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Prison Pen Pal Podcast

Prison Pen Pal Podcast

By: PenPals.Buzz
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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.© 2025 PenPals.Buzz Relationships Social Sciences True Crime
Episodes
  • Miguel Cordero: Prison Pen Pal, Singer, and Artist
    Jun 25 2026

    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

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    23 mins
  • Catfished Behind Bars - Could Cops Be Using the GettingOut App Pretending to be Underage?
    Jun 11 2026

    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

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    21 mins
  • Serial Killer Pen Pal: DeWayne Lee Harris
    May 7 2026

    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.

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    32 mins
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