The Criminologist

In this episode of The Criminologist Podcast, we continue Part Two of my conversation with Stephen Pitts and Imants Mozers, authors of The Missing Story: Probation, Legitimacy, and the Battle for Public Understanding. If you have not yet listened to Part One, released as Episode 241, I encourage you to go back and begin there. This second part picks up the conversation by going deeper into probation's identity, public legitimacy, leadership, and the stories the field tells — or fails to tell — about itself. Stephen and Imants challenge us to think about why probation cannot simply assume its value is self-evident. Agencies must be able to explain what they do, why it matters, and how the work contributes to safer and healthier communities. That requires leadership, shared language, strategic communication, and a willingness to listen to voices that are sometimes left out of the official story. In Part Two, we explore: • why probation agencies need a clearer professional identity • the role of leadership in shaping shared language and public understanding • the value of lived experience in explaining justice interventions • why agencies should be strategic about who they try to reach and persuade • how professional probation networks are growing across the world • the importance of APPA, CEP, the Caribbean Association of Probation and Parole, and emerging networks in Africa • Stephen and Imants' reflections on the future of probation • the next World Congress on Probation and Parole, scheduled for Riga, Latvia, in May 2028 Listeners can learn more about Stephen and Imants' work at probationfutures.com, where you can also sign up to receive access to the digital version of The Missing Story when it becomes available. I have also been releasing short YouTube video highlights from this conversation. You can find those, along with additional video content from The Criminologist Podcast, on my YouTube channel. As always, thank you for listening to The Criminologist Podcast. Please subscribe, share this episode with a colleague, and continue following along as we explore the ideas, people, and practices shaping the future of probation, parole, desistance, and community corrections. Links mentioned in this episode Probation Futures: https://probationfutures/com The Criminologist YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCriminologist Short YouTube highlight from this conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4TLNu40TAI American Probation and Parole Association: https://www.appa-net.org Confederation of European Probation: https://www.cep-probation.org World Congress on Probation and Parole information via CEP: https://www.cep-probation.org/world-congress-on-probation/

🎙️ Episode Show Notes — Part One The Missing Story of Probation with Stephen Pitts & Imants Mozers What is the story probation tells about itself? And perhaps just as importantly… What happens when probation does not tell that story clearly? In this episode of The Criminologist Podcast, we begin a powerful two-part conversation with Stephen Pitts and Imants Mozers, co-authors of the new book: 📘 The Missing Story: Probation, Legitimacy and the Battle for Public Understanding This conversation was so rich, timely, and engaging that we decided to release it as a two-part series. In Part One, Steve and Imants help us explore why probation remains one of the most important — yet often misunderstood — parts of the justice system. Too often, the public hears about probation only when something goes wrong. But what is missing from that narrative? The daily work of supporting change. The quiet building of accountability. The role probation plays in desistance. The contribution probation makes to safer communities. And the professional identity of the people doing this work every day. 🔍 In This Episode, We Discuss: ✅ Why probation has a "missing story" ✅ How public understanding shapes legitimacy ✅ Why probation is often defined by failure rather than impact ✅ The importance of narrative in justice reform ✅ How probation professionals can better communicate their value ✅ The connection between legitimacy, trust, and effective practice ✅ Why probation's identity matters — both internally and externally ✅ The role of leadership in shaping public understanding 🌍 Why This Conversation Matters Probation is not simply about monitoring people. It is about supporting rehabilitation, reducing reoffending, building social reintegration, and helping create safer futures. Yet too often, probation is undervalued because its most meaningful work happens quietly — in conversations, relationships, case plans, community partnerships, and moments of human change that rarely make headlines. Steve and Imants challenge us to think differently. They invite us to ask: 👉 Who tells the story of probation? 👉 What story does the public actually hear? 👉 What happens when probation is misunderstood? 👉 And how can the field become more intentional in communicating its purpose, value, and impact? 📘 About the Book The Missing Story: Probation, Legitimacy and the Battle for Public Understanding explores the urgent need for probation to better explain itself — not as a soft option, not as an invisible arm of the justice system, but as a vital public service rooted in accountability, rehabilitation, and community safety. Learn more about the Probation Futures project here: 🌐 www.probationfutures.com There, you can sign up for updates and learn more about the digital book release and related probation-focused conversations from around the world. 🎧 Stay Tuned for Part Two In Part Two of this conversation, we continue the discussion by exploring: 🔹 The importance of including perspectives of people with lived experience 🔹 How probation can become more transparent and credible 🔹 The future of international probation collaboration 🔹 And the next World Congress on Probation and Parole, which will be held in Riga, Latvia 🎙️ Final Thought Probation's missing story is not simply about what probation does. It is about what probation means. And if probation does not tell that story clearly, someone else will tell it for us. 🔗 Connect & Learn More 📘 Probation Futures: www.probationfutures.com 🎙️ The Criminologist Podcast: thecriminologistpodcast@gmail.com 🌊 Learn more about the TIDES Supervision Model: TheTIDESLLC.com And as always… There's no them. There's only us.

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.

🎙️ 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!🚀

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 the way, we will uncover the deeper truths behind desistance theory and the practical application of the TIDES Supervision Model-a trauma informed framework designed to support real and lasting change. What You'll Discover in this Episode: The three stages of desistance-behavioral change, identity transformation, and belonging...and how they intersect with Ebenezer's journey. How the principles of TIDES (Trauma-Informed Desistance) can empower probation officers and practitioners to facilitate meaningful client transformation. Practical insights into fostering hope, resilience, and accountability in the criminal justice system. Ready to take the next step!? Visit The Tides website to learn more about the TIDES Supervision Model, our training opportunities, and how we are helping practitioners worldwide create meaningful impact! Don't miss this thought-provoking Christmas episode that bridges timeless storytelling with cutting-edge desistance practices. Listen now, and join the conversation on HOPE, CHANGE, and the SPIRIT of giving back!

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 centers, Paul takes us behind the scenes of a world rarely seen. Through stories of resilience, trauma, and transformation, he offers an invaluable lens into the challenges faced by incarcerated youth and the educators striving to teach them. This episode continues the international conversation about justice, rehabilitation, and the universal role of education as a catalyst for change. Paul's journey began with his debut book, The Criminal Class: A Memoir of a Prison Teacher, where he explored the raw realities of adult correctional facilities with a blend of humor and humanity. Now, with Inside Juvie, he focuses on the distinct complexities of working within the juvenile justice system, highlighting moments of connection and hope amidst systemic challenges. In this special episode, we discuss: The transition from adult corrections to juvenile detention teaching. Lessons from Paul's journey and stories from Inside Juvie. The role of education in addressing inter-generational trauma and fostering transformation. Practical insights for practitioners, educators, and policy makers in the justice system. As part of our APPA International Relations Committee Series, this episode underscores the importance of global perspectives in undertaking and addressing shared challenges in justice and corrections. Learn more: Purchase "Inside Juvie, A Teachers Story" Discover, "The Criminal Class: Memoir of a Prison Teacher" Explore, The TIDES Supervision model!!! Visit, The Paragon Group website! Stay connected with The Criminologist for more groundbreaking conversations. Follow us on Linked In, Instagram, and Facebook, and shared your thoughts on this episode. Together, let's continue to challenge perspectives, foster connections, and drive meaningful change!

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 experts who inspire and inform the TIDES approach. Nicole Kimberley-Staeheli on the profound impact of trauma and why a trauma sensitive approach is essential to effective interventions. Dr. Fergus McNeill on Desistance Theory, and the importance of making a shift towards a more relational approach to supervision. Dr. Jerrod Brown on the role of neuroscience in understanding client behaviors and supporting change efforts. Interested in TIDES Training or a consultation? The TIDES Supervision model is available for training, presentations, or agency consultations. Whether you are looking to bring trauma informed awareness into your team, or want to explore the desistance focused approach to client supervision, we would love to connect! Visit our website for more information!!! The TIDESLLC.com Or contact us via e-mail! TheTidesLLC@gmail.com Stay connected with The Criminologist Podcast! The Criminologist Podcast brings you insights from experts around the world on topics ranging from the latest evidence based practices, desistance from crime, trauma informed care, and so much more! With well over 200 episodes, each installments brings fresh conversations and deep dives into transformative approaches that are reshaping criminal justice. Don't miss our You Tube channel! For additional content related to the podcast and TIDES, subscribe to The Criminologist on You Tube! Whether you are looking for deeper insights into the themes of the podcast, or other related content, please subscribe now!