The Personal Diary of Old Wooden Ears

The Personal Diary of Old Wooden Ears

Woody Overton and Jim Chapman open up season 3 of Bloody Angola: A Podcast by Woody Overton and Jim Chapman give you a ton of insight into Louisiana State penitentiary at Angola by reading you the actual diary of the founder of the "Angolite" magazine and editor Old Wooden Ears" from the 1930's!#Louisianastatepenitentiary #AngolaPrison #Podcast #Applepodcast #spotify
Transcript of episode2023 Jim: Hey, everyone. Welcome back to another edition of Bloody-Woody: -Angola.Jim: A podcast 142 years in the making.Woody: A Complete Story of America's Bloodiest Prison. Jim: And I'm Jim Chapman.Woody: And I'm Woody Overton.Jim: First of all, Woody Overton, it's Season 3.Woody: Yes, love, right? [chuckles]Woody: I can't believe that. Thank you everyone for liking us and sharing us and helping us grow. It's been amazing. Chase Team members and now all our higher levels of Patreon.Jim: Warden.Woody: Warden and C.E.R.T. Team. Thank you so much. We appreciate you. But yeah, Season 3, it's amazing. We've sold out two live shows now. Y'all's Response has been phenomenal. We appreciate you. You're about to start getting Bloody Angola three days a week.Jim: And as is our tradition, Woody Overton, we always start with a classic story from Angola.Woody: This is a classic story. Not only about the person it's about, but we are going to bring it to you from what should be a story in its own.Jim: Yes.Woody: The Angolite.Jim: The start of the Angolite, which for those of you that are not familiar, that's a magazine that is released by the prison for inmates to read.Woody: Not only inmates. I had a subscription to it back in 1992 or 1993 and they used to mail it to my house.Jim: All we're doing is telling people how old we are. Woody: [chuckles] Okay, sure. Yeah.Jim: [crosstalk] -Pony Express back then. [laughs]Woody: Yeah, right. That was definitely snail mail. It always fascinates the shit out of me what the criminal mind does. This is after I worked in the prison system too. But it's a phenomenal award-winning magazine.Jim: It really is. The guy who started that magazine is who we're going to really be talking about today. The interesting deal with this gentleman is that he was the original editor and the guy who started the Angolite. But not only did he do that, he also, in addition, kept probably one of the best diaries of Angola. As a matter of fact, I'm going to go ahead and say the best diary of Angola you would ever come across. And he had a nickname. I'm going to tell you about that nickname first. They called him Old Wooden Ears.Woody: Wooden Ears.Jim: The reason they called this gentleman that is he was beat by a correctional officer at some point during his early years in Angola and actually went deaf in one ear. So, he was known by the prisoners as Old Wooden Ears. We're going to tell you about the diaries of William Sadler, and we're going to name this episode Old Wooden Ears.Woody: Wooden Ears.Jim: The interesting thing with this episode is that we're going to actually read you the diary because we can't do this justice without actually reading you the entry. We're just going to take these back and forth. Trust me, this is interesting, y'all. This is the real diary.Woody: Think about it. You don't have a whole lot to do in prison. At least this guy was keeping himself busy by keeping a diary.Jim: And didn't hold back.Woody: Right. He told the truth according to him.Jim: Mm-hmm. That's right. We're going to start with January 1st, 1936. This was New Year's Day on Angola, and it was celebrated by all hands out in the field with the exception of Camp E, most of whom are assigned to the refinery. Sugarcane cutting going on full blast with no Sundays or holidays off until grinding ends, which will be about the middle of the month. Red Hats out in the cane shed.Woody: Red Hats.Jim: If you listen to our Red Hats episode, you'll find out a little bit more about them. But he'salready mentioning the Red Hat.Woody: Yeah. On January 3rd, 1936, he writes, "There was hail on the Gola this day. The refinery has been making 100% white sugar and shipping it to the brokers in Chicago under the Pelican Refinery, Baton Rouge label, so consumers wouldn't get onto the fact that it was made by convict labor. The last month, some of those dudes loading freight cars at Camp B siphoned off sugar out of several sacks and filled holes with striped convict clothes. When the sacks hit Chicago in the retail market and a howl went up, this was heard way down here. The result? About 16 men caught the bat, anywhere from 30 to 45 lashes each. But those who were beaten weren't the guilty ones, strange to say. It seems their clothing had been stolen and shoved into the sacks. And since the dudes bore their laundry numbers, it made them automatically guilty. The actual perpetrators of the switch got off scot-free, which is often the case on this Angola."Jim: How about that?Woody: Right. Y'all, go back and listen to some of our other episodes. The bat was basically a big leather strap. That's what they're referring to. Now, that's pretty smart. Let me tell youthis real quick. When I was in basic training in the army, they had a guy on a cot across from me that snored every night, and I wouldn't get any sleep anyway, I've been on a light sleeper. So, before the lights went out, you had to line your shoes underneath the bunk, I stole one of his boots. When the lights went out, he started snoring, I reared back and I threw that boot, I hit him in his head as hard as I could. He jumped up and he was like, "You motherfuckers. I'm going to get you. I got your boot. When I turn on the lights in the morning, I'm going to find out who it is." But guess what? It was his. These prisoners were smart like that. They stole somebody else's clothes and other inmates' clothes and numbers and plugged the holes. They were hoping to get the uprising, which they got. But unfortunately, for the victims that they stole from, well, they got the bat.Jim: They got the bat. 30 to 45 lashes, y'all. You're starting to see the brutality with Angola and why they called it Bloody Angola. Another thing that I found interesting about that entry was the fact that they would switch the labels. The reason they would do that, back in the 30s, people weren't down with convict labor like that.Woody: They still do it. When I worked at DCI, they had the crawfish plant, and they ran 24 hours a day. They brought in two 18-wheeler loads of crawfish a day and they boiled them. The inmates had to peel 16 pounds of tail meat and they got to weigh it in their 12-hour shift. If they didn't peel the 16 pounds, they went to the hole. But guess what? They packaged it under Louisiana Crawfish Company and sold it. That's the shit you buy in the grocery store when you buy Louisiana Crawfish-- It used to be when you buy Louisiana Crawfish tails.Jim: There it goes. The next time you buy, you think about that.Woody: [crosstalk] -crawfish season, they made them cut onions and they sold the cut-uponions like the Holy Trinity. But they damn sure didn't say it was done by prisoners.Jim: That's right. We continue on. And you're seeing that brutality take place. "January 5th, 1936. Narrowly missed the bat myself this day. Captain JH Row-" that's a good cager name, "-of Camp A missed credit for a carload of cane which had been sent to the mill. There's always been more confusion out in the yard when the cane cars are brought in by railroad crews at night. In this case, the weight ticket evidently became lost, not by fault, but close shave nevertheless."Woody: Wow, close shave-- [crosstalk] Jim: Yeah. And he narrowly missed that bat.Woody: I can't imagine there were a lot of lights and shit on the trains, they were rolling. I think about sugarcane, y'all, that's what he's talking about. Look, there's a certain time you got to cut it and get it out and get it to the mill to get it pressed. I know they were working sun up to sun down.Jim: Oh, yeah. And sugarcane was a huge commodity. Woody: Still is.Jim: It still is, yes.Woody: All right, y'all. So, the next one, his journal entry is on January 9th, 1936. He says, "It was cold and pouring down rain today. No slickers, no boots, no gloves. All camps that work in the fields, negro women cutting cane from on headland, white men from Camp G working toward them. John Henry on the turn row. Dinner served out in the open. Rain so hard, the whippoorwill peas bounce off your plate faster than you can spoon down. Menutoday, chicken, chopped grits, stove pipe gravy, soybean bread, and coffee made from horse beans for breakfast."Jim: I'm hungry already. [laughs] Woody: Right? I can't imagine. Jim: Out in the rain, y'all.Woody: Hey, it's raining so hard, you try to eat your shit before it gets any soggier, but the fat drops are hitting your plate so hard that your peas are bouncing off the plate? That's crazy. Hey, they didn't give a shit. They were getting that sugar cut.Jim: That's right. "14th January, 1936. The whistle blew today for the end of the 1935-36 grinding season. Tonnage figures showed one of the biggest years in Angola history, but no sugar on the table. They found over nine tons which had been hidden in various places around the refinery for use during the coming year by the refinery crew. The hideouts were tipped off by the Black Cat, who as a convict had helped plan it. Two weeks ago, he was paroled to the state for work in the refinery, so his first duty was to put the finger on the hidden sugar."Woody: Wow. Gave it up. Jim: Gave it up.Woody: You know that went on, man. Sugar is a commodity. Even the free people that worked in the mill, I guarantee the inmates kept some too make that homemade brew. All right, y'all, so we're going to January 20, 1936, again from Wooden Ears' diary. He says, "Camps all at work in the field hoeing stubbles. Rainy and wet today. Wet clothes worn into the camp dormitories, which are heated only by a wood-burning stove made out of a di

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The Escape of Joe Williams

The Escape of Joe Williams

In this episode of "Bloody Angola," we share Joe Williams' daring escape from Angola prison, detailing his evasion for four days fueled by mushroom tea. Timestamps:08:17 A Desperate Decision15:54 Early Life and Upbringing25:20 Revisiting Clemency27:14 Recent News: Drug Trafficking Conspiracy30:06 Smuggling Contraband: Washington Parish JailSponsors:Badlands RanchAir-Dried Nutritious Dog Food Superfood Complete contains some of the healthiest foods on Earth — humanely raised beef, nutrient-dense organ meat, omega-packed salmon, and gut-healthy vegetables. And of course, a variety of our favorite superfoods, chosen to help support your dog’s smooth digestion, healthy energy level, and easy-moving joints. These ingredients are cooked responsibly at low temperatures and air-dried for maximum nutrition. Superfood Complete contains no meat meal, byproduct, or preservatives known to cause health issues in many dogs — it’s all of the good stuff your dog needs to thrive, with none of the bad.Check out the video below!https://www.badlandsfood.com/BloodyAngolaOur Sponsors:* Go to badlandsfood.com/BLOODYANGOLA to learn how you can see incredible changes in your dog’s health!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

9 Maj 202440min

Part 2 | The Deathmen

Part 2 | The Deathmen

In this episode we include 'The Deathmen" series and tell you unknown facts regarding Louisiana's executioners including "The hangman of New Orleans" Harry Meyer and Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola executioners Grady Jarrett and Sam Jones.Timestamps:02:24 Louisiana's First Legal Execution04:28 The Hangman of New Orleans11:42 Transition to the Electric Chair19:12 The Search for a New Executioner20:41 Sam Jones: The New Executioner24:03 Reflection on Historical Execution Methods#Podcast #prison #crime #bloodyangolaSpecial Listener Deals!Badlands Ranch:Go watch this 20 Minute Video presented by Katherine Heigl and learn some amazing tips on the health of your dog.Click Here to watch now!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

2 Maj 202433min

"C-Murder Killed My Brother" | George Thomas, No Limit & Corey Miller

"C-Murder Killed My Brother" | George Thomas, No Limit & Corey Miller

George Thomas shares his family story of dealing with the tragic death of his brother Steve Thomas at the hands of rap star and No Limit Records recording artist Corey Miller also known as C-Murder, the brother of founder Master P.George goes into detail with Woody Overton and Jim Chapman on Bloody Angola Podcast regarding the case itself, responds to calls from Kim Kardashian to "Free C-Murder" and the impact the case has had on his entire family.Timestamps02:15 Diverse Crime Stories03:42 Personal Backgrounds and Music Influence05:07 Upbringing in New Orleans06:54 Temptation of Street Life08:51 Military Influence10:20 Life in Leavenworth15:39 Shocking News of Brother's Murder18:16 Involvement of C-Murder20:48 Brother's Love for Rap Battles22:13 Fond Memories of Brother32:46 Concealed Information and Media Control35:53 Emotions in Courtroom35:56 Uncovering the Truth38:32 The Wine Flowers Incident39:31 The Emotional Testimony40:09 Dealing with Threats40:53 Unveiling the Industry42:06 Facing Public Scrutiny46:32 Reflections on Remorse46:56 Remembering the Victim52:39 Seeking Justice54:15 Seeking the Truth55:10 Respecting Intentions56:30 Unexpected Apologies59:07 Sharing the Story59:57 Choosing Redemption1:00:41 Making Life Choices1:03:14 Making a Difference1:03:55 Sharing Personal Journeys1:05:22 Seeking Peace1:08:45 Speaking Hard Truths#kimkardashian #cmurder #nolimitrecords #stevethomas #rap #podcast #masterp #deathrow #bloodyangolaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

25 Apr 20241h 11min

Part One | The Deathmen

Part One | The Deathmen

In this episode of Bloody Angola Podcast, we explore the dark history of executioners throughout civilizations, from their origins to their roles under tribal leaders and monarchs. Woody and Jim delve into the lives of infamous executioners like Derek and John Crosland, revealing chilling details of their deeds. Various methods of execution over the centuries are discussed, including the guillotine's introduction by Dr. Joseph Guillotine, transforming the landscape and speed of executions.01:30 Introduction03:45 Origins of Executioners12:48 Unique Identification Methods19:27 Love in the DungeonAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

11 Apr 202430min

The Legend of Lead Belly

The Legend of Lead Belly

In this episode, we explore the life of Lead Belly, a prominent blues singer originating from the infamous Bloody Angola prison. Spanning the 1930s, we witness Lead Belly's turbulent journey from incarceration to musical stardom, showcasing his exceptional 12-string guitar skills and prestigious performances at locales like Carnegie Hall and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We delve into the harsh realities of life in Bloody Angola during the Great Depression, shedding light on inmate challenges and the vital role of correctional officers in maintaining order. Additionally, we touch upon the evolving landscape of law enforcement, the complexities detectives encounter, and the significance of adequate funding for police departments. Timestamps0:53 Lead Belly's Story Begins14:23 Lead Belly's Violent Altercations15:53 Lead Belly's Murder Conviction20:58 Lead Belly's Recording Opportunity21:57Lead Belly's Release and Musical Success26:14 Lead Belly's Hit Song30:24 Reflections on Lead Belly's Legacy36:51 Challenges Faced by Correctional Officers42:45 Law Enforcement Challenges44:00 Investigative PrioritizationAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

4 Apr 202449min

Horror Show

Horror Show

Woody and Jim into the history of the electric chair, discussing various executions that took place in the past. William Kemmler's execution in New York in 1890 marked the first time the electric chair was used, aiming to replace the gruesome public hangings of the time. The podcast highlights the mishaps that occurred during electrocutions, such as William Taylor's legs ripping off during the process. It also explores how Louisiana transitioned from hangings to using the electric chair in 1940 and eventually to lethal injection in 1991.Additionally, we want to acknowledge the support of Lori Johnson, a Louisiana community figure participating in a fundraising event for the Big Buddy Program. If you would like contribute to the cause and show support for Lori, we provide her specific link below.https://dancingforbigbuddy.com/dancer/lori-johnson/?fbclid=IwAR0aHVAqaX_u_kCMjAn4mw_7E1eY5MXNUifV8mpKfHEdkT2VCmbJaEtHgigTimestamps0:03:57 The History of the Electric Chair0:06:49 Public Executions and the Shift to Electric Chair0:14:19 Transition to Electric Chair in Louisiana0:15:31 Introduction of Portable Electric Chair in Louisiana0:19:44 Increase in Louisiana Executions via Electric Chair0:28:05 History of Executioners in the US and Bloody Angola0:29:30 Exploring Alternate Forms of Execution0:33:11 Reflections on the Justice System and Executions0:35:22 Shout-Out to Lori Johnson's Fundraiser0:37:24 Wrapping Up and Rodeo PlansAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

21 Mars 202441min

Part 2 | The Richest Man In Bloody Angola: Wilbert Rideau

Part 2 | The Richest Man In Bloody Angola: Wilbert Rideau

In this Part 2 we wraps up this series "The Richest Man in Bloody Angola" .In this episode, we dive into the story of Wilbert Rideau, a man who spent 44 years in prison for a crime he committed in 1961. We explore his journey from a young man involved in a tragic incident to his time in prison, including solitary confinement and his reflections on regret and survival. We discuss his various trials, legal battles, and ultimately his release after being found guilty of manslaughter in his fourth trial. Wilbert's transformation during his time in prison, his accomplishments as a journalist, filmmaker, and author post-release, and the challenges he faced reintegrating into society are all highlighted. We also touch on the perspectives of the victims' families and the complexities of forgiveness and redemption. The episode explores the question of rehabilitation and whether Wilbert Rideau, now a successful author and consultant, has truly changed from the person he was in 1961. Ultimately, we reflect on Wilbert Rideau's journey and the contrasting feelings of justice, forgiveness, and the ongoing impact of his release.Timestamps:0:01:51 Facing Regrets and Solitary Confinement0:03:37 Hope in Solitude0:06:30 The Hope of Clemency0:09:39 Linda LaBranche's Support0:13:55 Legal Dream Team with Johnny Cochran0:16:47 Judicial Rollercoaster0:21:33 Opening Statements of Fourth Trial0:26:01 Conclusion of Fourth Trial0:28:44 Rideau's Release and Community Divide0:37:00 Concerns and Plans Post-Prison0:39:14 Wilbert Rideau's Biographical Success0:41:58 The Richest Man in Bloody AngolaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

14 Mars 202444min

Part 1 | The Richest Man In Bloody Angola: Wilbert Rideau

Part 1 | The Richest Man In Bloody Angola: Wilbert Rideau

In this episode of Bloody Angola, Jim Chapman delves into the story of Wilbert Rideau, a prisoner with a remarkable journey. Rideau achieved significant accomplishments behind bars, winning prestigious journalism awards and making substantial reforms within the Angola prison. Chapman vividly describes Rideau's background, including his upbringing in Louisiana and his involvement in a fateful armed bank robbery in 1961. The detailed account of the robbery and its consequences on Rideau's life are presented, highlighting the tragic events that unfolded that night.Chapman delves into Rideau's multiple trials, each resulting in a first-degree murder conviction and a death sentence. Despite Rideau's claims of panic and lack of premeditation, the courts repeatedly found him guilty. The emotional impact on the victims, especially Dora McCain, a surviving bank teller, is powerfully portrayed through their statements during Rideau's clemency hearings. The tension between Rideau's rehabilitation and the severity of his crime is a central theme throughout the episode.The episode captures the complex emotions and moral dilemmas surrounding Rideau's case, including insights from journalists, D.A., and Rideau's mother. Despite his outstanding achievements in journalism and documentary filmmaking while in prison, Rideau faces the ongoing challenge of seeking clemency and ultimate release. The episode ends with a hint of a forthcoming episode, promising a continuation of Rideau's story and the surprising turns it takes. Throughout the episode, Chapman's narrative style immerses the listeners in the compelling and controversial story of Wilbert Rideau and the Angola prison.Timestamps:0:03:20 Rideau's Accomplishments and Reforms0:04:53 Recognition and Fame0:05:13 Wilbert Rideau's Upbringing0:06:50 The Bank Robbery0:11:54 The Bank Robbery - Confrontation0:14:30 The Bank Robbery - Panic Sets In0:20:32 Publicity Surrounding Rideau's Case0:23:16 Legal Battles and Appeals0:26:47 Interview Reflection on the Crime0:33:54 Rideau's Notable Achievements0:38:19 Rideau as Editor of Angola0:41:04 Rideau's Clemency Hearing0:45:29 Public Response to Rideau's Clemency0:47:11 Clemency Decision0:50:41 Rideau's Success in PrisonAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

7 Mars 202457min

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