Penpals, Ep. 1

Penpals” a Romance Radio Drama Podcast from Andrew Hirschhorn.

Josh, a free man on the outside, seeks an unusual connection through a prison penpal, Kelly. Their bond grows over letters and texts, but things take a strange turn when they begin sharing vivid, almost identical dreams. Feelings deepen, yet everything is thrown into chaos when Kelly becomes pregnant—with Josh’s DNA—despite them never meeting in person before her pregnancy. As an investigation ensues, it uncovers something far more sinister. Is this a cover-up, or is a powerful organization targeting Kelly and her child as threats to their apocalyptic plans? Penpals is a thrilling blend of mystery, romance, and conspiracy.

Ep. 1 Shared Dreams: Sometimes Feelings Don’t Need Words :

Kelly calls Josh early in the morning, waking him up with her cheerful voice. They chat for a while, sharing small talk about life, and Josh is reminded of the strange connection they’ve shared for a while—both of them have eerily realistic, almost shared dreams. Kelly talks about her plans, expressing her passion for becoming a counselor someday, and how she wants to help others the way she wishes she could’ve been helped.

As the conversation flows naturally, it’s easy to forget where Kelly is calling from. Just as Josh starts to relax, there’s a sudden pause, and Kelly says, “I have to go—they’re doing count.” It’s only then that reality hits—Kelly is calling from prison, and the brief, warm moment is cut short by the strict prison security policy. The call ends abruptly, leaving Josh staring at the phone, reminded of the distance between them despite how close they feel.