EP 222: Inside Juvie, Paul MacNamara's Eye-Opening Journey Through Juvenile Detention.
Release Date: 12/10/2024
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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EP 226: From Incarceration to Inspiration...The "Why Not Mindset" with Rustin Pangburn.
The Criminologist
🎙️ 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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EP 225: From Probation to Podcasting... Lucy Bentley on Justice, Lived Experience, and stories that matter
The Criminologist
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...
info_outlineWelcome 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 themes of his latest book, Inside Juvie: A Teachers story, a powerful exploration of life inside Australia's juvenile detention system.
Drawing on his years as a teacher in correctional centers, Paul takes us behind the scenes of a world rarely seen. Through stories of resilience, trauma, and transformation, he offers an invaluable lens into the challenges faced by incarcerated youth and the educators striving to teach them. This episode continues the international conversation about justice, rehabilitation, and the universal role of education as a catalyst for change.
Paul's journey began with his debut book, The Criminal Class: A Memoir of a Prison Teacher, where he explored the raw realities of adult correctional facilities with a blend of humor and humanity. Now, with Inside Juvie, he focuses on the distinct complexities of working within the juvenile justice system, highlighting moments of connection and hope amidst systemic challenges.
In this special episode, we discuss:
- The transition from adult corrections to juvenile detention teaching.
- Lessons from Paul's journey and stories from Inside Juvie.
- The role of education in addressing inter-generational trauma and fostering transformation.
- Practical insights for practitioners, educators, and policy makers in the justice system.
As part of our APPA International Relations Committee Series, this episode underscores the importance of global perspectives in undertaking and addressing shared challenges in justice and corrections.
Learn more:
- Purchase "Inside Juvie, A Teachers Story"
- Discover, "The Criminal Class: Memoir of a Prison Teacher"
- Explore, The TIDES Supervision model!!!
- Visit, The Paragon Group website!
Stay connected with The Criminologist for more groundbreaking conversations. Follow us on Linked In, Instagram, and Facebook, and shared your thoughts on this episode. Together, let's continue to challenge perspectives, foster connections, and drive meaningful change!