Episodes

In this episode we had the pleasure of interviewing Amanda Holm - who was a mentor to both of us at EIFW. Amanda started as an EMT and transitioned into Corrections seamlessly with the skills that she brought. She has taken on numerous roles, tasks, and positions in Corrections. She does this crazy job with poise, confidence, and the biggest smile on her face. Thank for being you Amanda!

Colleen Layton made a drastic career change from Massage Therapist to Corrections Officer. She shone at the job from the moment she arrived. Colleen is also the wife of a Corrections Officer, so she had an idea of what she was getting herself into, but admitted you never really know. Colleen was physically injured on the job, and she talks about what that recovery process was like - and realizing that she could never be an officer again due to the limitations that existed due to her injury! She ...

There is no one quite like our Betty-budski! She is a Ninja and an incredible builder of forts - you will have to listen to understand! Betty became interested in Corrections after working as a security guard at a local hospital. She started her career in 2000 at Edmonton Max and transferred too Edmonton Institution in 2004. Betty discusses the difference between the facilities, her experiences, and what ultimately lead her to resigning.

We both feel lucky to have spent our entire Corrections careers with this doll. Shawna is a little spit fire, a dedicated athlete, a Emergency Response trainer, the wife of a corrections officer, and the mom of two! Shawna career in Corrections is extensive - through the ups and downs she has found the secret to making it all work! Lead with passion, find the wins, and become better all the time!

We had talked about bring Angie on the podcast a couple of times before we actually reached out to her to ask if she would be willing. It was a Facebook Group message between the three of us. The message read "we want you!" - the response from Angie "oh, Fuck". The knowledge, her work ethic, and her dedication to the people that she loves only begins to scratch the surface of this wonderful human. We were honoured that she agreed to chat with us - she definitely has a story to share.

Our cheeks and stomachs hurts when we were done recording this episode. Laurie is an amazing story teller, extremely funny, and absolutely loves people. Her career in law enforcement has taken her from Corrections to Sheriff's. If you don't know Laurie personally get ready because she is sharing all the stories, coming with "spin off podcasts", and just being Nogier!

This episode can be described best with a Brene Brown quote " what makes you vulnerable makes you beautiful". Jill opens up about her career, her experiences, and her leave from corrections due to trauma. We know that talking and sharing stories - has the ability to heal the story teller and the listener. Jill is very open about her journey through trauma, grief, and self discovery - and we are so grateful that she stepped out of her comfort zone to share her story with us and all of you!

Season 2 is all about gratitude and we could not have been more grateful that this guy agreed to be on the podcast. We both worked with Brendan at EIFW for the entirety of our careers. Brendan always brought a light, fun, and cheerful vibe to every single shift. With 21 years in the service Brendan brings so much experience to this conversation. And a ton of laughs.

We are so excited to be back for another season. Season 2 is all about gratitude. Sharon and Lauren are interviewing Corrections Officers that they worked with Edmonton Institution for Women. First up - "The Brave" Jaimee Greene. Jaimee started at EIFW in 2006 and transferred to Fraser Valley Institution in 2013. She loves what she does. We can't wait to share her story with all of you!

For the finale we chat about the idea behind the name - from Uniforms to Unicorns. This conversation is all about COVID, mental health, and how we have all been affected by the events of 2020. Focus on the positive things and let go of the shitty things. We choose what we are carrying. What are you choosing?

Get ready to laugh. Seriously - this one is good. A typical day in the life of a female corrections officer at a federally sentenced women's prison. You won't believe some of the things we had to do. From buckets of chicken and NA meetings in the community to heimlich maneuvers during a Christmas social.

Lauren and Sharon have a candid conversation about transitioning out of prison to being business owners. They talk about how their skills from the jail have assisted them with starting, running, and creating successful businesses. Sharon and her mom own a very successful business in Calgary Medic Laser & Aesthetics Center. Lauren has a life coaching business that focuses on Self Care for First Responder Spouses - Break Complacency. She also runs a Non-Profit - To Serve and Connect for First Resp...

Lauren and Sharon discuss what they wish they knew before they became Corrections Officers. They could talk for hours about this. There is all this stuff that goes around saying "you knew what you signed up for" - when in in fact, you just can't prepare for what you are about to be involved in, witness, and carry with you through out your career and beyond.

One of the things that we have learned through this journey is that when you blame for the crap in your life - you also have to blame it for good. We talk about how there were so many negatives that came out of our time at the prison, but we also are able to see the positives. The people, the strength and the resilience. It's is not something that comes - it is something that you have to work at that builds resiliency.

Sharon & Lauren both became mother's while they worked as Corrections Officers. Shift work, child care and lifestyle are just a few of the things that become difficult to juggle as a First Responder. We absolutely love this episode. It was easy for us to open about the struggles that plagued two moms just trying to make it all work!

Women's Prisons Part 2 - focuses on the years that Sharon and Lauren were employed at the prison 2002-2014 - they saw the introduction of male officers in female federal institutions, handcuffs, maximum security unit, OC spray, management protocols and so much more. We know a lot has changes since we left - we are working on talking to someone in the next season that can shed some more light on how things have changed and evolved since 2014.

Lauren & Sharon talk about the evolution of Women's Prisons in Canada. There is a bunch of history around why women's prisons exist the way that they do. We talk about the events, task forces and reports that contributed to the structure, living arrangements and re-integration supports that are specific to female offenders.

Now, let's get to know Lauren. In this episode Sharon interviews Lauren. It's super cool to sit back and re-hash out a life in an hour episode. There is just so much to share. Lauren discusses her career in corrections, her desire to be a business owner, having babies, beating cancer and her purpose going forward.

Let's get to know Sharon Fernandes. In this episode Lauren interviews Sharon. Everyone has a story - so sit back and enjoy learning all about Sharon. She's funny, brave and excited to share some of her journey in this episode.

Sharon and Lauren introduce their new podcast!