Prison Pen Pal Podcast

PenPals.Buzz

Many believe prison inmates to be completely undeserving of love or friendship. PenPals.Buzz founder, Big Steve, disagrees. He discusses the value of having a pen pal, both for the inmate and for the free-world individual. He should know -- after all, in 2014, he met his wife on a prison pen pal website. In this fascinating podcast, Big Steve shares contrasting opinions from men and women of all walks of life in attempt to answer this key question: should all 2.1 million prison inmates in America be discarded like trash and forgotten? Do they really deserve to "rot", or might they have some redeeming qualities, some hope for a brighter future? In the Prison Pen Pal Podcast, you'll hear a more human side to prisoners, and you'll realize that not all prison pen pals are just after money on their commissary accounts or sexy photos. There's more to the story -- a lot more. Most inmates, in fact, just want a "friend on the streets." And why wouldn't they? Only 2% of inmates in the USA regularly keep in touch with someone on the outside.

  1. 3d ago

    Pen, Paint, and a Lifelong Friendship: Anya Blakeley and Mike Tran

    When Baltimore artist Anya Blakeley walked away from a high-stress job in the criminal legal system, she knew it was time for a change. Anya began searching for meaning and healing in a world that suddenly felt broken. Her journey led her to the Justice Arts Coalition, a group that didn’t just talk about change, but created it by matching incarcerated artists with creative allies on the outside. Enter Cuong Tran, better known as Mike, a self-taught artist behind bars in California, whose raw talent and relentless hope radiated from every letter he wrote. What began as a cautious exchange about colors, brushwork, and technique quickly morphed into something deeper — two artists, both ready for a change, building trust one envelope at a time. There were no illusions here: no romance, no savior complex, just two equals daring to believe in each other’s dreams. Their friendship, forged in the slow, thoughtful rhythm of handwritten letters, then progressing to phone calls, soon brought Mike’s art out from behind prison walls and into the light of the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. When Mike Tran’s sentence was commuted by California Governor Gavin Newsom, the bureaucratic maze threatened to crush his hopes. It was Anya, now his fiercest advocate, who fought to make sure his story of redemption didn’t end on a technicality or paperwork glitch. The two look forward to finally meeting in person, hopefully at the museum where Mike’s art hangs. Anya’s experiences have inspired her to volunteer weekly at a men’s facility, using art as a tool for self-discovery and healing. This episode isn’t just a story about letters and paintings; it’s about the power of genuine human connection to change lives, break down stigma, and offer hope where it’s least expected. It’s a testament to the unpredictable, electric connections that can spark when you open your heart to a stranger. It's proof positive that the radical power of art can, and does, change lives. Additional Resources: Anya Blakeley’s Art: Maryland State Arts Council Mike Tran’s Art: ArtworkArchive.com Justice Arts Coalition: View Artwork from Prisoners AVAM Fantastic Realities Exhibition: Details

  2. Jul 8

    From Survival to Second Chances: Anjel Ocegueda's Journey Toward a Better Future

    Growing up near Chicago, Illinois, Anjel Ocegueda learned by age 13 that the environment around you can shape the course of your life. "The streets take a toll on you. Whether it's your environment, the people around you, or something that happens to your friends or family, you feel like you have to choose a side." As a sixth and seventh grader, Anjel excelled in school. He earned straight A's, made the honor roll, participated in sports, and envisioned a future built around higher education. His goal was to earn a college scholarship and, as he puts it, "stay away from the B.S." Everything changed when he entered high school. Gang activity became impossible to ignore. As friends and family faced intimidation and threats, Anjel found it increasingly difficult to separate himself from the violence surrounding him. Despite his efforts to stay focused on school and avoid trouble, he struggled with the feeling that standing by wasn't an option. "At some point, you're forced to take a side. You end up feeling like your choice is jail or the cemetery," he said. The birth of his daughter became a turning point. Determined to create a better future, Anjel renewed his commitment to education. While incarcerated, he earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and once hoped to become a police officer assigned to Chicago's gang unit, using his personal experiences to help steer others away from the path he had traveled. He also obtained his Commercial Driver's License (CDL), a credential he hopes to put to work after his release. Today, Anjel is serving a sentence for DUI with bodily injury and is expected to be released in less than two months. Looking ahead, his focus is on building a stable, meaningful life. He hopes to connect with someone on both a spiritual and intellectual level, develop a genuine friendship, and, if the relationship grows naturally, eventually build a family together. In early 2026, Anjel Ocegueda discovered PenPals.Buzz and the Prison Pen Pal Podcast through his cellmate, who had heard the website advertised on Sunday Night Slow Jams, the internationally syndicated radio show. After signing up, he expressed appreciation for how the radio show and the pen pal community remind incarcerated individuals that they haven't been forgotten. To learn more about Anjel or to begin corresponding with him, visit https://penpals.buzz/inmate/anjel-ocegueda/ or write to: Anjel Ocegueda #Y69298 Vienna Correctional Center 6695 IL-146 Vienna, IL 62995 Have questions or comments? Want to be a guest on a future episode? Contact us at podcast@penpals.buzz or visit PenPalPodcast.com

  3. Jun 25

    Miguel Cordero: Prison Pen Pal, Singer, and Artist

    Before becoming a resident of one of Florida's most demanding correctional facilities, prison pen pal Miguel Cordero was immersed in the world of video games, logging countless hours on various consoles. However, following his arrest and the onset of a daunting 20-year sentence, he found himself grappling with intense emotions and a fiery temper. His notorious anger earned him the moniker "Psycho" among his fellow inmates -- a title that ultimately helped fuel his transformation. During a grueling stretch of nearly a year in solitary confinement, Miguel discovered a powerful outlet: music. What began as a coping mechanism blossomed into a remarkable passion, propelling him to create an astounding repertoire of over 1,000 songs across various genres. Channeling his energy into artistry, he managed to transcend his past and navigate through the shadows of his anger, evolving into a more productive individual throughout his incarceration, with newfound optimism and dreams of success post-release. Join us for an intimate interview with Miguel Cordero, where he will share his remarkable journey, discuss the kind of partner he hopes to connect with on PenPals.Buzz (spoiler alert: a patient one who can keep him grounded) and even showcase his vocal talents in a live phone performance straight from his cell. Hear more episodes at https://penpalpodcast.com

  4. Jun 11

    Catfished Behind Bars - Could Cops Be Using the GettingOut App Pretending to be Underage?

    Jason Evick is currently serving time at the Toledo Correctional Institution in Ohio for a violent crime. In Ohio and many other states, inmates have access to an app called GettingOut, which allows them to receive emails directly on their prison tablets. While this technology can significantly enhance communication with pen pals outside, it also carries potential risks. When we think about prison inmates and catfishing, the typical assumption is that the inmate is the one deceiving others—fabricating details about their age, crime, appearance, release date, or even their name. However, in an eye-opening episode of our podcast, Jason Evick reveals a startling twist: it's often free-world pen pals who are the ones lying to inmates. He recounts a chilling encounter where someone possibly from a child exploitation task force reached out to him, posing as a 16-year-old boy passionate about mixed martial arts. The boy reassured Evick, saying, "Don't worry, my parents know I'm talking to you and they're okay with it." This is just one of many unsettling examples of catfishing that Evick experienced in prison. This episode serves as a crucial warning for anyone with a loved one behind bars using the GTL GettingOut App or similar messaging services. The truth is, pen pals in the free world may not always be who they claim to be. If something feels off, trust your instincts. Stay informed and protect those you care about. To learn more about Jason, including his current contact info, visit https://penpals.buzz/inmate/jason-evick/ Want to share your story on a future episode? Email podcast@penpals.buzz or leave us a voice message at https://penpalpodcast.com

  5. May 7

    Serial Killer Pen Pal: DeWayne Lee Harris

    In the 1990s, DeWayne Lee Harris was responsible for the tragic deaths of multiple women, earning infamy in the Seattle, Washington area under chilling monikers such as Chilly Willy, The Seattle Jungle Killer, and The Seattle Shoelace Slasher. His heinous acts included tying up victims like Denise Marie Harris and Antoinette Jones with their own shoelaces, ultimately strangling them with a belt. His third known victim, Olivia Smith, met a similarly grim fate, being stabbed to death. Disturbingly, Harris has hinted at the possibility of an additional 32 murders. Fast forward nearly 30 years of incarceration, and this notorious serial killer is now seeking connection through PenPals.Buzz, hoping to find a pen pal who will engage with him through handwritten letters. In this exclusive interview on the Prison Pen Pal Podcast, Dewayne Lee Harris claims to have turned his life around, sharing insights into his troubled past marked by abuse and drug addiction, which he argues played a significant role in his violent behavior. He talks about the positive changes he has made, the books he is writing, and his desire to help others improve their lives. One day, he hopes to be recognized as a human being, as a father, and as an author who shared his story to help others avoid a similar fate. Only time will tell. Learn more at PenPals.Buzz or write to Dewayne Lee Harris #908867 at the Clallam Bay Corrections Center in Washington.

  6. Apr 30

    Jason Kurtz's Fitness and Wisdom

    Jason Kurtz is a PenPals.Buzz member who lives and loves fitness. He remembers his first workout at the age of 11; since then, he never looked back. Over the past 30+ years, Jason has managed over 15 gyms, has worked for companies that sell fitness equipment, and even got arrested and sent to prison due to his involvement with a supplement he encountered during his fitness journey. In this episode, Jason Kurtz explains the important connection between a healthy body and a healthy mind, and shares suggestions for how to maximize one's fitness and health both in and out of prison. He talks about why prison workout equipment has improved so much in the past several years, and why he thinks Wisconsin inmates are more focused on health and fitness than they've ever been before. Some of Jason's tips include: start slow, be consistent, do everything in moderation, and treat your body the way you'd treat a new Lamborghini. He also shares details about his Miracle Workout, a system that took him over 20 years to develop and perfect. This workout is available for free on his YouTube channel and is recommended for incarcerated and free-world men and women. Learn more about Jason at https://jasonkurtz.bio.link Do you know an incarcerated man or woman who might like a pen pal? Sign up at https://penpals.buzz/submit-profile. To be a guest on our show, contact the Prison Pen Pal Podcast at podcast@penpals.buzz or by phone at 888.273.6725. Listen to all episodes at https://penpalpodcast.com

  7. Apr 23

    Jacobi Thornsberry: Conversation with an Oregon Inmate

    Jacobi Thornsberry’s journey began in the vibrant streets of New Orleans, Louisiana. Seeking an escape from the bustling chaos of the city, he made the leap to Oregon. However, fate had other plans, and within three years, he found himself behind bars in an Oregon prison. Loneliness settled in, and the thought of finding a meaningful connection crossed his mind. He considered WriteAPrisoner.com as a way to meet that special someone. But then there was the enigmatic "Baby Gua," a mysterious figure in the dayroom, who steered him towards PenPals.Buzz instead. In this captivating episode, Jacobi, a 31-year-old spiritual black "adult in custody," opens up about his life in prison. He shares how he strives each day to nurture his physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, challenging himself to learn something new daily. He’ll also reveal the qualities he hopes to find in a partner through our pen pal platform. And as a devoted father, he talks about his relationship with his 11-year-old daughter, who has recently started texting boys — a situation he admits is tough for him to navigate from behind bars. Learn more about Jacobi’s story at https://penpals.buzz/inmate/jacobi-thornsberry or write to: Jacobi Thornsberry #21598022 at the Snake River Correctional Institution in Ontario, Oregon. You can also connect with him on the GTL GettingOut App or at GettingOut.com.

  8. Apr 16

    Name Change in Prison: Savannah's Story

    Changing your name while incarcerated is impossible in some states, and quite easy in others. There are countless reasons why someone behind bars might feel the need to legally reinvent themselves. In this episode, we’ll explore the inspiring story of Savannah Turner, formerly Gena, an incarcerated member of PenPals.Buzz. Currently incarcerated for identity theft, Savannah has moved beyond a troubled past filled with poor choices and substance abuse. Today, she seeks to shed her old name and embrace a fresh start complete with a new attitude, new goals, and new values. This episode will guide you through the process of changing your name while incarcerated, including the time it typically takes and the various motivations behind such a decision. Are most inmates seeking to escape their pasts, hide their crimes, and protect themselves from online searches? Or do they have deeper, more legitimate reasons for wanting a name change? Once an inmate has paid their debt to society, should they be given the chance to leave their past behind? Unlike some European countries that offer ex-prisoners a new identity to aid in rehabilitation, the U.S. often seems to impose a lifelong stigma on those who have already served their time. Join us for a thought-provoking 15-minute exploration into the significance (or insignificance?) of a legal name and what it truly means for those looking to rebuild their lives.

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About

Many believe prison inmates to be completely undeserving of love or friendship. PenPals.Buzz founder, Big Steve, disagrees. He discusses the value of having a pen pal, both for the inmate and for the free-world individual. He should know -- after all, in 2014, he met his wife on a prison pen pal website. In this fascinating podcast, Big Steve shares contrasting opinions from men and women of all walks of life in attempt to answer this key question: should all 2.1 million prison inmates in America be discarded like trash and forgotten? Do they really deserve to "rot", or might they have some redeeming qualities, some hope for a brighter future? In the Prison Pen Pal Podcast, you'll hear a more human side to prisoners, and you'll realize that not all prison pen pals are just after money on their commissary accounts or sexy photos. There's more to the story -- a lot more. Most inmates, in fact, just want a "friend on the streets." And why wouldn't they? Only 2% of inmates in the USA regularly keep in touch with someone on the outside.

Information

  • Creator
    PenPals.Buzz
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 PenPals.Buzz
  • Show Website
    Prison Pen Pal Podcast