EP 212: Resilience and Hope...Rick Mereness' Path to Recovery
Release Date: 08/06/2024
Quantum Desistance: How to Shape Behavior Change One Week at a Time
The Criminologist
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 intervention, but through patterns that repeat, stabilize, and eventually become identity. We build from what you already know: The Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model Desistance theory and...
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EP 238: Making Good—and Staying Good | Paul Doke on Long-Term Desistance
The Criminologist
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”—examines identity, recovery, and belonging among long-term members of Narcotics Anonymous who have sustained desistance from crime and substance use for 5, 10, even 40 years. Together,...
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A TIDES Update & and R-N-R Remix with Brad Bogue!!!
The Criminologist
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 ✅ Expansion of our training delivery options — now offering both in-person (3-day) and virtual formats for the Initial User Training ✅ The launch of our Train-the-Trainer (ToT) curriculum,...
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EP 236: Tech, Truth, and Transformation...A conversation with Kam Stevens!
The Criminologist
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 the lens of digital equity, system transformation, and cultural healing. We talk about the evolving landscape of Justice 2.0, the power of elevating lived experience inside systems, and how Kam...
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EP 235: Becoming the Brave One: Amanda Carrasco on Surviving Trauma, Embracing Restorative Justice, and Reclaiming Her Voice
The Criminologist
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 accountability, not punishment, should be the cornerstone of a truly restorative justice system. Her work challenges practitioners, policymakers, and survivors alike to imagine a world...
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WP 234: Killer in the Family....Understanding Intra-Familial Homicide with Dr. Jerrod Brown
The Criminologist
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 understanding. Why do they happen? How can we spot the warning signs? And what role does neurocriminology play in helping us make sense of the unthinkable? 🎙️ Dr. Brown brings insight from his...
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EP 233: From Minnesota to Montevideo: Fulbright Reflections and RNR in Motion
The Criminologist
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 summer podcast plans, international connections, and what to expect in upcoming episodes. It’s a brief message, but packed with gratitude, global perspective, and a sneak peek into what’s next....
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EP 232 | Beyond Supervision: A Conversation with Laura Elliott
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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The Core 4: Redefining Social Support in Community Supervision
The Criminologist
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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EP 230: The Sociology of Survival... A Conversation with Dr. Charlie Barnao
The Criminologist
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...
info_outlineIn 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 social supports that influenced his early foray into alcohol and drugs use, and the years-long addiction that followed. He candidly discusses how his third trip through drug and alcohol treatment finally led to lasting sobriety, emphasizing that recovery is often a zigzag path filled with setbacks and challenges.
We delve into the value of HOPE and the critical role of IDENTITY in driving behavior. Rick's story also beautifully illustrates the concept of generativity in desistance literature, highlighting the many ways he has given back to his community. From remaining active in Alcoholics Anonymous and helping others, to working the Veteran's Court and speaking to at-risk individuals struggling with addiction, Rick's dedication to making a positive impact is truly inspiring.
A special shout-out ti Rick's son Jason, a friend and colleague, who was instrumental in coordinating this interview. Rick's journey serves as a living, breathing example of the concepts we discuss on this podcast, and we are grateful to share his story with you.
Highlights:
- Rick Mereness shares his journey from addiction to celebrating 35 years of sobriety.
- Insights into the challenges and setbacks faced during recovery, emphasizing that it is not a linear path.
- The importance of resilience and hope in overcoming addiction.
- The role of identity in driving behavior and fostering change.
- Rick's contributions to his community, including his involvement with AA, Veteran's Court, and speaking engagements
- Acknowledgment of Rick's son Jason, for helping make this episode possible.
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