

The Prison Officer Podcast
Michael Cantrell
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 20, 2023 • 17min
The Basics - Get Hand's On!
Send us a textIn 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 veteran officer should already be doing...who knows...everyone needs a refresher sometimes. 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 CantrellPepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support 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/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml 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 Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

Mar 13, 2023 • 44min
48: Dicussion of The Prison Rape Elimination Act - PREA
Send us a textIn 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 our profession positively.Finding Your Purpose: Crafting a Personal Vision Statement to Guide your Life and Career! PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support 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/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml 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 Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

Mar 6, 2023 • 14min
The Basics - Professional Appearance
Send us a textIn 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 veteran officer should already be doing...who knows...everyone needs a refresher sometimes.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 CantrellPepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support 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/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml 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 Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

Feb 27, 2023 • 44min
47: Leading from the Front - Interview w/Paul Young
Send us a textIn 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 State Penitentiary in the 1960s & 70s to running bloodhounds on manhunts that made the national news, Paul's story is as interesting as it is varied.Missouri State Penitentiary (Images of America)Shanks to Shakers: Reflections of the Missouri State Penitentiary PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support 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/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml 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 Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

Feb 20, 2023 • 15min
The Basics - Inmate Property
Send us a textIn 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 doing...who knows...everyone needs a refresher sometimes.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 CantrellPepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support 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/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml 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 Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

Feb 13, 2023 • 1h 1min
46: Social Order of The Underworld - Interview w/David Skarbek
Send us a textToday’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 SystemThe Puzzle of Prison Order: Why Life Behind Bars Varies Around the WorldWhen many people outside the prison system think of prison gangs, they think of chaotic bands of violent, racist thugs. Few people think of gangs as sophisticated organizations (often with elaborate written constitutions) that regulate the social and economic life of the prison. Yet as David argues, gangs form to create order among outlaws, producing alternative governance institutions to facilitate their illegal activity. David studies the political economy of these gangs within our prisons globally and his works have appeared in both economics and political science journals. If you haven’t read them yet, his books are also a great reference for all correctional officers. PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support 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/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml 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 Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

Feb 6, 2023 • 17min
The Basics - Tray Slot Safety
Send us a textIn 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 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 Correctional Basics every rookie should know, and every veteran officer should already be doing...who knows...everyone needs a refresher sometimes.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 CantrellPepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support 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/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml 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 Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

Jan 30, 2023 • 1h 18min
45: Working Down Under in New South Wales Australia - Interview w/Domenic Pezzano
Send us a textIn 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 those just starting out. You can contact Domenic here Correctional Services / Prison Subject ExpertThe Prison Officer Podcast Job Guide: Information and Guidance to Start Your Career in Corrections PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support 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/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml 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 Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

Jan 23, 2023 • 17min
The Basics - Security Checks
Send us a textIn 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.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 CantrellPepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support 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/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml 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 Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!

Jan 16, 2023 • 1h 27min
44: History of Missouri State Pen and the MDOC - Interview w/Mark Schrieber
Send us a textWhenever 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 advocate for preserving the history of MSP and the Missouri Department of Corrections. He has written two books about the Penitentiary and Missouri Department of Corrections: "Somewhere in Time" (1991 and 2004) and "Shanks to Shakers" (2011). Historian, City Councilman, and one of my former bosses, it was a pleasure to interview Mark.Contact Mark msschrieber46@gmail.comShanks to Shakers: Reflections of the Missouri State PenitentiarySomewhere in Time (170 Years of Missouri Corrections) PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support 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/4mBeog5 See Michael's newest Children's Books here: www.CantrellWrites.com Support the show ======================= Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Buy Me a Cup of Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mikeml 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 Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerTake care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!