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PODCAST

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

society & culture social sciences

All Episodes

22:57

124: If We Don’t Tell Our Story, Someone Else Will

Prison Officer Podcast ·

2026/03/30

Announcement! Behind the Wall is Live! https://www.patreon.com/ThePrisonOfficerSilence doesn’t stay empty for long. When correctional agencies refuse to talk about what happens behind the wall, someone else will gladly explain it for us, and they’ll usually pick the most extreme version. From the ILEETA conference, I take one simple line, “nature abhors a vacuum,” and apply it to one of the biggest challenges in corrections: who controls the narrative of prison life, jail incidents, and use of

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71:50

123: Leadership, Solitary Myths, And The BOP’s Legacy...

Prison Officer Podcast ·

2026/03/16

What if your first real job at 20—walking onto a men’s medium-security yard—became the foundation for a lifetime of leadership, policy savvy, and humanitarian impact? That’s Judi Simon Garrett’s story, and it upends a lot of what people think they know about prisons, “solitary,” and the people who run complex systems under pressure.Judi explains why training that centers presence, words, and posture mattered more than keys and cuffs, and how overtime on the toughest posts built credibility that no

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60:08

122: Desert Waters - Transforming Correctional...

Prison Officer Podcast ·

2026/03/02

In this episode of the Prison Officer Podcast, host Michael Cantrell speaks with Justin Stevens from Desert Waters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to correctional officer wellness. They discuss Justin's journey through the corrections system, the importance of leadership and training, and the role of peer support in addressing mental health issues within the field. The conversation also touches on the normalization of trauma in corrections, the need for a wellness culture, and the

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51:39

121: ILEETA Conference 2026 - Building a Tribe of...

Prison Officer Podcast ·

2026/02/12

In this episode of the Prison Officer Podcast, host Mike Cantrell speaks with Joe Willis, the Deputy Executive Director of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA). They discuss the importance of instructor development in law enforcement, the unique offerings of the ILEETA conference, and the value of networking and community among trainers. The conversation highlights the diverse classes available, including certifications, and the significance of emotional

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58:45

120: Less Lethal Tools and the Threats Redefining...

Prison Officer Podcast ·

2026/02/02

Two gym riots. Same tools. Completely different outcomes. That’s the pivot point Robert Sorensen brings to the table as we dive into less lethal tactics, executive buy-in, and the real cost of undertraining in corrections. Robert spent 27 years in government service—lieutenant, emergency preparedness officer, NTOA section chair, and internal affairs special agent—and he’s candid about fear, failure, and what finally worked.We walk through the practical lessons that turned chaos into control: how

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88:58

119: Best of The Prison Officer - Interview w/Mark...

Prison Officer Podcast ·

2026/01/19

This is a "Best of" from January 16, 2023, Episode 24 in remembrance of Mark Schieber, who passed away on November 17, 2025. We sit with former MSP assistant warden and historian Mark Schreiber to trace Missouri corrections from segregated tiers and whistle calls to cameras, structured movement, and a museum that fights tornadoes and time. Stories of investigations, integration, inmate culture, and saving archives reveal how people, not just buildings, define the work.• starting at MSP in

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34:59

118: From Secure Walls To Open Halls: A Corrections...

Prison Officer Podcast ·

2026/01/05

We walk through the hard truths of hospital escorts: layers of security vanish, complacency creeps in, and small mistakes become big risks. From intel control to room setup, we share a field-tested checklist to keep officers, medical staff, and the public safe.• controlling timelines and blocking leaks• gathering inmate intel and risk factors• conducting full inmate and vehicle searches• using maximum restraints and wheelchairs• hospital reconnaissance and secure entry points• room layout, line of

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33:25

117: We Rewind 2025 And Share What’s Coming Next

Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/12/22

Five years in, the mission feels sharper than ever: equip correctional professionals with tools, mindset, and purpose that hold up under real pressure. We look back on a year of travel and training, thank the partners who help us serve, and pull together the most impactful moments from conversations that changed how we read risk, teach skills, and define what a good day on the tier looks like.Greg Williams and Brian Marren break down human behavior pattern recognition in a way that clicks on

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39:36

116: Stoic Tools For Tough Shifts

Prison Officer Podcast ·

2025/11/24

The job doesn’t wait for your feelings to catch up. That’s why we unpack a clear, practical way to stay steady under pressure—using Stoicism as a daily tool for safer shifts, better decisions, and a healthier mind. We get honest about chaos on the unit, the pull to react fast, and how a few disciplined choices turn tension into control.We break down the dichotomy of control for correctional work: you can’t dictate inmate choices, staffing levels, or last-minute OT, but you can own your tone,

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67:44

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

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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:...

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...

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?...

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 &...

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...

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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