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.