California Tier Talk

Street TV
  • 5.0 (1)
  • True Crime
  • Updated Weekly

Prison conversations with inmates in California's most active prisons hosted by Alex Alonso from Street TV.

Episodes

  1. Jun 5

    Samoan Blood on Level 4 Prison: The Kamau Atuatasi Story

    In episode of seven (7) of California Tier Talk, Alex Alonso is joined with Kamau Atuatasi, a Samoan guy who grew up in the South Bay section of Los Angeles, specifically the Harbor City and Wilmington area. In this episode of California Tier Talk (Episode 7), host Alex Alonso engages in a powerful, deep-dive conversation with Kamau Atuatasi, a current inmate at Solano Prison who offers a raw look at his life journey and the complex intersections of cultural identity and street culture. Growing up in the Harbor City section of Los Angeles, Kamau details the powerful, foundational role that the church plays within the Samoan community, contrasting it against the violent reality of the surrounding neighborhood gangs like the Waterfront Pirus. He shares his personal trajectory of navigating the Blood side of Samoan gang culture as a youth, while providing critical insight into how Samoan inmates uniquely handle incarceration—often prioritizing their shared cultural heritage to keep internal violence remarkably low, even when divided by Crip and Blood identities on the street. The conversation traces Kamau's troubled youth, from drinking at twelve years old and committing robberies while attending Banning High School, to his very first juvenile incarceration at Los Padrinos juvenile hall. He opens up about the challenges of growing up without a father and a short-lived stint in the military that was derailed by legal trouble, leading to a pivotal 2004 domestic violence conviction that sent him to adult state prison. Kamau vividly describes the brutal reality of serving time on a high-stakes Level 4 yard at Calipatria State Prison, a heavily Hispanic environment where survival meant navigating constant stabbings and volatile daily interactions with the Fresno Bulldogs on the top tier. Now having spent fifteen years behind bars, Kamau reflects on his move to Solano Prison in 2023, explaining how its lower-violence environment finally offers inmates the peace and institutional support necessary to create and run meaningful rehabilitative programs. -Join Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHPFwv4YFLehTMkkxSAyHg/join -🔥SUBSCRIBE to Street TV: http://bit.ly/2bVAU47 Listen to entire 🎙Straight Politicking Podcast 🎙🎙➡️ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-talk/id1869218630➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yUT87B0uzzhYulMnE8iiY Timecode: 00:00 - California Tier Talk, Episode 7 with Kamau Atuatasi00:05:28 - Growing up Samoan in the Los Angeles area00:05:46 - Church play a huge role among Samoans00:06:28 - The Samoans in Long Beach were Crips00:07:51 - Kamau grew up on the Blood side of Samoan gang culture in Los Angeles00:08:22 - Samoans in prison put their culture first before Crip and Blood00:09:31 - Does the Crip / Blood gang identity divide the Samoan culture00:10:50 - Samoan internal violence is low00:13:07 - Living in the Harbor City section of Los Angeles00:14:28 - Water Front Pirus were in the area00:15:50 - Kamau was 15 in 1993 going to Banning High School00:16:52 - Started selling drugs in Wilmington as a teenager00:17:34 - Experience first time being incarcerated as a juvenile00:18:00 - Going to Los Padrinos juvenile hall00:19:06 - Growing up without a father00:22:53 - Banning High School was surrounded by gangs00:27:01 - Committing robberies in high school00:28:47 - Started drinking alcohol at 12 years old00:30:46 - Kamau been in prison for 15 years00:31:32 - What was family thinking during these troubled youth years?00:34:28 - First time in adult prison00:35:13 - Kamau joined the military after a jail term00:37:53 - Kamau goes to jail as a soldier in the military00:43:04 - Kamau finds out his wife was cheating00:44:36 - In 2004 he went to prison for domestic violence00:53:53 - Being at Level 4 Calipatria prison was violent00:54:26 - Calipatria prison was mostly Hispanic00:56:32 - The Fresno Bulldogs are on the top tier00:57:39 - The Bulldogs came outside they started barking00:58:19 - Stabbings were occurring on the level 4 yard00:59:29 - Incrementals in prison01:00:06 - The Bulldogs were being escorted to medical01:01:15 - Been in Solano prison since 202301:02:08 - There is less violence at Solano prison01:05:51 - In Solano Prison you can create programs Follow Our Instagrams Alex Alonso: https://www.instagram.com/alexalonso101Street TV: https://www.instagram.com/street.teevee Street 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 #SystemicChange #Brotherhood #HealthAwareness #DocumentarySeries #SocialSociology #CalipatriaPrison

    1h 17m

  2. Apr 7

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

    In episode of stx (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/2bVAU47 Listen to entire 🎙Straight Politicking Podcast 🎙🎙➡️ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-talk/id1869218630➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yUT87B0uzzhYulMnE8iiY Follow Our Instagrams Alex Alonso: https://www.instagram.com/alexalonso101Street TV: https://www.instagram.com/street.teevee Street TV Media | For advertising Email: info [AT] streetgangs.com | Call / Text: (32Three) 681.9979 #straightpoliticking #alexalonso #alexalonsointerviews #tiertalk #californiatiertalk #paroleboard #cdc #cdcr #prisontalk 00:00:00 - 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 prison Street 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 #SystemicChange #Brotherhood #HealthAwareness #DocumentarySeries #SocialSociology

    59 min

  3. Mar 16

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

    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 was granted parole after 33 years in prison. -Join Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHPFwv4YFLehTMkkxSAyHg/join -🔥SUBSCRIBE to Street TV: http://bit.ly/2bVAU47 Listen to entire 🎙Straight Politicking Podcast 🎙🎙➡️ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-talk/id1869218630➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yUT87B0uzzhYulMnE8iiY Follow Our Instagrams Alex Alonso: https://www.instagram.com/alexalonso101Street TV: https://www.instagram.com/street.teevee Street TV Media | For advertising Email: info [AT] streetgangs.com | Call / Text: (32Three) 681.9979 #straightpoliticking #alexalonso #alexalonsointerviews #tiertalk #californiatiertalk #paroleboard #cdc #cdcr #prisontalk 00:00:00 - California Tier Talk #5 with Damien Doster and Brian Thames00:02:15 - Bryan Thames has been in prison for 33 years00:04:08 - Brian Thames received the best news a prisoner can hear00:06:33 - The CDCR parole board wanted Brian to address his “triggers” for violence00:07:36 - Why do some prisoners in the CDCR get a 5-year parole denial00:11:51 - CDCR and their 5-year denial00:12:29 - Thames explains the crimes he was convicted of00:15:49 - Brian created a restitution hustle in prison to help other inmates circumvent debt00:18:01 - Having to tell the truth to the board00:19:39 - What is restitution and how can that impact your sentence00:28:25 - Are restitution fees fair for the prisoner00:35:48 - Brian discusses how race influenced his crime against white people00:45:30 - Brian expresses remorse for the people he killed/attempted to kill00:47:56 - Brian was arrested in 1993 for his crimes00:50:13 - Brian served 33 years in prison for a crime he initially got away with00:54:12 - How is the parole board structured01:03:28 - Brian expresses nervousness about getting released from prison and living free Follow Our Instagrams Alex Alonso: https://www.instagram.com/alexalonso101Street TV: https://www.instagram.com/street.teevee Street TV Media | For advertising Email: info [AT] streetgangs.com | Call / Text: (32Three) 681.9979 #straightpoliticking #alexalonso #alexalonsointerviews #tiertalk #californiatiertalk #catiertalk #prisontalk

    1h 7m

  4. Feb 24

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

    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. -Join Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHPFwv4YFLehTMkkxSAyHg/join -🔥SUBSCRIBE to Street TV: http://bit.ly/2bVAU47 Listen to entire 🎙Straight Politicking Podcast 🎙🎙➡️ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-talk/id1869218630➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yUT87B0uzzhYulMnE8iiY Timecodes 00:00 - California Tier Talk, Episode 3 with Damien "TC" Doster from LA and Tyrone Robinson "Kambouie" from Oakland, CA00:44 - Tiny Cisco on meeting Kamboie in prison02:53 - Tiny Cisco speaking on Corcoran SHU05:01 - Kambouie speaks on the Pelican Bay SHU06:54 - Pelican Bay SHU time08:13 - Chip Fitzgerald, a Los Angeles Black Panther Member11:23 - Tiny Cisco on being in the SHU13:53 - How did Kambouie ended up in prison for murder14:19 - Kambouie explains knowing Huey P Newton as a kid16:28 - Huey was addicted to cocaine during the late 1980s18:35 - After Huey P Newton killing the case became high profile19:40 - How did the prison population react to Kambouie after being convicted of killing Newton20:48 - Tiny Cisco on meeting Tyrone Kambouie Robinson22:58 - what was the trial of Killing Huey Newton like?25:38 - David Hilliard, an original Black Panther Member26:00 - Growing up in West Oakland27:32 - What was Lake Merritt in Oakland like in 1970s29:36 - Hunger strike of Pelican Bay prison33:07 - How did BGF, Mexican Mafia and other come together duing hunger strike?38:53 - End of hostilities between BGF and Mexican Mafia42:03 - Lessons learned from being in the SHU45:57 - Why does Committee want prisoner to Snitch, Debrief or just die?46:45 - Kambouie explains why he waived his parole hearings48:04 - In 2023 Kambouie decided to go to board49:22 - Being denied 5 years at parole hearing51:17 - The importance of Self Help programs in prison Follow Our Instagrams Alex Alonso: https://www.instagram.com/alexalonso101Street TV: https://www.instagram.com/street.teevee Street TV Media | For advertising Email: info [AT] streetgangs.com | Call / Text: (32Three) 681.9979 #straightpoliticking #alexalonso #alexalonsointerviews #tiertalk #californiatiertalk #catiertalk #prisontalk

    58 min

  5. Feb 1

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

    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. yvYplZm3Zm1j1TbTgZXH -Join Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHPFwv4YFLehTMkkxSAyHg/join -🔥SUBSCRIBE to Street TV: http://bit.ly/2bVAU47 Listen to entire 🎙Straight Politicking Podcast 🎙🎙➡️ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-talk/id1869218630➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yUT87B0uzzhYulMnE8iiY Timecodes 00:00 - California Tier Talk, Episode 3 with Damien "TC" Doster from LA and Daniel Cowie from Paramount, CA00:57 - Is 19 years in prison considered “chump change”?05:17 - Growing up in Paramount, in Compton’s shadow08:37 - Daniel used to spend time in Compton while growing up in Paramount10:25 - Daniel used to work near a cemetery in Compton12:52 - Serving time in Pelican Bay & Tehachapi SHU17:06 - Tehachapi SHU18:52 - You can only get 1 package per year in the SHU22:11 - Some Mexicans and Blacks communicate in prison despite the ‘rules”27:04 - How does Daniel have relations with other races considering prison rules29:25 - Racial tensions in prison between Blacks & Mexicans34:54 - Daniel was more famliar with Black peple growing up in Paramount than most Mexicans36:00 - Some Mexicans in Compton and Paramount have a different lingo38:17 - Daniel has went against some prison norms while incarcerated42:34 - Using the N word as a Latino in prison48:07 - TC explains his transformation journey52:50 - Daniel explains his transformation journey in prison53:49 - I did not trust other inmates if they did not have discipline write ups57:52 - Daniel talks about getting his GED in prison Follow Our Instagrams Alex Alonso: https://www.instagram.com/alexalonso101Street TV: https://www.instagram.com/street.teevee Street TV Media | For advertising Email: info [AT] streetgangs.com | Call / Text: (32Three) 681.9979 #straightpoliticking #alexalonso #alexalonsointerviews #tiertalk #californiatiertalk #catiertalk #prisontalk

    1h 4m

  6. Jan 17

    Mexican & Black prison relations | Crip and Blood unity in prison

    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 HostilitiesThe 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 AccountabilityEach man reflects on their personal journey. 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.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 RegretThere 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 ParoleThe 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. -Join channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHPFwv4YFLehTMkkxSAyHg/join -🔥SUBSCRIBE to Street TV: http://bit.ly/2bVAU47 Listen to entire 🎙Straight Politicking Podcast 🎙🎙➡️ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-politicking/id1752263958➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uGhq4GvlxhHGQHSxQRTNM TIMECODES 00:00 - Straight Politicking Episode 2, with TC, Porky & Rob01:03 - TC explains first01:51 - Bryan says he is onUncuffed podcast, produced in prison03:36 - Bryan on how long his incarceration has been06:27 - Porky been in prison for 25 years11:11 - A Blood and Crip in prison together12:39 - TC on Blood and Crip unity in prison20:59 - Porky21:42 - Mexicans and Black relations in prison22:44 - Using the N Word by Latinos24:53 - Are Mexicans different on different yards?28:35 - Relationship between Blacks and Mexican from the Bay area perspective32:45 - 82 years in prison among the three guests33:19 - Porky speaks on growing up in Ujima Village, Village Town Piru36:56 - the Avalon Gardens projects off 88th Street42:05 - Bryan does media production in prison47:40 - violence in california prison, staying safe50:04 - Rules in a California prison Follow Our Instagrams Alex Alonso: https://www.instagram.com/alexalonso101Street TV: https://www.instagram.com/street.teevee Street TV Media | For advertising Email: info [AT] streetgangs.com | Call / Text: (32Three) 681.997nine #straightpoliticking #alexalonso #alexalonsointerviews #solanoprison #tiertalk #californiaprison #pelicanbayshu

    58 min

  7. Jan 13

    Two inmates at Solano State Prison discuss incarcerated life

    Rob and Damien TC Doster are both incarcerated in Solano State Prison on a level 3 prison yard in California. yvYplZm3Zm1j1TbTgZXH -Join channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcHPFwv4YFLehTMkkxSAyHg/join -🔥SUBSCRIBE to Street TV: http://bit.ly/2bVAU47 Listen to entire 🎙Straight Politicking Podcast 🎙🎙➡️ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tier-talk/id1869218630➡️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yUT87B0uzzhYulMnE8iiY

    57 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Prison conversations with inmates in California's most active prisons hosted by Alex Alonso from Street TV.

Information

  • Creator
    Street TV
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Street TV
  • Show Website
    California Tier Talk