Episode 81: Fences — Ear Hustle

From 180s and 270s to “just one long-ass hallway,” different kinds of prison architecture leave different marks on the people who live there. In this episode, like the last one, we explore how architecture shapes the experience of incarceration, and how people push back to reclaim space for themselves.

Thanks to Daniel Alem, Tommy Hall, Tam Nguyen, Nicole Visor, Kathryn Elam, Randy Jackson, Will Cartlidge, Pamela Blunt, Candace Restivo, and Christine Reynolds for speaking to us for this episode.

Learn more about the San Francisco Public Library’s 2022 One City One Book, This Is Ear Hustle, at sfpl.org/onecityonebook.

Illustration by Mark Stanley-Bey.

Each episode this season will feature new artwork by a different incarcerated artist. It’s part of a collaboration between Ear Hustle and the San Quentin Prison Arts Project, which is part of the William James Association (WJA) and is also supported by California's Arts in Corrections program.

Since 1977, the WJA has helped prepare participants for a successful return to their communities by building family connections, teaching social and communication skills, and giving students an opportunity to contribute. You can find out more about WJA here, and donate to help support its work here.

This episode was scored with music by Antwan Williams, Rhashiyd Zinnamon, Lacey and Abdul from Healing Rhythms, and David Jassy.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.

You can download the episode here and find the transcript here.