Which States Are Best For Prison Pen Pals?
Thinking about writing to a prison pen pal? Before you choose an inmate, you might want to think about what state they’re incarcerated in. In this quick-hit episode, Big Steve breaks down which states and messaging services can make communicating with an inmate easy—and which ones can turn it into a frustrating nightmare. He covers […]
“This Is My Birthday Gift” — Robert’s Incredible Prison Pen Pal Update
Robert from Illinois is back on the Prison Pen Pal Podcast—and this time, he has some incredible news to share. After first appearing on the podcast earlier in 2026, Robert has continued building friendships with people he met through PenPals.Buzz. One of those pen pals is Lenora Mcelwee, a 69-year-old woman who spent 34 years […]
How Many Prison Pen Pals is Too Many?
How many prison pen pals is too many? Is it okay to write to more than one person? What about 10? Is 100 too many? In this first Quick Hit episode of the Prison Pen Pal Podcast, Big Steve shares his perspective based on more than a decade of experience as a pen pal and […]
From St. Peter, Minnesota: Checking in with Ben Alverson
Ben Alverson returns to the Prison Pen Pal Podcast for his third appearance, and a lot has changed since we last checked in with him at the Civil Commitment Center in St. Peter, Minnesota. Ben discusses the changes he’s seen in the program, the possibility of moving more quickly toward life outside the facility, and […]
What If Your Worst Mistake at 16 Meant Life in Prison? The Nicco Plowden Interview
On this episode of the Prison Pen Pal Podcast, Big Steve is joined by Nicco Plowden from the Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus, New York. Nicco, incarcerated for well over three decades, shares his journey from growing up in Brooklyn in the 1980s, getting caught up in street life, and eventually being sentenced to […]
Stories From a Mentally Ill Inmate: Where Fantasy and Certainty Collide
In this episode, we talk to a prisoner who lives with severe mental illness. He shares stories about his life — tales of great wealth, global fame, and wild adventures — that reveal the depth of his personal convictions, even as they depart from reality. Our goal isn’t to challenge his beliefs or judge his […]
He Wrote to a Woman Serving 40 Years in Prison…Then Married Her
Erik Beller had a Master’s degree in Education, a professional career, and a seemingly good life. But just as things were really starting to fall into place, his brother died of an overdose. Then, on Erik’s birthday, his best friend, John, also passed away. These tragic events set Erik on a downward spiral of addiction, […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]