The Prison Officer Podcast
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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 difficult leaders, understanding rehabilitation, or addressing misconceptions about incarcerated populations, the Prison Officer Podcast provides valuable perspectives from professionals in the field.
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Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I talk with Domenic Pezzano who retired from Corrective Service in New South Wales, Australia after more than 30 years of service. We talk about starting out as a Correctional Officer, a riot at Long Bay where he was a hostage, and his rise up the ranks in NSW Prison Corrective Service, and his advice to those just starting out. You can contact Domenic here Correctional Services / Prison Subject ExpertThe Prison Officer Podcast Job Guide: In...
Send us a Text Message. A prison is a place of violence. Pretty quickly, as they begin their sentence inside, other inmates categorize each other as Predator or Prey. As a Hunter or the Hunted. Their role is determined by whether or not they have the strength to stand up against the other inmates. Will they run and hide in their cell, or will they stand and fight? Will they be abused, or will they be the abuser? Lion or antelope is the choice most have...
Send us a Text Message.Walking the corridors of HMP Manchester, former Prison Officer and author Neil Samworth—known as Sam—witnessed the stark realities of prison life, a tale he recounts with raw honesty in "Strange Ways: A Prison Officer's Story." Join us as we step into Sam's world, where the line between guard and guarded blurs, and where humanity faces its toughest tests. Our conversation traverses the emotional terrain of a profession that demands resilience in the face of daily confro...
Send us a Text Message.His four decades in the Bureau of Prisons have equipped him with a library of stories, and in our latest episode, Art's candid reflections peel back the curtain on the daily grind of corrections work, from the first clang of the prison doors to the intricate challenges of managing inmate programs. His tales are not just a narrative of personal growth within the Bureau but a masterclass on the evolution of federal prison systems and the strategic navigation of career pro...
Send us a Text Message.This episode doesn't just chronicle Larry's experiences, it delves into the heart of what it means to uphold justice in one of the most challenging environments imaginable. He shares vivid details of the 'death watch,' the procedure leading up to executions, and provides a sobering glimpse into the complexity of enforcing the death penalty. Larry's personal connection to the topic through a family tragedy brings an intimate layer to this discussion, one that offers a ra...
Send us a Text Message.In today’s episode, we talk with former BOP Captain Glen MacDonald about doing the right thing, even when it is tough. Glen walks us through many of the decisions throughout his life and career, where doing the right thing was not popular. Despite being shunned by staff, loss of promotions, and horrible stress, Glen persevered.Glen also shares his passion for staying active, including CrossFit and “rucking,” and how completing more than 120 GoRuck events has...
Send us a Text Message.Glen's reflections on the internal battles correctional officers face—such as finding drugs and corruption within their ranks—are eye-opening. These revelations highlight the lesser-known aspects of prison life and the constant vigilance required to uphold the law within its walls. The discussion around the corruption he witnessed, and the challenges it posed to his own moral compass, underscores the complexities of working in corrections.This episode is Part 1 of 2, so...
Send us a Text Message.It is not merely the high-stakes nature of maintaining order that this interview touches upon. The psychological toll of being a correctional officer is scrutinized through "Bama's" heartfelt story. He takes us through the day-to-day operations within the prison walls, where he encountered a gamut of scenarios – from gang violence to his own personal battles against stress and despair. Bama does not shy away from discussing the often-taboo topic of suicide among law enf...
Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I talk with Bronner "Bama" Allen about his interesting career that started at The North Carolina Department of Corrections which led to a 21-year career with Federal Bureau of Prisons where he retired. But Bama wasn't done yet, he returned to where he had started at The North Carolina Department of Corrections, and where he still works today. His story shares the human side of corrections, as he discusses the experiences that shape the...
Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I talk about the fourteen years I worked around mental health inmates. Suicide, self-harm, schizophrenia, depression, pedophilia, they all affect the running of your housing unit. I will discuss some of the more common mental illnesses you will encounter working in corrections and some of my tips for managing some of the most difficult inmates to supervise. PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe,...
Send us a Text Message.In this episode, explore with me the strategies that forge resilience and cohesion in correctional tactical teams. I discuss how shared experiences bond a team and why selecting the right individuals is vital to maintaining a positive dynamic. Learn about the decision-making that goes into team structure, and specialized roles, and how a careful balance of discipline and personal development can maintain a ready, effective force. Join me for an episode that explor...
Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I interview Keith Hellwig. Keith has been in law enforcement for over 40 years. He has worked in State and County Correctional facilities and is a certified Law Enforcement Officer. He retired in March of 2017 from Corrections holding the rank of Captain. He continues to work as a Police officer for two rural departments. Keith obtained his formal education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and Fox Valley Technical College. He receiv...
Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I talk with John Motel about his career, leadership lessons, the transfer of maximum security inmates from MSP to JCCC, and his five seconds of fame when he made the last radio call from the old Missouri State Penitentiary. After ten years in the United States Army, John went to work for the Missouri Department of Corrections eventually promoted to Major and retiring after 30 years of service.John now serves as the Vice President of the Missouri C...
Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I speak with Percy Pitzer. Percy has had a long career in corrections starting with the Bureau of Prisons, he rose through the ranks, eventually retiring as Warden. After returning to work in private corrections, he started his own corrections audit company, Creative Corrections. Percy and his family have also started the Pitzer Family Education Foundation. The foundation has provided more than 190 scholarships to the children of...
Send us a Text Message.After having this discussion over and over, I finally decided I am going to share my thoughts in a podcast about the use of restrictive housing. I have worked and seen the good, bad, and ugly. At the end of the day though, restrictive housing is necessary! I agree that many of our inmates need programming that prepares them for the outside world. I also agree that many of our inmates are criminal thugs who will not be changed with classes, bribes...
Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I talk with Dr. John "Jay" Lawrie about his career and get some insight about the current trends in Criminal Justice education. Jay Lawrie retired from the Connecticut Department of Correction after a 20-year career at the MacDougall/Walker Correctional Institution in Suffield Ct. He then joined the faculty at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Ct., where he currently serves as an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Chair of the D...
Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I talk with Gary York, author of The Toughest Job. Author, columnist, and even TV actor...:-), Gary has a varied and interesting career. We talk about all things corrections, from staff manipulation, being married to a correctional officer, staff wellness, and much more.Gary began his career with the Department of Corrections as a correctional officer. He was promoted to probation officer, senior probation officer, and senior prison i...
Send us a Text Message.This week I was a presenter at the Missouri Correctional Association's (MCA) Fall Conference at the Lake of the Ozarks, MO. We had a great time as I talked about Leadership - It's Your Journey and Staying Positive in a Negative Environment. After the classes, I was able to set up the podcast remotely and do several interviews with MCA members at the conference while they were in between classes and activities. What a wealth of correctional knowledge.&n...
Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I talk with Michael about his path from law enforcement/correctional officer to keynote speaker and author of Greatness Beyond the Badge. We talk about the importance of self-awareness, reaching your potential, and taking the leap into greater things in your life.Michael Laidler has worked in law enforcement for nearly two decades. He has served with distinction in numerous positions and leadership roles, from police officer, and border patrol age...
Send us a Text Message.In this episode I talk with Dan M. Reynolds. Dan is the author of several books about the Oklahoma State Pen, his experiences, and much more. Dan M. Reynolds takes his subjects directly from more than 30 years of correctional experience. Dan started as a case manager and would later take positions as classification auditor, administrative assistant, deputy warden, and finally as warden/administrator over several different prisons and departments. ...
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