EP 230: The Sociology of Survival... A Conversation with Dr. Charlie Barnao
Release Date: 05/13/2025
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...
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EP 224: A Desistance Christmas Carol: Lessons in Change and Belonging!
The Criminologist
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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Pioneering Probation: Veronica Cunningham on APPA's 50th Anniversary and Future Vision
The Criminologist
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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EP 222: Inside Juvie, Paul MacNamara's Eye-Opening Journey Through Juvenile Detention.
The Criminologist
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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EP 221: Creativity, Connection, and Change: How Edd Flanigan and John Reed Inspire Desistance
The Criminologist
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...
info_outlineEpisode 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 offers a critical lens for probation, parole, and correctional professionals who want to truly understand resilience, identity, and change.
Together, they dive into:
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What survival looks like in environments of exclusion and stigma
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How resilience and identity are built—and rebuilt—through supervision
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Why qualitative insights (real stories) matter as much as data points
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How the wrong labels can blur the professional lens—and harm outcomes
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Direct ties to the TIDES Supervision Model pillars of Resiliency, Identity, and Social Support
This episode challenges listeners to see beyond behavior—to recognize survival as strength, and to partner with that strength to create real, lasting change.
Whether you're a probation officer, trainer, policymaker, or simply passionate about justice transformation—this conversation will reframe how you think about your work.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Charlie Barnao is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Palermo (Italy), a scholar in cultural and communicative processes, and an ethnographer dedicated to exploring social marginality, survival, and resilience. His immersive research brings critical insights into how individuals adapt to exclusion and how systems can better support real transformation.
Key Topics Covered:
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Understanding the “Sociology of Survival”
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Lessons for probation and correctional practice
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Why language matters: Labeling Theory and client identity
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Building resilience and belonging through supervision
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Embedding hope and belief into justice work
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Connections to the TIDES Supervision Model pillars
Connect with Joseph Arvidson:
🌐 The Criminologist Website
📺 Subscribe on YouTube
📧 [email protected]
If you found value in this episode:
✅ Please leave a rating and review
✅ Share it with a colleague, student, or friend in the justice space
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Because always remember, folks:
There’s no them. There’s only us.
#Desistance #TIDES #SociologyOfSurvival #TheCriminologist #ProbationInnovation #JusticeTransformation #Podcast