The Criminologist

n this episode of The Criminologist Podcast , host Joseph Arvidson welcomes Caroline Georgiou for a conversation unlike any we have had on the show before. Caroline is a trauma-trained counsellor, somatic movement therapist, clinical supervisor, and one of the world's leading innerdance facilitators and trainers. Her work explores the relationship between sound, trauma, the nervous system, emotion...

In this episode of The Criminologist Podcast, we continue Part Two of my conversation with Stephen Pitts and Imants Mozers, authors of The Missing Story: Probation, Legitimacy, and the Battle for Public Understanding. If you have not yet listened to Part One, released as Episode 241, I encourage you to go back and begin there. This second part picks up the conversation by going deeper into probati...

In this episode of The Criminologist Podcast , we welcome back Dr. Jerrod Brown for a fascinating conversation on LEGO®-based interventions with justice-involved populations. At first glance, LEGO® bricks may not seem like an obvious tool for probation, corrections, forensic mental health, or human services. But as Dr. Brown explains, structured LEGO®-based activities can provide a powerful, hands...

In this episode of The Criminologist Podcast , we welcome back Dr. Jerrod Brown for a fascinating conversation on LEGO®-based interventions with justice-involved populations. At first glance, LEGO® bricks may not seem like an obvious tool for probation, corrections, forensic mental health, or human services. But as Dr. Brown explains, structured LEGO®-based activities can provide a powerful, hands...

🎙️ Episode Show Notes — Part One The Missing Story of Probation with Stephen Pitts & Imants Mozers What is the story probation tells about itself? And perhaps just as importantly… What happens when probation does not tell that story clearly? In this episode of The Criminologist Podcast , we begin a powerful two-part conversation with Stephen Pitts and Imants Mozers , co-authors of the new book: 📘...

What if the people you supervise aren't one fixed version of themselves… but multiple possible versions—each shaped by what gets reinforced over time? In this episode, I introduce a practical way to think about behavior change in supervision—what I've been developing as Quantum Desistance . This isn't about physics. It's a lens. A way to understand how change actually unfolds—not through one inter...

In this episode of The Criminologist Podcast , host Joseph Arvidson is joined by Paul Doke, PhD candidate at Liverpool John Moores University, to explore one of the most overlooked questions in our field: What does it take not just to desist from crime—but to stay desisting over time ? Building on Shadd Maruna's groundbreaking Liverpool Desistance Study, Paul's research— "Made Good and Stayed Good...

After a brief production pause, The Criminologist Podcast returns with a powerful blend of updates and reflections — both current and classic!!! In this episode, host Joseph Arvidson shares some exciting developments surrounding the ongoing implementation and development of the TIDES Supervision Model , including: ✅ Recent success rolling out TIDES with Partners in Behavioral Health in Minnesota...

In this powerful reunion episode, Kam Stevens returns to The Criminologist —not only as a global changemaker, but as a passionate advocate for lived experience, human dignity, and digital innovation in justice reform. Since first joining us on Episode 40 nearly five years ago, Kam's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. In this conversation, we explore his global justice work through th...

In this powerful episode of  The Criminologist Podcast , Joseph Arvidson sits down with author, restorative justice advocate, and survivor  Amanda Carrasco. Her debut memoir, Becoming the Brave One , chronicles her harrowing journey through childhood trauma, systemic injustice, and ultimately,  transformation through healing and storytelling. Amanda opens up about the writing process,  and why acc...

In this gripping episode, we welcome back frequent guest and forensic mental health expert  Dr. Jerrod Brown to explore the devastating phenomenon of intra-familial homicide —when murder occurs within the home, at the hands of someone trusted and loved. From uxoricide (husbands killing wives) to parricide (children murdering parents), these crimes tear at the fabric of our social and emotional und...

In this quick-hit mini-sode, host Joe Arvidson checks in with listeners to share exciting updates from The Criminologist universe! Joe talks about prepping for his upcoming Fulbright Specialist assignment in Uruguay—where he'll be training corrections professionals in evidence-based practices like the Risk-Need-Responsivity model, trauma-informed care, and desistance theory. He also reflects on su...

🎙️ Episode 232 | Beyond Supervision: A Conversation with Laura Elliott This week, we're joined by Laura Elliott , Assistant Director of Community Corrections in Floyd County, Indiana—and the creative force behind the Beyond Supervision newsletter that's sparking fresh dialogue in the field. In this thoughtful and energizing episode, Laura shares her journey from front-line supervision to leadershi...

In this episode of The Criminologist Podcast , host Joseph Arvidson is joined by Shawn Trusten and Phil Galli , co-creators of the Core 4 Survey and Intervention , an innovative framework that breaks down social support into four key domains: Instrumental, Expressive, Perceived, and Received . Built on years of case management experience and field testing, the Core 4 model helps practitioners move...

Episode Summary: In a justice system often obsessed with risk scores and compliance checklists, what happens when we stop and ask a deeper question: How have you survived? In this powerful episode, Joseph Arvidson sits down with Dr. Charlie Barnao , sociologist, ethnographer, and professor at the University of Palermo, to explore the hidden strength behind the stories of justice-involved individua...

Episode Summary: As our world becomes more digital, the work of probation and parole professionals becomes more complex. In this episode, Joseph Arvidson welcomes Professor K. Jaishankar , the globally recognized founder of Cyber Criminology , to explore what justice supervision looks like in an era of cybercrime, digital victimization, and technological surveillance. Professor Jaishankar, Princip...

Episode Description (Libsyn Format): What does the gut have to do with criminal behavior, cognitive flexibility, or the ability to navigate supervision successfully? In this compelling episode of The Criminologist Podcast , host Joseph Arvidson welcomes back Dr. Jerrod Brown—expert in neurocriminology, behavioral health, and forensic psychology—for a deep dive into the emerging science of the gut-...

What does true transformation look like—from the inside out? In this compelling episode of The Criminologist , host Joseph Arvidson sits down with Arman Vestad —a former justice-involved individual turned award-winning keynote speaker, trainer, and advocate for change. Arman's life story is one of remarkable resilience, identity transformation, and the social connections that made desistance not j...

🎙️ From Incarceration to Inspiration: The Why Not Mindset with Rustin Pangburn Description: What does it take to break free from the past and build a future full of purpose? In this powerful episode of The Criminologist podcast, we sit down with Rustin Pangburn—motivational speaker, justice reform advocate, and founder of WhyNotMindset.net . Rustin's journey from serving a 60-month sentence to bec...

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...