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When Remie was deep into his prison sentence, he found himself navigating a complex economic system most people never see. Each cellblock operated with its own thriving GDP—thousands of dollars in transactions flowing through a network of hustlers, entrepreneurs, and survivors every month.

The prison currency system reveals a fascinating parallel economy where food becomes more valuable, ramen noodle soups function as the standard unit—like dollar bills—and bags of coffee and Little Debbies serve as higher denominations for bigger purchases. The more exotic or rare the commissary item, the higher its trading value, creating investment opportunities where seasonal snacks become valuable commodities.

This episode offers rare insight into how alternative economies function in closed systems and why understanding prison economics matters for successful reentry. Whether you're curious about life behind bars or interested in how underground markets operate, this exploration of prison currency will change how you think about value, exchange, and economic adaptation.

Want to hear more stories from inside? Email questions to stories@lockdownlegacy.com or find us on social media to continue the conversation about prison life, reentry challenges, and everything in between.

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