The Criminologist – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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.

• 🌐 Official Website: amandacarrasco.com

• 📖 Buy the Book – Becoming the Brave One: Amazon Link

• 📘 Goodreads: Follow the Book

• 📸 Instagram: @amanda_the_brave_one

• 🎵 TikTok: @amandacarrasco.com

• 🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @Amanda_Carrasco

• 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

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.

🎙️ 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!🚀

Looking for even more insightful resources!? This week, we introduce our listeners to another member of our media family, The Criminologist channel on You Tube! A great resource for practitioners, trainers and students. If you love the themes of this podcast, be sure to check out this episode in which we highlight just a taste of some of our favorite videos. Subscribe now! 

The Criminologist channel on YouTube

The Paragon Group

Join us on Facebook!

This week, we reflect on and draw upon the insights of Brian Lovins and Ioan Durnescu, as we continue to examine the evolving role of the probation and parole officer. If you are just entering the field, or perhaps train new and existing officers, this is a must listen. The vocation is in a state of flux, and an examination of ones role is critical.  Enjoy the related links below!

"Building a new professional identity" article.

Brian Lovins full interview

Ioan Durnescu's Core Correctional Skills training kit

The Criminologist You Tube channel

We are once again joined by the distinguished Dr. Jerrod Brown, this week talking all about the perils of excessive sugar intake, and what criminal justice practitioners need to know.  Just in time for the post Halloween sugar binges many may be experiencing! 

Check out these related links!

American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies

Dr. Brown on Alexithymia!

Dr. Brown on Neurocriminology!

Dr. Brown on Self Regulation Part 2

Dr. Brown on Self Regulation-Part 1

The Criminologist You Tube channel!!!

In this special Halloween edition, we take a "stab" at assessing two of our Fright Night favorites...Frankenstein's Monster (The Creature) and The Wolf Man! Discover what creepy criminogenic criteria may lurk beneath the surface for these two monsters, and what in the world might a case plan look like?!?!? Tune in if you dare! And remember to keep telling yourselves...it's only a podcast...it's only a podcast...BOO!!

The Psychology of Criminal Conduct text

Criminogenic Needs Explained video

R-N-R meets Desistance video

Honored to be joined this week by Artem Babak! Artem has played an integral role in the development of Ukraine's probation system. Those advancements came to a halt due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Discover though, how Artem has persevered, moved his family to Norway, and continues his growth and development as a probation specialist.  Check out the links below!!!

To help those in Ukraine!

The Criminologist You Tube channel

The Paragon Group

Excited to be sharing our interview with Portia Louder! Portia is an author, photographer, life coach and advocate!  She shares her experiences with her journey through the federal prison system, and speaks of how she is now leveraging that experience to the benefit of others! Check out her resources and links below!!!

Portia's website!!!!

Living Louder. A Compassionate Journey through the Federal Prison System.

The Criminologist channel on YouTube

The Paragon Group

This week, we provide highlights and reflections from the second annual International Training School on Core Correctional Skills from Barcelona!  Hear from Willem van der Brugge, Iuliana Carbunaru, Ioan Durnsecu as well as  Anna Esquerra Roqueta! Our very first episode recorded remotely....from the lovely city of Barcelona! 

Core Correctional Skills training kit!

The Criminologist channel on You Tube!!!

The Paragon Group, LLC