Episode 93: 12 Hours on the Yard

Inspired by the classic This American Life episode “24 Hours at the Golden Apple,” the Ear Hustle team documents one day in the life of San Quentin’s lower yard, from Haka dancing to dominoes; gospel to geese; and weight-lifting to waiting to get out.

Thanks to everyone who spoke to us while we were on the yard: Gerry Sanchez-Muritalla, Travis George, Miguel Alvarez, Louis Sale, James Names, Doc, Martin Zahorik, Arthur Jackson, Clark, Bryan Head, Rusiate Waqa, Situe Toluao, Arent D.J. Bradt, Trevor Woods, Reginald Thorpe, Don Peise, Russell Salgado, Jose Hernandez, Fernando Vasquez, Fred Catano, Larry Deminter, Steve Joe Martinez, Isaiah Jones, Daniel Hill, Chris Fuimaono, Daniel Le, Spencer Jonmark, Ralph Arreguin, Ezekiel Gonzalez, George Coles El, Corey J. Smith, Robert Cole, William Hayes, Tyler Motherwell, Robert Chase, Jonathan Huynh, Chad Miller, Steven McKnight, Taiosisi Matangi, Navion Starks, Chris Marshall, Glenn Wilson, Ben Davis, Joseph Thompson, James Swindo, Kevin Brickman, Nelson Vega, Ken Sargent, Gabby Rigmaden, James Duff, Joe Tyes, Mike Antrobus, Tyler Cooper, Dennis Rogers, Armando Raymayor, Alfredo Hayes, Stanley Tillman, and Officer Acevedo.

Episode artwork by Travis George. Photo of artwork by Peter Merts.

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.

This episode was scored with music by Derrell Sadiq Davis, Rhashiyd Zinnamon, Fernando Arruda, and Earlonne Woods.

Big thanks to Acting Warden Oak Smith and Lt. Guim'Mara Berry at San Quentin State Prison, and Acting Warden Molly Hill and Lt. William Newborg at the California Institution for Women 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.