limited series, the team dives deep into the wrongful convictions of three men, two of which are still in prison. The series kicks off with Franky Carillo and his twenty year struggle to free himself after he was framed by the Lynwood Sheriff's department at sixteen years old. He spent twenty years in prison for a murder he didn't commit... This series will also launch the The Compton Innocence Initiative, a collective of friends, family and advocates working to free Christopher Stone and Lamont Kellum Jr. Enjoy and please share with the people you care about.

In this special episode, the Strangest Fruit family go to The Bay to chop it up with some heavyweights. Kicking things off in San Francisco, Prezi and Ski bring us to where they grew, Hunters Point. Much love to the whole family up there and special shout out to our brother Factz. 

Another special episode for us. Brian and Didontae sit down with DeJohn Craig for one of the best episodes yet!   DeJohn Craig, is a formerly incarcerated man who is seeking to use his story and experience to uplift the community. After serving 16 years of a life sentence, DeJohn created a community based nonprofit organization that provides services for youth development. DeJohn was only 15 years old when he committed a crime that led to his 50 years to life sentence. Now DeJohn is committed to being a productive citizen in society bringing about peace and change in our inner-city communities.

Brian and Didontae sit down with Xavier Contreras, founder of Second Chance Apparel. They dive into prison, life, family and second chances. Please rate and share! Much love. 

In this very special episode, Brian and Didontae sit down with Compton rap legend, Iam2swiftdagreat. This one hits close to home. Family and a huge partnership coming soon.  Check his music out on Spotify. 

Brian and Didontae sit down with Big Mike from Staten Island. He talks about his struggles with addiction and having a narcotics detective as a father. Mike founded the nonprofit Pitbulls And Addicts. They do amazing work helping dogs in NYC so go support! @pitbullsandaddicts 

Brian and Didontae sit down with Compton rapper, Eli Da Savage for episode two but this is actually the first episode that we ever recorded back in November of 2022. We hope you enjoy it and please share with those you love. More soon... 

Without further ado. Brian James, Didontae Farmer and Heard Studio present episode one of Strangest Fruit. They sit down for an intimate conversation with the brilliant Zach Skow about life, addiction, prison and where this whole project came from. Zach is the co-founder of Pawsitive Change, a dog training program inside of prisons and Marley's Mutts... Faith Over Fear 

Didontae talks about the power of fearlessness and the world we can create. Season One. #strangestfruitpodcast 

Hope where it's hopeless. This wasn't supposed to happen. Brian James talks the depth of love and second chances.

Love or fear. The only two choices that we get. Zach Skow from Pawsitive Change and Marley's Mutts. Episode one July 2023. #strangestfruitpodcast 

Zach Skow founder of Pawsitive Change and Marley's Mutts talks about the value of the incarcerated population. A sample from episode one. Don't sleep!