Field Days

Chris and Greg wrap up season seven of Field Days this week. The pair give shout-outs to staff across the department, recap the season and let listeners know what changes they can expect for next season. Listen to this week's episode of Field Days and be sure to join them on Feb. 7 for season eight!

Chris and Greg continue to celebrate Veterans Week with Alger Correctional Facility Prison Counselor and Air force Veteran Jason Hubble and Saginaw Correctional Facility Corrections Officer and Marine Corps Reservist Brian Cummings. PC Hubble, who recently chaperoned an honor flight, and CO Cummings who performed funeral honors for Hershel “Woody” Williams discuss their experiences honoring veterans in this week's episode of Field Days.

In honor of Veterans Week, Chris and Greg speak with the MDOC's new Veteran Liaison Emily Rissman. Rissman discusses her experience, her new role, the Military Advisory Committee and what veterans and active-duty service members can contact her for in this week's episode of Field Days.

This week Chris and Greg are joined by Parole Board members Tim Flanagan and Adrianne Van Langevelde. The pair discusses the Parole Board's role as well as introduces the Structured Decision-Making Framework Tool, which is the Board's new evidence-based tool used to assist them in making decisions.

This week Chris and Greg are joined by MDOC Tech Team Leads Jeff Anderson and Julie Hamp. The group discusses how the Tech Team originated along with the teams process of approving and introducing new technology to the Department. Listen now to learn more about the technology the team has already implemented and what they are looking to implement in the future.

This week Chris and Greg speak with Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility Unit Chief Jud Gildersleeve who celebrated his 50-year anniversary with the Michigan Department of Corrections on Sept. 28. Jud, who is known as a pioneer in the mental health field for the MDOC, discusses his career and how things have changed at the MDOC over the past 50 years.

On Friday, Oct. 7, two field service assistants and 13 new agents completed the academy and took their Oath of Office. This week Chris and Greg speak with new Kalamazoo Probation Agent Daniel Webb about his experience, what led him to a career with the Department and what he is looking forward to as an agent.

The FY 2023 budget began on Oct. 1. This week Chris and Greg are joined by Legislative Liaison Kyle Kaminski who discusses the many staff investments in this year's budget.

This week Chris and Greg are joined by Region 4 Offender Success Program Community Coordinator Angie Sprank, Fresh Coast Alliance Cofounder Nate Johnson and Kent County Probation Supervisor Janell Freeman to discuss the upcoming Re-Entry United Conference. This is a first-of-its-kind conference that highlights successful partnerships, programs and services that can benefit returning citizens. The conference will feature breakout sessions and panel discussions on topics such as services for justice-involved individuals, successful collaboration with MDOC and returning citizens, mentoring programs, re-entry grants, trauma, the future of re-entry and more.

Communications Rep Bri Brugel joins Chris and Greg this week to discuss recent MDOC events and things to look forward to. The group discusses the recent Corrections Officer Graduation, the MSP Pistol Shoot, the SECC Campaign, the upcoming state survey and more in this week's episode of Field Days Podcast.

This week Chris and Greg are joined by Wellness Unit Manager Lynn Gorski and members of the Wellness Unit. The group discusses the new Wellness App, the Peer Support Program, the Chaplain Program, Handel the Department's wellness dog and more in today's episode of Field Days Podcast.

This week Chris and Greg speak with Aneka Stewart and Julie Goldman for an update on the Corrections Offender Management System (COMS). COMS release one is set to roll out on September 19. Julie and Aneka provide staff with valuable information on how to prepare for the rollout of release one and what to expect from COMS in the future in this week's episode of Field Days Podcast.

This week Chris and Greg speak with Elizabeth Collins the Department's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. Listen as Elizabeth discusses the importance of DEI and what staff can expect from her and the DEI office.

This week Chris and Greg speak with the 2022 Corrections Officer of the Year Neil Costello. Listen to Officer Costello discuss his career as well as address the importance of mental health in this week's episode of Field Days Podcast.

This week Chris and Greg speak with the  2022 Candice L. Dunn Agent of the Year Jessica Leski. Listen to Agent Leski discuss her career and what she enjoys most about being an agent with the MDOC. Agent Leski thanks the people who have had an impact on her and her career in this week's episode of Field Days Podcast.

Greg and Chris celebrate the 200th episode of Field Days Podcast with former host, G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility Warden Noah Nagy. The three discuss the history of the podcast, how it got its name and how it has developed into the podcast we all know today. In this special episode, you will hear from past podcast producers and learn about what's to come in future episodes. You don't want to miss this special edition of the Field Days Podcast.

Greg is back, and this week, Chris and Greg discuss their recent visit to the Upper Peninsula Field Offices and Facilities. In this episode, the pair talk about the inspiring staff they met on their tour as well as the Upper Peninsula Rec Day.

This week Chris is joined by Communications Rep Brianna Brugel while Greg was out last week visiting parole and probation offices to celebrate Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week. In this episode Chris and Brianna interview 2021 Corrections Officer of the Year Vikas Vij, a corrections officer at Thumb Correctional Facility. Vij discusses his career and explains why his job is important.

This week Chris and Greg celebrate Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week with the 2021 Candice L. Dunn Agent of the Year Sherron Rimpson. Listen to Agent Rimpson discuss his career and what he enjoys most about being an agent with the MDOC.

After a two-year hiatus, the Field Days podcast returns for a new season! Special guest Director Heidi Washington joins Chris Gautz and Greg Straub for a discussion on what to expect from the MDOC this year. The Director discusses the difference staff across the department are making in this week's episode of Field Days Podcast.

Chris and Greg are back to discuss the Lower Peninsula Employee Recreation Day on June 3 at the Royal Scot in Lansing, MI. Learn about the activities you can participate in and how to register in this episode of Field Days Podcast.

It's part two of our two part series with Dr. David Chinsky, founder and CEO of The Institute for Leadership Fitness. In this episode, Dr. Chinsky discusses telework and shares tips for both employees and supervisors on how to work and collaborate from home using virtual communication tools. A longtime Friend of the Pod, Dr. Chinsky, is a leadership trainer who has worked with thousands of MDOC employees. Listen now!

On the latest episode of Field Days, founder and CEO of The Institute for Leadership Fitness Dr. David Chinsky discusses the great pause we are all experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how we can focus on adopting a growth mindset despite these challenging times. This is part one of a two part series with Dr. Chinsky, a long time Friend of the Pod and a leadership trainer who has worked with thousands of MDOC employees.

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg interview the 2020 Corrections Officer of the Year, James Sims, a corrections officer at G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility. Officer Sims has been with the MDOC since 1997 and has provided exceptional service to the State of Michigan. Officer Sims is also dedicated to serving his community through a variety of organizations and charitable efforts. He is an active member of the LGBTQ community and has attended numerous LGBT Criminal Justice Professionals conferences across the country and abroad. He regularly participates in and coordinates fundraising events through the Special Olympics Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run, Shop with a Hero, Harvest Gathering, State Employees Charitable Campaign and Relay For Life, and is a charter member of the Jackson Lions Diabetes Service Club. He is also a U.S. Army veteran, who served in Operation Desert Storm and in Somalia.

On the first of two very special end of year episodes of the Field Days podcast, Chris and Greg are looking back on one of the highlights of 2020; Candice Dunn Parole/Probation Agent of the year, Ahmed Bazzi. Agent Bazzi, an Oakland County probation agent, began his career with the MDOC in 2013 as a Corrections Officer and currently works with the Adult Treatment Court. He has served as a mentor to newer staff and has embraced new methods of supervision, such as Motivational Interviewing. He has made a lasting positive impact on those on his caseload, earning their respect and the respect of his partners in the courts and law enforcement. He has also focused on helping remove barriers to employment for those under his supervision and more than 80 percent of those on his caseload are employed.

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg speak with Jeff Anderson and Cathy Evenson for an update on the Corrections Offender Management System (COMS) roll out. This update episode is all about change, as Jeff and Cathy share details on an activity essential to a successful roll out, Organizational Change Management. Organizational Change Management, or OCM, is a well-established set of processes that help people and organizations prepare for large transitions. Listen now to learn more about what the COMS team is doing to ensure MDOC staff can successfully incorporate the use of COMS into their daily tasks.

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg are joined by Ava Attari, the Director of Future for Frontliners, a state scholarship program that pays for frontline workers to attend their local community college tuition free. Coordinated through the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the program is for Michiganders without college degrees who worked in essential industries during the state COVID-19 shutdown in spring 2020. Listen now to learn more on the eligibilty requirements and the application deadline date. As an added bonus, don't miss the return of a lifelong Friend of the Pod, as well as a very special shout out to Field Day's own, Holly Kramer.

On the latest episode of Field Days, we're celebrating Veterans Day with Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) Director Zaneta Adams! Director Adams was medically discharged with honor after serving eight years with the U.S. Army, National Guard and Reserve, and now leads the MVAA in their mission to provide support, care, advocacy and service to veterans and their families. Director Adams joins Chris Gautz and Greg Straub to talk about the MDOC's status as a Silver Veteran Friendly Employer, and what we can all do to help support veterans and active duty service members. To learn more about Director Adams and the MVAA, visit: https://www.michiganveterans.com/

On the latest episode of Field Days, the Michigan Department of Correction's Chief Medical Officer, and Friend of the Pod, Dr. Carmen McIntyre Leon discusses the dangers of synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoids, including brand name versions like K2 and Spice, are a group of man-made chemicals often misleadingly called synthetic marijuana. Dr. McIntyre Leon shares the danger and unpredictiability of K2, how MDOC staff are working to keep it out of prisons, and what behavior and symptoms both field and prison staff should look for if they suspect K2 use by offenders.

After a seven month hiatus, the Field Days podcast returns from a new, virtual studio. Director Heidi Washington joins Chris Gautz and Greg Straub for a discussion on COVID-19, the hard work and incredible dedication MDOC staff have shown throughout the pandemic, and what staff can expect going forward in a year that was nothing less than unexpected.

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg sit down with Calvin University Professor Dr. Todd Cioffi. Dr. Cioffi is the Director for the Calvin Prison Initiative, a unique program that provides a liberal arts education to prisoners at Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility. Each year, 20 students from prisons around Michigan are selected and enrolled in the five year program. This spring, for the first time, prisoners will be graduating from Calvin University with a Bachelor's Degree in Faith and Community Leadership. Learn more at: https://calvin.edu/prison-initiative/

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg have the pleasure of announcing the Master of Ceremonies for the 2020 MDOC Employee Appreciation Banquet, Crissa Blankenburg! Crissa is the acting manager for the Office of Community Corrections, a previous Professional Excellence Award winner, and a dedicated MDOC and State of Michigan employee.

Governor Whitmer proclaimed February 24 - 29, 2020 Opioid Use Disorder Awareness Week in Michigan. Opioid use disorder is a chronic health condition that affects tens of thousands in Michigan, many of whom are housed in our prisons or on parole or probation. MDOC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Carmen McIntyre Leon sat down with Chris and Greg to talk about the science behind substance abuse, the department's Medication-Assisted Treatment program, and why changing the way we think about addiction is key to solving the nation's opioid crisis. Also in this episode: Addiction Neuroscience 101: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwZcPwlRRcc Marquette Branch Prison History: https://soundcloud.com/field-days/marquette-branch-prison-history

On the latest episode of Field Days, Deputy Warden Karri Osterhout joins Chris and Greg to discuss gender responsive programming and services at Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility. In 2018, the MDOC launched a Gender Informed Practice Assessment at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility and put it's focus on the unique needs of female offenders. That work led to the creation of the WHV Strategic Plan. The plan is designed to make sure the facility offers programs and care that is gender responsive, trauma-informed and evidence-based. Review the WHV Strategic Plan at: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/corrections/WHV_Strategic_Plan_2019_2022_665149_7.pdf

Trauma is a costly public health problem occurring as a result of violence, abuse, and other emotionally harmful experiences. The Michigan Department of Corrections realizes the impact of trauma on both staff and offenders and is taking steps to become a trauma-informed department. On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg sit down with OPT Psychologist Adriane Foster, one of three employees leading the department's training on trauma and ACEs: Adverse Childhood Experiences. Learn more about the Michigan ACE Initiative at https://www.miace.org/

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg are joined by Friend of the Pod and Field Days fan favorite, Lieutenant Charles Levens. This past weekend was a busy one for the Lieutenant's Absconder Recovery Unit. ARU was hard at work searching for MDOC prisoner Talleon Stephon Brazil, who was improperly released following a court appearance in Ohio. Mr. Brazil is now back in custody and "L.T." is back on Field Days to share how they tracked him down. MDOC Strategic Plan 2019 Progress Report: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/corrections/STRATEGIC_PLAN_Progress_report_2019_FINAL_680120_7.pdf

On the latest episode of Field Days, Greg and Holly sit down with Jeff Anderson, administrator with the Office of Research and Planning, for an update on the Corrections Offender Management System (COMS) roll out. Tune in to find out what's in store for COMS and MDOC staff in 2020!

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg sit down with Andrea Rachko with Special Olympics Michigan and Macomb Correctional Law Enforcement Torch Run volunteers Robert Leduc, Frank Sgambati, and Karen Solgot. Listen now for details on upcoming fundraising events and volunteer opportunities, including polar plunges throughout the state, and how staff and their families can join in and make a difference in the life of some amazing Michigan athletes. Field Days Extra: Listen back to when Deputy Director Rus Marlan took the plunge! https://soundcloud.com/field-days/field-days-podcast-deputy-director-marlan-takes-the-plunge

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris Gautz and Greg Straub give listeners a sneak peek at the upcoming Strategic Plan Progress Report, discuss the statistics behind the steady and safe decline of Michigan's prison population, and give a shout out to retiring Assistant Deputy Director Lloyd Rapelje. View the MDOC Strategic Plan: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/corrections/Corrections_Strategic_Plan_2014-18_456710_7.pdf Previous episodes with Dr. Brian Lovins: https://soundcloud.com/field-days/referees-vs-coaches https://soundcloud.com/field-days/brian-lovins-podcast

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris Gautz and Greg Straub look at what's ahead for the Michigan Department of Corrections in 2020. Michigan’s prison population continued its steady and safe decline in 2019. Data-driven policies, evidence-based research and the department's Offender Success model all led to the reduction, which brought the state prison population down to a number not seen since the mid-1990s. 2019 was a fantastic year for the Department of Corrections. We're excited to share just a peek of what 2020 will bring!

Join Chris Gautz and Greg Straub for the last Field Days episode of 2019. It was a year of big changes, exciting events, and continued commitment to employee wellness and offender success. A huge thank you and Happy New Year to our 2019 listeners and guests! Miss Michigan USA Photo Credit: Edwin Shaw Photography

The third and final episode of our holiday wellness series is all about appreciation and acceptance. Wellness Unit manager Lynn Gorski and chaplain coordinator Lloyd Scharer return to Field Days to discuss the art of appreciation and, as the new year quickly approaches, how to look back on your 2019 goals and achievements with acceptance and a positive perspective. The MDOC Wellness Unit page: https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/0,4551,7-119-96900---,00.html Please know that you are not alone. Help does exist and is available to you at any time. You can also call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or Safe Call Now at 206-459-3020.

The Field Days Holiday Wellness podcast series continues with a look at the many different ways family, friends, and faith can impact our lives this time of year. On today's episode, Chris and Greg are joined by wellness coordinator Sandi Powell and chaplain coordinator Lloyd Scharer who offer listeners insights on helpful ways to support yourself, your family, and your co-workers during the busy holiday season. The MDOC Wellness page: https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/0,4551,7-119-96900---,00.html

This week, to help celebrate the season, Field Days is kicking off the podcast series Presents, Presence, and Patience during the Holidays - Strategies for Managing Wellness & Self-Care. On today's episode, Chris and Greg sit down with Wellness Unit manager Lynn Gorski and wellness coordinator Lennie Alcorn for an update on the roll-out of the Wellness Unit and to discuss healthy ways of coping with the stress that even the happiest of holiday seasons can bring.

In mid-November, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and members of the Michigan Opioids Task Force announced Michigan's strategy to combat the opioid crisis. More than 20 percent of incarcerated individuals in Michigan have been identified as having an opioid-use disorder and studies show that those released from incarceration are at a higher risk of overdose and death from opioids when they return home. On this episode of Field Days, Bureau of Health Care Services acting administrator Marti Kay Sherry and Substance Abuse Services manager Beth Boyd share details on the department's Medication-Assisted Treatment Program and how it supports offender recovery, reduces overdose and death, and reduces recidivism.

The latest episode of Field Days is the 4th installment in a series tracking the roll out of the new Corrections Offender Management System (COMS). Chris and Greg sit down with Acting Health Care Administrator Marti Kay Sherry and Health Informatics Manager Liz Solomon to discuss the COMS Health Care module and the benefits it will bring to managing prisoner health care needs in Michigan.

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg head back to school to learn about the education program at Thumb Correctional and how it's preparing prisoners for success. School principal Jim Gornick and teacher Debbie Laidler share the details of their unique approach to education in prison and how it benefits staff and students alike. Michigan Radio's Stateside program recently spent a day behind the gates with prisoners and staff at Lakeland Correctional. Learn more about their experience with Life on the Inside: https://lakeland.michiganradio.org/

On the latest episode of Field Days, we celebrate Veterans Day with an episode about Blue Star Service Dogs and their training program at Thumb Correctional. Blue Star rescues shelter dogs, trains them through their prison programs, and pairs them with veterans with post traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury. Listen now to find out how prisoners and staff alike are helping to serve veterans with invisible wounds. For more on Blue Star Service Dogs visit:https://www.bluestarservicedogs.org/ Meet Alan and Boss: https://www.macombdaily.com/lifestyles/service-circuit-veteran-partnered-with-service-dog-thanks-to-blue/article_a182f16a-98e2-11e9-a33d-0fdb5564ce2a.html

Late last week, Field Days hosts Chris Gautz and Greg Straub had the honor of sitting down with Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist. The Lt. Governor shared details on his work to reform Michigan's criminal justice system, his thoughts on the MDOC Vocational Village programs, and how much he appreciates the hard work and dedication of all state employees. Listen now!

On the latest episode of Field Days, Chris and Greg speak with Warden Noah Nagy and Gregg Bourdo, Project Manager for the Organizational Change Management team on the COMS project. Noah and Gregg share an update on the ongoing COMS roll out and details on the COMS Change Network, an established group of MDOC staff tasked with helping get the entire department ready for COMS.

On the latest episode of Field Days, MDOC Probation Agent and recently crowned Miss Michigan USA, Chanel Johnson chats with Chris and Greg about her pageant win and her plans for the upcoming Miss USA competition in 2020. Make sure to stay tuned after the interview for a shout out to Chanel from a very special guest. Listen now! Photo Credit: Chanel Johnson via Twitter @MissMIUSA