EP 212: Resilience and Hope...Rick Mereness' Path to Recovery
Release Date: 08/06/2024
EP 244: Sound, Somatics, and Rehabilitation: Caroline Georgiou on Healing Inside Prison
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, emotional regulation, identity, inner awareness, and human transformation — including within prison settings. Together, Joe and Caroline explore what happens when rehabilitation moves beneath words. In...
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What Story Is Probation Telling? Pitts and Mozers, Part Two
The Criminologist
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 probation’s identity, public legitimacy, leadership, and the stories the field tells — or fails to tell — about itself. Stephen and Imants challenge us to think about why probation cannot simply assume...
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EP 242: Responsivity in Action: LEGO®-Based Interventions with Dr. Jerrod Brown
The Criminologist
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-on way to engage individuals who may struggle with traditional talk-based interventions. This conversation explores the intersection of neurodisability, responsivity, trauma-informed practice, and...
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EP 242: Responsivity in Action: LEGO®-Based Interventions with Dr. Jerrod Brown
The Criminologist
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-on way to engage individuals who may struggle with traditional talk-based interventions. This conversation explores the intersection of neurodisability, responsivity, trauma-informed practice, and...
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The Missing Story: The Battle for Probation’s Public Image with Stephen Pitts & Imants Mozers — Part One
The Criminologist
🎙️ 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: 📘 The Missing Story: Probation, Legitimacy and the Battle for Public Understanding This conversation was so rich, timely, and engaging that we decided to release it as a...
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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...
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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