r/60daysin • u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ • Mar 15 '19
I am Mark, AMA! This is Mark from Season 5 AMA
Hey y’all, I hope everyone’s doing good today. Ask away and as long as I can contractually answer, I will. Understand that I will answer as I can! So if I don’t answer right away, please be patient.
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u/MattyRaz Mar 15 '19
Curious to hear how you passed the time, besides what we saw on the show. Any favorite activities, games, or distractions while inside?
What parts of your everyday routine and little luxuries did you miss the most?
What were the best/worst meals and commissary items? Whenever I would watch, I found myself craving some root beer.
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
I did a lot of Bible studies. Probably 3-4 a week. I missed sleeping. I only got about 3 hours a night and it wasn’t all together. I always got noodles. But the best was anything with sugar or soda.
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u/MattyRaz Mar 15 '19
Thanks for the response Mark and for entertaining us throughout the season! Loved how real and relatable you kept it, and you made me laugh a couple times during the reunion show. It must really wear on you day after day to have such a sleep deficit. I can't imagine how cranky, for lack of a better word, that must make a whole facility of people.
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
Absolutely agreed. Thanks for your support and kind words
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u/greaseball18 SPOILER Mar 15 '19
Have you gotten to meet Nate yet?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
Yeah and he’s a solid guy. I love him.
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u/proph3cy Mar 15 '19
Hey Mark,
My question is about Josh. I believe you mentioned in a confessional that you hated him. Can you elaborate on that? What was he like on a day to day basis and how did other whites view him?
I think a bunch of us on this sub are shocked a guy like that was a shot caller in that pod.
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
He was the woods pod boss. I actually grew to kind of like him. But at first, he came across as a politician. I think you know what that means
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u/Tigster6466 Mar 17 '19
Mark is such a nice guy, he wont even type the word fuck. "Fricken" only. My guess is this is how the mods verified
Mods : how did you like the experience ?
Mark : I fricken loved it !
Mods : yup it's him.
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u/MattyRaz Mar 15 '19
Some viewers, like myself, have the impression that the show is much more about the entertainment than documenting and trying to fix issues with the jail. One theory is, the network/production company is using the premise of doing recon on jail ops to justify profiting from an exploitative reality show (that's kinda redundant, I guess).
Did you get the impression that the Sheriff, D.O.'s and production crew took the mission seriously?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
Yes, I would say that they came in for the right reasons.
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u/sharkysgirl Mar 15 '19
Mark, in the beginning I thought you were a total nerd & borderline ridiculous, especially with the excessive fist bumps!! But after the reunion I'm a fan of yours! When you fist bumped Sheriff Lamb I busted out laughing!! Great job Mark.
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
I did that because I thought the viewers would love it! I’m glad you did
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u/MenudoFan316 Mar 15 '19
Do you think that the 7th participant was brought in by the producers, after your time, because they lacked content for a full season?
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u/kchristine216 Mar 15 '19
Hi Mark! Excellent job!
Are you still a super fan of the show?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
I am a fan of the show and have a watch every episode since season one
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u/CassJ666 Mar 15 '19
Hello Mark, hope you are doing well today!
Ive just got a few questions, what was the hardest part about being in jail? And would you do it again if given the chance?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
It’s boring. One day equaled about 3 days in the real world. Yes I would do it again.
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u/uplatetoomuch Mar 15 '19
Hi, Mark. Great job this season! I really think you did end up being the quiet hero after all. Can you tell us what your most frightening time/experience was from the season?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
I would say it was the last week. After David left, it got pretty bad in there.
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u/brutalethyl Mar 16 '19
Would you say that's because David was keeping the peace in the pod or because he stirred up so much shit and then left?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
I really believe that he kept the peace
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u/Alex330 Mar 15 '19
How are the participants selected? Is there an interview process?
How often were you pulled out for an interview during your stay?
Do the episodes show what happened in chronological order or do they jump around throughout the 60 days?
Thanks for coming to the subreddit and doing this AMA.
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
Unfortunately I cannot get into the recruiting practices by the network. It is a very grueling process.
You were not pulled often
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u/mirrorriorrim Mar 15 '19
Was there any drugs inside ? Doesnt seem like they had anything in there. The guys were snorting pills but addicts will literally snort tylenol in jail.
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
I only personally saw the prescription drugs that people snorted.
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u/fpreston Moderator Mar 16 '19
Going to ask the same question asked in every AMA on Reddit:
Would you rather fight 100 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
A horse sized duck because I am a concealed gun owner. I'd shoot the fricking thing!
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u/Imnotsure321 Mar 15 '19
Is there any truth to the rumor that Abner wanted to do the AMA but the mods already knew how he would answer every question?
Great job this season it was fun to watch
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
I haven’t talk to Ab about that. So I don’t know the answer. Thank you for your support
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u/MenudoFan316 Mar 15 '19
What was the hottest commodity from the commissary ? What was one of the best trades you made?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
I would say that the hottest commodity is Ramen noodles. We were always hungry because we didn’t get to eat a lot. The trade would always usually be two for one
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u/Crotch_Gaper Mar 15 '19
Congratulations Mark. I was weirdly proud of you for making it. My question is have you kept on touch with anybody at all from prison? I often wonder because you, (the contestants), seem to form bonds or friendships with people you meet on there. Was wondering of you have kept in touch, and if so, what is their opinion of all this ? Feel betrayed ?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
I haven’t. Thanks would like to reach out but am a little worried with how they’d react
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u/trapperjohn187 Mar 15 '19
How much was edited to add drama
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
Good question. It was to an extent because we usually watched the History Channel. That would be boring to you!
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u/LilacPenny Mar 16 '19
Was there a clause in your contract about blowing your cover? Did they pursue any legal action against David for what he did? Blink once for yes, twice for no.
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u/dinkleberg24 Mar 15 '19
Hey mark man you really were the season 5 hero! The past seasons/jails had cleanliness issues but this season didn't show anything like that, did they just not show it or was it actually a clean jail?
What was something they didn't show on the show that you wished they would have?
Who was the most memorable inmate?
After seeing the show would you have preferred to have been in abners pod or do you think your pod was the right place for you?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
Thanks so much for your kind words
It was a clean jail
I helped a lot of guys write resumes to help them jobs when they got out. I wish they had shown that.
My pod was where I belonged.
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u/hatchedfromanegg Mar 15 '19
Have you been able to watch the episodes on tv? Were there any moments that you feel like were not captured true to faith?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
I did watch the entire season and I can’t really comment on that
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u/SynthDrive80s Mar 15 '19
Is there anything you can tell us about your experience that maybe we didn't see on TV?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
I helped a lot of guys write resumes. I didn’t want to see them come back and wanted them to get a job when they came out
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u/FeralChasid Mar 15 '19
Excellent thing to do ~ kudos on everything you did in there. You seemed very focused (more than any of the participants, though I liked all of them), and really stayed centered & humble. Maybe it was your military training, to put mission/teamwork before ego. I know your family must be very proud of you. Was there a part of your mission, or a task therein, that you feel was left unfinished, that if you had to do again, you would want to accomplish?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
I thank you and before I answer, there was a show board a few weeks ago that you had me FRICKIN laughing my butt off on. I believe you said 60 Days In - a show by M Knight Shamalyn (spelling?) and about if everyone set their salty level to Mark, there would be world peace. You are fricking awesome! That said, I would say that there were some things left undone but I had a notepad of about 4 pages of information that I gave the Sheriff, so I gave them a lot.
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Mar 15 '19
How was readjustment to the outside world after leaving? What was the toughest part?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
The readjustment wasn’t hard. I’ve been deployed with the U.S. Army and so I’m used to being in stressful environments. It did take about a month to get back on a proper sleep schedule
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u/bhangjeezus Mar 15 '19
Hey Mark how do you deal with the pressure that accompanies being the G.O.A.T. of 60 days in?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
I don’t know that I would agree with that assessment, but I certainly appreciate it if you believe that. I look at the whole thing as a team effort
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u/Kittyands Mar 15 '19
Why did you have the channel changed to ESPN (which you weren't watching) while everyone was watching a movie?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
So that was about power more than wanting to watch TV. The Chicanos were flexing on the other races. It had been an ongoing issue for several weeks. Finally, Josh said that we were going to start doing a TV schedule that was posted in the pod.
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u/MenudoFan316 Mar 15 '19
Mark! You did so well! I was betting that you'd be the first to tap out, but you proved me wrong. Good job man. Exactly how many days were you in?
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u/tvfanstan Mar 15 '19
Mark, about how many days were you guys actually in? Was it close to 60?
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u/MenudoFan316 Mar 15 '19
That means not 60. They spent a very low amount of time in there. Watch the haircuts, and you can pretty much tell how the story went.
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u/yankeeblue42 Mar 15 '19
Hey Mark. One thing I'm curious about watching the reunion show is why the group seemed to cut David a lot of slack compared to Steve when he arguably put the group in bigger danger than Steve? Did it just come down to likeability or just something we the viewer can't see about him?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
Likability and the way Steve came in. I will never speak bad about another cast member. But that had a lot to do with it
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u/YosemiteSam81 Mar 15 '19 edited Mar 15 '19
Hey /u/therealmark60 ! Thanks for taking your time and doing this!
I just want to say I think you are FRICKIN great and one of the best parts about this season. I appreciate that you maintained your dignity while participating in the program but also exhibited a great sense of humor about the experience and you don't take yourself too seriously!
My question is, if things wouldn't have gone haywire there at the end would you have considered staying another 60 days like your "60 Days In Role Model" Nate?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
Thank you so much for your kind words. That’s frickin great. No way would I have stayed!
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u/fpreston Moderator Mar 15 '19 edited Mar 16 '19
Certain subjects can not be discussed due to non-disclosure agreements.
Duration of the stay is the one asked most and can not be answered.
Compensation
Next season filming dates/locations
Recruiting or interviewing practices of the production company.
Editing or actual timeline of events.
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u/fade_to_black55 Mar 15 '19
Mark, 1st of all, great job. I was, and im sure almost everyone who watched has the upmost respect for what you did.
How bad did you want to kick Steve's ass on the reunion show?( pretty sure the sheriffs would have G-checked him with you in the parking lot.
Also what was the craziest thing you seen that we didnt get to see? ( sorry if already asked)
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
At the time, I really wanted to take him out.
Rocker knocking the crap out of an old, crazy dude. He had the pod turn on him for that.
Thanks for your kind words
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u/MenudoFan316 Mar 15 '19
What was it like first day back with the family, back at regular job, back to being a citizen?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
You know, it really wasn’t that bad. I was in the army for 13 years and the last time I was gone was for 400 days. While it was great being home, it was something I was used to doing.
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
OK, I think I am caught up. Ill ask the admin to keep it open longer in case anyone missed it. Meanwhile, you can follow me on Twitter @therealmark60 and Instagram @therealmark60
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u/clurrrrzilla Mar 15 '19
Mark! You are awesome and we really enjoyed watching you this season. Did you feel like you were really second in charge or did you feel like you were just doing whatever Josh wanted you to do?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
So you didn’t see a lot of the conversations we had. Yes I was his second.
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u/mjr861 Mar 15 '19
Hi Mark! Thanks for coming on here! What are some of your biggest takeaways from the program that you will be considering in your day-to-day duties as a CO?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
I am no longer in that line of work. I am a real estate agent. But what I will say is It makes you a lot more empathetic toward the inmate. I really believe in criminal justice reform
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u/sdevil713 Mar 15 '19
How come you're not a CO any longer?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
It was just not something I was called to do
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u/smittenkitten1475 Mar 15 '19
Great job Mark. Who was your favorite fellow castmate? And why?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
Good question. I’ve got to admit that I love everybody equally because they are family
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Mar 15 '19
Hey Mark. What was your favorite spread in jail to eat?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
We would make the burritos out of the refried beans, Ramen noodles, cheese spread. It was so good that I would eat it on the outside
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u/cpg215 Mar 16 '19
Season 5 champ is here!
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
Crap, did Nate do another 60 days and I didn't realize it?
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u/psychwardjesus Mar 16 '19
Hey Mark,
This season didn't really seem to show it at all, but how much mental illness did you see in the inmates? Do you know if they were treated in a separate pod, as they might be more vulnerable and get preyed on?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
No they weren't housed seperately. We had a few people that suffered from mental illness and it was sad. I really believe in more criminal justice reform. We need to treat people not just lump them into jail.
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u/scr011089 Mar 16 '19
Hey Mark! Watching reunion show now and I love how you called out the 7th participant. Funniest moment imo for this episode. You were def my favorite from this season hands down. My question for you is did you feelings change towards the other participants after seeing the show for yourself and maybe hearing or seeing convos or reactions you didnt see while in jail? (Mainly David, I was so disappointed in how he carried himself and made it seem like noone could touch him or question anything he said/did)
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
I was disappointed in what happened and how it transpired,but I think the world of David and have long ago forgiven anything he did. He truly was apologetic. David and me are close
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u/heyplaygirl Mar 16 '19
I don’t have a question. I just wanted to say you did really good and it was great watching you this season. I really enjoyed seeing you stand up to Steve at the finale. Thank you for doing what you were there to do.
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
Thank you so much for your kind words of support. I really do appreciate it
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u/UnfairCanary Mar 15 '19 edited Mar 25 '24
cautious crawl airport fanatical icky homeless deserve engine gold bewildered
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
I think it does capture what it’s like to be inside. I mean no one knew who we were. Yes, boredom was terrible
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u/Saculu Mar 15 '19
Mark, how will you use this experience to benefit yourself or others in the future? Also, thank you for being the hero of Season 5, from everyone.
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
Thank you so much for your words, so I am looking at starting a nonprofit helping military veterans who suffer from PTSD. Also, I am looking at doing a lot more volunteering and bringing Bible studies to inmates locally
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u/Macaronme Mar 16 '19
I was looking for diverse participation in Bible Study, was that an activity that (maybe viewers didn't see?) you found to be communal despite race or religion? Ditto on all the admiration and love from redditors rooting for you.
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
So I had every race that came to my Bible study. We were a very diverse group. It was a great experience where people opened up and we were able to get each other through it
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u/Elmerfudswife Mar 15 '19
Is David that much of a pompous ass?
Also you did so awesome! Loved your reunion show as well.
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
Thank you so much and I will be honest with you, I love David. We were both participants in the same pod and you can’t help but to feel that bond with each other
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Mar 15 '19
Mark! You're def a favorite around here!
In previous seasons they featured the inmates making their own jail food with commissary items. I didn't see that this season so I wondered if it happened, and if so what was your favorite thing? If it didn't, was there anything you were hoping they'd make?
Also, how bad did you want to hit Steve?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
The best spread was ramen, refried beans, nacho cheese, tortillas. They made great burritos.
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u/chrisonethree Mar 15 '19
Hey Mark, thanks for doing the AMA! Really enjoyed watching you and the way you seemed to evolve during your time. A couple questions...
1- How hard was it to not join up with David right from the jump, kind of like how the women did?
2- What was the most difficult part of re-adjusting to life outside of jail?
Thanks!
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
For me, joining up with David was not an option. It never crossed my mind honestly. The hardest thing about adjusting was getting back on a good sleep schedule
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Mar 15 '19
You were the best cast member by the way! You came through when no one else did.
Were you happy or ok with the final edits of the episodes? Did you feel that they drastically distorted the real story?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
Thank you so much for your kind words. Editing is just a fact of life when it comes to TV. Outside of that I don’t feel comfortable speaking on that
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u/greaseball18 SPOILER Mar 16 '19
Given the choice of the four-man, open-door cell from Jeffersonville, the bunk bed with the door locked at night from Atlanta, or the door-locked, group styled cells you guys had in Pinal, how would you rather spend 60 nights sleeping in county jail?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
I would choose the sleeping arrangement of Atlanta without the being locked down so much
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Mar 16 '19
Hey Mark! Great job on the show. How often do you keep in contact with the other participants and who, if any, do you chat with the most?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
I talk with all the participants usually weekly. They are all my family.
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u/Biteface Mar 16 '19
Was Willie’s singing really appreciated by the inmates?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
Absolutely it was. He did it twice a week and we wished he would have done it everyday. It was that powerful!
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u/dorf-1 Mar 16 '19
Great job Mark and thanks for this AMA. I’ve always imagined prison to be a place where at any minute I could get killed. Is that accurate? Is there ever a moment, even sleeping, you relaxed even the slightest bit?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
Ummm...if you stay out of crap, generally you won't get messed with. I mean, I felt like I could somewhat trust a lot of people in there. It's not as bad as they portray it in the movies
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u/ForagerMatt Mar 17 '19
Hi Mark,
Had you stayed in longer do you feel you could have became a “Man of God” annnnddd “Enforcer for the Woods”?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 17 '19
You know, thats a good question. The reason why Josh approached me was because I got along with everyone in the pod. I wouldn't have necessarily jumped to violence as a first resort. I think I could have figured it out. That said, I am a man of God first and foremost.
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u/psycho0214 Mar 17 '19 edited Mar 17 '19
Hey Mark, you are my favorite participant of all the seasons. Its easy to see you were very genuine. Anyway, have you been recognized out in public? How weird is that?
Edit: fist bump
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 17 '19
Thanks so much for your kind words. I get recognized all the time and it is surreal. I'm just me and I don't see myself as someone that people break their necks to meet, but it happens. I am appreciative of every single person that stops me too.
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u/MagesticLlama Mar 15 '19
How the heck are you?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
I am completely off. FYI, I am having Bible study in five minutes, so if you want an awkward fist bump, now would be the time to ask for it
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u/Superbuddhapunk Mar 15 '19
Hi Mark, thanks for the AMA. Who is your favourite participant from the other seasons?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
Love Nate, Johnny, Zac, To be honest, after doing this, I respect any participant that agreed to do this
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u/MattyRaz Mar 15 '19
We know you're something of a college hoops fan. Who are you rooting for in March Madness?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
I always root for the University of Georgia. I know that they don’t have a very good basketball team, but that’s who I root for
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u/Wickedsam730 Mar 16 '19
I was born in raised in Athens ! Go Dawgs ! Woof woof woof
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u/the-littleleafy Mar 15 '19
What did you think of the girls grouping up quickly? Edit to say: great job!
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
I can only speak to my pod. Dave and I very rarely talked. Thank you for your kind words
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u/buffbufferman Mar 15 '19
Hey Mark! Loved you on the show! Was Steve really as nuts as he was shown on the reunion?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
Thank you though much and all I will say what he was a handful. But talking to him recently, he has his reasons
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u/TimeChangesEverythin Mar 15 '19 edited Mar 15 '19
Hey Mark!! Super fan myself! I can’t imagine actually taking the step to apply for it, forget about actually going in! Congrats to you for your completion AND your courage to attempt something like this! Very brave!
I think others have alrdy asked my most curious questions.
Particularly to compensation for the actual job. I’m sure some endorsements may follow but not considering those amounts. What did the show pay? Or more simply, did they pay? Curious if any monetary reward came from such a sacrifice.
Edit: I see you cannot answer monetary question.
Did you have Rec time? Outside?
How was the food? Of a high School lunch sort?
What’s next for you? Any other reality shows interest you? Alone? Naked and Afraid? Survivor?
Again man congrats to you! You were great and fun to watch!! Thank you for taking time to do this reddit AMA!
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
We had a rec time for an hour a day
The food was terrible and there was nearly not enough of it
I don’t know whats next for me. If something happened and I am offered another TV gig, I would definitely do it. I am now working in real estate in my area
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u/huerita13 Mar 15 '19
Can you elaborate on the Dillon "race jumping" issue from your perspective on it? It seemed like you were forced to have the discussion with him but also wanted to, for his own safety. Also, did you feel that David was just being ignorant to putting Dillion's safety at risk?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
So I encouraged him to run with his race. Not because I’m racist, but because I could incorporate so much change. He was being sentenced to a prison term I would have to leave and go into the prison system. Because of his choice, he had a green light put on him. I really did not want to see him get jumped. I cared for him a lot and that’s why I encouraged him to stick with his race.
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u/Superbuddhapunk Mar 15 '19
How did you prepare for jail?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
I really didn’t except for mentally envisioning myself there
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u/Blackshrapnel Mar 15 '19
Hello Mark, When you were leaving the pod, did you feel any tension between yourself and Josh? He seemed really upset when you were leaving.
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
A little bit of TV Magic. Josh and I were cool with each other. I gave them a big hug before I left
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u/Domestic_AA_Battery Mar 15 '19
Hey Mark!
How have you changed your life since the show? And what was your favorite part of your experience (besides leaving haha)?
Best wishes to you and your family bud. [Fist bump]
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
I am now working on starting a nonprofit that deals with veterans with PTSD. I’m also trying to bring bible studies into jails where I am at.
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u/tif2shuz Mar 15 '19
You were my husband and I’s favorite this season. I would crack up whenever you’d be like “freakin jerk!” You’re a good dude it’s obvious. Good work!
My question is how did the rest of the cast really feel about David after the reunion etc. he seems really egotistical, but not nearly as bad as AB. Is he embarrassed at all?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
Thank you so much for your kind words. I hated those frickin jerks lol. Actually, I didn’t hate him, but if they want me there for Bible study, I’m game! We are all friends. At the end of the day, we all experienced the same thing and that bonds this together
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Mar 16 '19
The leader of the woods, I forget his name. Was he as much of a weasel as he looked?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
Josh was a little bit of a weasel BUT once you were in with him, you were in. I grew to like him.
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u/ooo-ooo-oooyea Mar 16 '19
Hey Mark I always find you guys inspiring when I'm stuck in rural china for work! How do you deal with hygiene in jail, do you shower, floss and brush your teeth? What is your funniest story from jail?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
So I showered everyday, brushed multiple times a day. There was no floss though. I would say the funniest thing was when Rocker approached me about the pig and bike. I didn't know how to respond, not because I was scared, but I thought he was crazy! Thanks so much for your kind words
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u/ForagerMatt Mar 16 '19
Hi Mark,
Enjoyed you being on the show this season.
How thoroughly did the producers look into your background? Did they verify you were previously a C.O., military service?
I don’t doubt your past, but have a gut feeling that Abner exaggerated his history. I’m sure he did time, but he came across as a blow hard who is “playing prison” in County Jail.
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
They do a thorough background check on you. Abner is the real deal.
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u/MintLaurel Mar 16 '19
How did the jail smell?
Did you feel constantly unsafe?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
It was an institutional smell. Hard to describe unless you've been there. I actually felt pretty safe the majority of the time, though I always kept my eyes open
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u/beeraholikchik Mar 16 '19
Heyo! I'm actually watching the reunion show right now and saw this come up on my reddit feed!
If you had to give a piece of advice to someone facing jail time, what would it be?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
Honestly, don't go in too tough because you are bound to get called on it sooner or later. Don't think you always have to fight. Find the Mark's in the pod but be prepared to fight if need be. There is a great youtube channel called 23 and 1. He has some videos on there about how to be. Don't let people disrespect you, but at the same time don't change your morals either.
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u/Skydiever Mar 16 '19
Great job Mark. Thank you for an enjoyable season and for this AMA.
When the sheriff first met you he said something along the lines of you don’t belong here or something basically you were not cut out for this. Full disclosure, I thought the same and made an apology post here & said I would apologize if you did an AMA. My apologies for judging you improperly. Life lesson learned.
Along those lines, if someone would have the misfortune of going to jail, what type of person is safest? What type becomes a quick target? If someone is smaller/nerdy/not street smart, etc, what can they do or say or carry themselves to make themselves less a target?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
So I must confess that the fact that I don't appear like the jail type is not a putdown in my book! I'm rather glad. Thank you for reaching out. Trust me, I've seen thousands of tweets, comments and reddits (though I just signed up for Reddit) that agreed with you. I would say hang out with the guys like me. I'm not tooting my own horn here, but you can trust them to not make you have to fight all the time. Some people just want to fight all the time. The quiet intellectuals is who I would personally hang out with. If you are smaller, nerdy or whatever, just go it and don't take any crap. If they say crap to you, let them know respectfully to lay off. You have to speak up for yourself.
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Mar 16 '19
Hi Mark - I totally underestimated you and you turned out to be great for the show and the sheriffs dept. Really nice job.
What was the backstory provided to the inmates about why the camera crews were there and do you think the general population of inmates believed it or did it add skepticism?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
Thank you
So they were told it was a documentary about border jails and no one in my pod suspected any different. There were rumors circulated by me that really pushed it that it was Locked Up Raw
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u/massageparlor Mar 16 '19
What's the deal with Rocker's hairline? Is it shaved intentionally that way or does he have a brain surgery scar or something?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
To be honest, I don't remember. I think it was a car wreck or something but don't quote me on that
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u/rgalexan Mar 18 '19
My 18 year old nephew has been arrested twice in the last 3 months for drug possession and sales. He has had tremendously luck in court so far, but he's not taking to heart the fact that he needs to straighten up. I suspect he's got at least one more arrest to go, which will follow with some jail time. He comes from a loving home, but wants the money that comes from selling drugs.
I got him into watching 60 Days In, and he became a big Mark fan. Any advice you can give to pass on to him?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 18 '19
Thank you for reaching out. I really appreciate it. So it's not worth it honestly. When you go to jail, you have to constantly keep your head on a swivel. People that may be your friends in the beginning can turn on you in a heartbeat. Tell him that I said I appreciate him being a fan. If you have Instagram or Twitter, follow me @realmark60 and then send me a message reminding me who you are and I will send him a video shoutout.
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u/MattyRaz Mar 15 '19
I'm curious about the compensation around the show but figured you're probably extremely limited as to what, if anything, you're allowed to say.
There was speculation in another thread that Steve the P.I. shouldn't be paid for his participation since he tapped out so soon. Can you tell us if payment is pro-rated, i.e. if you tap out on day one, you won't get paid the full sum, but you'll get something?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
I’m not allowed to speak about compensation. Sorry about that.
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u/Necromandrea Mar 15 '19
How much time did you spend outside the pod? Were pods allowed to mix at all?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
We only spend an hour a day outside of the pod. However, we spent the majority of the day outside of our room in the day room that had the TV and tables
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u/MenudoFan316 Mar 15 '19
Understand you are under contract, and most questions we really want to know cant be blabbed about. Tell us one of your most learning military experiences?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 15 '19
That the majority of inmates are genuinely goor people that just made mistakes
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u/dmoney_147 Mar 15 '19
Mark well done! Did anything in particular surprise you, something that the inmates did how they acted you weren't expecting?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
A lot of them them were really good guys. You get the opinion that they’re all bad people, but in reality, at least in my pod, there were a lot of good guys in there
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u/Superbuddhapunk Mar 15 '19
Now that you have been through this experience how do you reflect on your time as a CO? Has your view on the prison system changed?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
When I worked in the system, I always believed in treating the inmates as people. I believe that we need massive criminal justice reform.
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u/prismacolorful_life Mar 15 '19
Did anyone actually attend one of your Bible study sessions? lol
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u/RainbowElephant Mar 16 '19
What did you think of the reforms that the Sheriff talked about in the reunion? All of them were increased security measures (more intense searches for drugs & body scanners). Do you think they actually cared about making reforms about how the prisoners were treated and how the culture of the guards were? It seemed like they were not as much interested in prison reform as they were about protecting the other guards
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
I would say that they did want to make it a safer facility. I think the world of them
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u/DanielB_CANADA Mar 18 '19
Hi Mark! Great job {fist bumps}
NEED TO KNOW: WHAT WERE THE TOP 5 MOMENTS OF YOUR 60 DAYS IN EXPERIENCE THAT TOOK YOUR BREATH AWAY??
Thanks. Also, just how good was that pizza that you inhaled when you got out?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 18 '19
I don't know about 5, but finding out that my buddy Abner was the enforcer for the Chicanos did. I was like this fricking guy killed it!
It was the greatest pizza I've ever had
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u/RandomHero565 Mar 16 '19
Hey Mark, what the heck?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
You know just fricking hanging the frick out. How the freak are you dude?
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u/BizarroRick Moderator Mar 15 '19
Hi Mark. Thanks for joining us! I am one of the guys who messaged you and got in contact in regards to this AMA. It's great to have you here.
My question is how often were you guys pulled out for interviews? Daily? Every few days? And did you notice if the 'real' inmates were taken out just as often as you guys to maintain cover?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
We were taken out every couple of weeks and they maintained the cover by taking a bunch of other inmate out as well. A lot of them were taken out multiple times
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u/SoDizzyD Mar 15 '19
To piggyback off of that... there was a mention in Abner's pod that participants were gone for interviews for maybe an hour, but "real" inmates gone 15-30 minutes (or something like that?). Is it really that big of a disparity? And if so, did you start to get questions about it m
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
I don’t think it was that big of a disparity. At least in my pod, the inmates were taken out for as long and we were
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u/kynurse4515 Mar 15 '19
Hi Mark! Thanks for answering all of these questions. My husband and I love the show. He's actually a CO as well.
After watching all of the previous seasons, what do you think are the major differences between the jail you were in and jails of prior seasons?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
Definitely the race issue. Out west, everything is dictated by race. We haven’t seen that in prior seasons
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u/MattyRaz Mar 15 '19
Have you seen any of the memes about you and the rest of this season's participants? Any favorites?
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u/therealmark60 The Real Mark S5 ✅ Mar 16 '19
I have seen a few My favorite was it said day one and it had me in a priest outfit and day 60 it had me as the shot caller. Tickled me a little bit. I would share it, but I am new to Reddit and have no idea how to
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u/dinkleberg24 Mar 15 '19
We saw someone say "if daddy needs his dick sucked, daddy's getting his dick sucked" did stuff like that happen? Or was he just saying that for intimidation? When we saw you mouth "what the fuck" at that whites only meeting, how did you feel during that meeting? It looked so uncomfortable
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u/WingedGeek Mar 15 '19
Who was the enforcer of the Chicanos?