Prison Officer Podcast

In this episode, I have invited Dr. Jaclyn Brandhorst as a guest.  She has been researching stress, employee assistance programs, and PTSD in a correctional setting.  She has been impacted herself by correctional stress because she grew up with it.  I know, because she is my daughter.After you listen to this episode, if you would like to contact Jaclyn, share your stories and help Jaclyn with her research, feel free to reach out to brandhorst@ucmo.eduThe Person You Mean to Be:  How Good People Fight Bias - Dolly ChughSend us Fan MailSupport the showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.comSupport the show=======================Support the mission and go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Behind the Wall, you will get exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, leadership discussions, and tools designed for correctional professionals who want to grow, lead, and perform at a higher level.👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ThePrisonOfficerContact me: mike@theprisonofficer.comTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcastContact us:  mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

In this episode, I want to talk to the rookies and the soon-to-be rookies out there.  You applied for the job, you’ve been through the academy, and now you are working in a housing unit as a Correctional Officer.  You look around and see a lot of other officers who seem comfortable in what they do, but how do you become a good Correctional Officer?  Start by being a good rookie.  I’m going to share what I feel are the four golden rules that will take you from being a rookie to being a solid correctional officer.Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career! by Michael CantrellKeys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer by Michael CantrellSend us Fan MailSupport the showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.comSupport the show=======================Support the mission and go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Behind the Wall, you will get exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, leadership discussions, and tools designed for correctional professionals who want to grow, lead, and perform at a higher level.👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ThePrisonOfficerContact me: mike@theprisonofficer.comTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcastContact us:  mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

In this episode, I want to talk about a taboo subject in Corrections.  Something that happens to everyone who works in Corrections in one form or another, yet it is rarely admitted or discussed openly.   Manipulation.  Staff manipulation comes in two forms, one is when inmates “get over” on the rules.  The other is when a staff member is corrupted by inmates to do the unthinkable.In this podcast we talk about why inmates manipulate us, how they manipulate us and how to stop themSend us Fan MailSupport the showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.comSupport the show=======================Support the mission and go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Behind the Wall, you will get exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, leadership discussions, and tools designed for correctional professionals who want to grow, lead, and perform at a higher level.👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ThePrisonOfficerContact me: mike@theprisonofficer.comTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcastContact us:  mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

One of the things I have learned working in prison is just how much leadership matters.  Whether it is the way you lead your team, your housing unit or just an inmate work detail.  Leadership matters.  What I was thinking about this week is how we as leaders handle our mistakes.  This is the first of many episodes where I will focus on Correctional Leadership.Calvin and Hobbes (Volume 1)Send us Fan MailSupport the showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.comSupport the show=======================Support the mission and go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Behind the Wall, you will get exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, leadership discussions, and tools designed for correctional professionals who want to grow, lead, and perform at a higher level.👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ThePrisonOfficerContact me: mike@theprisonofficer.comTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcastContact us:  mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

This episode I sit down and talk with a very special person who knows a lot about living with a Correctional Officer and the stress they bring home. My wife of more than 28 years, Kathryn.  Kathryn and I will talk about how corrections changed our social life, our children's life and our marriage.Send us Fan MailSupport the showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.comSupport the show=======================Support the mission and go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Behind the Wall, you will get exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, leadership discussions, and tools designed for correctional professionals who want to grow, lead, and perform at a higher level.👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ThePrisonOfficerContact me: mike@theprisonofficer.comTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcastContact us:  mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

An article came out this week on ESPN about UFC fighter Anthony Smith.  A UFC heavyweight, he is probably one of the most in-shape people you could meet.  That’s why his comments about fighting an intruder in his house are enlightening.  Smith described the fight as “terrifying” and “one of the toughest fights he has ever had.”  I will argue that it was not one of the toughest fights he has ever had, it was one of the toughest fight he was not mentally prepared for.  He has been in many fights.  What he had never experienced was “being attacked” by another human being.  Wrist Lock: The Martial Arts' Influence on Police Use of Force DocumentarySend us Fan MailSupport the showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.comSupport the show=======================Support the mission and go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Behind the Wall, you will get exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, leadership discussions, and tools designed for correctional professionals who want to grow, lead, and perform at a higher level.👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ThePrisonOfficerContact me: mike@theprisonofficer.comTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcastContact us:  mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

My personal journey in Corrections, and how it rewarded me and changed me.  From the ancient walls of Missouri State Penitentiary to the craziness of working a mental health ward at the Federal Medical Center in Springfield, MO.Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career! by Michael CantrellKeys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer by Michael CantrellSend us Fan MailSupport the showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.comSupport the show=======================Support the mission and go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Behind the Wall, you will get exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, leadership discussions, and tools designed for correctional professionals who want to grow, lead, and perform at a higher level.👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ThePrisonOfficerContact me: mike@theprisonofficer.comTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcastContact us:  mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

 Every career has an origin story — mine started almost by accident. In this first episode, I share how I stumbled into corrections, what kept me there for 30 years, and what you can expect from The Prison Officer Podcast. Whether you're brand new to the job or a seasoned veteran, this is where it all begins. Send us Fan MailSupport the showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.comSupport the show=======================Support the mission and go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Behind the Wall, you will get exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, leadership discussions, and tools designed for correctional professionals who want to grow, lead, and perform at a higher level.👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ThePrisonOfficerContact me: mike@theprisonofficer.comTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcastContact us:  mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

I know the podcast has been around a while, but Apple podcast wants a trailer....drop me a note and tell me what you think.Hello and welcome to The Prison Officer Podcast.  My name is Michael Cantrell and I spent over 28 years working in some of this country’s toughest prisons.  Most of you don’t know, but over 500,000 people work in jails, correctional centers, and prisons in the United States.  Those correctional workers walk into a manmade hell each day and face some of the toughest criminals and most violent mental health inmates the U.S. has to offer.  They spend eight or more hours a day forgotten by the society that depends on them.  There will be no hero’s welcome for the lives they save today.  There will be no fanfare or parades.  Instead, they will have feces thrown at them and they will wade through blood to prevent the next suicide or stabbing on their watch.  If they do their job right today, no one will know.  If they do it wrong, it will be front-page headlines tomorrow.  When the shift is over, they will be expected to drive home and act just like everyone else.  To forget the images of killing, rape, blood, and violence that rattle around in their mind.  To look at their wife and kids with love, and not let them know that evil does really exist.  The Prison Officer Podcast is my way to have a conversation about these officers and their resilience and leadership, their sense of duty, and their successes.Please join us at www.theprisonoofficer.comBe Safe out there!Send us Fan MailSupport the showAlso, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.comSupport the show=======================Support the mission and go deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Behind the Wall, you will get exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, leadership discussions, and tools designed for correctional professionals who want to grow, lead, and perform at a higher level.👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ThePrisonOfficerContact me: mike@theprisonofficer.comTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcastContact us:  mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!