30 Days

Summary

Ear Hustle Episode Summary: "30 Days"

Podcast Information

• Title: Ear Hustle
• Hosts: Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods
• Episode: 30 Days
• Release Date: June 11, 2025

Overview In the "30 Days" episode of Ear Hustle, hosts Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods delve deep into the emotional and procedural journey of Tom Wynn, a long-term inmate at San Quentin State Prison, as he approaches his resentencing hearing after 30 days of anticipation. The episode offers an intimate portrayal of life inside prison, the complexities of the justice system, and the personal relationships that sustain inmates during their confinement.

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1. Background on Tom Wynn’s Case

Tom Wynn, a central figure in this episode, has been incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison for 22 years, serving a double life sentence for attempted murder. Initially convicted in 2004, Tom received a sentence of seven years to life, alongside two consecutive enhancements for using a gun, resulting in a cumulative sentence that significantly exceeds standard duration.

Detailed Breakdown:

• Sentence Explanation: Tom's original sentence allows for parole consideration after approximately seven years. However, the consecutive enhancements for using a gun have extended his incarceration beyond 30 years.
  • Earlonne Woods explains: “[...] the 7 year to life do that, then the 25 year to life do that, then the 14 YEARS.” ([06:14](# timestamp))
• Resentencing Opportunity: In 2024, a new law provided Tom the opportunity to seek resentencing due to his young age at the time of conviction (22 years old).
  • Earlonne Woods remarks: “But when you're inside for a long time, you know, things change over the years. New laws come out, and that opens up the possibility that a judge could revisit Tom's sentence and maybe he can get out sooner.” ([06:52](# timestamp))

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2. Friendship and Coping Mechanisms

The episode highlights the profound friendship between Tom Wynn and fellow inmate Tony Tafoya. Their bond is portrayed as a lifeline, helping each navigate the psychological strains of incarceration and the looming uncertainty of the resentencing hearing.

Key Interactions:

• Hope and Vulnerability: Over recent months, Tom has become more hopeful, an emotion that is new and vulnerable for him.
  • Nigel Poor observes: “it feels like over the last couple months, he's sort of softened a bit and become more vulnerable and I think is actually experiencing something that's new for him, which is hope.” ([04:52](# timestamp))
• Tony’s Struggles and Resilience: Tony grapples with anxiety and depressive thoughts about the hearing, expressing fears of disappointment and the possibility of extended incarceration.
  • Tony Tafoya shares: “Some days it feels like I'm gonna lose my shit... Try to be grateful for all the breaks I've never earned.” ([07:19](# timestamp))
• Coping through Creativity: Both Tom and Tony utilize creative outlets—writing music and engaging in meaningful conversation—to manage their stress and maintain their mental health.
  • Tony explains: “For me, mainly I go write music... I’m writing a song about how stressed out I am right now.” ([08:10](# timestamp))

Notable Quotes:

• Tony Tafoya: “I try to be grateful for all the love I don't deserve.” ([48:16](# timestamp))
• Tom Wynn: “I know, you should be able to like, have a human moment.” ([37:21](# timestamp))

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3. The Day of the Resentencing Hearing

The narrative intensifies as the day of Tom's resentencing hearing arrives. Hosts Nigel and Earlonne, alongside production staff, attend the hearing to document the process and provide real-time updates.

Sequence of Events:

• Morning Preparations: Earlonne and her producer Kat arrive early at the Englewood Courthouse, while Nigel remains at San Quentin to support Tom and Tony.
  • Earlonne Woods: “Me and my producer Kat got there at like 8 in the morning.” ([30:48](# timestamp))
• Technical Difficulties: Due to a change in the assigned judge and logistical issues, the video link required for Tom to appear virtually malfunctions, leading to confusion and delays.
  • Tom Wynn explains: “All of a sudden I got reassigned to a whole nother courthouse in LA, in Inglewood court... I haven't received a single ducat saying that I have a court hearing this morning.” ([32:22](# timestamp))
• Emotional Toll: The uncertainty and technical mishaps heighten the stress for everyone involved, underscoring the fragile hope that Tom might be released.

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4. Postponement and Reactions

After several hours of waiting and uncertainty, the hearing is postponed due to procedural issues, leaving Tom and his support system in limbo.

Key Points:

• Postponement Announcement: The judge declares that Tom's hearing is delayed until May 29, 2025, due to the lack of proper video linkage.
  • Earlonne Woods details: “...the judge turned to Tom's case... the hearing... could not proceed without him on the screen.” ([40:12](# timestamp))
• Emotional Impact: Both Tom and Tony express deep disappointment and frustration, feeling the weight of another delay obstructing Tom’s chance at release.
  • Tony Tafoya expresses: “I have another life where people support me a lot.” ([45:03](# timestamp))
  • Star (Tom’s girlfriend): “I don't know if I've really let myself feel everything so far... This is going to be a hard blow today.” ([43:25](# timestamp))

Notable Quotes:

• Nigel Poor: “It's like, we gotta wait.” ([46:03](# timestamp))
• Tony Tafoya: “I have another life where people support me a lot.” ([45:03](# timestamp))

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5. Supporting Relationships and Future Plans

Despite the setbacks, the episode underscores the importance of relationships both inside and outside prison. Tom’s girlfriend, Star, along with his friends Nigel and Earlonne, continue to provide emotional support and maintain hopeful outlooks.

Future Endeavors:

• Summer Tour: Nigel and Earlonne announce their upcoming summer live tour across the southern and midwestern United States, aiming to expand their storytelling beyond San Quentin.
  • Earlonne Woods: “We're just going to be starting our live summer tour. Yes, we are a lot of driving.” ([51:00](# timestamp))
• Upcoming Stories: The hosts tease new episodes focusing on young people incarcerated in New York City, promising to broaden the perspectives shared on the show.
  • Nigel Poor: “And we can't wait to share these episodes with you.” ([52:07](# timestamp))

---

6. Conclusion and Cliffhanger

The episode concludes on a poignant note with Tony performing an original song that encapsulates his struggles and resilience, providing a raw and emotional closure to the narrative arc of the day's events.

Highlight:

• Tony’s Song Performance: The song reflects Tony’s inner turmoil and his attempts to remain grateful despite enduring hardship.
  • Tony Tafoya sings: “Some days it feels like I'm gonna lose my shit... Try to be grateful for all the breaks I've never earned.” ([46:53](# timestamp))

Final Thoughts: Nigel and Earlonne express a mix of hope and continued concern for Tom’s future, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating updates on his case and the next developments in their live tour.

---

Key Takeaways:

• Ear Hustle effectively humanizes the experiences of inmates, showcasing the intricate emotional landscapes they navigate.
• The episode emphasizes the importance of support systems within and outside prison walls, highlighting how relationships can provide strength in times of uncertainty.
• Procedural challenges within the justice system can significantly impact the lives of those awaiting resentencing, often prolonging their emotional and psychological distress.

Notable Quotes:

• Earlonne Woods: “I like you. I just don't want to see you every day in here, man.” ([45:00](# timestamp))
• Nigel Poor: “We are in the gallery... trying to see Tom's face going to show up.” ([35:38](# timestamp))
• Tom Wynn: “I'm really excited for you to go get re-sentenced.” ([19:30](# timestamp))

Timestamps:

• [03:46] - Introduction to Tom Wynn's sentencing
• [06:14] - Detailed explanation of Tom's sentence
• [07:19] - Tony Tafoya discusses his coping mechanisms
• [32:22] - Issues arise on the day of the hearing
• [37:07] - Discussion on supporting Tom during possible bad news
• [44:22] - Tony expresses disappointment over postponement
• [46:53] - Tony performs his song
• [51:00] - Announcement of the summer tour

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Closing Remarks "30 Days" offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of those incarcerated, the complexities of the legal system, and the enduring power of human connection. Ear Hustle continues to shine a light on often overlooked narratives, fostering empathy and understanding among its listeners.

Transcript

[Earlonne Woods]

Hey listeners, there's only a little time left to give to our annual fundraising drive.

[Nigel Poor]

And big thanks to everyone who already donated and shared some really kind words like Veronica from Birmingham, Alabama who said, I have listened from the first episode. I have turned on my coworkers and my son and my daughter. Dear Hustle, we all love the show.

[Earlonne Woods]

And Lennon from Burbank, California who said my all time favorite podcast by far. Thank you.

[Nigel Poor]

If you're able to donate, we really need your still pretty far behind meeting our goal of 1,000 donors.

[Earlonne Woods]

If you can set up a monthly donation of $10 or more, we'll hook you up with access to ad free episodes and bonus content through Ear Hustle Plus.

[Nigel Poor]

And even if you can't donate monthly, any amount helps. Truly. You can make your [e-mail] donate or by following the link in the episode notes.

[Earlonne Woods]

Thank you again. We appreciate it.

[Nigel Poor]

This episode of Ear Hustle is brought to you by Progressive Insurance.

[Earlonne Woods]

You chose to hit play on this podcast today. Smart choice. Make another smart choice with Auto Quote Explorer to compare rates from multiple car insurance companies all at once. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates not available in all states of situations. Prices vary based on how you buy. Hey, Nyge.

[Nigel Poor]

Hey, Earlonne. I want to talk to you about these pants I'm wearing.

[Earlonne Woods]

Oh, you talking about those? Those shiny ones?

[Nigel Poor]

Well, they're vegan leather pants that I got from Quint's, and every time I wear them, I feel so good. I know I look good. I could actually live in these pants.

[Earlonne Woods]

Vegan leather, huh?

[Nigel Poor]

I'm actually gonna get a second pair. Nespresso.

[Earlonne Woods]

That's what's up. They look cool.

[Nigel Poor]

Thank you. And now I'm actually looking at the Quint's summer lineup. I've already bought a bathing suit and a linen blouse, and I'm looking at some sandals.

[Earlonne Woods]

Okay. Hooking your little summer ward.

[Nigel Poor]

Exactly.

[Earlonne Woods]

And the cool thing about it is everything at Quint is half the cost of similar brands. It's luxury without the markup.

[Nigel Poor]

Right. And Quint's only works with factories that use safe, ethical and responsible manufacturing practices in premium fabrics and finishes.

[Earlonne Woods]

Yeah. Cause, you know, I just picked up a couple of T shirts, some underwear, you know, because Quint's stuff, it feels good on my body and it's affordable.

[Nigel Poor]

Yes. So you can get all the basics and look fantastic.

[Earlonne Woods]

Yeah, I mean, I think it's gonna be perfect for our tour.

[Nigel Poor]

Exactly. Because we are touring the south this summer in August, and it is going to be incredibly hot. So we both need to stock up on cool summer clothes. Give your summer closet an upgrade with quince. Go to quince.comearhustle for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns.

[Earlonne Woods]

That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com earhustle to get free shipping and 365 day returns.

[Nigel Poor]

Quince.com earhustle hi, this is Adele Serafino, and I am a volunteer at San Quentin Rehabilitation center, where I teach the native Hawaiian religious group how to play the ukulele and how to sing Polynesian songs.

[Star]

The following episode of Ear Hustle contains language and content that may not be.

[Nigel Poor]

Suitable for all listeners. Discretion is advised.

[Tom Wynn]

What's the date?

[Tony Tafoya]

Today's February 26, 2025. That's 30 days before my resentencing hearing. I've been in prison right now for 22 years, and I have a double life sentence for attempted murder. And I thought I was never going home.

[Nigel Poor]

That's Tom Wynn, one of our producers inside San Quentin.

[Earlonne Woods]

Tom's been in for a long time. He spent a lot of his teenage years locked up, and then when he was 22, he was convicted of attempted murder.

[Nigel Poor]

Under his original sentence, it would be 11 more years before he gets his first chance to go to the parole board.

[Earlonne Woods]

But, you know, when you're inside for a long time, you know, things change over the years. New laws come out, and that opens up the possibility that a judge could revisit Tom's sentence and maybe he can get out sooner.

[Nigel Poor]

Yeah. And I don't know if you've noticed this Earlonne, but it feels like over the last couple months, he's sort of softened a bit and become more vulnerable and I think is actually experiencing something that's new for him, which is hope.

[Earlonne Woods]

Definitely.

[Nigel Poor]

Yeah. But this resentencing and going to court has also been very suspenseful and stressful, obviously for Tom, but really for the entire team.

[Earlonne Woods]

In this episode, we're gonna follow thumb in the month leading up to that court date. I'm Earlonne Woods.

[Nigel Poor]

I'm Nigel Poor, and this is ear hustle from PRX's Radiotopia.

[Tony Tafoya]

Testing. 1, 2, 3. Is good enough, right?

[Tom Wynn]

It's good enough.

[Tony Tafoya]

Okay.

[Tom Wynn]

When would you go to board without this hearing?

[Tony Tafoya]

Oh, I go in 2036.

[Tom Wynn]

How old will you be that year?

[Tony Tafoya]

I don't know. I'm bad at math. I'm not one of the Masons. I'm 44 right now. What. What is 2036 from now like 11 more years. So I'd be like 55.

[Tom Wynn]

55.

[Earlonne Woods]

We should explain Tom's sentence a bit.

[Nigel Poor]

Ugh, Please do. Because Earlonne sentencing can be so complicated and confusing.

[Earlonne Woods]

All right, I'll try to break this down. When Tom was convicted in 2004, he was given seven years to life for attempted murder. So seven to life basically means that when you have served about seven years, you can start going in front of the parole board and make your case to get out of prison.

[Nigel Poor]

Okay, that seems pretty straightforward. Forward. But on top of that, he was given two more sentences. And those are called enhancements.

[Earlonne Woods]

Yeah, and enhancements are additional sentences based on your crime. So first he got a 25 year to life enhancement because he used a gun.

[Nigel Poor]

Right, right.

[Earlonne Woods]

Then another 14 year enhancement also because he used a gun.

[Nigel Poor]

Okay, confusing.

[Earlonne Woods]

And no, these sentences have to be served consecutively, meaning the 7 year to life do that, then the 25 year to life do that, then THE 14 YEARS.

[Nigel Poor]

But in 2024, a window opened. A new law said that Tom could ask the judge to revisit his case to do what's called resentencing, partially because Tom was only 22 when he committed his crime. So for the last year, he's been waiting for that hearing.

[Earlonne Woods]

Recently, Tom, Tom, and fellow ear hustler Tony Tafoya started sitting down on mic to talk about how Tom's handling all of this.

[Tony Tafoya]

I'm really hopeful. At the same time, I'm trying to like, temper it because in my life, every time there's a break, I don't get it. I was the kid that, like, if you went to school, right, and you had a raffle. I never won a raffle in my life. So I'm so afraid that when the day comes, they're going to be like, screw you, man. You. You're. I'm taking your raffle ticket away. The only thing that helps me at times is that when I remind myself I don't deserve no breaks. However, it doesn't change the fact that it runs through my mind. I notice the closer I get to up the possibility or a chance to be re sentenced, I'm starting to notice like everything's like. I feel like it's hitting me harder or it seems like I'm being tested more spiritually, mentally, like, you know, like every little thing.

[Tom Wynn]

What's your coping skill for that?

[Tony Tafoya]

For me, mainly I go write music. I'm writing a song about how stressed out I am right now. When you hear the first line, you're.

[Tom Wynn]

Going to laugh Tell me about your sleep.

[Tony Tafoya]

Generally I go to sleep at like 9, 30, 10 o' clock. Right. But lately I try to go to sleep about 10 and I just lay there until like 12. And then if I fall asleep around 12 and I wake up at 3, I can't go back to sleep. It's just running through my mind, what's going to happen? Am I going to get let down again? And then the other half of the time I'm daydreaming. Am I going to take my girl to Disneyland, buy her the Mickey Mouse ear hat, put it on her head and buy her churro? I just want to eat churros and stand in front of the castle.

[Earlonne Woods]

Hello, Star.

[Star]

Hello, Erlon.

[Nigel Poor]

Hello, Nigel. Do you know. Do you know what I call you?

[Star]

What?

[Nigel Poor]

My girl. My girl. Because that's how Tom always refers to you, as my girl. So in my mind that's your name. My girl.

[Star]

That's so sweet.

[Nigel Poor]

It's very sweet. It's incredibly sweet. It was great to talk to her because we've been hearing about Tom's girl Star for a long time. But doing this story, Earlonne was our first chance to actually speak with her.

[Star]

When he first met me, he was like, oh, you have skin like a porcelain toilet. I was like, what?

[Nigel Poor]

Oh, he didn't say porcelain doll porcelain toilet.

[Tom Wynn]

No, I was like, what are you talking about?

[Nigel Poor]

Earlonne? Let me know if you agree with this. So porcelain toilet. I've heard guys inside like long for a porcelain toilet because they only have the metal ones. Is that what it is? So maybe it was really, it was like something he wants so badly in his life.

[Earlonne Woods]

You've known people that for a porcelain.

[Nigel Poor]

Toilet, well, just when they talk about how horrible it is to sit on that cold metal toilet on a chrome. Yeah, but he thinks of it as something that's so special and precious.

[Earlonne Woods]

When was the last time you saw Tom in person?

[Star]

In person, it's been about two years, so yeah.

[Nigel Poor]

That must be so hard. Two years is a long time.

[Star]

It is. It is hard.

[Nigel Poor]

When is Tom's hearing going to happen?

[Star]

It is going to be the 26th of March at 8.30am what have you.

[Earlonne Woods]

Played out in your head?

[Star]

Oh, played out a lot of scenarios. One, hopefully the, the best is that they just give him time served and that he comes home and get to go pick him up and take him to a good dinner and just being able to go to the store together, you know, to cook together, play games together, or I might see something that's funny or, you know, And I think about, like, you know, how we would laugh together about that, just the most normal things.

[Nigel Poor]

Do you know where he's. Where he's falling on that same question?

[Star]

I think he's just extremely hopeful. He just really wants to go home. He's just. He's so tired of being there. Admittedly, he. He tells me, you know, when he was younger and he committed the crime, he said, I needed to go to prison. That's where I needed to be, or I would have hurt more people. It was a. It was a bad crime that he committed. But he's matured so much, and he's done so much rehabilitation that, you know, I think he just doesn't feel like he belongs there anymore. And then I think with it being dangled there, that there's this possibility of being home and not knowing what's going to happen. I think that's harder than knowing what to expect. That's where, like, the. The inner turmoil comes from, is just not knowing.

[Earlonne Woods]

At Tom's hearing on March 26, there's basically three things that could happen. One, Tom's request could get rejected. You know, the judge don't want to hear it, which would mean that his original sentence will stay in place.

[Nigel Poor]

Right. Or two, he could be sent to parole board early, and in that case, the parole board gets to decide whether he's ready to get out or not.

[Earlonne Woods]

Or there's a third option. There's a small chance that if his recentencing hearing goes well, the judge could decide that Thon's been in prison long enough and. And send him home with time served. And if that happens, he could be out within the next few weeks.

[Nigel Poor]

So in the meantime, he's just waiting. And really, the only thing I can compare it to is waiting to get serious medical news. You know, it's like, even if the outcome might be bad, you just want to be out of that limbo because the waiting is really difficult.

[Earlonne Woods]

Is there any rituals that y' all do in preparation for this hearing?

[Star]

So, yes, prayer and meditation. And our new thing is that when we're feeling a bunch of anxiety, we'll tell each other what we're grateful for.

[Earlonne Woods]

And when y' all meditate, do y' all meditate at the same time on the phone?

[Star]

Yes, we do meditate at the same time on the phone. In for four seconds. Oh, for four seconds.

[Earlonne Woods]

We heard you. This Zen dude on the phone tell us about your end of the phone conversations. How do you end your conversations on the phone?

[Tony Tafoya]

Oh, with my girl? Yeah, it depends. On the conversation. But usually we, like, do meditation and we read books. Like, I read this book called Difficult Conversations. It's an easy way for us to, like, share how, like, frustration comes up in our relationship without it being too personal. She'll say, for example, this came up, hey, Tom, you're a little impatient. When you ask me for something, you just want it done, like, on the second. And then I try to go, hey, how did you feel about this week with your interactions with me? Do you feel like I'm still being impatient? And then she'll walk me through it, and a lot of times I'm still being impatient. However, it helps me to, like, stay focused on it.

[Nigel Poor]

Do you think your relationship will survive the worst news?

[Tony Tafoya]

I believe it will, but I'm also open that maybe it might be too hard for her now. She told me she'll be there, and I think we were older when we met. We're in our 40s right now. We're 44. I'm old enough to. Or mature enough to understand things won't always be the way they are. And I also know where my line is. And same for her. I asked her, too, recently, about a year ago, when this resensing thing happened, I thought, you know, they're going to shut me down again. I asked her if she wanted to stay because if she left, we could be friends. If she needed to go date, meet people, I said I would understand.

[Earlonne Woods]

Remember, Starr told us she haven't even seen Tom in, like, two years?

[Nigel Poor]

Right. Tom, like a lot of people in prison, he just doesn't want to put his loved ones through the hassle of. I mean, you know, it's expensive. It can be challenging. Right. Because sometimes you get searched, and it's a lot to ask from anybody.

[Earlonne Woods]

So Thom and Starr just do video visits. But if Tom's told that he gotta do more years, then I think he need to rethink that decision.

[Nigel Poor]

Mm.

[Earlonne Woods]

Yeah. So I'm had to say this. You're gonna have to let her come, and you're gonna have to work through that.

[Tony Tafoya]

I just don't want her to feel helpless coming. Coming in here when they can search you.

[Nigel Poor]

But I'm going to throw this at you. She might need it. She might need to see you in person or to have that hug or whatever. So it isn't just about you. It's also about her.

[Tony Tafoya]

No, you're right. When I say I ask her not to come, it's me asking. I'm not telling her. And she agrees with me or she Doesn't.

[Nigel Poor]

So maybe this is a conversation for after you get the news. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Tom Wynn]

I'm asking you what today's date is.

[Tony Tafoya]

Oh, I'll say the date. But what you're doing is you're gonna just help me with what happened this week. Okay. So today is March 5, 2025, and I'm three weeks from the hearing date, still stressful. I wake up, like, with nightmares of being stuck forever. I worry about what my mental state will be like because I'm a little more hopeful than I have been in years. So how you doing, man? You seem, like, really not excited about how. How hopeful I'm for this.

[Tom Wynn]

No. So I am hopeful for you.

[Tony Tafoya]

Like you're supposed to be my friend. You sound like, like somebody just ran your dog over.

[Tom Wynn]

I mean, I'm really excited for you to go get re sentenced. I just.

[Tony Tafoya]

Because I'm gonna tell you, you sound like. You do not sound like this usually. You want me to stay here, dude?

[Nigel Poor]

No.

[Tony Tafoya]

Would you miss me?

[Tom Wynn]

Yeah.

[Tony Tafoya]

Okay.

[Tom Wynn]

Oh, yeah, I'd miss you.

[Tony Tafoya]

But don't worry, man. I don't get those raffle tickets, man. You're my friend. I hang out with you more than I do most people here. We work together earho. So we work each other in coding. We just go hang out with each other wherever. Right. And so I was thinking about, like, when I've had friends go home, I was happy for them, but there. There's a part of me, like, it was so sad. I was like, man, I wish you could stay and kick it with me for a little bit longer. So that's. I don't know. I don't know. Is that something that was running through your mind?

[Tom Wynn]

Kind of.

[Tony Tafoya]

It's like, tell me about it. Tell me about it, though.

[Tom Wynn]

Well, one. This. This trump shit's really bothering me.

[Tony Tafoya]

But tell me about what I. We were just talking about me talking.

[Tom Wynn]

About me and how I. How I feel to you. It's one of those, like, you kind of want to die before your parents because you don't want to have to, like, feel what it's going to be like to live without them.

[Tony Tafoya]

That's some fucking horrible, dark shit.

[Tom Wynn]

People don't think that.

[Tony Tafoya]

Oh, no, go ahead, Go ahead.

[Tom Wynn]

Oh, I don't know.

[Tony Tafoya]

I want to hear about this.

[Tom Wynn]

I would be extremely happy for you to go. Like, I don't want you here, but yeah, it's like if you leave, like, I talk to a lot of people, but I don't have a lot of friends in prison. I have Sat here for the last 13 years. And I'm not saying I deserve to go in front of a court. Like, I don't. But sitting here and seeing, like, all of these people go home, you think, like, you're just stuck and everyone else's life is moving on. It's getting to the point where everyone I know has left, and I am, like, one of the last ones still left. And that's when it really hurts.

[Tony Tafoya]

Yeah.

[Tom Wynn]

And so, yeah, I don't know.

[Tony Tafoya]

We'll see what happens, right? But think of it like this. If I got out, you'd have a friend outside to take pictures of you. Cool places.

[Tom Wynn]

I'd love that.

[Tony Tafoya]

Right?

[Tom Wynn]

Even if it was just in Fresno.

[Tony Tafoya]

If you, like, go to river park.

[Tom Wynn]

And take a photo of this, I.

[Tony Tafoya]

Would do it for you. I'd be like, you have a friend. You have a resource outside. Once I get on my feet, Somebody to call when you're stressed out and be like, he's out there. I could look something up for you.

[Tom Wynn]

You do know how to use a computer now?

[Tony Tafoya]

I do know how to use a computer now.

[Tom Wynn]

Not the Internet, but you know how to use a computer.

[Nigel Poor]

The thing I really like about this tape is that you get a good sense of their friendship and the way that they kind of push each other. And Tom is really good about getting Tony out of his depression about all of this. And it really surprised me to hear how much their friendship has developed over the last couple months. I didn't really know they were that close.

[Earlonne Woods]

Yeah. You know, when you got a partner inside that, you know, has a chance for resentencing, you know, it kind of pulls at your emotions as well, because you want to be in that position, you know, and that's how anybody will feel. It gets hard.

[Nigel Poor]

Yeah. And I wanted to talk to Tony more about how he was feeling. All right, so my first question is, how do you feel about this? Beyond that, you're happy for him? If you can be honest. I know it's hard.

[Tom Wynn]

I'm nervous because he and I both have, like, really deep rooted depression, and I'm worried that it'll trigger something that he's not ready for. And I feel the same way I do when everyone goes to court. I'm jealous.

[Nigel Poor]

Do you think you're gonna ever get.

[Tom Wynn]

Your opportunity to go home? Yeah.

[Nigel Poor]

Well, with like, a resentencing.

[Tom Wynn]

No. No, I don't. I try not to even think about it. Like, I get jealous of it, and I really want it. And, like, everyone's like, well, just put Your commutation. I'm like, the governor is not going to commute me. He's not even gonna look at my case.

[Nigel Poor]

Do you want to say why or not?

[Tom Wynn]

It's because of my case factors, like I have a sex crime, and that's that. I get it. And I'm not saying that I deserve to get resentenced.

[Tony Tafoya]

It's a Wednesday, and we are exactly seven days before my resentencing hearing.

[Tom Wynn]

That's insane. How does that feel?

[Tony Tafoya]

You know, for the first couple weeks, it was like I was, like, always on my mind. Right? Like in the daytime. But this last week, for some reason, I haven't thought about it at all, except for in the middle of the night.

[Tom Wynn]

It's funny you say this, right? Cause it's. Your fear is that you're going to have to live the life you are living right now.

[Tony Tafoya]

Yes. I'm tired.

[Tom Wynn]

No, no, no. Listen, listen, listen. It's not. It's not. I'm gonna put it bluntly. Your fear is that nothing changes.

[Tony Tafoya]

Yes, you're right. That's depressing, Tony.

[Tom Wynn]

It is depressing. But if the worst case scenario happens, you still have an entire life in prison.

[Tony Tafoya]

I'm not happy with that. I don't want to do this no more.

[Tom Wynn]

It's depressing.

[Tony Tafoya]

Yeah.

[Tom Wynn]

But it's not an unknown.

[Tony Tafoya]

Yeah. I like you. I just don't want to see you every day in here, man. I'll be real. I'm really tired of being here.

[Tom Wynn]

Yeah.

[Tony Tafoya]

I started reaching out transitional homes. I started looking for jobs because it's a little more real. So I'm looking for opportunities with music, looking for podcast jobs.

[Tom Wynn]

That's a good little dream.

[Tony Tafoya]

Yeah. So this week has been productive enough. I haven't got no job offers, though, so it's not that productive. But I've been hustling, pushing it out there wherever I could. I told you I wanted you to ask your mom if it's cool if I get out, and then she. I could stop by her house and so she can make me a real Jewish meal.

[Tom Wynn]

I mean, I would ask for the Italian before you'd ask for that.

[Tony Tafoya]

Okay. All right. Either way. Spaghetti. Meatballs. Spaghetti and meatballs. Meatballs. Yeah. But everything's cool this week. Let's. Let's hope for next week. And then I've been working on this song. I'm finished with it. I'm trying to memorize it to express all the shit I've been going through. So hopefully next week when Nigel shows up, I let them hear It.

[Nigel Poor]

I love hearing his enthusiasm and I really want to share that enthusiasm with him. But inside I'm also a little bit nervous to hear him making all these plans because if it goes south, the disappointment is going to be crushing. I would think. It started to make me worry about the actual day of the hearing and if things don't go his way, like, how do we support him? What do we say? Because I don't know what would be the most helpful thing? Is it like to commiserate? Is it to be like, I don't know, I don't know.

[Earlonne Woods]

There's nothing to say, Nigel, but you gotta. Sometimes it's better to say nothing because, I mean, how can you console a person that just. He gotta wait till he's 55?

[Nigel Poor]

Well, that's why I really wanted to talk to him about it and just be upfront, like, what are you going to need from us? Okay, what if you get the worst news? What do you need from your friends and colleagues?

[Tony Tafoya]

I guess just continue like a regular day. It's nice that people care, right? But I think continuing like a regular day helps me get through it. Kind of like why I don't celebrate birthdays. It's just a regular day. Just get through it.

[Nigel Poor]

So you don't want people to be overly emotional?

[Tony Tafoya]

No, it's just like now if I make it, you can be happy all you want.

[Nigel Poor]

You said you wrote a song. Are you prepared to sing it for us?

[Tony Tafoya]

It's. I'll try if you want to check it out.

[Nigel Poor]

I really wanted, regardless of the news is I really want to hear you perform that.

[Tony Tafoya]

Oh, after. Yeah, I'll do it.

[Nigel Poor]

Well, so when will you find out what the answer is?

[Tony Tafoya]

I'll find out on that Wednesday, Right then and there.

[Nigel Poor]

They'll say it at the end of the hearing.

[Tony Tafoya]

At the end of the hearing, from my understanding is they say yes or no. We're going to re sentence you.

[Nigel Poor]

But how many people are there talking? Like how many people are making the decision?

[Tony Tafoya]

The judge?

[Nigel Poor]

Oh, it's one person. So they don't have to confer with anybody.

[Tony Tafoya]

This re sensing, from my understanding is all on the judge.

[Nigel Poor]

It's not like when you go to board and there's like a group of people that have to have come to a consensus.

[Tony Tafoya]

Got it? Yep.

[Nigel Poor]

Where does it all happen for you? I know you're on video.

[Tony Tafoya]

So they have a video conference room and it's a room like maybe a fourth of this size. And it's just a computer and a little headphone mic and who will be with you? It would just be me. I'll be in the room alone. The officer will sit outside the door. And I'm going to sit there and pray, meditate, and just wait. Just sit in the chair, put the headphones on and look at the camera. And they have a blank screen. Yeah. And then just pray. And then when they. They jump on. Hey, Mr. Nguyen, are you here? Just keep praying. God, I know I messed up, man. I know I ask you a lot for shit. Just let me get this break right now. Let me get a chance to go home, be with my family, be with my girl, and get to live a second life. Amen.

[Earlonne Woods]

This one's a cliffhanger, Nige.

[Nigel Poor]

It sure is. We're going to take a short break and we'll be right back.

[Earlonne Woods]

Calling all ear hustlers, we've got an announcement.

[Nigel Poor]

We are hitting the road again.

[Earlonne Woods]

That's right. Back in 2023, we had our first live tour on the east and west coast and we had so much fun. We're like, we gotta do this again.

[Nigel Poor]

So that's what's happening. Only this time it's really like an old fashioned roadshow. Kind of like a 70s style rock ban. We are renting vans and we are packing so many outfits.

[Earlonne Woods]

Earlonne and hitting the road. We'll start out in Nashville on August 4th, and we will drive across the south and Midwest, hitting a bunch of cities, hopefully yours.

[Nigel Poor]

Grand finale in a city I have always wanted to visit, Austin, Texas.

[Earlonne Woods]

And this time out, we've got an entirely new show. Stories from inside and outside. Prison reimagined by a cool animator. And music from some of our favorite artists you've met on the show.

[Nigel Poor]

And Earlonne, you know, I am already picking out my outfits.

[Tony Tafoya]

Yep.

[Nigel Poor]

And between you and me, we are going to need our own van. Earlonne. We are going to travel Liberace style. And you know, I am dying to see what our listeners are going to be wearing.

[Earlonne Woods]

I'm wearing prison blues.

[Nigel Poor]

What you talking. You are not. You are not.

[Earlonne Woods]

So dress to impress.

[Nigel Poor]

For ticket info and all the details go to earhustlesq.com see you on the road. Hey, Earlonne.

[Earlonne Woods]

What up?

[Nigel Poor]

What do you think is harder taking care of babies or pets?

[Earlonne Woods]

Well, I only have babies, so I'm gonna go with that. Babies.

[Nigel Poor]

Well, actually, you know, I'm a grandma, right? And occasionally I'm a cat grandma. And the only thing I really don't like about cats is dealing with kitty litter.

[Earlonne Woods]

Yeah, I'm cool with changing diapers, but I wouldn't be into dealing with cat litter at all.

[Nigel Poor]

Well luckily there's a kitty litter that makes things way easier. It's called Pretty Litter. It ships free to your door and you don't have to change it for up to a month. Can you imagine if you didn't have to change your baby's diapers for a month?

[Earlonne Woods]

Only thing I can imagine is diaper.

[Nigel Poor]

Well kitties don't get that. Luckily and amazingly it can actually help monitor cats health by changing color based on common health issues.

[Earlonne Woods]

That sound pretty cool. I wish diapers could do that.

[Nigel Poor]

Yeah, somebody should invent that right now. Save 20% on your first order and get a free cat toy at Pretty.

[Earlonne Woods]

Litter.com that's PrettyLittleitter.com earhustle to save 20% on your first order AND get a free cat toy.

[Nigel Poor]

Pretty Litter.com earhustle Pretty Litter cannot detect.

[Earlonne Woods]

Every feline health issue or prevent or diagnose diseases. A diagnosis can only come from a licensed veterinarian. Terms and conditions apply. See site for details. You know what doesn't belong in your epic summer plans?

[Nigel Poor]

What's that?

[Earlonne Woods]

Getting burned by your old wireless bill.

[Nigel Poor]

Yeah, when you're planning barbecues and three day weekends, your wireless bill should be the last thing holding you back.

[Earlonne Woods]

With plans Starting at just 15 bucks a month, Mint Mobile gives you premium wireless service on the nation's largest 5G network. The coverage and speed you're used to, but for way less money.

[Nigel Poor]

So while your friends are sweating over data, overages and surprise charges, you'll be chilling, literally and financially.

[Earlonne Woods]

I used my own phone with Mint Mobile and brought over my existing phone number and all my contacts. It was so easy. Get three months of premium wireless service from Mint Mobile for 15 bucks a month this year.

[Nigel Poor]

Skip breaking a sweat and breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless [e-mail] earhustle that's mintmobile.com earhustle upfront.

[Earlonne Woods]

Payment of $45 for 3 month 5 gigabyte plan required equivalent to $15 a month new customer offer for first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See Mint Mobile for details. Currently we are at the Englewood Courthouse in Inglewood, California and we're about to walk in and see if one of our colleagues, Tom, is resentenced today. So we gotta turn our mics off right now and we can turn it back on in the court. So we'll let you know what happens when we get back.

[Nigel Poor]

So Earlonne on the day of Tom's hearing. You actually went to the courthouse down in Southern California?

[Earlonne Woods]

Yep. Me and my producer Kat got there at like 8 in the morning.

[Nigel Poor]

And I stayed behind at San Quentin to be with Tom and Tony.

[Earlonne Woods]

Right.

[Nigel Poor]

I don't know about you, but from where we were, there was a lot of confusion. And the main problem was that a week before this, Tom had received a notice saying that the hearing was gonna take place at a different court than originally scheduled.

[Earlonne Woods]

That's right.

[Tom Wynn]

All right. It is 7:40 in the morning and I am still eating my cereal.

[Tony Tafoya]

You were late, man. I was waiting for you.

[Tom Wynn]

Okay.

[Tony Tafoya]

Yeah.

[Tom Wynn]

Updates.

[Tony Tafoya]

The judge, after being on my resensing for an entire year, decided to recuse himself. And so all of a sudden I got reassigned to a whole nother courthouse in la, in Inglewood court got the hearing notice right here. And it's supposed to be this morning, but this is the problem. I haven't received a single ducat saying that I have a court hearing this morning. So I'm afraid that for whatever reason, they'll try to say that we need to delay it.

[Earlonne Woods]

You know, switching courts is a big deal. Like one, you know, you get a new judge, they might not be familiar with the case. Two, anytime there's a change, you know, the wires can get crossed. Like small shit can start turning into big shit. Like say, for instance, in Tom's case, CDCR needed to get a new video linked to Tom them so they can join virtually.

[Nigel Poor]

Right. And that was something Tom was really worried about.

[Tom Wynn]

I find it funny that the court is able to mail you from Torrance in one day. In one day. Yet for some reason CDCR cannot find an email zoom link in over a week.

[Tony Tafoya]

Yeah, I don't know. Oh, well, I'm a little anxious. However, strangely today I feel less anxious than I've been. Maybe because I prayed the serenity prayer. I thought, like, I just can't control this. There's nothing I can do. I can't do anything. All I can do is sit and wait and then let's say by 10 o' clock nothing happens. I'll call my girl, see if she can talk to the lawyer because they're all at the courthouse right now. They're already there. How are you feeling?

[Star]

Okay. Nervous. Praying this goes well and that he gets to come home.

[Earlonne Woods]

My producer Kat checked in with Star as we all waited to go inside the courtroom.

[Star]

I was driving on my way over here to LA from Fresno and Thom called and he was singing over the phone. Yeah, he said it was helping him to kind of calm down a little bit. He was practicing a new song just about him coping with everything that's going on right now. The first line is, sometimes I feel like I'm gonna lose my shit.

[Nigel Poor]

And then.

[Star]

And then after that, he sang a couple of Marvin Kaye songs for me.

[Earlonne Woods]

We are in the courtroom in the gallery. Dom family is in the middle because you have three different sections there in the middle. And we are to the right of them sitting behind where the jury sits. And we're looking at the judge's bench and we're about to sit here for a long ass time and hear four other people cases. And then Tom case will come up and Tom should appear on that TV up there, hopefully.

[Nigel Poor]

It's so fascinating, Earlonne, to hear what was happening on your end, because back at San Quentin, we had no idea what was going on. We saw Tom, like briefly in the morning before he went to that video call. But after that, after that, it was nothing. So Tony and me were just like sitting there in the media lab trying to prepare each other for how we were gonna react to whatever the news was gonna be. So it's eight o' clock. Oh, now it's a little bit past eight. Who do you think? Not Tom. But who do you think is harder for us waiting in here or those people waiting outside at the courtroom?

[Tom Wynn]

Oh, us. They have more information than we do. They know if he's supposed to be on the docket, he's there. They know what's going on. They can see his attorney.

[Nigel Poor]

So really in the dark. So what? Let's just imagine he gets the worst news. Do you think it's better when someone gets bad news? Is it better to be very definitive and strong and say, okay, this is a setback, but don't give up, or to really show your heart and be like, I'm so. You know, this is just horrible. I don't really know what to say. Like, what's more helpful for somebody.

[Tom Wynn]

I think just being there. I don't know if people want to be told things are gonna be good, right? So I think just like letting him know he's supported. This is so. It's so difficult. We're like, trying to figure out what to do if he gets bad news.

[Nigel Poor]

Even after talking to Tom about this, I've still been thinking about how to react. Because if Tom were a friend on the outside, you know, I would give him, you know, like a big hug, a supportive. But in prison, you can't do that.

[Earlonne Woods]

Because a hug comes with all kinds of other shit.

[Nigel Poor]

All kinds of stuff, like over familiarity, which could get us both in trouble.

[Earlonne Woods]

Right.

[Nigel Poor]

Yeah. No hugs. That I know. Probably don't cry. Yeah. It doesn't mean it, you know, it doesn't break your heart.

[Tom Wynn]

I know. That's. You should be able to like, have a human moment.

[Nigel Poor]

Yeah. Okay. I guess I was just waiting. It's 8:27am and Tom's been gone for 27 minutes.

[Earlonne Woods]

So currently it is 9:50 bomb's case. Supposed to start I think at 9:30. I assume we're waiting on Tom's attorney and the judge just went on research, but maybe they're waiting on certain people to pop up. Some people just. Some lawyers just came in, so maybe that's the reason. I've never really seen them go to recess that quick.

[Nigel Poor]

All right, so it's like 10:50. We've been sitting here since 8:00 o' clock.

[Tom Wynn]

Yes.

[Nigel Poor]

It's almost three hours. I know. You just tried to get us an update. What's going on?

[Tom Wynn]

Yeah, so I ran over to where Thumb's at right now, and I checked to see if he went into the courthouse. He has not gone into the video court portion of the area. He's sitting there. He made a phone call.

[Nigel Poor]

Who did he talk to? Do you know?

[Tom Wynn]

I think he spoke to my girl.

[Nigel Poor]

His girl? Yeah, my girl?

[Tom Wynn]

Yeah, his girl. My girl. And she said that the attorney showed up late and I guess court didn't start on time and they were going in and that was the last he's heard. So another update. When I was coming out, the two officers that run the video court were leaving. They got in their van and drived away from the video court area.

[Nigel Poor]

So that means he won't even be able to get on the video?

[Tom Wynn]

Not unless they drive back in. There's definitely a lack of communication going on.

[Nigel Poor]

Yes, clearly.

[Tom Wynn]

So that's. That's the update as of right now.

[Nigel Poor]

Okay, thank you.

[Tom Wynn]

11:00Am.

[Nigel Poor]

For some reason, this is making me hungry.

[Earlonne Woods]

You always hungry.

[Nigel Poor]

At that time, it was so hard to just sit there. Earlonne. I mean, and not know anything. Clearly. We were also getting bored.

[Earlonne Woods]

I mean, it was for us in the courtroom too, because, you know, we looking at the. See, y' all don't know nothing. We looking at the docket list. We know it's this many people prior to him. You know what I'm saying?

[Nigel Poor]

That's stressful too. Totally.

[Earlonne Woods]

And then, you know, finally, finally the judge turned to Tom's case.

[Nigel Poor]

Calling number.

[Tony Tafoya]

Five on the court's calendar.

[Nigel Poor]

That's a Matter of Tam Wynn, case number YA470563.

[Earlonne Woods]

Good morning, your honor. Lance Filer from the IDCO post division panel. Proud to be here on behalf of Mr. Tam Steven Wynn, who is not present for the court, your honor, who is currently in state custody in San Quentin along with Tam. For support, you, honor, our media from a podcast from San Quentin named Ear Hustle, who is graciously here today to document today's proceedings, along with Tam's mother, several of Tam's sisters, nieces, nephews, family members, support groups from prison.

[Nigel Poor]

Why do you think the attorney told the judge Ear Hustle was there?

[Earlonne Woods]

I think he was basically trying to show the judge the support that Tom has. You know, all these family members, his colleagues.

[Nigel Poor]

Okay.

[Earlonne Woods]

But, you know, I wasn't really paying attention to all that because my eyes were fixed on this TV screen on the wall in the courtroom. You know, I was trying to see was Tom face going to show up.

[Nigel Poor]

Yeah.

[Earlonne Woods]

And it didn't. And I knew.

[Nigel Poor]

Not a good sign.

[Earlonne Woods]

No.

[Nigel Poor]

All right, so the matter said on calendar, May 29, 2025, this apartment, they 8:30am Anything else? All right, court is. Thank you. Court is in about six. Do you understand what just happened?

[Earlonne Woods]

Yes. What just happened is. Isn't on. On the screen. You can't technically have the hearing without him on the screen. So May 29, 8:30 in the morning, and this will continue. So we are hoping that all is well and they go down on 29 May.

[Nigel Poor]

The judge was saying Tom's hearing would be delayed for another two months, which Earlonne. Honestly, I thought we had considered all the possible outcomes. This postponement was not one of them.

[Earlonne Woods]

Right. You know, I think the main issue was that there was a new judge who didn't know nothing about the case in front of him. San Quentin supposedly didn't have the video link so Tom could be there. So, you know, that all adds up to a cold postponement.

[Nigel Poor]

Yeah. I mean, and now it's more limbo, and I think that's probably one of the worst places to be.

[Earlonne Woods]

So how are you feeling?

[Star]

Um, I don't. I don't know if I've really let myself feel everything so far. Disappointed that we have more delays. I haven't talked to Tham yet. I know he's going to be very disappointed.

[Earlonne Woods]

This, again is Star Thumb's girl.

[Star]

This is going to be a hard blow today. It's going to be upsetting, and I don't want to mitigate anything with what he did. And whenever I Start feeling bad for Osam and what he's going through in prison and everything. His first thing that he says to me is, well, I shouldn't have put myself here and shot somebody. So he takes that responsibility.

[Earlonne Woods]

So listening to everything that happened today, does that change things up for you and tomorrow in any way.

[Star]

For him? And I know. I mean, we're just gonna keep going and. And try the next thing.

[Earlonne Woods]

And I know y' all meditate a lot. Will y' all be meditating today?

[Star]

We will be meditating. He started off the day by telling me what he's grateful for, and it's actually part of that song, that new song that he wrote this past month, like, processing what's going on. The chorus is, I try to be grateful.

[Earlonne Woods]

Is there something that you can say to him that he won't be privy to, to this EP come out?

[Star]

I guess I would just say that. That I love you and I'm so grateful for you. Yeah.

[Nigel Poor]

Okay. Okay. It's 11:30. Tom just came back. I heard a heavy sigh.

[Tony Tafoya]

Yeah, I'm just. I'm tired. They pushed me to May 29, and it took him three hours to do that for some reason. It's just a little bit of a. Like, a punch. I was like, damn, it's been over a year now.

[Nigel Poor]

Yeah.

[Tony Tafoya]

I felt like. Like the wind taken out of me. I go, damn. I was, like, banking on this, right? I was gonna try, you know, just, like, go to Disneyland.

[Nigel Poor]

Yeah.

[Tony Tafoya]

Eat a steak.

[Nigel Poor]

Get your churro.

[Tony Tafoya]

Yeah, get my churro. Get my girl that little. The Minnie mouse ears. Yeah. So, damn. I just have to wait.

[Nigel Poor]

Yeah, it sucks.

[Tony Tafoya]

Yeah. It's kind of like. I know.

[Nigel Poor]

Sorry. I wish. I mean, of course, everyone wishes we could change what happened.

[Tony Tafoya]

Yeah. However, you know what? I try to take a guy's life. You know what? I don't have nothing coming. I wish I had it, but, you know. Yeah. And then I'm trying not to, like, I try to be grateful, because you know what? I'm fortunate. I have a. I appreciate you guys showing up. It means a lot to me, like, even though, like, it's just. I'm telling you, like, I have another life where people support me a lot.

[Nigel Poor]

I'm glad you feel that way, because I was worried it would actually be more pressure to feel like, oh, there's people waiting. No, I've got to tell them again what happened. And I'm dealing with my own feelings around it, so. I'm glad you didn't feel like it was extra pressure.

[Tony Tafoya]

No, it Means a lot to me. I'm telling you. Like, I don't have a lot of friends. Yeah, my girl thought it was sweet, too.

[Nigel Poor]

Yeah. I wish we were talking about something different. Like, came back and we were like.

[Tony Tafoya]

I know. I was. I was really hoping that'd be a cool end of a story. Huh? Like, oh, it happened.

[Nigel Poor]

Yes.

[Tony Tafoya]

Now it's just like, we gotta wait.

[Nigel Poor]

Yeah. Yeah. How do you feel about doing your song?

[Tony Tafoya]

I'll do it.

[Nigel Poor]

Are you sure?

[Tony Tafoya]

Yep.

[Nigel Poor]

All right, let's do it.

[Tony Tafoya]

Let's do it. Okay, we're good. Testing, 1, 2, 3.

[F]

Some days it feels like I'm gonna lose my Like I'm losing all my.

[Tom Wynn]

Fight.

[F]

People, they only see the color Conf dance oh, I'm faking half the time Some days it feels like I'm going to lose my. Everything I do goes wrong these voices in my head tell me to quit can't fail if I don't carry on Try to be grateful for all the breaks I've never earned oh, Try to be grateful for all the love I don't deserve oh, Humble work in progress still trying to sort things out.

[Nigel Poor]

I.

[F]

Will get there in my own time Let me scream and shout Everyone has their opinion how I should be hey. Oh I will get there in my own time Let me do my thing Let me do my thing Some days it feels like I'm gonna lose my shit.

[Earlonne Woods]

On May 29, Tom had another court hearing.

[Nigel Poor]

This time, the link worked. Tom was able to appear in court via video from San Quentin, but there.

[Earlonne Woods]

Was a scheduling conflict in the office of the District Attorney. So Tom's hearing was postponed yet again.

[Nigel Poor]

The next hearing is scheduled for July 8th.

[F]

Some days it feels like I'm gonna lose my shit Like I'm holding on too tight Keeping so busy I can't get no rest if I slow down I lose my mind Try to be grateful for all the breaks I've never earned Ho ho. Try to be grateful for all the love I don't deserve oh, hum. A work in progress still trying to sort things out I will get there in my own time Let me scream and shout Everyone has their own opinion How I should behave oh, I will get there in my own time Let me, oh, let me, Let me do my thing Let me do my thing.

[Nigel Poor]

Well, Earlonne, is it time to say Happy Summer?

[Earlonne Woods]

Happy Summer. Yes, it is time to say Happy Summer. It's time to bend a Kona for a few weeks.

[Nigel Poor]

A few weeks? Because pretty soon after those few weeks, we are going to be starting our live summer tour. Yes, we are a lot of driving.

[Earlonne Woods]

Yeah.

[Nigel Poor]

Where, where are we going to be driving?

[Earlonne Woods]

Nashville. Then we going to drive from there to one of the other states. Could be Atlanta, could be, could be.

[Nigel Poor]

Chicago, could be Pittsburgh. But basically we are going through the Midwest and south.

[Earlonne Woods]

We'll be driving to each one. So that should be fun, exciting.

[Nigel Poor]

And if you want to get tickets and see us live, please go to our website where you can get more information about the dates and the actual cities we're going to to be at. We really look forward to seeing you there.

[Earlonne Woods]

And that's earhustlesq.com tour and then in.

[Nigel Poor]

The fall, we're getting excited to share something we've been working on for a long time now.

[Earlonne Woods]

A couple years we've been working on stories about young people that's locked up in New York City.

[Nigel Poor]

Yep. And we can't wait to share these episodes with you. So have a good summer. We'll see you in the fall.

[Earlonne Woods]

Great summer.

[Nigel Poor]

Let's eat a lot on this tour. No, I can't wait.

[Earlonne Woods]

No, we only eating quiche and kale. Quiche and kale on this too.

[Nigel Poor]

Barbecue.

[Star]

Hi, I'm Star. And I'm Thumbs girl. Ear Hustle is produced by Nigel Poor, Earlonne Woods, Amy Standen, Bruce Wallace, Rahsaan, New York Thomas and Kat Shuknit. Shubnam Thigman is the managing producer. The team inside San Quentin includes Darrell, Sadiq Davis and Tom Nguyen. The inside managing producer is Tony Tafoya. Thanks also to Adesteo San Pablo. Thanks to Warden Andes at San Quentin and Acting Warden Parker and Lt. Newborg at the California Institution for Women, as well as Warden de la Cruz and Lt. Williams at the Central California Women's Facility for their support of the show. Thanks also to this woman here.

[Nigel Poor]

I am Lieutenant Giamari Berry, the public information officer here at San Quentin Rehabilitation center, and I approve this episode.

[Star]

This episode was made possible by the Just Trust building a smaller and more humane engine of justice and safety across the country.

[Nigel Poor]

Earlonne woods and Bruce Wallace sound designed the show with help from Darrell Siddiq Davis. Fernando Arruda and Harry Culhane are our engineers.

[Earlonne Woods]

Music for this episode comes from Antwan Williams, David Jassy, Darrell Siddiq Davis, Joshua Burton, Fernando Arruda and me.

[Nigel Poor]

For more information about the episode, check out our show notes on Ear Hustle's website, earhustlesq.com you can find us on.

[Earlonne Woods]

Social media, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and BlueSky.

[Nigel Poor]

And if you're not already. Follow and review Ear Hustle on any of your favorite podcast apps including Apple podcasts, Spotify and iHeartRadio.

[Earlonne Woods]

We love reading your comments. Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia from prx, a network of independent, creator owned, listener supported podcasts.

[Nigel Poor]

Discover audio with vision at Radiotopia fm. I'm Nigel Poor.

[Earlonne Woods]

I'm Earlonne Woods. Thanks for listening.

[Tony Tafoya]

I kind of joke about it like I'm talking to God, like he's my friend. Like, hey man, you haven't given me a lot of breaks. Can you give me one right now?

[Earlonne Woods]

What if God is like, bruh, you still living because I've given you breaks?

[Tony Tafoya]

Yes. If he responded, first thing is I would be amazed and be like, oh shit, got it. And then after that I'd be like, you're right. However, I'm greedy.

[Earlonne Woods]

However you gonna. However, yes, I am.

[Tony Tafoya]

Yeah.

[Earlonne Woods]

Support Ear Hustle by donating today as part of our annual fundraiser.

[Nigel Poor]

Everyone who donates will be invited to our virtual party. If you've never been, it's a really fun time where we all talk about the season and answer questions from you all live.

[Earlonne Woods]

Every gift will help us reach our goal of 1,000 donors. Head over to earhustlesq.com to learn more and please contribute.

[Nigel Poor]

Thank you. Radiotopia from prx.