Tricks of the Trade

Tricks of the Trade

From Ear Hustle by Ear Hustle & Radiotopia

May 28, 2026 · 43 min · Season 17 · Episode 7

About this episode

The episode explores peer support programs in North Kern State Prison, highlighting the challenges and experiences of incarcerated individuals providing support to each other.

At North Kern State Prison, incarcerated people are being trained to do what staff cannot: provide peer support, whether it’s with addiction, cellie drama, or just adjusting to prison life. Nigel and Earlonne pay a couple visits, and hit some walls along the way. This episode was scored with music by Antwan Williams, David Jassy, Dwight Krisman, and Derrell Sadiq Davis. Big thanks to PIO Lt. Huckleberry and Warden Hixon at North Kern State Prison, as well as PIO Lt. Vogel and Warden De La Cruz at the Central California Women’s Facility, for allowing us to spend time with their peer-support programs. Thanks, as always, to Warden Andes, Lt. Berry, and Sgt. Graves at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center and Acting Warden Padilla, Associate Warden Lewis, and Lt. Avina at the California Institution for Women for their support of the show. Ear Hustle is on the East Coast! Get your tickets at earhustlesq.com/tour . Help us reach 1,000 donors by June 30. Make your gift today at earhustlesq.com/donate . Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia , from PRX. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

People in this episode

Hosts: Nigel, Earlonne

Topics covered

  • peer support
  • addiction
  • prison life
  • incarceration
  • rehabilitation

Keywords

  • peer support
  • North Kern State Prison
  • addiction
  • prison life
  • rehabilitation
  • incarceration

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: North Kern State Prison, Central California Women’s Facility, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, California Institution for Women, Radiotopia

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