The Prison Officer Podcast Michael Cantrell

In this episode, I talk with Michael about his path from law enforcement/correctional officer to keynote speaker and author of Greatness Beyond the Badge.  We talk about the importance of self-awareness, reaching your potential, and taking the leap into greater things in your life.

Michael Laidler has worked in law enforcement for nearly two decades. He has served with distinction in numerous positions and leadership roles, from police officer, and border patrol agent to federal corrections. Michael’s dedication to service shines in all he does. He holds an MBA from Morehead State University, a BA from Florida State University, and is a Distinguished Toastmaster. Michael has transitioned his career into training and educating law enforcement officers and leaders nationwide. A highly sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator, Michael’s methods continue inspiring and developing officers and industry leaders to become better in every regard, especially personally. It is his goal to impart the necessary personal development skills for leaders to operate at full capacity in every situation.
You can find out more about Michael by visiting michaelalaidler.com or connecting with him on the Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube social media platforms under @michaellaidler. 
Greatness Beyond the Badge by Michael Laidler
Support the showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer

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

In this episode I talk with Dan M. Reynolds.  Dan is the author of several books about the Oklahoma State Pen, his experiences, and much more.  Dan M. Reynolds takes his subjects directly from more than 30 years of correctional experience.  Dan started as a case manager and would later take positions as classification auditor, administrative assistant, deputy warden, and finally as warden/administrator over several different prisons and departments.  In his books, he describes his first-hand experiences with Oklahoma state penitentiary rodeo, riots, and escapes.  

dan1reynolds@yahoo.com

Caged Wisdom: Learning to See Through the Bars
On the Other Side of the Bars: Lessons Learned as a Prison Warden/Administrator


What God Wants You To Know


Oklahoma Prison Riots 


Most Hilarious, Bizarre, and Unusual Correctional Stories Ever Told

History of the Oklahoma State Pen Rodeo


Support the showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer

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

In this episode, I go back through the e-mails and messages to The Prison Officer and answer those questions that I think can apply to everyone working in corrections.

I talk about lying to your bosses, the difference between working minimum and maximum security, why I come across as such a hard ass, and more.
Support the showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer

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

In this podcast, I sit down with Robert Greenwood.  Robert has 35 years of experience working for the Michigan Department of Corrections in prison administration and community corrections. He has worked as a corrections officer, resident unit officer, transportation officer, trainer, cell block supervisor, captain, and deputy director of safety and security at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry. Always looking to learn more about all aspects of corrections, Robert also worked in community corrections as a parole agent;  probation officer and retired as a Probation Manager over a large office in metro Detroit.

Robert was on the front lines of the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility riot in 1995 and was commended for his bravery.

Robert currently teaches in the criminal justice department at Madonna University in Michigan.

You can reach Robert at rgreenwood@madonna.edu



PepperBall From crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNI OMNI is cutting-edge software designed to track inmates and assets within your prison or jail. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer

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

A recent Facebook post was highlighting the fact a citizen brought in pizza for the inmates and staff...I could hardly believe the responses from citizens and staff.  Be careful, I will probably hurt somebody's feelings with my commentary.

There are so many things wrong with this scenario, from staff manipulation, to contraband introduction, to an attitude of"It's no big deal!" and "But, they deserve it, they were good."  I take a very honest look at this through the eyes of a correctional officer and highlight why this and inmate fund-raiders are a bad idea for staff and security.

I also have a few words about another post that said, "Rehabilitation is part of a Correctional Officers' job."
PepperBall From crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNI OMNI is cutting-edge software designed to track inmates and assets within your prison or jail. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer

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

In this episode, I talk with Trauma Counselor Lindsay Faas about trauma, PTSD, and whether or not there can be post-traumatic growth from trauma.  I ran across this article - https://www.uwhealth.org/news/surprising-benefit-going-through-difficult-times The author talks about post-traumatic growth, as a benefit. The author also states that research has found that up to 70 percent of people experience positive psychological growth from difficult times.    Lindsay was the first person I thought about when I wanted to have a conversation about whether or not growth can rise from trauma.

Lindsay Faas is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology.  Her clinical work focuses on trauma-related counseling and affiliated concerns including PTSD, complex trauma, and dissociative disorders.  She is the host of the Behind the Line podcast for First Responders & Front Line Workers and the creator of a resilience training program designed for frontline worker wellness.   

Behind the Line podcast with Lindsay Faas

Thrive Life Counseling and Wellness

To contact Lindsay support@thrive-life.ca




PepperBall From 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 showContact us: mike@theprisonofficer.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficer

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