EP 219: False Confessions, Neurocriminology, and the Hiden Impact of Nutrition on Justice, with Dr. Jerrod Brown!
Release Date: 10/30/2024
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...
info_outline
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_outline
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...
info_outline
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....
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outline
Supervision in the Digital Age: A Global Conversation with Professor K. Jaishankar
The Criminologist
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...
info_outline
EP 228: Gut Instincts: The Brain, the Body, and Building Resilience in Justice-Involved Populations
The Criminologist
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...
info_outline
EP 227: From Crime to Connection...Arman Vestad on Identity, Resilience, and the Power of Social Support
The Criminologist
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...
info_outlineEpisode 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, decision making, and the reliability of client interviews. Together, Joseph and Dr. Brown unpack the vulnerabilities that can make certain individuals more susceptible to false confessions, from neurodevelopmental disorders and high levels of suggestibility to external pressures in the interview room.
This episode challenges justice professionals to broaden their perspectives, looking beyond traditional frameworks like risk-needs-responsivity, to embrace a holistic view of client behavior. With practical implications for probation officers, correctional staff, and all who interact with justice-involved individuals, Dr. Brown's insights offer a pathway toward more effective, informed, and compassionate practices in the field.
What You'll Learn:
- The types and causes of false confessions: Voluntary, Coerced, and Internalized.
- How cognitive impairments, neurodevelopmental disorders, and high suggestibility influence client statements and behaviors.
- The impact of nutritional deficiencies and physical health on mental well being and behavior in justice contexts.
- Practical strategies to improve client interactions, including accommodating neurodevelopmental needs and promoting a sensory friendly environment.
- Why a broader, interdisciplinary approach to justice work is essential for improving outcomes.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Neurocriminology Informed Professional Certificate Program
For those interested in deepening their understanding of the brain-behavior connection and its application in justice settings, Dr. Brown's certificate program offers a comprehensive look at neurocriminology's impact on criminal behavior. Learn more here
- Research paper: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and the Risk-Needs-Responsivity Model. A guide for Criminal Justice and forensic mental health professionals:
Co-Authored by Dr. Brown, and Joseph Arvidson, this paper dives into the complexities of working with clients affected by FASD and how the R-N-R model can be adapted to meet their unique needs.
- Contact Dr. Jerrod Brown:
Connect with Dr. Brown for more information on neurocriminology, false confession, and training opportunities.
Stay Connected:
Make sure you subscribe to The Criminologist podcast to keep up with the latest conversations aimed at advancing your knowledge and practice in the criminal justice field.We will be back soon with more expert insights and transformative solutions!
Key words:
False Confessions, Neurocriminology, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Wrongful Convictions, Risk-Needs-Responsivity, Cognitive Impairments, Nutrition in Criminal Justice, Joseph Arvidson, Dr. Jerrod Brown.
Credits:
Joseph Arvidson
Dr. Jerrod Brown