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.
2 replies on “Episode 120: A Glimpse of Freedom”
Huh, the funny thing is that I was thinking of randy from the documentary the other day. I’m from the United Kingdom, and I was driving on my moped along this area called the Fenlands. Its a countryside area with long narrow roads that pass fields. Just farmers fields as far as the eye can see. And that’s why I was thinking of Randy, for a brief moment. This exact experience that I’m having, and continue being able to have this absolute freedom to enjoy this natural beauty, is what randy can never see or never experience. I’m sorry if that sounds harsh, but when randy described that he has to imagine all of this in his mind, it gives me this great appreciation for my own ability to choose where I want to go, and what I want to do and see. And it inspires me to ensure I never do anything to jeopardise that freedom.
So even though Randy is a murderer, at least he’s able to inspire someone to stay on the straight and narrow. And that his experience in red onion is a harrowing reminder that freedom is precious. And I also remember some of the other prisoners saying that if they don’t matter in that place, then it’s over. So maybe this post may seem insignificant, but at least to the outside he does still matter if only for a brief moment. I hope you do get this message to randy.
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and reflective comment. It’s incredible how Randy’s story has resonated with you, even all the way out in the Fenlands. What you described about appreciating your own freedom while recognizing what Randy has lost is a powerful reminder of just how precious the ability to choose our path truly is. Randy often talks about how his imagination and writing have been his only escape from the reality of confinement, and your words capture exactly what that means for someone in his position.
It may sound harsh, but your honesty is important, and it speaks to the value of perspective—how his situation can inspire others to live with more intention and appreciation for their own freedom. Randy would be moved to know that even from behind the walls of a supermax prison, he’s able to have an impact on people like you, and that in a small way, he still matters out here.
I will make sure your message reaches him. Thank you again for taking the time to share this—Randy will appreciate it.