Friends in Prison

Casey White escaped from prison with the help of Vicky White, a prison guard, not a penpal.

Trigger warning: this topic includes discussion of violence and self-harm.

Music courtesy of JuliusH

If you don't know what to write to to your pen-pal or you wanna know what Clare writes to her pen-pals, send a holiday greeting. Luckily there are lots of holidays. As a bonus Clare introduces the "devos" she started writing.

Music courtesy of JuliusH

Val took down her Fundraiser for personal reasons. Inmates across the US are purchasing tablets for music, movie, games, podcasts, legal research and communication. What are the possible pitfalls? What are the advantages?

An update on Clare's friend, Val, who is serving a 55 year sentence.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm please reach out, call 1800-273-8255; the suicide prevention hotline available 24 hours a day.

Music courtesy of of JulisH

An update on Aguilera-Mederos, the CO truck driver sentenced to 110 years for a crash and an update on Val, Clare's penpal who lost her father and his financial support this year.

Music Courtesy of JuliusH

Why did a truck driver in CO get 110 years for causing an accident when his brakes failed when a woman in MO got 16 for an attempted murder of her husband, the successful murder of her husband, the cover-up of those crimes and attempt to frame her brother-in-law for the murder? Is 55 years a reasonable sentence for a DUI crash that resulted in the deaths of 4 people? This last case is Clare's friend, Val who is trying to raise money for a lawyer to help with her appeal for a sentence reduction.

Val's GOFUNDME demonstrates her remorse and hope to make amends for her crime, not through excessive prison time but through a contribution to society she can only make  once she's released, volunteering, raising awareness for mental health, alcoholism and driving under the influence.

Music courtesy of JulisH

Clare's friend, Dannette, can't get shampoo in her prison but she's trying to fix the problem and get her hair clean. Clare's encouraging everyone to send a Christmas card to their penpals or find a penpal to send a first card to.

Music courtesy of JuliusH

I wanted to title this one "Thanksgiving, Camping and more Duck Divorce" But I recorded it at too low a volume, please remember to turn your volume back down after you listen to this episode! And remember your friends in prison as we approach the holidays.

Music courtesy of JulisH

This is not an endorsement of searching for a date inside prison even though this is the 3rd episode on the topic. Andrew and Megan and falling in love while Andrew still has 3 years to serve in prison in Oregon.

Remember to send Thanksgiving cards to your penpals! This is the perfect time to find a penpal and send them a Thanksgiving greeting.

And a little update on the ducks Clare loves to photograph and share with her penpals.

Music courtesy of JulisH

Can you find love in prison? Can you find a kidney?

Music courtesy of JulisH