Life Inside
The interviewee describes how he used his prison job to deliver bags of dope as a way to feed his habit.
The interviewee describes how his first experience in adult prison was similar to juvenile detention.
The interviewee describes establishing status in prison and not getting caught.
The interviewee describes a conflict with one of his program leaders that may have interfered with him gaining a “chrono” from her.
The interviewee describes how they could only count on themselves to police and check themselves because the guards ignored everything.
The interviewee talks about how he did as he wanted in prison because he didn’t cause any trouble and got along with everyone.
The interviewee talks about her experience in prison, becoming clean, going to board, and figuring out who she is. She does this by going to groups and classes.
Interviewee shares his turning point in prison. Witnessing other individuals who were incarcerated taking their own lives he chose to make life changes that supported his recovery.
The interviewee talks about getting a ten year denial from the board was devastating, but he wasn’t willing to give up.
Interviewee describes how his reputation in the SHU smoothed his transition onto a level 4 general population yard.
The interviewee speaks on his experience with a specific gang in prison and also on how he no longer drinks.
The interviewee describes how race no longer matters when in the rehabilitation groups.
Interviewee talks about how he lives life with no regrets and how he has made terms with everything he has done claiming “it is a part of my destiny”.
Interviewee describes the how his hope in a new law allowed him to reflect on his actions and create a positive impact in his life.
Interviewee discusses his first time in prison and his experience in county jail.
Interviewee describes the SHU “special housing unit” as a place to go when you pay for infractions.
The interviewee describes how a newly designed prison differs from older facilities, including how the guards had control over everything.
The interviewee describes the fear he felt going into prison and the sorrow he felt having to leave his family. He describes what things were like in prison.
The interviewee describes how vital it was to build a social network in prison, but still having to become emotionally numb to survive.
The interviewee describes how hierarchies, fairness, and crying work in prison culture and his negative experiences with guards.
The interviewee describes the lack of proper medical care he received in prison and how it affected his physical and mental health.
The interviewee describes the extreme levels of violence and racism in San Quentin.
The interviewee talks about one of his experiences before the parole board.
The interviewee discusses his relationship with his wife, whom he married when he was in prison.
Interviewee describes COVID conditions in the prison and how he adjusted to life in a pandemic after getting released.
The interviewee describes how some of his peers in prison would encourage him to try therapy.