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Artwork for Red Onion Randy

Red Onion Randy - Life in a Supermax Prison

Michael Garbutt, Randall Via, Prison Audio
Red Onion State Prison
Prison Life
Friendship
King Mountain Correctional Center
Personal Growth
Prison Religion
Psychic Vampires
Support Networks
Capital Murder
Nicole
Parenting
Chaos
Alcoholism
Prison Relationships
Prison Politics
Prison Environment
Prison Weightlifting
Mental Health
Wallins Ridge
True Crime

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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes185Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
True CrimeSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Red Onion Randy

Latest Episodes

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 fed... more

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 Ran... more

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 fed... more

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.

more

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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Celeste Blair
Former inmate with experiences in both state and federal prison systems.
Episode: ROR 178: Celeste Blair | In the Absence of Paint | Part 1
Jesse Crosson
Advocate for prison reform and rehabilitation, also known as Second Chancer
Episode: ROR 168: Second Chancer | Jesse Crosson Interview
Joseph Maldonado
Known as Joe Exotic, protagonist of the Tiger King documentary
Episode: The Tiger King (Joe Exotic)
Travis Wade Keen Stints
A resident of Grundy, Virginia, who shares his perspective on hillbilly culture and his experiences growing up in the mountains.
Grundy, Virginia
Episode: ROR 151: Hillbillies

Host

Randall Vaughn
Host and creator, sharing personal experiences and reflections from within a supermax prison environment.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 313 ratings
  • Listening from Atlanta…

    I heard ROR on Other People’s Lives and I was so interested in his story, so I downloaded his podcast. From the first few episodes I was hooked. From his impeccable ability to tell a story to his vulnerability to express what true prison life is, you cannot go wrong listening to this incredible human beings story. Lessons to be learned and a journey to go on Randy’s podcast is a story worth the lesson.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lukis779177
    United States4 months ago
  • He’s not bright

    He’s not a bright dude but he was given a platform to talk and ran with it and I enjoy listening to his really terrible takes on things, doesn’t seem like a bad dude honestly and I hope he gets out one day but I really hope people don’t take this dude seriously

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Nstynate01
    United Statesa year ago
  • Addictive

    Really interesting insight into prison life and as each episode is only short easy to listen to.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    The Re-Sitter
    Australiaa year ago
  • Captivating!!!

    A podcast that’ll catch your attention in the first minute. Randy is a very interesting and well spoken inmate who doesn’t hold any punches.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Scott D9
    Canada2 years ago
  • I appreciate this podcast

    Randy’s perspective and talents as a story teller make for a compelling and insightful podcast. I hope he stays the course and steers clear of violence so he can continue his beautiful evolution into a man who leads with kindness and care. It’s refreshing to hear someone try to turn away from ego, grandiosity, and “pride” to embody a deeper and more meaningful spiritual pride.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jake084
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the raw honesty and storytelling ability of the host, finding the insights into prison life compelling and enlightening.
There are mixed opinions, with some perceiving the host's views as polarizing, while others find his vulnerability and perspectives admirable.
Many highlight the therapeutic and reflective nature of the podcasts, believing it offers valuable lessons on resilience and social justice issues.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

ROR 180: Celeste Blair | In the Absence of Paint | Part 2
Q: How did you meet your wife?
Randy shared how his wife watched a documentary about him, which led her to reach out after a difficult time, and their correspondence eventually developed into a deep relationship.
ROR 178: Celeste Blair | In the Absence of Paint | Part 1
Q: How did you keep your balance and keep your sanity in all those years?
Keeping my sanity was largely due to my faith and God having a purpose for my life.
ROR 166: Answering Listeners’ Questions
Q: How does prison politics work in Virginia?
In Virginia, there's no segregation in terms of race; we all hang out, talk, and eat together.
ROR 166: Answering Listeners’ Questions
Q: Can you talk about your relationships with correctional officers?
Most correctional officers I meet are just part of the scenery; I show respect, but I tend to keep my distance.
ROR 166: Answering Listeners’ Questions
Q: What is the role of dreams in prison and how do you feel upon waking up from a good dream?
Waking up in prison after a good dream feels like getting punched in the gut.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Red Onion Randy

What is Red Onion Randy about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A unique perspective on life behind bars is provided through a host's personal anecdotes and reflections on daily experiences in a supermax prison. Key themes include the challenges of navigating relationships with cellmates and correctional staff, the harsh realities of prison culture, and discussions around systemic issues in the criminal justice system. The host often tackles heavier topics like misconduct, ethics, and the rehabilitation process, while also infusing humor and insights into coping mechanisms amidst adversity. This podcast appeals particularly to listeners interested in true crime, social justice, and personal narratives of resilience from individuals navigating incarceration.

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Which podcasts are similar to Red Onion Randy?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Red Onion Randy:

1. Locked In with Ian Bick
2. Gangland Wire
3. Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast
4. Something Was Wrong
5. Rise Above with Kevin Lanning

How many episodes of Red Onion Randy are there?

Red Onion Randy launched 5 years ago and published 185 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Red Onion Randy?

Recent guests on Red Onion Randy include:

1. Celeste Blair
2. Jesse Crosson
3. Joseph Maldonado
4. Travis Wade Keen Stints

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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