130: A Return to Where It All Began – Behind Those Walls

After nearly three decades in corrections, I returned to the prison where my career began.Walking those old cellblocks brought back memories I hadn't thought about in years—the lessons, the mistakes, the friendships, the fear, and the moments that shaped the leader I eventually became.In this deeply personal episode of The Prison Officer Podcast, I take you behind the walls of the institution that started it all. You'll hear stories from those early days, reflections on how corrections has changed, and why some lessons never leave you, no matter how many years pass.This visit also became the perfect opportunity to introduce my new book, The Weight of Justice: Leadership Lessons from Inside America's Toughest Prisons. Many of the experiences that began behind these walls ultimately found their way onto its pages.If you've ever wondered what it's really like to spend a career in corrections—or how those experiences shape a person long after they leave the institution—this episode is for you.Tour the Missouri State Penitentiary: https://missouripentours.com/Buy The Weight of Justice: Buy on Amazon or Kindle: https://amzn.to/3PLr5tRBuy on Books2Read: https://books2read.com/WeightofJusticeSend us Fan Mail Support the showNEW RELEASE — The Weight of Justice: Leadership Lessons from Inside America's Toughest Prisons: A Correctional Officer's JourneyBuy on Amazon or Kindle: https://amzn.to/3PLr5tRAvailable worldwide through Books2Read: https://books2read.com/WeightofJusticePOWER SKILLS: Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for Correctional Officers, First Responders, and BeyondAvailable on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mBeog5See Michael's books and author updates at: www.CantrellWrites.com🎙️ Support The Prison Officer PodcastGo deeper with The Prison Officer Podcast on Patreon. Inside Behind the Wall, you'll get:• Exclusive content • Behind-the-scenes insights • Leadership discussions • Bonus episodes and resources👉 Join here: https://www.patreon.com/ThePrisonOfficer📬 Connect with MichaelEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/ThePrisonOfficerWebsite: www.theprisonofficer.comTake care of each other and be safe behind those walls and fences.#prisonofficerpodcast ...