Friends in Prison

Juan met someone... and he's not the only one. Why are so many of Clare's penpals finding love right now from behind bars?

Music courtesy of JuliusH

Clare shares good news and bad news when it comes to her friends going before the parole board.

Music courtesy of JulisH

Clare's friend, Aaryana, filed a lawsuit against her prison in MN for mishandling the COVID19 pandemic and placing prisoners in unnecessary danger and harm from the virus. Aaryana is crafter and crocheter and Clare is helping to send crochet patterns to keep her occupied.

Music courtesy of JulisH

How do you write to someone of the opposite sex without giving them the wrong impression?

This episode might not be suitable for younger listeners.

Music Courtesy of JulisH

Just because you write to someone in prison and they don't write back or they stop writing, it doesn't mean they hate you. Don't take it personally. Write another letter, write another pen-pal... write to Clare's pen-pal Andrew Manning at

Andrew Manning #16626483
OR Dept of Corrections
3405 Deer Park Dr SE
Salem, OR 97310

Music courtesy of JulisH

for the record, Care was able to copy, print and mail Andrew copies of his photos. She didn't even need help from a 12-year-old.

How do you write a letter of support for a friend going in front of the parole board? Should you write one?

Music courtesy of JulisH

Clare discusses the PC terms she uses, why they're helpful and why the PC terms might be hurtful. She starts with a discussion about the PC terms close to her life, those surrounding adoption and why the core of the conversation is more important than accidentally using the wrong terms. What PC terms do you use instead of prisoner, inmate, cellmate, prison and incarceration? Does the use of Politically correct talk hinder our discussions about improving prison?

Music courtesy of JulisH

Clare reads the last 6 letters she's exchanged with Juan, a man imprisoned for 27 years.

Music courtesy of JuliusH

Daniel and RJ are seeking new penpals for themselves and Kelly wants a penpal for an old friend of his. Is it against the rules to help inmates from different prisons communicate? Is it illegal? How can Clare find penpals for her friends?

Music courtesy of JuliusH

Clare opens letters of condolences after losing her mom.  There's a little discussion of prisoners receiving stimulus checks, GoFundMe accounts to help prisoners, and the e3ver-controversial topic of return address labels being sent into prisons.

Music complimentary of JulisH.