
ABOUT
Tin Can Phone began with Armon interviewing 12 currently incarcerated men from inside Columbia River Correctional Institution for a book project called Great American Stories. The interviews were long, in-depth, and full of a unique wisdom that could only come from those who have been living within the carceral system for decades. In the process of their interviews with Armon, each participant came to understand something about themselves that they had not thought of before, leaving a singular mark on the project that could only come from their insights.
Queaz and Joseph were interviewed by Armon early on in the project, and began to hang around for other interviews. Incrementally becoming more involved with the project, the resulting conversations were unlike those they were having with the guys on their block, or anywhere in life before.
The three remained in contact with Michael as they began to parole. At the beginning of the pandemic the Tin Can Phone team started recording episodes online over Zoom.
The content that was recorded in 2018 inside prison remains in bondage awaiting approval for use.

MEET THE HOSTS

Misfit Queaz Otti
"Queazy"
Queaz Otti is South Sacramento raised, a loving father, aspiring rapper, and street philosopher of the people. Known to many as a loyal brotha and voice of understanding.

Armon Poostpasand
Armon, born and raised in Portland, is ambitious and optimistic in the face of all types of adversity. With a BA in digital communications, Armon creates content for the people.

Michael Bernard Stevenson
Master Artist Michael Bernard Stevenson Jr. is Black, non-binary, and practices primarily in america. Their collaborative approach results in artwork by and for the people.

OUR
"WHY"
The Tin Can Phone Crew is committed to this work because they’re directly affected by the ills and hardships sustained by the oppressive prison system and culture in which we currently live. Whether it be paying money to the state during and after incarceration simply in order to continue living while; carrying the stigma of a felony conviction around friends, families, and job opportunities; or surviving in a world in which simply being released from prison is far from the end of the effects of incarceration of those who once existed inside, the bondage of prison is literally never removed from the soul of the one who suffers it.
We know incarceration disproportionally affects non-white minority groups of all races, creeds, and religions, and is one of the many taproots of white supremacy that the Tin Can Phone crew aims to analyize, critize, and dismantle. Incarceral culture in the U.S. and beyond will not be stopped unless these people--and others like them--tell their stories and inspire listeners to take action against it.