What does it mean to be an American? There’s no one way. At NPR, we think of the American identity as a story - one that's always being rewritten by the people who live it. The American Storytelling collection gathers stories from local stations across the NPR Network - from small town struggles, to natural phenomena, to the intricate histories that build the constantly-evolving tale of our nation. These are our biggest little-known shows. Find them in the American Storytelling channel on Apple Podcasts or on the NPR App.

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Every season, Ear Hustle highlights the amazing music written by and performed by men inside San Quentin. This time music gets its due: a full episode, offering everything from rap, rock, jazz and soul, to something special from the Mexican Nationals Band, to an unexpected collaboration.

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Growing up, Thanh Tran never felt like he had a home. He was raised in the foster care system, was in and out of juvenile hall as a teenager, and went to prison at 18. Just over a decade later, he got what he had been working toward for years: freedom. This record of Thanh's journey comes from Uncuffed, an audio storytelling program based out of California's San Quentin and Solano State prisons.

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Seven years after the REAL program left the Richmond city jail, Speech shares what's happened to the men he made music with — and reflects on what it takes to solve the nationwide re-entry crisis that they're grappling with.

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With his release from jail just weeks away, hip-hop musician Devonte does everything he can to balance the love he has for his family against the big risks that come with their history.

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Struggling to keep up with his rehabilitation program, amateur rapper Anthony confronts the damage done by an entire life spent fighting for survival.

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While awaiting his court date, country singer-songwriter Garland reckons with his own choices and tries to lay down a stronger foundation with his girlfriend, Kelly.

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Recently freed from a state prison, rap prodigy Teddy navigates the enormity of landing a job, healing from childhood trauma, and staying sober all at the same time.

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From a studio inside the walls of Richmond City Jail in Virginia, hear the soundtrack to rebuilding a life after incarceration.

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