The Prison Officer Podcast
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.
- Update frequency
- every 12 days
- Average duration
- 45 minutes
- Episodes
- 125
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
93: Leadership and Innovation in Correctional Training - Interview w/Michael Warren
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 Train…
92: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: Thriving in Corrections
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 …
91: Can We Talk?...About Mastering De-Escalation Techniques in Corrections
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 e…
90: From Baseball Dreams to Correctional Teams - Interview w/Adam Dennis
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 thr…
89: New Perspectives, New Solutions: Insights from Missouri's Fall MCA/MPPOA Conference
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 O…
2024 MCA/MPPOA Fall Conference Live this Week!
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 m…
88: The Many Challenges of Today's Correctional Officer - Interview w/Gary York
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 welcom…
87: Debunking Myths and Unveiling Lies of Prison Life
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 inm…
86: The Complex World of Corrections: A Deep Dive with Dr. Mike Pittaro
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 Pitt…
85: Best of The Prison Officer - Greatness Beyond the Badge - Interview w/Michael Laidler
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 do…
84: The Role of Leadership in Preventing Misconduct in Correctional Facilities
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. Thr…
83: Insights and Advocacy with Union Executive Director William Doyle
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 …
82: Legacies and Innovations in WV Corrections - Interview w/Commissioner William Marshall
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…
81: A Journey through Leadership, Training, and Corrections Challenges - Interview w/Joseph Gunja
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 …
80: Are You a Hunter or Are You Prey?
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 …
79: The Best of The Prison Officer - Strangeways - A Prison Officer's Story - Interview w/Neil "Sam" Samworth
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…
78: A Journey of Growth and Change in Prison Management - Interview w/Art Beeler
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 co…
77: Behind the Bars - Prayers & Executions - Interview w/Larry Peoples
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 vi…
76: Part 2 - Best of The Prison Officer - The Unseen Battles of Correctional Integrity - Interview w/Glen MacDonald
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 a…
75: Part 1 - Best of The Prison Officer - Doing What's Right, Even When it's Tough - Interview w/Glen MacDonald
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-kno…