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PODCAST

The Prison Officer Podcast

Michael Cantrell

The Prison Officer Podcast is a place where prison officers and correctional staff share their experiences, discuss leadership, cope with stress, and learn survival strategies for one of the toughest careers out there. Hosted by Michael Cantrell, this podcast delves into the lives, dreams, and challenges faced by those who work inside the walls of our nation’s prisons. It features interviews, insights, and discussions related to the unique and demanding world of corrections. Whether it’s overcoming

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All Episodes

67:44

115: From Rookie to Rank - Interview w/Matthew Hyde

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/10/27

Leadership in corrections doesn't come from a badge or title—it emerges from integrity, trust, and the willingness to shield your team during difficult times. Matthew Hyde, leadership strategist and author of "From Rookie to Rank," shares his remarkable journey from new correctional officer to CERT Commander without formal rank.Matthew's story begins with an unexpected path into corrections after brief experiences in college and the National Guard. Within six months of starting

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49:45

114: 2025 MCA/MPPOA Fall Conference in Branson, MO

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/10/13

I saw a man once walk out of the Missouri State Penitentiary after three decades with a few dollars and no plan. I remember that moment—and this is why I am glad Missouri has set out to build something better. Come behind the scenes with us at the MCA/MPPOA fall conference for a candid tour of what’s actually working: “soft handoffs” between institutions and field teams, mental health continuity that doesn’t collapse on day one, and an immersive training academy built inside a retrofitted prison

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76:12

113: Beyond Toxicity: Building Healthier Correctional...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/09/29

Joshua Ryle brings over two decades of corrections experience to this deeply insightful conversation about the hidden psychological patterns that shape corrections culture. From his early days at the Tennessee Department of Corrections to his current role as a training sergeant, Ryle has observed firsthand how the corrections environment creates behavioral patterns that affect officers both professionally and personally.At the heart of this episode is Ryle's new training program focused on

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79:56

112: Security, Innovation, and Leadership in American...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/09/15

What does it take to navigate the most dangerous prisons in America while maintaining both safety and humanity? Pete Bloodworth's extraordinary 35-year journey through corrections offers profound insights into this question.From his early days as a Marine Corps sniper to becoming one of corrections' most influential tactical innovators, Bloodworth's story reveals how military discipline transformed his approach to prison management. "When you actually study the science behind

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34:07

Episode 111: Knowledge, Willingness, Courage: What...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/09/01

Send us a textWhat makes a truly effective correctional leader? In this thought-provoking episode, Michael Cantrell draws from decades of experience to unpack the three essential qualities officers desperately want from their supervisors: knowledge, willingness, and courage.Correctional officers seek leaders who possess deep knowledge about policies, case law, and facility operations—creating a foundation of confidence and security. They need supervisors willing to step up during challenging

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67:12

110: The Silent Service: Finding Purpose in a Life of...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/08/18

Send us a textLieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman brings decades of expertise to this powerful conversation about the psychology of violence, trauma response, and the vital role corrections professionals play in society.Drawing from his groundbreaking research that shaped books like "On Combat" and "On Killing," Grossman frames correctional officers as society's essential "sheepdogs" – those who willingly face danger so others don't have to. "They are truly

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67:52

109: Rethinking Correctional Training:...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/08/04

Send us a textWhat if everything we thought we knew about training correctional officers was based on flawed assumptions? In this eye-opening conversation with Myles Cook, we explore how questioning basic training objectives can transform outcomes across corrections.Miles brings 15 years of diverse experience spanning corrections, patrol, narcotics, investigations, and academy instruction to tackle one of our profession's most fundamental challenges - training that actually works. With a

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64:24

Re-Broadcast - ILEETA Live: An interview with Mike...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/07/20

Send us a textThis is a Re-Broadcast of ILEETA Live! Yyou can find more episodes here: / @ileeta Two nationally recognized voices in corrections. One powerful conversation.ILEETA Live is back July 16 at 7:30PM CST.This month: Michael Cantrell and Gary York—both published authors and respected subject matter experts—join us to talk leadership, resilience, and the real-world challenges facing today’s correctional professionals.Check out this episode and many more here: / @ileeta Plus:✅

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54:28

108: Can Smart Technology Create Second Chances?...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/06/30

Send us a textWhat happens when a police officer's career evolves into revolutionizing corrections technology? Alisha Shoates-James takes us on her remarkable journey from patrolling Nashville streets to developing innovative tablet solutions that transform prison environments nationwide.Drawing from her seven years in law enforcement and extensive experience as a federal probation officer, Shoates-James intimately understands the complexities of our justice system. Her work creating

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66:03

107: Inside the American Jail System: Leadership &...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/06/16

Send us a textWhen was the last time you heard a positive story about what happens inside America's jails? For most of us, these facilities only make headlines when something goes wrong—an escape, a use-of-force incident, or a facility failure. But as Major Shaun Klucznik reveals in this compelling conversation, corrections professionals save lives, change futures, and demonstrate extraordinary leadership every single day, largely without recognition.Major Klucznik's remarkable journey

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33:10

Re-Broadcast - The Silence Crisis in Corrections...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/06/05

Send us a textThis is a Re-Broadcast of The Silence Crisis in Corrections with Michael Cantrell from The Independent Voter Podcast -https://olasmedia.com/blogs/behind-the-bars-beyond-the-badge-the-hidden-struggles-of-correctional-officersThink the justice system only affects the incarcerated? Think again. In this episode of the How It Really Works series of the Independent Voter Podcast, Chad Peace sits down with corrections expert Michael Cantrell to unpack the hidden mental health crisis facing

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72:15

106: Jujitsu, Justice, and Leadership - Interview...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/05/19

Send us a textBrian Antonelli, known throughout corrections as "the fixer," pulls back the curtain on what it takes to restore order in some of America's most challenging prisons. Drawing from 32 years of distinguished service in federal and state corrections, Antonelli shares candid stories about transforming troubled facilities like USP Hazleton, where he arrived shortly after high-profile homicides to implement sweeping reforms.The conversation takes us through Antonelli's

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68:42

105: Keeping Your Cell Extraction from Going Viral on...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/05/05

Send us a textThe shocking disparity between training requirements—four weeks to become a correctional officer versus sixteen weeks to become a hairdresser in Washington State—highlights a systemic problem in how we prepare staff to handle some of society's most challenging individuals. Fosnott describes his earliest experiences, including being thrown into supervising inmates during a power outage with zero training, and how these moments shaped his understanding of corrections as a profession

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36:36

104: Recent Training Spotlight - and A Special...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/04/21

Send us a textMichael Cantrell returns with a passionate exploration of the evolving corrections landscape, sharing significant professional milestones while introducing his upcoming new book, "Power Skills: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, Public Service, and Beyond."The episode begins with exciting news about Cantrell's appointment to the Advisory Board on Corrections for the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA)

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69:05

103: The Human Stories of Military Justice and...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/04/06

Send us a textFrom the corridors of military prisons to the unique challenges of civilian life, our guest Jimmy Cummings shares an extraordinary journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. A retired Marine with a commanding presence in military corrections, Jimmy opens up about his early struggles in Scranton, Pennsylvania, that led him to the Marines, meeting his wife in Okinawa, and the trials of transitioning back to civilian life—only to find his way back to the Corps. His insights offer a

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58:30

102: Leadership Strategies and Fostering a Culture of...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/03/24

Send us a textFrom military operations in the Gulf to the corridors of correctional facilities, Chris McConnell's journey is a narrative of resilience and leadership. Growing up in a law enforcement family in Pennsylvania, Chris was destined for a life of service. After serving as an airborne infantryman in Operation Desert Shield Storm, he transitioned into a civilian role, first as a municipal police officer and later embarking on a remarkable 30-year career with the Federal Bureau of

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53:11

101: Transforming Prisons: Innovation and...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/03/10

Send us a textDiscover the transformative world of Central American prisons with Dr. Jarrod Sadulski, whose journey from the Coast Guard to criminology and federal law enforcement has led him to the heart of prison reform in Belize. As we navigate through his insights, you'll uncover the stark realities and surprising successes within the Belize Central Prison, a place where innovation in rehabilitation starkly contrasts with the turmoil often seen in neighboring countries' facilities

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82:43

100: Discover the Secrets of Human Behavior -...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/02/24

Send us a textDiscover the secrets of human behavior in high-stress environments with our special guests, Greg Williams and Brian Marren from Arcadia Congerati. These experts, known for their work in developing the Marine Corps' Combat Hunter program, join us to celebrate the 100th episode of the Prison Officer Podcast. They offer unique insights into the parallels between correctional facilities, law enforcement, and combat zones, emphasizing the critical role of situational awareness and

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65:58

99: Honoring a Legacy in Corrections - Interview...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/02/10

Send us a textJoin us for an insightful conversation with Connor Fredericks, a South Carolina Department of Corrections CERT Commander. In our exploration of corrections, we focus on the unique challenges correctional officers face, particularly those in CERT positions. Connor's career shift from night shift police work to corrections presents a compelling narrative about adaptability and the value of strategic decision-making. Our discussion sheds light on the impact of strong leadership and

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65:00

98: Transforming County Jails: Leadership,...

The Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/01/27

Send us a textEver wondered what it takes to manage a county jail? Join me, Michael Cantrell, as I sit down with Justin Hall, the elected jailer from Nelson County, Kentucky, who has spent nearly two decades in the corrections field. We'll uncover how he navigated his way from the Hardin County Detention Center to overseeing operations in his hometown. Learn about innovative technologies like biometric sensors that help monitor inmate health and the relentless battle against contraband. Justin

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