Send us a text In the realm of correctional facilities, the roles and challenges of those who maintain order are often misunderstood and overlooked. Doyle discusses the trajectory of becoming deeply involved in union activities, from his early days in law enforcement to his current role in advocating for the welfare of correctional employees. He outlines the initiatives taken by the National Correctional Employees Union to improve health, retirement programs, and training opportunities for their...
Jul 01, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 83
Send us a text In this episode, I speak with Commissioner William Marshall and get an inside look at the West Virginia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. We learn about his path from State Police to Corrections Commissioner. We discuss the department's evolution into more training, enhanced career paths, and the future of corrections. We also discuss the West Virginia Department of Corrections rebranding initiatives, which include a new logo and enhanced public relations. These effort...
Jun 17, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 82
Send us a text Joe Gunja's career trajectory from a military police officer to a regional director is not just a tale of personal achievement, but also a story of the varying levels of inmate-related issues and the work required in the different roles. Joe reveals a career where promotions often come with intricate challenges and highlights the importance of adaptability and leadership in correctional environments. We confront hard truths about the placement of the severely mentally ill behind b...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 81
Send us a text 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 in a violent system. Staff are often looked at the s...
May 20, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 80
Send us a text 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 confrontations wi...
May 06, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 79
Send us a text 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 progression wi...
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 78
Send us a text 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 rare blend of...
Apr 08, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 77
Send us a text 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 allowed him to “get c...
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Send us a text 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 be sure a...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 75
Send us a text 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 enforcement, h...
Feb 26, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 74
Send us a text 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 men and women who don the un...
Feb 12, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 73
Send us a text In this episode, I talk about the fourteen years I worked around mental health inmates. Suicide, self-harm, schizophrenia, depression, and pedophilia, 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. Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career! by Michael Cantrell...
Jan 29, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Send us a text 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 explores the heart of l...
Jan 15, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 71
Send us a text 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 received specialized training...
Jan 01, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 70
Send us a text In this episode I reflect on the Wardens I have worked for over the years. Some were amazing leaders, others were good examples of what not to do as a leader. A prison Warden can be one of the toughest jobs. Always trying to balance that line between whatever political issue headquarters is pushing and what is best at a local level for your staff and inmates. Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career! by Michael Cantrell Keys to Your ...
Dec 18, 2023•38 min
Send us a text 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 Correctional Asso...
Dec 04, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 69
Send us a text 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 incarcerated parents. You can reac...
Nov 20, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 68
Send us a text 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, or personal freedom. Two differen...
Nov 06, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 65
Send us a text 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 Department of Criminal J...
Oct 23, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Send us a text 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 inspector where for the next ...
Oct 09, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Send us a text 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. Check out these interviews: M...
Sep 25, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Send us a text 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 agent to federal co...
Sep 11, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 62
Send us a text 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. In his books, he describes his fir...
Aug 28, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 61
Send us a text In this episode, I go back through the e-mails and messages to The Prison Officer and answer those questions that I think can apply to everyone working in corrections. I talk about lying to your bosses, the difference between working minimum and maximum security, why I come across as such a hardass and more. Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career! by Michael Cantrell Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired an...
Aug 14, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 60
Send us a text In this podcast, I sit down with Robert Greenwood. Robert has 35 years of experience working for the Michigan Department of Corrections in prison administration and community corrections. He has worked as a corrections officer, resident unit officer, transportation officer, trainer, cell block supervisor, captain, and deputy director of safety and security at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry. Always looking to learn more about all aspects of corrections, Robert also worked in co...
Jul 31, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 59
Send us a text A recent Facebook post was highlighting the fact a citizen brought in pizza for the inmates and staff...I could hardly believe the responses from citizens and staff. Be careful, I will probably hurt somebody's feelings with my commentary. There are so many things wrong with this scenario, from staff manipulation, to contraband introduction, to an attitude of"It's no big deal!" and "But, they deserve it, they were good." I take a very honest look at this through the eyes of a corre...
Jul 17, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 58
Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Trauma Counselor Lindsay Faas about trauma, PTSD, and whether or not there can be post-traumatic growth from trauma. I ran across this article - https://www.uwhealth.org/news/surprising-benefit-going-through-difficult-times The author talks about post-traumatic growth, as a benefit. The author also states that research has found that up to 70 percent of people experience positive psychological growth from difficult times. Lindsay was the first person I...
Jul 03, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 57
Send us a text In this episode, I talk with Associate Warden Arthur Fredericks. We talk about his long career in Corrections spanning three decades. He has worked at eleven institutions in six states and for five different agencies. I connected with him on LinkedIn after reading several of his posts on leadership, training, and taking care of your staff. His posts really resonated with me and I wanted to hear more about his personal views on corrections, staff, and leadership. He began his caree...
Jun 19, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Send us a text In this episode, I sit down and have a great conversation with William Young, host of Just Corrections on YouTube. He is also the author of two great books - When Home Becomes a Housing Unit and The Nothing That Never Happened . We talk about how corrections can be a surprisingly great and rewarding career. How it changes all of us, and how to recognize the changes within us. William is an advocate for helping staff deal with stress, PTSD, wellness, and staff suicide. Just Correct...
Jun 05, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Send us a text In this episode, I talk with JoAnn Mertens and her decades-long career with the Missouri Department of Corrections. JoAnn started her career in 1966 as a clerk and Correctional Matron and retired in 2000 as an Assistant Superintendent. She was the first female Correctional Officer for the MDOC, and made it through despite, being unwelcomed as a woman working in prison, sexual harassment from supervisors, to the regular challenges of working in a prison. She details stories from he...
May 22, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 54
