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, Joseph and Paul explore: Why the concept of "stable recovery" at 5 years may be incomplete Where long-term desisters go after disengaging from the system The critical role of identity transformation in sustained desistance How Narcotics Anonymous fosters belonging, meaning, and pro-social identity Why lived experience must be centered in desistance research and practice The shift from thinking of people as having "desisted" to actively desisting Paul also shares his own powerful journey—from cycles of criminality and substance use to higher education and doctoral research—bringing a rare and essential perspective as both scholar and lived experience expert. And in a remarkable full-circle moment, Paul reflects on his connection to the original Liverpool Desistance Study—not just as a researcher, but as a participant. This is a conversation about the long arc of change, the power of community, and what it truly means to make good—and stay good. 🔗 Learn More To learn more about applying desistance principles in your own work, explore the TIDES Supervision Model: 👉 https://thetidesllc.com/ 🎙️ Connect with the Show Have questions or want to connect? Reach out through The Criminologist Podcast. 🔑 Final Thought Desistance is not a destination. It is a process—one that unfolds over time, through identity, belonging, and human connection.

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, designed to support internal agency capacity-building ✅ A heartfelt shoutout to Nicole Kimberley-Staeheli (TIDES Co-Creator) and Heather Young (our newly minted TIDES Trainer) — your dedication is helping this model thrive! 🎯 As part of our collaboration with PBH, we also began integrating the DRAOR assessment (Dynamic Risk Assessment for Offender Reentry), developed by Dr. Caleb Lloyd, as a dynamic complement to TIDES. For agencies seeking a desistance-aligned measurement tool, DRAOR is a game changer. But that's not all... 🔁 In the spirit of "Greatest Hits" and in lieu of a new guest, we're re-releasing a must-hear 2021 interview with the legendary Brad Bogue of J-SAT. Brad offers an unparalleled critique of the Needs Principle in RNR, challenges assumptions around the so-called "Big Four," and presents a re-framing that still stirs discussion today. This is essential listening for anyone committed to evidence-based supervision, differential diagnosis, and the evolution of our field. 📌 Links & Resources 🔗 Learn more about Brad Bogue and J-SAT: https://www.j-sat.com/ 🔗 Explore the TIDES Supervision Model: https://thetidesllc.com/ 🎥 Subscribe to The Criminologist YouTube Channel for bonus content and video drops: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCriminologist Learn more about Partners in Behavioral Healthcare: Partners in Behavioral Healthcare 🎧 As always, thank you for being part of this growing community. And remember: There's no them. There's only us.

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 continues to champion trauma-informed, person-centered approaches to change. We also dive into his latest project—Sphear Music, a Web3-based platform reshaping how music, storytelling, and justice-oriented voices are heard and valued. From frontline reintegration to high-level digital consultancy, Kam invites us to reimagine what true reform can look like—where technology and humanity are no longer at odds, but allies. 🎧 Whether you work in probation, prisons, tech, policy, or the arts—this conversation will move you, challenge you, and inspire action. 🔗 Listen now and join the movement toward systems rooted in connection, equity, and collective growth. Learn more about Justice 2.0 Connect with Kam on Linked In

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 where courage and compassion coexist. If you've ever wondered what it means to not just survive, but to thrive — this is the episode for you. 📚 Learn More About Amanda Carrasco 🌐 Official Website: amandacarrasco.com 📖 Buy the Book – Becoming the Brave One: Amazon Link 📘 Goodreads: Follow the Book 📱 Follow Amanda on Social Media 📸 Instagram: @amanda_the_brave_one 🎵 TikTok: @amandacarrasco.com 🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @Amanda_Carrasco 🔗 Episode Highlights The emotional and intellectual process of writing Becoming the Brave One Amanda's experience with restorative justice — and why survivors need a voice, not vengeance Advice for justice professionals who work with survivors of complex trauma The healing power of storytelling — and the risks of staying silent 🎧 Connect With The Criminologist Podcast If this conversation moved you, please: ⭐ Leave us a review 📲 Share this episode 🔔 Subscribe for more interviews exploring desistance, neuroscience, trauma, and transformational justice Thank you for supporting voices that matter.

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 recent media appearance in People Magazine, where he was quoted in their True Crime Special Edition: A Killer in the Family. As he explains: "People are fascinated by complex and deviant behavior. They want to understand the 'why' behind these cases." – Dr. Jerrod Brown, People Magazine, August 2025 We also discuss: Patterns and motivations in family-based homicide Prevention and risk factors from a forensic lens The psychological dynamics of betrayal, control, and violence 🌍 PLUS: Host Joe Arvidson shares a special shout-out to his new friends and listeners in Uruguay, where he just returned from a Fulbright Specialist assignment training national justice professionals on evidence-based supervision strategies. 🔗 Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 📖 People Magazine: A Killer in the Family Read the article 🧠 AAMFT article on Intra-Familial Homicide Definitions and Framework 📜 Professional Certificate: Becoming a Neurocriminology-Informed Professional Explore the Program 📬 Contact Dr. Jerrod Brown: [email protected] 🎧 Explore more episodes featuring Dr. Brown by searching The Criminologist Podcast in your favorite app! 🧠 Follow us for more insights into criminal behavior, neuroscience, desistance theory, and human-centered supervision strategies. 🎙️ The Criminologist Podcast And always remember, folks—there's no them. There's only us.

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. 🌎 Montevideo is calling. 🎧 Tune in now, share with a colleague, and stay subscribed for more! #TheCriminologist #Fulbright #Uruguay #EvidenceBasedPractice #RNR #TraumaInformedCare #Desistance #GlobalJustice #CorrectionsTraining #PodcastMiniSode

🎙️ 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 moments that keep her grounded in the why of this work. From a client's heartfelt thank-you to collaborating with someone she once supervised, Laura offers powerful reflections on growth, trust, and the future of community corrections. 🔗 We're also highlighting Laura's June 2025 edition of Beyond Supervision—linked in the show notes for you to explore and share. Whether you're a practitioner, policymaker, or change-maker in this space, this conversation is a must-listen. 🎧 Tune in now—and join us in going beyond supervision. 📥 Subscribe to Beyond Supervision: www.linkedin.com/in/lauraelliott-beyondsupervision 🛑 And as always… There's no them. There's only us.

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 bridges assessment and intervention—serving as a roadmap for client-centered case planning and long-term behavioral change. 🎯 Want to go deeper? Don't miss their upcoming FREE webinar! Join Shawn and Phil for a live session hosted by the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA): 📅 Thursday, June 12, 2025 🕑 2:00–3:30 PM Eastern | 1:00–2:30 PM Central 💻 Register here: https://www.appa-net.org/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?webcode=Training-Online They'll walk you through the full Core 4 approach, demonstrate real-world applications, and discuss policy implications for community supervision, reentry, and beyond. 📖 Learn more about the Core 4 model in their publication: "An Exploratory Study of Self-Reported Levels of Social Support in Two Justice-Involved Groups" – Federal Probation Journal https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/85_2_7_0.pdf Whether you're a probation officer, supervisor, policy maker, or simply passionate about desistance and reform—this episode will leave you thinking differently about how we support change. 🎧 Subscribe, share, and connect with us! Follow The Criminologist on LinkedIn, YouTube, and your favorite podcast platform.