Episodes
The Origin of Pen Pals: Learn How it All Started
In this week's episode, Big Steve explores the complete history of pen palling. You'll learn when the phrase "pen pal" was added to the Oxford English Dictionary, and what, exactly, was its original definition. Then, find out about a high-tech penpal matching service that was all the rage at the …
High-Profile Prison Inmates: Do They Deserve to be Treated like Human…
In this episode, Big Steve discusses the differing views in society regarding high-profile inmates and their humanity (or lack thereof). If someone committed a horrific crime, are they still deserving of being treated with kindness and dignity? Or, as many think, are they simply "monsters" that s…
Dating An Inmate: Challenges Couples Face when Taking their Prison Pe…
Big Steve and his wife, Anya, found love on a prison pen pal website. Today they share stories, red flags, and strategies to help other couples succeed during and after incarceration. Learn what to look for in the initial pen pal ad, what red flags to watch for, and when to know to walk away. He…
No Mail for You: How Mail Scanning Policies are Destroying Inmates an…
Prisons in over 15 states no longer deliver physical mail. Birthday cards, letters, and family photos now all must get scanned and uploaded to an inmate's tablet. Those without a tablet can pay for a printed color copy of the mail. The process is slow and flawed; mail often can take months to arriv…
Is A Prison Pen Pal Right for You?
Our very first episode of the podcast. Get to know the host, Big Steve, and hear why he decided to launch a podcast dedicated to Prison Pen Pals. He'll help you determine whether a prison pen pal is right for you, and if so, how to choose the best pen pal. Keep in mind, this was our very first epis…