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
54: One Woman, Three Prisons - Interview w/JoAnn Mertens
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 …
53: Intelligence Techniques in our Jails and Prisons - Interview w/David Schilling
In this episode, David Schilling (from Episode 32) is back with his new book The Jail Intelligence Manual - How Jails can Implement Low-Cost or No-Cost Intelligence Practices. We talk …
52: The MOCK Prison Riot - Moundsville, WV - Uniquely Corrections
My second day at the MOCK Riot in Moundsville, WV. Corrections from all over the world have gathered from all over the world to be part of this one-of-a-kind opportunity! In this epis…
The MOCK Riot - Exihibator Set Up - On Location
What an oppurtunity to meet and talk with a great bunch of Correctional Professionals. For those of you that can't be here, I talk about the first day of set up with all the vendors an…
51: Re-Entry and Recidivisim - Interview w/Hugh Hurwitz
In this episode, I talk with Hugh Hurwitz about the many hats he wore in the Bureau of Prisons, as well as his thoughts on why we need Re-Entry and How the First Step Act is working. H…
The Basics - Success in Corrections
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.
Come listen…
50: Corrections in the Military - Interview w/Jeffrey Fewell
In this episode, I talk to Warden Jeffery Fewell about his career and his time as a Corrections Specialist in the Military. With terms like the Stockade or the Brig, most of us know mi…
The Basics - Cell Searches and Shakedowns
In this episode of The Basics, I am going to talk about the best practices for conducting good, productive shakedowns and cell seraches. Where to look, how to look, and what to look fo…
49: The Future of Technology in Corrections - Interview w/Todd Craig
In this episode, I visit with Todd Craig, a former Assistant Director, Warden, and Chief of the Office of Security Technology for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Now the National Securi…
The Basics - Get Hand's On!
In this episode of The Basics, I am going to talk about why it is so important that staff Get Hand's On! with our inmates. From hospital escorts to pat searches, to working segregation…
48: Dicussion of The Prison Rape Elimination Act - PREA
In this episode, I talk about a sometimes touchy subject. PREA - The Prison Rape Elimination Act. CONTAINS EXPLICIT CONTENT! I will discuss why and how PREA began, and how it has aff…
The Basics - Professional Appearance
In this episode, I talk about the controversial subject of Professional Appearance. How we present ourselves at work can affect how inmates look at us. I talk about my opinions on un…
47: Leading from the Front - Interview w/Paul Young
In today's episode, I sit down with Paul Young, a retired Major with the Missouri Department of Corrections. Paul, now 85, retired with 34 years working for the DOC and almost 40 years…
The Basics - Inmate Property
In this episode of The Basics, I talk about inmate property and why it is important to manage it. Inmate property when uncontrolled, can lead to poor sanitation, increased hard contrab…
46: Social Order of The Underworld - Interview w/David Skarbek
Today’s guest is David Skarbek, an Associate Professor of Political Science and Political Economy at Brown University. He is also the author of two books:
The Social Order of the Underw…
The Basics - Tray Slot Safety
In this episode of The Basics, I talk about the tray slot, cuff slot, bean hole, or whatever you call it, it is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous areas of your locked unit. How you…
45: Working Down Under in New South Wales Australia - Interview w/Domenic Pezzano
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 Corr…
The Basics - Security Checks
In this episode of The Basics, we talk about Security Checks. Fence checks, roof checks, building checks, and more.
Come listen as we talk about Correctional Basics every rookie should …
44: History of Missouri State Pen and the MDOC - Interview w/Mark Schrieber
Whenever you talk about the Missouri State Penitentiary, you can’t help but mention Mark Schreiber. He went to work for the Missouri Department of Corrections in the 1960s and has hel…
The Basics - Announcing The Basics - Counts
Running a podcast takes a lot of time. Running a good one takes even more...:-)
I have been asked a lot to provide more content but with my schedule as an Instructor, and editing, recor…