Send us a text Lieutenant 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 God's agent to do good in this world," ...
Aug 18, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 110
Send us a text What 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 maste...
Aug 04, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 109
Send us a text This 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: ✅ Instru...
Jul 20, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Send us a text What 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 pre-sente...
Jun 30, 2025•54 min•Season 2Ep. 108
Send us a text When 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 from a ...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 107
Send us a text This 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-officers Think 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 fa...
Jun 05, 2025•33 min
Send us a text Brian 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 remarkable journe...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 106
Send us a text The 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...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 105
Send us a text Michael 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). This sign...
Apr 21, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 104
Send us a text From 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 off...
Apr 06, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 104
Send us a text From 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 Prisons...
Mar 24, 2025•59 min•Season 2Ep. 102
Send us a text Discover 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. This epi...
Mar 10, 2025•53 min•Season 2Ep. 101
Send us a text Discover 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 beha...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 100
Send us a text Join 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 t...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 99
Send us a text Ever 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 ...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 98
Send us a text Philip W. Parker, former warden of Kentucky State Penitentiary, joins us to share his remarkable story from rural Kentucky roots to overseeing maximum-security operations. Listen as Philip recounts his unique career trajectory, beginning with a chance encounter while teaching karate that led him to the world of corrections. As we walk through the corridors of history with Philip, we explore the evolution of terminology in the corrections field. The shift from being called a "guard...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 97
Send us a text In this episode of the basics, I talk about what it takes to have Success in Corrections. The Basic, common sense attributes and work habits of a good correctional officer. Listen as I talk about Correctional Basics every rookie should know, and every veteran officer should already be doing...who knows...everyone needs a refresher sometimes. Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer by Michael Cantrell P...
Dec 30, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 96
Send us a text Unlock the secrets of successful correctional leadership as we recap an incredible year for the Prison Officer Podcast. We've reached new heights by launching on YouTube, and growing our audience worldwide. I tackle pressing issues like staffing challenges, emphasizing the crucial role of a positive workplace culture that prioritizes safety, leadership, and growth. By fostering an environment of trust and teamwork, leaders can unlock potential and drive innovation within their tea...
Dec 16, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 95
Send us a text Former special investigative agent Steve Hansen joins us to shed light on a career filled with intense experiences and unique insights into the world of federal corrections. From his humble beginnings in a small Iowa town to navigating the complexities of federal prisons, Steve's story is one of dedication and resilience. Steve's career journey is nothing short of remarkable, marked by significant events like the volatile "Crack Law Riots" at Greenville. Discover the challenges he...
Dec 02, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 94
Send us a text Inspired by his grandfather, Michael Warren's foray into law enforcement was destined from the start, rooted in a rich family tradition of public service. Michael, the Director of Training for Command Presence and host of the Faces of Leadership podcast, joins us to share his unique journey. Michael brings a treasure trove of experiences that illuminate the passion and tradition that have shaped his career. His anecdotes offer a captivating window into the unpredictable, yet rewar...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 93
Send us a text What if I told you that the toughest challenges in the corrections field could turn into your greatest opportunities for growth? I explore my journey through the demanding landscape of corrections and shed light on a world that requires incredible resilience and determination. A recent e-mail from a correctional officer grappling with the aftermath of a workplace riot sets the stage for a broader discussion on the vital role of a supportive work culture. I highlight passion, cultu...
Nov 04, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 92
Send us a text What if the key to managing conflicts in corrections is as simple as mastering the art of listening? Join us as we examine the evolution of de-escalation techniques, starting from the era of "verbal judo" to contemporary methods centered on active listening and emotional regulation. You'll learn why truly hearing and understanding the other person can be transformative, not just in corrections but also in law enforcement, nursing, and dispatch roles. We underscore the critical rol...
Oct 21, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 91
Send us a text Meet Adam Dennis, a 28-year law enforcement/corrections veteran, who shares his early days, influenced by his father's advice and his brother's positive experiences, as he navigates through a career filled with challenges and unexpected culture shocks. From playing college baseball to earning a criminology degree, Adam's journey is inspiring and eye-opening. Adam helps uncover the inner workings of specialized correctional teams, as he delves into the importance of units like CERT...
Oct 07, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 90
Send us a text Join us live from the Missouri Correctional Association and Missouri Probation and Parole Officers Association fall conference at the stunning Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake of the Ozarks. Learn about suicide prevention from the critical support provided by the 988 national suicide hotline. Hear inspiring conversations with Major Ognenovski from the Chillicothe Correctional Center about managing a female correctional facility, and the innovative developments at St. Charles Coun...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 89
Send us a text Join me on this week's Prison Officer Podcast as I bring you an exclusive update from the Missouri Correctional Association and the MPPOA conference. You'll also get a sneak peek into my classes on "Essentials in Correctional Excellence" and "Leading Without Rank," where I’ll share practical leadership strategies at all levels, regardless of your rank. PepperBall From crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option. OMNI OMNI is cutting-edge...
Sep 23, 2024•8 min
Send us a text How do simple gestures elevate officer morale in an understaffed environment? What happens when political decisions compromise the safety of correctional officers? Join us as we welcome back Gary York, a veteran corrections professional and renowned author. We'll explore the necessity of supportive supervision and the detrimental effects of promoting inexperienced leaders due to staff shortages. Gary offers insights into the complexities of correctional work and the critical need ...
Sep 09, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 88
Send us a text Ever wondered how much of what you've heard about prison life is actually true? Mike Cantrell pulls back the curtain on the misconceptions that society holds about prisons and their inmates. Through a personal recount of a misguided community meeting, he reveals how families are often manipulated by prisoners who exaggerate their hardships. From tales of inadequate food and clothing to the emotional tug-of-war for financial support, Mike sets the record straight on the stark diffe...
Aug 26, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 88
Send us a text What drives someone to dedicate their life to understanding inmate behavior and educating future criminal justice professionals? Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Mike Pittaro, associate professor of criminal justice at the American Military University and Director of Corrections for Northampton County Department of Corrections in Pennsylvania. Dr. Pittaro shares the crucial need for mental health training for correctional officers, who frequently face high rates of d...
Aug 12, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 86
Send us a text Have you ever wondered what it takes to transition from a Border Patrol agent to a federal corrections officer, all while becoming a renowned public speaker and author? Today, we sit down with Michael Laidler, whose journey in law enforcement began at just nine years old, inspired by the O.J. Simpson case. Raised in Miami by a single mother and grandmother, Michael's dedication to criminal justice saw him excel in various roles, from handling a Belgian Malinois as a canine agent t...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 85
Send us a text Can leadership failures create a breeding ground for misconduct in correctional facilities? In this episode of the Prison Officer Podcast, we confront this critical question head-on. Through the lens of Stanley Milgram's famous 1963 obedience study, we unravel the often unseen dynamics of authority in corrections, exploring when and how the duty to intervene should override blind obedience. Recent cases of systemic leadership breakdowns are scrutinized, revealing how these lapses ...
Jul 15, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 84
