The Criminologist

This week on The Criminologist podcast, we welcome the brilliant and boundary-pushing Lucy Bentley—a former probation officer turned podcast producer who's redefining how we talk about justice, rehabilitation, and lived experience. Lucy's career spans frontline work in probation, prison services, and recovery programs, where she championed strengths-based, trauma-informed approaches for individual...

In this very special episode of The Criminologist Podcast , we bring you a transformative tale inspired by Charles Dickens' timeless classic, A Christmas Carol . Through the story of Ebenezer Rouge, a man entrenched in harm and isolation, we explore the powerful journey of desistance from crime-revealing how change is not only possible...but essential. Guided by the Ghost of Desistance Past, Prese...

In this episode of The Criminologist Podcast , we welcome back Veronica Cunningham, Executive Director of the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA).  With over nine years of transformative leadership, Veronica shares her vision for APPA as it celebrates 50 years of advancing community corrections.  We dive into the exciting initiatives planned for APPA's 50th Anniversary, including year...

Welcome to a special American Probation and Parole Association episode of The Criminologist Podcast, brought to you by their International Relations Committee !  In this installment, we reconnect with celebrated author and educator Paul MacNamara, who brings his unique perspectives to the podcast once again.  Known for his captivating storytelling and unflinching insights, Paul delves into the the...

Welcome  to Episode 221 of The Criminologist podcast! In this powerful episode, we reconnect with two incredible voices in the criminal justice reform space-Edd Flanagan and John Reed. Together, they share their transformative journey's, ground breaking work, and their ongoing mission to inspire hope and change within the criminal justice system.  WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Edd Flanagan's...

Episode Description:   Welcome to a special "Best Of" episode of The Criminologist Podcast, we take a deep dive into the TIDES Supervision Model---A pioneering approach that brings together Trauma Informed Awareness, Desistance Theory, and Neuroscience to create a meaningful, transformative, client supervision. Co-created by Joseph Arvidson and Nicole Kimberley-Staeheli, TIDES redefines supervisio...

Episode Summary :  In this thought provoking episode, host Joseph Arvidson sits down with Dr. Jerrod Brown to explore the complex factors contributing to false confessions and wrongful convictions. Dr. Brown, an expert in neurocriminology, offers insights into how various mental and physical health factors-such as untreated nutritional deficiencies and cognitive impairments-impact behavior, decisi...

Welcome to a special edition of The Criminologist podcast, brought to you in partnership with the American Probation and Parole Association ( APPA) and their International Relations Committee. In this episode, host Joseph Arvidson interviews Jaron Harvey, Director of Rehabilitation and Community Supervision in Turks and Caicos, to discuss the innovative reforms reshaping probation in the Caribbean...

In this powerful episode of The Criminologist podcast, host Joseph Arvidson sits down with Gaelin Elmore, former NFL player, foster youth system survivor, and now a champion for the power of belonging! Gaelin's story is one of overcoming adversity, from navigating the foster care system to making it to the NFL, and eventually finding his true calling-helping others discover the life changing power...

In this episode of The Criminologist Podcast, we sit down with Annie Stocksdale, a forward thinking probation officer who is redefining how high risk supervision can empower clients toward lasting change.  Annie shares her innovative approach to managing high-risk clients, demonstrating that even within the boundaries of home confinement, there is potential for growth and rehabilitation. By foster...

In this insightful episode, host Joseph Arvidson reconnects with two pioneers in the field of Corrections, Brad Bogue and Guy Bourgon! Brad and Guy have had a profound influence on the development and implementation of evidence based practices within the criminal justice system.  Both of these legends have contributed decades of research, innovation, and practical application that continue to shap...

In this special solo episode of #TheCriminologistPodcast, host Joseph Arvidson takes listeners on a journey of reflection and continuous learning.  With a rich mix of personal insights and lessons drawn from past episodes,  this installment delves into the power of looking back to inform our future in the field of criminal justice and human services. Explore the significance of trauma informed car...

In this special episode of The Criminologist Podcast, we are honored to welcome Rick Mereness, a long-time listener of the show, and fellow Minnesotan! Rick shares his incredible story of overcoming addiction, to celebrating 35 years of sobriety. His journey is a powerful testament to the strength of resilience hope, and the human spirit.  Rick opens up about his difficult childhood, the lack of s...

In  this enlightening episode of The Criminologist Podcast, host Joseph Arvidson sits down with Arshad Mahmood, a seasoned criminal justice professional with over 20 years of experience. Arshad has worked with various national and int4ernatiiona organizations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Penal Refo...

Welcome to a riveting episode of The Criminologist Podcast ! We are thrilled to present an amazing interview with the acclaimed writer and director, James Cox. Best known for his film Wonderland , staring Val Kilmer,  James takes us on a journey through his rise in Hollywood, the challenges he faced, and his remarkable comeback.  In this episode, James delves into his early successes, the struggle...

Episode Description: Welcome to this special APPA edition of The Criminologist podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to team up once again with the American Probation and Parole Association's International Relations Committee to bring you an insightful discussion with Thomas Wuthrich of Switzerland!  Thomas Wuthrich, Chair of the European Prison Association (EPEA) and a prominent figure in pri...

Episode Description: Welcome to Episode 208 of The Criminologist Podcast! This week, we continue our series on infamous serial killers with a detailed examination of the Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway. Our esteemed guest, Dr. Jerrod Brown, brings his extensive expertise in forensic psychology, trauma, and more to shed light on Ridgway's criminal trajectory.   Join us as we delve into the psychol...

In this episode of The Criminologist podcast, host Joseph Arvidson sits down with Brian Koehn and Paul Sheldon to discuss innovate approaches to corrections reform. Brian Koehn has dedicated over 28 years to the field of Corrections, rising through the ranks to hold multiple leadership positions.  He is the founder of Social Purpose Corrections (SPC), an organization committed to bringing safety,...

Join us in this riveting episode of The Criminologist Podcast , as we dive deep into the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Corrections. Our special guests, Pia Puolakka, a seasoned expert in forensic psychology and digital rehabilitation, and Omega 8, an "AI specialist", shed light on the groundbreaking advancements reshaping rehabilitation within correctional facilities.  Pi...

In this special American Probation and Parole Association episode of The Criminologist Podcast, we delve into captivating discussions with members of the American Probation and Parole Association's International Relations Committee Fresh from their participation in the 6th World Congress on Probation and Parole held in The Hague, they share their profound reflections and insights on the global lan...

Join us in this riveting episode as we delve into the intricate case of Dennis Rader, also known as the "BTK Killer", with Dr. Jerrod Brown, Edtor-in-Chief of Forensic Scholars Today and a leading expert in forensic mental health studies. In this thought provoking discussion, we explore the psychological and criminological aspects of Rader's crimes, aiming to understand the factors that led to his...

Welcome to The Criminologist podcast! In this episode, Joseph Arvidson dives deep into the transformative power of data and storytelling in reshaping perceptions and narratives within the criminal justice landscape. Joined by two dynamic guests, Jackie Dunn and Jonathan Fisher, this episode explores innovate approaches to drive positive change in our understanding of justice-involved individuals....

Join us on The Criminologist podcast for an enlightening conversation with Stian Estenstad, a visionary leader in the filed of prisoner integration. Stian's diverse background has lead him to a career dedicated to transforming the criminal justice landscape. In this episode,we delve into Stian's remakable journey, from being a prison officer in Oslo, to spearheading innovative projects like the "T...

In our landmark 200th episode, "The Criminologists Podcast" welcomes the esteemed Dr. Dena Hanley, a visionary in the field of correctional services and supervision practices.  Join us as we delve into a thought-provoking discussion that spans the breadth and depth of criminal justice reform, focusing on Dr. Hanley's innovative approach to value staff and enhancing organizational culture in correc...

Episode Overview : In this captivating episode of The Criminologist Podcast, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Dr. Jerrod Brown, a distinguished figure in the realm of forensic behavioral health and neuroscience. Dr. Brown, an Assistance Professor and Program Director at Concordia University/St. Paul, brought his extensive expertise to a fascinating discussion on criminal behavioral profiling,...