Shows
The Prison Officer Podcast105: Keeping Your Cell Extraction from Going Viral on YouTube - Interview w/Tim FasnachtSend us a textThe shocking disparity between training requirements—four weeks to become a correctional officer versus sixteen weeks to become a hairdresser in Washington State—highlights a systemic problem in how we prepare staff to handle some of society's most challenging individuals. Fosnott describes his earliest experiences, including being thrown into supervising inmates during a power outage with zero training, and how these moments shaped his understanding of corrections as a profession requiring specialized skills and knowledge.As founder of ARC Tactical (Automatic Response Concepts) and director of training with Safe Restraints Inc., Fasn...2025-05-051h 08The Prison Officer Podcast104: Recent Training Spotlight - and A Special Announcement by Michael CantrellSend us a textMichael Cantrell returns with a passionate exploration of the evolving corrections landscape, sharing significant professional milestones while introducing his upcoming new book, "Power Skills: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, Public Service, and Beyond."The episode begins with exciting news about Cantrell's appointment to the Advisory Board on Corrections for the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA). This significant development represents a deliberate effort to bring corrections expertise into an organization that has traditionally focused on law enforcement training. Through panel discussions and networking at the ILEETA...2025-04-2136 minThe Prison Officer Podcast103: The Human Stories of Military Justice and Rehabilitation - Interview w/James CummingsSend us a textFrom the corridors of military prisons to the unique challenges of civilian life, our guest Jimmy Cummings shares an extraordinary journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. A retired Marine with a commanding presence in military corrections, Jimmy opens up about his early struggles in Scranton, Pennsylvania, that led him to the Marines, meeting his wife in Okinawa, and the trials of transitioning back to civilian life—only to find his way back to the Corps. His insights offer a rare glimpse into a world of discipline, camaraderie, and the often-overlooked aspects of mi...2025-04-061h 09The Prison Officer Podcast102: Leadership Strategies and Fostering a Culture of Integrity - Interview w/Chris McConnellSend us a textFrom military operations in the Gulf to the corridors of correctional facilities, Chris McConnell's journey is a narrative of resilience and leadership. Growing up in a law enforcement family in Pennsylvania, Chris was destined for a life of service. After serving as an airborne infantryman in Operation Desert Shield Storm, he transitioned into a civilian role, first as a municipal police officer and later embarking on a remarkable 30-year career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Chris's story is a testament to personal growth and adaptability and an enlightening guide to the diverse...2025-03-2458 minThe Prison Officer Podcast101: Transforming Prisons: Innovation and Rehabilitation in Belize - Interview w/Dr. Jarrod SadulskiSend us a textDiscover the transformative world of Central American prisons with Dr. Jarrod Sadulski, whose journey from the Coast Guard to criminology and federal law enforcement has led him to the heart of prison reform in Belize. As we navigate through his insights, you'll uncover the stark realities and surprising successes within the Belize Central Prison, a place where innovation in rehabilitation starkly contrasts with the turmoil often seen in neighboring countries' facilities. This episode promises an eye-opening look at how effective management and minimal resources are reshaping the lives of inmates through coexistence and...2025-03-1053 minThe Prison Officer Podcast100: Discover the Secrets of Human Behavior - Interview w/Greg Williams & Brian MarrenSend us a textDiscover the secrets of human behavior in high-stress environments with our special guests, Greg Williams and Brian Marren from Arcadia Congerati. These experts, known for their work in developing the Marine Corps' Combat Hunter program, join us to celebrate the 100th episode of the Prison Officer Podcast. They offer unique insights into the parallels between correctional facilities, law enforcement, and combat zones, emphasizing the critical role of situational awareness and behavioral pattern recognition to enhance the safety and effectiveness of correctional officers.Listen as we uncover the fascinating dynamics within prisons...2025-02-241h 22
First Response with PepperBall CEO Bob PlaschkeEpisode 10: Scott Rose, Sheriff of Dodge County, Minnesota and the host and producer of the Officer Down Memorial Podcast.Join Bob Plaschke, CEO of PepperBall, in First Response, a podcast dedicated to diving deep into the lives and challenges of emergency responders. In Episode 10, Bob speaks with Scott Rose, Sheriff of Dodge County, Minnesota and the host and producer of the Officer Down Memorial Podcast.Sheriff Rose is a 20+ year law enforcement veteran from Minnesota who’s worked in patrol, warrants, investigations, and administration during his career. He is on the board of directors for the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association and the Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation of SE Minnesota. The Officer Down Memorial Podcast episodes ar...2025-02-2138 minThe Prison Officer Podcast99: Honoring a Legacy in Corrections - Interview w/Conor FredericksSend us a textJoin us for an insightful conversation with Connor Fredericks, a South Carolina Department of Corrections CERT Commander. In our exploration of corrections, we focus on the unique challenges correctional officers face, particularly those in CERT positions. Connor's career shift from night shift police work to corrections presents a compelling narrative about adaptability and the value of strategic decision-making. Our discussion sheds light on the impact of strong leadership and the analytical demands of intelligence work, giving listeners a glimpse into Connor's multifaceted career.Conor also talks about recently being assaulted and...2025-02-101h 05The Prison Officer Podcast98: Transforming County Jails: Leadership, Innovation, and Second Chances - Interview w/Justin HallSend us a textEver wondered what it takes to manage a county jail? Join me, Michael Cantrell, as I sit down with Justin Hall, the elected jailer from Nelson County, Kentucky, who has spent nearly two decades in the corrections field. We'll uncover how he navigated his way from the Hardin County Detention Center to overseeing operations in his hometown. Learn about innovative technologies like biometric sensors that help monitor inmate health and the relentless battle against contraband. Justin and I also examine Kentucky's unique law enforcement structure, where jailers and sheriffs operate independently, a system...2025-01-271h 05The Prison Officer Podcast97: Guard: Duty, Sacrifice, and Leadership - Interview w/Phillip W ParkerSend us a textPhilip W. Parker, former warden of Kentucky State Penitentiary, joins us to share his remarkable story from rural Kentucky roots to overseeing maximum-security operations. Listen as Philip recounts his unique career trajectory, beginning with a chance encounter while teaching karate that led him to the world of corrections. As we walk through the corridors of history with Philip, we explore the evolution of terminology in the corrections field. The shift from being called a "guard" to "correctional officer" marked an era of transformation aimed at recognizing the professionalism and humanity in the role. 2025-01-131h 27
First Response with PepperBall CEO Bob PlaschkeEpisode 9: Chief Patrick Patton, Kenosha, WI Police DepartmentJoin Bob Plaschke, CEO of PepperBall, in First Response, a podcast dedicated to diving deep into the lives and challenges of emergency responders. In Episode 9, Bob speaks with Chief Patrick Patton of the Kenosha, WI, Police Department.Chief Patton entered law enforcement after serving in the United States Marine Corps.He began his career with the City of Kenosha Police Department. From 2006-2022, he held several positions on the department such as Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. He also served as a firearms instructor, SWAT, Field Training Officer and founded the Kenosha Police Department Civil Disturbance R...2025-01-0238 minThe Prison Officer Podcast96: Best of the Prison Officer - The Basics - Success in CorrectionsSend us a textIn this episode of the basics, I talk about what it takes to have Success in Corrections. The Basic, common sense attributes and work habits of a good correctional officer. Listen as I talk about Correctional Basics every rookie should know, and every veteran officer should already be doing...who knows...everyone needs a refresher sometimes.Keys to Your New Career: Information and Guidance to Get Hired and Be Successful as a Correctional or Detention Officer by Michael Cantrell PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system i...2024-12-3025 minThe Prison Officer Podcast95: Reflections on Correctional Leadership and Growth: A Year in Review - 2024Send us a textUnlock the secrets of successful correctional leadership as we recap an incredible year for the Prison Officer Podcast. We've reached new heights by launching on YouTube, and growing our audience worldwide. I tackle pressing issues like staffing challenges, emphasizing the crucial role of a positive workplace culture that prioritizes safety, leadership, and growth. By fostering an environment of trust and teamwork, leaders can unlock potential and drive innovation within their teams.As we reflect on a year of growth and connection, our gratitude for your support knows no bounds. The holiday s...2024-12-1635 min
First Response with PepperBall CEO Bob PlaschkeEpisode 8: Chief Lance Arnold, Weatherford, Texas Police DepartmentJoin Bob Plaschke, CEO of PepperBall, in First Response, a podcast dedicated to diving deep into the lives and challenges of emergency responders. In Episode 8, Bob speaks with Chief Lance Arnold of the Weatherford, TX Police Department.Since June 2017, Arnold served as the Chief of Police for the Weatherford Police Department, a suburb of Fort Worth, Texas. While serving as Police Chief, he has also served the citizens of Weatherford as the Director of Public Safety and Assistant City Manager. Prior to his time in Weatherford, Arnold served for 20 years with the Norman Police Department in Oklahoma...2024-12-1245 min
Babbles NonsenseEmpowering Women with Less Lethal Security with Luke McLaughlin#155: Could a pepperball launcher be the key to self-defense without fatal consequences? Join us as we uncover the world of non-lethal self-defense options with Luke McLaughlin, the visionary owner and CEO of Less Lethal Security. Luke's transition from construction to the realm of personal safety technology is both intriguing and inspiring. His collaboration with Byrna Technologies has led to the empowering women by offering effective defense without the lethal risks associated with firearms.My conversation with Luke delves into the pressing issue of personal safety, particularly for women facing the challenges of living in today's society. We e...2024-12-101h 01The Prison Officer Podcast94: Exploring the Path of an Investigative Agent - Interview w/Steve HansenSend us a textFormer special investigative agent Steve Hansen joins us to shed light on a career filled with intense experiences and unique insights into the world of federal corrections. From his humble beginnings in a small Iowa town to navigating the complexities of federal prisons, Steve's story is one of dedication and resilience. Steve's career journey is nothing short of remarkable, marked by significant events like the volatile "Crack Law Riots" at Greenville. Discover the challenges he encountered while managing federal medical centers dealing with mental health issues among inmates, and the intricacies o...2024-12-0254 minFirst Response with PepperBall CEO Bob PlaschkeEpisode 7: Chief Kevin Denney, Grand Island, NE Police DepartmentJoin Bob Plaschke, CEO of PepperBall, in First Response, a podcast dedicated to diving deep into the lives and challenges of emergency responders. In Episode 7, Bob speaks with Chief Kevin Denny of the Channel Islands Nebraska Police Department. Chief Denny runs an approximately 100 sworn officer agency and articulates the challenges Police Chiefs face in recruiting and training officers. He explores the hurdles to ensuring he and their officers connect with the public to rebuild the trust/relationship that has been lost in the last years. Chief Denny also talks about how to make our schools safer and in...2024-11-2734 minThe Prison Officer Podcast93: Leadership and Innovation in Correctional Training - Interview w/Michael WarrenSend us a textInspired by his grandfather, Michael Warren's foray into law enforcement was destined from the start, rooted in a rich family tradition of public service. Michael, the Director of Training for Command Presence and host of the Faces of Leadership podcast, joins us to share his unique journey. Michael brings a treasure trove of experiences that illuminate the passion and tradition that have shaped his career. His anecdotes offer a captivating window into the unpredictable, yet rewarding world of law enforcement.Training and development take center stage as Michael shares his insights o...2024-11-181h 07The Prison Officer Podcast92: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: Thriving in CorrectionsSend us a textWhat if I told you that the toughest challenges in the corrections field could turn into your greatest opportunities for growth? I explore my journey through the demanding landscape of corrections and shed light on a world that requires incredible resilience and determination. A recent e-mail from a correctional officer grappling with the aftermath of a workplace riot sets the stage for a broader discussion on the vital role of a supportive work culture. I highlight passion, culture, expectations, and leadership as the keys to longevity in this career.Need help...2024-11-0437 minThe Prison Officer Podcast91: Can We Talk?...About Mastering De-Escalation Techniques in CorrectionsSend us a textWhat if the key to managing conflicts in corrections is as simple as mastering the art of listening? Join us as we examine the evolution of de-escalation techniques, starting from the era of "verbal judo" to contemporary methods centered on active listening and emotional regulation. You'll learn why truly hearing and understanding the other person can be transformative, not just in corrections but also in law enforcement, nursing, and dispatch roles. We underscore the critical role of listening in managing tensions and preventing conflicts.Have you ever wondered if less-lethal and...2024-10-2130 minThe Prison Officer Podcast90: From Baseball Dreams to Correctional Teams - Interview w/Adam DennisSend us a textMeet Adam Dennis, a 28-year law enforcement/corrections veteran, who shares his early days, influenced by his father's advice and his brother's positive experiences, as he navigates through a career filled with challenges and unexpected culture shocks. From playing college baseball to earning a criminology degree, Adam's journey is inspiring and eye-opening.Adam helps uncover the inner workings of specialized correctional teams, as he delves into the importance of units like CERT and HNT teams. He emphasizes the camaraderie, accountability, and professionalism that these roles demand, along with the leadership qualities...2024-10-0755 minThe Prison Officer Podcast89: New Perspectives, New Solutions: Insights from Missouri's Fall MCA/MPPOA ConferenceSend us a textJoin us live from the Missouri Correctional Association and Missouri Probation and Parole Officers Association fall conference at the stunning Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake of the Ozarks. Learn about suicide prevention from the critical support provided by the 988 national suicide hotline. Hear inspiring conversations with Major Ognenovski from the Chillicothe Correctional Center about managing a female correctional facility, and the innovative developments at St. Charles County’s correctional facility with Director Dan Keen. Learn about the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation with CPO Field Representative - Wayne Bowdry.I also...2024-09-271h 13First Response with PepperBall CEO Bob PlaschkeEpisode 6: Robert Stewart, Director - Policing with Our CommunityJoin Bob Plaschke, CEO of PepperBall, in First Response, a podcast dedicated to diving deep into the lives and challenges of emergency responders. In Episode 6, Bob Stewart, a seasoned law enforcement executive with over 50 years of experience, discusses the evolution of policing, community engagement, and police accountability. Stewart's rich career spans leadership roles across various police departments and his insights into operationalizing community efforts, rethinking patrol structures, and addressing modern challenges in policing provide valuable lessons for today’s public safety leaders. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the issues shaping public safety in America today. 2024-09-2543 minThe Prison Officer Podcast2024 MCA/MPPOA Fall Conference Live this Week!Send us a textJoin me on this week's Prison Officer Podcast as I bring you an exclusive update from the Missouri Correctional Association and the MPPOA conference. You'll also get a sneak peek into my classes on "Essentials in Correctional Excellence" and "Leading Without Rank," where I’ll share practical leadership strategies at all levels, regardless of your rank. PepperBallFrom crowd control to cell extractions, the PepperBall system is the safe, non-lethal option.OMNIOMNI is cutting-edge software designed to track inmates and assets within your prison or jail. 2024-09-2307 minThe Prison Officer Podcast88: The Many Challenges of Today's Correctional Officer - Interview w/Gary YorkSend us a textHow do simple gestures elevate officer morale in an understaffed environment? What happens when political decisions compromise the safety of correctional officers? Join us as we welcome back Gary York, a veteran corrections professional and renowned author. We'll explore the necessity of supportive supervision and the detrimental effects of promoting inexperienced leaders due to staff shortages. Gary offers insights into the complexities of correctional work and the critical need for experienced leadership to maintain order and safety. We also dive into the adverse impact of political interference, such as the restriction of essential sa...2024-09-0951 minThe Prison Officer Podcast87: Debunking Myths and Unveiling Lies of Prison LifeSend us a textEver wondered how much of what you've heard about prison life is actually true? Mike Cantrell pulls back the curtain on the misconceptions that society holds about prisons and their inmates. Through a personal recount of a misguided community meeting, he reveals how families are often manipulated by prisoners who exaggerate their hardships. From tales of inadequate food and clothing to the emotional tug-of-war for financial support, Mike sets the record straight on the stark differences between low-security camps and higher-security prisons.The darker side of prison life is fraught with...2024-08-2637 minThe Prison Officer Podcast86: The Complex World of Corrections: A Deep Dive with Dr. Mike PittaroSend us a textWhat drives someone to dedicate their life to understanding inmate behavior and educating future criminal justice professionals? Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Mike Pittaro, associate professor of criminal justice at the American Military University and Director of Corrections for Northampton County Department of Corrections in Pennsylvania. Dr. Pittaro shares the crucial need for mental health training for correctional officers, who frequently face high rates of depression and anxiety, and underscores the importance of dedicated psychiatric facilities. This segment promises to equip future corrections professionals with a realistic and comprehensive understanding o...2024-08-1255 minThe Prison Officer Podcast85: Best of The Prison Officer - Greatness Beyond the Badge - Interview w/Michael LaidlerSend us a textHave you ever wondered what it takes to transition from a Border Patrol agent to a federal corrections officer, all while becoming a renowned public speaker and author? Today, we sit down with Michael Laidler, whose journey in law enforcement began at just nine years old, inspired by the O.J. Simpson case. Raised in Miami by a single mother and grandmother, Michael's dedication to criminal justice saw him excel in various roles, from handling a Belgian Malinois as a canine agent to navigating the challenges of a high-security federal penitentiary. His story...2024-07-291h 01First Response with PepperBall CEO Bob PlaschkeEpisode 4: Adam GardnerAdam Gardner is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 15 years of experience. Currently, he serves as a Police Corporal in the Professional Standards Division of the City of Leander, Texas. His responsibilities include training and developing both new recruits and seasoned officers, as well as conducting internal affairs investigations.Adam holds numerous specialized certifications, including TCOLE Firearms Instructor, Less Lethal Impact Munitions Instructor, Pepperball Instructor, AR-15 Armorer, and Glock Armorer. He is also certified as a Force Science Analyst and has completed advanced courses in internal affairs through the Texas Police Chiefs Association and FBI-LEEDA.2024-07-1826 minThe Prison Officer Podcast84: The Role of Leadership in Preventing Misconduct in Correctional FacilitiesSend us a textCan leadership failures create a breeding ground for misconduct in correctional facilities?In this episode of the Prison Officer Podcast, we confront this critical question head-on. Through the lens of Stanley Milgram's famous 1963 obedience study, we unravel the often unseen dynamics of authority in corrections, exploring when and how the duty to intervene should override blind obedience. Recent cases of systemic leadership breakdowns are scrutinized, revealing how these lapses can foster environments where illegal and immoral actions flourish. I discuss the emotional rollercoaster faced by both staff and inmates during crises...2024-07-1527 min