EP 225: From Probation to Podcasting... Lucy Bentley on Justice, Lived Experience, and stories that matter
Release Date: 03/01/2025
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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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...
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Welcome 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...
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Welcome to Episode 221 of The Criminologist podcast! In this powerful episode, we reconnect with two incredible voices in the criminal justice reform space-Edd Flanagan and John Reed. Together, they share their transformative journey's, ground breaking work, and their ongoing mission to inspire hope and change within the criminal justice system. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Edd Flanagan's Story: After 20 years of imprisonment and 35 years of addiction, Edd is now 13 years into his recovery. Through his Choices and Chances program, he uses his artistic talents and lived...
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Episode Description: Welcome to a special "Best Of" episode of The Criminologist Podcast, we take a deep dive into the TIDES Supervision Model---A pioneering approach that brings together Trauma Informed Awareness, Desistance Theory, and Neuroscience to create a meaningful, transformative, client supervision. Co-created by Joseph Arvidson and Nicole Kimberley-Staeheli, TIDES redefines supervision byshifting the focus from simply managing risk, to promoting real change and positive identity transformation for clients. This episode features powerful insights from past conversations with...
info_outlineThis 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 Lucy’s podcasting self would tell her former probation officer self
✅ Lived experience in media – The fine line between amplification and exploitation
✅ Neurodiversity and justice reform – The one change Lucy would implement overnight
✅ Ancient myths & modern justice – Why probation might just be the modern-day Odyssey
And, of course, we dive into Lucy’s newest project—The History Mongers—her upcoming podcast where history meets comedy, and storytelling gets just a little bit chaotic. If you love quirky history, mythology, and unexpected connections to the world we live in today, this is a show you won’t want to miss!
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