Best Gary Cantrell Podcasts (2024)

1
92: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: Thriving in Corrections 37:17

3h ago37:17

37:17

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…

1
91: Can We Talk?...About Mastering De-Escalation Techniques in Corrections 30:49

11d ago30:49

30:49

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 …

1
90: From Baseball Dreams to Correctional Teams - Interview w/Adam Dennis 55:46

27d ago55:46

55:46

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 ey…

1
89: New Perspectives, New Solutions: Insights from Missouri's Fall MCA/MPPOA Conference 1:13:11

1M ago1:13:11

1:13:11

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…

1
2024 MCA/MPPOA Fall Conference Live this Week! 7:36

1M ago7:36

7:36

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 r…

1
88: The Many Challenges of Today's Correctional Officer - Interview w/Gary York 51:02

2M ago51:02

51:02

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 promoti…

1
87: Debunking Myths and Unveiling Lies of Prison Life 37:58

2M ago37:58

37:58

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 ta…

1
86: The Complex World of Corrections: A Deep Dive with Dr. Mike Pittaro 55:21

3M ago55:21

55:21

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 Penn…

1
85: Best of The Prison Officer - Greatness Beyond the Badge - Interview w/Michael Laidler 1:01:04

3M ago1:01:04

1:01:04

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 gra…

1
84: The Role of Leadership in Preventing Misconduct in Correctional Facilities 28:28

4M ago28:28

28:28

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…

1
83: Insights and Advocacy with Union Executive Director William Doyle 53:43

4M ago53:43

53:43

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 init…

1
82: Legacies and Innovations in WV Corrections - Interview w/Commissioner William Marshall 55:49

5M ago55:49

55:49

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 t…

1
81: A Journey through Leadership, Training, and Corrections Challenges - Interview w/Joseph Gunja 1:22:42

5M ago1:22:42

1:22:42

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 adap…

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

5M ago23:00

23:00

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 th…

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

6M ago1:12:29

1:12:29

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…

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

7M ago1:05:38

1:05:38

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 grow…

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

7M ago45:40

45:40

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…

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

8M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

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…

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

8M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

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 challeng…

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

8M ago1:06:15

1:06:15

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 person…

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

9M ago49:56

49:56

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 w…

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

9M ago52:54

52:54

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 managing some of the most diffi…

1
71: Leadership and Professionalism in Correctional Tactical Teams 35:35

10M ago35:35

35:35

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 ba…

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

10M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

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 obt…

1
69: The Wardens - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 38:19

11M ago38:19

38:19

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 a…

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

11M ago55:17

55:17

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 event…

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

12M ago40:08

40:08

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 Fa…

1
66: Not all Inmates are Created Equal 29:05

1y ago29:05

29:05

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…

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

1y ago56:57

56:57

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 Colle…

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

1y ago53:15

53:15

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…

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

1y ago1:25:13

1:25:13

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 th…

1
62: Greatness Beyond the Badge - Interview w/Michael Laidler 1:01:04

1y ago1:01:04

1:01:04

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…

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

1y ago53:16

53:16

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…

1
60: Question and Answer Time with The Prison Officer - Michael Cantrell 40:37

1y ago40:37

40:37

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 From crowd control to cell …

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

1+ y ago1:14:10

1:14:10

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 …

1
58: The Little Things Do Matter and Why We Stand the Line 28:05

1+ y ago28:05

28:05

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 a…

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

1+ y ago47:57

47:57

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 …

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

1+ y ago52:16

52:16

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 post…

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

1+ y ago58:39

58:39

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 recog…

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

1+ y ago1:00:07

1:00:07

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 wom…

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

1+ y ago48:14

48:14

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 directly to staff safety…

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

1+ y ago46:46

46:46

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 how the training at Mounds…

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

1+ y ago7:17

7:17

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 Penatentiary, stop by The…

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

1+ y ago1:06:43

1:06:43

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 Assistant Director for R…

1
The Basics - Success in Corrections 26:37

1+ y ago26:37

26:37

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 a refresher sometimes. …

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

1+ y ago54:59

54:59

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 retired from the military …

1
The Basics - Cell Searches and Shakedowns 19:19

1+ y ago19:19

19:19

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...everyone needs a refresh…

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

1+ y ago1:07:31

1:07:31

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 phone and drone interdic…

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

1+ y ago16:59

16:59

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 should know, and every v…

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

1+ y ago44:25

44:25

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 how I hope we can affect …

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