Red Onion Randy - Life in a Supermax Prison: Recent Episodes
Randall Via, Michael Garbutt
Randall Via-- Red Onion Randy -- was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 2001. In this podcast Randy reports on daily life in Red Onion State Prison, the supermax facility in the Virginia Appalachians where he is serving his sentence.
Today on the podcast, Randy talks about the new tablets recently distributed at Buckingham Correctional Center. With access to this level of technology for the first time, Randy has plenty to say. Enjoy the episode.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
Getting old isn’t easy, especially in the Virginia Department of Corrections. Today on the podcast, Randy talks about what it feels like to be approaching 50 in prison.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
Today on the podcast Randy talks about why you should get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
Today on the podcast, Randy shares about two recent visitations he had with his wife.
In-person prison visitations are still new to Randy, and he talks about what it felt like to sit across from her, navigate the rules, and experience those moments together after so much time without physical presence. Randy reflects on the emotions, the small details that mattered, and how these visits are changing the way he moves through his time inside.
This week on the podcast is Part 2 of a three-episode series where Randy is joined by Kyle Hulbert, who is currently incarcerated with him at Buckingham Correctional Center.
In these episodes, Randy and Kyle go deep into a topic that comes to a lot of people’s minds when they think about prison, but almost no one really talks about it.
Well, now we’re really talking about it.
Special thanks to Kyle for being so open and honest about his experience inside.
You can find Kyle’s podcast here:
https://cheshiremadness.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search
(Cheshire Madness)
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4e0Vq3BWSmpTL7l7vkZycn
(Spotify)
or at
https://go.prisonaudio.com
(Prison Audio)
This week on the podcast, we’re starting a new three-episode series where Randy is joined by Kyle Hulbert, who is currently incarcerated with him at Buckingham Correctional Center.
In these episodes, Randy and Kyle go deep into a topic that comes to a lot of people’s minds when they think about prison, but almost no one really talks about it.
Well, now we’re really talking about it.
Special thanks to Kyle for being so open and honest about his experience inside.
You can find Kyle’s podcast here:
https://cheshiremadness.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search
(Cheshire Madness)
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4e0Vq3BWSmpTL7l7vkZycn
(Spotify)
or at
https://go.prisonaudio.com
(Prison Audio)
Quick update from Randy, apologies for the pause. No new episodes this month but we will be back and better in February.
We’re back with another video from the California Department of Corrections. Today on the podcast, Randy explains a video we recently received showing a nurse being assaulted in a women’s correctional center.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
Eric Estrada is currently incarcerated in California State Prison, Corcoran. He is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Eric made a dramatic change in his life in 2012 when he left his old lifestyle to focus on religion. Since then Eric has facilitated many programs inside the prison including his own podcast called Change-Talk.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
We’re back with another episode! If you’ve been following the show recently, you know we’ve just received some videos from the California Department of Corrections through a FOI request we completed last year. So if you’re listening on anything other than YouTube, make sure you check out the podcast on YouTube this week, especially so you can see the video Randy is talking about.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
We’re back with another episode. Today Randy is back by himself to discuss a petition that is currently online that he’s hoping you will sign.
In an unprecedented move, inmates and COs in Virginia are coming together to ask for the resignation of the people running the Virginia Department of Corrections.Will the newly elected governor of Virginia step in to make some changes, we’ll have to wait and see.
Here are the links to the petitions,
https://www.change.org/p/demand-the-resignation-of-chadwick-dotson-and-david-robinson?source_location=search
https://www.change.org/p/fire-dave-robinson-from-virginia-department-of-corrections?source_location=search
Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Kyle “Razor” Hulbert, inmate #1165519, currently incarcerated at Buckingham Correctional Center.
In this episode, Kyle reads a remarkable piece he wrote titled “I Want to Give the World Nachos,” a story that blends vulnerability, imagination, and hard-won insight from behind the walls. His writing offers a rare window into the emotional landscape of long-term incarceration, told with honesty, self-reflection, and a surprising sense of humor.
You can explore more of Kyle’s work here:
🔗 Kyle’s Substack, Cheshire Madness
https://substack.com/@kylehulbert?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page
🔗 Listen to the Podcast on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/6aW5LznVvOxl1Z7ENSsHbV?si=39afad8afc574c2d
If you'd like to reach Kyle directly, you can write to him through JPay by searching his name and number: Kyle Hulbert, #1165519.
In this episode, Randy speaks with Celeste Blair, an artist, writer, and prison reform activist who was released from federal prison just over a month ago. Celeste shares her experiences and offers a woman’s perspective on the differences between federal and state prison.This is part two of a special series, In the Absence of Paint.You can find Celeste on Instagram @celestemblair or on YouTube at In the Absence of Paint.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
In this voicemail episode, Randy answers a question that was recently left by someone from Austin, Texas, who wants to know what it would be like for a 50-year-old man to go to prison.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
In this episode, Randy speaks with Celeste Blair, an artist, writer, and prison reform activist who was released from federal prison just over a month ago. Celeste shares her experiences and offers a woman’s perspective on the differences between federal and state prison.This is part one of a special series, In the Absence of Paint.You can find Celeste on Instagram @celestemblair or on YouTube at In the Absence of Paint.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
We’re back with the final installment of Cellie Adventures. If you haven’t listened to parts one and two yet, make sure you check those out first.In this episode, Randy gives an update on how life is going now that he’s lost his single-cell status.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
We’re back with part two of Cellie Adventures. The honeymoon phase is over, and now the real test begins. How is Randy going to react when the new cellie starts pushing his buttons? From cleaning habits to late-night noise, tensions rise fast, and Randy doesn’t hold back on how he really feels
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
We’re back with another episode. After more than 20 years, Randy has a cellie again. This week on the podcast he lets us know how things are going so far, and let’s just say things get dirty quick. This is part one of a three-part episode we’re calling Cellie Adventures.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
We’re back with part two of “Scott’s Wild Story.” Last week, Scott revealed to Randy that he was caught up in a much larger conspiracy inside the prison. Stay tuned as the story continues, does Scott’s tale hold up, or is it just another wild yarn from behind the walls?
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
Randy is back with another episode from behind the walls of the Virginia Department of Corrections. In this one, he recounts a wild tale a man named Scott told him recently. Was Scott’s story real or just talk? You’ll have to listen and judge for yourself.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
In this episode, Randy introduces You Ain’t Beyond Saving, a raw, unfiltered self-help memoir straight from the heart of a man who’s done decades in the darkest corners of the system. Half life story, half lifeline, this book is Randy’s personal message to anyone who’s ever felt lost, broken, or forgotten. The launch date is locked for October 14th on Amazon Print and Kindle.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
Randy’s back with a raw one from deep inside the walls. In this episode, he breaks down the chaos erupting across the prison, knives getting snatched up, drugs turning up, cell phones getting found, and the whole compound getting tossed into lockdown after lockdown. It’s tension, paranoia, and survival 24/7. But in the middle of all that, Randy drops something major, after more than twenty years riding solo, he’s finally getting a new celly. He opens up about what that means for him, the nerves, the mindset, and how he’s adjusting to the biggest change in his living situation in decades. This one’s heavy, honest, and straight from the heart of the yard.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
In this one, Randy speaks his mind, raw and unfiltered, about the Virginia Parole Board. After decades behind bars, watching the system grind people down, he’s got a few things to say,and he’s not holding back. If you’ve ever wondered why so many deserving people get denied parole, or why the whole process feels rigged, Randy’s about to break it down for you from the inside. This ain’t no feel-good episode. It’s truth-telling time.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
We heard you loud and clear. Some of y’all been saying Randy’s too deep, too thoughtful, not enough wild prison stories. Fair. That’s not really what he’s about—but today, we’re bending the rules.
This episode is pure ear candy. Just a straight-up, jaw-dropping, no-you-didn’t kinda tale from the inside. A crazy prison story featuring Q, a dude Randy knows personally from the yard. No morals, no message, just raw storytelling the way you asked for it.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
In this powerful episode, Randy sits down with Jesse Crosson, a motivational speaker, content creator, and the founder of the Second Chancer Foundation. After serving nearly two decades behind bars, Jesse turned his life around and is now dedicated to criminal justice reform, second chances, and giving hope to others who are still inside.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
In this episode of the podcast, Randy reflects on two stories that are currently in the news, one involving child abuse and the other a death at Wallens Ridge.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
We’re back with another episode! We’ve been getting lots of voicemails and questions lately, so in this episode, Randy answers your questions.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
Skype—the phone system that Randy uses to record calls—was shut down in May. This week on the podcast, we’ll find out what the future holds for the Red Onion Randy Podcast and if we’ve found a solution to keep things going. This is the good news episode, so tune in to see what life is like in the Virginia DOC for Randy and what’s to come.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
Due to the reccent state-wide lockdown, Randy wasn’t able to record anything new for you this week—but don’t worry, we’ve got something very special lined up.
I’m sure everyone knows the story of Joe Exotic from the 2019 Netflix show Tiger King. Joe is currently serving 22 years in a federal prison for a murder-for-hire plot against his rival, Carole Baskin. This week, we’ve got Joe on the Red Onion Randy Podcast! You don’t want to miss this one.
Hope you enjoy the episode, and we’ll be back next week with a classic piece featuring Randy!
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
After more than a week on a Virginia-wide prison lockdown, Randy is back and recording again. In this episode, he breaks down what led to the statewide lockdown, how it affected daily life inside, and what it felt like to be cut off from the outside world. Raw, real, and straight from the source—this is life behind bars, unfiltered.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
Today on the podcast, I wanted to share one of our Patreon-exclusive episodes with our regular audience.
If you haven’t joined us on Patreon yet—what are you waiting for? We’ve got exclusive episodes, All episodes 100% commercial free, behind-the-scenes content, a free copy of Randy’s prison cookbook, and early access to every episode a full week before anyone else gets it.
So if you’ve been thinking about supporting the show, now’s the time. Join us on Patreon and be part of what we’re building.
https://patreon.com/PrisonAudio
In this Patreon-exclusive episode, Randy and Mike break down the psychology of fear, the frustration of dealing with idiots in the system, and why the DOC should legalize and sell weed inside instead of letting the black market flood the yards with K2 and poison. It’s blunt talk about real issues from someone who’s lived it.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
Hey everyone — quick update:
Buckingham Correctional Center has been on lockdown, which means Randy hasn’t been able to use the phones or do video visits. He’s okay — he didn’t do anything wrong — but when the prison locks down, everything shuts down: calls, visits, movement. So unfortunately, we haven’t been able to record anything new with him.
But we didn’t want to leave you hanging.
So today we’ve got a special episode featuring Ashley Johnigan, who’s currently serving a life sentence at California Institution for Women. Ashley shares what life looks like from her perspective — including her thoughts on transgender inmates being transferred into women’s prisons, and what her mornings are like behind the walls.
This episode’s a little different from our usual, but we’d love to know what you think:
Should we feature more incarcerated voices when Randy’s temporarily locked down?
Drop a comment and let us know.
Thanks for riding with us — more Randy episodes coming as soon as he’s back on the line.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
On today’s episode of the podcast, Randy responds to a question from one of his Patrons — Substack writer black sheep mom — who asked:
👉 “What have you seen in prison when it comes to mothers? The good, the bad, and everything in between?”
From phone calls that never come… to the ride-or-die moms who never miss a visit… to the ones who shaped the man Randy became — he answers it all, raw and real.
🖤 Thank you to @blacksheepmom for the powerful question!
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
After more than 25 years in solitary and maximum security, Randy has officially transferred to a Level 3 prison — Buckingham Correctional Center in Virginia. In this episode, he shares what the first few weeks have been like adjusting to the new environment, the differences from Red Onion, and what this next chapter means for him.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
He made it! After 25+ years behind the walls of Virginia’s toughest supermax prisons, Randy is officially out of Keen Mountain and now at Buckingham Correctional Center—a Level 3! In this episode, Randy breaks down the transfer process: the bus ride, the emotions, the differences between the prisons, and what this move means for his future.New chapter. New mindset. Same Randy.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
Today on the podcast, Randy shares a personal moment — his first in-person visit with his wife, Nicole. After years of connecting through letters and phone calls, this was the first time they sat across from each other face-to-face. Randy opens up about what that moment meant to him, how it felt, and the emotions that came with finally meeting in person.It’s a rare, intimate episode — one you won’t want to miss.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
Today on the podcast, we’re going back to our roots and talking prison drama. In this episode, Randy discusses some recent drama that happened in the pod and how he finds the humor in situations he can’t avoid.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
In this episode of Red Onion Randy, Randy explains a "use of force" incident that happened at a California men's prison in 2022.
Check out the full video on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5uH_2wrkR0&t=178s
to watch as Randy describes it in detail.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
After more than five years and 156 episodes, is this the end of Red Onion Randy?
Microsoft is shutting down Skype, which Randy uses to record his podcast and stay in touch with his friend overseas. With Skype gone, what does this mean for the future of the Red Onion Randy Podcast?
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
* An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
* All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
* An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
* Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
* Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
* Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
In this episode, Randy discusses the DOGE or the Department of Government Efficiency
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
* An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
* All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
* An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
* Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
* Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
* Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast, Featuring the life and times of Randall Via, currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
In this episode, Randy discusses the tragic case of Robert Brooks, who was beaten to death by correctional officers in New York State. Randy shares his thoughts on the harsh realities of the prison system and reflects on the need for justice and reform.
💥 Get More on Patreon:
Don’t forget to visit our Patreon for exclusive content! You’ll get:
* An extended conversation about this episode between Randy and his producer
* All 155 episodes of the podcast, 100% commercial-free
* An early copy of Randy’s upcoming cookbook, “Ya Gonna Eat That?”, launching soon on Amazon
🎙️ Credits:
* Founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via
* Field & Development Producer: Paulie Doyle
* Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
In this episode of the podcast, Randy talks about being a 'tough nerd.' Despite his reputation as a fighter, Randy loves nerdy things like fantasy novels and Dungeons & Dragons. Today, he’s discussing how he finds balance between these two opposing personalities in prison.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer: Paulie Doyle. Sound and video editing by Prison Audio.
🚨 Huge News: Red Onion Randy Podcast Now on Patreon & YouTube Memberships! 🚨
We’re taking the Red Onion Randy Podcast to the next level, and now YOU can be a part of it! 🎉
🔥 Here’s what you get when you join Randy’s Patreon:
🎧 All 154 episodes – COMMERCIAL-FREE on the Patreon app
⏳ Early access to new episodes – Get them a week before everyone else
🎙️ Exclusive Patreon-only episodes – Randy breaks down episodes with special guests
🌙 All episodes of Night Time in Prison – Randy’s storytelling podcast
📚 Early access to Randy’s upcoming cookbook – You Gonna Eat That? featuring 38 prison recipes (and counting) + a must-hear story about Randy’s unforgettable wedding cake 🍰
📞 Be part of the show – Schedule a Zoom call with Randy and chat one-on-one
⚖️ Help Randy get a lawyer – Your support helps fund legal help and grows the podcast
Join now on Patreon and get the newest episode before anyone else! 🚀
👉 https://www.patreon.com/PRISONaudio
👉 Or become a YouTube Channel Member - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp_hrkl3DlF1YLp-rHKDQTw/join
We’re building a community and bringing YOU into future episodes. Support the show, help Randy’s fight for justice, and unlock exclusive perks today! 🙌#RedOnionRandy #NightTimeInPrison #PrisonCookbook #PatreonExclusive #YouTubeMembership #TrueCrime #IncarcerationStories #YouGonnaEatThat
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
In this episode of the podcast, Randy talks about the recent price hikes on commissary food inside the prison.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer: Paulie Doyle. Sound and video editing by Prison Audio.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
In this episode of the podcast, Randy talks about Co-Defendants
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer: Paulie Doyle. Sound and video editing by Prison Audio.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
In this episode of the podcast, Randy talks about the hillbillies of the Appalachian Mountains and introduces us to a friend he's incarcerated with, "Coal Bucket."
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer: Paulie Doyle. Sound and video editing by Prison Audio.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
In this episode of the podcast Randy talks about the popular online trend of catching predators.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
In this episode of the podcast Randy talks about the current wild fires in California from an inmates perspective.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
In this episode, Red Onion State Prison is engulfed in chaos—literally. The high-security facility, notorious for its harsh conditions, has seen multiple instances of inmates setting themselves on fire in desperate bids to get transferred out. The grim reality of life inside has driven prisoners to such extreme measures, underscoring the psychological and emotional toll of incarceration in one of the nation's most infamous prisons.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp_hrkl3DlF1YLp-rHKDQTw/join
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
In this episode of the podcast Randy talks abut the difference between the rich and the poor when it comes to getting an appeal.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp_hrkl3DlF1YLp-rHKDQTw/join
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
In the final episode of the year on the Red Onion Randy Podcast, Randy shares a life update, talking about where he’s at and what’s been going on. It’s a straightforward check-in with a bit of reflection to close out the year.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp_hrkl3DlF1YLp-rHKDQTw/join
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
In this episode of the Red Onion Randy Podcast, Randy discusses the case of Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. From his unique perspective inside the Virginia Department of Corrections, Randy explores the motives, media coverage, and public reaction surrounding the case. He reflects on the systemic issues that connect stories like Luigi’s to the broader challenges of the justice system.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp_hrkl3DlF1YLp-rHKDQTw/join
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
We are trying something new on the podcast today. As listeners know Randy doesn't create his podcast alone. He has a team of friends who help produce the show for him. In this episode of the podcast Randy having a conversations with Michael #2 his friend who works behind the scenes to edit the podcasts.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp_hrkl3DlF1YLp-rHKDQTw/join
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
In this episode of the podcast Randy is discussing a case that has been in the news lately. Jason Vukovich AKA "The Alaskan Avenger" was sent to prison for assaulting and robbing men who were on the S*x Offender registry in Alaska. He was recently release on parole but got sent back to prison for some comments he made on social media. Tune in to hear Randy's thoughts on the case.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp_hrkl3DlF1YLp-rHKDQTw/join
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
Today on the podcast randy is discussing the recent events of Hunter Biden receiving a full pardon from his father, Joe Biden.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp_hrkl3DlF1YLp-rHKDQTw/join
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery in the state of Virginia.
This week on the podcast Randy is speaking about the Library at Keen Mountain Corrections Center in Oakwood VA.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp_hrkl3DlF1YLp-rHKDQTw/join
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
This week on the podcast Randy is talking about the Prison Incentives email he just received on his tablet. The Virginia Department of Correction is incentivizing inmates to behave themselves but will it work? Tune in to hear Randy's opinion.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp_hrkl3DlF1YLp-rHKDQTw/join
Today on the podcast, Randy shares what he would say to President-elect Donald Trump if given the chance. What would Randy do to turn the country around? Tune in to find out.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer: Paulie Doyle. Sound and video editing by Prison Audio.
Randall Via AKA, Red Onion Randy has been in prison since the age of 11. He is currently serving 1,214 years at Keen Mountain Correction Center. Welcome to his podcast.
Today on the podcast Randy is taking about something that has been driving him crazy lately and that is men not being real men.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
Today on the podcast Randy talks religion in prison.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Oakwood, Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
Today on the podcast, Randy responds to a listener who’s wondering if she should marry her partner, who’s in prison. He shares advice on love, commitment, and choosing which battles are worth fighting.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Oakwood, Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
If you've been listening to the podcast you'll know that two weeks ago Randy got married to the love of his live, Nicole. What does a wedding day in prison look like? Tune in and find out.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Oakwood, Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
Today on the podcast Randy responds to some not-so-friendly letters he recently received.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
Today on the podcast Randy is back with the conclusion of the "Chaos" Story. In this third instalment Randy see Chaos in person for the first time since someone stole his fiancée's phone number. How will things turn out and what did Randy learn from this situation? Find out this week on the podcast.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
Today on the podcast, Randy returns with the second part of the "Chaos" story. In our last episode, Randy discovered that another inmate had stolen his fiancée's phone number. How did Randy handle this situation? Did he revert to his old violent ways, risking everything he's worked for, or did he turn the other cheek, risking his respect among the other inmates? Tune in to find out.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
Today on the podcast Randy talks about a situation that recently happened to him where another inmate stole some very important information.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
Today on the podcast Randy talks about his experience with lifting weights in prison.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
This week on the podcast Randy is introducing his fiance Nicole.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
This week on the podcast Randy is responding to two listeners questions.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by Prison Audio
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
This week on the podcast Randy is talking about the close friends he has made outside of prison.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by PrisonAudio
We are back with a brand new episode!
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
After a long wait the Red Onion Randy podcast is Back! long time listeners to the podcast will remember when we last heard from Randy he was desperate to be transferred from a Super-Max prison prison to a lower security level 4 prison, well you won't want to miss this episode to find out where Randy is now and what he thinks of his new environment.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by PrisonAudio.
The Red Onion Randy Podcast features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Virginia for capital murder and armed robbery.
The podcast was founded by Michael Garbutt and Randall Via. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Sound and Video Editing by
Prison Audio music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Some people just complain about life but don’t do anything to change their situation. They’re like psychic vampires, sucking the lifeblood out of the people they talk to. But it doesn’t need to be this way. Randy offers us some important advice.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Wallens Ridge State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
It's no secret that there are drugs in prison. But how do they get there?
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Wallens Ridge State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
When a woman on the outside has a relationship with an incarcerated man, is it OK for her to have sex with other men? Randy has his opinion. Not everyone agrees.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Wallens Ridge State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Some of the other inmates are so damn irritating to be around, Randy's praying for a lockdown just to get away from them.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Wallens Ridge State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
The Department of Corrections finally grants approval for Randy to travel to Richmond for a biopsy at Virginia Commonwealth University. It's not just the road trip that offers him a glimpse of freedom . . .
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Wallens Ridge State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy’s been trying for years to get a biopsy to find out what kind of tumors he has in his leg. Finally, he finds a supportive prison doctor.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Wallens Ridge State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Murder, ODs, shakedowns, and riots. Randy describes the wildest week in Wallens Ridge's recent history.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Wallens Ridge State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy describes the new pod he’s living in Wallens Ridge State Prison. There’s a lot of “backbiting”. Stay out of it, is his advice.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Wallens Ridge State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
In November 2023, Randy gets transferred to Wallens Ridge State Prison, another supermax, about 40 miles northeast of Red Onion. Three months later, he starts podcasting again.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Wallens Ridge State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy is scheduled to be transferred out of Red Onion but he still doesn't know which prison he'll be sent to.
In this last episode recorded at Red Onion, Randy calls podcast executive producer Michael Garbutt who was attending a conference at the University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan, where Randy meets some students and answers their questions.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
The Department of Corrections finally grants Randy’s request for a transfer to another prison. But he’s in for a nasty surprise when he finds out the type of prison they’re going to send him to.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy describes possible changes to legislation that would allow early release for some inmates in Virginia state prisons.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Frustration has been the most difficult emotion Randy has to deal with.
In this episode, Randy shows that pent-up frustration leads him to quite an unexpected place.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
In another call-in episode, Dustin wants to know how Randy deals with intense emotions such as sadness and anger while incarcerated.
If you have a question for Randy, you can leave him a message on our toll-free line (+) 1-888 524 1932. You can also check him out on Twitter @redonionrandy.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy introduces listeners to eight of his fellow inmates at Red Onion.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
A listener wants to know how they can best support a 21-year-old loved one who has been in and out of prison. Randy responds.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
If you're planning on writing to an inmate, there are things you should know so that everyone stays safe.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie "Guinness" Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Showering in prison can be a very unpleasant and sometimes dangerous experience, as Randy explains, along with some good advice to reduce the risks involved.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie "Guinness" Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy delves into the importance of working out and introduces 'Convict Conditioning' by Paul Wade, an exercise coaching book that has changed his life.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie "Guinness" Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
In response to a listener's questions, Randy explains how he spends his day and what keeps him sane (writing fantasy fiction).
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie "Guinness" Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
In this first episode of the new season, Randy responds to listener Mikayla's questions. How does he manage anger, she wants to know. Does solitary confinement work? Who are his friends?
To put your questions to Randy, call toll free on + 1-888-524-1932.
Randy responds to a question a listener recorded on our toll-free line (+) 1-888 524 1932, and announces a season break. As Randy explains, Red Onion Randy will be back in July, bigger and better than ever!
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie "Guinness" Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy reflects on the addictive nature of masturbation and pornography and how they can damage our lives and those of our loved ones.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie "Guinness" Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
How realistic are movie representations of prison? Randy compares the fictions he's seen with the facts he knows so well.
Documentary mentioned by Randy in the podcast- Solitary: Inside Red Onion State Prison
https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/solitary-inside-red-onion-state-prison/
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie "Guinness" Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
In this 100th episode, Randy reflects on two years of podcasting and introduces a new toll-free phone message service for listeners (+) 1-888 524 1932.
Documentary mentioned by Randy in the podcast- Solitary: Inside Red Onion State Prison
https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/solitary-inside-red-onion-state-prison/
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie "Guinness" Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Tattoos are an important part of the prison culture and economy. After describing how to make an inking gun and ink, Randy explains what his own tattoos mean to him.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie “Guinness” Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Having experienced so much violence and death, Randy thought nothing could upset him. But when he sees his buddy Little John close to death, Randy finds himself reacting in a quite unexpected way.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie “Guinness” Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
At Red Onion, where every inmate is either predator or prey, reputation is everything. Randy has a certain reputation that turns out to be a double-edged sword, as he explains.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie “Guinness” Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park
Listener Advisory: This episode describes sexual practices in graphic detail, including the practice of "gunning".
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie “Guinness” Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park
Times have changed at Red Onion, but not necessarily all for the better, as Randy explains.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie “Guinness” Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
This week everybody's talking about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars. It's a big topic at Red Onion too, though as Randy explains, there's no doubt about who was in the right.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie “Guinness” Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
One of the most difficult things to deal with is betrayal. How do you deal with the emotional wound after someone betrays you?
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie “Guinness” Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
After two weeks in lockdown Randy finds himself in a dark place of anxiety and frustration, pacing his cell like a caged animal. In this remarkably frank and honest episode Randy reaches out to listeners for prayers and positive vibes.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie “Guinness” Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
After more than twenty-five years in prison, thirteen of those years in solitary confinement, Randy's learned to have faith in himself and understand the incredible power of positive self-talk. This week he shares the secret with listeners.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie “Guinness” Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
In the decades Randy has spent at Red Onion, he's seen some big changes. In the first of two episodes charting these changes, Randy recalls the times the prison was so violent they called it Vietnam.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie "Guinness" Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
For everyone at Red Onion-- both inmates and COs--it makes a big difference if the governor is a Republican or a Democrat.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie "Guinness" Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
After Randy tests positive for Covid, he finds himself confined to a quarantine cell in his old pod. As Randy explains, serving time gives inmates a very different perspective on illness and suffering.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie "Guinness" Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Joe Giarratano was on death row, convicted of a murder and rape he had not committed. Three days before his execution in 1991, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. In 2017, with his innocence established, Joe was granted a pardon and released from prison. Randy met Joe while they were both serving life. Now Joe’s in the free world he may be able to help Randy’s case.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie "Guinness" Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
If you're doing time, watching sports games on TV can offer a welcome escape from prison life. But it can also complicate things, if you're not careful.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie "Guinness" Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy outlines his vision for how prisons could promote rehabilitation. For more information about the Enneagram Prison Project, https://enneagramprisonproject.org/ and Hustle 2.0 https://www.hustle20.com/
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie "Guinness" Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
It's not enough to reach your goals. You have to know what to do next, as Randy explains in his analysis of Conor McGregor.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Field and development producer, Paulie "Guinness" Doyle. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
When you're doing time, you don't want time to do you. But as Randy explains, that's easier said than done.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
After long delays, Randy finally gets admitted to hospital for a biopsy. It turns out to be much more than just a medical procedure.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
You might live in a maximum security prison without the possibility of parole, but you can still dream about having a home of your own.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
A listener who goes by "Tuco Salamanca" (the dealer from Breaking Bad) writes Randy to say that he's currently on bail awaiting sentencing for distribution. He's a small, middle-aged guy without any experience of prison. He badly needs Randy's advice.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy has a lot to look forward to: his transfer to Keen Mountain Prison has been approved and he's finally going to get a biopsy to investigate his medical condition. But for some reason, everything is on hold.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Your cellmate probably won't be your soulmate, which is why you need to follow Randy's rules to manage the challenge of living up close and personal with a stranger.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
After twenty years at Red Onion, Randy is granted a transfer to another prison. Where is he going, and how is his life going to be different?
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy hasn’t seen his brother Jason for a quarter of a century but the bond of brotherly love remains strong.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy answers wide-ranging questions .. from a wide range of listeners! Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
In this episode, recorded shortly after the body of Gabby Petito was found in Wyoming, Randy reflects on the murder he committed in the town of Stanardsville in 1998, and for which he is now serving life without the possibility of parole.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
A ride in the prison van to a nearby town for a medical visit gives Randy a rare first-hand view of the outside world.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy talks about the role of music in the lives of prisoners, and its impact on their emotions. He also introduces Nashville-based singer-songwriter and Red Onion Randy fan Nicole Kerns.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
In the United States, access to medical services lags behind the rest of the developed world, but in Red Onion, access is even more difficult, as Randy's own experience demonstrates.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Amidst all the violence and neglect he experienced as a child living in a trailer park, Randy still treasures the memory of small acts of kindness.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Following on from Episode 66, Randy takes us through the rest of the rules that make up his essential inmate survival guide.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
A female listener who has an inmate boyfriend wonders about his motives. Can she trust him? Randy offers his advice.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy launches his first children's story: Elise and the Magic Well. Available at Amazon.com: Elise and the Magic Well eBook : Via, Randall: Kindle Store
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
If you want to survive in prison, you better know the rules: Randy's twenty-two prison rules.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy reflects on how much his mother suffered, and how he struggles to come to an understanding of the reasons why she neglected him. It hasn't been easy. It still isn't.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy's father was violent, abusive and then largely absent. Recently, he's reconnected with his Dad, and reflects on his complex feelings towards the man who had such an impact on his life.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Guns and gun culture play a central role in American life. Randy reflects on his own relationship to guns and on how his views have changed over time.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, Randy shares his dreams of a new life in the free world. If you were Randy, what would you do after 23 years in prison?
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Mental health is a huge issue at Red Onion, as it is for many people in the free world. Randy reflects on how he’s grown up from a kid who was willing to commit suicide ‘by cop’ to someone who knows how to manage anger and support others struggling to find their own peace of mind.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
In responding to a listener's question about the treatment meted out to child molesters and other sexual offenders by inmates, Randy expresses his dilemma--he hates the crimes but he also hates bullying. He also shares his personal experience as the childhood victim of sexual assault.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy finally gets to talk on the phone to appeals lawyer Jon Sheldon. Does he have grounds for an appeal? There's good and there's bad news, says the lawyer.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Marking the first anniversary of the launch of the podcast, Randy describes how it all started, how episodes are made, and the impact it's had on his life. A big shout out to all the many Red Onion fans around the world!
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Since Covid-19, people everywhere have become familiar with the experience of lockdowns, but a lockdown in Red Onion is an altogether different thing. This week, Randy's just come out of a two-day lockdown after an inmate got drunk. That was a short one. Lockdowns can go on for weeks. You're confined to your cell 24/7. For Randy, in his single cell, it's solitary confinement all over again. And to make matters worse, the COs carry out 'shakedowns' -- cell searches and strip searches -- looking for contraband. .
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
After serving 23 years of a sentence of life without the possibility of parole, Randy believes he may have grounds to mount a successful appeal. He needs a good lawyer, so he's going to contact Jonathan Sheldon, an attorney who specializes in post-conviction remedies in Virginia: Randy's cautiously optimistic, but will Jonathan Sheldon agree?
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Life in the new pod turns out to be more positive than Randy anticipated, but it’s far from perfect. In reflecting on the everyday challenges he faces in prison, Randy offers a valuable guide to the good life, whether you’re in a supermax prison or in the free world: “I’m not going to wait for life to tell me when I can be happy”. Before he made the move to the new pod, Randy used to make the phone calls for this podcast from a cordless phone in his cell. Now he has to call from a wall phone in the main area of the pod, where it can get quite noisy. Check out for yourself the background sounds of the everyday life inside a supermax prison.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Recorded just before Randy 's recent transfer to the new pod, he reflects on the pecking order in prison, the wolves who run the pod, the sheep who follow, and the guys like Randy who walk alone and stand alone.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy’s been transferred to a general population unit at Red Onion. It’s a jungle full of threats and lurking dangers. There’s so much on the line, so much Randy could lose if he’s forced to fight. His friend Pitt, who lives on the pod, has put the word out: “He is a killer. Mess with Randy, and he’ll eat ya up.” But will that be enough to help Randy avoid a confrontation with the gangbangers? Pray for me, says Randy.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy is going to be transferred to another part of Red Onion with a lower security level. But it's not all good news for our host. The new pod is a lion's den, full of violence and gang activity. Gangbangers often force other inmates to pay for the use of the phone, which is Randy's only means to make his podcasts. What's he going to do? He sure isn't going to back down to bullies, but he doesn't want to spoil his charge-free record by getting into a fight. It's a dilemma.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Fear is an inescapable part of the human condition, and few places are more driven by fear than a supermax prison. In this episode Randy examines what fear is, how it affects us, and the choice we have: face it or run from it. And what is Randy's innovative approach to this paralyzing emotion? "Slap it with positivity!"
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
In prison, everyone needs to believe in something, whether it's religion, an idea, a dream, or a sense of self. Randy explains what religious faith means for him, taking us on his long journey from cynicism to belief. He sure gets strength from his faith -- and his sense of who he is. As Randy says, "I won't give up. I might fail but I will fail swinging."
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Prisoners at Red Onion come up with some ingenious ways to pass the time, including gambling with some unusual stakes. Randy also introduces us to his all-time favorite game: Dungeons and Dragons. But Randy's version of D&D is not exactly the same as the one most people know! You'll be impressed by the passion and creativity of D&D Red Onion-style.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Abused and neglected at home, made to feel an outsider at school, Randy rejected the education system that appeared to reject him. Between truancy and juvenile detention Randy never got much of a formal education but he did manage to pass his GED (General Education Development), a set of academic tests equivalent to a high-school diploma. Randy always had a love of reading, and by the time he found himself in adult prison he had developed an enduring love of learning. Despite the lack of resources, Randy has continued his journey of self-education as best he can.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
In this powerful episode Randy describes what it feels like to be sentenced at the age of 20 to life in prison without the possibility of parole. It's been a long journey through numbness and depression to find the hope he constantly fights to keep alive. Twenty-three years after he was sentenced, Randy still faces the prospect of spending the rest of his life in prison.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
When he was an angry, abused adolescent, Randy discovered that crime was like a drug. Soon, he was hooked on it, yearning for the intense high that he believed only crime could give him. When crime led to him being sent to a juvenile correctional center, his one desire was to get out and commit more crimes. Only later did he come to realize that like other addictions, crime can destroy the addict's life -- and the lives of those around them.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
It’s illegal for inmates to produce or consume alcohol in prison, but that doesn’t stop them from trying. In this episode, Randy describes some popular recipes for the hard stuff. He tells the story of what happened when one prisoner drank way too much mash, and ends with a cautionary tale of the risks involved for the innocent when the mash is discovered in a cell.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
In the 23 years since Randy has been incarcerated at Red Onion, he's never received a single visitor. It's not because family and friends aren't prepared to make the journey to the remote mountain location, it's because he chooses not to have visitors. Why? In this episode, Randy explains the impossible dilemma he faces, and gives a vivid account of the range of different visitation experiences at Red Onion.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Back when Randy was still in "seg", he worked alongside other prisoners, folding paper napkins around sporks. It offered a rare opportunity to socialize and have some fun. One day, his buddy Frank proposed a dare. If Randy could consume an entire bag of coffee at one go -- and keep it down for an hour -- Frank wolud give him $20. Would Randy accept the dare? Of course, he would!
Friendships presuppose trust, but in prison you can't trust anyone. In this episode, Randy explores the contradictory nature of prisoners' interactions with one another. Should you trust or not trust? Should you guard against opening up or should you allow others to come close enough to form friendships? "We need to be human," says Randy, explaining how it's possible to "have friendships without being friends."
We might ask ourselves a question:. "Are they really my friend? Do I trust them? Would we have each other's back?"
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Slinky, Ghost, LA, Murder, Headbuster ... Names matter in prison, and almost everyone has some kind of nickname. In this episode "Red Onion" Randy explains why it's sometimes safer to hide your real name in prison and better to have a handle. Over the years, Randy has had a few himself, as he recounts. Need a catchy nickname? Just ask Randy.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park..
Regular listener Kevin emailed Randy to ask Randy if he had have any special recipes he could share? He certainly did. Here are Randy's all-time favorites, including one recipe for a lot more than just a good meal.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. Directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park..
If you or a loved one face the prospect of incarceration, this is a must-listen episode!. Randy answers a question from a listener who wants to know what advice he would give her boyfriend who is about to start serving a long sentence in a Federal prison. Randy's useful tips include ingenious strategy on how to avoid the gangs and how to get a sentence reduction for good behavior.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. The podcast is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Randy finds himself in a situation where there seems no way to avoid a fight.
"I'm actually proud of myself", says Randy, "because I remained calm, collected and controlling my emotions." He leaves us with an impressive appeal: "If you ever find yourself in this situation, do your best to de-escalate it."
Winning a fight, whether it's physical, verbal, intellectual or emotional may give you a sense of victory, but Randy shows that the true triumph comes from overcoming your own impulses, emotions and wounded pride.
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. The podcast is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
As a child, Randy's ambition was to learn martial arts so no one would be able to hurt him again. In this episode, Randy describes the intoxicating feeling he used to feel in using skill and speed to dominate an opponent. But from a street fighter with low self-esteem and an urge to fight for its own sake, Randy became a man of peace who came to appreciate martial arts as source of discipline and self-control. As Randy says, "There are times you should fight to defend yourself and your family, but if you can walk away, I highly recommend it".
Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State Prison for capital murder. The podcast is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
At a very early age Randy knew that if he was going to survive, he'd have to fight, and fight hard. Exposed to a world of childhood violence, he drew on natural skill and fearlessness to give as good as he got-- and sometimes a lot more. By the time he was a teen in juvenile detention, Randy was ready to hone his fighting skills in "Gladiator School", where the only rule was that there were no rules.
Randy almost lost his virginity back when he was a teenager, after absconding from a co-ed juvenile detention facility with two teenage girls. Almost, but not quite, thanks to the sudden arrival of an unexpected party. Randy's account of his teenage escapade is full of humor and wit. It's a counterpoint to the loneliness and longing for intimacy he describes as a 42-year-old who has now lived without the company of women for more than half his life.
Randy recalls the time in his childhood when he lived in a boys' camp in the woods. One day, while walking in the hills, he encountered a herd of wild horses. It was to become the favorite memory of his childhood, a memory that continues to sustain him in the long, hard years of life in prison.
Why is the color of inmates' shoes at Red Onion always white? What does it mean when one guy tells another to "Lace 'em up"? Find out in Randy's comprehensive guide to the forms, fashions, and functions of .... footwear at Red Onion.
The Keefe Supply Company is the leading provider of clothing and shoes (and food, personal care items and electronics) to American prisons. Despite the expense, prisoners who can afford to buy clothing from "Keefe commissary" much prefer it to standard prison issue. After you hear Randy explain what can happen when prisoners receive prison-issue clothing, you will understand the reason why.
In a wide-ranging, impassioned monologue, Randy shares his thoughts on police violence, systemic racism, the negative influence of TV cop shows, and the ways we can all make a positive difference by listening to our hearts and advocating peacefully for justice.
This episode presents a unique personal account of the enduring challenge of systemic racism in American society. Randy describes his experience of discrimination as a child and his first encounters with racial prejudice in juvenile detention and subsequently in prison.
Randy describes his friendship -- and subsequent falling out -- with Lee Boyd Malvo, one of the two notorious "Beltway Snipers" who terrorized Washington DC for three weeks in 2002.
Randy introduces an interview with Gay Gardner from IAHR -- Interfaith Action for Human Rights -- a Washington DC-based organisation that advocates and educates to minimise the use of solitary confinement and other unnecessarily harsh practices. https://www.interfaithactionhr.org
When Randy faced a major health challenge, Gay helped get him treated. But even while undergoing medical assessment Randy found himself subjected to more harsh and unnecessary punishment.
Randy reflects on Christmases, past and present in prison. When he was a child he never really had a chance to celebrate much, and now he chooses not. Just like Thanksgiving and birthdays, Christmas is just another day. But there was one magical Christmas, Randy remembers from his childhood. He was seven years old and he and his brothers received a special present -- a Dr Pepper bike.
Randy answers your questions about his responsibility for the crimes he committed; his favorite film and TV shows; his relationships with the prison warden. He also describes an incident in which he flooded his cell - and the rest of the tier - as a protest. Randy is always happy to answer any questions you have. Please write to him at redonionrandy.com.
What kinds of jobs are open for inmates in Red Onion? What's the rate of pay? And what's the absolute worst job in prison? Find out the answers from Red Onion Randy, the man who's worked them all.
Randy tells a story of a showdown between Headbuster, a 6'2" gangbanger, and the rookie CO serving dinner trays on the tier. The ensuing standoff is resolved in the most unusual way. As Randy says, it's one of the funniest he's ever seen in prison. The episode features the hip hop music of Dutch Nelsar.
Twenty-two years into his sentence of life without the possibility of parole, Randy feels the walls of his cell closing in around him, his resilience at breaking point, his sense of hope fading. In this powerful confession of mental torment, Randy's spirit finally shines through -- he cannot give up, he will not -- but he sure comes close as he faces a situation that is truly ... a damn nightmare.
Randy describes the many difficulties that Red Onion inmates face in getting a good night's sleep. A mix of noise, excessive light, physical discomfort, and anxiety all conspire to make night at ROSP an uncomfortable and lonely time. At the end of the episode Randy introduces a haunting melody composed by pianist Jooyeon Park -- the Red Onion Lullaby.
Randy describes the mind-numbing boredom of life in solitary and how this once led him to a corrosive, all-consuming anger with fantasies of homicidal vengeance.. Randy saved himself through the power of imagination and the refuge of fantasy fiction. The episode begins with a short description of Kapoor, the fantasy planet the size of 36 Jupiters filled excitement and color, invented by Randy as his personal antidote to boredom and loneliness.
In response to listeners' requests, Randy describes his cell and goes on to detail a typical day in his life, most of which is spent in a cell that's smaller than an average car parking space.
In 2006, Randy was sent to Sussex 1 State Prison outside Richmond Virginia, where the state holds its death row prisoners. Deeply unhappy in his new home, Randy slashed the throat of another inmate -- a child molester -- as a result of which he was sent to Red Onion and solitary confinement. The episode contains descriptions of extreme violence. Listener discretion is advised.
Randy talks about his work “slinging ink” -- the art of tattooing -- a practice that can form strong and enduring bonds between inmates.
To see examples of tattoo flashes from Red Onion, check out https://www.redonionrandy.com/shop.html
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
Randy describes Red Onion’s SAM (Secure Allied Management)– and SIP (Secure Integrated Pod), two high security accommodation programs that prepare prisoners for gradual integration into general population.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
In the first of this two-part story of his journey from solitary back to Red Onion’s general population, Randy describes the painful process of looking at himself in the mirror, and acknowledging his anger, violence, and disregard for life. Over a number of years, he was able to commit to and achieve change in himself, a challenge that was supported by the prison’s “step down” program and his appearance in the 2016 HBO documentary “Solitary: Inside Red Onion”.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
Randy answers listener David's question about food in supermax, recalling the time when discontent about the quality and quantity of food led to a group protest.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
In this episode, Randy answers listeners’ questions. Paula wants to how other prisoners and corrections officers have reacted to the podcast. Dianna asks Randy about pen pal programs. He offers insider advice about the benefits and risks of corresponding with prisoners.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
Randy answers listeners’ questions about the prison’s step down program and the psychological impact of solitary confinement.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
After spending five years in administrative segregation -- solitary confinement -- Randy successfully completes Red Onion’s “step down” program, earning the right to move into the prison’s “general population” After a few months, however, despite following all rules and regulations, Randy is returned to solitary, where he’ll spend the next 13 years, until his release to general population at the end of 2019.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
In his years in solitary confinement, Randy developed an extraordinary power – the ability to travel in time and space through the power of imagination. As he says, he may be in prison, but he’s not a prisoner. In this episode Randy is our guide on an imaginary walk in the woods near his boyhood home in Earlysville, Virginia. Wherever you are and however you’re feeling right now, let Randy take you to a secret place of tranquillity and hope.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
Randy recalls his discovery of the Wheel of Time series by fantasy fiction writer Robert Jordan and the life-changing epiphany he experienced while reading them.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
Randy reports that inmates working in the kitchen have tested positive for Covid-19. For the moment, the outbreak appears to be under control. Since a new kitchen manager was appointed two months ago the quality and quantity of food has improved significantly.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
After slashing the throat of another inmate in the rec yard at Sussex 1 State Prison Randy is sent to Red Onion State Prison, where he is kept in solitary confinement, also known as administrative segregation. In this powerful account of life in “seg”, Randy describes the devastating mental health impact of intense loneliness, hopelessness, and boredom, where 23 hours of every day is spent in a cell the size of a single car parking space, the light is never turned off, and constant noise assaults the ears.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of sexual assault and extreme physical violence.
When gang leader LA threatens to rape Randy, Randy reacts by slashing LA’s throat on the rec yard.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
After being sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, the twenty-year-old Randy is sent to Buckingham Correctional Center, a state prison between Richmond and Lynchburg, Virginia. In this ruthless new world, any sign of weakness will be exploited by other inmates.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
In jail awaiting trial, Randy has a fistfight with a correctional officer. It ends when a second officer, “The Undertaker”, intervenes. After being convicted of murder and armed robbery, Randy faces either the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. The jury announces its decision on his 20th birthday.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
Unemployed, hopeless and adrift, Randall embarks on another crime spree. This time burglary and car theft ends in armed robbery and murder.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
Randy describes truanting from high school, his drift into crime, and a first encounter with the Virginia Department of Corrections at the Beaumont Juvenile Correctional Center. He reflects on how the juvenile justice system only reinforced his criminal behaviours, culminating in a crime spree that ended with him committing capital murder.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
Randy describes his dirt poor childhood in Earlysville, Virginia, living in a trailer with his mother, two brothers and an abusive father who subjected him to frequent, violent beatings. After his parents separated, Randy found himself in foster care, embittered and angry, with a hair-trigger temper. Soon he started committing petty crimes.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
In this episode, Randy introduces his buddy Frank and describes the importance of friendship in facing the soul-crushing loneliness of prison.
Documentary mentioned by Randy in the podcast- Solitary: Inside Red Onion State Prison
https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/solitary-inside-red-onion-state-prison/
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNF
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/
Randall Via -- Red Onion Randy introduces himself and his podcast.
Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed and produced by Michael Garbutt. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music composed by John Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.
Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy website
https://www.redonionrandy.com/