Red Onion Randy - Life in a Supermax Prison
131 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago -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.
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Episodes
Falling out with Lee Boyd Malvo
January 07, 2021 08:34 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBRandy 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.
Interfaith Action for Human Rights: Gay Gardner Interview
December 31, 2020 11:08 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBRandy 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.orgWhen 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.Red Onion Randy features the ...
Christmas Holiday (Not) Special
December 24, 2020 09:43 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBRandy 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. Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion...
Randy Answers Your Questions
December 17, 2020 10:01 - 22 minutes - 21 MBRandy 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.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...
Working for the Man
December 10, 2020 10:32 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBWhat 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. 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 P...
Gimme the Chicken Tray! (Hilarious)
December 03, 2020 09:29 - 8 minutes - 7.84 MBRandy 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. 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...
Gimme the chicken tray! (Hilarious)
December 03, 2020 09:29 - 9 minutes - 7.05 MBRandy 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.
Damn Nightmare
November 26, 2020 09:48 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBTwenty-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. Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 year...
Red Onion Lullaby
November 19, 2020 10:23 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBRandy 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.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....
Anger, Boredom and Fantasy
November 12, 2020 09:30 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBThe mind-numbing boredom of life in solitary can lead to a corrosive, all-consuming anger. Randy describes how he saved himself through the power of his imagination and the refuge of 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. Website and podcast design by Nishant Pandav. Sound editing and music by Julia Jooyeon Park. Title music by Jo...
Groundhog Day
November 05, 2020 10:24 - 11 minutes - 11 MBIn 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.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 a...
The Child Molester
October 29, 2020 08:33 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBIn 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.Red Onion Randy features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving 1,214 years in Red Onion State ...
True Blood
October 22, 2020 12:33 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBRandy 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.htmlRed 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 Jul...
Solitary - Final Years Part 2
October 15, 2020 08:05 - 10 minutes - 9.61 MBRandy 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.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 capit...
Solitary - Final Years Part 1
October 08, 2020 09:00 - 14 minutes - 13 MBIn 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”.Documentary mentioned by Randy in ...
Don't Shake the Spoon
October 01, 2020 08:55 - 13 minutes - 11.9 MBRandy 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 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.Help us im...
I Ain’t Heard from You in a While...
September 24, 2020 09:45 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBIn this episode, Randy answers listeners’ questions. Paula wants to know 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. Documentary mentioned by Randy in the podcast- Solitary: Inside Red Onion State Prison https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/solitary-inside-red-onion-state-prison/Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://...
Q&A: The Thing That Kept Me From Going Insane
September 17, 2020 10:48 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBRandy answers listeners’ questions about the prison’s step down program and the psychological impact of solitary confinement.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.Help us improve the podcast. Take our short su...
From Solitary to Gen Pop and Back Again
September 10, 2020 10:22 - 16 minutes - 15 MBAfter 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 features the life and times of Randall Via, who is currently serving ...
A Walk in the Woods
September 03, 2020 10:43 - 10 minutes - 9.85 MBIn 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 tranquility and hope.Red Onion Randy, featuring Randall Via, is directed a...
The Choice We Make
August 27, 2020 10:59 - 10 minutes - 9.23 MBRandy 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 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.Help us im...
Covid-19 comes to Red Onion
August 20, 2020 08:38 - 6 minutes - 5.85 MBRandy 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 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...
Basically a Torture Chamber
August 13, 2020 06:46 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBAfter 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 assa...
Strike First
August 06, 2020 11:36 - 14 minutes - 13 MBContent 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 Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www....
No Gettin' Punked Once
July 30, 2020 12:20 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBAfter 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 Joni Park ...
The Scary Thing
July 23, 2020 12:18 - 13 minutes - 12 MBIn 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 Joo...
That Evil Black Cloud
July 16, 2020 13:51 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBUnemployed, 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 Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.Help us improve the podcast. Take our short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZWM7YNFAsk Randy questions on the Red On...
My Teenage Years
July 09, 2020 11:25 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBRandy 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 b...
Childhood
July 02, 2020 01:32 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBRandy 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...
Loneliness and Friendship
June 24, 2020 12:47 - 8 minutes - 7.39 MBIn 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 compo...
Welcome to my Podcast
June 11, 2020 01:21 - 2 minutes - 2.28 MBRandall 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 Joni Park and Julia Jooyeon Park.Ask Randy questions on the Red Onion Randy websitehttps://www.redonionrandy.com/