Ear Hustle: "My Understanding of This Place, Part 1"

Release Date: October 16, 2024
Host: Earlonne Woods and Nigel Poor
Network: Radiotopia

Introduction: Setting the Stage for Exploration

In this episode of Ear Hustle, hosts Earlonne Woods and Nigel Poor delve into the intricate relationship between physical spaces and the memories they harbor within San Quentin State Prison. Titled "My Understanding of This Place, Part 1," the episode marks the beginning of a two-part exploration into the now-abandoned East Block Death Row and other significant areas within the prison.

Earlonne Woods (00:00): "We are cooking up something really fun for next season, and we need your help."

Nigel Poor (00:05): "You might remember that for the last couple seasons, Earlonne and I have been producing mystery episodes."

The hosts engage listeners by inviting them to contribute story ideas, fostering a communal effort in shaping future content.

The Closure of Death Row: A Historical Shift

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the closure of Death Row at San Quentin, a change initiated under Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration in 2019. This move necessitated the relocation of inmates to other facilities, allowing them to engage in work programs to pay restitution to their victims—a mandate stemming from a 2016 voter-approved law.

Nigel Poor (05:03): "All of the individuals that were on death row were moved to other prisons within the state so they can start working and pay back the restitution."

Earlonne explains the logistical and emotional impact of dismantling Death Row, emphasizing the transformation of East Block into an empty space laden with historical weight.

Earlonne Woods (05:38): "Death row where they was housed at for the last 40 something years was closed, dismantled."

Anticipation and Preparation for the East Block Tour

Nigel shares his anticipation about exploring the now-vacant East Block, a space previously shrouded in mystery and inaccessible to most inmates.

Nigel Poor (02:14): "East block has always been an unknowable area to me of the prison."

The team discusses their preparations and the emotional significance of venturing into a space that symbolizes both closure and the lingering presence of those who once occupied it.

Nigel Poor (04:25): "I think you understand this better than I do."

First Impressions: Entering the East Block

Upon arrival, the team navigates the eerie ambiance of the East Block, with its empty corridors and remnants of inmate life. Rahsaan New York Thomas and Tony Tafoya share their fears and expectations, painting a picture of a space haunted by memories of violence, remorse, and the daily grind of prison life.

Rahsaan New York Thomas (08:11): "This is a place where everybody goes to die. Literally. This is the execution area."

Tony Tafoya (08:40): "I think there's just gonna be stuff everywhere, right? Just things thrown out of cells."

The narrative captures the palpable tension as the hosts step into a space once teeming with life, now silent and abandoned.

Spaces as Personal Memories: The Media Center and Beyond

Transitioning from the East Block, the episode shifts focus to more personal and functional spaces within San Quentin, particularly the media center—a place of creativity and collaboration for the prison's communication team.

Earlonne Woods (16:07): "It's an episode about spaces, and some of them are notorious, like east block... and how memory transforms spaces."

The team explores Tony Tafoya’s personal office within the media center, revealing how individual experiences and memories imbue even the most mundane spaces with profound significance.

Tony Tafoya (17:21): "You don't see barbed wire, you don't see fences. So I feel free."

Through detailed descriptions, listeners gain insight into how controlled environments like Tony’s office provide a semblance of freedom and personal space amidst confinement.

Tom Trinidad’s Cell: A Sanctuary for Creativity and Reflection

One of the most poignant segments features Tom Trinidad, who invites listeners into his cell—a space he has transformed into a personal sanctuary for songwriting and emotional expression. Despite the limited space and harsh conditions, Tom has carved out a corner where he can process his emotions and memories.

Tom Trinidad (37:39): "This is the only place where you could sit straight and not hit your head onto something."

As Tom performs an original song about his childhood and the loss of his grandparents, the episode highlights the therapeutic power of creativity within prison walls.

Tom Trinidad (40:27): "It was the safest time. But then when we had to come back to the city, then I knew it was going to be all bad."

The intimate performance, captured within the cramped confines of a cell, underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of personal spaces for healing and self-expression.

Reflection: The Emotional Landscape of San Quentin

Throughout the episode, hosts and contributors reflect on how spaces within San Quentin are more than just physical locations—they are repositories of history, emotion, and personal narratives. The exploration of East Block Death Row and personal spaces like the media center and Tom’s cell reveals a complex emotional landscape shaped by incarceration, creativity, and human connection.

Nigel Poor (47:22): "Any space, no matter how drab, can be animated and you feel their emotion."

Earlonne Woods (47:31): "Have everybody got a little peaceful space somewhere? You know, somewhere where they able to just do them, you know?"

These reflections emphasize the transformative power of space and memory, offering a nuanced perspective on prison life that transcends stereotypes and highlights individual stories.

Conclusion: Anticipation for Part Two

As the episode draws to a close, listeners are left anticipating the continuation of this exploration in "Part 2," where the team plans to finally dissect the now-abandoned East Block Death Row in greater detail. The first part sets the stage for a deeper dive into the emotional and historical significance of prison spaces, promising further revelations and personal stories.

Nigel Poor (48:06): "Yeah. And the much anticipated peek into the now abandoned death row is gonna happen on our next episode."

The episode concludes with a teaser, maintaining the suspense and encouraging listeners to stay tuned for the next installment.

Key Takeaways

• Transformation of Space: The closure of East Block Death Row signifies a major shift in the prison’s landscape, both physically and emotionally.
• Personal Memories: Individual stories, like Tom Trinidad’s, illustrate how inmates personalize their limited environments to cope with incarceration.
• Creative Sanctuary: The media center serves as a hub for creativity and collaboration, offering inmates a rare glimpse of normalcy and personal growth.
• Emotional Resonance: Physical spaces within the prison are deeply intertwined with the inmates' memories and emotions, shaping their experiences and identities.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Nigel Poor (02:14): "East block has always been an unknowable area to me of the prison."
• Rahsaan New York Thomas (08:11): "This is a place where everybody goes to die. Literally."
• Tony Tafoya (08:40): "I think there's just gonna be stuff everywhere, right?"
• Tom Trinidad (37:39): "This is the only place where you could sit straight and not hit your head onto something."
• Nigel Poor (47:22): "Any space, no matter how drab, can be animated and you feel their emotion."

Ear Hustle continues to offer an unfiltered and empathetic glimpse into life inside San Quentin, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding through personal stories and immersive storytelling. This episode, "My Understanding of This Place, Part 1," sets the foundation for an emotionally charged exploration of how spaces shape and reflect the lives of those within.