Microwave Manifesto: Food and Philosophy Behind Bars

03/15/25 • 14 min

In the early morning hours of May 1, 2019, Paris Siripavaket (also known as Sirii) was involved in a traffic accident that would send her to prison for six years. Paris, a self-proclaimed "suburban cat mom," had worked a professional job in sales and had no clue what to do when she first walked into her Ohio prison. She wasn't even sure the proper way to make her prison bed. Paris had to figure it out, and fast!

Since 2021, she's been busy with myriad artistic and writing projects. But when we heard about her newest accomplishment, a prison cookbook that she just released last month, we knew we had to interview her for the Prison Pen Pal Podcast.

This "prison cookbook" is so much more. In addition to over 50 mouth-watering recipes (using prison commissary items) for things like Tortilla Soup, Pad Thai, Lasagna Rolls, and even Tiramisu, Microwave Manifesto is packed with short philosophical essays, writing prompts, and even advice for how to properly close a potato chip bag in prison (something we should all learn). After reading Microwave Manifesto, you'll realize that cooking can be nourishing both physically and spiritually.

More than a cookbook; this is Food and Philosophy Behind Bars. And on today's episode, Big Steve interviews Paris Siripavaket, the book's author. She discusses her life before and after her prison sentence, what inspired her to create this book, her favorite recipes, thoughts about the future, and her belief that it's essential to always look on the bright side and to see the opportunities in every challenge.

Microwave Manifesto is great for all incarcerated people, but we believe it could be beneficial for friends and family of those in jail or prison, too. It can help facilitate connection and stronger emotional bonds through the recipes, the writing prompts, and the inspirational essays. Order Today!

Learn More About Sirii

Learn More About Sirii

Previous Episode

Connection: The Real Reason People Seek Out Inmate Pen Pals

When most people hear that someone has proactively decided to write, befriend, or even date a prison inmate, they think it's weird, bizarre, or unhealthy. So many people, not accustomed to the prison pen pal world, will ask, "Why would you write an inmate? Why not find a friend (or partner) who ISN'T incarcerated?" This same question recently came up at one of Big Steve's therapy sessions. Why would someone proactively choose to look for an inmate friend, instead of someone not incarcerated.

After a lot of thinking and a little research, we now know the answer: Connection. Or a complete lack of connection, as the case may be. When men and women feel disconnected from one another in the free world (thanks in large part to technology) they turn to someone who may be more inclined to listen, more inclined to pay attention -- a captive audience, so to speak. Much like Big Steve's therapist is required to listen to his stories (because he's getting paid) so, too, is a prisoner more inclined to pay attention to your problems.

In this episode, we discuss some of the research that has helped lead us to this conclusion. We learn about how people are spending much less time out of the house, and how technology is the biggest problem in so many marriages today. People don't feel heard. Many people don't even know how to connect verbally anymore. This episode will open your eyes and make you reconsider how close you truly are to your friends and loved ones.

We interview two inmates, both of whom are members of PenPals.Buzz and are looking for connections of their own. Marlon Mount, a writer and musician, is locked in a Washington State facility where he sits in his pod and waits for people to call him. (Just make sure you know the secret password). Marlon, who discovered PenPals.Buzz through a radio show called Sunday Night Slow Jams, shares his story, his hopes, and his dreams on the podcast.

Later, we talk with Ikemefuna Chukwurah, a Maryland inmate who has served over 22 years in prison. A fitness expert, Mr. Chukwurah hopes to one day host a podcast of his own and help educate today's youth on how NOT to end up like he did. This man is a testament to how one can successfully make changes while locked up, and how a positive mindset can overcome almost any pitfall in life.

We hope you enjoy our second episode of 2025.

Next Episode

Ghosted By My Prison Pen Pal

For over 16 years, Andrew, a real-life 40-year-old virgin, has been sending money to male inmates, hoping to find love. We applaud him for being brave enough to share his story on the podcast. Hear how much money he has sent to prison inmates, why he feels he does what he does, how he deals with the heartbreak, and other personal details of his life story.

Then, we speak via prison telephone with Kevin, author Inmate Intentions: The Truth About Inmate Scams and Prison Hustles. Kevin used to be a scammer from behind bars, but once he met his wife on a pen pal site, he decided to change his ways. Feeling bad about all the women he took advantage of in the past, he promises to atone for his ways and help others learn the red flags of inmate manipulation. Learn more about his miraculous transformation and hear what he feels is the biggest red flag to watch for when you're involved with a prison pen pal.

"From money requests to fake emergencies, inmates use calculated tactics to get financial support. Learn how these scams work and how to protect yourself from being exploited. Protect Yourself Before It’s Too Late. Many people don’t realize they’re being manipulated until they’ve already lost money and trust. This book gives you the tools to stay ahead, recognize the signs, and make informed decisions."

Kevin W.Z., Author of Inmate Intentions

Last but certainly not least, we'll hear the clinical perspective on why inmates seek free-world pen pals, and why people on the streets so willingly send money to inmates. Kesley Rogers, a licensed professional counselor from Tennessee, actually worked as a Mental Health Technician at a state prison. She has years of experience in her field, and a degree in Forensic Psychology. Learn more about Kesley at Denney-Counseling.com.

Our hope, after hearing this episode, is that our listeners will be better prepared when entering a pen pal friendship or relationship. We hope people will understand that some (but not all) inmates are manipulative. And we hope, as Kesley Rogers would suggest, that we all start looking for our own "Why?" Perhaps then, and only then, will things start to make sense.