What if your first real job at 20—walking onto a men’s medium-security yard—became the foundation for a lifetime of leadership, policy savvy, and humanitarian impact? That’s Judi Simon Garrett’s story, and it upends a lot of what people think they know about prisons, “solitary,” and the people who run complex systems under pressure. Judi explains why training that centers presence, words, and posture mattered more than keys and cuffs, and how overtime on the toughest posts built credibility that no title could. Judi breaks down the myths around solitary confinement, reframing it as restrictive housing with services, checks, and human contact. The leap is from prison to a more controlled prison—not from a living room to a dark cell—and sometimes that move protects both staff and the individual. We talk about safety, suicide prevention, and the hard truth that a few people cannot safely live in groups. Then we pull back to language and policy: why lumping everyone in custody under one gentle label hides critical differences, how rehabilitation is a door people must choose to walk through, and why measuring systems only by recidivism misses the point. We also honor the Bureau of Prisons legacy—from Sanford Bates to modern growth—highlighting professional culture, continuity of leadership, and a mission that kept programs alive even as populations surged. Judi shares candid leadership lessons: humility over ego, influence over authority, context over commands. Finally, we pivot to her current work leading aid for Jewish communities in Ukraine, where logistics, transparency, and storytelling now deliver food, medicine, and care to tens of thousands. It’s a full-circle look at service: macro policy that keeps people safe and micro moments where one family gets the help they need. If this conversation challenged your assumptions or gave you a clearer view of corrections and leadership, share it with a friend, subscribe for more thoughtful episodes, and leave a review to help others find the show. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/judi-simon-garrett-24a2b4157/ Jewish Relief Network Ukraine - https://www.jrnu.org/ Send us Fan Mail PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.Command PresenceBringing prisons and jails the training they deserve!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.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 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/ThePrisonOfficer Contact me: mike@theprisonofficer.com Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences! #prisonofficerpodcast #leadership #podcast @theprisonofficerpodcast Contact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer Take care of each other and Be Safe behind those walls and fences!
