Best Strangeway Podcasts (2024)

1
79: The Best of The Prison Officer - Strangeways - A Prison Officer's Story - Interview w/Neil "Sam" Samworth 1:12:29

18d ago1:12:29

1:12:29

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 hum…

1
80: Are You a Hunter or Are You Prey? 23:00

1d ago23:00

23:00

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 …

1
78: A Journey of Growth and Change in Prison Management - Interview w/Art Beeler 1:05:38

1M ago1:05:38

1:05:38

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 na…

1
77: Behind the Bars - Prayers & Executions - Interview w/Larry Peoples 45:40

2M ago45:40

45:40

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 th…

1
76: Part 2 - Best of The Prison Officer - The Unseen Battles of Correctional Integrity - Interview w/Glen MacDonald 1:01:17

2M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

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 persever…

1
75: Part 1 - Best of The Prison Officer - Doing What's Right, Even When it's Tough - Interview w/Glen MacDonald 1:00:07

2M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

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 wit…

1
74: Part 2 - When Stress Tries to Kill You - Interview with Bronner "Bama" Allen 1:06:15

3M ago1:06:15

1:06:15

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 vi…

1
73: Part 1 - All I Know is Corrections - Interview with Bronner "Bama" Allen 49:56

3M ago49:56

49:56

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 Correctio…

1
72: How to Manage Inmates with Mental Illness 52:54

4M ago52:54

52:54

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 managin…

1
71: Leadership and Professionalism in Correctional Tactical Teams 34:48

4M ago34:48

34:48

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 rol…

1
70: No Place Like Home - 40 Years in Corrections/Law Enforcement - Interview w/Keith Hellwig 1:00:39

5M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

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 rura…

1
69: The Wardens - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 37:32

5M ago37:32

37:32

Send us a Text Message. 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 loca…

1
68: Last Call at Missouri State Pen - Interview w/John Motel 55:17

6M ago55:17

55:17

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 Departm…

1
67: Leadership Works Best with Common Sense - Interview w/Percy Pitzer 40:08

6M ago40:08

40:08

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 al…

1
66: Not all Inmates are Created Equal 28:19

7M ago28:19

28:19

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 …

1
65: Criminal Justice Education & Corrections - Interview w/ Dr. John "Jay" Lawrie 56:57

7M ago56:57

56:57

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 …

1
64: The Toughest Job - Interview w/Gary York 53:15

8M ago53:15

53:15

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 Depart…

1
63: Missouri Correctional Association Fall Conference - Attendee Interviews 1:25:13

8M ago1:25:13

1:25:13

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 interview…

1
62: Greatness Beyond the Badge - Interview w/Michael Laidler 1:01:03

9M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

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 enforcemen…

1
61: Rodeos and Riots at The Oklahoma State Pen - Interview w/Dan M. Reynolds 53:16

9M ago53:16

53:16

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, …

1
60: Question and Answer Time with The Prison Officer - Michael Cantrell 40:36

9M ago40:36

40:36

Send us a Text Message. 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 hard ass, and more. PepperBall Fro…

1
59: The 1995 Harrison Correctional Facility Riot - Interview w/Robert Greenwood 1:14:10

10M ago1:14:10

1:14:10

Send us a Text Message. 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…

1
58: The Little Things Do Matter and Why We Stand the Line 27:18

10M ago27:18

27:18

Send us a Text Message. 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 contraba…

1
57: Can Growth Rise from Trauma? - Interview w/Lindsay Faas 47:57

11M ago47:57

47:57

Send us a Text Message. 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 al…

1
56: Lead, Trust and Care About your Staff - Interview w/Arthur Fredericks 52:16

11M ago52:16

52:16

Send us a Text Message. 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…

1
55: When Home Becomes a Housing Unit - Interview w/William Young 58:39

12M ago58:39

58:39

Send us a Text Message. 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…

1
54: One Woman, Three Prisons - Interview w/JoAnn Mertens 1:00:07

1y ago1:00:07

1:00:07

Send us a Text Message. 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, b…

1
53: Intelligence Techniques in our Jails and Prisons - Interview w/David Schilling 48:14

1y ago48:14

48:14

Send us a Text Message. 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 about the role of an investigator, sources of intelligence in jail, how to work better with local law enforcement, and how this all ties back …

1
52: The MOCK Prison Riot - Moundsville, WV - Uniquely Corrections 46:46

1y ago46:46

46:46

Send us a Text Message. My second day at the MOCK Riot in Moundsville, WV. Corrections from all over the world has gathered from all over the world to be part of this one of a kind oppurtunity! In this episode, I interview participants, vendors and staff from the MOCK Riot and hear about why it is so special, the importance of good training, and ho…

1
The MOCK Riot - Exihibator Set Up - On Location 7:17

1y ago7:17

7:17

Send us a Text Message. 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 and describe a little about why the MOCK Riot is so important for Corrections. If you are at the MOCK Riot at The decommissioned West Virginia P…

1
51: Re-Entry and Recidivisim - Interview w/Hugh Hurwitz 1:06:43

1y ago1:06:43

1:06:43

Send us a Text Message. 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. Hugh Hurwitz held multiple positions with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, including Acting Director, Assistant Director for Administration, and …

1
The Basics - Success in Corrections 25:51

1y ago25:51

25:51

Send us a Text Message. 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 as we talk about Correctional Basics every rookie should know, and every veteran officer should already be doing...who knows...everyone needs…

1
50: Corrections in the Military - Interview w/Jeffrey Fewell 54:59

1y ago54:59

54:59

Send us a Text Message. 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 military prison from the movies. Today’s guest spent his first 20 years in the ARMY working in Military Corrections. Jeffery Fewell has since re…

1
The Basics - Cell Searches and Shakedowns 19:19

1y ago19:19

19:19

Send us a Text Message. 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 for. Come listen as we talk about Correctional Basics every rookie should know, and every veteran officer should already be doing...who knows...…

1
49: The Future of Technology in Corrections - Interview w/Todd Craig 1:07:31

1y ago1:07:31

1:07:31

Send us a Text Message. 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 Security Director for Smart Communications, he is also considered a Correctional Contraband Interdiction Subject Matter Expert specializing in cell …

1
The Basics - Get Hand's On! 16:59

1y ago16:59

16:59

Send us a Text Message. 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, Hand's On is the most important thing you can do for staff and inmate safety. Come listen as we talk about Correctional Basics every rookie …

1
48: Dicussion of The Prison Rape Elimination Act - PREA 44:25

1y ago44:25

44:25

Send us a Text Message. 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 affected our prisons and jails. In the second part of this episode, I share with you the new Vision Statement for The Prison Officer Podcast, and h…

1
The Basics - Professional Appearance 13:31

1y ago13:31

13:31

Send us a Text Message. 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 uniforms, hair and beard length, perfumes at work, and more. Come listen as we talk about Correctional Basics every rookie should know, and every …

1
47: Leading from the Front - Interview w/Paul Young 43:47

1y ago43:47

43:47

Send us a Text Message. 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 in Law Enforcement in total. Although Paul saw many changes during his career, he was able to adapt and thrive. From working at Missouri Stat…

1
The Basics - Inmate Property 14:33

1+ y ago14:33

14:33

Send us a Text Message. 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 contraband, and even escape. Come listen as we talk about Correctional Basics every rookie should know, and every veteran officer should already be d…

1
46: Social Order of The Underworld - Interview w/David Skarbek 1:01:18

1+ y ago1:01:18

1:01:18

Send us a Text Message. 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 Underworld: How Prison Gangs Govern the American Penal System The Puzzle of Prison Order: Why Life Behind Bars Varies Around the World When many pe…

1
The Basics - Tray Slot Safety 16:56

1+ y ago16:56

16:56

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of The Basics, I talk about the tray slot, cuff slot, bean hole, whatever you call it, it is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous areas of your locked unit. How you approach and handle your interactions at the tray slot could be the difference between injury and going home safe. Come listen as we talk about …

1
45: Working Down Under in New South Wales Australia - Interview w/Domenic Pezzano 1:17:59

1+ y ago1:17:59

1:17:59

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 tho…

1
The Basics - Security Checks 16:37

1+ y ago16:37

16:37

Send us a Text Message. 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 know, and every veteran officer should already be doing...who knows...everyone needs a refresher sometimes. The Prison Officer Podcast Job Gu…

1
44: History of Missouri State Pen and the MDOC - Interview w/Mark Schrieber 1:27:09

1+ y ago1:27:09

1:27:09

Send us a Text Message. 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 held many positions, starting as an officer, he ended his career as Assistant Warden of the Missouri State Penitentiary. He has always been an adv…

1
The Basics - Announcing The Basics - Counts 19:48

1+ y ago19:48

19:48

Send us a Text Message. 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, recording, and scheduling guests, I just haven't had much time. There has been a lot of interest from schools, academies, and agencies that really…

1
43: Finding Purpose and Value in Your Work - Interview w/Anthony Gangi 1:04:14

1+ y ago1:04:14

1:04:14

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I talk with Anthony Gangi, an author, speaker, and the Host of Tier Talk, a long-running podcast about Corrections and the challenges staff face every day. Anthony and I talk about why finding your purpose at work matters, especially when you work in Corrections. Also, welcome PepperBall! Our newest sponsor …

1
A Holiday Message for Those Working Inside - 2022 9:15

1+ y ago9:15

9:15

Send us a Text Message. Just a quick episode to thank all of you working the holidays! What you do matters and I appreciate it! Also I read A CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS CHRISTMAS just for some lighthearted fun. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and have a safe shift! A Correctional Officer's Christmas Christmas Music - Jingle Bells Intro - Thanks to Scott…

1
42: There is a Place in Corrections for Compassion - Interview w/Brian O'Connell 1:13:08

1+ y ago1:13:08

1:13:08

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I talk with Brian O'Connell, a retired Warden with the Missouri Department of Corrections. Growing up with two Grandfathers who worked for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, he knew he wanted to work in Corrections early on. We talk about some BOP and family history, his career path to Warden in the Missouri Dep…

1
41: Leadership - Why You Need a Personal Vision Statement 45:31

1+ y ago45:31

45:31

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, I talk about how I developed my own Personal Vision Statement and why you need one. Much like an agency or company's Vision Statement, a Personal Vision Statement can give you focus, direction, and purpose, and help you reach the goals you have for your life and career. I also talk about my 3 Truths of Leade…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Strangeway Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide