The job doesn’t wait for your feelings to catch up. That’s why we unpack a clear, practical way to stay steady under pressure—using Stoicism as a daily tool for safer shifts, better decisions, and a healthier mind. We get honest about chaos on the unit, the pull to react fast, and how a few disciplined choices turn tension into control.

We break down the dichotomy of control for correctional work: you can’t dictate inmate choices, staffing levels, or last-minute OT, but you can own your tone, readiness, professionalism, and tactical patience. We explore emotional regulation without suppression, the real difference between responding and reacting, and how firm, fair, and consistent behavior lowers risk and builds trust. You’ll hear why cynicism grows behind the walls, how it erodes judgment, and the Stoic virtues—wisdom, courage, justice, temperance—that keep bitterness from becoming your baseline.

Leadership matters even more when the stakes climb. We look at humility versus ego, setting culture, keeping communication open, and using a Stoic pause before big decisions. We also tackle moral injury: enforcing policies you don’t support, witnessing violence, and carrying stories the public never sees. Stoicism helps separate what’s yours to control from what isn’t, so you can act with integrity inside your lane and protect your mental health over the long haul.

If you want tools you can use on the next shift—reflection prompts, de-escalation habits, and mindset resets—this conversation delivers a field-tested playbook. Listen, share it with a teammate, and tell us one thing you’ll choose to control today. If the show helps, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it on to a partner who needs the Stoic pause.

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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

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

Leadership in corrections doesn't come from a badge or title—it emerges from integrity, trust, and the willingness to shield your team during difficult times. Matthew Hyde, leadership strategist and author of "From Rookie to Rank," shares his remarkable journey from new correctional officer to CERT Commander without formal rank.

Matthew's story begins with an unexpected path into corrections after brief experiences in college and the National Guard. Within six months of starting at a county jail, he was selected as a Field Training Officer, discovering his natural talent for developing others. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Matthew discusses becoming the first non-ranking CERT Commander in his department's 25-year history. Rather than attempting to assert dominance over higher-ranking team members, he built trust by acknowledging their experience and seeking their input. "I established that when you walk into the CERT locker room, there is no rank—we're just positions," he explains, detailing how this approach eventually earned him respect across generational divides.

Perhaps most valuable are Matthew's insights on leading through organizational challenges. He candidly shares his experience protecting his team during difficult administrations, emphasizing that when leadership falters from above, frontline supervisors must continue shielding their staff. "You still got to lead. Your people depend on you," he insists, offering practical wisdom for navigating politics while maintaining operational excellence.

Whether you're aspiring to move up the ranks or seeking to improve your leadership effectiveness where you stand, this conversation delivers actionable strategies for building high-performance correctional teams. Matthew's journey demonstrates that in the challenging world of corrections, the most powerful leadership comes not from authorit

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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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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!

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

I saw a man once walk out of the Missouri State Penitentiary after three decades with a few dollars and no plan. I remember that moment—and this is why I am glad Missouri has set out to build something better. Come behind the scenes with us at the MCA/MPPOA fall conference for a candid tour of what’s actually working: “soft handoffs” between institutions and field teams, mental health continuity that doesn’t collapse on day one, and an immersive training academy built inside a retrofitted prison that turns rookies into capable, confident officers.

We sit down with probation and parole pros and they show how ORAS‑driven case plans tackle real barriers—transportation, IDs, phones, and family support—before release. Their ICTS success stories are honest and hard‑earned: late‑night ER advocacy, field pickups when groups are missed, and quiet graduations that mean someone’s eight months sober and off supervision for good.

Then we head to Cameron, where the Academy for Excellence in Corrections blends daily defensive tactics, cohort rotations, and hands‑on modules in a dedicated training unit filled with authentic property and safe contraband. It’s a modern cadence that builds muscle memory, policy fluency, and the kind of calm that keeps staff safer—and staying longer.

We also open the notebook on today’s threat landscape. A gang SME explains why hybrid gangs and flexible alliances now drive Missouri’s dynamics, why word choice can keep a conversation alive, and how intel shared through the Midwest Gang Investigators Association makes patrol, probation, and custody safer. From motorcycle club rivalries to cross‑agency networking, the theme is collaboration—because corrections holds long‑term insights that street partners need, and training only sticks when it’s tethered to the worksite.

If you care about reentry that lasts, training that works, and safety

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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

=======================

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!

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

Joshua Ryle brings over two decades of corrections experience to this deeply insightful conversation about the hidden psychological patterns that shape corrections culture. From his early days at the Tennessee Department of Corrections to his current role as a training sergeant, Ryle has observed firsthand how the corrections environment creates behavioral patterns that affect officers both professionally and personally.

At the heart of this episode is Ryle's new training program focused on workplace toxicity in corrections. He explains how officers spend their entire workday in a hypervigilant, fight-or-flight state that gradually transforms how they interact with everyone around them. This physiological reality leads to communication challenges, negative filtering, and self-sabotaging behaviors that follow officers home and contribute to concerning wellness statistics in the corrections profession.

What makes Ryle's approach unique is his focus on behavioral science and practical solutions. Rather than simply identifying problems, he provides clear strategies for shifting from self-criticism to self-reflection, improving communication despite technological limitations, and creating a culture where colleagues support rather than undermine each other. Ryle's program has gained such recognition that it's now being implemented nationwide through ARC Tactical.

Whether you work in corrections or are interested in workplace culture transformation, this episode provides valuable insights into how awareness and intentional behavior change can create healthier environments in even the most challenging professions. Connect with Josh at josh@arttechnet.com to learn more about bringing this training to your agency.

Josh's E-mail: josh@arctac.net

Josh's phone: 931-624-4444

ARC Tactical website: https://www.arctac.net/

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Support the show

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

=======================

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.com

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

What does it take to navigate the most dangerous prisons in America while maintaining both safety and humanity? Pete Bloodworth's extraordinary 35-year journey through corrections offers profound insights into this question.

From his early days as a Marine Corps sniper to becoming one of corrections' most influential tactical innovators, Bloodworth's story reveals how military discipline transformed his approach to prison management. "When you actually study the science behind it," he explains about his pioneering work with less-lethal tools, "it's not to say other methods are bad, it's to strengthen the things that are their weaknesses." This pragmatic philosophy guided his development of protocols that revolutionized how officers respond to violent situations throughout the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Bloodworth's most compelling lessons come from his time at USP Marion, where staff still carried the emotional weight of the murders of three colleagues. There, he learned that leadership means more than tactical expertise—it requires taking responsibility for everyone's safety. "When you're handling it as an officer, you're in the now," he reflects. "When you become the supervisor, the responsibility of being the leader really starts hitting because it's your responsibility to make sure everybody goes home safe."

Throughout our conversation, Bloodworth shares pivotal moments that shaped his understanding of corrections, from managing riots at FCI Phoenix to learning that security is just "one spoke on the wheel" of effective prison management. His later work in private corrections challenges common misconceptions, revealing how these facilities often employ veteran wardens with decades of experience across multiple systems.

Whether you're a corrections professional, considering the field, or simply interested in understanding what happens behind prison walls, this episode offers rare insight into the complex world of modern corrections. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with the professionals who've shaped American corrections.

Corrections Unfiltered on YouTube: / @correcti

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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

=======================

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!

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

What makes a truly effective correctional leader? In this thought-provoking episode, Michael Cantrell draws from decades of experience to unpack the three essential qualities officers desperately want from their supervisors: knowledge, willingness, and courage.

Correctional officers seek leaders who possess deep knowledge about policies, case law, and facility operations—creating a foundation of confidence and security. They need supervisors willing to step up during challenging situations and act as shields, protecting their teams from both unreasonable administrative demands and front-line dangers. Most critically, they require leaders with the courage to act decisively when faced with difficult circumstances.

Cantrell explores how successful correctional leaders maintain clear visions that extend beyond themselves, establishing high expectations that motivate their teams toward excellence. He examines how a leader's treatment of others—from subordinates to superiors to inmates—reveals their character and shapes the entire facility's culture.

The conversation delves into how effective leaders combat the pervasive discouragement that can infiltrate correctional work by highlighting purpose and meaning. Even when results aren't immediately visible, the work of maintaining public safety represents a vital contribution to society that leaders must continually reinforce.

Perhaps surprisingly, Cantrell emphasizes the crucial role of appropriate humor in correctional leadership. The ability to find joy amidst challenges creates resilience against the inherent stresses of the profession and builds stronger connections among team members.

Whether you're a seasoned correctional supervisor or aspiring to leadership, this episode provides valuable insights for building stronger, more effective teams in one of society's most challenging environments.

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Support the show

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

=======================

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!

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

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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Support the show

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

=======================

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.com

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

What if everything we thought we knew about training correctional officers was based on flawed assumptions? In this eye-opening conversation with Myles Cook, we explore how questioning basic training objectives can transform outcomes across corrections.

Miles brings 15 years of diverse experience spanning corrections, patrol, narcotics, investigations, and academy instruction to tackle one of our profession's most fundamental challenges - training that actually works. With a master's degree, military service, and recognition as one of the International Association of Police Chiefs' 40 Under 40 Award recipients, Myles understands both theory and practical application.

The conversation dives deep into how objective-based training has revolutionized physical fitness programs at his academy, resulting in remarkable 34-38% improvement rates across all fitness metrics. Rather than forcing everyone through identical workouts, their individualized approach ensures every recruit progresses at their optimal pace - creating not just fitter officers, but lifelong healthy habits.

We explore why corrections training often gets stuck in outdated patterns, from focusing on policy over actual ethics to teaching shooting techniques that don't match real-world needs. Myles challenges listeners to look beyond their field for solutions, whether that's learning from athletic coaches for fitness training or competitive shooters for firearms instruction.

Perhaps most valuable is Myles' framework for problem-solving: questioning assumptions, reframing problems, and finding innovative solutions by focusing on the true objective rather than apparent issues. His classic elevator example demonstrates how sometimes the real solution isn't making things faster, but making the experience better.

For any corrections professional who's sat through mandatory training, wonder

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Support the show

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

=======================

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.com

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