In each episode of our podcast “Life in Seven Songs,” we ask the world’s brightest minds and leaders: What songs tell the story of your life?
This week’s podcast guest is Chesa Boudin, a lawyer whose professional life has been nearly as tumultuous as his upbringing.
When Boudin was just 14 months old, his parents, Weather Underground members Kathy Boudin and David Gilbert, left him with a babysitter while they participated in a failed heist of a Brink’s armored truck that resulted in the deaths of two police officers and a security guard. Although neither fired a shot that day, both parents were incarcerated for murder and robbery, and Boudin was raised by his adoptive parents, Weather Underground leaders Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn.
As an adult, Boudin became a public defender and was elected as San Francisco’s district attorney in 2019 on a promise to revolutionize the city’s approach to crime and punishment. Less than three years into his term, voters recalled him from office.
On the podcast, Boudin shares his story, using music to highlight some of the most meaningful milestones in his life. While visiting his mother in jail, he rewrote the lyrics to Tupac’s “Dear Mama” to honor their relationship. Now a father himself, Boudin reflects on parenting and how his son’s upbringing is worlds apart from his own.
Listen to Boudin’s playlist on Spotify, and find a transcript of the podcast episode here. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.