If you have to serve prison time, Norway is the place to do it … at least that’s what we’d heard. Incarcerated people in Norway wear their own clothes, cook delicious meals from scratch, and even take short leaves to re-acclimate to society. Are Norway’s prisons all they’re cracked up to be? Ear Hustle takes you inside to find out.

Thanks to Are Høidal, Trond, David, Kevin, Ali, Loony, Nina, and Hege for speaking to us for this episode.

Thanks also to Knut Eric, Joacim, Mina, Martine, and everyone else at RøverRadion who helped us out while we were in Norway.

Episode illustration by Tommy Tongpalan.

Each episode this season will feature new artwork by a different incarcerated artist. It’s part of a collaboration between Ear Hustle and the San Quentin Prison Arts Project, which is part of the William James Association (WJA) and is also supported by California's Arts in Corrections program.

Since 1977, the WJA has helped prepare participants for a successful return to their communities by building family connections, teaching social and communication skills, and giving students an opportunity to contribute. You can find out more about WJA here, and donate to help support its work here.

This episode was scored with music by Antwan Williams, Rhashiyd Zinnamon, E. Phil Phillips, and David Jassy.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.

Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support Ear Hustle and help us reach our goal of 1,000 supporters. Thank you.

You can download the episode here and find the transcript here.

Episode 83: What's Dangerous About Trees