Notes From The Pen
Episodes
EP #246 - NFTP Does Film: All Things Cinema
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The boys list their favorite movies of all time and talk all things cinema in a lightened episode for all. What are your top 3 movies of all time and ...
EP #245 - Lost Stories: A Look Inside Prison With; An Inmate, A Professor, And A Night Keeper
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The college Professor that taught classes in prison is now a guest on this podcast, a full circle moment for Bobby. They discuss everything from what ...
EP #243 - Anxiety, Healthcare, And Institutionalized Caution
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby and JD talk about navigating health care, and post prison anxiety not being addressed properly and timely. Also, how staying safe inside prison ...
EP #241 - Honoring Monica, And Living A Life Worthy Of Her Memory
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Honoring Monica on her birthday, and dealing with post prison survival issues: With Riann by Bobby's side, and after 12 years of protecting his me...
EP #240 - Finding Meaning From the Bottom of Maslow’s Pyramid
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby and Ray bring this episode to you while on a local retreat. What are we meant to do and how do we find purpose? B.L.A.C.K. Art label 👉 ...
EP #239 - Opposite Sides Of The Same Tragedy, And Biological Dads
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
No scripts…just two adults dismantling the stigma through shared stories. Bobby and Riann discuss truthful and painful moments about not knowing the...
EP #237 - Figuring Life Post Prison And Synchronistic Threads; The Story Of Bobby-Ray
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's important for NFTP to share the struggles of the past few months as Bobby and Riann are figuring out how to navigate the challenges of life p...
EP #236 - Walking The Word Line, Written Language, Smut Fairies, And Bobby-Ray
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby and Miss Riann reflect and discuss movies, books, and TV shows as Bobby shares his insight and thoughts about the lineage of the written languag...
EP #235 - No Manual For Post Prison Anxiety: The Story Of Bobby-Ray
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby and Ray talk about the struggles of dealing with anxiety after being out of prison for just over 2 Months. Thinking that when he's out and s...
EP #233 - Sustaining Prison Relationships: The Story Of Bobby-Ray
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From Florida to a Michigan prison: the hardships of maintaining a relationship with someone in prison. Due to physical separation, high costs, limited...
Ep #232 - Shifting Perspective, And The Freedom To Cry
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby and mama c talk about newfound freedoms and what it's been like for the two of them since Bobby's been out these past few weeks. He shar...
EP #231- An AI Overload Joins NFTP
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Celebrating 30 days of freedom, and having fun with co-host Nigel, as they discuss similarities between inmates and artificial intelligence. You can ...
Beyond The Bars - Introduction To New Series
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beyond The Bars is a series of stories, as told by a former inmate, highlighting one of failures of mass incarceration - prison gangs. Stories he wa...
NFTW (66) - GR Joe Makes An Appearance
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sharing the mic with GR Joe on this episode. One of the things Bobby is passionate about is continuing his efforts with prison reform and highlighting...
EP #230 - Doing Time In Prison To Doing Time With Doug
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Bobby and co-host JD reflect on Bobby's entire first day out of prison. He went from doing time in prison, to doing time with his favorite st...
Bonus - Post Release Update
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is a short update on Bobby and his release. As you can imagine he's working on getting his feet under him and organizing things for life on t...
Bonus - Bonus - Last Prison Recording Before Freedom
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is the last episode that Bobby will record on an active prison yard and he wanted to thank everyone for their support. Going forward he’ll be o...
EP #229 - Art, Neoliberalism And ill-Conceived Moral Stand
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The fight for justice, even with the best intentions, can overlook the people it's trying to save. Bobby shares an article about an artist, who wa...
NFTW (65) - Nearly Free, Nite Nostalgia, And Screaming Into The Void
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby is nearly free with only 1 more episode in prison, and in two weeks he'll be on this side of the razor wire spouting off at the mouth as a free ...
EP #228 - Comedic Hero, Charlie Kirk, And Tolerance
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby and Co-host JD are back to spin laps as they talk about their comedic hero, how life in prison teaches profound lessons of tolerance and underst...
EP #227 - Struggling To Stay Invisible In Prison
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Bobby gets closer and closer to the door, the more important staying invisible becomes. He reflects on the life and death rules you learn during in...
Ep #226 - Preparing For Life Outside While Living In A Prison Void
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby understanding how living in a giant void in prison, affects his perception of what life on the outside looks like when he's released next mo...
Time Warp: Comedy Adjacent And Stand UP
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alright, so this is a repeat. Look, the weather in Michigan is crapy, they keep closing the prison yard, and Bobby has been a bit down lately so coord...
EP #225 - Puzzle Pieces, And Feeling Purposeful In Prison
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby grapples with understanding his mood changes while recording these episodes, and returning from the black hole of prison.You can read more about...
EP #224 - Phone Standoff, Floating Between Prison And The Future, And Brain Dead
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A close call at the prison phone kiosk is a reminder of the lack of phone-line integrity with the newer inmates. Bobby also reflects on the emotions o...
EP #223 - OCD In Prison, Dr. Nut Clip, And What To Keep
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby shares how prison affects his OCD and what he's learned about it during his 12 years behind bars, and what topic to talk about on his last episo...
Oppressionism Art Series; How 2 Jail Vol. 1
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby talks about the art pieces he's currently working on. To learn more please go to our website https://www.notesfromthepen.com/new-page-31
EP #222 - Walk This Way, It's Getting Harder, Art Desert, And Gate Keepers
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby is experiencing more stress the closer he gets to the door, he's never passed a mirror he didn't like, the art desert in prison, and sub...
NFTW (64) - A Stewing Bunkie, And Prison Hoarding
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Come spin a few laps on the prison yard with Bobby and Co-Host JD. There's a bunkie in the cube that holds on to his feelings until they boil over...
EP #221 - The Edge Of Freedom; Anxiety, And The Balance Between Control And Love
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby, standing on the threshold of freedom after 12 years, grapples with the rollercoaster of feelings that comes with it. He recounts his initial su...
EP #220 - Prison Is Closer Than You Think, Rules, And Amputations Won't Solve The Problem
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby and Co-host JD are back this week and dive into how easy it is to imagine you'd never end up in prison. "There but for the grace of God...
NFTW (63) - Play It Again: Cpt Last Call & Sweaty Balls
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby is sick, so we're not able to record this week. He's okay, just feeling under the weather. I thought I'd play this one again because...
EP #219 - The Diaz Brothers, Displaying Tattoos In Prison, And POC Art
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who is your favorite Diaz Brother, Shane Gillis is a big boy, the tattoos you get in the real world take on a whole new meaning behind bars, placing n...
EP #218 - Trump Takes Historic Lead On Prison Reform; And Prison Yard Pride
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Michale Bay movies, an emotional dilemma on the prison yard and, for the first time in history, the Federal Bureau Of Prisons (BOP) has appointed a fo...
EP #217 - The Painful Journey Of Self Awareness
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join a conversation that begins with mythology and how others may view an individual. Bobby reflects on the mistakes and missteps of youth, the moment...
EP #216 - Prison Culture Is Shifting
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Prison culture encompasses the values, beliefs, norms, and behaviors that emerge within a prison environment. What happens when this culture changes? ...
EP #215 - Just Trying To Get Across The Line
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby talks about joining the Marines, priority changes as we age, and just trying to get across the line during his last few months in prison.You can...
NFTW (62) - Parole Decision Is In
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby shares his parole news, someone is looking for Mark, and getting excited about stand-up. Plus, don't miss a post show clip of mama c and Bob...
NFTW (61) - Anthony Bourdain Likability, And Addiction
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Prison phones have been down for a few days, which means Bobby hasn't been able to call to record an episode, so I'm using unpublished recording with ...
NFTW (60) - A Single Story, And The Weight Of Looking Different
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With Bobby's upcoming parole hearing, it's been a bit challenging getting into the mindset of recording lately, as you'll hear. In this episode Bobby ...
EP #214 - Preparing For Freedom: Fear, Hope, And Uncertainty
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby, just weeks away from his parole hearing, shares the anxieties and hopes swirling within him, and the culmination of 12 years spent preparing fo...
EP #213 - Don't Be A Tigger, And The PER
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Bobby prepares to sit in front the parole board, he shares the results of his PER (Parole Eligibility Report) and tries to interrupt the scoring pr...
NFTW (59) - Good Ants, Altruism, And Uniquely Human
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wy are some people inherently good and selfless? Annoyingly positive Bobby spins laps with the Pebbles in this episode as he shares his thoughts and f...
EP #212 - Racial Slur, And No More Grilled Cheese
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Another inmate throws a racial slur at Bobby, and in prison that's a big deal so you have to take a stand. Bobby decides to take action, but the unive...
EP #211 - Fight Club vs Matrix, No Rogan For The Left, And Certain Words
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Which movie had more of a social impact, a look at what's happening with recent political discord, and why the Democrats can't seem to get fin...
EP #210 - Comedy Line, LA Gear, And Dream Job
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby is so excited about new eye wear that it conjures feelings when he got his first pair of Air Jordans as a kid. Join us on Patreon to hear about ...
NFTW (58) - Prison Predators And Yellow Socks
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby and JD are back to spin a few laps, starting out with some hip hop, and then a fashion faux pas that involves yellow socks. Follow us on Patreon...
EP #209 - Time: Rationed Moments, And Leenie
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How does prison manipulate time, and what does it do to the human spirit? Bobby works to untie the emotional knots of trauma, pay homage to Monica, be...
NFTW (57) - A Tablet Tug-Of-War, And Stanhope Special
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Spinning laps with Bobby and Co-host JD as we're brought up to date on the happenings in prison. Bobby finally gets his tablet but not without getting...
EP #208 - Running Numbers, And Comedy As An Anchor Point
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby gives Co-host JD (and us) the inside scoop of sports betting behind bars, and Draft King has nothing to worry about. Bobby also shares how long ...
EP #207 - Birth Of Addiction Part 1
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At what point does something, anything, become an addiction? Bobby shares his story of addiction in this on going series. If you or someone you know i...
EP #206 - Like A Woman, Drug Class, Walter Mitty, And New Glasses
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby and Co-host JD bring us up to date with embarrassing songs on Bobby's play list, and updates on the mandatory drug class inmates have to take pr...
EP 205 - Gobsmacked, And Willey's Last Days
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby and JD are back for another weekly episode of life behind bars. Bobby gets a Jpay from Monica's daughter, and it hits hard. Plus, we hear about ...
NFTW (56) - Wall Of Shame, And Uncomfortable Words
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Notes From The Week (NFTW). Societal views -vs- governmental regulation between drugs and alcohol, creating a wall of shame to remind us of past bad d...
EP #204 - Throw Back PB 11
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hi everyone, mama c here. I've been really sick the past few days and the prison yard has been closed all day because of bad weather. We'll be back ne...
EP #203- It Finally Feels Real, Giving It Away, And Close To The Heart
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is the first new year that it finally feels real as Bobby processes what leaving prison will look like 10 months from now. There's a whole thing ...
EP #202 - Prison Grinch, Death Row, And Movie Binges
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby shares his thoughts on how hard it is for him this time of year, President Biden pardons some death row inmates...plus follow us on Patreon ht...
EP #201 - Reflections: Urinals, Art, And Kafka
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby struggles with the right amount of reflection on a urinal. And join us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/user?u=56777802 to hear the second ...
NFTW (55) - Show Goals, Cleveland Browns, And Luigi
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Notes From The Week (NFTW) spinning laps with Bobby and Co-host JD. Catching up on some post release goals for the show, and thoughts about the Clevel...
NFTW (54) - Professor G-Dub, 2k Yr. Old Dick Jokes, And Final Exam
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Updates of life behind bars and some of the characters who live it every day: It's the end of another semester and Bobby gives his final exam, 2k year...
EP #200 - Death In G-Unit, Complaints, And Brain Waves
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There's another death at the prison, and the inmate rumor mill (aka; inmate dot com) is in full display, and struggling to be positive. To hear about...
EP #199 - Sovereignty, Comfort Nonsense, And Oppression Art
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Updates of life behind bars and some of the characters who live it every day. The level of "comfort nonsense" of people on the outside of the prison w...
EP #198 - Class Nerd, Parole, And Tablet Raid
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Updates of life behind bars and some of the characters who live it every day: Bobby learns that mama c spent a year in college, parole worries about b...
EP #197 - Music Snobs, Lapeer, And 11 Million Apologies
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Come spin some laps with host Bobby, and co-host JD as they talk about the about youthful distain of music and the transformation that takes place wit...
NFTW (53) - Remember to Breathe; Post 2024 Election Conversation
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The 2024 Presidential election is over, and Trump won. Bobby shares his thoughts and feelings about the results. You can read more about Bobby and pri...
EP #196 - Snack Packs, Rumpus, Keevin Sting, And The Arc
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Updates of life behind bars and some of the characters who live it every day: Bobby and Co-host JD are back at it with weekly updates, prison snack pa...
EP #195 - Spider Bite Death Watch; Bobby Got Bac
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Spinning laps with inmate Bobby and his friend and co-host JD, where you get weekly updates of life behind bars and some of the characters who live it...
EP #193 - Nostalgia, And The Last Wall Of Delusion
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby's in a reflective mood as he reaches the 12 month mark of going home and sharing how he's working on breaking down the final wall of self delusi...
NFTW (51) - Living Out Loud, Media And A.I.
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Notes From The Week (NFTW) - Spinning laps with Host Bobby and Co-host JD. As Bobby gets closer to the door, JD asks Bobby if he has any possessions h...
NFTW (50) - Prison Visit, Award Winner, Binary Deers
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Notes From The Week (NFTW) - Updates of life behind bars and some of the characters who live it every day. Bobby is prepping for his in-person visit t...
EP #192 - Prison Phone Etiquette, Cancer, And Gratitude
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A hundred eyes and ears on Bobby while he's at the prison pay phone, unhealthy meals cause fear of cancer, and gratitude for not going to bed hungry. ...
EP #191 - The Nemesis
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For 2 years Bobby's nemesis has been lurking around every corner, and yesterday he's told to report to their office. The entire walk across th...
NFTW (49) - Legos, Going Baggy, And Cults
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Notes From The Week (NFTW) - Updates of life behind bars and some of the characters who live it every day. Spinning laps at the pay phone: define your...
NTFW (48) -Another Raid, City Living, And The Peabody
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Notes From The Week (NFTW) - Updates of life behind bars and some of the characters who live it every day. Another raid takes place at the prison, but...
EP #190 - Painting, Give Her The Deer Pelt, And Meaning
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Finding your path, inspiration, and meaning for life. Painting has caused Bobby to explore the meaning behind the inspiration that's been pulling ...
EP #189 - A Burning Ember, And An Ode To Basquiat
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby experiences a burning a fire in his belly that drives him to create some soulful art that's pulled from the pain and suffering he lives dail...
Comic And Convict (7) - Smoothies, Prison Food, And Mayor Bobby
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A throw back with Doug Stanhope and Bobby catching up. We'll be back next week with a new episode. Thank-you to Doug Stanhope. Please check out h...
NFTW (47) - Climbing The Razor Wire, Fans, And Master Diver
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Notes From The Week (NFTW) - Updates of life behind bars and some of the characters who live it every day. You can read more about Bobby and prison re...
EP #188 - Anxiety Of Freedom, And Paris Let Down
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The stress and reality of going home is creating anxiety, and Bobby breaks down the emotions that come with it. Will his long term incarceration cause...
EP #187 - Shattered Bones, And Capitol Punishment
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby is off LOP (Loss Of Privileges), JD gets exciting news that may make him hit the skateboard again, flag football enters the Olympics in Paris, s...
EP #186 - Trauma; A Proxy For Meaning
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby's not feeling it, JD fills the gas tank, and a discussion about people who've experienced trauma find meaning, and how others (who'v...
EP #185 - Pro Wrestling And Vietnam; A Convo With Pops
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For a while Bobby has been wanting to have Pops on here to talk about their connection as father and son. How they lost connection but have recently b...
EP #184 - Monotonous Neurosis, And Singing In The Rain
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby is feeling a neurosis that's he coined 'monotonous neurosis', he has a new lounge area, and It's nice to hear Bobby laugh while ...
EP # 183 - Still Moving Forward
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to the prison system there's no such thing as fair or doing the right thing, and it can cause undo stress. Even though Bobby saved t...
NFTW (45) - Reflecting On Pop's Day
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Notes From The Week (NFTW) - Updates of life behind bars and some of the characters who live it every day. Bobby reflects relationships on this Father...
NFTW (44) - The Bully Behind A Badge
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Notes From The Week (NFTW) - Updates of life behind bars and some of the characters who live it every day. Bobby and JD spinning laps on the yard, exp...
NFTW (43) - Chickens, Trivia, And OJ
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Notes From The Week (NFTW) - Updates of life behind bars and some of the characters who live it every day. Spinning laps with Bobby and JD: One for th...
NFTW (42) - 40k Blind Inmates, Perma Hat, And Class
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Notes From The Week (NFTW) - Updates of life behind bars and some of the characters who live it every day. Prison phone call commitment, eclipse and ...
EP #181 - A New Generation of TCM, And Thump Drag
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby is rediscovering the magic of classic cinema with TCM, and it's igniting a forgotten passion. Now armed with a fresh perspective and a contagiou...
EP #180 - Dante's Inferno; How Oppression Inspires Creativity
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a call to action, a testament to the human spirit, and a powerful exploration of the intersection between literature and lived experie...
EP 179 - Prison Bunkies And Karma
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Life behind bars is challenging in so many ways, and in this episode Bobby and Co-host JD talk about the limited living space and how quickly it can t...
EP #178 - Rare Universe Of Creatives In Prison
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby and mama c talk art and creativity. Artists require space; mental, physical, and emotional space in order to be creative, and prison puts a gian...
NFTW (41) Nose Candy, Empty Bunks, And Lotto
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Notes From The Week (NFTW) - Updates of life behind bars and some of the characters who live it every day: at what age did Bobby's quick whit and ...
EP #177 - National Guard Prison Shake Down
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The National Guard is called in to do a massive, prison wide, tear everything, spread the cheeks, lift the dick, shake down; and Bobby's cell gets tra...
NFTW (40) - Evolution Of A Friendship: Fat Mike, Hip Hop, Punk, And Stanhope
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Notes From The Week (NFTW) - Updates of life behind bars and some of the characters who live it every day. Bobby shares how he and Co-host JD bonded...
EP #176 - The Clinic: Ground Zero
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Breaking down the stereotypes of drug addicts. The creative writing piece Bobby has been working on - The Clinic - is nearing the end of edits. The Cl...
Time Warp NFTW (6) - Bloody Band-aids In My Coffee
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
EP #6: The depths an incarcerated addict goes to will have you re-thinking band-aids...and coffee! It's been fun listening to throwbacks, but this is ...
Time Warp - EP #91 Gay Gazette And Putting In The Work
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Co-host JD is on a well deserved 2 week vacation with the family, yard closures, and the prison phone system sucks, so we're using an oldie but go...
BONUS - Where Worlds Intersect: God, The Universe, And The Human Experience
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is there a purpose to all of this? Why are we here? Questions Bobby and Co-host Cousin Greg tackle as they discuss the meaning of the universe, the d...
Time Warp - Revisting A Favorite; EP #42
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Co-host JD is on a well deserved 2 week vacation with the family, and the prison phone system sucks, so we're using an oldie but goodie throwback ...