Episodes

  • Beyond the Yard: Cancer, Loss, and an Unlikely Brotherhood at Pelican Bay

    Beyond the Yard: Cancer, Loss, and an Unlikely Brotherhood at Pelican Bay
    Apr 7 2026
    In episode of four (6) of California Tier Talk, Alex Alonso is joined by Damien "TC" Doster of Los Angeles and Jerry "Boxer" Reyes from El Monte in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles. This episode features a powerful conversation between Damien and Jerry "Boxer" Reyes, exploring the intersections of prison life, personal tragedy, and cross-cultural friendship. The discussion centers on the systemic challenges of serving a life sentence while facing terminal illness and family loss.Health and Loss in the Carceral SystemA significant portion of the episode focuses on Jerry’s recent health struggles and family bereavement:The Cancer Diagnosis: Jerry discusses being diagnosed with cancer in October 2025 while incarcerated. He shares the difficult process of navigating treatment and education regarding his health within the prison system.Grief Behind Bars: Jerry faced the "double blow" of his diagnosis occurring simultaneously with his father's death.The Virtual Funeral: Due to his murder conviction, Jerry was denied physical attendance at his father’s funeral. He reflects on the experience of "attending" the service virtually from prison, highlighting the emotional disconnect and the rigid policies regarding high-security inmates.Background and Gang AffiliationThe podcast delves into Jerry's upbringing and the environment that led to his incarceration:Life in El Monte: Jerry describes growing up in an area of El Monte that was almost entirely Mexican and heavily saturated with gang activity.Family Dynamics: He notes that his entire family was gang-related, suggesting that his entry into that lifestyle was a product of his immediate surroundings.Reflecting on the Past: Looking back on a murder committed over 20 years ago, Jerry offers a somber reflection on his past actions and the gravity of his conviction.Interracial Friendships and Prison DynamicsOne of the most compelling themes is the relationship between Damien and Jerry:Meeting at Pelican Bay: Despite the historical tensions between Black and Mexican factions in Level 4 yards, the two met at Pelican Bay and formed a positive, lasting bond.Shifting Norms: They discuss the evolution of prison social structures, noting that it is now much easier for Black and Mexican inmates to function together and maintain friendships compared to previous decades.Level 4 Realities: The duo discusses the harsh environment of high-security yards, where "self-help" groups—critical for rehabilitation—are often unavailable, making personal growth and reentry preparation significantly more difficult.-Join Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHPFwv4YFLehTMkkxSAyHg/join-🔥SUBSCRIBE to Street TV: http://bit.ly/2bVAU47Listen to entire 🎙Straight Politicking Podcast 🎙🎙➡️ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-talk/id1869218630➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yUT87B0uzzhYulMnE8iiYFollow Our InstagramsAlex Alonso: https://www.instagram.com/alexalonso101Street TV: https://www.instagram.com/street.teeveeStreet TV Media | For advertising Email: info [AT] streetgangs.com | Call / Text: (32Three) 681.9979#straightpoliticking #alexalonso #alexalonsointerviews #tiertalk #californiatiertalk #paroleboard #cdc #cdcr #prisontalk00:00:00 - California Tier Talk #6 with Damien Doster and Jerry "Boxer" Reyes01:17 - Boxer Reyes02:18 - Losing a loved one from family while serving prison time04:00 - Jerry "Boxer" Reyes from El Monte04:24 - Boxer was diagnosed with cancer in October 2025 in prison06:40 - Learning about cancer treatment as a prisoner08:31 - Jerry dealing with cancer diagnosis at same time his father died09:48 - Attending virtual funeral from prison10:28 - Because Jerry was convicted of murder they would not let him attend funeral14:37 - Born and raised in El Monte14:58 - Growing up in El Monte was all Mexican15:25 - Jerry’s entire family was gang related19:16 - How Damien and Gerry met in prison20:49 - Despite being convicted for murder, the two started a postivie friendship22:19 - Reflecting on committing a murder 20 years ago26:05 - Reyes reflects on his murder from over 20 years ago35:33 - Doster discusses how now it easy to be friends with a Mexican in prison36:56 - El Monte is covered entirely with gangs and surrounding cities42:02 - The self help groups in prison43:43 - Self help groups are not offered on the 4 yards45:30 - Jerry’s experience on a level 4 prison yard54:25 - Mexican & Blacks in prison functioning together55:03 - Damien and Jerry met on at Pelican Bay prisonStreet TV Media | For advertising Email: info [AT] streetgangs.com | Call / Text: (32Three) 681.9979#straightpoliticking #alexalonso #alexalonsointerviews #tiertalk #californiatiertalk #catiertalk #prisontalk #StraightPoliticking #PrisonReform #RestorativeJustice #ElMonte #PelicanBay #MassIncarceration #ReentryMatters #HumanInterest #PodcastLife #SocialJustice #OvercomingObstacles #Transformation #CommunityHealing #LosAngelesHistory #RealTalk...
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    59 mins
  • California inmate granted parole after 33 years for race crime against whites

    California inmate granted parole after 33 years for race crime against whites
    Mar 16 2026

    In episode of four (5) of California Tier Talk, Alex Alonso is joined by Damien "TC" Doster of Los Angeles and Brian Thames, who was convicted for a 1993 race related murder against a white man.

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    3. ➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yUT87B0uzzhYulMnE8iiY

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    1. 00:00:00 - California Tier Talk with Damien Doster and Brian Thames
    2. 00:02:15 - Bryan Thames has been in prison for 33 years
    3. 00:04:08 - Brian Thames received the best news a prisoner can hear
    4. 00:06:33 - The CDCR parole board wanted Brian to address his “triggers” for violence
    5. 00:07:36 - Why do some prisoners in the CDCR get a 5-year parole denial
    6. 00:11:51 - CDCR and their 5-year denial
    7. 00:12:29 - Thames explains the crimes he was convicted of
    8. 00:15:49 - Brian created a restitution hustle in prison to help other inmates circumvent debt
    9. 00:18:01 - Having to tell the truth to the board
    10. 00:19:39 - What is restitution and how can that impact your sentence
    11. 00:28:25 - Are restitution fees fair for the prisoner
    12. 00:35:48 - Brian discusses how race influenced his crime against white people
    13. 00:45:30 - Brian expresses remorse for the people he killed/attempted to kill
    14. 00:47:56 - Brian was arrested in 1993 for his crimes
    15. 00:50:13 - Brian served 33 years in prison for a crime he initially got away with
    16. 00:54:12 - How is the parole board structured
    17. 01:03:28 - Brian expresses nervousness about getting released from prison and living free
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Growing Up in West Oakland, The Killing of Huey P. Newton, Hunger Strikes & Surviving the SHU

    Growing Up in West Oakland, The Killing of Huey P. Newton, Hunger Strikes & Surviving the SHU
    Feb 24 2026

    In episode of four (4) of California Tier Talk, Alex Alonso is joined by Damien "TC" Doster of Los Angeles and Tyrone Robinson aka Kambouie who was a high ranking BGF (Black Guerrilla Family) member and convicted in the murder of Black Panther Party founder Huey P. Newton.

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    1. Listen to entire 🎙Straight Politicking Podcast 🎙🎙
    2. ➡️ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-talk/id1869218630
    3. ➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yUT87B0uzzhYulMnE8iiY

    Timecodes

    1. 00:00 - California Tier Talk, Episode 3 with Damien "TC" Doster from LA and Tyrone Robinson "Kambouie" from Oakland, CA
    2. 00:44 - Tiny Cisco on meeting Kamboie in prison
    3. 02:53 - Tiny Cisco speaking on Corcoran SHU
    4. 05:01 - Kambouie speaks on the Pelican Bay SHU
    5. 06:54 - Pelican Bay SHU time
    6. 08:13 - Chip Fitzgerald, a Los Angeles Black Panther Member
    7. 11:23 - Tiny Cisco on being in the SHU
    8. 13:53 - How did Kambouie ended up in prison for murder
    9. 14:19 - Kambouie explains knowing Huey P Newton as a kid
    10. 16:28 - Huey was addicted to cocaine during the late 1980s
    11. 18:35 - After Huey P Newton killing the case became high profile
    12. 19:40 - How did the prison population react to Kambouie after being convicted of killing Newton
    13. 20:48 - Tiny Cisco on meeting Tyrone Kambouie Robinson
    14. 22:58 - what was the trial of Killing Huey Newton like?
    15. 25:38 - David Hilliard, an original Black Panther Member
    16. 26:00 - Growing up in West Oakland
    17. 27:32 - What was Lake Merritt in Oakland like in 1970s
    18. 29:36 - Hunger strike of Pelican Bay prison
    19. 33:07 - How did BGF, Mexican Mafia and other come together duing hunger strike?
    20. 38:53 - End of hostilities between BGF and Mexican Mafia
    21. 42:03 - Lessons learned from being in the SHU
    22. 45:57 - Why does Committee want prisoner to Snitch, Debrief or just die?
    23. 46:45 - Kambouie explains why he waived his...
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    58 mins
  • Blacks & Mexicans in Pelican Bay SHU: Allies, Tension, and Prison Politics

    Blacks & Mexicans in Pelican Bay SHU: Allies, Tension, and Prison Politics
    Feb 1 2026

    In episode of three (3) of California Tier Talk, Alex Alonso is joined by Damien "TC" Doster of Los Angeles and Anthony Cowie of Paramount, CA. They discuss growing up in Paramount, life in Pelican Bay SHU and Tehachapi SHU, Black-Mexican relations in prison, can Mexicans use the N-word in prison? and transformation in prison.

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    1. Listen to entire 🎙Straight Politicking Podcast 🎙🎙
    2. ➡️ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-talk/id1869218630
    3. ➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yUT87B0uzzhYulMnE8iiY

    Timecodes

    1. 00:00 - California Tier Talk, Episode 3 with Damien "TC" Doster from LA and Daniel Cowie from Paramount, CA
    2. 00:57 - Is 19 years in prison considered “chump change”?
    3. 05:17 - Growing up in Paramount, in Compton’s shadow
    4. 08:37 - Daniel used to spend time in Compton while growing up in Paramount
    5. 10:25 - Daniel used to work near a cemetery in Compton
    6. 12:52 - Serving time in Pelican Bay & Tehachapi SHU
    7. 17:06 - Tehachapi SHU
    8. 18:52 - You can only get 1 package per year in the SHU
    9. 22:11 - Some Mexicans and Blacks communicate in prison despite the ‘rules”
    10. 27:04 - How does Daniel have relations with other races considering prison rules
    11. 29:25 - Racial tensions in prison between Blacks & Mexicans
    12. 34:54 - Daniel was more famliar with Black peple growing up in Paramount than most Mexicans
    13. 36:00 - Some Mexicans in Compton and Paramount have a different lingo
    14. 38:17 - Daniel has went against some prison norms while incarcerated
    15. 42:34 - Using the N word as a Latino in prison
    16. 48:07 - TC explains his transformation journey
    17. 52:50 - Daniel explains his transformation journey in prison
    18. 53:49 - I did not trust other inmates if they did not have discipline write ups
    19. 57:52 - Daniel talks about getting his GED in prison

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Mexican & Black prison relations | Crip and Blood unity in prison

    Mexican & Black prison relations | Crip and Blood unity in prison
    Jan 17 2026

    Tier Talk is a show about California Prison living and on this episode we have Damien "Tiny Cisco" Doster from the Avalon Gardens projects, Porky from Village Town Piru in Compton and Brian from the Bay Area city, Pittsburg.

    This episode by Alex Alonso of StreetTV, is an in-depth conversation featuring three individuals currently incarcerated in the California Department of Corrections: Porky, T.C., and Brian. The discussion is notable for its raw look at life inside the California prison system, particularly during a time of significant transition in prison culture. Here are the key themes and takeaways from the conversation:

    1. The "Old School" vs. "New School"

    A major portion of the talk focuses on how prison life has changed over the decades. The men discuss the shift from a strictly regulated, "old school" convict code to the current environment. They express concerns that the younger generation lacks the same discipline and respect for the established rules that once governed racial groups and internal politics.

    2. The End of Racial Hostilities

    The participants discuss the Agreement to End Hostilities, a landmark document among California prisoners intended to stop racial violence. They talk about the challenges of maintaining peace and the effort required to educate younger inmates who enter the system with "street" mentalities that don't always translate well to the "convict" code.

    3. Personal Transformation and Accountability

    Each man reflects on their personal journey.

    1. Porky and T.C. discuss the process of aging behind bars and the realization that the lifestyle they once promoted led to a dead end.
    2. They emphasize the importance of self-rehabilitation, noting that while the system offers programs, the internal will to change is the most important factor.

    4. Gang Impact and Regret

    There is a heavy focus on the consequences of gang involvement. They discuss how the "neighborhood" loyalties that landed them in prison often disappear once the cell door closes, leaving individuals to face decades of confinement alone. They use the platform to warn younger viewers against following the same path.

    5. Life Terms and Parole

    The men discuss the reality of serving "Life" sentences and the psychological toll of not knowing if or when they will ever be released. They touch on the recent changes in California law (such as SB 1437 or youth offender laws) that have provided some hope for "lifers," but emphasize that one must truly prove they have changed to benefit from these laws.

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    TIMECODES

    1. 00:00 - Straight Politicking Episode 2, with TC, Porky & Rob
    2. 01:03 - TC explains first
    3. 01:51 - Bryan says he is onUncuffed podcast, produced in prison
    4. 03:36 -...
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    58 mins
  • Two inmates at Solano State Prison discuss incarcerated life

    Two inmates at Solano State Prison discuss incarcerated life
    Jan 13 2026

    Rob and Damien TC Doster are both incarcerated in Solano State Prison on a level 3 prison yard in California.

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    1. Listen to entire 🎙Straight Politicking Podcast 🎙🎙
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    3. ➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yUT87B0uzzhYulMnE8iiY
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    57 mins