The Prison Officer Podcast

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110: The Silent Service: Finding Purpose in a Life of Sacrifice - Interview w/LTC Dave Grossman

Aug 18, 2025

Guest

Dave Grossman

Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman, a veteran expert on violence and trauma, passionately discusses the vital role of correctional officers as society's 'sheepdogs.' He shares techniques to combat PTSD, emphasizing controlled breathing and cognitive behavioral strategies. Interestingly, he reveals how sleep deprivation intensifies mental health risks for these professionals and offers practical sleep hygiene tips. Grossman inspires resilience among officers, highlighting their essential duty in balancing safety and second chances in a demanding environment.

01:07:12

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INSIGHT

Corrections As Silent Public Service

Corrections officers provide public service by protecting the community and offering second chances to offenders.
Dave Grossman frames them as 'sheepdogs' who live a life of quiet sacrifice for social good.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

From Fighting Bullies To Studying Combat

Dave describes growing up fighting bullies and training martial arts to protect others.
That childhood drive to confront bullies led him into the military and research on combat psychology.

volunteer_activism

ADVICE

Breathe And Drink To Reset During Trauma

Use controlled breathing to pull yourself from fight-or-flight into rest-and-digest during re-experiencing.
Carry a water bottle and take a big swig when emotions spike to interrupt the sympathetic response.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

The Hunter's Mindset in Corrections

02:12 • 19min

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Navigating PTSD in Corrections

21:29 • 17min

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The Impact of Sleep on Mental Health in Corrections

38:13 • 17min

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The Importance of Sleep Hygiene for Health and Safety

55:11 • 4min

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Enhancing Sleep Quality for Better Performance

59:20 • 2min

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Embracing Sacrifice: Hope and Resilience in Law Enforcement

01:01:19 • 4min

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Closing Thoughts and Essential Tools for Correctional Professionals

Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer

Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer

Michael Cantrell

POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond

Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

On Combat

The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace

Dave Grossman

Loren W. Christensen

On Combat delves into the psychological and physiological impacts of deadly battle on the human body, affecting the nervous system, heart, breathing, visual and auditory perception, and memory. The book, written by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and Loren W. Christensen, provides combat coping strategies, discusses the prevention and management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and emphasizes the importance of post-combat debriefing for healing. It also explores historical perspectives on combat, the evolution of combat tactics, and the psychological leverage that enables humans to engage in deadly conflict. The authors draw on extensive research and anecdotes from combat veterans to offer practical advice on surviving and recovering from combat experiences.

#3678

• Mentioned in 8 episodes

On Killing

The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society

Dave Grossman

Lt Grossman

In 'On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society,' Lt. Col. Dave Grossman explores the psychology of the act of killing and its implications on soldiers and society. The book is based on S.L. A. Marshall's studies from World War II, which revealed that most soldiers do not fire their weapons due to an innate resistance to killing. Grossman details how military training has evolved to overcome this resistance, resulting in significantly higher firing rates in subsequent wars. He also discusses the psychological costs of killing, including post-traumatic stress, and raises questions about the impact of escalating violence in society. The book has been widely acclaimed and is on the U.S. Marine Corps' Commandant’s Required Reading List and required reading at the FBI Academy.

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Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman brings decades of expertise to this powerful conversation about the psychology of violence, trauma response, and the vital role corrections professionals play in society.

Drawing from his groundbreaking research that shaped books like "On Combat" and "On Killing," Grossman frames correctional officers as society's essential "sheepdogs" – those who willingly face danger so others don't have to. "They are truly God's agent to do good in this world," he reflects, highlighting how corrections work balances public safety with offering second chances at redemption.

The discussion delves deep into practical tools for managing the unique psychological challenges of corrections work. From techniques to prevent PTSD (like controlled breathing exercises and using water as an emotional "reset button") to cognitive behavioral strategies for managing stress reactions, Grossman offers actionable insights born from his extensive research. He emphasizes the importance of self-control: "Nobody ever respects our temper tantrum; they respect our calm."

Most surprising is Grossman's compelling research on sleep deprivation, revealing how inadequate sleep dramatically increases risks for PTSD, depression, and suicide – crucial information for those working overtime and irregular shifts. His practical sleep hygiene recommendations aren't merely for comfort but potentially life-saving interventions for professionals regularly exposed to trauma.

Throughout the conversation runs a thread of purpose and meaning. "Sometimes the greatest love is not to sacrifice your life but to live a life of sacrifice," Grossman notes, validating the profound impact of daily corrections work that often goes unrecognized by society. Whether preventing crime, facilitating rehabilitation, or protecting communities, corrections professionals provide an essential s

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Also, check out Michael's newest book - POWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and Beyond https://amzn.to/4mBeog5

See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com

Support the show

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Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer https://amzn.to/4g0mSLw

Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide Your Life and Career https://amzn.to/3HV4dUG

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Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

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