119 episodes
Red Onion Randy - Life in a Supermax Prison Randall Via, Michael Garbutt
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- True Crime
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4.8 • 160 Ratings
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Randall Via-- Red Onion Randy -- was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 2001. In this podcast Randy reports on daily life in Red Onion State Prison, the supermax facility in the Virginia Appalachians where he is serving his sentence.
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Eight Crazy Days
Murder, ODs, shakedowns, and riots. Randy describes the wildest week in Wallens Ridge's recent history.
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New Pod
Randy describes the new pod he’s living in Wallens Ridge State Prison. There’s a lot of “backbiting”. Stay out of it, is his advice.
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Glad to Be Back
In November 2023, Randy gets transferred to Wallens Ridge State Prison, another supermax, about 40 miles northeast of Red Onion. Three months later, he starts podcasting again.
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Questions from Kyrgyzstan
Randy is scheduled to be transferred out of Red Onion but he still doesn't know which prison he'll be sent to. In this last episode recorded at Red Onion, Randy calls podcast executive producer Michael Garbutt who was attending a conference at the University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan, where Randy meets some students and answers their questions.
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Transfer Pain
The Department of Corrections finally grants Randy’s request for a transfer to another prison. But he’s in for a nasty surprise when he finds out the type of prison they’re going to send him to.
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A Way Out of Prison
Randy describes possible changes to legislation that would allow early release for some inmates in Virginia state prisons.
Customer Reviews
Amazing
I watched the documentary. I found the podcast. I love how honest he is. And how self aware he is. True to life down to earth. Keep telling everyone how it is.
Eye opening Podcast
I stumbled upon this podcast after watching a documentary on solitary and I’m blown away with how open and honest Randy is. This podcast is the perfect mixture of realism, comedy and practical advice. It’s interesting to learn about this life, life in prison and everyday topics. Highly recommend this podcast!
Inspiring
Randy gives a real life uncensored look at all facets of the criminal justice system. He is inspiring and shows us that even being locked up you can have a beneficial life and can always learn from your mistakes while also helping others.