Behind the Badge https://behindthebadge.podbean.com Step beyond the uniform and get to know the people who keep the State of Iowa Department of Corrections running. Each week, Director Skinner sits down with staff from across the state to talk about their work, their passions, and the stories that make them who they are. Behind the Badge goes beyond the job title to highlight the humanity, dedication, and individuality of the men and women serving our communities.

]]> Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:26:00 -0500 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en us Copyright 2025 Iowa Department of Corrections - All rights reserved. Government 1440 episodic DOC Media DOC Media No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/21244044/Podbean_Logo_nn95m5.jpg Behind the Badge https://behindthebadge.podbean.com 144 144 Episode 16 - Jennifer Bonnett Episode 16 - Jennifer Bonnett https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/bonbon/ https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/bonbon/#comments Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:26:00 -0500 behindthebadge.podbean.com/5584e49e-57cc-314d-91ca-80545d6a7bb8 Episode 16 of Behind the Badge features Jennifer "J‑Bo" Bonnett, a warm, witty assistant to general counsel who shares funny personal stories, hidden talents, and everyday quirks that reveal the human side of working in corrections.

Jennifer also discusses her legal role handling civil rights complaints, the staffing and policy challenges facing corrections, and offers practical advice for newcomers about staying open‑minded and keeping perspective.

]]> Episode 16 of Behind the Badge features Jennifer "J‑Bo" Bonnett, a warm, witty assistant to general counsel who shares funny personal stories, hidden talents, and everyday quirks that reveal the human side of working in corrections.

Jennifer also discusses her legal role handling civil rights complaints, the staffing and policy challenges facing corrections, and offers practical advice for newcomers about staying open‑minded and keeping perspective.

]]> DOC Media false No 1575 15 full Episode 15 - Max Birkey Episode 15 - Max Birkey https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/behind-the-badge-max-birkey/ https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/behind-the-badge-max-birkey/#comments Fri, 15 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500 behindthebadge.podbean.com/877feeb7-25f9-3404-857e-352035dea167 Episode 15 of Behind the Badge features Max Birkey, a residential officer in Iowa’s 5th District. Max shares his path into corrections, early jobs and hobbies, and personal insights from working with clients and staff.

The episode explores departmental culture, the importance of rehabilitation and second chances, unexpected challenges on the job, and practical advice for new hires.

]]> Episode 15 of Behind the Badge features Max Birkey, a residential officer in Iowa’s 5th District. Max shares his path into corrections, early jobs and hobbies, and personal insights from working with clients and staff.

The episode explores departmental culture, the importance of rehabilitation and second chances, unexpected challenges on the job, and practical advice for new hires.

]]> DOC Media false No 1228 14 full Episode 14 - Jen Anderson Episode 14 - Jen Anderson https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/behind-the-badge-meet-the-tech-whiz-behind-the-camera/ https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/behind-the-badge-meet-the-tech-whiz-behind-the-camera/#comments Fri, 01 May 2026 17:01:04 -0500 behindthebadge.podbean.com/0eebb939-db47-3d3f-986b-d5c5c11922ac Episode 14 of Behind the Badge features Jen Anderson, the Central Office IT Systems Administrator and the Department’s behind-the-scenes tech and production specialist for Behind the Badge.   Jen shares her career path from correctional officer to IT and production, her love of music and space, and her views on integrity, humanizing those in custody, and the challenges of working in corrections.

Listen for candid personal stories, practical advice for newcomers, and a look at the people who make corrections work possible beyond the badge.

]]> Episode 14 of Behind the Badge features Jen Anderson, the Central Office IT Systems Administrator and the Department’s behind-the-scenes tech and production specialist for Behind the Badge.   Jen shares her career path from correctional officer to IT and production, her love of music and space, and her views on integrity, humanizing those in custody, and the challenges of working in corrections.

Listen for candid personal stories, practical advice for newcomers, and a look at the people who make corrections work possible beyond the badge.

]]> DOC Media false No 1429 13 full Episode 13: Joel McAnulty Episode 13: Joel McAnulty https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/lucky-13-joel-mcanulty-s-journey-%e2%80%94-from-ice-cream-shop-to-community-based-corrections-deputy-director/ https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/lucky-13-joel-mcanulty-s-journey-%e2%80%94-from-ice-cream-shop-to-community-based-corrections-deputy-director/#comments Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:30:00 -0500 behindthebadge.podbean.com/8bb6d815-66d2-3907-9461-7d0ef0ec09a9 Welcome to Episode 13 of Behind the Badge featuring Joel McAnulty, the new Community-Based Corrections Deputy Director. Joel shares personal stories from his first jobs and early life, describes his career path in corrections, and reflects on the lessons that shaped his leadership.

The conversation explores key themes including balancing data with the human stories behind it, the growing complexity of corrections work, the promise of technology and AI, and practical advice for people starting in the field.

]]> Welcome to Episode 13 of Behind the Badge featuring Joel McAnulty, the new Community-Based Corrections Deputy Director. Joel shares personal stories from his first jobs and early life, describes his career path in corrections, and reflects on the lessons that shaped his leadership.

The conversation explores key themes including balancing data with the human stories behind it, the growing complexity of corrections work, the promise of technology and AI, and practical advice for people starting in the field.

]]> DOC Media false No 1842 12 full Episode 12 - Jennifer Seil Episode 12 - Jennifer Seil https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/the-title-of-episode_12_-_jennifer_seil8pvlo/ https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/the-title-of-episode_12_-_jennifer_seil8pvlo/#comments Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:25:17 -0500 behindthebadge.podbean.com/f5afffb9-38d4-3997-85d1-648b41466073 Director Skinner sits Down with Jennifer Seil, The Statewide Apprenticeship coordinator to discuss her history and role with the department. 

]]> Director Skinner sits Down with Jennifer Seil, The Statewide Apprenticeship coordinator to discuss her history and role with the department. 

]]> DOC Media false No 1651 11 full Episode 11 - Michelle Waddle Episode 11 - Michelle Waddle https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/from-muffin-girl-to-warden-michelle-waddell-s-journey-in-corrections/ https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/from-muffin-girl-to-warden-michelle-waddell-s-journey-in-corrections/#comments Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0600 behindthebadge.podbean.com/66a8478a-0fcc-3990-8dd9-44fd13d1bac1 Episode 11 of Behind the Badge features Warden Michelle Waddle of ICIW as she shares her career journey from early jobs to leadership, personal anecdotes, and what drives her work in corrections. Michelle discusses common myths about the field, current challenges like staffing and work-life balance, and creative ideas for the future.

This conversation highlights the human side of corrections — values like hard work, honesty, and loyalty — while mixing humor and heart as Michelle reflects on family, favorite foods, and the lessons she’d give her younger self.

]]> Episode 11 of Behind the Badge features Warden Michelle Waddle of ICIW as she shares her career journey from early jobs to leadership, personal anecdotes, and what drives her work in corrections. Michelle discusses common myths about the field, current challenges like staffing and work-life balance, and creative ideas for the future.

This conversation highlights the human side of corrections — values like hard work, honesty, and loyalty — while mixing humor and heart as Michelle reflects on family, favorite foods, and the lessons she’d give her younger self.

]]> DOC Media false No 1178 10 full Episode 10 - Brandon Garvey Episode 10 - Brandon Garvey https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/episode-10-brandon-garvey/ https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/episode-10-brandon-garvey/#comments Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:24:16 -0600 behindthebadge.podbean.com/393a1d18-4adb-3d04-9b19-bc942cdeb770 DOC Media false No 1876 9 full Episode 8 - Heather Bell Episode 8 - Heather Bell https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/episode-8-heather-bell/ https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/episode-8-heather-bell/#comments Fri, 14 Nov 2025 14:42:45 -0600 behindthebadge.podbean.com/6a555963-7e35-30c3-95f9-d680101c034b Director Beth Skinner sits down with Continuous Quality Improvement Specialist from Central Office Heather Bell! It's informative, a little rowdy, and a lot of fun!

]]> Director Beth Skinner sits down with Continuous Quality Improvement Specialist from Central Office Heather Bell! It's informative, a little rowdy, and a lot of fun!

]]> DOC Media false No 1874 8 full Episode 7 - Jen Foltz Episode 7 - Jen Foltz https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/episode-7-jen-foltz/ https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/episode-7-jen-foltz/#comments Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:06:46 -0500 behindthebadge.podbean.com/209414d3-ad4c-3326-8fd2-a66cf671ca54 Director Beth Skinner sits down with Executive Officer from the 4th District Jen Foltz! It's informative, a little rowdy, and a lot of fun!

#BehindtheBadge | #IDOC

 

 

]]> Director Beth Skinner sits down with Executive Officer from the 4th District Jen Foltz! It's informative, a little rowdy, and a lot of fun!

#BehindtheBadge | #IDOC

 

 

]]> DOC Media false No 2225 7 full Episode 6 - Dimitrius Bowens Episode 6 - Dimitrius Bowens https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/episode-6-dimitrius-bowens/ https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/episode-6-dimitrius-bowens/#comments Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:31:09 -0500 behindthebadge.podbean.com/79663032-7c40-358c-9310-39b9b4fe0d2c Director Beth Skinner sits down with Security Director of NCF (Newton Correctional Facility) Dimitrius Bowens! It's informative, a little rowdy, and a lot of fun!

]]> Director Beth Skinner sits down with Security Director of NCF (Newton Correctional Facility) Dimitrius Bowens! It's informative, a little rowdy, and a lot of fun!

]]> DOC Media false No 1610 6 full Episode 5: Deanne Krumm Episode 5: Deanne Krumm https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/behind-the-badge-episode-5-deanne-krumm/ https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/behind-the-badge-episode-5-deanne-krumm/#comments Mon, 29 Sep 2025 08:53:26 -0500 behindthebadge.podbean.com/74944264-4caa-3c37-b353-a6131eea5ecf Director Beth Skinner sits down with Assistant Deputy Director for Prison Operations, Deanne Krumm! It's informative, a little rowdy, and a lot of fun!

 

#BehindtheBadge | #IDOC

]]> Director Beth Skinner sits down with Assistant Deputy Director for Prison Operations, Deanne Krumm! It's informative, a little rowdy, and a lot of fun!

 

#BehindtheBadge | #IDOC

]]> DOC Media false No 1534 5 full Episode 4: Shannon Archer Episode 4: Shannon Archer https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/behind-the-badge-episode-4-shannon-archer/ https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/behind-the-badge-episode-4-shannon-archer/#comments Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:10:15 -0500 behindthebadge.podbean.com/386ee41f-d625-3602-aef7-e307d6b65f2a Director Beth Skinner sits down with Legal Counsel, Shannon Archer! It's informative, a little rowdy, and a lot of fun!

#BehindtheBadge | #IDOC

]]> Director Beth Skinner sits down with Legal Counsel, Shannon Archer! It's informative, a little rowdy, and a lot of fun!

#BehindtheBadge | #IDOC

]]> DOC Media false No 1380 4 full Episode 3: Paul Cornelius Episode 3: Paul Cornelius https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/behind-the-badge-episode-3-paul-cornelius/ https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/behind-the-badge-episode-3-paul-cornelius/#comments Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:41:23 -0500 behindthebadge.podbean.com/ad931162-9227-344d-af01-a37873f087d7 Director Beth Skinner sits down with Chief of Staff, Paul Cornelius! It's informative, a little rowdy, and a lot of fun!

#BehindtheBadge | #IDOC

]]> Director Beth Skinner sits down with Chief of Staff, Paul Cornelius! It's informative, a little rowdy, and a lot of fun!

#BehindtheBadge | #IDOC

]]> DOC Media false No 1771 3 full Episode 2: Sally Kreamer Episode 2: Sally Kreamer https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/behind-the-badge-episode-2-sally-kreamer/ https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/behind-the-badge-episode-2-sally-kreamer/#comments Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:37:27 -0500 behindthebadge.podbean.com/e27fc5da-5c78-3fab-8964-a91e3e0c58cf Director Beth Skinner sits down with Deputy Director for Community Based Corrections, Sally Kreamer! It's informative, a little rowdy, and a lot of fun!

#BehindtheBadge | #IDOC

]]> Director Beth Skinner sits down with Deputy Director for Community Based Corrections, Sally Kreamer! It's informative, a little rowdy, and a lot of fun!

#BehindtheBadge | #IDOC

]]> DOC Media false No 1199 2 full Episode 1: Nick Lamb Episode 1: Nick Lamb https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/behind-the-badge-episode-1-nick-lamb/ https://behindthebadge.podbean.com/e/behind-the-badge-episode-1-nick-lamb/#comments Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:36:49 -0500 behindthebadge.podbean.com/978fe9ab-8912-3903-bb86-673cfc7a4420 Director Beth Skinner sits down with Deputy Director for Prison Operations, Nick Lamb! It's informative, a little rowdy, and a lot of fun!

#BehindtheBadge | #IDOC

]]> Director Beth Skinner sits down with Deputy Director for Prison Operations, Nick Lamb! It's informative, a little rowdy, and a lot of fun!

#BehindtheBadge | #IDOC

]]> DOC Media false No 1410 1 full