EP 201: Stian Estenstad, Championing Prison Reform and Reintegration
Release Date: 03/16/2024
The Criminologist
🎙️ 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 leadership, and the values that guide her work every step of the way. We explore the tools she champions—including GPS monitoring and peer recovery support—as well as the relationships and...
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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 beyond the binary “pro-social/anti-social” lens and instead gain a nuanced, actionable understanding of the social networks that influence client behavior. This episode explores how the Core 4 tool...
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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 individuals. Dr. Barnao spent 15 years living in a halfway house—not observing from the outside, but embedded in the day-to-day realities of those navigating the margins. His work on the Sociology of Survival...
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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, Principal Director of the International Institute of Justice & Police Sciences (India), offers powerful insights into his groundbreaking Space Transition Theory, the psychology of cyber-offending, and how...
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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-brain connection and its powerful implications for justice-involved individuals. Together, we explore how gut health, inflammation, and microbiota imbalances can influence cognition, mood...
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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 just possible—but sustainable. From his lived experience in the criminal justice system to his international Tour de Wave project—where he runs across cities, smiling and connecting with...
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🎙️ 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 . Rustin’s journey from serving a 60-month sentence to becoming an over-the-road truck driver and an advocate for second chances is nothing short of inspiring. Together, we explore: ✅ The challenges of reentry and the first steps to reintegration ✅ How Rustin...
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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 individuals navigating the criminal justice system. Now, she’s bringing those same insights—and a touch of humor—to the microphone. In this episode, we explore: ✅ Lessons from the field – What...
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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, Present, and Yet to Come, Ebenezer confronts the ripple effects of his actions, the potential for identity transformation, and the importance of belonging and generativity in building new a life. Along...
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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-long celebrations and the landmark Summer Training Institute in New York City! Veronica also provides a sneak peek into the upcoming Winter Training Institute in Las Vegas, offering...
info_outlineJoin 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 "Tiltak ovenfor Gjengangere" initiative and the "Nettverk etter soning" (NES) program, both providing crucial support for individuals transitioning from incarceration to society.
Tune it to gain valuable insights into the future of reintegration efforts and the transformative power of dedicated individuals like Stian Estanstad!!
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