The Criminologist

• EP 230: The Sociology of Survival... A Conversation with Dr. Charlie Barnao

  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 offers a critical lens for probation, parole, and correctional professionals who want to truly understand resilience, identity, and change. Together, they dive into: What survival looks like in environments of exclusion and stigma How resilience and identity are built—and rebuilt—through supervision Why qualitative insights (real stories) matter as much as data points How the wrong labels can blur the professional lens—and harm outcomes 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: Understanding the “Sociology of Survival” Lessons for probation and correctional practice Why language matters: Labeling Theory and client identity Building resilience and belonging through supervision Embedding hope and belief into justice work Connections to the TIDES Supervision Model pillars Connect with Joseph Arvidson: 🌐 The Criminologist Website 📺 Subscribe on YouTube 📧 joearvidson7@gmail.com   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 ✅ Post a favorite quote from the episode and tag The Criminologist on LinkedIn or Instagram! Because always remember, folks: There’s no them. There’s only us. #Desistance #TIDES #SociologyOfSurvival #TheCriminologist #ProbationInnovation #JusticeTransformation #Podcast

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• Supervision in the Digital Age: A Global Conversation with Professor K. Jaishankar

  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 justice systems worldwide can better adapt to the challenges—and possibilities—of the digital age. Together, they explore the intersections of: Cybercrime and community supervision Victim protection in a virtual world The role of Therapeutic, Theological, and Political Victimology in behavior change The surprising relevance of Microbial Criminology in probation and public health Global practices that can inform U.S.-based supervision strategies Balancing technology with human connection in a justice system built on relationships Whether you're a front-line officer, trainer, or policy maker, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about the clients you serve—and the future of justice itself. Guest Bio: Professor K. Jaishankar is a world-renowned criminologist and founder of several sub-disciplines, including Cyber Criminology, Cyber Victimology, Therapeutic Criminology, and Microbial Criminology. Based in India, he is a prolific scholar, international speaker, and advocate for modernizing justice systems in response to technological and societal change. 🔗 Visit Professor Jaishankar’s website 🔗 Connect with him on LinkedIn Key Topics Covered: The psychology of online crime and digital supervision What Space Transition Theory teaches us about behavior in cyberspace Intervention strategies for cyber-offenders The use of restorative and spiritual frameworks in rehabilitation Systemic injustice and client mistrust through the lens of Political Victimology Implications of global justice innovation for U.S. probation systems Training gaps and future competencies in cyber-related supervision Connect with Joseph Arvidson: 🌐 thecriminologistpodcast.com 📺 YouTube: The Criminologist 📧 joearvidson7@gmail.com 🔗 LinkedIn | Instagram If you found value in this episode, please rate and review the show, and share it with colleagues committed to building a more human, effective justice system. #CyberCriminology #Desistance #ProbationInnovation #TheCriminologist #Jaishankar #CommunityCorrections #DigitalJustice #Podcast

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• EP 228: Gut Instincts: The Brain, the Body, and Building Resilience in Justice-Involved Populations

  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 regulation, and decision-making—core elements of resilience and responsivity. This conversation challenges us to reconsider what we think we know about client behavior and invites us to approach supervision, programming, and intervention through a more holistic lens. Topics discussed include: ✔️ Resilience as both a biological and relational process ✔️ The impact of social isolation on desistance and self-regulation ✔️ How nutrition, sleep, and health literacy shape client outcomes ✔️ What probation officers and justice professionals can do to support whole-person change ✔️ The real-world applications of trauma-informed, neuro-informed, and evidence-based practice Whether you're a probation officer, therapist, correctional educator, policy-maker, or justice system reformer, this episode offers practical insights to elevate your work and deepen your understanding of the people you serve. 🎧 Tune in now to explore how what’s happening below the surface—biologically, socially, and psychologically—can shape the path to change above the surface.

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• EP 227: From Crime to Connection...Arman Vestad on Identity, Resilience, and the Power of Social Support

  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 strangers—Arman’s message is clear: we all have the power to create change through empathy, engagement, and everyday dialogue. 🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn: The pivotal moment that shifted Arman’s life from crime to purpose How identity reconstruction plays a vital role in desistance Why financial stability is a critical but overlooked piece in successful reintegration How resilience and social support networks shape long-term transformation What practitioners and policymakers can do to break stigma and support reentry A look into Arman’s Run and Smile events and upcoming Tour de Wave 2025 This conversation aligns closely with the TIDES Supervision Model, emphasizing the critical role of identity, resilience, and social support in fostering meaningful, evidence-based rehabilitation. 🔗 Connect with Arman and learn more about his work: 👉 https://armanv.no 🌐 Learn more about the TIDES Supervision Model: 👉 https://TheTIDESllc.com  If this episode resonates with you, please share it, leave a five-star review, and join the conversation on LinkedIn or wherever you connect with change-makers.

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• EP 226: From Incarceration to Inspiration...The "Why Not Mindset" with Rustin Pangburn.

  🎙️ 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 WhyNotMindset.net. 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 reshaped his identity and defied the odds ✅ The importance of social support and employment in the desistance process ✅ Overcoming setbacks and maintaining resilience in the face of adversity ✅ The flaws in the justice system and what needs to change for true reform ✅ Rustin’s vision for Why Not? and how he’s helping others reclaim their lives 🔹 If you or someone you know is navigating reentry, this episode is a must-listen. Rustin’s story proves that transformation is possible, and that success starts with a single question: Why Not? 🌍 Join the Movement! Visit WhyNotMindset.net to learn more about Rustin’s mission, book him as a speaker, or connect with a community dedicated to second chances. 🎧 Listen, Subscribe & Share! Subscribe to The Criminologist podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or your favorite platform. If this episode resonates with you, leave a review and help us spread this message of change!🚀

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