045 - What It Takes to Survive and Thrive in Corrections with Randall Larkin

In this episode, host Kerry Mensior sits down with Randall Larkin, an award-winning corrections officer from London, Ohio, yes, not the UK, but right between Dayton and Columbus. Randall shares his inspiring journey from Army infantryman to leading the way in crisis intervention and de-escalation inside Ohio’s correctional facilities.If you're interested in real-life applications of de-escalation, trauma-informed care, and connecting with people in high-stress environments, you need to hear Randall's experiences and practical advice.GUEST INFO:Randall Larkin is a Correctional Officer with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. Randall is the local CIT Coordinator for his institution as well as a Hostage Negotiator for ODRC. Over the course of the last year he has trained more than 300 correctional staff in Crisis Intervention. Randall is also the 2024 CIT International Corrections Officer of the Year. Key Topics CoveredRandall’s Unconventional Path: From Army infantry in Alaska and Iraq straight into Ohio corrections, Randall’s unique background shapes his approach to reducing violence and managing crisis situations.Life Inside Corrections: Randall discusses the day-to-day realities of correctional officers, endless rules, occasional pushback, and how to keep your cool after reminding someone to tuck in their shirt for the thousandth time!Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training: Discover how CIT training transforms the workplace. Randall shares insights from teaching over 20 CIT courses in 2023 alone, and how advanced de-escalation tools are critical for both safety and emotional health.The Power of Empathy and Active Listening: Learn the practical skills and mindsets Randall teaches, phrase things as requests, build rapport, use active listening, and always remember that even incarcerated individuals have choices.Managing Stress and Coming Home: Randall reveals his strategies for decompressing after a tough shift (hint: podcast silence and a good drive home), and how he makes the intentional transition from officer to dad and husband when he walks through the door.Impact Beyond the Prison Walls: Hear about the impact Randall’s teaching has had on COs across Ohio, many of whom reach out weeks or months later to share powerful stories of emotional growth and crisis averted.Trauma, Wellness, and Self-Care: A must-listen segment for anyone in high-stress professions, why “you were only supposed to climb the mountain, not carry it,” and how emotional wellness is the foundation for helping others.Memorable Quotes"Even if you’re telling someone to do something, they still have a choice. My job is to communicate it in a way that respects their humanity.""How can we be expected to help somebody else if we can’t help ourselves?""Practice makes perfect, but only if you practice the right things."Listen in and walk away with actionable skills, a better understanding of trauma-informed care, and inspiration for building safer, more compassionate workplaces, no matter your profession!Subscribe for New Videos Every Week!► https://www.youtube.com/@The-IDEA-World Follow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theidea.worldFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheIdea.WorldLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-idea Visit our Website► https://www.theidea.world