Bloody Angola: A Podcast by Jim Chapman8 Juni 2023

Becoming The Warden | The Legacy and Legend that is Burl Cain

In this episode of Bloody Angola Woody Overton and Jim Chapman tell the story of legendary Warden Burl Cain. Burl Cain was the longest serving Warden in the history of Louisiana State Penitentiary and his vision and reforms changed this historic prison forever. This docu-series is the most anticipated and sought after we have ever done on Bloody Angola Podcast and it starts now!#BloodyAngolaPodcast #BurlCain #Becomingthewarden #Louisianastatepenitentiary #PrisonWarden #Podcasts #Dixoncorrectionalinstitute #DCI #MDOCOur Sponsors for this episode have a great deal for you!GET 16 FREE MEALS PLUS FREE SHIPPING AT HELLOFRESH!HelloFresh delivers step-by-step recipes and fresh, pre-portioned ingredients right to your door. First, you set your meal plan preferences with options for carnivores, vegetarians, calorie-counters, and more. You'll choose from 30+ delicious weekly recipes carefully put together by the amazing chefs!Click Here to Take advantage of 16 FREE MEALS and FREE SHIPPING!FULL TRANSCRIPT BELOWBECOMING THE WARDEN: THE LEGACY AND LEGEND THAT IS BURL CAIN PART 1Jim: Hey, everyone, and welcome back to Bloody-
Woody: -Angola.
Jim: A podcast 142 years in the making.
Woody: The Complete Story of America's Bloodiest Prison.
Jim: And I'm Jim Chapman.
Woody: And I'm Woody Overton.
Jim: And we're back, Woody Overton.
Woody: Back in the saddle.
Jim: Back in effect.
Woody: Back in effect.
Jim: And we're bringing y'all a hell of a story today. Highly requested.
Woody: Yes. A legend.
Jim: Legend. Someone you have some experience with.
Woody: I do. I have a lot of years of experience with him. Solid dude. They can say whatever they want to. Everybody's going to have their haters or whatever. And certainly, he marches to the beat of a different drummer, but he's a visionary and has affected so many lives.
Jim: Boy, he sure has. And I'll tell you, as far as research, I've probably enjoyed researching this man more than just about anyone I've researched.
Woody: I've read his book years ago when it came out. Of course, I have the family history at Angola and all that, and of course, my personal history with him. Just super, super intelligent, super unique.
Jim: Yeah, very. I think that's a great word to describe him. And of course, if you're hanging by a thread right now trying to figure out who we're talking about, it is the legendary warden of Angola, Burl Cain. So, we're going to start off and we're just going to take you through a journey of his life.
Woody: Yeah. And I think it's so important, this research that you put together, a lot of it I didn't know, especially about the early years. And I don't know how they haven't made a movie about him yet, honestly.
Jim: It's got to be coming at some point.
Woody: Y'all, we've done a couple of series before, but not real long ones or anything. But it's going to be several parts to this. But you got to stay tuned because every one of them is going to kick you.
Jim: Yeah. So, to start off, he was born in Pitkin, Louisiana, and I was not familiar with Pitkin.
Woody: Small town in Vernon Parish.
Jim: Vernon Parish. And for those of you that are kind of wondering where Vernon Parish is, that's on the Texas line. It's in the center of the state all the way to the westernmost.
Woody: If you're familiar with Toledo Bend, the largest lake and kind of splits Louisiana. Texas too, but fantastic for fishing, all that. It's real close to that. Kind of a piney woods area, but really, really rural. Shit, there's not even any major highways to get over there. From off the Interstate 49, which runs north and south, splits the state. Shit, it's probably hour and a half, two hours from there.
Jim: Yeah. And he actually described it in an interview one time, and he said, "We didn't even have a stoplight."
Woody: Yeah, well, my hometown still doesn't have a stoplight.
Jim: [laughs] So, you think about that, folks. He went from that to warden of the largest maximum-security prison in the United States which, first of all, goes to show you that it doesn't matter where you're from, it doesn't matter, hard work and really destined. I think he was kind of touched by God to do what he does. He's 80 years old as of today.
Woody: So, he is a couple of years younger than my dad. Actually, maybe one year because my dad was born the week before Peral Harbor, and he was born on July 2nd, 1942.
Jim: And still going.
Woody: Still going, very, very healthy.
Jim: We're going to get into that.
Woody: But he grew up on a farm, y'all, that's where he developed his work ethic. And let me tell you something, this dude can work.
Jim: Let me tell you, if you're 80 years old-- look, if I make 80, I'm considering that a success. When you're 80 and you're still working, that tells you who he is as far as his work ethic is concerned. He grew up on a farm that would play a huge role in his future development. And he grew up in a very religious house.
Woody: Right. Back then, not knocking it, but a lot of people, especially ones that were raised on farms, their parents had to raise them as help. I mean, they worked.
Jim: That's right. You needed help, you had another kid.
Woody: Talking about throwing hay, tending animals and cows and everything else and working the gardens. And hey, there wasn't any PlayStations and cable TV or anything. Hell, they're lucky if they had electricity.
Jim: And you woke up 4:30 in the morning to milk them cows and do all those things.
Woody: You didn't have a problem going to bed at dark with your ass tired.
Jim: You were tired. And his household was very religious, y'all, extremely religious. He attended church, as he described it, every time the doors were open since birth. And he didn't even dance. He wasn't allowed to dance or attend dancing--[crosstalk]
Woody: And I had a lot of people that I grew up with that were the same way. That just wasn't acceptable. People talk about Bible Belt, I can't say Vernon is directly, but I know there's some count-- not counties, parishes over there that are actually dry. They don't sell alcohol. They're Bible Belt. So, down here where south Louisiana, where everything goes, and then you hit that area of the state, it was borderline to the west of Alexandria and all that, but they were really, really country, and the farther north you go, the more country getting. There's a couple of dry parishes in the state, and this area would have been one of them.
Jim: No doubt. At his age, being born in '42, he was kind of hitting those late teenage years when Elvis Presley-
Woody: Absolutely.
Jim: -was big. So, I'd love to sit him down and ask him, "How did you avoid dance when Elvis Presley came on the radio?"
Woody: He didn't have a radio.
Jim: [laughs] Yeah, that's it. That's probably exactly what he would say. "I was out there milking cows. I wasn't worried about the King." Also, Burl Cain never dreamed he would be a prison warden growing up. Of course, being from such a small town, that'd be like most people dreaming they were going to be an astronaut. It just didn't seem possible. As a matter of fact, he remembers vividly fearing Angola, as it was common for his mother to tell him, "If you don't straighten up, you're going to end up in Angola." It was a threat, matter of fact.
Woody: And one thing they did even back then, believe it or not, is most schools, once a year, certain age group of kids, they bus them to Angola. And of course, it was educational for them, and they didn't hold back. They took you down the walks and stuff like that, and they fed you the prison food, and they were like, most girls be crying and shit like that, and they're like, "I ain't never coming to this motherfucker."
Jim: Yeah. It was used as a form of threat. And so, he had another dream. And believe it or not, y'all, he wanted to be a veterinarian.
Woody: Yeah, he wanted to be a vet. And when he graduated from high school, he went to LSU Alexandria campus, y'all, that's a satellite campus, and they have one in Alexandria and one in Shreveport to do just that. But he struggled coming from a small town where the chemistry side of school basically was a fight for him. And they just didn't teach a whole lot beyond the basics, like the element charts and stuff like that at his high school. So, he switched to something that was more prevalent in the areas from and that's agriculture, education. Let me tell you something, vet school is tough. You might as well go and become a doctor. Nowadays, you got to have a four point whatever just to get in, and there's no guarantee you're going to make it. And it's heavy, heavy on sciences.
Jim: A lot of people don't realize LSU has probably the best vet school, if not one of the best in the country.
Woody: So, imagine this, coming from probably my hometown, I graduated we had 28 in my graduating class. Still don't have a red light to this day. I submit to you that his town was smaller. And back then, they didn't test for the kids to pass the test. You just got the books, you know Jim, it was a different type of education. And they were just giving your basics.
But the ag part, growing up on a farm, he already knew tons about it. And pretty much everyone in his family were teachers. So, he settled on basically just working towards a life of teaching after college, which I think is very unique now that I know him.
Jim: Right. You look back on that life and you see how those skills benefited him, even though he wasn't in the world of education when he really got going. So, he graduates from LSU in agriculture education. He starts teaching at a high school, and [chuckles]

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The Murderous Canton Brothers of New Orleans

In this episode, The gripping tale of the Canton brothers is told, whose fateful robbery on Halloween 1911 led to the tragic murder of attorney Edgar Farrar Jr. and their subsequent arrest, sensational trial and the aftermath spent behind the wire, inside of Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola.Timestamps01:30 The Canton Brothers' Crime09:23 The Murder of Edgar Farrar Jr.12:48 The Trial Begins14:02 A Mistrial and New Trial17:13 Verdicts Rendered21:51 A Letter of Clemency29:29 Changes in the Prison SystemGo to HelloFresh.com/BloodyAngolaapps for FREE APPETIZERS for life for Bloody Angola Listeners! Join us on Patron for commercial free, early releases and much more HERE:Our Sponsors:* Check out HelloFresh: hellofresh.com/freebloodyangolaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bloody-angola-podcast-by-woody-overton-and-jim-chapman/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

22 Aug 202441min

Extreme Heat Part 2

In this episode of Bloody Angola, we delve into the second part of Extreme Heat, discussing a civil lawsuit by inmates against the prison. We examine the backgrounds of the inmates named as plaintiffs, detailing their convictions for serious crimes like murder and armed robbery. The discussion covers the judge's ruling on Eighth Amendment violations due to extreme prison temperatures. We also explore the Angola Prison Rodeo, focusing on inmate Myron Smith.Legal developments include a federal judge ordering improvements for inmates working in extreme heat on the farm line, addressing allegations of inhumane conditions and forced labor. The conversation delves into the state's responses, and the aftermath.Timestamps02:19 Inmates' Criminal Backgrounds06:56 Myron Smith: From Rodeo Champion to Plaintiff 11:40 Federal Judge's Order on Angola Conditions25:36 Inmates' Victories and Public Response29:05 Legal Strategies and Inmate Advocacy30:58 Inmate Law Libraries and Defense StrategiesGo to HelloFresh.com/BloodyAngolaapps for FREE APPETIZERS for life for Bloody Angola Listeners! Join us on Patron for commercial free, early releases and much more HERE:Our Sponsors:* Check out HelloFresh: hellofresh.com/freebloodyangolaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bloody-angola-podcast-by-woody-overton-and-jim-chapman/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

15 Aug 202437min

Extreme Heat

In this episode, Woody Overton and Jim Chapman examine the legal battle unfolding at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, where inmates are challenging the brutal working conditions in the fields. The lawsuit alleges many issues in the prison including the lack of breaks, absence of clean water, inadequate equipment, and extreme heat that endanger the prisoners' well-being. Plaintiffs like Myron Smith, Demarius Jackson, Nate Walker, and Darius Williams share the unjust treatment and unsafe practices they endure, invoking constitutional amendments prohibiting cruel punishment and involuntary servitude. We cover the lawsuit, the result and the aftermath in this episode.Timestamps05:53 Lawsuit Filed Against Angola State Penitentiary12:56 Overview of the Voice of the Experienced (VOTE)16:41 Plaintiffs Introduction: Myron Smith, Demarius Jackson, Nate Walker, Darius Williams30:37 Psychological Risks and Administration of the Farm Line35:33 Individual Allegations: Myron Smith39:48 Individual Allegations: Darius Williams42:48 Individual Allegations: Nate Walker43:00 Individual Allegations: Demarius JacksonGo to HelloFresh.com/BloodyAngolaapps for FREE APPETIZERS for life for Bloody Angola Listeners! Our Sponsors:* Check out HelloFresh: hellofresh.com/freebloodyangolaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bloody-angola-podcast-by-woody-overton-and-jim-chapman/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

8 Aug 202450min

The Young Gun: Warden Ross Maggio

In this episode of Bloody Angola Podcast we discuss the remarkable journey of Warden Ross Maggio at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. The youngest warden in Angola history at just 36 years old, he was renowned for his resilience during a harrowing kidnapping incident and his transformative leadership. Through prioritizing inmate work, security, and rehabilitation programs, Maggio reshaped Bloody Angola from a violent environment to a safer, disciplined prison. By implementing proactive security measures and emphasizing discipline, Maggio significantly reduced violent incidents and set a new standard for effective prison management. Despite facing challenges and criticisms, his unwavering commitment to safety and order left a lasting impact on Angola's prison system.Timestamps04:01 Retirement Reflections09:10 Winds of Change19:16 New Beginnings at Hunt23:25 Advocating for Inmates25:40 System Crossroads28:26 Farewell to Angola#rossmaggio #louisiana #bloodyangola #podcast #prison #crime #criminal #warden Go to HelloFresh.com/BloodyAngolaapps for FREE APPETIZERS for life for Bloody Angola Listeners! Our Sponsors:* Check out HelloFresh: hellofresh.com/bloodyangolaappsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bloody-angola-podcast-by-woody-overton-and-jim-chapman/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

31 Juli 202437min

TWISTERS In Prison!

Go to HelloFresh.com/BloodyAngolaapps for FREE APPETIZERS for life for Bloody Angola Listeners! we delve into the wild weather events that have occured at Louisiana State Penitentiary.It’s a special bonus episode for everyone this week!In this episode of Bloody Angola Podcast we explore the history of tornados and flooding at Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola. The impact of catastrophic floods in 1922, which led to the expansion of Angola to prevent future evacuations and challenges faced by correctional staff during these events courtesy of Mother Nature.Timestamps02:14 History of Flooding in Angola05:37 Weather Events in Angola08:27 Electrical Service Disruption09:41 Heavy Rainfall Inundation12:19 Livingston Parish Prison Flood16:09 Impact of Storms on Prisons18:24 Orleans Parish Prison During Hurricane Katrina24:43 Inmates' Plight During Hurricane KatrinaOur Sponsors:* Check out HelloFresh: hellofresh.com/bloodyangolaappsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bloody-angola-podcast-by-woody-overton-and-jim-chapman/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

29 Juli 202432min

Dangerous, Infamous, Notorious

Go to HelloFresh.com/BloodyAngolaapps for FREE APPETIZERS for life for Bloody Angola Listeners! In this episode, we delve into the world of America's most dangerous prisons, starting with Holman Correctional Facility in Alabama known as the Slaughterhouse. Moving on to Orleans Parish Prison with its reign of violence and numerous deaths. Pelican Bay State Prison in California is criticized for gang violence control, contrasting the setup with Angola. Rikers Island in New York is notorious with notable inmates like Tupac Shakur. Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, the largest maximum security prison in the U.S., known for its violent history, San Quentin, the oldest prison in California with death row for male prisoners, housing infamous criminals like Charles Manson. Folsom State Prison gained notoriety through Johnny Cash's concert. Sing Sing Correctional Facility, known for its electric chair executions. Attica Correctional Facility marked by riots and brutal violence, including the infamous Attica riot of 1971.The episode also explores some of America's most dangerous female criminals, such as Belle Guinness, who killed over 40 people for insurance money. Gwendolyn Graham and Catherine May Wood, who killed elderly patients for thrill. Patty Hearst, who orchestrated her own kidnapping for ransom. Andrea Yates, who tragically drowned her five children due to severe mental health issues. Jane Toppin, a nurse who killed multiple patients. Nanny Doss, who poisoned multiple family members for financial gain. Delphine LaLaurie, who tortured and murdered slaves in New Orleans.The episode further delves into the lives of the 10 most dangerous inmates globally, including Dennis Radar, the BTK killer, and a man nicknamed Charles Bronson, infamous for his violent prison behavior. El Chapo Guzman, the former drug lord, and David Berkowitz, known as the Son of Sam. Charles Cullen, an angel of death in the medical profession, and Joseph James D'Angelo, the Golden State Killer and we even cover an inmate named “Eyeball”Timestamps02:43 Most Dangerous Prisons in the United States13:37 America's Most Notorious Female Criminals19:59 Patty Hearst - Daughter Turned Criminal25:37 Delphine LaLaurie - Torturer of Slaves32:47 Aileen Wuornos - The Tragic Serial Killer36:32 Call him Charles Bronson - Violent Prisoner38:45 El Chapo Guzman - Drug Lord Extraordinaire38:51 David Berkowitz - The Son of Sam39:44 Charles Cullen - Angel of Death40:52 Joseph James D'Angelo - The Golden State Killer42:21 Jason Barnum - The Infamous EyeballOur Sponsors:* Check out HelloFresh: hellofresh.com/bloodyangolaappsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bloody-angola-podcast-by-woody-overton-and-jim-chapman/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

25 Juli 202448min

Incarcerating Connor Wood

Go to HelloFresh.com/BloodyAngolaapps for FREE APPETIZERS for life for Bloody Angola Listeners! Woody Overton and Jim Chapman tell the story of Connor Wood. A 15 year old convicted of the murder of his parents and his best friend in Ferriday, Louisiana in 2008.Timestamps02:27 The Disturbing Phone Call03:25 The Identity Revealed04:48 Uncovering the Truth05:46 Shocking Discoveries06:47 A Surprising Revelation10:29 Connor's Confession15:43 The Failed Plan16:57 Plan Gone Awry18:37 Confrontation in the Hallway20:09 Shocking Conclusion21:09 Motive Revealed21:51 Legal Proceedings30:37 Sentencing Explanation33:02 Parole Opportunity36:05 Prisoner Rehabilitation Program#bloodyangolapodcast #connorwood #crime #truecrime #podcast #louisiana #prison Our Sponsors:* Check out HelloFresh: hellofresh.com/bloodyangolaappsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bloody-angola-podcast-by-woody-overton-and-jim-chapman/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

17 Juli 202447min

The lengths One Will Go To Escape Prison Part 2

We continue to blow your mind with some of the most Brazen prison escape stories of all time!Timestamps04:21 Japanese Prisoner Escapes: Yoshi Shiatori05:23 Prison Break in Fort San Cristobal06:55 Penal Colonies and Escapes07:06 Escape-Proof Camp: Colditz Castle08:52 Escape of French Resistance Fighter: Andre Devigny15:13 Acre Prison Break: Jewish Underground Groups19:56 Serial Killer Escape: Monroe Hickson21:17 Escape from Alcatraz22:09 Alcatraz Escape Continues25:05 Monroe Hickson's Fate Revealed29:40 Escape and Recapture of Thomas Knight30:44 Escape of Drug Smuggler: Billy Hayes32:45 Escape from Puente Caritas Penitentiary34:24 Helicopter Escape from Mountjoy Prison36:49 Escapes of Serial Killer Carlton Gary36:56 Carlton Gary's Capture and Execution38:59 Escape and Capture of James Robert Jones39:16 Ted Bundy's Christmas Escape40:39 Prisoner Mentality and EscapesSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/bloody-angola-podcast-by-woody-overton-and-jim-chapman/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

11 Juli 202443min

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